Two new Co(II) coordination polymers based on carboxylate-bridged di- and trinuclear clusters with a pyridinedicarboxylate ligand: synthesis, structures and magnetism

Two new Co(II) coordination polymers with a pyridinedicarboxylate ligand, {[Co(L)(H(2)O)]·H(2)O}(n) (1) and [Co(3)(HCOO)(2)(L)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n) (2) (H(2)L = 5-(pyridin-4-yl)isophthalic acid), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR, XRPD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structure analyses show that complex 1 has a two-dimensional (2D) double-layered structure with a (3,6)-connected kgd topology based on [Co(2)O(2)] units, while complex 2 takes a three-dimensional (3D) structure with (3,6)-connected rtl topology network based on linear [Co(3)(HCOO)(2)(CO(2))(4)] clusters with triple carboxylate bridges. Magnetic investigation indicates that besides strong spin-orbit coupling of Co(II) ions, ferromagnetic and weak ferromagnetic exchange interactions between Co(II) ions in the Co(2) and Co(3) clusters exist in 1 and 2, respectively. The FC/ZFC magnetization behaviors for both of them suggest the absence of any long-range magnetic ordering.     

Physical stability vs. chemical lability in microporous metal coordination polymers: a comparison of [Cu(OH)(INA)]n and [Cu(INA)2]n: INA = 1,4-(NC5H4CO2)

Two microporous copper isonicotinate polymers [Cu(OH)(INA)] and [Cu(INA)2] have been formed hydrothermally in good yield and purity; each have 1D channels of ca. 4 x 6 A dimension, but with quite different hydrophilicities; both frameworks retain structural integrity to above 200 degrees C, however whilst [Cu(OH)(INA)] is also chemically stable, [Cu(INA)2] is highly labile and readily transforms to the molecular complex [Cu(INA)2(H2O)4] in water at room temperature.     

Fluorinated Metal–Organic Frameworks: Advantageous for Higher H2 and CO2 Adsorption or Not?

The synthesis, structure, and gas adsorption properties of three new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) designed from isonicotinic acid (INA) and its fluorinated analogue 3-fluoroisonicotinic acid (FINA) along with Co(II) as the metal center have been reported. Co-INA-1 ([Co(3)(INA)(4)(O)(C(2)H(5)OH)(3)][NO(3)]·C(2)H(5)OH·3H(2)O; INA=isonicotinic acid) and Co-INA-2 ([Co(INA)(2)]·DMF) are structural isomers as are Co-FINA-1 ([Co(3-)(FINA)(4)(O)(C(2) H(5) OH)(2)]·H(2)O; FINA=3-fluoroisonicotinic acid) and Co-FINA-2 ([Co(FINA)(2)]·H(2)O), but the most important thing to note here is that Co-INA-1 and Co-FINA-1 are isostructural as are Co-INA-2 and Co-FINA-2. The effect of partial introduction of fluorine atoms into the framework on the gas uptake properties of MOFs having similar structures has been analyzed experimentally and computationally in isostructural MOFs.     

Technetium(I) carbonyl dithiocarbamates and xanthates

Technetium(I) tetracarbonyl complexes with diethyldithiocarbamate and methylxanthate ligands [TcL(CO)(4)] (L = S(2)CNEt(2) and S(2)COMe) were prepared. Conditions required for the formation of these complexes were found. The crystal and molecular structure of the xanthate complex was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [Tc(S(2)CNEt(2))(CO)(4)] undergoes decarbonylation both in solution and in the course of vacuum sublimation with the formation of a dimer [Tc(S(2)CNEt(2))(CO)(3)](2) whose structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In donor solvents, [Tc(S(2)CNEt(2))(CO)(4)] and [Tc(S(2)COMe)(CO)(4)] undergo decarbonylation with the formation of tricarbonyl solvates [TcL(CO)(3)(Sol)]. The crystal structure of the pyridine solvate [Tc(S(2)CNEt(2))(CO)(3)(py)], chosen as an example, was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The possibility of using bidentate S-donor acidic ligands for tethering the tetracarbonyltechnetium fragment to biomolecules was examined.     

