Structural diversity in organolithium -sodium and -potassium cycanocuprates

An unprecedented series of “lower order” alkali metal (Li, Na, K) cyanocuprates containing the bulky (Me2PhSi)3C ligand has been synthesized. Both monomeric and dimeric forms of the lithium derivative have been characterized; the tetrameric potassium compound provides a striking example of molecular self-assembly driven by K−π-aryl interactions.