Cobalt(III) carbonate and bicarbonate chelate complexes of tripodal tetraamine ligands containing pyridyl donors: the steric basis for the stability of chelated bicarbonate complexes

The synthesis and characterization (X-ray crystallography, UV/vis spectroscopy, electrochemistry, ESI-MS, and (1)H, (13)C, and (59)Co NMR) of the complexes [Co(L)(O(2)CO)]ClO(4)xH(2)O (L = tpa (tpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) (x = 1), pmea (pmea = bis((2-pyridyl)methyl)-2-((2-pyridyl)ethyl)amine) (x = 0), pmap (pmap = bis(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) (x = 0), tepa (tepa = tris(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)amine) (x = 0)) which contain tripodal tetradentate pyridyl ligands and chelated carbonate ligands are reported. The complexes display different colors in both the solid state and solution, which can be rationalized in terms of the different ligand fields exerted by the tripodal ligands. Electrochemical data show that [Co(tepa)(O(2)CO)](+) is the easiest of the four complexes to reduce, and the variation in E(red.) values across the series of complexes can also be explained in terms of the different ligand fields exerted by the tripodal ligands, as can the (59)Co NMR data which show a chemical shift range of over 2000 ppm for the four complexes. [Co(pmea)(O(2)CO)](+) is fluxional in aqueous solution, and VT NMR spectroscopy ((1)H and (13)C) in DMF-d(7) (DMF = dimethylformamide) over the temperature range -25.0 to 75.0 degrees C are consistent with inversion of the unique six-membered chelate ring. This process shows a substantial activation barrier (DeltaG(#) = 58 kJ mol(-1)). The crystal structures of [Co(tpa)(O(2)CO)]ClO(4)xH(2)O, [Co(pmea)(O(2)CO)]ClO(4).3H(2)O, [Co(pmap)(O(2)CO)]ClO(4), and [Co(tepa)(O(2)CO)]ClO(4) are reported, and the complexes containing the asymmetric tripodal ligands pmea and pmap both crystallize as the 6-isomer. The carbonate complexes all show remarkable stability in 6 M HCl solution, with [Co(pmap)(O(2)CO)](+) showing essentially no change in its UV/vis spectrum over 4 h in this medium. The chelated bicarbonate complexes [Co(pmea)(O(2)COH)]ZnCl(4), [Co(pmap)(O(2)COH)][Co(pmap)(O(2)CO)](ClO(4))(3), [Co(pmap)(O(2)COH)]ZnCl(4)xH(2)O, and [Co(pmap(O(2)COH)]ZnBr(4)x2H(2)O can be isolated from acidic aqueous solution, and the crystal structure of [Co(pmap)(O(2)COH)]ZnCl(4)x3H(2)O is reported. The stability of the carbonate complexes in acid is explained by analysis of the crystallographic data for these, and other slow to hydrolyze chelated carbonate complexes, which show that the endo (coordinated) oxygen atoms are significantly hindered by atoms on the ancillary ligands, in contrast to complexes such as [Co(L)(O(2)CO)](+) (L = (NH(3))(4), (en)(2), tren, and nta), which undergo rapid acid hydrolysis and which show no such steric hindrance.     

Magnetic properties of a mononuclear iron(II) complex with a typical FeN6 coordination octahedron

A mononuclear iron(II) complex with the tripodal ligand bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)(quinolin‐2‐ylmethyl)amine (dpqa) has been synthesized and structurally characterized, namely [bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)(quinolin‐2‐ylmethyl)amine‐κ⁴N,N′,N′′,N′′′]bis(thiocyanato‐κS)iron(II), [Fe(NCS)₂(C₂₂H₂₀N₄)], exhibits a three‐dimensional supramolecular network viaπ–π interactions and S...H—C hydrogen‐bonding interactions between adjacent Fe^II centres. Temperature‐dependent magnetic measurements under different external pressures and X‐ray diffraction measurements indicate that all the Fe^II centres in this complex retain a high‐spin state upon cooling from 300 to 2 K. The surprising absence of spin‐crossover behaviour for this mononuclear iron(II) complex is attributed to the steric hindrance originating from the substituted quinoline ring in the dpqa ligand.     

