The nature of the reactive copper-oxygen intermediates responsible for the substrate hydroxylation shown in copper-containing enzymes such as peptidylglycine a-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM) and dopamine �-monoxygenase (D�M) is controversial. Among the possibilities under consideration is an elusive mononuclear copper-oxo ([CuII-O-� ? CuIII=O2-]+) that has never been observed experimentally. A novel route toward this and/or related species via reactions of Cu(I) complexes of bidentate N-donor supporting ligands of variable steric and electronic properties with pyridine- and trimethylamine-N-oxides or PhIO was explored. Key findings include the identification of stable Cu(I) N-oxide adducts, aryl substituent hydroxylation, and N-O bond scission to form bis(�-oxo)dicopper species. The reaction course from stable Cu(I) N-oxide adducts to bis(�-oxo)dicopper species will be discussed based on the steric and electronic properties of the supporting ligands used.

Elusive Cu-oxyl species is viable? Reactivities of Cu(I) complexes with N-oxides

239th National Meeting (2010)

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