Solution Reactions of a Bis(pyrrolylaldiminate)copper(II) Complex with Peralkyl Zinc, Aluminum, and Boron Reagents: Investigation of the Pathways Responsible for Copper Metal Deposition

The solution reactions of bis(N-isopropylpyrrolylaldiminate)copper(II) (CuL2) with AlMe3, BEt3, and ZnEt2 have been studied. In all cases, reduction occurs in two stages via a stable copper(I) pyrrolylaldiminate complex (Cu2L2), with each stage initiated by copper alkyl complex formation. Reduction from “LCuR” (R = Me or Et) occurs with release of R2 or L−R, consistent with bimolecular C−C or C−N bond-forming reductive elimination. At room …