Tossing and turning: guests in the flexible frameworks of metal(III) dicarboxylates

Single crystals of Ga(OH)(C(8)H(4)O(4)).0.74C(8)H(6)O(4) (2) and Ga(OH,F)(C(8)H(4)O(4)).0.74C(8)H(6)O(4) (3) were obtained under hydrothermal conditions. The structures of 2 and 3 have the same topological framework as the previously reported aluminum 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (BDC), Al(OH)(C(8)H(4)O(4)).0.7C(8)H(6)O(4) (1). The frameworks are built by interconnecting M-OH-M chains (M = Al, Ga) with BDC anions to form large diamond-shaped one-dimensional channels filled with additional H(2)BDC guest molecules occupying disordered positions in the channels. Upon removal of H(2)BDC, other guest molecules such as H(2)O and pyridine can be inserted. In this work, we present a study of the intercalation of aromatic guests (BDC and pyridine) into frameworks of 1-3 by liquid and vapor diffusion into the empty channels of 1 and by single-crystal-to-single-crystal solvothermal guest exchange for 2 and 3. In the case of Al(OH)BDC and Ga(OH,F)BDC, two interconvertible, guest-concentration-dependent phases with different orientations of the pyridine guests have been observed, while only one pyridine orientation is found in Ga(OH)BDC.     

Tridymite-like host clathrate [K(H2O)n][CuZn(CN)4]: crystal structure, guest molecular motion and properties

A new clathrate [K(H(2)O)(n)][CuZn(CN)(4)] has been synthesized and its host structure has been determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. It has a [CuZn(CN)(4)](-) tridymite-like 3D framework host, formed with tetrahedral Cu(I) and Zn(II) ions and cyanide bridges and includes water molecules as guests, together with K(+). This tridymite-like structure is the first structural variation of the [CuZn(CN)(4)](-) 3D framework, whose only known structure has been a cristobalite-like structure. The new host shows properties never seen in the previous cristobalite-like structure host. It absorbs and desorbs water as a guest and the water content (n) varies between 1.2 and 11.2 at room temperature, by adjusting the conditions where the clathrate is placed. The desorption of the water causes deformation of the host structure and this deformation is recovered by the absorption of water. The water can be replaced with methanol and acetonitrile by their absorption instead of water. Solid-state (2)H-NMR spectra revealed the molecular motion of the water, methanol and acetonitrile guests in a temperature range between 123 K and 300 K.     

Salts of the cobalt(I) complexes [Co(CO)5]+ and [Co(CO)2(NO)(2)]+ and the Lewis acid-base adduct [Co2(CO)7CO--B(CF3)3

The reaction of [Co(2)(CO)(8)] with (CF(3))(3)BCO in hexane leads to the Lewis acid-base adduct [Co(2)(CO)(7)CO--B(CF(3))(3)] in high yield. When the reaction is performed in anhydrous HF solution [Co(CO)(5)][(CF(3))(3)BF] is isolated. The product contains the first example of a homoleptic metal pentacarbonyl cation with 18 valence electrons and a trigonal-bipyramidal structure. Treatment of [Co(2)(CO)(8)] or [Co(CO)(3)NO] with NO(+) salts of weakly coordinating anions results in mixed crystals containing the [Co(CO)(5)](+)/[Co(CO)(2)(NO)(2)](+) ions or pure novel [Co(CO)(2)(NO)(2)](+) salts, respectively. This is a promising route to other new metal carbonyl nitrosyl cations or even homoleptic metal nitrosyl cations. All compounds were characterized by vibrational spectroscopy and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Novel flexible frameworks of porous cobalt(II) coordination polymers that show selective guest adsorption based on the switching of hydrogen-bond pairs of amide groups

