Iridium Diphosphine Complexes Featuring Pendant Lewis Acids: Efforts toward Selective Heteroarene Borylation

The selective forging of carbon-boron bonds via C−H borylation stands as a central means to access fine chemical precursors. Notwithstanding, achieving selectivity in this reaction is difficult, calling for the design of molecular catalysts that offer a vector for mechanistic control. This report aims to achieve such through the strategic placement of Lewis acids in the ligand periphery, permitting engagement with a substrate through non-covalent Lewis acid/base interactions. Various diphosphine iridium(I/III) complexes having 1,2-bis(di-n-propylphosphino)ethane) (dnppe), tetrakisallylphosphinoethane (tape) and 1,2-bis(di(3-dicyclohexylboranyl)propylphosphino)ethane (P₂B^Cy₄) ligands were prepared. The P₂B^Cy₄ ligand scaffold boasts four Lewis acidic boron groups in its secondary coordination sphere, which are shown to engage with N-heterocycles, tape is the precursor to P₂B^Cy₄, and dnppe is a saturated n-propyl analogue devoid of boron functionality. Select combinations of such iridium salts/diphosphine ligands were assayed in the catalytic borylation of 2-methylpyridine using B₂Pin₂ (Pin=pinacol).     

Heterotrimetallic Coordination Polymers: {CuIILnIIIFeIII} Chains and {NiIILnIIIFeIII} Layers: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Magnetic Properties

The use of the [Fe^III(AA)(CN)₄]^? complex anion as metalloligand towards the preformed [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ or [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ heterometallic complex cations (AA=2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10‐phenathroline (phen); H₂valpn=1,3‐propanediyl‐bis(2‐iminomethylene‐6‐methoxyphenol)) allowed the preparation of two families of heterotrimetallic complexes: three isostructural 1D coordination polymers of general formula {[Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III(H₂O)₃(μ‐NC)₂Fe^III(phen)(CN)₂ {(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃}]NO₃ ? 7 H₂O}_n (Ln=Gd ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), and Dy ( 3 )) and the trinuclear complex [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃] ? NO₃ ? H₂O ? CH₃CN ( 4 ) were obtained with the [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ assembling unit, whereas three isostructural heterotrimetallic 2D networks, {[Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III(ONO₂)₂(H₂O)(μ‐NC)₃Fe^III(bipy)(CN)] ? 2 H₂O ? 2 CH₃CN}_n (Ln=Gd ( 5 ), Tb ( 6 ), and Dy ( 7 )) resulted with the related [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ precursor. The crystal structure of compound 4 consists of discrete heterotrimetallic complex cations, [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃]⁺, nitrate counterions, and non‐coordinate water and acetonitrile molecules. The heteroleptic {Fe^III(bipy)(CN)₄} moiety in 5 – 7 acts as a tris‐monodentate ligand towards three {Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III} binuclear nodes leading to heterotrimetallic 2D networks. The ferromagnetic interaction through the diphenoxo bridge in the Cu^II?Ln^III ( 1 – 3 ) and Ni^II?Ln^III ( 5 – 7 ) units, as well as through the single cyanide bridge between the Fe^III and either Ni^II ( 5 – 7 ) or Cu^II ( 4 ) account for the overall ferromagnetic behavior observed in 1 – 7 . DFT‐type calculations were performed to substantiate the magnetic interactions in 1 , 4 , and 5 . Interestingly, compound 6 exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization with maxima of the out‐of‐phase ac signals below 4.0 K in the lack of a dc field, the values of the pre‐exponential factor (τ_o) and energy barrier (E_a) through the Arrhenius equation being 2.0×10^?12 s and 29.1 cm^?1, respectively. In the case of 7 , the ferromagnetic interactions through the double phenoxo (Ni^II–Dy^III) and single cyanide (Fe^III–Ni^II) pathways are masked by the depopulation of the Stark levels of the Dy^III ion, this feature most likely accounting for the continuous decrease of χ_M T upon cooling observed for this last compound.     

