The first, discrete Zn4 tetrahedron with a selenium atom in the center: x-ray structure and solution study of [Zn4(mu4-Se)[Se2P(OPr)2]6

The first discrete, selenium-centered tetranuclear zinc cluster [Zn4(mu4-Se)[Se2P(OPr)2]6] was isolated and characterized. The cluster consists of six edge-bridged dsep ligands with four zinc atoms in a slightly distorted tetrahedron and a mu4-Se atom in the center. In addition, 12 mu2-bridging selenium atoms form a Se12 icosahedron. From variable-temperature 31P NMR studies, it was observed that the cluster [Zn4(Se)[Se2P(OPr)2]6] is partly decomposed to [Zn[Se2P(OPr)2]2] and the monomeric species [Zn[Se2P(OPr)2]2] is further in equilibrium with its dimer [Zn[Se2P(OPr)2]2]2.     

Coordination chemistry of Group 12 metals with phosphorodiselenoates: syntheses, structures and VT 31P NMR study of monomer-dimer exchange equilibrium

The reactions of diselenophosphates, [dsep, (RO)2PSe2-; R = Et, (n)Pr and (i)Pr] with cadmium(II) and mercury(II) perchlorates in a 2 : 1 molar ratio formed compounds of stoichiometry M[Se2P(OR)2]2{M = Cd, R = Et (1), (n)Pr (2), (i)Pr (3); Hg, Et(4), (n)Pr (5), (i)Pr (6)}, and with zinc(II) perchlorates, chalcogen centered tetranuclear clusters, [Zn4(micro4-E){Se2P(OR)2}6]{E = Se, R = Et (7), (n)Pr (8), (i)Pr (9); E = O, R = Et (10), (n)Pr (11), (i)Pr (12)} were formed. All these complexes have been characterized with the help of analytical data, X-ray crystallography (1, 3, 6, 10, 11 and 12), and FAB-mass spectrometry (7-12). Compound 1 is a linear double-chain polymer, in which each pair of Cd atoms is bridged by two dsep ligands; the mercury 6 polymer has a helical chain structure, in which two Hg atoms are bridged by one dsep ligand, and the other ligand chelates the Hg atom. The chelating dsep ligands lie on either side of the helical chain. Compound 3 exists as a dimer in which two cadmium atoms are connected by two bridging dsep ligands, and each cadmium atom is further chelated by a dsep ligand. The metal atoms in 1, 3 and 6 are each coordinated by four selenium atoms in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Clusters 10-12 have tetrahedral array of zinc atoms with an oxygen atom in the center with edge-bridging dsep ligands. Positive FAB-mass spectra support the formation of selenium-centered clusters,7-9, of which the cluster 8 was structurally confirmed earlier. The solution state behavior of compounds 1-12 has been studied by using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Dimer 3 in CD2Cl2 showed monomer-dimer exchange equilibrium in the temperature range 20 to -90 degrees C and the free energy of activation is calculated from the coalescence temperature as DeltaG++(223 K)= 38.5 kJ mol(-1). Polymer undergoes depolymerization in CDCl3 and exhibits monomer-dimer exchange equilibrium in the temperature range 20 to -60 degrees C.     

Novel chloride-centered discrete CuI8 cubic clusters containing diselenophosphate ligands. Syntheses and structures of [Cu8(mu8-Cl)[Se2P(OR)2](6)](PF6) (R = Et,Pr, iPr)1

Three clusters 1-3, Cu(8)(mu8-Cl)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)(PF(6)) (R= Et, Pr, (i)Pr), were synthesized in high yield from the reaction of [Cu(CH(3)CN)(4)](PF(6)), NH(4)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)], and Bu(4)NCl in a molar ratio of 4:3:1 in diethyl ether. FAB mass spectra show m/z peaks at 2218.10 for 1, 2386.10 for 2, and 2387.34 for 3 which are due to molecular cations, [1-PF(6)]+, [2-PF(6)]+, and [3-PF(6)]+, respectively. (31)P NMR spectra of 1-3 display a singlet at delta 76.48, 76.73, and 69.32 ppm with satellites (J(PSe) = 652, 653, and 648 Hz), respectively. The (77)Se NMR spectra of 1-3 exhibit a doublet peak at -21.7, -16.42, and 2.3 ppm, respectively (J(SeP) = 652 Hz for 1, 653 Hz for 2, and 648 Hz for 3). The X-ray structure (1-3) consists of a discrete cationic cluster in which eight copper ions are linked by six diselenophosphate ligands and a central mu8-Cl ion with a noncoordinating PF(6)(-) anion. The shape of the molecule is a chloride-centered distorted Cu(8) cube in clusters 1 and 2 and a near perfect Cu(8) cube for cluster 3. The dsep ligand exhibits a tetrametallic tetraconnective (mu2, mu2)) coordination pattern, and each occupies a square face of the cube. Each copper atom of the cube is coordinated by three selenium atoms with a strong interaction with the central chloride ion. The observed Cu-Cl distances lie in the range 2.649-2.878 A.     

