Synthesis and Characterization of a Copper Phosphaethynolate Complex
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Richard Thompson, University of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Organophosphorus compounds play important roles in agriculture and medicine, including the herbicide glyphosate and the antibiotic fosfomycin; however, current synthetic routes rely on hazardous reagents such as white phosphorus and chlorine gas. Development of safer and more sustainable methods for phosphorus incorporation remains an important goal in synthetic chemistry. Recent studies of transition metal complexes containing terminal metal-phosphorus species have highlighted their potential to mediate phosphorus atom transfer (PAT) chemistry. This project investigates a copper(I) phosphaethynolate (Cu–PCO) complex supported by a rigid and sterically demanding naphthyridine-bis(carbene) (NBC) ligand. This complex, upon photolysis, may generate highly reactive intermediates capable of CH bond insertion and cycloaddition. Current efforts focus on the synthesis and characterization of the NBC ligand and Cu–PCO complex, followed by investigation of its reactivity toward olefins and hydrocarbons. Understanding the reactivity of the Cu–PCO complex may contribute to the development of safer and more sustainable methods for PAT chemistry.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Copper Phosphaethynolate Complex
Organophosphorus compounds play important roles in agriculture and medicine, including the herbicide glyphosate and the antibiotic fosfomycin; however, current synthetic routes rely on hazardous reagents such as white phosphorus and chlorine gas. Development of safer and more sustainable methods for phosphorus incorporation remains an important goal in synthetic chemistry. Recent studies of transition metal complexes containing terminal metal-phosphorus species have highlighted their potential to mediate phosphorus atom transfer (PAT) chemistry. This project investigates a copper(I) phosphaethynolate (Cu–PCO) complex supported by a rigid and sterically demanding naphthyridine-bis(carbene) (NBC) ligand. This complex, upon photolysis, may generate highly reactive intermediates capable of CH bond insertion and cycloaddition. Current efforts focus on the synthesis and characterization of the NBC ligand and Cu–PCO complex, followed by investigation of its reactivity toward olefins and hydrocarbons. Understanding the reactivity of the Cu–PCO complex may contribute to the development of safer and more sustainable methods for PAT chemistry.