Tetrametallic macrocyclic frameworks constructed from ferrocenedicarboxylato and 2,2-bipyridine: synthesis, molecular structures and characteristics

Four novel tetranuclear macrocyclic compounds [Cd₂(η²-O₂CFcCO₂)₂(2,2^′-bpy)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O (1), [Zn₂(η²-O₂CFcCO₂)₂(2,2^′-bpy)₂(H₂O)₂] · CH₃OH · H₂O (2), [Co₂(O₂CFcCO₂)₂(2,2^′-bpy)₂(μ₂-OH₂)₂] · CH₃OH · 2H₂O (3), and [Ni₂(O₂CFcCO₂)₂(2,2^′-bpy)₂(μ₂-OH₂)₂] · CH₃OH · 2H₂O (Fc=(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄) (4) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal diffraction. The magnetic behaviors for compounds (3) and (4) are studied in the temperature range of 5.0-300 K. The results show that the antiferromagnetic coupling of Co^II-Co^II pairs occurs in (3), and unusual global ferromagnetic coupling between nickel (II) ions exists in (4). The solution-state differential pulse voltammetries of compounds (1)-(4) all show two peaks with large separations (ΔE) that indicate strong interactions between two ferrocene moieties. Their fluorescent and thermal properties were also investigated.     

Hydrothermal syntheses,structures, and properties of four metal–organic coordination polymers assembled from V-shaped tetracarboxylate ligands and N-donor ancillary ligands

A series of four metal–organic frameworks, namely, [Cu(sdpa)_0.5(2,2′-bpy)]·H₂O (1), [Zn₂(sdpa)(2,2′-bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]·3H₂O (2), [Zn₂(sdpa)(4,4′-bpy)]·3H₂O (3), [Cd₂(sdpa)(4,4′-bpy)_1.5(H₂O)₂](4), have been hydro(solvo)thermally synthesized through the reaction of 2,3,2′,3′-sulfonyldiphthalic acid (H₄sdpa) with divalent copper, zinc and cadmium salts in the presence of ancillary nitrogen ligands (4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and X-ray diffraction. Both complex 1 and 2 show metal–organic chain structure, and the adjacent chains are further linked by π?π and C–H?π interactions for 1 and hydrogen bonds and π?π interactions for 2 to form 3D supramolecular structure. In complex 3, two Zn1 and two Zn2 atoms appear alternately and are bridged by sdpa⁴⁻ anion ligands to form an infinite Zn-sdpa chain. Such chains are further linked together through 4,4′-bpy ligands in four orientations to form a robust 3D metal–organic network. In compound 4, a 3D Cd-sdpa metal–organic network is accomplished through sdpa⁴⁻ anion ligands, and further stabilized by 4,4′-bpy in six orientations. Their luminescence and thermal analysis have also been investigated.     

Synthesis,structure and spectroelectrochemical property of (2,2′-bipyridine)–metal (M = Pt,Pd) dichloride with 4,4′-bis(fluorous-ponytail) on bipyridine

The 4,4′-bis(R_fCH₂OCH₂)-2,2′-bpy ligands [R_f = n-C₃F₇ (1a), HCF₂(CF₂)₃ (1b)] were prepared and then treated with [MCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] (M = Pt or Pd) to result in the corresponding metal complexes, [MCl₂(4,4′-bis(R_fCH₂OCH₂)-2,2′-bpy)] (M = Pt 2a–b; Pd 3a–b). Both ligands and metal complexes were fully characterized by multi-nuclei NMR (¹H, ¹⁹F and ¹³C), FTIR, and mass (GC/MS or HR-FAB) methods. The X-ray structures of 2a–b and 3a–b were studied. With terminal CF₃, the structures of 2a and 3a exhibit disordered polyfluorinated regions in solid state. With terminal HCF₂, the structures of 2b and 3b show a π–π stacking of the bpy planes, five-membered C–H···O hydrogen bond and an unusual intramolecular blue-shifting C–H···F–C hydrogen bond system, whereas without terminal HCF₂, the structures of 2a and 3a show the similar π–π stacking, five-membered C–H···O hydrogen bond and typical orientation of polyfluorinated ponytails, but not the C–H···F–C hydrogen bond system. The CV and UV/Vis studies were also carried out.     