Syntheses, structures, and properties of metal complexes involving π-conjugated tetrathiafulvalene-pyridine ligand

Four metal complexes based on the phenyl-bridged pyridine ligand with tetrathiafulvalene unit (TTF-Ph-Py, L), Ni^II(acac)₂(L)₂ (1, acac = acetylacetonate), M(hfac)₂(L)₂ (M = Ni^II, 2; M = Cu^II, 3; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonato) and [Co^II(Tp^Ph2)(OAc)(L)]·H₂O (4, Tp^Ph2 = hydridotri(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl) borate), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The absorption spectra and redox behaviors of these new compounds have been studied. Optimized conformation and molecular orbital diagram of L has been calculated with density functional theory (DFT).     

Activation of Aryl and Heteroaryl Halides by an Iron(I) Complex Generated in the Reduction of [Fe(acac)3] by PhMgBr: Electron Transfer versus Oxidative Addition

The mechanism of the reactions of aryl/heteroaryl halides with aryl Grignard reagents catalyzed by [Fe^III(acac)₃] (acac=acetylacetonate) has been investigated. It is shown that in the presence of excess PhMgBr, [Fe^III(acac)₃] affords two reduced complexes: [PhFe^II(acac)(thf)_n] (n=1 or 2) (characterized by ¹H NMR and cyclic voltammetry) and [PhFe^I(acac)(thf)]^? (characterized by cyclic voltammetry, ¹H NMR, EPR and DFT). Whereas [PhFe^II(acac)(thf)_n] does not react with any of the investigated aryl or heteroaryl halides, the Fe^I complex [PhFe^I(acac)(thf)]^? reacts with ArX (Ar=Ph, 4‐tolyl; X=I, Br) through an inner‐sphere monoelectronic reduction (promoted by halogen bonding) to afford the corresponding arene ArH together with the Grignard homocoupling product PhPh. In contrast, [PhFe^I(acac)(thf)]^? reacts with a heteroaryl chloride (2‐chloropyridine) to afford the cross‐coupling product (2‐phenylpyridine) through an oxidative addition/reductive elimination sequence. The mechanism of the reaction of [PhFe^I(acac)(thf)]^? with the aryl and heteroaryl halides has been explored on the basis of DFT calculations.     

Octaboraneyl Complexes of Nickel: Monomers for Redox-Active Coordination Polymers

Herein, we establish the preparation, characterization, and reactivity of a new diphosphine ligand, 1,2-bis(di(3-dicyclohexylboraneyl)propylphosphino)ethane (P₂B^Cy₄), a scaffold that contains four pendant boranes. An entryway into the coordination chemistry of P₂B^Cy₄ is established by using nickel, providing the octaboraneyl complex [Ni(P₂B^Cy₄)₂]—this species contains a boron-rich secondary coordination sphere that reacts readily with Lewis bases. In the case of 4,4′-bipyridine, an air-sensitive coordination polymer is obtained. Characterization of this material by solid-state NMR and EPR spectroscopy reveals the presence of a charge-transfer polymer, which forms as a function of intramolecular Ni→4,4′-bpy electron transfer (ET), providing an array of oxidized nickel sites and reduced 4,4′-bpy radical anion sites. Notably, the related intermolecular reaction between the model fragments [Ni(dnppe)₂] (dnppe=1,2-bis(di-n-propylphosphino)ethane) and a bis(boraneyl)-protected 4,4′-bpy, provides no ET. Overall, the P₂B^Cy₄ fragment provides a unique opportunity for Lewis base activation, in one case allowing for the facile construction of monomers for incorporation into redox-active macromolecules.     

Formation and Structural Characterization of Metal Complexes derived from Thiosalicylic Acid

The formation and structural aspects of some metal complexes of thiosalicylic acid (TSA) were studied. The μ‐bridging tetra‐coordinated Ru complex, [Ru(C₆H₄(CO₂)(μ‐S)(H₂O)]₂ ( 1 ) was formed by hydrothermal reaction of TSA with RuCl₃. The complexes [M(dtdb)(phen)(H₂O)]_n ( 2 – 4 ) (M = Zn^II, Co^II, Ni^II, dtdb = 2,2′‐dithiodibenzoate anion, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) were obtained by the slow diffusion technique and the in situ S–S bond formation was confirmed by elemental, spectral and X‐ray analysis. Reaction of TSA with CuCl₂ and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) under the slow diffusion technique yielded the dimer [Cu(tdb)(bipy)] ( 5 ) (tdb = thiodibenzoic acid), where the in situ generation of 2,2′‐thiodibenzoic acid was observed.     

