Structural modulation of Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of sterically hindered tripyridine ligands by the bridgehead alkyl groups

Structures of Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of sterically hindered tripyridine ligands RL = tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methane (HL), 1,1,1-tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)ethane (MeL), and 1,1,1-tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)propane (EtL), [Cu(RL)(MeCN)]PF(6) (1-3), [Cu(RL)(SO(4))] (4-6), and [Cu(RL)(NO(3))(2)] (7-9), have been explored in the solid state and in solution to gain some insights into modulation of the copper coordination structures by bridgehead alkyl groups (CH, CMe, and CEt). The crystal structures of 1-9 show that RL binds a copper ion in a tridentate facial-capping mode, except for 3, where EtL chelates in a bidentate mode with two pyridyl nitrogen atoms. To avoid the steric repulsion between the bridgehead alkyl group and the 3-H(py) atoms, the pyridine rings in Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of MeL and EtL shift toward the Cu side as compared to those in Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of HL, leading to the significant differences in the nonbonding interatomic distances, H.H (between the 3-H(py) atoms), N.N (between the N(py) atoms), and C.C (between the 6-Me carbon atoms), the Cu-N(py), Cu-N(MeCN), and Cu-O bond distances, and the tilt of the pyridine rings. The copper coordination geometries in 4-6, where a SO(4) ligand chelates in a bidentate mode, are varied from a square pyramid of 4 to distorted trigonal bipyramids of 5 and 6. Such structural differences are not observed for 7-9, where two NO(3) ligands coordinate in a monodentate mode. The structures of 1-9 in solution are investigated by means of the electronic, (1)H NMR, and ESR spectroscopy. The (1)H NMR spectra show that the structures of 1-3 in the solid state are kept in solution with rapid coordination exchange of the pyridine rings. The electronic and the ESR spectra reveal the structural changes of 5 and 6 in solution. The bridgehead alkyl groups and 6-Me groups in the sterically hindered tripyridine ligand play important roles in modulating the copper coordination structures.     

Quantitative evaluation of d-pi interaction in copper(I) complexes and control of copper(I)-dioxygen reactivity

Crystal structures of the copper(I) complexes 1(X), 2, and 3 of a series of tridentate ligands L1(X), L2, and L3, respectively (L1(X): p-substituted derivatives of N,N-bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]-2-phenylethylamine; X=H, Me, OMe, Cl, NO(2); L2: N,N-bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]-2-methyl-2-phenylethylamine; L3: N,N-bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]-2,2-diphenylethylamine) were solved to demonstrate that all the copper(I) complexes involve an eta(2) copper-arene interaction with the phenyl ring of the ligand sidearm. The Cu(I) ion in each complex has a distorted tetrahedral geometry consisting of the three nitrogen atoms (one tertiary amine nitrogen atom and two pyridine nitrogen atoms) and C(1)-C(2) of the phenyl ring of ligand sidearm, whereby the Cu-C distances of the copper-arene interaction significantly depend on the para substituents. The existence of the copper-arene interaction in a nonpolar organic solvent (CH(2)Cl(2)) was demonstrated by the observation of an intense MLCT band around 290 nm, and the magnitude of the interaction was evaluated by detailed analysis of the (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra and the redox potentials E(1/2) of the copper ion, as well as by means of the ligand-exchange reaction between the phenyl ring and CH(3)CN as an external ligand. The thermodynamic parameters DeltaH(o) and DeltaS(o) for the ligand-exchange reaction with CH(3)CN afforded a quantitative measure for the energy difference of the copper-arene interaction in the series of copper(I) complexes. Density functional studies indicated that the copper(I)-arene interaction mainly consists of the interaction between the d(z(2) ) orbital of Cu(I) and a pi orbital of the phenyl ring. The copper(I) complexes 1(X) reacted with O(2) at -80 degrees C in CH(2)Cl(2) to give the corresponding (micro-eta(2):eta(2)-peroxo)dicopper(II) complexes 4, the formation rates k(obs) of which were significantly retarded by stronger d-pi interaction, while complexes 2 and 3, which exhibit the strongest d-pi interaction showed significantly lower reactivity toward O(2) under the same experimental conditions. Thus, the d-pi interaction has been demonstrated for the first time to affect the copper(I)-dioxygen reactivity, and represents a new aspect of ligand effects in copper(I)-dioxygen chemistry.     