Assembly and structures of five new Cu(II) complexes based on the V-shaped building block [Cu(dbsf)]

Five new copper(II) complexes [Cu(dbsf)(H₂O)]_n · 0.5n(i-C₃H₇OH) (1), [Cu(dbsf)(4,4′-bpy)_0.5]_n · nH₂O (2), [Cu(dbsf)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]₂ · (n-C₃H₇OH) · 0.5H₂O (3), [Cu(dbsf)(phen)(H₂O)]₂ · 1.5H₂O (4) and [Cu(dbsf)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]_n · n(i-C₃H₇OH) (5) (H₂dbsf = 4,4′-dicarboxybiphenyl sulfone, 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, i-C₃H₇OH = isopropanol, n-C₃H₇OH = n-propanol) have been synthesized under hydro/solvothermal conditions. All of the complexes are assembled from V-shaped building blocks, [Cu(dbsf)]. Complex 1 is composed of 1D double-chains. In complex 2, dbsf²⁻ ligands and 4,4′-bpy ligands connect Cu(II) ions into catenane-like 2D layers. These catenane-like 2D layers stack in an ABAB fashion to form a 3D supramolecular network. Complexes 3 and 4 are 0D dimers, in which two [Cu(dbsf)] units encircle to form dimetal macrocyclic molecules. However, in complex 5, the V-shaped building blocks [Cu(dbsf)] are joined head-to-tail, resulting in the formation of infinite tooth-like chains. The different structures of complexes 3 and 5 may be attributed to the different solvent molecules included.     

Syntheses and characterization of ferrocenylthiocarboxylate-containing coordination compounds for nonlinear optics

Four metal-organic coordination compounds containing ferrocenylthiocarboxylate components, [Cd₂(η²-SOCFc)₂(η¹-μ₂-SOCFc)₂(4,4′-bpy)]_n (1), [Cd(SOCFc)₂(tmp)]_n (tmp = 4,4′-trimethylene-dipyridine) (2) [Zn(SOCFc)₂(2,2′-bpy)] (3), and {[Hg(SOCFc)₂(phen)] · (0.5CH₃OH)} (4) (Fc = (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)), have been prepared in search of good nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Investigation of the NLO properties shows that Hg-containing compound 4 exhibits very strong third-order NLO absorptive and refractive effects. The NLO absorptive coefficient α₂ value (2.11 × 10⁻¹⁰ m W⁻¹) is larger than those of all the reported ferrocenylcarboxylate-containing coordination compounds and comparable to the well-performing Hg-containing complexes. Additionally, we further analyzed their NLO behaviors through studying electrochemical properties of the four compounds.     

Synthesis, structure and electrochemistry of cationic diruthenium complexes of the type [(N∩N)2Ru2(CO)2(μ-CO)2(μ-OOCFc)] containing a ferrocenecarboxylato bridge and two chelating aromatic diimine ligands

The dinuclear bis(ferrocenecarboxylato) complex Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-OOCFc)₂(py)₂ (Fc = ferrocenyl, py = pyridine) was found to react with aromatic diimines (2,2′-dipyridyl, 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-dipyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline, 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline, and 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline) in methanol to give the cationic diruthenium complexes [(N∩N)₂Ru₂(CO)₂(μ-CO)₂(μ-OOCFc)]⁺ (1: N∩N = 2,2′-dipyridyl, 2: N∩N = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-dipyridyl, 3: N∩N = 1,10-phenanthroline, 4: N∩N = 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline, 5: N∩N = 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline), which have been isolated as the hexafluorophosphate salts. The molecular structure of 3, solved by single-crystal X-ray analysis of the tetraphenylborate salt [3][BPh₄], shows a diruthenium backbone bridged by two carbonyl and by one ferrocenecarboxylato ligand, the two 1,10-phenanthroline ligands being in the axial positions. Cyclic voltammetry in dichloromethane reveals for all compounds two successive oxidations due to ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple and oxidation of the diruthenium core.     

