Fig. 3. Top – Generation of complexes [Cu(1,6)2]+ and [Fe(2,3)2]2+ through the self-sorting of their initial reactants. For clarity, the components 1 and 6 and the Cu(i) ions not incorporated in a complex are omitted from the representation. Reaction conditions: 1 : 2 : 3 : 6 : Cu(BF4) : Fe(BF4)2 (2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1), CD3CN, 60 °C, 18 h. Bottom – Partial 1H NMR spectrum (400 MHz, CD3CN, 297 K) of the crude reaction mixture after 18 h at 60 °C, the diagnostic signals of the complexes are colour coded, [Cu(1,6)2]+ in red and [Fe(2,3)2]2+ in purple, one of the diagnostic signals of the free aldehyde 6 is highlighted by a grey circle and diagnostic signals of the free aniline 1 are highlighted by grey squares.
