Copper-Carbene Intermediates in the Copper-Catalyzed Functionalization of O-H Bonds

Copper-carbene [Tp(x)Cu=C(Ph)(CO2Et)] and copper-diazo adducts [Tp(x)Cu{η(1)-N2C(Ph)(CO2Et)}] have been detected and characterized in the context of the catalytic functionalization of O-H bonds through carbene insertion by using N2=C(Ph)(CO2Et) as the carbene source. These are the first examples of these type of complexes in which the copper center bears a tridentate ligand and displays a tetrahedral geometry. The relevance of these complexes in the catalytic cycle has been assessed by NMR spectroscopy, and kinetic studies have demonstrated that the N-bound diazo adduct is a dormant species and is not en route to the formation of the copper-carbene intermediate.