Complex formation between cuprous iodide and phenyl phosphine: a nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray crystallographic study

The X-ray crystal structure of di-μ-iodobis[bis(phenylphosphine)copper(I)] has been determined: R1 = 0.0460. The crystals were monoclinic, space group Cc, a = 10.625(2) Å, b = 25.115(8) Å, c = 11.361(2) Å, β = 105.929(15)°, fw = 821.28, and Z = 4. The molecular structure consists of two CuI(C6H5PH2)2 units bridged via the iodines so that each copper achieves tetrahedral coordination. Nuclear magnetic resonance data provides evidence that the phenylphosphines remain coordinated in solution but undergo rapid exchange at room temperature.