Diversity of coordination modes in the polymers based on 3,3′,4,4′-biphenylcarboxylate ligand

Four new compounds [Ni₂(4,4′-bpy)(3,4-bptc)(H₂O)₄]_n (1), [Ni(4,4′-bpy)(3,4-H₂bptc)(H₂O)₃]_n (2), [Mn₂(2,2′-bpy)₄(3,4-H₂bptc)₂] (3) and {[Mn(1,10-phen)₂(3,4-H₂bptc)]·4H₂O}_n (4) (3,4-H₄bptc=3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, 4,4′-bpy=4,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bpy=2,2′-bipyridine, 1, 10-phen=1, 10-phenanthroline), have been prepared and structurally characterized. In all compounds, the derivative ligands of 3,4-H₄bptc (3,4-bptc⁴⁻ and 3,4-H₂bptc²⁻) exhibit different coordination modes and lead to the formation of various architectures. Compounds 1 and 2 display the three-dimensional (3D) framework: 1 shows a 3,4-connected topological network with (8³)(8⁵·10) topology symbol based on the coordination bonds while in 2, the hydrogen-bonding interactions are observed to connect the 1D linear chain generating a final 3D framework. 3 exhibits the 2D layer constructed from the hydrogen-bonding interactions between the dinuclear manganese units. Complex 4 shows the double layers motif through connecting the 1D zigzag chains with hydrogen-bonded rings. The thermal stability of 1-4 and magnetic property of 1 were also reported.     

Metal coordination architectures of N-acyl-salicylhydrazides: The effect of metal ions and steric repulsion of ligands to their structures of polynuclear metal complexes

Three polynuclear transition metal complexes [Mn₈(DMF)₈(L1)₈] · 4DMF (1), [Mn₆(DMF)₆(L2)₆] · [Mn₆(DMF)₄(H₂O)₂(L2)₆] · 2DMF (2), [Cu₃(L3)₂(py)₂] (3) of the pentadentate ligands N-acyl-salicylhydrazides were synthesized and characterized, their crystal structures were investigated. The oxidation state and properties of the central metal ions are important in crystal structure formation, trivalent Mn(III) ion which easily form stable octahedral coordination metallamacrocycle complexes, metallacrowns 1 and 2 were obtained; while bivalent Cu(II) ion is easier to form square planar, trinuclear complexes 3 was obtained. The steric effect of the N-acyl side chains also plays an important role in the structures of these polynuclear complexes. The magnetic property of 1 was also investigated.     

1D Mn–Fe heterometallic coordination polymer built by an approach of metalloligand

1D heterometallic coordination polymer of [(Fe^II(L)₂)(Mn^III(salen))(ClO₄) · 2CH₃CN · CH₃OH] (1 · 2CH₃CN · CH₃OH) has been built through a metalloligand approach (L = hydrotris (1,2,4-triazolyl)borate). Ferrous [Fe^II(L)₂] moiety can be easily incorporated into further extended networks by the facile reduction of ferric antiprismatic [Fe^III(L)₂]⁺ metalloligand due to the reducing ability of borate ligands during the reaction. And more, hydroquinone facilitates the reduction. Therefore, we present single crystal X-ray structure analysis of 1 · 2CH₃CN · CH₃OH along with X-ray absorption spectroscopy to confirm the reduction of iron centres.     

