A Photoluminescent Copper(I) Complex with an Exceptionally High CuII /CuI Redox Potential: [Cu(bfp)2 ]+ (bfp=2,9-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,10-phenanthroline).

Unprecedented stabilization of the copper(I) oxidation state is demonstrated for the complex cation [Cu(bfp)2 ]+ (1) due to the steric and electronic effects of the CF3 groups (E1/2 (CuII /CuI )=+1.55 V vs. SCE). The redox existence range of the copper(I) species is remarkably high at 2.77 V. It is emissive in solution at room temperature and shows great potential as a photocatalyst; in the excited state it is a very potent photooxidant. © 1998 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH, Weinheim, Fed. Rep. of Germany.