Reactivity towards dioxygen of a copper(I) complex of tris(2-benzylaminoethyl)amine

The reaction of dioxygen with the copper(I) Bz3tren complex (Bz3tren=tris(2-benzylaminoethyl)amine) complex has been investigated using low temperature stopped-flow techniques. The formation of a superoxo as well as a peroxo complex as intermediates was detected spectroscopically. The copper(II) complexes [Cu(Bz3tren)H2O](ClO4)2 and [Cu(Bz3tren)Cl]Cl were synthesized and structurally characterized. Both complexes react with dioxygen in solution and formation of benzaldehyde was observed.