Tuning the HOMO–LUMO gap of donor-substituted benzothiazoles

A series of push–pull benzothiazoles were designed and synthesized by the Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira cross-coupling and [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization reactions. The photonic and electrochemical properties of these systems exhibit strong donor–acceptor interaction. The BTs 5–8 show strong intramolecular charge-transfer in the near-infrared (NIR) region. The absorption studies indicate systematic lowering of the optical HOMO–LUMO gap with increase in acceptor strength. The computational studies reveal that incorporation of strong acceptors TCNE and TCNQ results in substantial stabilization of the LUMO level compared to the HOMO level, leading to the low HOMO–LUMO gap and bathochromic shift of the absorption spectrum. The TCBD and DCNQ linked BTs 5–8 exhibit multi-step redox waves and improved thermal stability.     

Asymmetric Mixed‐Valence Complexes that Consist of Cyclometalated Ruthenium and Ferrocene: Synthesis,Characterization, and Electronic‐Coupling Studies

Three bis‐tridentate ferrocene‐containing cyclometalated ruthenium complexes, [(Fcdpb)Ru(tpy)]⁺ ( 1 ⁺), [(Fctpy)Ru(dpb)]⁺ ( 2 ⁺), and [(Fcdpb)Ru(Fctpy)]⁺ ( 3 ⁺), have been prepared and characterized, where Fcdpb is the 2‐deprotonated form of 1,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐ferrocenylbenzene, tpy is 2,2′:6′,2“‐terpyridine, dpb is the 2‐deprotonated form of 1,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)benzene, and Fctpy is 4′‐ferrocenyl‐2,2′:6′,2”‐terpyridine. Single crystals of compounds 2 ⁺ and 3 ⁺ have been studied by X‐ray analysis. Complexes 1 ⁺ and 2 ⁺ displayed two anodic redox waves, whilst three well‐separated redox couples were observed for compound 3 ⁺. A combined experimental and computational study suggested that the ferrocene unit on the Fcdpb moiety in compounds 1 ⁺ and 3 ⁺ was oxidized first. In contrast, the order of the oxidation of ruthenium and ferrocene in complex 2 ⁺ was reversed. Metal‐to‐metal‐charge‐transfer transitions (MM′CT) have been observed for the singly oxidized states 1 ²⁺, 2 ²⁺, and 3 ²⁺ in the near‐infrared region. Hush analysis showed that the metal–metal electronic couplings in compounds 1 ²⁺ and 3 ²⁺ were much stronger than those in compound 2 ²⁺.     

Theoretical and experimental investigation on the near-infrared and UV–vis spectral regions of a newly synthesized triarylamine electrochromic system

A new triarylamine derivative, N,N′-Bis(4-heptanoylamidophenyl)-N,N′-di(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-phenylenediamine, with stable electrochromism in near-infrared and visible light regions, has been synthesized and characterized at theoretical and experimental level. The detected and simulated spectra, with and without the presence of an external potential at different values, clearly show that this mixed-valence system undergoes ionization at a low value of the applied potential, and the formed radical cation absorbs in the near-infrared region with an intense peak located at 1,040 nm. Density functional computations give the geometrical structure and absorption properties in very good agreement with experiment, allowing assigning the electronic transition and contributing to an understanding of the electron-transfer process between the two redox centers.     

Low frequency vibrational spectra of zirconocene and hafnocene sulfide [Cp2M(μ-S)]2 (MZr4+, Hf4+)

Metallocene sulfides [Cp₂M(μ-S)]₂ (I, M  Zr⁴⁺; II, M  Hf⁴⁺ and Cp = cyclopentadienyl) have been synthesized. I and II show charge transfer absorption in the visible region. FT-Raman, Raman and IR spectra of these compounds are reported for the first time. The MS stretching bands have been assigned with the help of a pre-resonance effect. The approximate normal coordinate analysis of the coordination skeleton (D_2h symmetry) aids the detailed assignment in the low frequency spectral region. Force constants of MCp and MS stretching imply that the bond order of HfL is higher than that of ZrL.     