A solid-state NMR investigation of single-source precursors for group 12 metal selenides; M[N(iPr2PSe)2]2 (M = Zn, Cd, Hg)

The first solid-state NMR investigation of dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinato complexes, M[N(R(2)PE)(2)](n), is presented. The single-source precursors for metal-selenide materials, M[N((i)Pr(2)PSe)(2)](2) (M = Zn, Cd, Hg), were studied by solid-state (31)P, (77)Se, (113)Cd, and (199)Hg NMR at 4.7, 7.0, and 11.7 T, representing the only (77)Se NMR measurements, and in the case of Cd[N((i)Pr(2)PSe)(2)](2)(113)Cd NMR measurements, to have been performed on these complexes. Residual dipolar coupling between (14)N and (31)P was observed in solid-state (31)P NMR spectra at 4.7 and 7.0 T yielding average values of R((31)P,(14)N)(eff) = 880 Hz, C(Q)((14)N) = 3.0 MHz, (1)J((31)P,(14)N)(iso) = 15 Hz, alpha = 90 degrees , beta = 26 degrees . The solid-state NMR spectra obtained were used to determine the respective phosphorus, selenium, cadmium, and mercury chemical shift tensors along with the indirect spin-spin coupling constants: (1)J((77)Se,(31)P)(iso), (1)J((111/113)Cd,(77)Se)(iso), (1)J((199)Hg,(77)Se)(iso), and (2)J((199)Hg,(31)P)(iso). Density functional theory magnetic shielding tensor calculations were performed yielding the orientations of the corresponding chemical shift tensors. For this series of complexes the phosphorus magnetic shielding tensors are essentially identical, the selenium magnetic shielding tensors are also very similar with respect to each other, and the magnetic shielding tensors of the central metals, cadmium and mercury, display near axial symmetry demonstrating an expected deviation from local S(4) symmetry.     

New halide-centered discrete Ag(I)(8) cubic clusters containing diselenophosphate ligands, [Ag(8)(X)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)](PF(6)) (X = Cl, Br; R = Et, Pr, (i)Pr): syntheses, structures, and DFT calculations

Six clusters Ag(8)(micro(8)-X)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)(PF(6)) (R = Et, X = Cl, 1a, X = Br, 1b; R = Pr, X = Cl, 2a, X = Br, 2b; R = (i)Pr, X = Cl, 3a, X = Br, 3b) were isolated from the reaction of [Ag(CH(3)CN)(4)](PF(6)), NH(4)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)], and Bu(4)NX in a molar ratio of 4:3:1 in CH(2)X(2). Positive FAB mass spectra show m/z peaks at 2573.2 for 1a, 2617.3 for 1b, 2740.9 for 2a, 2786.9 for 2b, 2742.3 for 3a, and 2787.0 for 3b due to respective molecular cation, (M - PF(6))(+). (31)P NMR spectra of 1a-3b display a singlet at delta 82.3, 81.5, 82.9, 81.7, 76.3, and 75.8 ppm with a set of satellites (J(PSe) = 661, 664, 652, 652, 656, and 656 Hz, respectively). The X-ray structure (1a-2b) consists of a discrete cationic cluster in which eight silver ions are linked by six diselenophosphate ligands and a central micro(8)-Cl or micro(8)-Br ion with a noncoordinating PF(6)(-) anion. The shape of the molecule is a halide-centered distorted Ag(8) cubic cluster. The dsep ligand exhibits a tetrametallic tetraconnective (micro(2), micro(2)) coordination pattern, and each caps on a square face of the cube. Each silver atom of the cube is coordinated by three selenium atoms and the central chloride or bromide ion. Additionally, molecular orbital calculations at the B3LYP level of the density functional theory have been carried out to study the Ag-micro(8)-X (X = Cl, Br) interactions for cluster cations [Ag(8)(micro(8)-X)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)](+). Calculations show very weak bonding interactions exist between micro(8)-X and Ag atoms of the cube.     

Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) as a versatile building block for the design of heterometallic systems: synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of PPh(4)[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)] x H(2)O, [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)M(II)(H(2)O)(4)] x 4H(2)O, and [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)Zn(II)] x 2H(2)O [bipy = 2,2'-Bipyridine; M = Mn and Zn

The new cyano complexes of formulas PPh(4)[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)] x H(2)O (1), [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)M(II)(H(2)O)(4)] x 4H(2)O with M = Mn (2) and Zn (3), and [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)Zn(II)] x 2H(2)O (4) [bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine and PPh(4) = tetraphenylphosphonium cation] have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The structure of complex 1 is made up of mononuclear [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) anions, tetraphenyphosphonium cations, and water molecules of crystallization. The iron(III) is hexacoordinated with two nitrogen atoms of a chelating bipy and four carbon atoms of four terminal cyanide groups, building a distorted octahedron around the metal atom. The structure of complexes 2 and 3 consists of neutral centrosymmetric [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)M(II)(H(2)O)(4)] heterotrinuclear units and crystallization water molecules. The [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) entity of 1 is present in 2 and 3 acting as a monodentate ligand toward M(H(2)O)(4) units [M = Mn(II) (2) and Zn(II) (3)] through one cyanide group, the other three cyanides remaining terminal. Four water molecules and two cyanide nitrogen atoms from two [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) units in trans positions build a distorted octahedron surrounding Mn(II) (2) and Zn(II) (3). The structure of the [Fe(phen)(CN)(4)](-) complex ligand in 2 and 3 is close to that of the one in 1. The intramolecular Fe-M distances are 5.126(1) and 5.018(1) A in 2 and 3, respectively. 4 exhibits a neutral one-dimensional polymeric structure containing two types of [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) units acting as bismonodentate (Fe(1)) and trismonodentate (Fe(2)) ligands versus the divalent zinc cations through two cis-cyanide (Fe(1)) and three fac-cyanide (Fe(2)) groups. The environment of the iron atoms in 4 is distorted octahedral as in 1-3, whereas the zinc atom is pentacoordinated with five cyanide nitrogen atoms, describing a very distorted square pyramid. The iron-zinc separations across the single bridging cyanides are 5.013(1) and 5.142(1) A at Fe(1) and 5.028(1), 5.076(1), and 5.176(1) A at Fe(2). The magnetic properties of 1-3 have been investigated in the temperature range 2.0-300 K. 1 is a low-spin iron(III) complex with an important orbital contribution. The magnetic properties of 3 correspond to the sum of two magnetically isolated spin triplets, the antiferromagnetic coupling between the low-spin iron(III) centers through the -CN-Zn-NC- bridging skeleton (iron-iron separation larger than 10 A) being very weak. More interestingly, 2 exhibits a significant intramolecular antiferromagnetic interaction between the central spin sextet and peripheral spin doublets, leading to a low-lying spin quartet.     

A nonacoordinated bridging selenide in a tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry identified in undecanuclear copper clusters: syntheses, structures, and DFT calculations

Undecanuclear copper clusters, [Cu(11)(micro(9)-Se)(micro(3)-Br)(3)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)] (R = Et, Pr, (i)Pr) (1a-c), were isolated along with closed-shell ion-centered cubes, [Cu(8)(micro(8)-Br)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)] (PF(6)) (2a-c) and [Cu(8)(micro(8)-Se)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)] (3a-c), from the reaction of [Cu(CH(3)CN)(4)](PF(6)), NH(4)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)], and Bu(4)NBr in a molar ratio of 2:3:2 in CH(2)Br(2). The molecular formulations of these clusters were confirmed by elemental analysis, positive FAB mass spectrometry, and multinuclear NMR ((1)H, (31)P, and (77)Se). (77)Se NMR spectra of Cu(11) clusters (1a-c) are of special interest as two inequivalent selenium nuclei of the diselenophosphate (dsep) ligand exhibit different scalar coupling patterns with the adjacent phosphorus nuclei. X-ray analysis of 1c reveals a Cu(11)Se core stabilized by three bromide and six dsep ligands. The central core adopts the geometry of a 3,3,4,4,4-pentacapped trigonal prism with a selenium atom in the center. The coordination geometry for the nonacoordinate selenium atom is tricapped trigonal prismatic. The X-ray structure 2a or 2c consists of a cationic cluster in which eight copper ions are linked by six diselenophosphate ligands with a central micro(8)-Br ion. The shape of the molecule is a bromide-centered distorted Cu(8) cube. Each diselenophosphate ligand occupies square faces of the cube and adopts a tetrametallic tetraconnective coordination pattern. Each copper atom of the cube is coordinated by three selenium atoms with a strong interaction with the central bromide ion. Molecular orbital calculations at the B3LYP level of the density functional theory have been carried out to study the Cu-micro(9)-Se interactions for clusters [Cu(11)(micro(9)-Se)(micro(3)-X)(3)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)] (X = Br, I). Calculations show that the formal bond order of each Cu-micro(9)-Se bond is slightly smaller than half of those calculated for the terminal Cu-micro(2)-Se bonds.     

