An octanuclear 3-phenyl-5-(2-pyridyl)pyrazolate/phenylsilsesquioxane complex: synthesis, unique structure, and catalytic activity

Abstract

First metallasilsesquioxane bearing pyrazolylpyridine ligands, Cu8-based complex 1, adopts cage structure with two zigzag-like copper tetramers sandwiched by two cyclic Si5 silsesquioxane ligands. Four 3-phenyl-5-(2-pyridyl)pyrazolate ligands in 1 exhibit dual (chelating and bridging) principle of ligation. Compound 1 is very active in the oxidation of alkanes and alcohols.