Complexes of a hexa-nitrile dianion with neutral, chelating co-ligands: self-assembly, structure and magnetism

Several new first-row transition-metal complexes have been synthesised by combining the polynitrile dianion HCTMCP(2-) (hexacyanotrimethylenecyclopropandiide) with neutral, chelating co-ligands; 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline and 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole. The products cover a remarkable range of species including mononuclear complexes, dimers, charge-separated species and coordination polymers. Complexes containing 2,2'-bipyridine take the form [Mn(2,2'-bipy)(2)(HCTMCP)](2)·2MeOH (1) or [M(2,2'-bipy)(3)](HCTMCP) (2Fe and 2Co) which are dimeric and charge-separated products, respectively. The products obtained using 1,10-phenanthroline were the discrete complex [Co(HCTMCP)(1,10-phen)(2)(H(2)O)]·H(2)O·MeCN (3) and the 1D coordination polymer [Mn(HCTMCP)(1,10-phen)(H(2)O)(MeOH)] (4). Complexes using the 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole co-ligand (pypzH) form similar 1D complexes to 4, namely [Mn(pypzH)(HCTMCP)(MeOH)(H(2)O)] (5) and [M(pypzH)(HCTMCP)(MeOH)(2)] (6Co and 6Fe), albeit with different hydrogen-bonding motifs between the chains. The polymeric HCTMCP complexes show weak to zero antiferromagnetic coupling between metal centres and thus no long-range ordering.     

Very strong C-H...O, N-H...O, and O-H...O hydrogen bonds involving a cyclic phosphate.

Very short C-H...O, N-H...O, and O-H...O hydrogen bonds have been generated utilizing the cyclic phosphate [CH2(6-t-Bu-4-Me-C6H2O)2]P(O)OH (1). X-ray structures of (i) 1 (unsolvated, two polymorphs), 1...EtOH, and 1...MeOH, (ii) [imidazolium](+)[CH2(6-t-Bu-4-Me-C6H2O)2PO2](-)...MeOH [2], (iii) [HNC5H4-N=N-C5H4NH](2+)[(CH2(6-t-Bu-4-Me-C6H2O)2PO2)2](2-)...4CH3CN...H2O [3], (v) [K, 18-crown-6](+)[(CH2(6-t-Bu-4-Me-C6H2O)2P(O)OH)(CH2(6-t-Bu-4-Me-C6H2O)2PO2)](-)...2THF [4], (vi) 1...cytosine...MeOH [5], (vii) 1...adenine...1/2MeOH [6], and (viii) 1...S-(-)-proline [7] have been determined. The phosphate 1 in both its forms is a hydrogen-bonded dimer with a short O-H...O distance of 2.481(2) [triclinic form] or 2.507(3) A [monoclinic form]. Compound 2 has a helical structure with a very short C-H...O hydrogen bond involving an imidazolyl C-H and methanol in addition to N-H...O hydrogen bonds. A helical motif is also seen in 5. In 3, an extremely short N-H...O hydrogen bond [N...O 2.558(4) A] is observed. Compounds 6 and 7 also exhibit short N-H...O hydrogen bonds. In 1...EtOH, a 12-membered hydrogen-bonded ring motif, with one of the shortest known O-H...O hydrogen bonds [O...O 2.368(4) A], is present. 1...MeOH is a similar dimer with a very short O(-H)...O bond [2.429(3) A]. In 4, the deprotonated phosphate (anion) and the parent acid are held together by a hydrogen bond on one side and a coordinate/covalent bond to potassium on the other; the O-H...O bond is symmetrical and very strong [O...O 2.397(3) A].     

Dinuclear nickel complexes with a Ni(2)O(2) core: a structural and magnetic study

The acetylacetonate complexes [Ni(2)L(1)(acac)(MeOH)] x H(2)O, 1 x H(2)O and [Ni(2)L(3)(acac)(MeOH)] x 1.5H(2)O, 2 x 1.5H(2)O (H(3)L(1) = (2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine and H(3)L(3) = (2-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine) were prepared and fully characterised. Their crystal structures show that they are dinuclear complexes, extended into chains by hydrogen bond interactions. These compounds were used as starting materials for the isolation of the corresponding [Ni(2)HL(x)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x n MeOH and [Ni(2)HL(x)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)]x nH(2)O dicarboxylate complexes (x = 1, 3; n = 1-3). The crystal structures of [Ni(2)HL(1)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x MeOH, 3 x MeOH, [Ni(2)HL(3)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x 3 MeOH, 4 x 3 MeOH and [Ni(2)HL(1)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x 2.5H(2)O x 0.25 MeOH x MeCN, 5 x 2.5H(2)O x 0.25 MeOH x MeCN, were solved. Complexes 3-5 show dinuclear [Ni(2)HL(x)(dicarboxylate)(H(2)O)] units, expanded through hydrogen bonds that involve carboxylate and water ligands, as well as solvate molecules. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibilities of all the complexes show an intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the Ni(II) ions, which is attempted to be rationalized by comparison with previous results and in the light of molecular orbital treatment. Magnetisation measurements are in accord with a S = 2 ground state in all cases.     