1-D and 2-D homoleptic dicyanamide structures, [Ph4P]2[CoII[N(CN)2]4] and [Ph4P][M[N(CN)2]3] (M = Mn, Co)

The homoleptic complexes [Ph(4)P](2)[Co[N(CN)(2)](4)] and [Ph(4)P][M[N(CN)(2)](3)] [M = Co, Mn] have been structurally as well as magnetically characterized. The complexes containing [M[N(CN)(2)](4)](2-) form 1-D chains, which are bridged via a common dicyanamide ligand in [M[N(CN)(2)](3)](-) to form a 2-D structure. The five-atom [NCNCN](-) bridging ligands lead to weak magnetic coupling along a chain. The six [NCNCN](-) ligands lead to a (4)T(1g) ground state for Co(II) which has an unquenched spin-orbit coupling that is reflected in the magnetic properties. Long-range magnetic ordering was not observed in any of these materials.     

31P solid state NMR studies of metal selenophosphates containing [P2Se6]4-, [P4Se10]4-, [PSe4]3-, [P2Se7]4-, and [P2Se9]4- ligands

31P solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of 12 metal-containing selenophosphates have been examined to distinguish between the [P(2)Se(6)](4-), [PSe(4)](3-), [P(4)Se(10)](4-), [P(2)Se(7)](4-), and [P(2)Se(9)](4-) anions. There is a general correlation between the chemical shifts (CSs) of anions and the presence of a P[bond]P. The [P(2)Se(6)](4-) and [P(4)Se(10)](4-) anions both contain a P[bond]P and resonate between 25 and 95 ppm whereas the [PSe(4)](3-), [P(2)Se(7)](4-), and [P(2)Se(9)](4-) anions do not contain a P[bond]P and resonate between -115 and -30 ppm. The chemical shift anisotropies (CSAs) of compounds containing [PSe(4)](3-) anions are less than 80 ppm, which is significantly smaller than the CSAs of any of the other anions (range: 135-275 ppm). The smaller CSAs of the [PSe(4)](3-) anion are likely due to the unique local tetrahedral symmetry of this anion. Spin-lattice relaxation times (T(1)) have been determined for the solid compounds and vary between 20 and 3000 s. Unlike the CS, T(1) does not appear to correlate with P-P bonding. (31)P NMR is also shown to be a good method for impurity detection and identification in the solid compounds. The results of this study suggest that (31)P NMR will be a useful tool for anion identification and quantitation in high-temperature melts.     

The coordination chemistry of selenophosphite ligands. Synthesis and characterization of heterometallic tetranuclear clusters [M{CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(OR)(2)}(3)](PF(6)) (M = Cu, Ag; R = (n)Pr, (i)Pr) and [Cu(mu-X) {CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(O(i)Pr)(2)}](2) (X = Cl, Br)

A neutral selenium donor ligand, [CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(OR)(2)] is used for the construction of Cu(I) and Ag(I) complexes with a well-defined coordination environment. Four clusters [M{CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(OR)(2)}(3)](PF(6)), (where M = Cu, R = (n)Pr, ; R = (i)Pr, and M = Ag, R = (n)Pr, ; R = (i)Pr, ) are isolated from the reaction of [M(CH(3)CN)(4)(PF(6))] (where M = Cu or Ag) and [CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(OR)(2)] in a molar ratio of 1 : 3 in acetonitrile at 0 degrees C. The reaction of [CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(O(i)Pr)(2)] with cuprous halides in acetone produce two mixed-metal, Cu(I)(2)Fe(II)(2) clusters, [Cu(mu-X) {CpFe(CO)(2)P(Se)(O(i)Pr)(2)}](2) (X = Cl, ; Br, ). All six clusters have been fully characterized spectroscopically ((1)H, (13)C, (31)P, and (77)Se NMR, IR), and by elemental analyses. X-Ray crystal structures of and consist of discrete cationic clusters in which three iron-selenophosphito fragments are linked to the central copper or silver atom via selenium atoms. Both clusters and crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric, hexagonal space group P6[combining macron]2c. The coordination geometry around the copper or silver atom is perfect trigonal-planar with Cu-Se and Ag-Se distances, 2.3505(7) and 2.5581(7) A, respectively. X-Ray crystallography also reveals that each copper center in neutral heterometallic clusters and is trigonally coordinated to two halide ions and a selenium atom from the selenophosphito-iron moiety. The structures can also be delineated as a dimeric unit which is generated by an inversion center and has a Cu(2)X(2) parallelogram core. The dihedral angle between the Cu(2)X(2) plane and the plane composed of Cp ring is found to be 24.62 and 84.58 degrees for compound and , respectively. Hence the faces of two opposite Cp rings are oriented almost perpendicular to the Cu(2)X(2) plane in , but are close to be parallel in . This is the first report of the coordination chemistry of the anionic selenophosphito moiety [(RO)(2)PSe](-), the conjugated base of a secondary phosphine selenide, which acts as a bridging ligand with P-coordination on iron and Se-coordination to copper or silver.     