Cu(I) dinuclear complexes with tripodal ligands vs monodentate donors: triphenylphosphine, thiourea, and pyridine. A 1H NMR titration study

Complexes [PPh3Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))] (1), [PPh3Cu(Tr(Me,o-Py))] (2), and [PPh3Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o-Py))] (3) (Tr(Mes,Me) = hydrotris[1,4-dihydro-3-methyl-4-mesityl-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolyl]borate; Tr(Me,o-Py) = hydrotris[1,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolyl]borate; Br(Mes)pz(o-Py) = hydro[bis(thioxotriazolyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazolyl]borate; PPh3 = triphenylphosphine) were synthesized by the reaction of dinuclear complexes [Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))]2, [Cu(Tr(Me,o-Py))]2, [Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o-Py))]2, and PPh3. 1-3 were characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy and ESI-mass spectrometry. Crystal structure analyses were performed for 1 and 2. Both complexes crystallize in the triclinic P space group with the metal in a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry (S3P coordination) bound by a kappa3-S3 ligand and a PPh3 molecule. The solution molecular structures were investigated by means of variable-temperature (210-310 K, CDCl3, 1-2; 200-310 K, CD2Cl2, 3) and NOESY NMR spectroscopy. The solution structures of 1-2 are in accordance with the X-ray structures, and the complexes do not exhibit fluxional behavior. On the other hand, 3 is subject to an equilibrium between two species with a coalescing temperature of approximately 260 K. DFT geometry optimizations suggest that the major species of 3 consists of the Br(Mes)pz(o-Py) ligand bound to Cu(I) in the kappa3-S2H fashion with two C=S groups and a [Cu...H-B] interaction. A PPh3 completes the copper coordination (S2HP coordination). The complex [TuCu(Tr(Mes,Me))] (4) (Tu = thiourea) was crystallized using an excess of Tu with respect to [Cu(Tr(Me,2-Py))]2 (approximately a 6:1 ratio). The metal adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry with an overall S3H coordination determined by the bound kappa3-S2H ligand (two C=S groups and a [B-H...Cu] interaction) and by a Tu. The reactivity of dinuclear complexes [Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))]2, [Cu(Tr(Me,o-Py))]2, and [Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o-Py))]2 with monodentate ligands was investigated by means of NMR titrations with PPh3, Tu. and pyridine (Py), and formation constants for the adducts [DCu(L)] (D = monodentate donor, L = tripodal ligand) were determined.     

Synthesis,structure and characterization of binuclear copper(I) complexes

Binuclear copper(I) complexes [Cu(dppm)(NO3)]2 (1), dppm=Ph2PCH2PPh2, [Cu(dppm)(2,9-Me2Phen)]2(NO3)2 (2), [Cu(dppm)(I)]2 (3) and [Cu(dppm)(py)]2(NO3)2 (4), (py=pyridine) have been synthesized by ligand reduction of cupric nitrate with dppm in EtOH and characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight determination, t.g.a., 31P-n.m.r spectra; their electronic conductivities and c.v. waves have also been measured. The results show that dppm coordinates as a bridging bidentate ligand to the CuI atoms, and that NO3 behaves as a monodentate ligand or free ion in the newly prepared complexes.     

Cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of a hexadentate pyridine amide ligand. Effect of donor atom (ether vs. thioether) on coordination geometry, spin-state of cobalt and M(III)-M(II) redox potential

Using an acyclic hexadentate pyridine amide ligand, containing a -OCH(2)CH(2)O- spacer between two pyridine-2-carboxamide units (1,4-bis[o-(pyrydine-2-carboxamidophenyl)]-1,4-dioxabutane (H(2)L(9)), in its deprotonated form), four new complexes, [Co(II)(L(9))] (1) and its one-electron oxidized counterpart [Co(III)(L(9))][NO(3)]·2H(2)O (2), [Ni(II)(L(9))] (3) and [Cu(II)(L(9))] (4), have been synthesized. Structural analyses revealed that the Co(II) centre in 1 and the Ni(II) centre in 3 are six-coordinate, utilizing all the available donor sites and the Cu(II) centre in 4 is effectively five-coordinated (one of the ether O atoms does not participate in coordination). The structural parameters associated with the change in the metal coordination environment have been compared with corresponding complexes of thioether-containing hexadentate ligands. The μ(eff) values at 298 K of 1-4 correspond to S = 3/2, S = 0, S = 1 and S = 1/2, respectively. Absorption spectra for all the complexes have been investigated. EPR spectral properties of the copper(II) complex 4 have been investigated, simulated and analyzed. Cyclic voltammetric experiments in CH(2)Cl(2) reveal quasireversible Co(III)-Co(II), Ni(III)-Ni(II) and Cu(II)-Cu(I) redox processes. In going from ether O to thioether S coordination, the effect of the metal coordination environment on the redox potential values of Co(III)-Co(II) (here the effect of spin-state as well), Ni(III)-Ni(II) and Cu(II)-Cu(I) processes have been systematically analyzed.     

