Grid–double-helicate interconversion

An interconversion between a binuclear CuI double helicate and a tetranuclear CuII grid is reported. The passage from the CuI double helicate to the CuII grid occurs through oxidation of CuI into CuII or through displacement of CuI by CuII. The conversion of the CuII grid into the CuI double helicate occurs through treatment of the grid with triflic acid, reduction of CuII with ascorbic acid, and neutralization with triethylamine. During the studies, in order to ascertain the structure of CuI complexes, a heteroleptic binuclear CuI double helicate was generated.