Synthesis of an octanuclear Eu(III) cage from Eu(4)(2+): chloride anion encapsulation, luminescence, and reversible MeOH adsorption via a porous supramolecular architecture

The octanuclear complex [Eu8L4(1,4-BDC)2Cl8(MeOH)12].4Cl.2MeOH.18H2O (2) was obtained from the reaction of the tetranuclear Eu(III) species [Eu4L2Cl2(OH)4(H2O)4(MeOH)2].2Cl.7MeOH.2H2O (1) and 1,4-H2BDC (H2L = bis(5-bromo-3-methoxysalicylidene)ethylene-1,2-phenylenediamine, 1,4-H2BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid). Both 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography, and their luminescence properties were determined. The cagelike structure of 2 encapsulates two chloride anions via MeOH...Cl hydrogen bonding. In the solid state, 2 has an open three-dimensional network with extended channels and is capable of reversible MeOH adsorption.     

Boxes, helicates, and coordination polymers: a structural and magnetochemical investigation of the diverse coordination chemistry of simple pyridine-alcohol ligands

A structurally diverse array of polynuclear complexes has been identified and structurally characterized from the reaction of 6-methylpyridine-2-methanol (1) with a range of cobalt(II) salts under a variety of reaction conditions. A tetranuclear cubane, [Co4(1-H)4Cl4(H2O)3(CH3OH)], was isolated from the reaction of 1 with CoCl2.6H2O and NaOH in MeOH, and a tetranuclear double cubane, [Co4(1-H)6(NO3)2], was isolated from the reaction of 1 with Co(NO3)2.6H2O and NEt3 in MeOH. A bowl-shaped trinuclear complex, [Co3(1-H)3Cl3(dmso)], which features a triply bridging dmso ligand, assembled upon mixing 1 and CoCl2.6H2O in dmso. A 1-D coordination polymer, [Co(1)2(SO4)](infinity), where the sulfate ligands bridge "[Co(1)2]" units in a mu2:eta1 fashion to build up the polymer structure, was isolated from the reaction of 1 with CoSO4.7H2O. The reaction of the structurally related ligand 8-hydroxyquinaldine (2) with a mixture of CoCl2.6H2O and Co(OAc)2.4H2O lead to the formation of the tetranuclear double cubane, [Co4(2-H)6Cl2]. Temperature-dependent magnetic measurements have also been performed for these five complexes along with the hydrogen-bonded helicate [Co2(1)2(1-H)2]. The hydrogen bonds of the helicate mediate antiferromagnetic interactions between the cobalt(II) centers (J = -3.18(9) cm(-1), g = 2.25(2)). The sulfate bridging ligands of [Co(1)2(SO4)](infinity) are poor mediators of magnetic exchange. The Co(II) centers in the double-cubane complexes [Co4(1-H)6(NO3)2] and [Co4(2-H)6Cl2] are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled to each other at low temperature to give an S = 0 ground state. [Co4(1-H)4Cl4(H2O)3(MeOH)] exhibits rather complicated magnetic behavior; however, we did not observe any evidence for single-molecule magnetism as was seen for structurally related complexes.     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of a family of tetra-, hexa-, and nonanuclear Mn/Ni heterometallic clusters