Binuclear copper(II) oxidation products from copper(I) complexes with tridentate ligands. Magnetostructural characterization

The bis-pyridine tridentate ligands (6-R-2-pyridylmethyl)-(2-pyridylmethyl) benzylamine (RDPMA, where R = CH(3), CF(3)), (6-R-2-pyridylmethyl)-(2-pyridylethyl) benzylamine (RPMPEA, where R = CH(3), CF(3)), and the bidentate ligand di-benzyl-(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (BiBzMePMA) have been synthesized and their copper(I) complexes oxidized in a methanol solution to afford self-assembled bis-micro-methoxo-binuclear copper(II) complexes (1, 2, 4, 6) or hydroxo- binuclear copper(II) complexes (3). Oxidation of the nonsubstituted DPMA (R = H) in dichloromethane gives a chloride-bridged complex (5). The crystal structures for [Cu(MeDPMA)(MeO)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (1), [Cu(RPMPEA)(MeO)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (for 2, R= Me, and for 4, R = CF(3)), [Cu(BiBzMePMA)(MeO)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (6), [Cu(FDPMA)(OH)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (3), and [Cu(DPMA)(Cl)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (5) have been determined, and their variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility has been measured in the temperature range of 10-300 K. The copper coordination geometries are best described as square pyramidal, except for 6, which is square planar, because of the lack of one pyridine ring in the bidentate ligand. In 1-4 and 6, the basal plane is formed by two pyridine N atoms and two O atoms from the bridging methoxo or hydroxo groups, whereas in 5, the bridging Cl atoms occupy axial-equatorial sites. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that the Cu atoms are strongly coupled antiferromagnetically in the bis-methoxo complexes 1, 2, 4, and 6, with -2J > 600 cm(-)(1), whereas for the hydroxo complex 3, -2J = 195 cm(-)(1) and the chloride-bridged complex 5 shows a weak ferromagnetic coupling, with 2J = 21 cm(-)(1) (2J is an indicator of the magnetic interaction between the Cu centers).     

Synthesis and reactivity of copper(I) complexes containing a bis(imidazolin-2-imine) pincer ligand

The new pincer ligand 2,6-bis[(1,3-di-tert-butylimidazolin-2-imino)methyl]pyridine (TL(tBu)) has been prepared in high yield from 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (1) and 1,3-di-tert-butylimidazolin-2-imine (3). Reaction of TL(tBu) with [Cu(MeCN)4]PF6 affords the highly reactive copper(I) complex [(TL(tBu))Cu]PF6, [5]PF6, which forms the stable copper(I) isocyanide complexes [6a]PF6 (nu(CN) = 2179 cm(-1)) and [6b]PF6 (nu(CN) = 2140 cm(-1)) upon addition of tert-butyl or 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide, respectively. For the cations 6a and 6b, DFT calculations reveal ground-state electronic structures of the type [(TL(tBu)-kappaN(1):kappaN(2))Cu(CNR)] with tricoordinate geometries around the copper atoms. Exposure of [5]PF6 to the air readily leads to trapping of atmospheric CO2 to form the square-planar complex [(TL(tBu))Cu(HCO3-kappaO)]PF6, [7]PF6, with the bicarbonate ligand adopting a rarely observed monodentate coordination mode. In chlorinated solvents such as dichloromethane or chloroform, [5]PF(6) rapidly abstracts chloride by reductive dechlorination of the solvent to yield [(TL(tBu))CuCl]PF6, [8]PF6 quantitatively. Reaction of TL(tBu) with copper(I) bromide or chloride affords complexes 9a and 9b, respectively, for which X-ray diffraction analysis, low-temperature NMR experiments and DFT calculations reveal the presence of a kappa(2)-coordinated ligand of the type [(TL(tBu)-kappaN(1):kappaN(2))CuX]. In solution, complex 9b undergoes slow disproportionation forming the mixed-valence copper(II)/copper(I) system [(TL(tBu))CuCl][CuCl2], [8]CuCl2 with a linear dichlorocuprate(I) counterion.     