Tuning the Electronic Coupling in Cyclometalated Diruthenium Complexes through Substituent Effects: A Correlation between the Experimental and Calculated Results

A common bridging ligand, 3,3′,5,5′‐tetrakis(N‐methylbenzimidazol‐2‐yl)biphenyl, and four terpyridine terminal ligands with various substituents (amine, tolyl, nitro, and ester groups) have been used to synthesize ten cyclometalated diruthenium complexes 1 ²⁺– 10 ²⁺. Among them, compounds 1 ²⁺– 6 ²⁺ are redox nonsymmetric, and others are symmetric. These complexes show two Ru^III/II processes and an intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) transition in the one‐electron oxidized state. The potential separation (ΔE) of 1 ²⁺– 10 ²⁺ has been correlated to the energy difference ΔG⁰, the energy of the IVCT band E_op, and the ground‐state delocalization coefficient α². Time‐dependent (TD)DFT calculations suggest that the absorptions in the visible region of 1 ²⁺– 6 ²⁺ are mainly associated with the metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer transitions from both ruthenium ions and to both terminal ligands and the bridging ligand. However, the energies of these transitions vary significantly. DFT calculations have been performed on 1 ²⁺– 6 ²⁺ and 1 ³⁺– 6 ³⁺ to give information on the electronic structures and spin populations of the mixed‐valent compounds. The TDDFT‐predicted IVCT excitations reproduce well the experimental trends in transition energies. In addition, three monoruthenium complexes have been synthesized for a comparison study.     

A Near-Infrared Dye That Undergoes Multiple Interconversions through Acid–Base Equilibrium and Reversible Redox Processes

A near-infrared (NIR) polymethine dye ( 1 ), consisting of a cyclohepta[1,2-b;4,3-b′]dithiophene and two phenol moieties, was synthesized. This dye exhibited pH-responsive changes in its photophysical properties due to a two-step acid–base equilibrium that produced a protonated cation ( 1H⁺ ) and an anion ( 1⁻ ). While 1H⁺ showed an intense fluorescence in the red region of the visible spectrum, 1⁻ exhibited a strong absorption in the NIR region. The tropylium ion character in 1H⁺ induces high pK_a1 and pK_a2 values for 1 . Moreover, a stable radical ( 1^. ) was prepared, which showed a NIR absorption band with a maximum at circa 1600 nm. The cyclic voltammogram of 1^. revealed a two-step reversible redox process that produced 1⁻ and the cation 1⁺ , which is different from 1H⁺ . These redox processes accompany drastic electrochromic changes in the vis–NIR region. Overall, 1 is susceptible to multiple interconversions between five forms, due to the multifaceted character of the cycloheptadithiophene skeleton.     

Synthesis, characterization and preliminary investigation of the electro redox properties of anthracenyl-functionalized terpyridyl ligands

We report the synthesis, characterization and preliminary investigation of the electro redox properties of soluble bromoterpyridine ligand precursors L1, L2 and L3 having one to three anthracenyl modules. The synthetic protocol is based on sequential palladium cross-coupling reactions between 9,10-dibromoanthracene and bromoterpyridine, 9-bromoanthracene-terpyridine or 9-bromo-dianthraceneterpyridine synthons. With increasing numbers of anthracene units on the terpyridine ligand, common absorption wavelengths at the near visible region and enhanced molar absorptivity coefficients were recorded. However, the luminescence intensity decreases with increasing length of π-conjugation relating to aggregation effects in the molecules. The cyclic voltammograms of L1 and L2 display good electro redox activity, being better than that of L3.     

