Iminophosphorano–phosphine based CuI complexes: utility in 1,3-dipolar azide–alkyne cycloaddition and A3-coupling reaction†

Abstract

This manuscript reports the synthesis, structural characterization and catalytic investigations of Cu^I complexes of the type [CuX{(PPh₂CH₂Ph₂PNAr*)-κ²-P,N}] (2 X = Cl, 3 X = Br, 4 X = I) featuring an iminophosphorano–phosphine ligand (1). The complex 4 showed exceptional catalytic activity in 1,3-dipolar azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and A³-coupling reactions. The catalytic reactions were performed at room temperature under solvent-free conditions in an environmentally benign manner. Notably, a one-step A³-coupling protocol enabled the synthesis of pargyline, a clinically significant drug in 68% yield.