Complexes of NS and NSO donor ligands. Nickel(II), copper(II) and cobalt(II) complexes of glyoxal bis(morpholineN-thiohydrazone) and diacetyl bis(morpholineN-thiohydrazone)

Summary Reactions of glyoxal bis(morpholineN-thiohydrazone), H₂gbmth, with NiCl₂·6H₂O, Ni(OAc)₂·4H₂O, Ni(acac)₂· H₂O, CuCl₂·2H₂O, Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O, Cu(acac)₂, CoCl₂· 6H₂O, Co(OAc)₂·4H₂O and Co(acac)₂·2H₂O yield complexes of the type [M(gbmth)], [M=Ni^II, Cu^II or Co^II]. Diacetyl reacts with morpholineN-thiohydrazide in the presence of nickel salts to yield [Ni^II(dbmth)], [Ni^II(dmth)(OAc)]H₂O and [Ni^II(Hdmth)(NH₃)Cl₂] involving N₂S₂ and NSO donor ligands. Copper and cobalt complexes of N₂S₂ and NSO donor ligands with compositions [Cu^II(dbmth)], [Co^II(dbmth)]·4H₂O and [Co^II(H₂dbmth)]Cl₂, have been isolated. The compounds have been characterised by elemental analyses, magnetic moments, molar conductance values and spectroscopic (electronic and infrared) data.     

CH Activation of Benzene by a Photoactivated NiII(azide): Formation of a Transient Nickel Nitrido Complex

Photochemical activation of nickel‐azido complex 2 [Ni(N₃)(PNP)] (PN^HP=2,2′‐di(isopropylphosphino)‐4,4′‐ditolylamine) in neat benzene produces diamagnetic complex 3 [Ni(Ph)(PN^PN^H)], which is crystallographically characterized. DFT calculations support photoinitiated N₂‐loss of the azido complex to generate a rare, transient Ni^IV nitrido species, which bears significant nitridyl radical character. Subsequent trapping of this nitrido through insertion into the Ni? P bond generates a coordinatively unsaturated Ni^II imidophosphorane P?N donor. This species shows unprecedented reactivity toward 1,2‐addition of a C? H bond of benzene to form 3 . The structurally characterized chlorido complex 4 [Ni(Cl)(PN^PN^H)] is generated by reaction of 3 with HCl or by direct photolysis of 2 in chlorobenzene. This is the first report of aromatic C? H bond activation by a trapped transient nitrido species of a late transition metal.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties of a nickel(II) complex with pyridine-substituted nitronyl nitroxide radicals

The complex [Ni(NIT2Py)(PDA)(H₂O)]·(MeOH)(H₂O) [NIT2Py = 2-(2-pyridyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide; PDA = 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid] has been prepared and structurally characterized. The Ni^II ion is in a distorted octahedral environment: one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom from the NIT2Py, one nitrogen atom from the PDA and one oxygen atom from the H₂O in the basal plane; two oxygen atoms from the PDA in the axial position. The units of [Ni(NIT2Py)(PDA)(H₂O)] were connected as a one dimension chain by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The complex exhibits intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions between the Ni^II ion and the NIT2Py.     