Architecture of zero-, one-, two- and three-dimensional structures based on metal ions and pyrazine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid

Six new complexes: [Ln₂(pzda)₃(H₂O)₂] · 2.5H₂O (Ln = Nd, (1); Eu, (2)), [Co(pzda) (bpe)] · 0.125(bpe) · 1.75H₂O (3), [Mn(pzda)(H₂O)_1.5] (4), [Co₂(pzda)₂(bpe)(H₂O)₄] · 0.5(CH₃OH) · H₂O (5) and [Co(pzda)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)] · 0.5H₂O (6) (H₂pzda = pyrazine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) were obtained from metal salts and H₂pzda under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. The single crystal X-ray structural analysis reveals that the title complexes have different structures, ranging from zero- to three- dimensions, which are mainly due to the different metal ions, and especially the coordination modes of the pzda ligands. Complexes 1 and 2 have 3D metal-organic frameworks containing a 1D tri-strand array, in which the pzda ligand adopts a pentadentate mode to link lanthanide ions. Complex 3 has a 2D metal-organic framework, in which the pzda ligand acts in a tetradentate mode to connect Co(II) ions into 1D chains, which are further connected by bpe spacers into a 2D framework. While in 4, both of the two carboxylate groups of the pzda ligand adopt μ₂-O bridging modes to link Mn(II) ions into a 1D coordination polymer, which is further assembled into a 2D supramolecular network containing double-stranded hydrogen-bonded helical chains. In both 5 and 6, the pzda ligand binds metal ions as a tridentate ligand (ONO mode) to form zero dimensional structures. Complex 5 is a binuclear molecule, while 6 is a mononuclear complex, which can be attributed to the bridging ligand bpe for 5 and the terminal auxiliary ligand 2,2′-bpy for 6.     

Rational design and syntheses of 0-D, 1-D, and 2-D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) from ferrocenedicarboxylate tetrametallic macrocyclic building units and subsidiary ligands

We have designed and synthesized three new metal-1,1′-ferrocenedicarboxylate complexes containing tetrametallic macrocyclic building units, namely, [Cd₂(η²-O₂CFcCO₂-η²)₂(phen)₂(H₂O)₂] · 4CH₃OH (1) (Fc = (η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(C₅H₄-η⁵), phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), {[Cd(η²-O₂CFcCO₂)(pebbm)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O}_n (2) (pebbm = 1,1′-(1,5-pentanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole) and {[Cd(η²-O₂CFcCO₂-η²)(prbbm)(H₂O)] · 3H₂O}_n (3) (prbbm = 1,1′-(1,3-propanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole). Compound 1 is a 0-D discrete tetrametallic macrocyclic framework. Compound 2 features an infinite 1-D ribbon of rings structure constructed by the subsidiary ligands pebbm connecting tetrametallic macrocyclic building units. For 3, its tetrametallic macrocyclic building units are linked by the subsidiary ligands prbbm to form a 2-D network structure. The structural features of these complexes indicate that the ferrocenedicarboxylate tetrametallic macrocycle can be used as a successful molecular building unit and the shapes and conformational flexibility of subsidiary ligands play a crucial role in the manipulation of the configuration of the resultant MOFs. Their fluorescence spectra in solid state at room temperature suggest that the fluorescence emissions of 1-3 are ruled by 1,1′-ferrocenedicarboxylate ligand.     

Infinite chains constructed from flexible bis(benzimidazole)-based ligands

Two neutral ligands, L¹ · 2H₂O and L² · H₂O, and seven complexes, [Cu(pmb)₂(L¹)] (1), [Cu(pmb)₂(L²)] (2), [Cu(Ac)₂(L²)] · 4H₂O (3), [Cu(4-aba)₂(L²)] (4), [Ag(4-ts)(L¹)(H₂O)] (5), [Ag₂(epes)₂(L¹)] · 2H₂O (6), [Ag(1,5-nds)_0.5(L²)] · 0.5C₂H₅OH · H₂O (7) [where L¹ = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(2-methylbenzimidazole); L² = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(2-ethylbenzimidazole), pmb = p-methoxybenzoate anion; Ac = acetate anion; 4-aba = 4-aminobenzoate anion; 4-ts = p-toluenesulfonate anion; epes = N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N′-(2-ethanesulfonate) anion; 1,5-nds = 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate anion], have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The L¹ and L² ligands in compounds 1–7 act as bridging ligands, linking metal ions into chain structures. The chains in compounds 3, 4 and 6 interlace with each other by hydrogen bonds to generate 3D supramolecular structures. In compound 5, π–π interactions between adjacent L¹ ligands hold the chains to a supramolecular layer. In compound 7, the sulfonate anions act as counterions in the framework. The thermal stabilities of 3, 6 and 7, and the luminescent properties for 5–7 in the solid states are also discussed.     

