REACTION OF 2-(ALKYLTHIOMETHYL)PHENYLLITHIUM WITH COPPER(I) HALIDES AND STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF ONE OF THE PRODUCTS - COPPER(I) COMPLEXES OF 2,2'-BIS(ALKYLTHIOMETHYL)BIPHENYL

The title reactions did not afford the corresponding organocopper comp ound as a stable entity, but rather a dimerized biphenyl compound (2,2 '-bis(alkylthiomethyl)biphenyl), its copper(I) halide complex, and alk yl benzyl sulfide. Their yields were influenced by the kind of halides in the copper reagent. The stability and reactivity of the intermedia te organocopper compound is discussed on the basis of the ligand-metal interactions. The copper(I) halide complex with the biphenyl which ca rries two sulfane ligands has a unique polymeric structure in crystals , as evidenced by X-ray analysis, whereas it dissociates into a monome ric form on dissolution in organic solvents. The properties of the com plexes were examined by NMR and XPS as well.