Models for copper proteins. Copper(I) and (II) complexes of a novel binucleating tetraamino-tetrathioether ligand

The novel binucleating ligand, 6,6 prime-methylene-bis(5 prime-amino-3 prime,4 prime-benzo-2 prime-thiapentyl)-1,11-diamino-2,3:9,10-dibenzo-4,8-dithiaundecane (H4L) was prepared and reacted with copper(II) salts in dry MeOH to yield mixtures of copper(I) and copper(II) complexes with Cl- and ClO-4 counter ions. The amine functions on the ligand release protons to form copper(I) complexes: (Cu2L)X2, where X=Cl−, ClO4-. The complexes were oxidized to (Cu2L)X4 with H2O2 in DMF; Cu(NO3)2 gave a different complex, [Cu2(H4L)(NO3)2](NO3)2, as regards proton releasing ability, coordination and oxidation number. Evidence for the structures of this new tetraamino-tetrathioether ligand and its copper complexes is provided by 1H-, 13C-n.m.r., mass, u.v.–vis., i.r. spectra, elemental analyses, molar conductivities and magnetic moments. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis, structure, and electrochemical properties of copper(I) complexes with S/N homoscorpionate and heteroscorpionate ligands

Dinuclear Cu(I) complexes with bifunctionalized homoscorpionate ligands, hydrotris(thioxotriazolyl)borato [Li(Tr(Me,o)(-)(Py)) (1) and Li(Tr(Mes,Me)) (2)], and the heteroscorpionate ligand hydro[bis(thioxotriazolyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazolyl]borato [K(Br(Mes)pz(o)(-)(Py))] (3) were synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The complexes [Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))](2) (4) and [Cu(Tr(Me,o)(-)(Py))](2) (5) exhibit a similar coordination geometry where every metal is surrounded by three thioxo groups in a trigonal arrangement. The presence of a [B-H...Cu] three-center-two-electron interaction in both compounds causes the overall coordination to become tetrahedrally distorted (S(3)H coordination for each metal). The complex [Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o)(-)(Py))](2) (6) presents a trigonal geometry in which the metals interact with two thioxo groups and a bridging pyrazolyl nitrogen atom. A weak contact with a pyridine nitrogen atom completes the coordination of the metals (S(2)N,N' coordination for each metal). [Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))](2), [Cu(Tr(Me,o)(-)(Py))](2), and [Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o)(-)(Py))](2) exhibit fluxional behavior in solution as evidenced by variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy, and for 5 and 6 two species in equilibrium [in the ratio 2/1 for 5 (CDCl(3)) and 3/2 for 6 (CD(2)Cl(2))] are distinguishable in the (1)H NMR spectra at 270 K. 2D-NOESY spectra recorded at 270 K assisted in the attribution of solution molecular geometries for each isomer of 5 and 6. The free energy of activation (DeltaG()(Tc)) was determined for both equilibria from the evaluation of the coalescence temperature. DFT calculations were performed to describe plausible molecular geometry for the minor isomer of 5 and 6 and to propose a possible mechanism of interconversion between major and minor isomers. Cyclic voltammograms were recorded in CH(2)Cl(2) (3 and 6) or CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)CN (1/1, v/v) (2, 4, and 5) solutions using 0.1 M TBAHFP or TBAOTf as supporting electrolytes. [Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))](2), [Cu(Tr(Me,o)(-)(Py))](2), and [Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o)(-)(Py))](2) exhibit a quasi-reversible Cu(I)/Cu(II) redox behavior with E(pa) = +719 mV and E(pc) = +538 mV for 4, E(pa) = +636 mV and E(pc) = -316 mV for 5, and E(pa) = +418 mV and E(pc) = -319 mV for 6.     