Substituting group induced structural transformation from 1D zigzag chain to 2D grid network in cyano-bridged dimetallic complexes derived from Mn(Schiff-base) and [Cr(CN)5NO]: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

Two cyano-bridged dimetallic complexes derived from Mn^III(Schiff-base) and [Cr^I(CN)₅NO]³⁻, [Mn(3-CH₃)salen]₃[Cr(CN)₅NO]·2.5H₂O (1) and [Mn(5-CH₃)salen]₆[Cr(CN)₅NO]₂·2CH₃OH·16H₂O (2) [salen = N,N′-ethylenebis (salicylideneiminato)dianion] were synthesized and characterized. The reaction conditions of the two complexes are identical. The substituting group (CH₃-) in the salen-type ligands gives different assembly styles for the two complexes, 1D zigzag chain for 1 while 2D grid network for 2. The magnetic investigation indicates the dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between the Mn(III) and Cr(I) mediated by the CN bridge. Due to the weak interchain antiferromagnetic interactions, no magnetic ordering phase was observed in complex 1. Interestingly, complex 2 showed the long range ferrimagnetic magnetic ordering with T_c = 9 K, in contrast to 1. Furthermore, the hysteresis loop confirms the nature of complex 2 as soft ferrimagnet.     

Crystal packing effects within [Mn3O] single-molecule magnets: Controlling intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions

The reactions of 2-hydroxyphenylethanone oxime (Me-H₂salox) and (2-hydroxy-phenyl)-phenyl-methanone oxime (Ph-H₂salox) with Mn(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O in MeOH afford trinuclear manganese complexes of [Mn₃O(Me-salox)₃(MeOH)₃(ClO₄)]·MeOH (1·MeOH) and [Mn₃O(Ph-salox)₃(MeOH)₃(ClO₄)]·2MeOH (2·2MeOH), respectively. X-ray analysis shows that both complexes contain a manganese triangle core, [Mn^III₃O]⁷⁺. The structural distortion from the twisting of the oxime ligands dominates the ferromagnetic interactions within the three Mn ions in both compounds and results in an S = 6 ground state. The frequency dependence of out-of-phase signals in the alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility measurements and the temperature-dependent and sweep-rate-dependent hysteresis loops are indicative of single-molecule magnet behavior. Moreover, both complexes show step-wise magnetization, indicating the occurrence of quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). Interestingly, a tail to tail arrangement in the crystal packing of complex 1·MeOH results in strong intermolecular H-bonding interactions and leads to the exchange-bias effect from the antiferromagnetic interaction between the adjacent Mn₃ molecules. In contract, QTM steps of complex 2·2MeOH show an absence of the exchange-bias effect due to a weak intermolecular interaction from a head to tail arrangement.     

Synthesis, characterisation and catalytic activities of manganese(III) complexes of pyridoxal-based ONNO donor tetradenatate ligands