Four porous crystalline coordination polymers with two-dimensional frameworks of a double-edged axe-shaped motif, [[Co(NCS)(2)(3-pia)(2)] x 2 EtOH.11 H(2)O](n) (1 a), [[Co(NCS)(2)(3-pia)(2)] x 4 Me(2)CO](n) (3 a), [[Co(NCS)(2)(3-pia)(2)] x 4T HF](n) (3 b) and [[Co(NCS)(2)(3-pna)(2)](n)] (5), have been synthesized by the reaction of cobalt(II) thiocyanate with N-(3-pyridyl)isonicotinamide (3-pia) or N-(3-pyridyl)nicotinamide (3-pna). X-ray crystallographic characterization reveals that adjacent layers are stacked such that channels are created, except in 5. The channels form a hydrogen-bonded interior for guest molecules; in practice, 1 a contains ethanol and water molecules as guests in the channels with hydrogen bonds, whereas 3 b (3 a) contains tetrahydrofuran (acetone) molecules. In 1 a, the "double-edged axe-shaped" motifs in adjacent sheets are not located over the top of each other, while the motifs in 3 b stack so perfectly as to overlap each other in an edge-to-edge fashion. This subtle change in the three-dimensional framework is associated with the template effect of the guests. Compound 5 has no guest molecules and, therefore, the amide groups in one sheet are used for hydrogen-bonding links with adjacent sheets. Removal of the guest molecules from 1 a and 3 b (3 a) causes a structural conversion accompanied by a color change. Pink 1 a cannot retain its original framework and changes into a blue amorphous compound. On the other hand, the framework of pink 3 b (3 a) is transformed to a new crystalline framework of violet 4. Interestingly, 4 reverts to the original pink crystals of 3 b (3 a) when it is exposed to THF (or acetone) vapor. Spectroscopic measurements (visible, EPR, and IR) provide a clue to the crystal-to-crystal transformation; on removal of the guests, the amide groups are used to form the beta sheet-type hydrogen bonding between the sheets, and thus the framework withstands significant stress on removal of guest molecules. This mechanism is attributed to the arrangement of the adjacent sheets so suited in regularity that the beta sheet-type structure forms efficiently. The apohost 4 does not adsorb cyclopentane, showing a guest selectivity that, in addition to size, hydrogen-bonding capability is required for the guest molecules. The obtained compound is categorized as a member of a new generation of compounds tending towards functional porous coordination polymers.     

Reaction of nido-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(13) with Dicobalt Octacarbonyl: Crystal Structures of the Complexes [Co(2)(CO)(2)(eta(5)-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11))(2)], [Co(2)(CO)(PMe(2)Ph)(eta(5)-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11))(2)], and [CoCl(PMe(2)Ph)(2)(eta(5)-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11))

The compounds [Co(2)(CO)(8)] and nido-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(13) react in CH(2)Cl(2) to give a complex mixture of products consisting primarily of two isomers of the dicobalt species [Co(2)(CO)(2)(eta(5)-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11))(2)] (1), together with small amounts of a mononuclear cobalt compound [Co(CO)(2)(eta(5)-10-CO-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(10))] (5) and a charge-compensated carborane nido-9-CO-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11) (6). In solution, isomers 1a and 1b slowly equilibrate. However, column chromatography allows a clean separation of 1a from the mixture, and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study revealed that each metal atom is ligated by a terminal CO molecule and in a pentahapto manner by a nido-C(2)B(9)H(11) cage framework. The two Co(CO)(eta(5)-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11)) units are linked by a Co-Co bond [2.503(2) ?], which is supported by two three-center two-electron B-H right harpoon-up Co bonds. The latter employ B-H vertices in each cage which lie in alpha-sites with respect to the carbons in the CCBBB rings bonded to cobalt. Addition of PMe(2)Ph to a CH(2)Cl(2) solution of a mixture of the isomers 1, enriched in 1b, gave isomers of formulation [Co(2)(CO)(PMe(2)Ph)(eta(5)-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11))(2)] (2). Crystals of one isomer were suitable for X-ray diffraction. The molecule 2a has a structure similar to that of 1a but differs in that whereas one B-H right harpoon-up Co bridge involves a boron atom in an alpha-site of a CCBBB ring coordinated to cobalt, the other uses a boron atom in the beta-site. Reaction between 1b and an excess of PMe(2)Ph in CH(2)Cl(2) gave the complex [CoCl(PMe(2)Ph)(2)(eta(5)-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11))] (3), the structure of which was established by X-ray diffraction. Experiments indicated that 3 was formed through a paramagnetic Co(II) species of formulation [Co(PMe(2)Ph)(2)(eta(5)-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11))]. Addition of 2 molar equiv of CNBu(t) to solutions of either 1a or 1b gave a mixture of two isomers of the complex [Co(2)(CNBu(t))(2)(eta(5)-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11))(2)] (4). NMR data for the new compounds are reported and discussed.     

Increasing nuclearity of secondary building units in porous cobalt(II) metal-organic frameworks: variation in structure and H2 adsorption

Reaction of Co(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O with H(2)L [H(2)L = pyridine-4-(phenyl-3',5'-dicarboxylic acid)] under different reaction conditions gives three closely-related metal-organic framework polymers, {[Co(2)(L)(2)(DMF)]·n(solv)}(∞) (1), {[Co(L)]·2DMF}(∞) (2) and {[Co(3)(L)(3)(DMF)(0.5)(H(2)O)(1.5)]·n(solv)}(∞) (3). Variation in reaction conditions thus has a decisive impact on the materials isolated, producing frameworks based upon either binuclear (1, 2) or trinuclear (3) cobalt cluster nodes. Analysis of their crystal structures shows that all three contain considerable solvent-accessible volumes, an indication of porosity that is confirmed for desolvated 1 and 3, which can store up to 2.75 and 2.33 wt% of H(2) at 78 K and 20 bar, respectively.     