Luminescent homo- and heteropolynuclear platinum(II) chalcogenido aggregates based on [Pt2E2(P empty set N)4] units (E=S,Se)

A series of homodinuclear platinum(II) complexes containing bridging chalcogenido ligands, [Pt(2)(mu-E)(2)(P empty set N)(4)] (P empty set N=dppy, E=S (1), Se (2); P empty set N=tBu-dppy, E=S (3)) (dppy=2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine, tBu-dppy=4-tert-butyl-2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine) have been synthesized and characterized. The nucleophilicity of the [Pt(2)E(2)] unit towards a number of d(10) metal ions and complexes has been demonstrated through the successful isolation of a number of novel heteropolynuclear platinum(II)-copper(I), -silver(I), and -gold(I) complexes: [[Pt(2)(mu(3)-E)(2)(dppy)(4)](2)Ag(3)](PF(6))(3) (E=S (4); Se (5)) and [Pt(2)(dppy)(4)(mu(3)-E)(2)M(2)(dppm)]X(2) (E=S, M=Ag, X=BF(4) (6); E=S, M=Cu, X=PF(6) (7); E=S, M=Au, X=PF(6) (8); E=Se, M=Ag, X=PF(6) (9); E=Se, M=Au, X=PF(6) (10)). Some of them display short metal.metal contacts. These complexes have been found to possess interesting luminescence properties. Through systematic comparison studies, the emission origin has been probed.     

Coordination algorithms control molecular architecture: [CuI4(L2)4]4+ grid complex versus [MII2(L2)2X4]y+ side-by-side complexes (M=Mn,Co, Ni,Zn; X=solvent or anion) and [FeII(L2)3][Cl3FeIIIOFeIIICl3

The synthesis and characterisation of a pyridazine-containing two-armed grid ligand L2 (prepared from one equivalent of 3,6-diformylpyridazine and two equivalents of p-anisidine) and the resulting transition metal (Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) complexes (1-9) are reported. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed that the copper(I) complex had self-assembled as a [2 x 2] grid, [Cu(I) (4)(L2)(4)][PF(6)](4).(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25) (2.(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25)), whereas the [Zn(2)(L2)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O)(2)][ClO(4)](4).CH(3)CN (1.CH(3)CN), [Ni(II) (2)(L2)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)][BF(4)](4).(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25) (5 a.(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25)) and [Co(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][ClO(4)](4).(H(2)O)(CH(3)CN)(0.5) (6 a.(H(2)O)(CH(3)CN)(0.5)) complexes adopt a side-by-side architecture; iron(II) forms a monometallic cation binding three L2 ligands, [Fe(II)(L2)(3)][Fe(III)Cl(3)OCl(3)Fe(III)].CH(3)CN (7.CH(3)CN). A more soluble salt of the cation of 7, the diamagnetic complex [Fe(II)(L2)(3)][BF(4)](2).2 H(2)O (8), was prepared, as well as two derivatives of 2, [Cu(I) (2)(L2)(2)(NCS)(2)].H(2)O (3) and [Cu(I) (2)(L2)(NCS)(2)] (4). The manganese complex, [Mn(II) (2)(L2)(2)Cl(4)].3 H(2)O (9), was not structurally characterised, but is proposed to adopt a side-by-side architecture. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility studies yielded small negative J values for the side-by-side complexes: J=-21.6 cm(-1) and g=2.17 for S=1 dinickel(II) complex [Ni(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][BF(4)](4) (5 b) (fraction monomer 0.02); J=-7.6 cm(-1) and g=2.44 for S= 3/2 dicobalt(II) complex [Co(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][ClO(4)](4) (6 b) (fraction monomer 0.02); J=-3.2 cm(-1) and g=1.95 for S= 5/2 dimanganese(II) complex 9 (fraction monomer 0.02). The double salt, mixed valent iron complex 7.H(2)O gave J=-75 cm(-1) and g=1.81 for the S= 5/2 diiron(III) anion (fraction monomer=0.025). These parameters are lower than normal for Fe(III)OFe(III) species because of fitting of superimposed monomer and dimer susceptibilities arising from trace impurities. The iron(II) centre in 7.H(2)O is low spin and hence diamagnetic, a fact confirmed by the preparation and characterisation of the simple diamagnetic iron(II) complex 8. M?ssbauer measurements at 77 K confirmed that there are two iron sites in 7.H(2)O, a low-spin iron(II) site and a high-spin diiron(III) site. A full electrochemical investigation was undertaken for complexes 1, 2, 5 b, 6 b and 8 and this showed that multiple redox processes are a feature of all of them.     

