Characterization of a Complex Comprising a {Cu₂(S₂)₂}²⁺ Core: Bis(μ‐S₂²⁻)dicopper(III) or Bis(μ‐S₂^.−)dicopper(II)?

Abstract

Cores for thought: Structural and spectroscopic studies show that the {Cu2(S2)2}2+ core of [Cu2(tmeda)2(μ-S2)2](OTf)2 (tmeda=N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine; OTf=trifluoromethanesulfonate) is best described as a bis(μ-disulfido(.1−))dicopper(II) complex rather than a bis(μ-disulfido(2−))dicopper(III) complex. This complex represents a new motif in the copper–sulfur chemistry of biologically relevant, synthetic model systems.