Metal template reactions. V. Reactions of 2,2'-pyridil and related compounds promoted by copper(II) ions

Abstract

The reaction of hydrated copper(11) acetate with 2,2'-pyridil in the presence of air results in the formation of bis(2-picolinato)copper(11). Similar behaviour occurs in the case of 2,2'-quinaldil but oxidation is not observed with l-phenyl-2-(2'-pyridyl)ethane-l,2-dione, which undergoes methanol addition. Reaction of 2,2'-pyridil with hydrated copper(11) chloride or perchlorate gives rise to the formation of carboxylic esters (by alcohol addition and oxidative cleavage): complexes of these esters and also mixed ester-acid complexes are formed under slightly different conditions. No benzilic acid rearrangement occurs.