Synthesis and characterization of the silver maleonitrilediselenolates and silver maleonitriledithiolates [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)]4[Ag4(Se2C2(CN)2)4], [Na([2.2.2]-cryptand)]4[Ag4(S2C2(CN)2)4].0.33MeCN, [NBu4]4[Ag4(S2C2(CN)2)4], [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)]3[Ag(Se2C2(CN)2)2].2MeCN, and [Na([2.2.2]-cryptand)]3[Ag(S2C2(CN)2)2

Reaction of AgBF(4), KNH(2), K(2)Se, Se, and [2.2.2]-cryptand in acetonitrile yields [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)](4)[Ag(4)(Se(2)C(2)(CN)(2))(4)] (1). In the unit cell of 1 there are four [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)](+) units and a tetrahedral Ag(4) anionic core coordinated in mu(1)-Se, mu(2)-Se fashion by each of four mns ligands (mns = maleonitrilediselenolate, [Se(2)C(2)(CN)(2)](2)(-)). Reaction of AgNO(3), Na(2)(mnt) (mnt = maleonitriledithiolate, [S(2)C(2)(CN)(2)](2)(-)), and [2.2.2]-cryptand in acetonitrile yields [Na([2.2.2]-cryptand)](4)[Ag(4)(mnt)(4)].0.33MeCN (2). The Ag(4) anion of 2 is analogous to that in 1. Reaction of AgNO(3), Na(2)(mnt), and [NBu(4)]Br in acetonitrile yields [NBu(4)](4)[Ag(4)(mnt)(4)] (3). The anion of 3 also comprises an Ag(4) core coordinated by four mnt ligands, but the Ag(4) core is diamond-shaped rather than tetrahedral. Reaction of [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)](3)[Ag(mns)(Se(6))] with KNH(2) and [2.2.2]-cryptand in acetonitrile yields [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)](3)[Ag(mns)(2)].2MeCN (4). The anion of 4 comprises an Ag center coordinated by two mns ligands in a tetrahedral arrangement. Reaction of AgNO(3), 2 equiv of Na(2)(mnt), and [2.2.2]-cryptand in acetonitrile yields [Na([2.2.2]-cryptand)](3)[Ag(mnt)(2)] (5). The anion of 5 is analogous to that of 4. Electronic absorption and infrared spectra of each complex show behavior characteristic of metal-maleonitriledichalcogenates. Crystal data (153 K): 1, P2/n, Z = 2, a = 18.362(2) A, b = 16.500(1) A, c = 19.673(2) A, beta = 94.67(1) degrees, V = 5941(1) A(3); 2, P4, Z = 4, a= 27.039(4) A, c = 15.358(3) A, V = 11229(3) A(3); 3, P2(1)/c, Z = 6, a = 15.689(3) A, b = 51.924(11) A, c = 17.393(4) A, beta = 93.51(1) degrees, V = 14142(5) A(3); 4, P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 13.997(1) A, b = 21.866(2) A, c = 28.281(2) A, beta = 97.72(1) degrees, V = 8578(1) A(3); 5, P2/n, Z = 2, a = 11.547(2) A, b = 11.766(2) A, c = 27.774(6) A, beta = 91.85(3) degrees, V = 3772(1) A(3).     

A combined stopped-flow, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and (31)P NMR study on the acetic acid-mediated fragmentation of the hydroxo-chalcogenide cluster [W(3)Se(4)(OH)(3)(dmpe)(3)](+) (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane) to yield the dinuclear [W(2)Se(2)(mu-Se)(2)(mu-CH(3)CO(2))(dmpe)(2)](+) complex

The reaction of the incomplete-cuboidal [W(3)Se(4)(OH)(3)(dmpe)(3)](+) ([1](+)) cluster with acetic acid in acetonitrile solution leads to cluster fragmentation with formation of the dinuclear [W(2)Se(2)(mu-Se)(2)(mu-CH(3)CO(2))(dmpe)(2)](+) ([2](+)) complex. The X-ray structure of [2]PF(6) presents two equivalent metal centres bridged by one acetate ligand. Each W atom is additionally coordinated by one terminal selenium atom, two bridging selenido and two diphosphane phosphorus atoms in an essentially octahedral environment. Stopped-flow and conventional UV-vis studies indicate that fragmentation of [1](+) into [2](+) occurs through a complex mechanism. Three steps can be distinguished in the stopped-flow time scale, all of them showing a first order dependence with respect to the acetic acid concentration, followed by very slow spectral changes that lead to the formation of [2](+). Phosphorus NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) have been used to identify the nature of the reaction intermediates formed in the different steps. These studies indicate that the first two steps correspond to the formal substitutions of the hydroxo ligands at two metal centres by terminal acetate ligands. The third step involves bridging of one of the terminal acetate ligands, which actually prepares the trinuclear cluster to afford the acetate-bridged [W(2)Se(2)(mu-Se)(2)(mu-CH(3)CO(2))(dmpe)(2)](+) ([2](+)) complex. Although the precise details of the final conversion to [2](+) have not been established, the results obtained by combination of the different experimental techniques provide a complete picture of the speciation of the cluster [1](+) in acetonitrile solutions containing acetic acid.     