Structural determination of ruthenium-porphyrin complexes relevant to catalytic epoxidation of olefins

A reproducible synthesis of a competent epoxidation catalyst, [Ru(VI)(TPP)(O)2)] (TPP = tetraphenylporphyrin dianion), starting from [Ru(II)(TPP)(CO)L] (L = none or CH3OH), is described. The molecular structure of the complex was determined by using ab initio X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) methods, and its solution behavior was in detail investigated by NMR techniques such as PGSE (pulsed field gradient spin-echo) measurements. [Ru(IV)(TPP)(OH)]2O, a reported byproduct in the synthesis of [Ru(VI)(TPP)(O)2], was synthesized in a pure form by oxidation of [Ru(II)(TPP)(CO)L] or by a coproportionation reaction of [Ru(VI)(TPP)(O)2] and [Ru(II)(TPP)(CO)L], and its molecular structure was then determined by XRPD analysis. [Ru(VI)(TPP)(O)2] can be reduced by dimethyl sulfoxide or by carbon monoxide to yield [Ru(II)(TPP)(S-DMSO)2] or [Ru(II)(TPP)(CO)(H2O)], respectively. These two species were characterized by conventional single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Structural Characterization and Luminescence Properties of Two 4d-4fLn-Ag Coordination Compounds Based on Dinuclear Lanthanide Clusters

Two new compounds,[ErAg（INA）2（C2O4）]·2H2O（1）（HINA=nicotinic acid） and [Tb0.8Y0.2Ag2（IN）4·（H2O）5]·NO3·2H2O（2）（HIN=isonicotinic acid）,based on the {Ln2} building units,have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,infrared spectroscopy,thermal analysis and powder X-ray diffraction（PXRD）.Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data reveal that both compounds crystallized in the low-symmetry triclinic space group P1-.Compound 1 is a 3D heterometallic coordination framework based on {Er2}clusters,oxalate ligands and bridging [Ag（INA）] linkers,while compound 2 consists of 0D [Tb0.8·Y0.2Ag2（IN）4（H2O）5]2 subunits that give a 3D supramolecular structure through hydrogen bond interaction.The photoluminescent properties of both compounds（1 and 2） were studied.     

Synthesis of the new, cubane-like W3S4Co cluster core. Completion of the homologous series [(eta5-Cp')3M3S4Co(CO)] (M = Cr, Mo, W)

Reaction between the cluster salts [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)M(3)S(4)][pts] (M = Mo, W; Cp' = methylcyclopentadienyl; pts = p-toluenesulfonate) and [Co(2)(CO)(8)] yielded the electroneutral clusters [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)M(3)S(4)Co(CO)]. The molecular structure of [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)W(3)S(4)Co(CO)] was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The unprecedented 60 electron W(3)S(4)Co cluster completes a homologous series of heterobimetallic clusters, [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)M(3)S(4)Co(CO)] (M = Cr, Mo, W), containing a cubane-like core motif.     

Tetra-2,3-pyrazinoporphyrazines with externally appended pyridine rings. 1. Tetrakis-2,3-[5,6-di(2-pyridyl)pyrazino]porphyrazine: a new macrocycle with remarkable electron-deficient properties