Coordination compounds of nickel with trithiocyanuric acid. Part IV. Structure of [Ni(pmdien)(ttcH)] (pmdien = N,N,N′,N′,N′′-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine,ttcH3 = trithiocyanuric acid)

Ni^II mixed-ligand complexes of compositions [Ni(pmdien)(ttcH)] (1), [Ni(baphen)₂(ttcH)] · 4H₂O (2), [Ni-(dpa)(ttcH)(H₂O)] (3), [Ni(cyclam)(ttcH)] · 2H₂O (4), [Ni(hexaa)](ttcH) (5) and [Ni(hexab)(ttcH)] · 2H₂O (6), (baphen = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, dpa = 2,2-dipyridylamine, cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, hexaa = 1,3,6,9,11,14-hexaazatricyclo[12.2.1.1^6,9]-octadecane, hexab = 1,8-dimethyl-1,3,6,8,10,13-hexaazacyclotetradecane) have been prepared and characterized by means of i.r., u.v.–vis. spectroscopies and magnetochemical measurements. The redox properties of the complexes were studied by cyclic voltammetry. The crystal and molecular structure of [Ni(pmdien)(ttcH)] was determined. The nickel atom is penta-coordinated by three N atoms of pmdien, and by S and N atoms of trithiocyanurate(2–) anion.     

Arginine‐Containing Ligands Enhance H2 Oxidation Catalyst Performance

Hydrogenase enzymes use Ni and Fe to oxidize H₂ at high turnover frequencies (TOF) (up to 10 000 s^?1) and low overpotentials (<100 mV). In comparison, the fastest reported synthetic electrocatalyst, [Ni^II(P^Cy₂N^tBu₂)₂]²⁺, oxidizes H₂ at 60 s^?1 in MeCN under 1 atm H₂ with an unoptimized overpotential of ca. 500 mV using triethylamine as a base. ¹ Here we show that a structured outer coordination sphere in a Ni electrocatalyst enhances H₂ oxidation activity: [Ni^II(P^Cy₂N^Arg₂)₂]⁸⁺ (Arg=arginine) has a TOF of 210 s^?1 in water with high energy efficiency (180 mV overpotential) under 1 atm H₂, and 144 000 s^?1 (460 mV overpotential) under 133 atm H₂. The complex is active from pH 0–14 and is faster at low pH, the most relevant condition for fuel cells. The arginine substituents increase TOF and may engage in an intramolecular guanidinium interaction that assists in H₂ activation, while the COOH groups facilitate rapid proton movement. These results emphasize the critical role of features beyond the active site in achieving fast, efficient catalysis.     

Three Distinct Silver(I) Coordination Polymers: Bridging‐­Ligand Directed Syntheses,Crystal Structures,Luminescence, and Nitrobenzene Sensing Properties

Three distinct Ag^I‐DMAP [DMAP = 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine] coordination polymers [Ag₂I₂(DMAP)₂]_n ( 1 ), [Ag₂(CN)₂(DMAP)_2.5 · DMAP]_n ( 2 ), and [Ag(SCN)(DMAP)]_n ( 3 ) were constructed by monatomic I^–, diatomic CN^–, and triatomic SCN^– bridges, respectively. 1 – 3 were determined by FT‐IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, TGA, powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. 1 exhibits a 1D wavelike chain structure, sustained by 3‐connected I^– bridges, whereas 2 shows a unique 1D single‐ and double‐strand alternating chain, supported by 3‐connected CN^– bridges. Compound 3 has a 2D 3‐connected network architecture, fabricated by 3‐connected SCN^– bridges, and exhibits a (4 · 8²) topology. The luminescence and nitrobenzene sensing properties of 1 – 3 were explored in 2‐propanol suspensions, which revealed that compounds 1 – 3 exhibit DMAP originated luminescence emissions and are highly sensitive for nitrobenzene detection.     

Synthesis, spectroscopy and structures of palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes containing mercapto-o-carborane