Structural variation in copper(I) complexes with pyridylmethylamide ligands: structural analysis with a new four-coordinate geometry index, tau4

Four Cu(I) complexes were synthesized with a family of pyridylmethylamide ligands, HL(R) [HL(R) = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide, R = null; 2,2-dimethyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)propionamide, R = Me(3); 2,2,2-triphenyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide, R = Ph(3))]. Complexes 1-3 were synthesized from the respective ligand and [Cu(CH(3)CN)(4)]PF(6) in a 2 : 1 molar ratio: [Cu(HL)(2)]PF(6) (1), [Cu(2)(HL(Me3))(4)](PF(6))(2) (2), [Cu(HL(Ph3))(2)]PF(6) (3). Complex 4, [Cu(HL)(CH(3)CN)(PPh(3))]PF(6), was synthesized from the reaction of HL with [Cu(CH(3)CN)(4)]PF(6) and PPh(3) in a 1 : 1 : 1 molar ratio. X-Ray crystal structures reveal that complexes 1, 3 and 4 are mononuclear Cu(I) species, while complex 2 is a Cu(I) dimer. The copper ions are four-coordinate with geometries ranging from distorted tetrahedral to seesaw in 1, 2, and 4. Complexes 1 and 2 are very air sensitive and they display similar electrochemical properties. The coordination geometry of complex 3 is nearly linear, two-coordinate. Complex 3 is exceptionally stable with respect to oxidation in the air, and its cyclic voltammetry shows no oxidation wave in the range of 0-1.5 V. The unusual inertness of complex 3 towards oxidation is attributed to the protection from bulky triphenyl substituent of the HL(Ph3) ligand. A new geometric parameter for four-coordinate compounds, tau(4), is proposed as an improved, simple metric for quantitatively evaluating the geometry of four-coordinate complexes and compounds.     

Dicoordinate copper(I) silanechalcogenolates

The copper silanechalcogenolates tBu3PCuESiPh3 (1, E = O; 2, E = S; 3, E = Se) were prepared from the reaction of [tBu3PCu(CH3CN)3]BF4 with [Ph3SiELi(THF)2]2 in acetonitrile. The compounds were obtained as colorless, crystalline, but thermally labile solids. X-ray crystallography shows that complexes 1-3 are monomeric in the solid state with no Cu...Cu interactions. The Cu atoms have either a linear or a near-linear coordination geometry in all three complexes. Interestingly, the O atom in complex 1 is also linear, which is in contrast to the highly bent S (2) and Se analogues (3). Density functional theory calculations suggest that both the linear geometry of 1 and an associated extremely short Cu-O distance [1.769(4) A] are not the result of pi delocalization but are the result of a fine balance of electrostatic interaction and Pauli repulsion.     

Synthesis and spectral studies of mixed copper(II) dipeptide complexes of imidazole and related nitrogen donors

Eight mixed copper(II) complexes of the type [Cu(II)(D)(HL)], where D = anion of glycylglycine, glycyl-L-tyrosine or glycyl-L-phenylalanine, and HL = imidazole, 1-methylimidazole, 2-methylimidazole or benzimidazole have been prepared and characterised. The visible and EPR spectral studies of these complexes indicate that they are monomeric having five coordinate square pyramidal geometry (possibly distorted) about Cu(II). The dipeptide behaves as terdentate ligand in these complexes with amino, ionised amide nitrogen and carboxylate oxygen donor atoms approximately tetragonally disposed about Cu(II). The magnetic and bonding parameters obtained by detailed EPR spectral analysis coupled with electronic absorption spectral data suggest that imidazole, 1-methylimidazole, 2-methylimidazole or benzimidazole occupies the fourth position in the tetragonal plane and water molecule occupies an axial position about Cu(II) in solid state and in solution.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, spectral studies, and catechol oxidase activity of trigonal bipyramidal Cu(II) complexes derived from a tetradentate diamide bisbenzimidazole ligand

