Rebecca R. Conry,* Cedric Owens, and Michelle Kim Copper(I)-Arene Interactions in the Solid State and in Solution Using an NS2-Cyclodecane Ligand with Different Pendant Aryl Groups Rebecca R. Conry,* Cedric Owens, and Michelle Kim Department of Chemistry, Colby College, Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901 Introduction Copper(I)-arene complexes are rare. The Conry group has previously published a Cu(I)-arene complex containing a NS2-macrocyclic ligand with a pendant 1-naphthyl group (1).1 Complex 1 is stable in both the solid state and in solution. Addition of the 2-naphthylethyl arm to the NS2-cyclodecane ring required two synthetic steps. The ESI-MS (below) of 2 corresponds to the expected isotope pattern (below) for [2-napLCu]+. Complex 3 was synthesized similarly to 2. The phenylethyl arm, however, could be added to the NS2-cyclodecane ring in one step. This research investigates factors which influence Cu(I)-arene binding, such as the nature of the arene and the position of the linking arm. Thus, the target complexes 2 and 3 are being prepared and their Cu(I)-arene interactions studied. The ESI-MS (below) confirms the presence of [phLCu]+ (calculated pattern below). Both 2-napL and phL are oils at room temperature and have been characterized by 1H and 13C{1H}NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Complex 2 is isolated as a white solid from the reaction of 2-napL and a Cu(I) source. Conclusions We are now working to fully characterize 2 and 3. For instance, Cu(I)-arene binding in solution can be determined by NMR methods, including variable temperature & 2-D techniques. In addition, X-ray crystallography can see Cu(I)-arene interactions in the solid state. Results and Discussion The two new ligands were synthesized in four or five steps. The first three steps assemble the NS2-cyclodecane ring.2 References (1) Conry, R. R., Striejewske W. S., Tipton, A. A. Inorg. Chem. 1998, 38, 2833-2843. (2) Chandrasekhar, S. McAuley A. Inorg. Chem. 1991, 31, 2234-2240.