Cuprophilic Interactions in and between Molecular Entities

Area of Science:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Metallophilic interactions, particularly aurophilic and argentophilic forces, are well-studied in Group 11 metal complexes.
• Cuprophilic interactions (d10-d10 Cu(I)-Cu(I) forces) are less explored but significant for copper complex properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent progress in the synthesis and structural characterization of multinuclear homometallic copper complexes.
• To highlight the role of supported and unsupported cuprophilic interactions in these complexes.

Main Methods:

• Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis to precisely determine Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu contacts.
• Experimental and spectroscopic evidence to support intra- and intermolecular cuprophilic interactions.

Main Results:

• Detailed structural information on copper complexes exhibiting cuprophilic interactions.
• Evidence for the importance of d10-d10 Cu(I)-Cu(I) interactions in copper chemistry.

Conclusions:

• Cuprophilic interactions are essential for understanding the structural and physical features of copper(I) complexes.
• Recent advances have significantly expanded the knowledge of cuprophilic interactions over the past three decades.