The reactions of [M₂Cl₂(μ-Cl)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂] with mercapto-o-carboranes in the presence of pyridine afforded mono-nuclear complexes of composition, [MCl(SCb°R)(py)(PMe₂Ph)] (M = Pd or Pt; Cb° = o-C₂B₁₀H₁₀; R = H or Ph). The treatment of [PdCl₂(PEt₃)₂] with PhCb°SH yielded trans-[Pd(SCb°Ph)₂(PEt₃)₂] (4) which when left in solution in the presence of pyridine gave another substitution product, [Pd(SCb°Ph)₂(py)(PEt₃)] (5). The structures of [PdCl(SCb°Ph)(py)(PMe₂Ph)] (1), [Pd(SCb°Ph)₂(PEt₃)₂] (4) and [Pd(SCb^oPh)₂(py)(PEt₃)] (5) were established unambiguously by X-ray crystallography. The palladium atom in these complexes adopts a distorted square-planar configuration with neutral donor atoms occupying the trans positions. Thermolysis of [PdCl(SCb°)(py)(PMe₂Ph)] (2) in TOPO (trioctylphosphine oxide) at 200 °C gave nanocrystals of TOPO capped Pd₄S which were characterized by XRD pattern and SEM.     

Structural Elucidation of Silver(I) Amides and Their Application as Catalysts in the Hydrosilylation and Hydroboration of Carbonyls

This study details the isolation and characterisation of three novel silver(I) amides in solution and solid-state, [Ag(Cy₃P)(HMDS)] 2 , [Ag(Cy₃P){N(TMS)(Dipp)}] 3 and [Ag(Cy₃P)₂(NPh₂)] 4 . Their catalytic abilities have proved successful in hydroboration and hydrosilylation reactions with a full investigation performed with complex 2 . Both protocols proceed under mild conditions, displaying exceptional functional-group tolerance and chemoselectivity, in excellent conversions at competitive reaction times. This work reveals the first catalytic hydroboration of aldehydes and ketones performed by a silver(I) catalyst.     

Reversible Mechanical Interlocking of D‐Shaped Molecular Karabiners bearing Coordination‐Bond Loaded Gates: Route to Self‐Assembled [2]Catenanes

Complexation of 1,4‐phenylenebis(methylene) diisonicotinate, L1 , with cis‐protected Pd^II components, [Pd( L′ )(NO₃)₂], in an equimolar ratio yielded binuclear complexes, 1 a – d of [Pd₂( L′ )₂( L1 )₂](NO₃)₄ formulation where L′ stands for ethylenediamine (en), tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda), 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy), and phenanthroline (phen). The combination of 4,4′‐bipyridine, L2 , with the cis‐protected Pd^II units is known to yield molecular squares, 2 a – d . However, 2 b – d coexist with the corresponding molecular triangles, 3 b – d . Combination of an equivalent each of the ligands L1 and L2 with two equivalents of cis‐protected Pd^II components in DMSO resulted in the D ‐shaped heteroligated complexes [Pd₂( L′ )₂( L1 )( L2 )](NO₃)₄, 4 a – d . Two units of the D ‐shaped complexes interlock, in a concentration dependent fashion, to form the corresponding [2]catenanes [Pd₂( L′ )₂( L1 )( L2 )]₂(NO₃)₈, 5 a – d under aqueous conditions. Crystal structures of the macrocycle [Pd₂(tmeda)₂( L1 )( L2 )](PF₆)₄, 4 b′′ , and the catenane [Pd₂(bpy)₂( L1 )( L2 )]₂(NO₃)₈, 5 c , provide unequivocal support for the proposed molecular architectures.     

Reaktionen von Nickel(0)-Komplexen mit p-Chinonen. Bildung phosphinsubstituierter Radikalanionen

(dipy)Ni(COD) react with duroquinone (Dch) or anthraquinone (Ach) to yield the complexes (dipy)Ni(η⁴ -Dch) or (dipy)Ni(η⁴ -Ach). Chloranil (CA), however, reacts as an oxidant and depending on the temperature (dipy)Ni^II(CA^2-) or following an oxidative addition (dipy)Ni^II(Cl)(CAH^-)(THF) are formed.By substitution of (Cy₃P)₂Ni(C₂H₄) the complexes (Cy₃P)Ni(η⁴-Dch) or (Cy₃P)₂Ni(η⁴ -Ach) are obtained, whereas a 1,1-coupling of quinone and the coordinated phosphine proceeds during the reaction between p-benzoquinone of chloranil and (Cy₃P)₂Ni(C₂H₄). By ESR studies it was demonstrated that with Ni(Cy₃P?Ch)₂ or Ni(Cy₃P?CA)₂, resp., complexes are obtained, in which radical anions, which are derived from the product of this 1,1-coupling, are coordinated to low-spin nickel (II). There is a significant difference between (Cy₃P)₂Ni(C₂H₄) and the analogous platinum or palladium complexes, which are substituted by p-benzoquinone while an oxidative addition proceeds with chloranil.     

