Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic application of copper(I) nitrile cations with perfluorinated weakly coordinating anions

Complexes of the type Cu(CH₃CN)₄]⁺A]^– (A]^– = B(C₆F₅)₄]^– (1), B{C₆H₃(CF₃)₂}]^– (2), (C₆F₅)₃B–C₃H₄N₂–B(C₆F₅)₃]^– (3)) are synthesized and characterized. Their utilization as catalysts in cyclopropanation and aziridination reactions of olefins, forming three membered rings is explored. The compounds are found to catalyze both reactions in moderate to good yields being the best results obtained with compound 1. The more weakly the nitrile ligands are coordinated to the metal center, the better is the catalytic performance of the catalyst.