“Twisted” scorpionates: synthesis of a tris(2-pyridonyl)borate (Thp) ligand; lessons in the requirements for successful B(L2D)3 type ligands

The synthesis of a new charge-neutral zwitterionic tripodal borate ligand based on 2-hydroxypyridine is reported. (Dimethylaminopyridinium)tris(2-pyridonyl)borate, (DMAP)Thp, has been complexed to copper(I) chloride to give a pseudo-C3 symmetric complex. The propensity for this ligand and other flexible scorpionates to exhibit such helical chirality upon complexation is discussed.