Postsynthetic Modification Strengthens the Stereoselectively Self-Assembled Hemiaminal Ether Complexes

Abstract

Fragile hemiaminal ether linkages present in the backbone of koneramines (LROR’), potential tridentate ligands, bound to copper(II) in stereoselectively self-assembled syn-[Cu(LROR’)X2] complexes were transformed into sturdy methylene linkages to make corresponding rac-[Cu(LRH)Cl2] complexes by homogeneous postsynthetic modification with the retention of coordination sphere. The generality of stereoselective self-assembly of koneramine complexes is shown by utilising a number of metal ions, anions, amines, alcohols and thiols with complete characterisations.