Reaction of Mn^II(CH₃COO)₂ with dibasic tetradentate ligands, N,N′-ethylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) (H₂pydx-en, I), N,N′-propylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) (H₂pydx-1,3-pn, II) and 1-methyl-N,N′-ethylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) (H₂pydx-1,2-pn, III) followed by aerial oxidation in the presence of LiCl gives complexes [Mn^III(pydx-en)Cl(H₂O)] (1) [Mn^III(pydx-1,3-pn)Cl(CH₃OH)] (2) and [Mn^III(pydx-1,2-pn)Cl(H₂O)] (3), respectively. Crystal and molecular structures of [Mn(pydx-en)Cl(H₂O)] (1) and [Mn(pydx-1,3-pn)Cl(CH₃OH)] (2) confirm their octahedral geometry and the coordination of ligands through ONNO(2-) form. Reaction of manganese(II)-exchanged zeolite-Y with these ligands in refluxing methanol followed by aerial oxidation in the presence of NaCl leads to the formation of the corresponding zeolite-Y encapsulated complexes, abbreviated herein as [Mn^III(pydx-en)]-Y (4), [Mn^III(pydx-1,3-pn)]-Y (5) and [Mn^III(pydx-1,2-pn)]-Y (6). These encapsulated complexes are used as catalysts for the oxidation, by H₂O₂, of methyl phenyl sulfide, styrene and benzoin efficiently. Oxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide under the optimized reaction conditions gave ca. 86% conversion with two major products methyl phenyl sulfoxide and methyl phenyl sulfone in the ca. 70% and 30% selectivity, respectively. Oxidation of styrene catalyzed by these complexes gave at least five products namely styrene oxide, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol and phenylacetaldehyde with a maximum of 76.9% conversion of styrene by 4, 76.3% by 5 and 76.0% by 6 under optimized conditions. The selectivity of the obtained products followed the order: benzaldehyde > benzoic acid > styrene oxide > phenylacetaldehyde > 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol. Similarly, ca. 93% conversion of benzoin was obtained by these catalysts, where the selectivity of the products followed the order benzil > benzoic acid > benzaldehyde-dimethylacetal. Tests for the recyclability and heterogeneity of the reactions have also been carried. Neat complexes are equally active. However, the recycle ability of encapsulated complexes makes them better over neat ones.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and photoluminescence of three coordination polymers with 2,3-pyrazinedicarboxylic acid and N-donor ligands

The reactions between Cd(OAc)₂/Cu(NO₃)₂ and mixed ligands (2,3-pyrazinedicarboxylic acid (pzdc) and N-donor ligands) under different reaction conditions give the three title complexes 1, 2 and 3. There is a (4,8) net 2D network structure and a rectangular grid network structure in the cadmium complexes [Cd(pzdc)(phen)] · H₂O (1) and Cd₂(pzdc)₂(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂ (2), respectively. The complex [Cu₄(pzdc)₄(phen)₂(H₂O)₄] · 10H₂O (3) has a 1D zigzag chain structure. The influences of coordination modes of the pzdc ligand and N-donor ligands on the superstructural diversity have been discussed. Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit strong fluorescent emission bands in the solid state at room temperature. The EPR spectrum of 3 is typical for a square-pyramidal geometry of copper (II) ions.     

Syntheses,structures and electrochemistry of manganese(III) complexes derived from N,N′-o-phenylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine): Efficient catalyst for styrene epoxidation

Syntheses, characterizations, electrochemistry and catalytic properties for styrene epoxidation of three manganese(III) compounds [Mn^IIIL¹(H₂O)(MeOH)](ClO₄) (1) [Mn^IIIL¹(N₃)(H₂O)]·dmf (2) [Mn^IIIL¹(Cl)(H₂O)] (3) derived from the Schiff base compartmental ligand N,N′-o-phenylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine) (H₂L¹) are reported. The three compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, IR, mass and UV–Vis spectra and conductance values. Single crystal X-ray structures of 1 and 2 have been determined. The structures of 1 and 2 show that these are mononuclear compounds having a salen type structure. In both structures, a dinuclear species is formed by bifurcated hydrogen bonding involving coordinated water molecule. The coordination of chloride in 3 is shown by conductance measurements. The compounds have also been characterized by UV–Vis and mass spectroscopic studies. Cyclic voltammetric and square wave voltammetric studies of the three compounds reveal that these undergo Mn(III)/Mn(II) reduction reversibly with the order of the ease of reduction as 3 > 2 > 1. This order has been explained proposing the composition of active species in solution. Catalytic properties for epoxidation of styrene by all the three complexes using PhIO and NaOCl as oxidant have been studied. The order of both the styrene conversion and styrene epoxidation using the three title compounds is 3 > 1 > 2. Again, it has been observed that more efficient conversion and epoxidation take place when PhIO is used as oxidant.