A family of Mn(III)/Ni(II) heterometallic clusters, [Mn(III)(4)Ni(II)(5)(OH)(4)(hmcH)(4)(pao)(8)Cl(2)]·5DMF (1·5DMF), [Mn(III)(3)Ni(II)(6)(N(3))(2)(pao)(10)(hmcH)(2)(OH)(4)]Br·2MeOH·9H(2)O (2·2MeOH·9H(2)O), [Mn(III)Ni(II)(5)(N(3))(4)(pao)(6)(paoH)(2)(OH)(2)](ClO(4))·MeOH·3H(2)O (3·MeOH·3H(2)O), and [Mn(III)(2)Ni(II)(2)(hmcH)(2)(pao)(4)(OMe)(2)(MeOH)(2)]·2H(2)O·6MeOH (4·2H(2)O·6MeOH) [paoH = pyridine-2-aldoxime, hmcH(3) = 2, 6-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-p-cresol], has been prepared by reactions of Mn(II) salts with [Ni(paoH)(2)Cl(2)], hmcH(3), and NEt(3) in the presence or absence of NaN(3) and characterized. Complex 1 has a Mn(III)(4)Ni(II)(5) topology which can be described as two corner-sharing [Mn(2)Ni(2)O(2)] butterfly units bridged to an outer Mn atom and a Ni atom through alkoxide groups. Complex 2 has a Mn(III)(3)Ni(II)(6) topology that is similar to that of 1 but with two corner-sharing [Mn(2)Ni(2)O(2)] units of 1 replaced with [Mn(3)NiO(2)] and [MnNi(3)O(2)] units as well as the outer Mn atom of 1 substituted by a Ni atom. 1 and 2 represent the largest 3d heterometal/oxime clusters and the biggest Mn(III)Ni(II) clusters discovered to date. Complex 3 possesses a [MnNi(5)(μ-N(3))(2)(μ-OH)(2)](9+) core, whose topology is observed for the first time in a discrete molecule. Careful examination of the structures of 1-3 indicates that the Mn/Ni ratios of the complexes are likely associated with the presence of the different coligands hmcH(2-) and/or N(3)(-). Complex 4 has a Mn(III)(2)Ni(II)(2) defective double-cubane topology. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc and ac magnetization studies were carried out on complexes 1-4. Fitting of the obtained M/(Nμ(B)) vs H/T data gave S = 5, g = 1.94, and D = -0.38 cm(-1) for 1 and S = 3, g = 2.05, and D = -0.86 cm(-1) for 3. The ground state for 2 was determined from ac data, which indicated an S = 5 ground state. For 4, the pairwise exchange interactions were determined by fitting the susceptibility data vs T based on a 3-J model. Complex 1 exhibits out-of-phase ac susceptibility signals, indicating it may be a SMM.     

Synthesis,crystal structures,and magnetic properties of three novel ferrocenecarboxylato-bridged lanthanide dimers

Three novel ferrocenecarboxylato-bridged lanthanide dimers [Gd2(mu 2-OOCFc)2(OOCFc)4(MeOH)2(H2O)2].2MeOH.2H2O (1) (Fc = (eta 5-C5H5)Fe(eta 5-C5H4)), [Nd2(mu 2-OOCFc)2(OOCFc)4(H2O)4].2MeOH.H2O (2), and [Y2(mu 2-OOCFc)2-(OOCFc)4(H2O)4].2MeOH (3) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In each complex, two Ln(III) (Ln = Gd, Nd, or Y) ions are bridged by two ferrocenecarboxylate anions as asymmetrically bridging ligands, leading to dimeric cores, [Ln2(mu 2-OOCFc)2]; each Ln(III) ion has an irregular polyhedral coordination environment with nine coordinated oxygen atoms derived from the ferrocenecarboxylate ligands and coordinated solvent molecules. In the solid-state structure of compound 1, [Gd2(mu 2-OOCFc)2(OOCFc)4(MeOH)2(H2O)2] groups are joined together by hydrogen bonds forming a two-dimensional network. Both compounds 2 and 3 show one-dimensional chain structures by hydrogen bonding; they are different from 1. Magnetic measurements show unexpected ferromagnetic coupling between the gadolinium(III) ions; the best fittings to the experimental magnetic susceptibilities gave J = 0.006 cm-1 and g = 2.0 for 1. The magnetic behavior for 2 was also studied in the temperature range of 1.8-300 K.     

Artificial amino acids in nickel(II) and nickel(II)/lanthanide(III) chemistry

The synthesis and magnetic properties of five new homo- and heterometallic nickel(II) complexes containing artificial amino acids are reported: [Ni(4)(aib)(3)(aibH)(3)(NO(3))](NO(3))(4)·3.05MeOH (1·3.05MeOH), [Ni(6)La(aib)(12)](NO(3))(3)·5.5H(2)O (2·5.5H(2)O), [Ni(6)Pr(aib)(12)](NO(3))(3)·5.5H(2)O (3·5.5H(2)O), [Ni(5)(OH)(2)(l-aba)(4)(OAc)(4)]·0.4EtOH·0.3H(2)O 6(4·0.4EtOH·0.3H(2)O), and [Ni(6)La(l-aba)(12)][La(2)(NO(3))(9)] (5; aibH = 2-aminoisobutyric acid; l-abaH = l-2-aminobutyric acid). Complexes 1 and 4 describe trigonal-pyramidal and square-based pyramidal metallic clusters, respectively, while complexes 2, 3, and 5 can be considered to be metallocryptand-encapsulated lanthanides. Complexes 4 and 5 are chiral and crystallize in the space groups I222 and P2(1)3, respectively. Direct-current magnetic susceptibility studies in the 2-300 K range for all complexes reveal the presence of dominant antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, leading to small or diamagnetic ground states.     