A new benzimidazole-based diamide ligand-N,N'-bis(glycine-2- benzimidazolyl)hexanediamide (GBHA)-has been synthesized and utilized to prepare Cu(II) complexes of general composition [Cu(GBHA)X]X, where X is an exogenous anionic ligand (X = Cl(-), NO(3)(-), SCN(-)). The X-ray structure of one of the complexes, [Cu(GBHA)Cl]Cl.H(2)O.CH(3)OH, has been obtained. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with unit cell dimensions a = 26.464(3) A, b = 10.2210(8) A, c = 20.444(2) A, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 106.554(7) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees, V= 5300.7(9) A(3), and Z = 8. To the best of our knowledge, the [Cu(GBHA)Cl]Cl.H(2)O.CH(3)OH complex is the first structurally characterized mononuclear trigonal bipyramidal copper(II) bisbenzimidazole diamide complex having coordinated amide carbonyl oxygen. The coordination geometry around the Cu(II) ion is distorted trigonal bipyramidal (tau = 0.59). Two carbonyl oxygen atoms and a chlorine atom form the equatorial plane, while the two benzimidazole imine nitrogen atoms occupy the axial positions. The geometry of the Cu(II) center in the solid state is not preserved in DMSO solution, changing to square pyramidal, as suggested by the low-temperature EPR data g( parallel) > g( perpendicular) > 2.0023. All the complexes display a quasi-reversible redox wave due to the Cu(II)/Cu(I) reduction process. E(1/2) values shift anodically from Cl(-) < NO(3)(-) < SCN(-), indicating that the bound Cl(-) ion stabilizes the Cu(II) ion while the N-bonded SCN(-) ion destabilizes the Cu(II) state in the complex. When calculated against NHE, the redox potentials turn out to be quite positive as compared to other copper(II) benzimidazole bound complexes (Nakao, Y.; Onoda, M.; Sakurai, T.; Nakahara, A.; Kinoshita, L.; Ooi, S. Inorg. Chim. Acta 1988, 151, 55. Addison, A. W.; Hendricks, H. M. J.; Reedijk, J.; Thompson, L. K. Inorg. Chem. 1981, 20 (1), 103. Sivagnanam, U.; Palaniandavar, M. J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans. 1994, 2277. Palaniandavar, M.; Pandiyan, T.; Laxminarayan, M.; Manohar, H. J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans. 1995, 457. Sakurai, T.; Oi, H.; Nakahara, A. Inorg. Chim. Acta 1984, 92, 131). It is therefore concluded that binding of amide carbonyl oxygen destabilizes the Cu(II) state. The complex [Cu(II)(GBHA)(NO(3))](NO(3)) could be successfully reduced by the addition of dihydroxybenzenes to the corresponding [Cu(I)(GBHA)](NO(3)). (1)H NMR of the reduced complex shows slightly broadened and shifted (1)H signals. The reduction of the Cu(II) complex presumably occurs with the corresponding 2e(-) oxidation of the quinol to quinone. Such a conversion is reminiscent of the functioning of a copper-containing catechol oxidase from sweet potatoes and the met form of the enzyme tyrosinase.     

Tetraalkoxyaluminates of nickel(II), copper(II), and copper(I)

The syntheses and structural details of tetraisopropoxyaluminates and tetra-tert-butoxyaluminates of nickel(II), copper(I), and copper(II) are reported. Within the nickel series, either Ni[Al(OiPr)4]2.2HOiPr, with nickel(II) in a distorted octahedral oxygen environment, or Ni[Al(OiPr)4]2.py, with nickel(II) in a square-pyramidal O4N coordination sphere, or Ni[(iPrO)(tBuO)3Al]2, with Ni(II) in a quasi-tetrahedral oxygen coordination, has been obtained. Another isolated complex is Ni[(iPrO)3AlOAl(OiPr)3].3py (with nickel(II) being sixfold-coordinated), which may also be described as a "NiO" species trapped by two Al(OiPr)3 Lewis acid-base systems stabilized at nickel by three pyridine donors. Copper(I) compounds have been isolated in three forms: [(iPrO)4Al]Cu.2py, [(tBuO)4Al]Cu.2py, and Cu2[(tBuO)4Al]2. In all of these compounds, the aluminate moiety behaves as a bidentate unit, creating a tetrahedrally distorted N2O2 copper environment in the pyridine adducts. In the base-free copper(I) tert-butoxyaluminate, a dicopper dumbbell [Cu-Cu 2.687(1) A] is present with two oxygen contacts on each of the copper atoms. Copper(II) alkoxyaluminates have been characterized either as Cu[(tBuO)4Al]2, {Cu(iPrO)[(iPrO)4Al]}2, and Cu[(tBuO)3(iPrO)Al]2 (copper being tetracoordinated by oxygen) or as [(iPrO)4Al]2Cu.py (pentacoordinated copper similar to the nickel derivative). Finally, a copper(II) hydroxyaluminate has been isolated, displaying pentacoordinate copper (O4N coordination sphere) by dimerization, with the formula {[(tBuO)4Al]Cu(OH).py}2. The formation of all of these isolated products is not always straightforward because some of these compounds in solution are subject to decomposition or are involved in equilibria. Besides NMR [copper(I) compounds], UV absorptions and magnetic moments are used to characterize the compounds.     

