Unexpected structural similarity between the chlorocopper(I) unit and the methyllithium and phenyllithium units. First complexes between (-)-sparteine and copper(I) chloride: synthesis and structural characterisation

Journal article, 2004

Two complexes containing copper(I) chloride and (-)-sparteine (spa), namely [Cu(2)Cl(2)spa(2)] and [Cu(4)Cl(4)spa(2)], have been synthesised from the above-mentioned constituents in the CuCl: spa ratios 1:1 and 2:1, respectively. Characterisation by means of crystal-structure determination shows [Cu(2)Cl(2)spa(2)] to be a discrete dimer and [Cu(4)Cl(4)spa(2)] a discrete complex with an unusual Cu4Cl4 ladder-type core. An unexpected structural similarity between the chlorocopper(I) unit and the methyllithium and phenyllithium units, respectively, became apparent during a closer inspection of the relevant structures.