Variation of heterometallic structural motifs based on [W(CN)8]3- anions and Mn(II) ions as a function of synthetic conditions

Reactions of [W(CN)(8)](3-/4-) anions with complexes of Mn(2+) ion with tridentate organic ligand 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz) lead to a series of heterobimetallic complexes. The crystal structures of these compounds are derived from the same basic structural fragment, namely a W(2)Mn(2) square constructed of alternating cyanide-bridged W and Mn ions. In [Mn(II)(tptz)(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)](2){[Mn(II)(tptz)(MeOH)(1.58)(H(2)O)(0.42)](2)[W(V)(CN)(8)](2)}.5 MeOH.9.85 H(2)O (3), isolated molecular squares are co-crystallized with mononuclear cationic Mn(II) complexes. The structure of {[Mn(II)(tptz)(MeOH)](2)[W(IV)(CN)(8)].2 MeOH}(infinity) (4) is based on an infinite chain of vertex-sharing squares, while {[Mn(II) (2)(tptz)(2)(MeOH)(3)(OAc)][W(V)(CN)(8)].3.5 MeOH0.25 H(2)O}(infinity) (5) and {[Mn(II) (2)(tptz)(2)(MeOH)(3)W(V)(CN)(8)][Mn(II)(tptz)(MeOH)W(V)(CN)(8)].2 H(2).OMeOH}(8) (7) are derived from such an infinite chain by removing one of the W-C[triple bond]N-Mn linkages in each of the squares. The decanuclear cluster [Mn(II) (6)(tptz)(6)(MeOH)(4)(DMF)(2)W(V) (4)(CN)(32)].8.2 H(2)O.2.3 MeOH (6) is a truncated version of structure 4 and consists of three vertex-sharing W(2)Mn(2) squares. The structure of [Mn(II)(tptz)(MeOH)(NO(3))](2)[Mn(II)(tptz)(MeOH) (DMF)](2)[W(V)(CN)(8)](2).6 MeOH (8) consists of a hexanuclear cluster, in which the central W(2)Mn(2) square is extended by two Mn side-arms attached via CN(-) ligands to the W corners of the square. The magnetic behavior of these heterobimetallic complexes (except for 4) is dominated by antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn(II) and W(V) ions mediated by cyanide bridges. Compounds 3, 6, and 8 exhibit high spin ground states of S=4, 13, and 9, respectively, while 5 and 7 exhibit behavior typical of a ferrimagnetic chain with alternating spin centers. Complex 4 contains diamagnetic W(IV) centers but holds promise as a potential photomagnetic solid.     

Cationic assembly of metal complex aggregates: structural diversity,solution stability,and magnetic properties

The tetradentate imino-carboxylate ligand [L](2)(-) chelates the equatorial sites of Ni(II) to give the complex [Ni(L)(MeOH)(2)] in which a Ni(II) center is bound in an octahedral coordination environment with MeOH ligands occupying the axial sites. Lanthanide (Ln) and Group II metal ions (M) template the aggregation of six [Ni(L)] fragments into the octahedral cage aggregates (M[Ni(L)](6))(x)(+) (1: M = Sr(II); x = 2,2: M = Ba(II); x = 2, 3: M = La(III); x = 3, 4: M = Ce(III); x = 3, 5: M = Pr(III); x = 3, and 6: M = Nd(III); x = 3). In the presence of Group I cations, however, aggregates composed of the alkali metal-oxide cations template various cage compounds. Thus, Na(+) forms the trigonal bipyramidal [Na(5)O](3+) core within a tricapped trigonal prismatic [Ni(L)](9) aggregate to give ((Na(5)O) subset [Ni(L)](9)(MeOH)(3))(BF(4))(2).OH.CH(3)OH, 7. Li(+) and Na(+) together form a mixed Li(+)/Na(+) core comprising distorted trigonal bipyramidal [Na(3)Li(2)O](3+) within an approximately anti-square prismatic [Ni(L)](8) cage in ((Na(3)Li(2)O) subset [Ni(L)](8)(CH(3)OH)(1.3)(BF(4))(0.7))(BF(4))(2.3).(CH(3)OH)(2.75).(C(4)H(10)O)(0.5), 8, while in the presence of Li(+), a tetrahedral [Li(4)O](2+) core within a hexanuclear open cage [Ni(L)](6) in ((Li(4)O) subset [Ni(L)](6)(CH(3)OH)(3))2ClO(4).1.85CH(3)OH, 9, is produced. In the presence of H(2)O, the Cs(+) cation induces the aggregation of the [Ni(L)(H(2)O)(2)] monomer to give the cluster Cs(2)[Ni(L)(H(2)O)(2)](6).2I.4CH(3)OH.5.25H(2)O, 10. Analysis by electronic spectroscopy and mass spectrometry indicates that in solution the trend in stability follows the order 1-6 > 7 > 8 approximately 9. Magnetic susceptibility data indicate that there is net antiferromagnetic exchange between magnetic centers within the cages.     