Synthesis,spectral and thermal studies of monomeric,homobimetallic and polymeric complexes containing benzoyldithiocarbazate

New mixed ligand complexes of benzoyldithiocarbazate (H₂BDT) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, spectral studies (i.r., u.v.–vis., mass), thermal analysis and electrical conductivity measurements. The complexes have the general formulae: [M₂(BDT)(OX)₂] · xH₂O; [Co₂(BDT)(OX)₂(H₂O)₄]; [M(HBDT)(OX)-(H₂O)], [Ni(BDT)(py)₂] _n and [Ni(BDT)(L)] _n where M = Mn^II, Ni^II and Cu^II; BDT = dithiocarbazate dianion; OX = 8-hydroxyquinolinate; x = 1 or 2; M = Zn^II or Cd^II; HBDT = dithiocarbazate anion and L = 2,2-bipyridyl or 1,10-o-phenanthroline. For the [M₂(BDT)(OX)₂] · xH₂O, [Co₂(BDT)(OX)₂(H₂O)₄], [Ni(BDT)(py)₂] _n and [Ni(BDT)(L)] _n complexes, benzoyldithiocarbazate acts as a dibasic-tetradentate ligand in the enol form via the enolic oxygen, the hydrazide nitrogens and the thiolate sulphur, while it acts as a monobasic-tridentate ligand in the keto form in the [M(HBDT)(OX)(H₂O)] complexes. The thermal behaviour of the complexes has been studied by t.g.–d.t.g. techniques. Kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition process have been computed by Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger methods. It is obvious that the thermal decomposition in the complexes occurs directly at the metal–ligand bonds except for the Zn^II and Cd^II complexes in which decomposition seems to be at a point in the benzoyldithiocarbazate moiety. From the calculated kinetic data it can be concluded that the dehydration processes in all complexes have been described as phase-boundary controlled reactions. The activation energy values reveal that the thermal stabilities of the homobimetallic complexes lie in the order: Mn^II < Ni^II < Co^II, while the monomeric Cd^II complex has more enhanced thermal stability than the Zn^II complex.     

Heterodinuclear M1M2 Complexes (M1=Ni,Pd, Pt; M2=Rh,Ir) Supported by a Tetradentate Phosphine Ligand and Their Application for Hydrosilylation

A new series of cationic heterodinuclear complexes, [M¹M²Cl₂(meso-dpmppp)(RNC)₂]PF₆ (M¹=Ni, M²=Rh, R=^tBu ( 1 a ); M¹=Pd, M²=Rh, R=^tBu ( 2 a ), Xyl ( 2 b ); M¹=Pt, M²=Rh, R=^tBu ( 3 a ), Xyl ( 3 b ); M¹=Pd, M²=Ir, R=^tBu ( 4 a )), supported by a tetradentate phosphine ligand, meso-Ph₂PCH₂P(Ph)(CH₂)₃P(Ph)CH₂PPh₂ (meso-dpmppp), were synthesized by stepwise reactions of meso-dpmppp with NiCl₂ ⋅ 6H₂O or MCl₂(cod) (M=Pd, Pt), forming mononuclear metalloligands of [M¹Cl₂(meso-dpmppp)], and with [M²Cl(cod)]₂ (M²=Rh, Ir) and RNC (R=^tBu, Xyl) in the presence of [NH₄][PF₆]. The related neutral PdRh complex, [PdRhCl₃(meso-dpmppp)(XylNC)] ( 5 ), was also prepared. The structures of 1 – 5 were determined by X-ray analyses to contain two square planar d⁸ metal centers with face-to-face arrangement, where meso-dpmppp supports M¹ and M² metal ions in cis/trans-P,P coordination mode, combining cis-{M¹P₂Cl₂} and trans-{M²P₂(CNR)₂} units. Complexes 1 – 4 showed an intence characteristic absorption around 422–464 nm derived from Rh^I→RNC MLCT transition (HOMO→LUMO+1), which are influenced by changing M¹ (Ni^II, Pd^II, Pt^II) metal ions since HOMO composed of dσ* orbitals appreciably destabilized by changing M¹ from Ni to Pd, and Pt. The electronic structures of 1 a – 4 a were investigated on the basis of DFT calculations and NBO analyses to show weak but noticeable d⁸–d⁸ metallophilic interaction as empirical dispersion energy of 0.9–1.5 kcal/mol without M¹–M² covalent bonding interaction. In addition, 1 – 5 were utilized as catalysts for hydrosilylation of styrene, and the NiRh complex 1 a was found to show higher activity and chemo- and regioselectivity compared with 2 – 5 .     