Isomerization reaction of head-to-head alpha-pyridonato-bridged ethylenediaminepalladium(II) binuclear complex, [Pd2(en)2(C5H4NO)2]2+, in aqueous solution

Head-to-head bis(alpha-pyridonato)-bridged bis(ethylenediamine)dipalladium(ii), HH-[Pd(2)(en)(2)(alpha-pyridonato)(2)](ClO(4))(2), was synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The (1)H NMR spectra show that the head-to-head (HH) dimer produces the head-to-tail (HT) dimer and monomers ([Pd(en)(alpha-pyridone)(2)](2+), [Pd(en)(H(2)O)(alpha-pyridone)](2+), [Pd(en)(H(2)O)(2)](2+), etc.) in aqueous solution, and the relative amount of dimers to monomers is dependent on the total concentration of the HH dimer dissolved as well as the acidity of the solution. It was found that the formation of the HH and HT dimers from the monomers is fast, and the HT dimer is produced from the HH dimer only via coexisting monomers, i.e., there is no direct isomerization path between the HH and HT dimers. The kinetic analyses for the HH <==>HT isomerization reaction with time-resolved (1)H NMR measurements revealed that the reaction proceeds via first-order kinetics, which was explained based on a relaxation process. The rate determining step for HH <==>HT isomerization is the reaction step between the mono-alpha-pyridone complex and the bis-alpha-pyridone complex, [Pd(en)(H(2)O)(alpha-pyridone)](2+)+alpha-pyridone <==> [Pd(en)(alpha-pyridone)(2)](2+).     

Syntheses and characterization of some mixed Te/Se polychalcogenide anions [Te(m)Se(n)]2-

Several mixed Te/Se polychalcogenide anions [Te(m)Se(n)](2-) were synthesized at 293 K by reactions between Te(n)(2-)and Se(n)(2-) anions in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of different-size ammonium or phosphonium cations, in some cases in the presence of metal species. The structures of these anions were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The crystal structures of [NEt(4)](2)[Te(3)Se(6)] (1) and [NEt(4)](2)[Te(3)Se(7)] (2) consist, respectively, of one-dimensional infinite 1(infinity)[Te(3)Se(6)(2-)] and 1(infinity)[Te(3)Se(7)(2-)] anionic chains separated by NEt(4)(+) cations. In compound 1, each chain comprises Te(3)Se(5) eight-membered rings bridged by Se atoms. The Te(3)Se(5) ring has an "open book" conformation. The NMR spectrum of a DMF solution of [NEt(4)](2)[Te(3)Se(6)] crystals at 223 K shows (77)Se resonances at delta = 290, 349, and 771 ppm and a single (125)Te resonance at delta = 944.7 ppm. In compound 2, each chain comprises Te(3)Se(6) five- and six-membered rings bridged by Se atoms. The Te(3)Se(6) ring can be regarded as an inorganic analogue of bicyclononane. The anion of [PPh(4)](2)[Te(2)Se(2)] (4) contains a Se-Te-Te-Se chain with the terminal Se atoms trans to one another. The new compounds [PPN](2)[TeSe(10)] (3), [NMe(4)](2)[TeSe(3)].DMF (5), and [NEt(4)](2)[TeSe(3)] (6) contain known anions.     

Synthesis, structure and solution NMR properties of (Ph4P)[M(SeC[O]Tol)3], M = Zn, Cd and Hg

Metal selenocarboxylate salts (PPh4)[M(SeC[O]Tol)3] (M = Zn (1), Cd (2) and Hg (3); Tol = C6H4-p-CH3) have been synthesized by reacting Zn(NO3)2 .6H2O, Cd(NO3)2 .4H2O or HgCl2 with (Na+)TolC[O]Se- and PPh4Cl in the ratio of 1 : 4 : 1. The structures of these compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The crystal structures contain discrete cations and anions. In the each anion, the metal center is bound to three TolC[O]Se ligands, primarily through Se, though some long M...O interactions also occur. NMR spectra (113Cd, 199Hg and 77Se, as appropriate) are reported for solutions of [M(SeC[O]Tol)3]-, and of [M(SeC[O]Tol)3](-) - [M(SC[O]Ph)3]- mixtures (M = Zn-Hg), in CH2Cl2 at reduced temperatures. In addition, ESI-MS data have been obtained for [M(SeC[O]Tol)(3)](-) - [M(SC[O]Ph)3]- mixtures (M = Zn-Hg) in acetone and in CH2Cl2. The NMR and ESI-MS studies show that the complexes [M(SeC[O]Tol)n(SC[O]Ph)(3-n)]- (n= 3-0) persist in solution.     