Synthesis and characterization of a family of penta- and tetra-manganese(III) complexes derived from an assembly system containing tert-butylphosphonic acid

A family of manganese complexes, [Mn 5O 3( t-BuPO 3) 2(MeCOO) 5(H 2O)(phen) 2] ( 1), [Mn 5O 3( t-BuPO 3) 2(PhCOO) 5(phen) 2] ( 2), [Mn 4O 2( t-BuPO 3) 2(RCOO) 4(bpy) 2] (R = Me, ( 3); R = Ph, ( 4)), NBu (n) 4[Mn 4O 2(EtCOO) 3(MeCOO) 4(pic) 2] ( 5), NR' 4[Mn 4O 2( i-PrCOO) 7(pic) 2] (R' = Bu (n) , ( 6); R' = Et, ( 7)), were synthesized and characterized. The seven manganese clusters were all prepared from a reaction system containing tert-butylphosphonic acid, Mn(O 2CR) 2 (R = Me, Ph) and NR' 4MnO 4 (R' = Bu (n) , Et) with similar procedures except for using different N-containing ligands (1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and picolinic acid (picH)) as coligands. The structures of these complexes vary with the N-containing donors. Both the cores of complexes 1 and 2 feature three mu 3-O and two capping t-BuPO 3 (2-) groups bridging five Mn (III) atoms to form a basket-like cage structure. Complexes 3 and 4 both have one [Mn 4(mu 3-O) 2] (8+) core with four coplanar Mn (III) atoms disposed in an extended "butterfly-like" arrangement and two capping mu 3- t-BuPO 3 (2-) binding to three manganese centers above and below the Mn 4 plane. Complexes 5, 6, and 7 all possess one [Mn 4(mu 3-O) 2] (8+) core just as complexes 3 and 4, but they display a folded "butterfly-like" conformation with the four Mn (III) atoms nonplanar. Thus, the seven compounds are classified into three types, and three representative compounds 1.2H 2O.MeOH.MeCN , 3.6H 2O.2MeCOOH , and 5.0.5H 2O have been characterized by IR spectroscopy, ESI-MS spectroscopy, magnetic measurements and in situ UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical analysis. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the existence of both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Mn (III) ions in compound 1.2H 2O.MeOH.MeCN , and antiferromagnetic interactions in 3.6H 2O.2MeCOOH and 5.0.5H 2O. Fitting the experimental data led to the following parameters: J 1 = -2.18 cm (-1), J 2 = 6.93 cm (-1), J 3 = -13.94 cm (-1), J 4 = -9.62 cm (-1), J 5 = -11.17 cm (-1), g = 2.00 ( 1.2H 2O.MeOH.MeCN ), J 1 = -5.41 cm (-1), J 2 = -35.44 cm (-1), g = 2.13, zJ' = -1.55 cm (-1) ( 3.6H 2O.2MeCOOH ) and J 1 = -2.29 cm (-1), J 2 = -35.21 cm (-1), g = 2.02, zJ' = -0.86 cm (-1) ( 5.0.5H 2O ).     

Nine Diiron(II) Complexes of Three Bis-tetradentate Pyrimidine Based Ligands with NCE (E = S, Se, BH(3)) Coligands

Three bis-tetradentate acyclic amine ligands differing only in the arm length of the pyridine pendant arms attached to the 4,6-positions of the pyrimidine ring, namely, 4,6-bis[N,N-bis(2'-pyridylethyl)aminomethyl]-2-phenylpyrimidine (L(Et)), 4,6-bis[N,N-bis(2'-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-2-phenylpyrimidine (L(Me)), and 4,6-[(2'-pyridylmethyl)-2'-pyridylethyl)aminomethyl]-2-phenylpyrimidine (L(Mix)) have been used to synthesize nine air-sensitive diiron(II) complexes: [Fe(II)(2)L(Et)(NCS)(4)]·MeOH·(3)/(4)H(2)O (1·MeOH·(3)/(4)H(2)O), [Fe(II)(2)L(Et)(NCSe)(4)]·H(2)O (2·H(2)O), [Fe(II)(2)L(Et)(NCBH(3))(4)]·(5)/(2)H(2)O (3·(5)/(2)H(2)O), [Fe(II)(2)L(Me)(NCS)(4)]·(1)/(2)H(2)O (4·(1)/(2)H(2)O), [Fe(II)(2)L(Me)(NCSe)(4)] (5), [Fe(II)(2)L(Me)(NCBH(3))(4)]·(3)/(2)H(2)O (6·(3)/(2)H(2)O), [Fe(II)(2)L(Mix)(NCS)(4)]·(1)/(2)H(2)O (7·(1)/(2)H(2)O), [Fe(II)(2)L(Mix)(NCSe)(4)]·(3)/(2)H(2)O (8·(3)/(2)H(2)O), and [Fe(II)(2)L(Mix)(NCBH(3))(4)]·(3)/(2)H(2)O (9·(3)/(2)H(2)O). Complexes 3·(5)/(2)H(2)O, 4·(1)/(2)H(2)O, 5, 6·(3)/(2)H(2)O, and 8·(3)/(2)H(2)O were structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography, revealing, in all cases, both of the iron(II) centers in an octahedral environment with two NCE (E = S, Se, or BH(3)) anions in a cis-position relative to one another. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that all nine diiron(II) complexes are stabilized in the [HS-HS] state from 300 K to 4 K, and exhibit weak antiferromagnetic coupling. M?ssbauer spectroscopy confirmed the spin and oxidation states of eight of the nine complexes (the synthesis of air-sensitive complex 3 was not readily reproduced).     

