Flexible SNS pincer complexes of copper: Synthesis, structural characterisation and application in n-octane oxidation

Two new tridentate SNS ligands based on a flexible, straight chain amine backbone were prepared and in combination with three related but previously reported ligands were reacted with CuCl2 to yield new tridentate pincer-type copper(II) complexes. The molecular structures of the new ligands bis(cyclohexylthioethyl)methylamine (L1d), bis(t-butylthioethyl)methylamine (L1e), and all the complexes Cu[bis(Rthioethyl)methylamine]Cl2 (1) where R = methyl (a); ethyl (b); butyl (c); cyclohexyl (d) and t-butyl (e); were confirmed by a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis determined the solid-state structures of the salt of L1e and the complexes. Complexes 1a-e all exhibited five-coordinate ligand geometry around each Cu(II) centre defined by the tridentate SNS and two chlorido donors. The complexes were applied as catalysts in the oxidation of n-octane using t-butyl hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as oxidants. The H2O2 based systems yielded up to 36% conversion of n-octane to C-8 oxygenates with very high alcohol selectivity of up to 78%.