Copper(I) complexes, copper(I)/O(2) reactivity, and copper(II) complex adducts, with a series of tetradentate tripyridylalkylamine tripodal ligands

Copper(I) and copper(II) complexes possessing a series of related ligands with pyridyl-containing donors have been investigated. The ligands are tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tmpa), bis[(2-pyridyl)methyl]-2-(2-pyridyl)ethylamine (pmea), bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]-(2-pyridyl)methylamine (pmap), and tris[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]amine (tepa). The crystal structures of the protonated ligand H(tepa)ClO(4), the copper(I) complexes [Cu(pmea)]PF(6) (1b-PF(6)), [Cu(pmap)]PF(6) (1c-PF(6)), and copper(II) complexes [Cu(pmea)Cl]ClO(4).H(2)O (2b-ClO(4).H(2)O), [Cu(pmap)Cl]ClO(4).H(2)O (2c-ClO(4).H(2)O), [Cu(pmap)Cl]ClO(4) (2c-ClO(4)), and [Cu(pmea)F](2)(PF(6))(2) (3b-PF(6)) were determined. Crystal data: H(tepa)ClO(4), formula C(21)H(25)ClN(4)O(4), triclinic space group P1, Z = 2, a = 10.386(2) A, b = 10.723(2) A, c = 11.663(2) A, alpha = 108.77(3) degrees, beta = 113.81(3) degrees, gamma = 90.39(3) degrees; 1b-PF(6), formula C(19)H(20)CuF(6)N(4)P, orthorhombic space group Pbca, Z = 8, a = 14.413(3) A, b = 16.043(3) A, c = 18.288(4) A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees; (1c-PF(6)), formula C(20)H(22)CuF(6)N(4)P, orthorhombic space group Pbca, Z = 8, a = 13.306(3) A, b = 16.936(3) A, c = 19.163(4) A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees; 2b-ClO(4).H(2)O, formula C(19)H(22)Cl(2)CuN(4)O(5), triclinic space group P1, Z = 4, a = 11.967(2) A, b = 12.445(3) A, c = 15.668(3) A, alpha = 84.65(3) degrees, beta = 68.57(3) degrees, gamma = 87.33(3) degrees; 2c-ClO(4).H(2)O, formula C(20)H(24)Cl(2)CuN(4)O(5), monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 11.2927(5) A, b = 13.2389(4) A, c = 15.0939(8) A, alpha = gamma = 90 degrees, beta = 97.397(2) degrees; 2c-ClO(4), formula C(20)H(22)Cl(2)CuN(4)O(4), monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 8.7682(4) A, b = 18.4968(10) A, c = 13.2575(8) A, alpha = gamma = 90 degrees, beta = 94.219(4) degrees; 3b-PF(6), formula [C(19)H(20)CuF(7)N(4)P](2), monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, Z = 2, a = 11.620(5) A, b = 12.752(5) A, c = 15.424(6) A, alpha = gamma = 90 degrees, beta = 109.56(3) degrees. The oxidation of the copper(I) complexes with dioxygen was studied. [Cu(tmpa)(CH(3)CN)](+) (1a) reacts with dioxygen to form a dinuclear peroxo complex that is stable at low temperatures. In contrast, only a very labile peroxo complex was observed spectroscopically when 1b was reacted with dioxygen at low temperatures using stopped-flow kinetic techniques. No dioxygen adduct was detected spectroscopically during the oxidation of 1c, and 1d was found to be unreactive toward dioxygen. Reaction of dioxygen with 1a-PF(6), 1b-PF(6), and 1c-PF(6) at ambient temperatures leads to fluoride-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complexes as products. All copper(II) complexes were characterized by UV-vis, EPR, and electrochemical measurements. The results manifest the dramatic effects of ligand variations and particularly chelate ring size on structure and reactivity.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Spectral Properties of Two Manganese(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes with 3,4‐Dimethyl‐5‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole

Two complexes, cis‐[MnL₂(NCS)₂] ( 1 ) and cis‐[ZnL₂(NCS)₂] ( 2 ) with asymmetrical substituted triazole ligands [L = 3,4‐dimethyl‐5‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole], were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV/Vis and FT‐IR spectroscopy as well as thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), powder XRD, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the complexes, each L molecule adopts a chelating bidentate mode by the nitrogen atoms of pyridyl and triazole. Both complexes have a similar distorted octahedral [MN₆] core (M = Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺) with two NCS^– ions in the cis position.     

Stabilization of the Low‐Spin State in a Mononuclear Iron(II) Complex and High‐Temperature Cooperative Spin Crossover Mediated by Hydrogen Bonding

The tetrapyridyl ligand bbpya (bbpya=N,N‐bis(2,2′‐bipyrid‐6‐yl)amine) and its mononuclear coordination compound [Fe(bbpya)(NCS)₂] ( 1 ) were prepared. According to magnetic susceptibility, differential scanning calorimetry fitted to Sorai’s domain model, and powder X‐ray diffraction measurements, 1 is low‐spin at room temperature, and it exhibits spin crossover (SCO) at an exceptionally high transition temperature of T_1/2=418 K. Although the SCO of compound 1 spans a temperature range of more than 150 K, it is characterized by a wide (21 K) and dissymmetric hysteresis cycle, which suggests cooperativity. The crystal structure of the LS phase of compound 1 shows strong N?H???S intermolecular H‐bonding interactions that explain, at least in part, the cooperative SCO behavior observed for complex 1 . DFT and CASPT2 calculations under vacuum demonstrate that the bbpya ligand generates a stronger ligand field around the iron(II) core than its analogue bapbpy (N,N′‐di(pyrid‐2‐yl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐6,6′‐diamine); this stabilizes the LS state and destabilizes the HS state in 1 compared with [Fe(bapbpy)(NCS)₂] ( 2 ). Periodic DFT calculations suggest that crystal‐packing effects are significant for compound 2 , in which they destabilize the HS state by about 1500 cm^?1. The much lower transition temperature found for the SCO of 2 compared to 1 appears to be due to the combined effects of the different ligand field strengths and crystal packing.     

Heteroleptic FeII Complexes of 2,2′‐Biimidazole and Its Alkylated Derivatives: Spin‐Crossover and Photomagnetic Behavior

Three iron(II) complexes, [Fe(TPMA)(BIM)](ClO₄)₂?0.5H₂O ( 1 ), [Fe(TPMA)(XBIM)](ClO₄)₂ ( 2 ), and [Fe(TPMA)(XBBIM)](ClO₄)₂ ?0.75CH₃OH ( 3 ), were prepared by reactions of Fe^II perchlorate and the corresponding ligands (TPMA=tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine, BIM=2,2′‐biimidazole, XBIM=1,1′‐(α,α′‐o‐xylyl)‐2,2′‐biimidazole, XBBIM=1,1′‐(α,α′‐o‐xylyl)‐2,2′‐bibenzimidazole). The compounds were investigated by a combination of X‐ray crystallography, magnetic and photomagnetic measurements, and Mössbauer and optical absorption spectroscopy. Complex 1 exhibits a gradual spin crossover (SCO) with T_1/2=190 K, whereas 2 exhibits an abrupt SCO with approximately 7 K thermal hysteresis (T_1/2=196 K on cooling and 203 K on heating). Complex 3 is in the high‐spin state in the 2–300 K range. The difference in the magnetic behavior was traced to differences between the inter‐ and intramolecular interactions in 1 and 2 . The crystal packing of 2 features a hierarchy of intermolecular interactions that result in increased cooperativity and abruptness of the spin transition. In 3 , steric repulsion between H atoms of one of the pyridyl substituents of TPMA and one of the benzene rings of XBBIM results in a strong distortion of the Fe^II coordination environment, which stabilizes the high‐spin state of the complex. Both 1 and 2 exhibit a photoinduced low‐spin to high‐spin transition (LIESST effect) at 5 K. The difference in the character of intermolecular interactions of 1 and 2 also manifests in the kinetics of the decay of the photoinduced high‐spin state. For 1 , the decay rate constant follows the single‐exponential law, whereas for 2 it is a stretched exponential, reflecting the hierarchical nature of intermolecular contacts. The structural parameters of the photoinduced high‐spin state at 50 K are similar to those determined for the high‐spin state at 295 K. This study shows that N‐alkylation of BIM has a negligible effect on the ligand field strength. Therefore, the combination of TPMA and BIM offers a promising ligand platform for the design of functionalized SCO complexes.     

Magnetism and crystal structure of an N3O3‐coordinated iron(II) complex

The reaction of [FeL(MeOH)₂] {where L is the tetradentate N₂O₂‐coordinating Schiff base‐like ligand (E,E)‐diethyl 2,2′‐[1,2‐phenylenebis(nitrilomethylidyne)]bis(3‐oxobutanoate)(2−) and MeOH is methanol} with 3‐aminopyridine (3‐apy) in methanol results in the formation of the octahedral complex (3‐aminopyridine‐κN¹){(E,E)‐diethyl 2,2′‐[1,2‐phenylenebis(nitrilomethylidyne)]bis(3‐oxobutanoato)(2−)‐κ⁴O³,N,N′,O^3′}(methanol‐κO)iron(II), [Fe(C₂₀H₂₂N₂O₆)(C₅H₆N₂)(CH₄O)] or [FeL(3‐apy)(MeOH)], in which the Fe^II ion is centered in an N₃O₃ coordination environment with two different axial ligands. This is the first example of an octahedral complex of this multidentate ligand type with two different axial ligands, and the title compound can be considered as a precursor for a new class of complexes with potential spin‐crossover behavior. An infinite two‐dimensional hydrogen‐bond network is formed, involving the amine NH group, the methanol OH group and the carbonyl O atoms of the equatorial ligand. T‐dependent susceptibility measurements revealed that the complex remains in the high‐spin state over the entire temperature range investigated.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Magnetic Properties of Two Copper(II) Radical Heterospin Complexes

Two heterospin complexes [Cu(NIT3Py)(cda)H₂O] · H₂O ( 1 ) and [Cu(NIT2Py)(cda)H₂O] · H₂O · CH₃OH ( 2 ) with Cu^II ions and pyridyl‐substituted nitronyl nitroxide radicals (NITxPy = 2‐(x′‐pyridyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide, x = 3, 2; H₂cda = 4‐hydroxy‐pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid) were synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. The single crystal structures show that the two complexes are both two‐spin complexes, in which the different radicals make the two complexes have different hydrogen bonding interactions to form 2D and 1D supramolecular network for complexes 1 and 2 , respectively. The magnetic measurements indicate that complexes 1 and 2 both exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions between Cu^II and radicals.     

The Coordination Chemistry of Iron with the 1,4‐Bis(2‐pyridyl‐methyl)piperazine Ligand

The behaviour of Fe^II and Fe^III ions in combination with the potential ligand 1,4‐bis(2‐pyridyl‐methyl)piperazine (BPMP) under anhydrous conditions has been investigated. BPMP has been reacted with FeCl₂, FeCl₃ and [Fe(OTf)₂(MeCN)₂]. This led to the isolation of four new complexes, which were fully characterized and structurally investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. It turned out that in the presence of chloride co‐ligands Fe^III favours the tetradentate coordination mode of BPMP with the piperazine unit in a boat configuration, like for instance in [BPMP(Cl)Fe(μ‐O)FeCl₃] or [BPMP‐FeCl₂][FeCl₄], ( 1 ). However, the employment of FeCl₂ leads to the formation of a coordination polymer [BPMP‐FeCl₂]_n, ( 2 ), containing the piperazine ring in a chair configuration binding to two iron centres each. 2 can only be dissolved in very polar solvents like dmf which is capable of breaking up the polymeric structure under formation of [Cl₂(dmf)Fe(μ‐BPMP‐1κ²N,N:2κ²N,N))Fe(dmf)Cl₂]·2 dmf, ( 3 ). In contrast, using [Fe(OTf)₂(MeCN)₂] instead of FeCl₂ as the starting material leads to a mononuclear Fe^II complex with BPMP bound in the desirable tetradentate fashion: [BPMP‐Fe(OTf)₂], ( 4 ). Unlike other complexes with tetradentate N/py ligands the two residual ligands in 4 are bound almost trans to each other with the potential to adopt a cis orientation under oxidising conditions, and it will be interesting to exploit its catalytic properties in future.     

Nucleophilic and electrophilic promotion of ligand substitution reactions in oxo‐bridged,dinuclear chromium(III) complexes

Base hydrolysis reactions of [Cr(tmpa)(NCSe)]₂O²⁺, [Cr(tmpa)(N₃)]₂O²⁺, [Cr₂(tmpa)₂(μ−O)(μ−PhPO₄)]⁴⁺ and [Cr₂(tmpa)₂(μ−O)(μ−CO₃)]²⁺ follow the pseudo‐first‐order relationship (excess OH⁻): k_obsd=k_o+k_bQ_p[OH⁻]/(1+Q_p[OH⁻]). For the CO₃²⁻ complex, k_b(60°C)=(1.50±0.03)×10⁻² s⁻¹; ΔH‡=61±2 kJ/mol, ΔS‡=−99±7 J/mol K; Q_p(60°C)=(3.8±0.3)×10¹ M⁻¹; ΔH°=67±2 kJ/mol, ΔS°=230±7 J/mol K (I=1.0 M). An isokinetic relationship among k_OH(=k_bQ_p) activation parameters for five (tmpa)CrOCr(tmpa) complexes shows that all follow essentially the same pathway. Activated complex formation is thought to require nucleophilic attack of coordinated OH⁻ at the chromium‐leaving group bond in the k_b step, accompanied by reattachment of a tmpa pyridyl arm displaced by OH⁻ in the Q_p preequilibrium. Abstraction of both thiocyanate ligands was observed upon mixing [Cr(tmpa)(NCS)]₂O²⁺ with [Pd(CH₃CN)₄]²⁺ in CH₃CN solution. The proposed mechanism requires rapid complexation of both reactant thiocyanate ligands by Pd(II) (K_p(25°C)=(4.5±0.2)×10⁸ M⁻²; ΔH°=−32±6 kJ/mol, ΔS°=59±19 J/mol K) prior to rate‐limiting Cr NCS bond‐breaking (k₂(25°C)=(1.17±0.02)×10⁻³ s⁻¹; ΔH‡=98±2 kJ/mol, ΔS‡=27±5 J/mol K). Pd(II)‐assisted NCS⁻ abstraction is not driven by weakening of the Cr( )NCS⁻ bond through ligation of the sulfur atom to palladium, but rather by a favorable ΔS‡ resulting from the release of Pd(NCS)⁺ fragments and weak solvation of the activated complex in CH₃CN solution. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 351–356, 1999     

A rare octacoordinated mononuclear iron(III) spin‐crossover compound: synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties

The chemistry of transition‐metal complexes with unusually high coordination numbers has been of interest because of their application in catalytic and biological systems. Deprotonation of the ionogenic tetradentate ligand 6,6′‐bis(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine [H₂bipy(ttr)₂] in the presence of iron(III) and tetra‐n‐butylammonium bromide, [n‐Bu₄N]Br, in solution resulted in the synthesis of a rare octacoordinated anionic mononuclear complex, tetra‐n‐butylammonium bis[6,6′‐bis(tetrazol‐1‐id‐5‐yl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine]iron(III) methanol hemisolvate dihydrate, (C₁₆H₃₆N)[Fe(C₁₂H₆N₁₀)₂]·0.5CH₃OH·2H₂O or [n‐Bu₄N][Fe{bipy(ttr)₂}₂]·0.5CH₃OH·2H₂O ( 1 ), which has been structurally characterized by elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In 1 , the coordination sphere of the iron(III) ion is a distorted bis‐disphenoid dodecahedron, in which the eight coordination positions are occupied by eight N atoms from two independent tetradentate [bipy(ttr)₂]^2? anionic ligands, therefore forming the anionic [Fe{bipy(ttr)₂}₂]^? unit, with the negative charge balanced by a free [n‐Bu₄N]⁺ cation. An investigation of the magnetic properties of 1 revealed a gradual incomplete spin‐crossover behaviour below 150 K.     

Comparison of density functionals for the study of the high spin low spin gap in Fe(III) spin crossover complexes

A detailed investigation of the accuracy of different quantum mechanical methods for the study of iron(III) spin crossover complexes is presented. The energy spin state gap between the high and low spin states; ΔE (HS‐LS) of nine iron(III) quinolylsalicylaldiminate complexes were calculated with nine different DFT functionals, then compared. DFT functionals: B3LYP, B3LYP‐D3, B3LYP*, BH&HLYP, BP86, OLYP, OPBE, M06L, and TPSSh were tested with six basis sets: 3‐21G*, dgdzvp, 6‐31G**, cc‐pVDZ, Def2TZVP, and cc‐pVTZ. The cations from the X‐ray crystal structures of [Fe(qsal‐OMe)₂]Cl·MeCN·H₂O, [Fe(qsal‐OMe)₂]Cl·2MeOH·0.5H₂O, [Fe(qsal‐OMe)₂]BF₄·MeOH, [Fe(qsal‐OMe)₂]NCS·CH₂Cl₂, [Fe(qsal‐F)₂]NCS, [Fe(qsal‐Cl)₂]NCS·MeOH, [Fe(qsal‐Br)₂]NCS·MeOH, [Fe(qsal‐I)₂]OTf·MeOH, and [Fe(qsal)₂]NCS?CH₂Cl₂ were used as starting structures. The results show that B3LYP, B3LYP‐D3, OLYP, and OPBE with a 6‐31G**, Def2TZVP, and cc‐pVTZ basis set give reasonable results of ΔE (HS‐LS) compared with the experimental data. The enthalpy of [Fe(qsal‐I)₂]⁺ calculated with an OLYP functional and cc‐pVTZ basis set (1.48 kcal/mol) most closely matches the experimental data (1.34 kcal/mol). B3LYP* yields an enthalpy of 5.92 kcal/mol suggesting it may be unsuitable for these Fe(III) complexes, mirroring recent results by Kepp (Inorg . Chem ., 2016, 55 , 2717–2727).     

Effect of Ligand Field Strength on the Spin Crossover Behaviour in 5‐X‐SalEen (X=Me,Br and OMe) Based Fe(III) Complexes

The reaction of Fe(NCS)₃ prepared in situ in MeOH with 5‐X‐SalEen ligands (5‐X‐SalEen=condensation product of 5‐substituted salicylaldehyde and N‐ethylethylenediamine) provided three Fe(III) complexes, [Fe(5‐X‐SalEen)₂]NCS; X=Me ( 1 ), X=Br ( 2 ), X=OMe ( 3 ). All the complexes reveal similar structural features but a very different magnetic profile. Complex 1 shows a gradual spin crossover while complexes 2 and 3 show a sharp spin transition. The T_1/2 for complex 2 is 237 K while for complex 3 it is much higher with a value of 361 K. The spin transition temperature is shifted towards higher temperature with increasing electron‐donation ability of the ligand substituents. This experimental observation has been rationalized with DFT calculations. UV‐Vis and cyclic voltammetry studies support the fact that the electron density on the ligand increases from Me to Br to OMe substituents. To understand the change in spin states, temperature‐dependent EPR spectra have been recorded. The spin state equilibrium in the liquid state has been probed with Evans NMR spectroscopic method, and thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated for all complexes.     

Low‐Valent Iron(I) Amido Olefin Complexes as Promotors for Dehydrogenation Reactions

Fe^I compounds including hydrogenases show remarkable properties and reactivities. Several iron(I) complexes have been established in stoichiometric reactions as model compounds for N₂ or CO₂ activation. The development of well‐defined iron(I) complexes for catalytic transformations remains a challenge. The few examples include cross‐coupling reactions, hydrogenations of terminal olefins, and azide functionalizations. Here the syntheses and properties of bimetallic complexes [MFe^I(trop₂dae)(solv)] (M=Na, solv=3 thf; M=Li, solv=2 Et₂O; trop=5H‐dibenzo[a,d]cyclo‐hepten‐5‐yl, dae=(N‐CH₂‐CH₂‐N) with a d⁷ Fe low‐spin valence‐electron configuration are reported. Both compounds promote the dehydrogenation of N,N‐dimethylaminoborane, and the former is a precatalyst for the dehydrogenative alcoholysis of silanes. No indications for heterogeneous catalyses were found. High activities and complete conversions were observed particularly with [NaFe^I(trop₂dae)(thf)₃].     

Kinetics and mechanism of the base hydrolysis of cis-eq-[Cr(NCS)(S-pdtra)]−, trans-eq-[Cr(NCS)(edtrp)]− and trans-eq-[Cr(NCS)(R-pdtrp)]− complexes. Strong rate enhancement for NCS− ligand release with an increase of [OH−] only for the trans-equatorial isomers

The [Cr(NCS)(edtrp)]⁻, [Cr(NCS)(R-pdtrp)]⁻ and [Cr(NCS)(S-pdtra)]⁻ complexes, that are derivatives of the trans-equatorial isomers of [Cr(edtrp)(H₂O)]° and [Cr(R-pdtrp)(H₂O)]° and the cis-equatorial isomer of [Cr(S-pdtra)-(H₂O)]° (edtrp = ethylenediamine-N,N,N′-tripropionate, R-pdtrp = R-propane-1,2-diamine-N,N,N′-tripropionate, S-pdtra = S-propane-1,2-diamine-N,N,N′-triacetate) undergo aquation in alkaline media with a strong dependence of the rate on [OH⁻] for the trans-equatorial isomers and a very weak dependence for the cis-equatorial isomer. The thiocyanate ligand release follows a stereoretentive course for all reactants. Based on kinetic data the reaction mechanism has been discussed. Rate differences between the isomers are interpreted in terms of an interchange via a conjugate base (I c.b.) mechanism, assuming an equilibrium between the cis-equatorial-Cr^III-S-pdtra complexes with penta- and tetradentate coordination of the edta-like ligand. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The novel triazine cored tripodal and trinuclear Schiff base‐oxime metal complexes: Their magnetic properties and thermal decompositions

2,4,6‐tris(4‐hydroxybenzimino)‐1,3,5‐triazine [ 1 , 2 ] ( III ) have been synthesized by the reaction of 1 equiv melamine and three equiv 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, and characterized by means of elemental analysis, ¹H‐NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrscopy, liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (LC‐MS). L ( IV ) has been synthesized by the reaction of one equiv ( III ) and three equiv 4‐(thiophenoxy)phenyloxylohydroxymoyl chloride ( II ) , and characterized by means of the same methods. Then, four novel trinuclear Fe(III) and Cr(III) complexes involving tetradentate Schiff bases N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine‐(salenH₂) or bis(salicylidene)‐o‐phenylenediamine‐(salophen H₂) with L (IV) have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, FTIR spectrscopy, LC‐MS, thermal analyses. The metal ratios of the prepared complexes have been determined using AAS. The aim of the present study is synthesis of novel tridirectional‐trinuclear systems and to present their effects on magnetic behavior of [salenFe(III)], [salophenFe(III)], [salenCr(III)], and [salophenCr(III)] capped complexes. The complexes have also been characterized as low‐spin distorted octahedral Fe(III) and Cr(III) bridged by keton‐oxime group. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).     

Tuning the transition temperature and cooperativity of bapbpy-based mononuclear spin-crossover compounds: interplay between molecular and crystal engineering

In this study, we show that 1) different isomers of the same mononuclear iron(II) complex give materials with different spin‐crossover (hereafter SCO) properties, and 2) minor modifications of the bapbpy (bapbpy=N6,N6′‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐6,6′‐diamine) ligand allows SCO to be obtained near room temperature. We also provide a qualitative model to understand the link between the structure of bapbpy‐based ligands and the SCO properties of their iron(II) compounds. Thus, seven new trans‐[Fe{R₂(bapbpy)}(NCS)₂] compounds were prepared, in which the R₂bapbpy ligand bears picoline ( 9 – 12 ), quin‐2‐oline ( 13 ), isoquin‐3‐oline ( 14 ), or isoquin‐1‐oline ( 15 ) substituents. From this series, three compounds ( 12 , 14 , and 15 ) have SCO properties, one of which ( 15 ) occurs at 288 K. The crystal structures of compounds 11 , 12 , and 15 show that the intermolecular interactions in these materials are similar to those found in the parent compound [Fe(bapbpy)(NCS)₂] ( 1 ), in which each iron complex interacts with its neighbors through weak N? H ??? S hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking. For compounds 12 and 15 , hindering groups located near the N? H bridges weaken the N? S intermolecular interactions, which is correlated to non‐cooperative SCO. For compound 14 , the substitution is further away from the N? H bridges, and the SCO remains cooperative as in 1 with a hysteresis cycle. Optical microscopy photographs show the strikingly different spatio‐temporal evolution of the phase transition in the noncooperative SCO compound 12 relative to that found in 1 . Heat‐capacity measurements were made for compounds 1 , 12 , 14 , and 15 and fitted to the Sorai domain model. The number n of like‐spin SCO centers per interacting domain, which is related to the cooperativity of the spin transition, was found high for compounds 1 and 14 and low for compounds 12 and 15 . Finally, we found that although both pairs of compounds 11 / 12 and 14 / 15 are pairs of isomers their SCO properties are surprisingly different.     

Nickel(II) N‐Benzyl‐N‐methyldithiocarbamato Complexes as Precursors for the Preparation of Graphite Oxidation Accelerators

The nickel(II) N‐benzyl‐N‐methyldithiocarbamato (BzMedtc) complexes [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)Cl] ( 1 ), [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)Br] ( 2 ), [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)I] ( 3 ), and [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)] ( 4 ) were synthesized using the reaction of [Ni(BzMedtc)₂] and [NiX₂(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br, I and NCS). Subsequently, complex 1 was used for the preparation of [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)₂]ClO₄ ( 5 ), [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ ( 6 ), and [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)₂]PF₆ ( 7 ). The obtained complexes 1 – 7 were characterized by elemental analysis, thermal analysis and spectroscopic methods (IR, UV/Vis, ³¹P{¹H} NMR). The results of the magnetochemical and molar conductivity measurements proved the complexes as diamagnetic non‐electrolytes ( 1 – 4 ) or 1:1 electrolytes ( 5 – 7 ). The molecular structures of 4 and 5· H₂O were determined by a single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. In all cases, the Ni^II atom is tetracoordinated in a distorted square‐planar arrangement with the S₂PX, and S₂P₂ donor set, respectively. The catalytic influence of selected complexes 1 , 3 , 5 , and 6 on graphite oxidation was studied. The results clearly indicated that the presence of the products of thermal degradation processes of the mentioned complexes has impact on the course of graphite oxidation. A decrease in the oxidation start temperatures by about 60–100 °C was observed in the cases of all the tested complexes in comparison with pure graphite.     

Effects of wavelength and substituents on iron(III) photoreduction in trans-[Fe(R-sal-R‵-en)(CH3OH)(NCS)] complexes

Photoredox reactions in irradiated methanolic solutions of trans-[Fe(R′-sal-R₂-en) (CH₃OH)(NCS)] complexes, where R′-sal-R₂-en^2? are tetradentate open-chain N,N′-1,1-R₂-ethylenebis(R′-salicylideneiminato) ligands (R?=?H or CH₃; R′?=?H, 5-Cl, 5-Br, 3,5-Br₂, 3-OCH₃, 4-OCH₃), have been explored and a mechanism suggested. The complexes are redox-stable in the dark in methanol. Continuous irradiation of solutions in the region of intraligand (IL) or ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) transitions leads to photoreduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and formation of formaldehyde (CH₂O). Formation of polystyrene-containing bonded NCS, when irradiating the complexes in the presence of styrene used as a radical scavenger, indicates that the primary photoreduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) is accompanied by oxidation of NCS^? to the ^?NCS radical. R′-sal-R₂-en ligands have little effect on the photoinduced redox processes. The quantum yield of Fe(II) formation, Φ_Fe(II), as a quantitative parameter of photoredox efficiency, decreases significantly with increasing wavelength of incident radiation, and is slightly influenced by the peripheral groups, R, of R′-sal-R₂-en.     

Intramolecular Gas‐Phase Reactions of Synthetic Nonheme Oxoiron(IV) Ions: Proximity and Spin‐State Reactivity Rules

The intramolecular gas‐phase reactivity of four oxoiron(IV) complexes supported by tetradentate N₄ ligands ( L ) has been studied by means of tandem mass spectrometry measurements in which the gas‐phase ions [Fe^IV(O)( L )(OTf)]⁺ (OTf=trifluoromethanesulfonate) and [Fe^IV(O)( L )]²⁺ were isolated and then allowed to fragment by collision‐induced decay (CID). CID fragmentation of cations derived from oxoiron(IV) complexes of 1,4,8,11‐tetramethyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane (tmc) and N,N′‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐1,5‐diazacyclooctane ( L ⁸Py₂) afforded the same predominant products irrespective of whether they were hexacoordinate or pentacoordinate. These products resulted from the loss of water by dehydrogenation of ethylene or propylene linkers on the tetradentate ligand. In contrast, CID fragmentation of ions derived from oxoiron(IV) complexes of linear tetradentate ligands N,N′‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐1,2‐diaminoethane (bpmen) and N,N′‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐1,3‐diaminopropane (bpmpn) showed predominant oxidative N‐dealkylation for the hexacoordinate [Fe^IV(O)( L )(OTf)]⁺ cations and predominant dehydrogenation of the diaminoethane/propane backbone for the pentacoordinate [Fe^IV(O)( L )]²⁺ cations. DFT calculations on [Fe^IV(O)(bpmen)] ions showed that the experimentally observed preference for oxidative N‐dealkylation versus dehydrogenation of the diaminoethane linker for the hexa‐ and pentacoordinate ions, respectively, is dictated by the proximity of the target C? H bond to the oxoiron(IV) moiety and the reactive spin state. Therefore, there must be a difference in ligand topology between the two ions. More importantly, despite the constraints on the geometries of the TS that prohibit the usual upright σ trajectory and prevent optimal σ_CH–σ* overlap, all the reactions still proceed preferentially on the quintet (S=2) state surface, which increases the number of exchange interactions in the d block of iron and leads thereby to exchange enhanced reactivity (EER). As such, EER is responsible for the dominance of the S=2 reactions for both hexa‐ and pentacoordinate complexes.