Preparation and x-ray structures of alkali-metal derivatives of the ambidentate anions [tBuN(E)P(mu-NtBu)2P(E)NtBu]2- (E = S, Se) and [tBuN(Se)P(mu-NtBu)2PN(H)tBu)]-

The ambidentate dianions [(t)BuN(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu](2)(-) (5a, E = S; 5b, E = Se) are obtained as their disodium and dipotassium salts by the reaction of cis-[(t)Bu(H)N(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(H)(t)Bu] (6a, E = S; 6b, E = Se), with 2 equiv of MN(SiMe(3))(2) (M = Na, K) in THF at 23 degrees C. The corresponding dilithium derivative is prepared by reacting 6a with 2 equiv of (t)BuLi in THF at reflux. The X-ray structures of five complexes of the type [(THF)(x)()M](2)[(t)BuN(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu] (9, M = Li, E = S, x = 2; 11a/11b, M = Na, E = S/Se, x = 2; 12a, M = K, E = S, x = 1; 12b, M = K, E = Se, x = 1.5) have been determined. In the dilithiated derivative 9 the dianion 5a adopts a bis (N,S)-chelated bonding mode involving four-membered LiNPS rings whereas 11a,b and 12a,b display a preference for the formation of six-membered MNPNPN and MEPNPE rings, i.e., (N,N' and E,E')-chelation. The bis-solvated disodium complexes 11a,b and the dilithium complex 9 are monomeric, but the dipotassium complexes 12a,b form dimers with a central K(2)E(2) ring and associate further through weak K.E contacts to give an infinite polymeric network of 20-membered K(6)E(6)P(4)N(4) rings. The monoanions [(t)Bu(H)N(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu)](-) (E = S, Se) were obtained as their lithium derivatives 8a and 8b by the reaction of 1 equiv of (n)BuLi with 6a and 6b, respectively. An X-ray structure of the TMEDA-solvated complex 8a and the (31)P NMR spectrum of 8b indicate a N,E coordination mode. The reaction of 6b with excess (t)BuLi in THF at reflux results in partial deselenation to give the monolithiated P(III)/P(V) complex [(THF)(2)Li[(t)BuN(Se)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)PN(H)(t)Bu]] 10, which adopts a (N,Se) bonding mode.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of tin(II) and zinc(II) derivatives of cyclic alpha-hydroxyketones, including the structures of Sn(maltol)(2), Sn(tropolone)(2), Zn(tropolone)(2), and Zn(hinokitiol)(2)

Zinc(II) and tin(II) derivatives of maltol (Hmalt), ethylmaltol (HEtmalt), tropolone (Htrop), hinokitiol (Hhino), and kojic acid (Hkoj) have been prepared and characterized, and the crystal structures of M(trop)(2) (M = Zn, Sn), Zn(hino)(2).EtOH, and Sn(malt)(2) have been determined. The Zn(trop)(2) is a polymeric structure in which tropolone has both a bridging and chelating role; zinc(hino)(2) crystallizes as an ethanol adduct of which the structure is a dimeric fragment of the Zn(trop)(2) polymer and in which each metal is "capped" by a molecule of alcohol. The tin complexes are notably air-stable despite adopting monomeric pseudo-trigonal-bipyramidal structures (SnO(4)E; E is a stereochemically active lone electron pair) in which the ligands only chelate a single metal center.     

Synthesis and characterization of metal diselenophosphates: M[Se2P(OR)2]2 (M = Pd,Pt; R = Et,Pr, Pr)

The first Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes incorporating diselenophosphate (dsep) ligands are presented. Treatment of M(II) (M = Pd, Pt) salts with two equivalents of the dsep ligand in CH₂Cl₂ yielded square-planar compounds of the type M[Se₂P(OR)₂]₂ (M = Pd, Pt; R = Et, ⁱPr, ⁿPr) (1a–2c). These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (1b and 2b). The dsep ligands coordinate to the metal in an approximately isobidentate fashion and form four-membered Se–P–Se–M chelate rings. Structural elucidations indicated that minute differences exist in the M–Se bond distances and these were observed from solution ³¹P NMR studies, which exhibited two sets of satellites arising from one-bond coupling to ⁷⁷Se nuclei. A packing diagram showed a chain-like motif which was composed of square-planar M[Se₂P(OR)₂]₂ units and occurred via non-covalent Se?Se secondary interactions.