Hi! The only thing I think out is that first stage in Cu(I) - propargyl formation is oxidative addition what turns Cu(I) into Cu(II). If Cu(II) took a part in reaction that would give us Cu(III) in complex. Let me know if I'm wrong.
Details of Question: We had grown copper complexes of ligand having allyl/propargyl pendant arms. The single crystal studies confirmed that Cu(I, II) mixed copper complex is formed, precisely having cuprous ions bound to allyl/propargyl moieties. Cupric ions bind to aromatic nitrogens, part of ligand. This result is repetitive without fail.
Now, my question is that "why Cu(I) precisely binding to allyl/propargyl moieties than Cu(II), even though both metal ions exist in solution when we are growing crystals. Is there any reason behind it like Cu(I) having more affinity towards pi electron clouds than Cu(II) etc"
Still, if further details are necessary, I will provide them.
Most likely this is the result of the different hard/soft properties of the two metal ions. While Cu(II) is a borderline cation, relative to hard/soft properties, and accordingly it prefers the aromatic nitrogen atoms, Cu(I) is soft and binds preferentially to the allyl/propargyl moieties.
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