ZnII and CdII Metal Organic Frameworks Based on 2-Methyl-6-oxygen-1,6-dihydro-3,4'bipyridine-5-carbonitrile

To investigate the coordination chemistry of modbc (2-methyl-6-oxygen-1,6-dihydro-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile) with Zn^II and Cd^II salts under the solvothermal conditions, six new MOFs with the formulas [Zn(modbc)₂(mpa)]_n ( 1 ), [Zn(modbc)(mpa)(H₂O)]_n ( 2 ), [Zn(modbc)(pa)_0.5(H₂O)]_n ( 3 ), [Cd(modbc)(pa)_0.5(H₂O)]_n ( 4 ), [Zn(modbc)₂(tpa)]_n ( 5 ), and [Cd(modbc)₂(pda)(H₂O)]_n ( 6 ) (mpa = m-phthalic acid; pa = pyromellitic acid; tpa = terephthalic acid; pda = pentane diacid) were successfully synthesized by solvothermal reaction and fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, single crystal, powder X-ray diffraction, thermal and photoluminescence properties. Though MOFs 3 and 4 have the same structure, we have obtained three different kinds of coordination configurations by the X-ray diffration analysis. Compared with 1 and 2 , coordination water has no effect on the solid fluorescence emission of MOFs. It is worth noting that the fluorescence intensity of 3 containing central Zn^II atoms is very strong, whereas that of isomorphism 4 containing central Cd^II atoms has almost no fluorescence emission, showing that metal ions have very important influence on the fluorescence emission. Further, we found that solvents had an important effect on the fluorescence emission in liquid fluorescence of MOFs 1 – 6 .     

Nickel(II) N‐Benzyl‐N‐methyldithiocarbamato Complexes as Precursors for the Preparation of Graphite Oxidation Accelerators

The nickel(II) N‐benzyl‐N‐methyldithiocarbamato (BzMedtc) complexes [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)Cl] ( 1 ), [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)Br] ( 2 ), [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)I] ( 3 ), and [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)] ( 4 ) were synthesized using the reaction of [Ni(BzMedtc)₂] and [NiX₂(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br, I and NCS). Subsequently, complex 1 was used for the preparation of [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)₂]ClO₄ ( 5 ), [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ ( 6 ), and [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)₂]PF₆ ( 7 ). The obtained complexes 1 – 7 were characterized by elemental analysis, thermal analysis and spectroscopic methods (IR, UV/Vis, ³¹P{¹H} NMR). The results of the magnetochemical and molar conductivity measurements proved the complexes as diamagnetic non‐electrolytes ( 1 – 4 ) or 1:1 electrolytes ( 5 – 7 ). The molecular structures of 4 and 5· H₂O were determined by a single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. In all cases, the Ni^II atom is tetracoordinated in a distorted square‐planar arrangement with the S₂PX, and S₂P₂ donor set, respectively. The catalytic influence of selected complexes 1 , 3 , 5 , and 6 on graphite oxidation was studied. The results clearly indicated that the presence of the products of thermal degradation processes of the mentioned complexes has impact on the course of graphite oxidation. A decrease in the oxidation start temperatures by about 60–100 °C was observed in the cases of all the tested complexes in comparison with pure graphite.