Synthesis, Characterization and Copper(2+) Coordination Chemistry of a Polytopic Paramagnetic Ligand

We describe the synthesis of a new tetratopic phenoxyl radical ligand based on the previously reported ditopic “baqp” radical. The tetratopic ligand is prepared in five steps from 4-tert-butylphenol. Coordination of the ligand with Cu(OAc)2 produced a tetranuclear complex with an S = ½ ground state featuring a coordinated hexa-anion radical with very strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange coupling.