Silver(I) and Copper(I) Complexes of Semi‐Bulky Nitrogen‐Confused C‐Scorpionates

Two new sterically demanding nitrogen‐confused C‐scorpionate ligands with a bis(3,5‐diisopropylpyrazol‐1‐yl)methyl group bound to the 3‐ position of a normal pyrazole (HLiPr2) or an N‐toluenesulfonyl pyrazole (TsLiPr2) have been prepared. Reactions between the ligands (xLiPr2) and silver trifluoromethanesulfonate, AgOTf, gave four new compounds of the types [Ag(xLiPr2)](OTf) (x = Ts, 1a; x = H, 2a) or [Ag(xLiPr2)2](OTf) (x = Ts, 1b; x = H, 2b) depending on the initial metal:ligand ratio. Similarly, the reactions with [Cu(CH3CN)4](PF6) produce four new compounds of the type [Cu(xLiPr2)(CH3CN)](PF6) (x = Ts, 3a; x = H, 4a) or [Cu(xLiPr2)2](PF6) (x = Ts, 3b; x = H, 4b). The solid‐state structures of four derivatives (1a·acetone, 3a, 3b·CH2Cl2, and 4b·2THF) were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction while all complexes were characterized in CH3CN solution by NMR spectroscopy and ESI(+) MS. The eight new complexes catalyze the aziridination of styrene. The copper complexes were generally (but not exclusively) more active catalysts than their silver counterparts. The copper and silver complexes of bulky nitrogen‐confused C‐scorpionates were prepared to compare effects of ligand substitution, ligand number, and metal on their solid state and solution properties. The ability for the complexes to catalyze styrene aziridination with different nitrene sources was also evaluated.