A squaraine-based chemosensor for Hg and Pb

A novel unsymmetrical cationic squaraine dye (USqH⁺), absorbing in the near-infrared region (600-850 nm), was synthesized by reacting a semi-squaric acid derivative 3-[4-(N,N-dioctylamino)phenyl]-4-hydroxycyclobutene-1,2-dione with the squarylium dye, bis(3-methylbenzothiazol-2-ylidene)squaraine. Addition of micromolar amounts of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ to solutions of USqH⁺ in dichloromethane brings about significant changes in its absorption spectrum, resulting in a change in colour of the solution from green to pink. The absorption spectrum of the dye is relatively insensitive to other environmentally relevant metal ions, making it possible to visually detect Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in the presence of other metal ions. Molecular modeling of the complexes at the density functional theory (DFT) and semiempirical PM3 levels strongly suggests that the oxygen atoms are the most likely choice for cation binding. The calculations also indicate a high affinity of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ toward the formation of 2:1 complexes, which is in good agreement with the experimental results.     

Characterization of tetraene intermediates formed in the [3+2]-photocycloaddition of 1,4-dicyano-6-methylnaphthalene with styrene

The early stages of the [3+2]-photocycloaddition of 1,4-dicyano-6-methylnaphthalene (6) with styrene (7) were investigated by UV–visible absorption and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. An intermediate species was detected and characterized as 8-methyl-2-phenyl-1,2,2a,8-tetrahydroacenaphthylene-2a,5-dicarbonitrile (9). Computational studies explained the regioselective [3+2]-photocycloaddition at the 4,5-position of 6 to form zwitterion 8, and subsequent thermal transformation to form 9.     

Oxo transfer reaction: Dioxido and monooxidovanadium(V) complexes

A dioxidovanadium(V) complex of type [(L_ONOH^?)(VO₂)] (1) was isolated where L_ONOH₂ is a tridentate ONO donor benzhydrazide ligand. 1 undergoes an oxo transfer reaction with triphenylphosphine in presence of 8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ) and affords a monooxidovanadium(V) complex of type [(L_ONO^2?)(VO)(Q^?)] (2). 1 and 2 were substantiated by elemental analyses, ESI-mass, IR, ¹H NMR, ⁵¹V NMR and UV–vis spectra. The molecular geometries of 1 and 2 were authenticated by single crystal X?ray crystallography. UV–vis absorption spectra of 1 and 2 display bands respectively at 325 and 320 nm due to oxido → vanadium(V) charge transfer transitions. 1 exhibit an irreversible cathodic peak at ?0.44 V whereas 2 displays a reversible cathodic wave at ?0.60 V in cyclic voltammogram due to the VO³⁺/VO²⁺ redox couple.     

Synthesis,structure, and properties of a new multiredox-active Sn(IV) complex based on 3,6-di-<Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-benzoquinone and ferrocenylaldimine phenol

A new mixed-ligand tin(IV) complex 2 derived from 3,6-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone and ferrocenylaldimine phenol 1 has been prepared and characterized by different physicochemical methods (IR, ¹HNMR, and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopies). Electrochemical transformations of complex 2 have been studied by cyclic voltammetry. Catecholate and ferrocenyl groups have been found to take part in the redox transformations. Chemical oxidation of complex 2 with silver triflate in a dichloromethane solution has been studied. Formation of monocationic complex 2 ⁺ has been detected by EPR spectroscopy. The catecholate ligand has been found to be the primary redox center subjected to oxidation.     

Synthesis of a BF2 complex of indol-2-yl-isoindol-1-ylidene-amine: a fully conjugated azadipyrromethene

Starting from commercially available 3-methylindole and 1,3-diiminoisoindoline, the BF₂ complex of indol-2-yl-isoindol-1-ylidene-amine (7) has been prepared in three steps; its wavelength of maximum visible absorption is similar to that of a tetra-phenyl-conjugated azadipyrromethene (4).     