High thermodynamic stability and extraordinary kinetic inertness of copper(II) complexes with 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,8-bis(methylphosphonic acid): example of a rare isomerism between kinetically inert penta- and hexacoordinated copper(II) complexes

In an aqueous solution at room temperature, 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,8-bis(methylphosphonic acid) (H(4)L(1)) and Cu(I) (I) form a pentacoordinated (pc) complex, pc-[Cu(L(1))](2-), exhibiting conformation I of the cyclam ring. At high temperature, the complex isomerises to a hexacoordinated isomer, trans-O,O-[Cu(L(1))](2-), with a trans-III conformation of the cyclam ring. In pc-[Cu(L(1))](2-), four ring nitrogen atoms and one phosphonate oxygen atom are arranged around Cu(I) (I) in a structure that is half-way between a trigonal bipyramid and a tetragonal pyramid, with one phosphonic acid group uncoordinated. In the trans-O,O-[Cu(L(1))](2-) isomer, the nitrogen atoms form a plane and the phosphonic acid groups are in a mutually trans configuration. A structurally very similar ligand, 4-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,8-bis(methylphosphonic acid) (H(4)L(2)), forms an analogous pentacoordinated complex, pc-[Cu(L(2))](2-), at room temperature. However, the complex does not isomerise to the octahedral complex analogous to trans-O,O-[Cu(L(1))](2-). Because of the high thermodynamic stability of pc-[Cu(L(1))](2-), (logbeta=25.40(4), 25 degrees C, I=0.1 mol dm(-3) KNO(3)) and the formation of protonated species, Cu(I) (I) is fully complexed in acidic solution (-log [H(+)] approximately 3). Acid-assisted decomplexation of both of the isomers of [Cu(H(2)L(1))] takes place only after protonation of both uncoordinated oxygen atoms of each phosphonate moiety and at least one nitrogen atom of the cycle. The exceptional kinetic inertness of both isomers is illustrated by their half-lives tau(1/2)=19.7 min for pc-[Cu(H(2)L(1))] and tau(1/2) about seven months for trans-O,O-[Cu(H(2)L(1))] for decomplexation in 5 M HClO(4) at 25 degrees C. The mechanism of formation of pc-[Cu(L(1))](2-) is similar to those observed for other macrocyclic complexes.     

Syntheses of copper(I)cis-1,3,5-tri-iminocyclohexane complexes

Copper(I) complexes of the ligand cis-1,3,5-tris(cinnamylideneamino)cyclohexane (L) have been prepared from a versatile precursor complex, [Cu(I)(L)NCMe]BF4, which incorporates a labile acetonitrile ligand that can be exchanged to give a range of new Cu(L)X complexes (where X = Cl, Br, NO2, SPh). 1H NMR spectra and X-ray structures of the Cl, Br and NO2 complexes show L coordinated in a symmetric fashion about the copper centre. The complexes have been further characterised using UV/Visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. CuLCl shows an electrochemically reversible Cu(I/II) redox couple at 0.51 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) while the CuLNO2 complex shows an analogous quasi-reversible wave at 0.41 V (vs. Ag/AgCl).     

In situ reduction of copper(II) forming an unusually air stable linear complex of copper(I) with a fluorescent tag

A new fluorescent ligand (phi(f) = 0.8 in dioxane), 2-(4'-aminophthalimidomethyl)pyridine (L), has been synthesized. A one-pot synthesis of its copper(I) complex upon reduction of copper(II) is achieved at room temperature. This complex, which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography, shows a linear N-Cu-N geometry with Cu-N bond lengths of 1.89 A. X-ray structure reveals weak Cu...O interactions between copper and one of the imide oxygen atoms of the ligand framework. Additional weak Cu...O interactions between copper and oxygen atoms of the ClO(4)(-) counteranion are detected that lead to a zigzag polymeric chain with alternate ClO(4)(-) and copper ions. A 2-D intermolecular hydrogen bonding network is also observed. This complex is found to be highly inert toward oxidation both in the solid state and in solution.     

