A bio-inspired imidazole-functionalised copper cage complex

Abstract

An imidazole-functionalised cage is synthesised that can coordinate to Cu(I). X-ray analysis reveals a T-shaped coordination of copper by the imidazole ligands reminiscent of the coordination geometry found in enzymatic active sites. This cage complex can catalyse the oxidation of benzylic alcohols to benzaldehydes utilizing oxygen as the terminal oxidant.