A new pyrazinoporphyrazine macrocycle carrying externally appended pyridine rings, tetrakis-2,3-[5,6-di(2-pyridyl)pyrazino]porphyrazine (hydrated), [Py(8)TPyzPzH(2)].2H(2)O, was prepared in high yield by direct cyclotetramerization of the precursor, 2,3-dicyano-5,6-di(2-pyridyl)-1,4-pyrazine, [(CN)(2)Py(2)Pyz], in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU). The single-crystal X-ray structure of [(CN)(2)Py(2)Pyz] shows a noncoplanar positioning of the pyrazine and pyridine rings in the two slightly different independent molecular units present in the crystal. UV-vis spectra of [Py(8)TPyzPzH(2)] were measured in two nondonor solvents (CHCl(3), CH(2)Cl(2)), a slightly basic solvent (pyridine), and an acidic solvent (CH(3)COOH). In all cases, the spectral changes are consistent with the occurrence of molecular aggregation and colloidal dispersions which break up with time to give clear solutions containing exclusively the monomeric form of the macrocycle, either neutral [Py(8)TPyzPzH(2)] (in CHCl(3), CH(2)Cl(2), and CH(3)COOH) or dianionic [Py(8)TPyzPz](2)(-) (in pyridine). A spectrally monitored titration of [Py(8)TPyzPzH(2)] in CH(2)Cl(2) with TBA(OH) shows the loss of two protons from the macrocyclic core and quantitative conversion of [Py(8)TPyzPzH(2)] to [Py(8)TPyzPz](2)(-). Cyclic voltammetry and thin-layer spectroelectrochemical measurements show that [Py(8)TPyzPzH(2)] is present in CH(2)Cl(2) while [Py(8)TPyzPz](2)(-) is present in pyridine, but both forms of the compound exhibit identical electrochemical behavior, consistent with a conversion of the dianion to the neutral porphyrazine in pyridine prior to electroreduction via four reversible one-electron transfer steps. No oxidations of the macrocycle are observed in either solvent containing 0.1 M tetrabuthylammonium perchlorate (TBAP). A comparison of the electrochemical behavior for [Py(8)TPyzPzH(2)] with what is reported for related phthalocyanine and porphyrazine analogues highlights the remarkable electron-accepting properties of the presently investigated free-base macrocycle.     

A dynamic open framework exhibiting guest- and/or temperature-induced bicycle-pedal motion in single-crystal to single-crystal transformation

A ligand bis(4-imidazol-1-yl-phenyl)diazene (azim) incorporating an azo moiety at the center and two imidazole groups at the terminals forms two coordination polymers {[Co(azim)(2)(DMF)(2)]·(ClO(4))(2)·2DMF}(n) (1) and {[Cd(azim)(2)(DMF)(2)]·(ClO(4))(2)·2DMF}(n) (2) (DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide) at room temperature. Both 1 and 2 are isostructural with rhombic two-dimensional sheets stacking in ABAB... fashion resulting in large voids that contain DMF and ClO(4)ˉ as guests. In 1, the azo groups and phenyl rings are disordered over two positions and as in usual cases, the pedal motion cannot be discerned. Upon heating, 1 turns amorphous. In the case of 2, however, heat treatment does not lead to loss of crystallinity. Thus, when a crystal of 2 (mother crystal) is heated slowly, it causes substantial movement or escape of both metal-bound and lattice DMF besides movement of ClO(4)ˉ anions to give daughter crystals 2a, 2b, and 2c without losing crystallinity (single-crystal to single-crystal (SC-SC) transformation). Most interestingly, the X-ray structures of 2 and its daughter products reveal stepwise reversible bicycle-pedal or crankshaft motion of the azo group. When a crystal of 2c is kept in DMF for 10 h, crystal 2' is formed whose structure is similar to that of 2 with slight changes in the bond distances and angles. Also, crystals of 2 are converted to 3 and 4 upon being kept in acetone or DEF (DEF = N,N'-diethylformamide), respectively, for 10 h at ambient temperature in SC-SC transformation. In 3, each lattice DMF molecule is replaced by an acetone molecule, leaving the two coordinated DMF molecules intact. However, in 4, all lattice and coordinated DMF molecules are replaced by equal number of DEF molecules. Both in 3 and 4, the azo moieties show bicycle-pedal motion. Thus, bicycle-pedal motion that normally cannot be observed is shown here to be triggered by heat as well as guest molecules in SC-SC fashion.     

In situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of desorption and sorption in a flexible nanoporous molecular framework material

The subtle flexibility of the framework material Co(bpy)1.5(NO3)2.(guest) (bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine) (1.(guest)) is demonstrated quantitatively through in situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements of guest desorption and sorption processes. Variable temperature unit cell determinations were employed to monitor the uptake and release of guest species, and full structural determinations have been carried out for the as-grown ethanol-loaded framework (1.(EtOH)), for the empty host framework, and for each of the five introduced guests (methanol: 1.(MeOH), acetone: 1.(ACN), acetonitrile: 1.(MeCN), tetrahydrofuran:1.(THF), dichloromethane: 1.(DCM)). The framework consists of interdigitated two-dimensional bilayers of cobalt(II) centers bridged by bpy ligands, with one-dimensional pores that account for approximately 20% of the total volume. The sorption of guest species of varying size and shape has revealed the framework's ability to adapt to different guests through a range of different framework flexibilities.     