Preparation and reactivity of the heterobimetallic ReIr face-shared bioctahedral compounds Cp*Ir(μ-Cl)3Re(CO)3 and Cp*Ir(μ-SC6H4Me-4)3Re(CO)3: X-ray diffraction structures and redox behavior

Thermolysis of the dinuclear compound [Cp*IrCl₂]₂ (1) with ClRe(CO)₅ (2) leads to the formation of the confacial bioctahedral compound Cp*Ir(μ-Cl)₃Re(CO)₃ (3) in high yield. Whereas the substitution of the chloride ligands in 3 is observed on treatment with excess p-methylbenzenethiol to furnish the sulfido-bridged compound Cp*Ir(μ-SC₆H₄Me-4)₃Re(CO)₃ (4), 3 undergoes fragmentation upon reaction with tertiary phosphines [PPh₃ and P(OMe)₃] to furnish the mononuclear compounds Cp*IrCl₂P and fac-ClRe(CO)₃P₂. Both 3 and 4 have been isolated and fully characterized in solution by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies, and their solid-state structures have been established by X-ray crystallography. The redox properties of 3 and 4 have been explored by cyclic voltammetry, and the results are discussed relative to extended Hückel MO calculations.     

Reactivity of tetracyanoquinodimethane with cobalt(II) chloride and bis(diphylphospino)methane in air

The reactions of CoCl₂·6H₂O, dppm (bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) and TCNQ (7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane), with different ratios of the components, provided three new compounds, [Co(dppmdo)₃][TCNQ]₂1 (dppmdo = P,P′-dioxo-bis(diphenylphosphinyl)methane), [Co(dppmdo)₃][(μ-TCNQ)-CoCl₃] 2, and [Co(dppmdo)₃][(μ-DCBE)-CoCl₃] 3 (DCBE = p-dicyanomethyl-benzoic ethyl ester). These products were characterized by IR, UV–Vis and UV–Vis-NIR spectra, X-ray crystallography, magnetic susceptibility measurements and cyclic voltammograms. 1 and 2 reveal low-energy transitions in the near-infrared region, which can be attributed to intra-ligand transitions involving radical anions (TCNQ/TCNQ⁻). It is interesting to note that, except for the redox potentials which are anodically shifted, indicating that it is easier to reduce TCNQ in 1 and 2 than the free TCNQ molecule, the electrochemistry of compounds 1 and 2 resemble that of the independent organic acceptor TCNQ. The magnetic properties suggest that an amount of electron transfer has occurred from the Co^II complex, [Co(dppmdo)₃]²⁺, to the TCNQ⁻ anions in 1; an amount of electron transfer also has occurred from the Co^II cation to the TCNQ⁻ anion via a cyanide-bridge in 2; there is a mixture of spin transition of Co^II ions and antiferromagnetic coupling between Co^II ions in 3.     

Synthesis and application of near-infrared absorbing morpholino-containing aza-BODIPYs

Morpholino-containing aza-BODIPYs at 3,5-positions were synthesized. The maxima absorption and emission of these dyes locate at the near-infrared region. Aza-BODIPY 1 with the morpholino group as a pH-sensitive functionality could be used to be a pH probe, and the dramatic increase in fluorescence intensity at 675 nm by about 1500 folds. Moreover, the singlet oxygen generation of PS 2 with the dibromo groups at 2,6-positions was more effective than that of the parent dye 1.     

Synthesis and photovoltaic properties of phthalocyanine end-capped copolymers with conjugated dithienylbenzothiadiazole–vinylene side chains

Two phthalocyanine end-capped copolymers with conjugated dithienylbenzothiadiazole–vinylene side chains, PHY1 and PHY2, have been synthesized according to the Stille–Coupling polymerization method. The structures, thermostability, optical and electrochemical properties of the copolymers were characterized via NMR, GPC, TGA, DSC, UV–vis, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. The two copolymers exhibit excellent film-forming ability and good thermostability in a wide temperature range. PHY1 and PHY2 end-capped with different phthalocyanines showed broad absorption bands ranging from the ultraviolet to the red/near-infrared (IR) region of the solar spectrum and deep HOMO energy levels. Bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells were fabricated based on PHY1 and PHY2 with [6,6]-phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PC₆₁BM) as the electron acceptor and showed power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 1.56% and 1.26%, respectively, under the illumination of AM 1.5, 100 mW/100 cm².     

