Structural diversity in organolithium, -sodium, and -potassium cyanocuprates

An unprecedented series of "lower order" alkali metal (Li, Na, K) cyanocupr ates containing the bulky (Me2PhSi)(3)C ligand has been synthesized. Both m onomeric and dimeric forms of the lithium derivative have been characterize d; the tetrameric potassium compound provides a striking example of molecul ar self-assembly driven, by K-pi -aryl interactions.