Versatile ligand behavior of hydrotris(4-ethyl-3-methyl-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolyl)borate. Syntheses and crystal structures of Cu(I) and Bi(III) complexes

Preparations of copper(I) and bismuth(III) complexes of hydrotris(4-ethyl-3-methyl-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolyl)borate (Tr(Et,Me)) are described. These complexes have been characterized by means of spectroscopy and microanalysis. Molecular structures of [Cu(Tr(Et,Me))](2) x 2.5CH(3)CN x 0.5H(2)O (3a) and [Bi(Tr(Et,Me))(2)]NO(3) x 2CHCl(3) (4a) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the centrosymmetric dimeric copper(I) complex, Tr(Et,Me) acts in the k(3)S,S',H:kS' ' coordination mode. The metal is found in a distorted trigonal geometry as the ligand exhibits an "S(3)-inverted" conformation at the boron center so that a weak [B-H.Cu] agostic interaction renders the overall coordination of the (3 + 1) type. On the other hand, in the bismuth complex, Tr(Et,Me) presents the k(3)S,S',S' ' coordination mode and the "S(3)-normal" conformation. The metal is found in a regular octahedral geometry bound by six thioxo groups of two ligands. Species distributions in solution have been studied using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry upon dissolution of 3a and 4a crystals in acetonitrile. Monomeric and polynuclear copper(I) complexes with different M:L ratios are present in solution, while for 4a only the monomeric species is present.     

Effect of a tridentate ligand on the structure, electronic structure, and reactivity of the copper(I) nitrite complex: role of the conserved three-histidine ligand environment of the type-2 copper site in copper-containing nitrite reductases

It is postulated that the copper(I) nitrite complex is a key reaction intermediate of copper containing nitrite reductases (Cu-NiRs), which catalyze the reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide (NO) gas in bacterial denitrification. To investigate the structure-function relationship of Cu-NiR, we prepared five new copper(I) nitrite complexes with sterically hindered tris(4-imidazolyl)carbinols [Et-TIC = tris(1-methyl-2-ethyl-4-imidazolyl)carbinol and iPr-TIC = tris(1-methyl-2-isopropyl-4-imidazolyl)carbinol] or tris(1-pyrazolyl)methanes [Me-TPM = tris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane; Et-TPM = tris(3,5-diethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane; and iPr-TPM = tris(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane]. The X-ray crystal structures of all of these copper(I) nitrite complexes were mononuclear eta(1)-N-bound nitrite complexes with a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The electronic structures of the complexes were investigated by absorption, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), NMR, and vibrational spectroscopy. All of these complexes are good functional models of Cu-NiR that form NO and copper(II) acetate complexes well from reactions with acetic acid under anaerobic conditions. A comparison of the reactivity of these complexes, including previously reported (iPr-TACN)Cu(NO2) [iPr-TACN = 1,4,7-triisopropyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane], clearly shows the drastic effects of the tridentate ligand on Cu-NiR activity. The copper(I) nitrite complex with the Et-TIC ligand, which is similar to the highly conserved three-histidine ((His)3) ligand environment in the catalytic site of Cu-NiR, had the highest Cu-NiR activity. This result suggests that the (His)3 ligand environment is essential for acceleration of the Cu-NiR reaction. The highest Cu-NiR activity for the Et-TIC complex can be explained by the structural and spectroscopic characterizations and the molecular orbital calculations presented in this paper. Based on these results, the functional role of the (His)3 ligand environment in Cu-NiR is discussed.     

TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES OF OLIGOTHIOETHER QUINOLYLOXY TERMINATED PODANDS: PART 2. CRYSTAL AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF (1,8-BIS(QUINOLYLOXY)-3,6-DITHIAOCTANE)-COPPER(II) DIPERCHLORATE TRIHYDRATE

Abstract

The synthesis of the new ligand 1,8-bis(quinolyloxy)-3,6-dithiaoctane (1) and the corresponding Cu(II), Cu(I) and Co(II) complexes is reported. The crystal and molecular structure of the copper(II) complex, [Cu(1)](ClO₄)₂.3H₂O, has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Fddd, with cell data Z = 16, a = 20.326(2), b = 20.879(3) and c = 28.308(4)Å. The structure consists of discrete [Cu(1)]^?2+ cations separated by (structurally disordered) perchlorate anions and three lattice water molecules per cation. The coordination geometry about the copper atom is pseudo-octahedral with the quinoline nitrogen and thioether sulfur atoms at the equatorial positions and the ether oxygen atoms at the axial positions. ¹H NMR line-broadening experiments indicate that electron-transfer self-exchange reactions between the copper(I) and copper(II) complexes of (1) is immeasurably slow on the NMR time-scale. The coordination chemistry of (1) is compared with its oxygen analogue, 1,8-bis(quinolyloxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane.