The Synthesis of Group 10 and 11 Metal Complexes of 3,6,9-Trithia-1-(2,6)-pyridinacyclodecaphane and Their Use in A3-Coupling Reactions

The reaction between 3,6,9-trithia-1(2,6)-pyridinacyclodecaphane and representative group 10 and 11 metal salts [Cu(NO3)(2), NiCl2 or Ag(CF3CO2)] afforded 1:1 complexes, which in the case of Cu-II and Ag-I were characterised by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The catalytic activity of these complexes in A(3)-coupling reactions between aldehydes, terminal alkynes and amines was assessed in both protic (water) and aprotic (toluene) media. These A(3)-reactions prove to be more efficient, proceed with lower catalyst loadings and with faster reaction rates, when conducted in a focused microwave reactor as compared to the same reactions promoted by standard, thermal, modes of activation.