Photocatalytic Self-Doped SnO2−x Nanocrystals Drive Visible-Light-Responsive Color Switching

Visible-light-responsive reversible color-switching systems are attractive to many applications because visible light has superior penetration and causes far less damage to organic molecules than UV. Herein, we report that self-doping of SnO_2−x nanocrystals with Sn²⁺ red-shifts their absorption to the visible region and simultaneously produces oxygen vacancies, which can effectively scavenge photogenerated holes and thus enable the color switching of redox dyes using visible light. Wavelength-selective switching can also be achieved by coupling the photocatalytic activity of the SnO_2−x NCs with the color-switching kinetics of different redox dyes. The fast light response enables the further fabrication of a solid film that can be repeatedly written on using a visible laser pen or projection printing through a photomask. This discovery represents a big step forward towards practical applications, especially in areas in which safety issues and photodamage by UV light are of concern.     

New strained ferrocenophane-based receptors for the selective electrochemical recognition of Mg in the presence of Ca cations

Ferrocenophane derivatives 3 act as electrochemical sensors of Mg²⁺ ions: a new redox peak appears in the CVs anodically shifted compared to the E_1/2 of the free receptors by 268-382 mV. Receptors 3a, 3c and 3d are selective for Mg²⁺, whilst 3b is also responsive to Ca²⁺ ion (302 mV shift). Receptor 3c also gave a highly visual output response in the presence of Mg²⁺ consisting of a deep purple colour.     

Spectroscopic,structure and DFT studies of copper(II) and palladium(II) complexes of pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde-2-pyridylhydrazone: A chromogenic agent for palladium(II)

A heterocyclic hydrazone ligand, pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde-2-pyridylhydrazone, HL, 1, was investigated as a new chromogenic agent for selective detection of Pd²⁺. The ligand HL, 1, undergoes 1:1 complexation with Pd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ to form complexes [Pd(L)Cl], 1a and [Cu(HL)Cl₂], 1b respectively. The complex 1a gives a characteristic absorption peak at 536 nm with distinct reddish-pink coloration. The change in color can easily be distinguished from other metal complexes by the naked eye. No obvious interference was observed in the presence of other metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Al³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Sn²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺). The association constants, K_ass (UV–Vis), were found to be 5.52 ± 0.004 × 10⁴ for 1a and 4.94 ± 0.006 × 10⁴ for 1b at 298 K. On excitation at 295 nm, the ligand HL, 1 strongly emits at 372 nm due to an intraligand ¹(π–π^∗) transition. Upon complexation the emission peaks are blue shifted (λ_ex 295 nm, λ_em 358 nm for 1a and λ_ex 295 nm, λ_em 367 nm for 1b) along with a quenching (F/F₀ 0.32 for 1a and 0.88 for 1b) in the emission intensity. DFT and TDDFT calculations were highly consistent with the spectroscopic behavior of the ligand and complexes. The molecular structure of the complex 1b has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Ruthenium monoterpyridine complexes with 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine: Synthesis,spectral properties and structure

Ruthenium monoterpyridine complexes with the tridentate 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine (LH₂), [Ru(trpy)(LH₂)]²⁺, [1]²⁺ and [Ru(trpy)(L²⁻)], 2 (trpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) have been synthesized. The complexes have been authenticated by elemental analyses, UV–Vis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR spectra and their single crystal X-ray structures. Complexes [1]²⁺ and 2 exhibit strong MLCT band near 475 and 509 nm, respectively, and are found to be very much dependent on solution pH. The successive pH dependent dissociations of the N–H protons of benzimidazole moiety of LH₂ in [1]²⁺ lead to the formation of 2. The proton induced inter-convertibility of [1]²⁺ and 2 has been monitored via UV–Vis spectroscopy and redox features. The two pK_a values, 5.75 and 7.70, for complex [1]²⁺ have been determined spectroscopically.