Two ways to distort a molecule with a copper atom

What is it about?

When a copper atom in its oxidation state +2 is bound by six groups or "ligands", there is a well known tendency for two of them placed in opposite sides of the molecule to be at longer distances from copper than the other two. Now we have shown that in many instances this increased distance occurs for two ligands in neighboring positions.

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Why is it important?

The knowledge of the so-called "cis Jahn-Teller" distortions should allow for a better understanding of the structural chemistry of copper compounds.