Redox processes in the Cu/(phen)/[B12H12]2−/solv system: Selective preparation of copper(I), copper(II), and heterovalent copper(I/II) compounds

The complexation of copper and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) in the presence of the [B12H12]2− anion is studied in organic solvents. The starting reagents contain copper(I) salts. The reactions are carried out in air and accompanied with oxidation of copper(I). Varying solvents and starting reagents, we succeeded in synthesizing selectively copper(I), copper(II), and heterovalent copper(I,II) complexes. Mononuclear, tetranuclear, and polymeric copper(II) complexes as well as a mononuclear copper(I) complex and a mixed cationic mononuclear copper(I)/copper(II) complexes are isolated and characterized by IR-spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electronic structure of mononuclear copper(II) complex [CuII(phen)2Cl]2[B12H12] 2CH2I2 is studied by EPR.