Rapid injection NMR techniques have been used to prepare neutral organocopper(III) complexes by scientists in America. 

Organocopper chemist Steven Bertz from the Complexity Study Center in Mendham and NMR expert Craig Ogle from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte have successfully combined their research programs. They report the first neutral Cu^III complexes R₃Cu-L, where L is a neutral ligand such as amine or phosphine. In the presence of these strongly electron donating ligands, they have prepared the neutral organocopper(III) complexes from organocuprate(I) reagents and alkyl halides. 

Previously, only anionic organocopper(III) complexes, R₄CuLi or R₃Cu(X)Li, which are the copper(III) analogs of organocuprate(I) compounds (also known as Gilmans reagents) have been reported. By utilising rapid injection NMR techniques, the chemistry has now been extended to neutral complexes, R₃CuL, which are the copper(III) analogs of organocuprate(I) complexes, RCu. 

This is a significant advance in organocopper chemistry and Bertz and Ogle hope 'that by understanding the intermediates involved, we will be able to better optimize both stoichiometric and catalytic copper reactions, which have a reputation for being particularly idiosyncratic.' 

'We anticipate that by using advances in NMR and other instrumental techniques, research in this fascinating area will accelerate,' said Bertz. 

Kathryn A Sear