Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [(iPr3P)2Cu(μ‐ESiMe3)(InMe3)] (E = S, Se): Lewis Acid–Base Adducts with Chalcogen Atoms in Planar Coordination

Abstract

AbstractThe structures of [(iPr3P)2Cu(μ‐SSiMe3)(InMe3)] and [(iPr3P)2Cu(μ‐SeSiMe3)(InMe3)] were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Both complexes are Lewis acid–base adducts of the InMe3 acceptor and the chalcogen donor atom linking a Me3Si group and a (iPr3P)2Cu moiety. They are very unstable under atmospheric conditions and decompose at ambient temperatures. Results of DFT calculations for these complexes and the related hypothetical [(Me3P)2Cu(μ‐SSiMe3)(InMe3)] compound show that the unusual planar coordination of the chalcogen atoms is due to steric crowding.