One pot-synthesis of chiral Ni6 clusters involving Ni3 subunits: a combined structural, magnetic and DFT study

Ni(6) clusters of the general formula [{Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(X)(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)] (n = 1, 2; X = Cl(-) or N(3)(-), (L(n))(3-) = hexadentate tritopic ligands) can be isolated by spontaneous self-assembly, from mixtures of Ni(OAc)(2), H(3)L(n), NMe(4)OH·5H(2)O and NaX in adequate molar ratios. Thus, four new hexanuclear complexes [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·7.5H(2)O (1·7.5H(2)O), [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH (2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH), [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·6H(2)O (3·6H(2)O) and [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·4H(2)O (4·4H(2)O) were obtained and fully characterised. 1·7.5H(2)O and 2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH were isolated in the form of single crystals, the latter losing solvate on drying, to yield 2·2H(2)O. Recrystallisation of 3·6H(2)O in MeCN/MeOH also generates single crystals of 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN. Their X-ray characterisation shows that these Ni(6) clusters can be considered to be built from two triangular trinuclear [Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)](+) subunits with different connectors. In addition, these studies demonstrate that the (L(n))(3-) ligands behave as trinucleating, adopting such a conformation that induces chirality in the isolated compounds. In this way, 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN appears particularly interesting, since it emerges as homochiral after undergoing spontaneous resolution upon crystallisation. The magnetic characterisation of 1·7.5H(2)O to 3·6H(2)O reveals that the three compounds present an overall antiferromagnetic coupling. The intricate magnetic behaviour of these clusters, mediated by a total of 14 bridges of different kinds, was analysed and satisfactorily interpreted in light of DFT calculations.     

Self-assembly of a tetranuclear Ni4 cluster with an S = 4 ground state: the first 3d metal cluster bearing a mu4-eta2:eta2-O,O carbonate ligand

Reaction of nickel(II) acetate with H(3)L (2-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine) yields [Ni(2)L(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)].3MeCN.2H(2)O (1.3MeCN.2H(2)O), crystallographically characterized. 1 is unstable in solution for a long time and hydrolyzes to give [Ni(2)L(o-OC(6)H(3)BrCHO)(H(2)O)].2.25MeCN.H(2)O (2.2.25MeCN.H(2)O). In addition, 1 uptakes CO(2) from air in a basic methanol/acetonitrile solution, yielding [[Ni(2)L(MeOH)](2)(CO(3))].1.5MeOH.MeCN.H(2)O (3.1.5MeOH.MeCN.H(2)O). The X-ray characterization of 3 reveals that it is a tetranuclear nickel cluster, which can be considered as the result of a self-assembly process from two dinuclear [Ni(2)L](+) blocks, joined by a mu(4)-eta(2):eta(2)-O,O carbonate ligand. The coordination mode of the carbonate anion is highly unusual and, to the best of our knowledge, it has not been described thus far for first-row transition metal complexes or magnetically studied until now. Magnetic characterization of 1 and 3 shows net intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the metal atoms in both cases, with S = 2 and S = 4 ground states for 1 and 3, respectively.     