Structural evolution and magnetic properties of Co(II) coordination polymers varied from 1D to 3D constructed by 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene

Seven Co(II) coordination polymers, [Co(btx)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2)·(btx)·2H(2)O (1), [Co(btx)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(2)·(btx)·2H(2)O (2), [Co(btx)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(2)·2H(2)O (3), [Co(btx)(2)Cl(2)] (4), [Co(btx)(BA)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·2HBA (5), [Co(btx)(IPA)] (6) and [Co(3)(btx)(3)(BTA)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (7) (btx = (1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), HBA = benzoic acid, H(2)IPA = isophthalic acid, H(3)BTA = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. 1 and 2 are isostructural and show a 1D Co-μ(2)-btx-Co chain structure, in which btx acts as both a bridging and terminal ligand. 3 is also a 1D chain structure but different from 1 and 2. The Co(II) ions are bridged by double μ(2)-btx to form Co(2)-btx(2) rings, which were further connected into 1D chains by sharing the Co(II) ions of the rings. 4 exists as a 2D grid with (4,4) topology structure. When aromatic acid was introduced to the synthetic system, three other coordination polymers 5-7 were obtained. In 5, the 1D chain is as that of 1, except that the terminal ligand was replaced by BA(-). 6 shows a two-fold parallel interpenetration framework featuring a 6-c uninodal net with (3(3),4(6),5(5),6) Schlafli topological symbol. 7 is an interesting 3D framework, which contains a 2-nodal net motif with the unprecedented (3(6),4(2),5(6),6)(3(9),4(9),5(3))(2) topology structure. The influence of the varieties of the structures and magnetic properties are studied and discussed in detail.     

Structural and magnetic resolution of a two-step full spin-crossover transition in a dinuclear iron(II) pyridyl-bridged compound

A dinuclear iron(II) complex containing the new pyridyl bridging ligand, 2,5-di(2',2'-dipyridylamino)pyridine (ddpp) has been synthesised and characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility and M?ssbauer spectral methods. This compound, [Fe(2)(ddpp)(2)(NCS)(4)]4 CH(2)Cl(2), undergoes a two-step full spin crossover. Structural analysis at each of the three plateau temperatures has revealed a dinuclear molecule with spin states HS-HS, HS-LS and LS-LS (HS: high spin, LS: low spin) for the two iron(II) centres. This is the first time that resolution of the metal centres in a HS-LS ordered state has been achieved in a two-step dinuclear iron(II) spin-crossover compound. Thermogravimetric data show that the dichloromethane solvate molecules can be removed in two distinct steps at 120 degrees C and 200 degrees C. The partially de-solvated clathrate, [Fe(2)(ddpp)(2)(NCS)(4)]CH(2)Cl(2), undergoes a one-step transition with an increased transition temperature with respect to the as synthesised material. Structural characterisation of this material reveals subtle changes to the coordination geometries at each of the iron(II) centres and striking changes to the local environment of the dinuclear complex. The fully de-solvated material remains high spin over all temperatures. Interestingly, the solvent can be re-introduced into the monosolvated solid to achieve complete conversion back to the original two-step crossover material, [Fe(2)(ddpp)(2)(NCS)(4)]4 CH(2)Cl(2).     

Structural and spectroscopic properties of trans-dichlorobis(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-diaminopropane)chromium(III) chloride

The structure of trans-[CrCl(2)(Me(2)tn)(2)]Cl (Me(2)tn=2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine) has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study at 150K. The analysis reveals that there are two independent Cr(III) complex cations in the structure, one with crystallographic inversion symmetry and the other with two-fold rotation symmetry, which are conformational isomers of each other. In both conformations, the chromium atom adopts a distorted octahedral structure with the four nitrogen atoms of two Me(2)tn ligands occupying the equatorial plane and two chlorine atoms occupying trans-axial positions. The six-membered chelate rings are in stable chair conformations with N-Cr-N angles of 87.03(8) degrees and 88.99(8) degrees . The two chelate rings in the centrosymmetric complex cation 1 are anti, while those in the rotation-symmetric complex cation 2 are in syn conformations. The mean Cr-N and Cr-Cl bond lengths are 2.0922 and 2.3253 A, respectively. The infrared and UV-visible absorption spectra of trans-[CrCl(2)(Me(2)tn)(2)]Cl have also been measured. The resolved band maxima of the electronic d-d spectrum are fitted with a secular determinant for a quartet energy state of the d(3) configuration in a tetragonal field including configurational but neglecting spin-orbit coupling. It is confirmed that the nitrogen atoms of the Me(2)tn ligand have a strong sigma-donor character, but the chloro ligand has weak sigma- and pi-donor properties toward the chromium(III) ion.