Polymetallic clusters of iron(III) with derivatised salicylaldoximes

The synthesis and magnetic properties of the compounds [HNEt(3)][Fe(2)(OMe)(Ph-sao)(2) (Ph-saoH)(2)].5MeOH (1.5MeOH), [Fe(3)O(Et-sao)(O(2)CPh)(5)(MeOH)(2)].3MeOH (2.3MeOH), [Fe(4)(Me-sao)(4)(Me-saoH)(4)] (3), [HNEt(3)](2)[Fe(6)O(2)(Me-sao)(4)(SO(4))(2)(OMe)(4)(MeOH)(2)] (4), [Fe(8)O(3)(Me-sao)(3)(tea)(teaH)(3)(O(2)CMe)(3)] (5), [Fe(8)O(3)(Et-sao)(3)(tea)(teaH)(3)(O(2)CMe)(3)] (6), and [Fe(8)O(3)(Ph-sao)(3)(tea)(teaH)(3)(O(2)CMe)(3)] (7) are reported (Me-saoH(2) is 2'-hydroxyacetophenone oxime, Et-saoH(2) is 2'-hydroxypropiophenone oxime and Ph-saoH(2) is 2-hydroxybenzophenone oxime). 1-7 are the first Fe(III) compounds synthesised using the derivatised salicylaldoxime ligands, R-saoH(2). 1 is prepared by treatment of Fe(2)(SO(4))(3).6H(2)O with Ph-saoH(2) in the presence of NEt(3) in MeOH; 2 prepared by treatment of Fe(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O with Et-saoH(2) and NaO(2)CPh in the presence of NEt(4)OH in MeOH; 3 prepared by treatment of Fe(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O with Me-saoH(2) and NaO(2)CCMe(3) in the presence of NEt(4)OH in MeOH; and 4 prepared by treatment of Fe(2)(SO(4))(3).6H(2)O with Me-saoH(2) in the presence of NEt(3) in MeOH. 4 is a rare example of a polynuclear iron complex containing a coordinated SO(4)(2-) ion. Compounds 5-7 are prepared by treatment of Fe(O(2)CMe)(2) with Me-saoH(2) (5), Et-saoH(2) (6), Ph-saoH(2) (7) in the presence of H(3)tea (triethanolamine) in MeOH, and represent the largest nuclearity Fe(III) clusters containing salicyladoxime-based ligands, joining a surprisingly small family of characterised octanuclear Fe complexes. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibilty measurements of 1, 3 and 5-7 reveal all five complexes possess S = 0 spin ground states; 2 possesses an S = 1/2 spin ground state, while 4 has an S = 4 +/- 1 spin ground state.     

Mononuclear manganese(III) complexes as building blocks for the design of trinuclear manganese clusters: study of the ligand influence on the magnetic properties of the [Mn3(mu3-O)](7+) core

The synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of three new manganese(III) clusters are reported, [Mn 3(mu 3-O)(phpzH) 3(MeOH) 3(OAc)] (1), [Mn 3(mu 3-O)(phpzMe) 3(MeOH) 3(OAc)].1.5MeOH (2), and [Mn 3(mu 3-O)(phpzH) 3(MeOH) 4(N 3)].MeOH (3) (H 2phpzH = 3(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-pyrazole and H 2phpzMe = 3(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5(3)-methylpyrazole). Complexes 1- 3 consist of a triangle of manganese(III) ions with an oxido-center bridge and three ligands, phpzR (2-) (R = H, Me) that form a plane with the metal ions. All the complexes contain the same core with the general formula [Mn 3(mu 3-O)(phpzR) 3] (+). Methanol molecules and additional bridging ligands, that is, acetate (complexes 1 and 2) and azide (complex 3), are at the terminal positions. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility studies indicate the presence of predominant antiferromagnetic intramolecular interactions between manganese(III) ions in 1 and 3, while both antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic intramolecular interactions are operative in 2.     

Aggregation of tetranuclear Mn building blocks with alkali ion. Syntheses, crystal structures and chemical behaviors of monomer, dimer and polymer containing [Mn4(mu3-O)2]8+ units

Aggregation of tetranuclear Mn(4)O(2) building blocks with alkali ion was studied. Several Mn(iii) complexes containing [Mn(4)O(2)(AcO)(7)(pyz)(2)](-) (pyz = pyrazinate) anion(s) were obtained from an assembly system containing Mn(ii), MnO(4)(-), HOAc and Hpyz (Napyz or Kpyz). These [Mn(4)O(2)](8+) complexes have monomeric (1 and 2), dimeric (4 and 5) and one-dimensional chain () structures of which alkali metal ion connects the Mn ions of adjacent [Mn(4)O(2)](8+) units through mu(1,1)- and mu(1,3)-carboxylate bridges. Complexes 2 or 3 were converted into [Mn(12)O(12)(AcO)(16)(H(2)O)(4)] in EtOH solution in the presence of HOAc. However, in MeOH solution, a coordination polymer [Mn(2)(HCOO)(4)(H(2)O)(4)](n) was obtained accompanying the oxidation of MeOH to become HCHO and HCOOH. Tracing the (1)H NMR spectra of 2 or 3 in CD(3)OD, the disappearance of the resonance signals in 3 h indicated the decomposition of the [Mn(4)O(2)](8+) cores. Complex 2 exhibits its proton NMR signals in CDCl(3) which are similar to those of its pic analogue but accompany downfield shift to various extents for all the corresponding signals. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibilities of complexes 2-5 in the range 5-300 K were recorded and were fitted for an Mn(4)O(2) butterfly core, giving the fitting parameters J(bb) = -2.67 to -3.76 cm(-1) and J(wb) = -1.16 to -3.14 cm(-1). Small J values indicate weak antiferromagnetic coupling interactions of the Mn(iii) sites and the spin ground states are considered as S(T) = 0 based on the J(bb)/J(wb) ratio approximately 1 for these complexes. The ESR spectra were recorded for complex 2 in dual-mode at liquid-helium temperatures and no obvious signal could be found. The addition of p-cresol gives rise to the reduction of the [Mn(4)O(2)](8+), resulting in observable signals.     

Pentanuclear tetra-decker luminescent lanthanide Schiff base complexes

Luminescent pentanuclear tetra-decker Ln(III) complexes [Eu5L4(OH)2(NO3)4(H2O)2].NO3.3H2O , [Nd5L4(OH)2(NO3)5MeOH].3MeOH.2H2O and [Eu5L4(CF3SO3)4(MeO)2(H2O)4].CF3SO3.H2O are formed from Ln(NO3)3.6H2O (Ln = Eu (1), Nd (2)) and Eu(CF3SO3)3, respectively (H2L = N,N'-bis(5-bromo-3-methoxysalicylidene)phenylene-1,2-diamine).     

Syntheses, crystal structures, magnetic properties, and EPR spectra of tetranuclear copper(II) complexes featuring pairs of "roof-shaped" Cu2X2 dimers with hydroxide, methoxide, and azide bridges

Hydroxo- and methoxo-bridged tetranuclear copper(II) complexes of the tetramacrocyclic ligand 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene (Ldur), have been prepared from [Cu4Ldur(H2O)8](ClO4)8.9H2O (1). Addition of base to an aqueous solution of 1 gave [Cu4Ldur(mu2-OH)4](ClO4)4 (2). Diffusion of MeOH into a DMF solution of 2 produces [Cu4Ldur(mu2-OMe)4](ClO4)4.HClO4.2/3MeOH (3), a complex which hydrolyzes on exposure to moisture regenerating 2. The structurally related azido-bridged complex, [Cu4Ldur(mu2-N3)4](PF6)4.4H2O.6CH3CN (4), was produced by reaction of Ldur with 4 molar equiv of Cu(OAc)2.H2O and NaN3 in the presence of excess KPF6. Compounds 2-4 crystallize in the triclinic space group P1 (No. 2) with a = 10.248(1) A, b = 12.130(2) A, c = 14.353(2) A, alpha = 82.23(1) degrees, beta = 80.79(1) degrees, gamma = 65.71(1) degrees, and Z = 1 for 2, a = 10.2985(4) A, b = 12.1182(4) A, c = 13.9705(3) A, alpha = 89.978(2) degrees, beta = 82.038(2) degrees, gamma = 65.095(2) degrees, and Z = 1 for 3, and a = 12.059(2) A, b = 12.554(2) A, c = 14.051(2) A, alpha = 91.85(1) degrees, beta = 98.22(1) degrees, gamma = 105.62(1) degrees, and Z = 1 for 4. The complexes feature pairs of isolated dibridged copper(II) dimers with "roof-shaped" Cu2(mu2-X)2 cores (X = OH-, OMe-, N3-), as indicated by the dihedral angle between the two CuX2 planes (159 degrees for 2, 161 degrees for 3, and 153 degrees for 4). This leads to Cu.Cu distances of 2.940(4) A for 2, 2.962(1) A for 3, and 3.006(5) A for 4. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -27 cm(-1)) for the hydroxo-bridged copper(II) centers in 2 and very strong antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -269 cm(-1)) for the methoxo-bridged copper(II) centers in 3. Pairs of copper(II) centers in 4 display the strongest ferromagnetic interaction (J = 94 cm(-1)) reported thus far for bis(mu2-1,1-azido)-bridged dicopper units. Spectral measurements on a neat powdered sample of 4 at 33.9 GHz or 90 Ghz confirm the spin-triplet ground state for the azido-bridged copper(II) pairs.     

Europium(II) compounds: simple synthesis of a molecular complex in water and coordination polymers with 2,2'-bipyrimidine-mediated ferromagnetic interactions

Reaction between EuCl(2) and 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpm) in de-oxygenated water afforded a cationic molecular complex [EuCl(bpm)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][Cl]·H(2)O (1). When performed in an organic solvent such as THF or methanol, the same reaction yielded a 3-dimensional coordination polymer of formula [EuCl(2)(bpm)(MeOH)(0.5)](∞) (2) in which both bpm and the chloride ions act as linkers between the Eu(II) ions. Upon replacing Cl(-) by I(-), two coordination polymers of formula {[Eu(bpm)(2)(H(2)O)(3)][I](2)·0.5bpm}(∞) (3) and {[Eu(I)(bpm)(MeOH)][I]}(∞) (4) were obtained from reaction in water and methanol, respectively. All these compounds were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Investigations of the magnetic properties revealed a weak antiferromagnetic coupling in 2, while 3 and 4 showed a weak ferromagnetic coupling at low temperature.