Electrochemical detection of modified maize gene sequences by multiplexed labeling with osmium tetroxide bipyridine

In this report we demonstrate an approach for the electrochemical detection of four sequences from maize and genetically modified (GM) maize by means of square-wave voltammetry (SWV). After multiplexed labeling with osmium tetroxide bipyridine ([OsO₄(bipy)]), the target oligonucleotides are hybridized with a complementary DNA capture probe immobilized on gold electrodes. The multiplexed labeling was performed by mixing the four target strands with the respective oligonucleotides 80% homologous to the central target recognition sequences in order to protect the latter from binding of [OsO₄(bipy)] to its thymine or cytosine residues. All components were added to the same solution. No significant decreases in SWV hybridization signals were observed after such multiplexed labeling of up to four target strands in the same reaction batch. Obtained voltammetric signals were significantly higher at 50 °C compared to 25 °C hybridization temperature and very low response was observed for non-complementary strands. Multiplexed labeling with osmium tetroxide bipyridine holds great promise for the development of simple and effective voltammetric detection protocols for GM organisms.     

Diiron chelate complexes relevant to the active site of the iron-only hydrogenase

A novel unsymmetrically disubstituted propanedithiolate compound [Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-dmpe)(μ-pdt)] (1) (pdt = SCH₂CH₂CH₂S, dmpe = Me₂PCH₂CH₂PMe₂) was synthesized by treatment of [Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-pdt)] with dmpe in refluxing THF. Compound 1 was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Protonation of 1 with HBF₄·Et₂O in CH₂Cl₂ gave at room temperature the μ-hydrido derivative [Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-dmpe)(μ-pdt)(μ-H)](BF₄)] (2). At low temperature, ¹H and ³¹P–{¹H} NMR monitoring revealed the formation of a terminal hydride intermediate 3. Comparison of these results with those of a VT NMR study of the protonation of symmetrical compounds [Fe₂(CO)₄L₂(μ-pdt)] [L = PMe₃, P(OMe)₃] suggests that in disubstituted bimetallic complexes [Fe₂(CO)₄L₂(μ-pdt)], dissymmetry of the complex is required to observe terminal hydride species. Attempts to extend the series of chelate compounds [Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-L₂)(μ-pdt)] by using arphos (arphos = Ph₂AsCH₂CH₂PPh₂) were unsuccessful. Only mono- and disubstituted derivatives [Fe₂(CO)_6−n(Ph₂AsCH₂CH₂PPh₂)_n(μ-pdt)] (n = 1, 4a; n = 2, 4b), featuring dangling arphos, were isolated under the same reaction conditions of formation of 1. Compound 4b was structurally characterized.     

Synthesis and X-ray structures of heptanuclear and decanuclear mixed-metal sulfido clusters containing noble metals and Group 15 metals

Reactions of incomplete cubane-type clusters [(Cp°RuCl)₂(μ-SH)(μ-SM′Cl₂)] (M′ = Sb (2a), Bi; Cp° = η⁵-C₅Me₄Et) with 0.5 equiv of [PdCl₂(cod)] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) afforded the corner-shared double cubane-type clusters [{(Cp°Ru)(Cp°RuCl)(μ-SM′Cl₂)}₂(μ₃-S)₂(μ-Cl)₂Pd] (3a: M′ = Sb, 3b: M′ = Bi) in moderate yields, whereas treatment of 2a with 0.75 equiv of [PdCl₂(cod)] gave the corner-shared triple cubane-type cluster [{(Cp°Ru)(Cp°RuCl)(μ-SSbCl₂)(μ₃-S)₂(μ-Cl)₂Pd}₂(Cp°Ru)₂] (4). Single-crystal X-ray analyses have disclosed the detailed structures of novel heptanuclear and decanuclear mixed-metal cores for 3a and 4, respectively.     

Models of the iron-only hydrogenase: Synthesis and protonation of bridge and chelate complexes [Fe2(CO)4{Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2}(μ-pdt)] (n = 2–4) – evidence for a terminal hydride intermediate

Reactions of [Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-pdt)] (pdt = SCH₂CH₂CH₂S) and diphosphines, Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂ (n = 2–4) and trans-Ph₂PCHCHPPh₂, have been carried out under different conditions. For all, at room temperature in MeCN with added Me₃NO·2H₂O the diphosphine-linked complexes [{Fe₂(CO)₅(μ-pdt)}₂(μ,κ¹,κ¹-diphosphine)] result. For trans-Ph₂PCHCHPPh₂ this is the only product under all conditions. It has been crystallographically characterised revealing a C₂ symmetric structure with apical substitution at the diiron centres. In refluxing toluene, reactions with dppe and dppp lead to the formation of a mixture of diphosphine-bridged and chelate isomers [Fe₂(CO)₄(μ-diphosphine)(μ-pdt)] and [Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-diphosphine)(μ-pdt)], respectively, while with dppb the bridged complex [Fe₂(CO)₄(μ-dppb)(μ-pdt)] is the only product. In MeCN at 60–70 °C (with added Me₃NO·2H₂O) similar products result although the ratios differ providing evidence for the conversion of chelate to bridge isomers. Three complexes, [Fe₂(CO)₄(μ-dppe)(μ-pdt)], [Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-dppp)(μ-pdt)] and [Fe₂(CO)₄(μ-dppb)(μ-pdt)], have been crystallographically characterised and are compared to the previously reported dppm (n = 1) complexes [Fe₂(CO)₄(μ-dppm)(μ-pdt)] and [Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-dppm)(μ-pdt)]. Diphosphine-bridged complexes are structurally superficially similar although significant differences are noted in some key bond lengths and angles, while chelate complexes [Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-dppp)(μ-pdt)] and [Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-dppm)(μ-pdt)] differ in adopting basal–apical and dibasal coordination geometries, respectively, in the solid state. A number of protonation studies have been carried out. Addition of HBF₄·Et₂O to [Fe₂(CO)₄(μ-dppe)(μ-pdt)] affords a bridging hydride complex with poor stability, while in contrast with [Fe₂(CO)₄(μ-dppb)(μ-pdt)] the stable hydride [(μ-H)Fe₂(CO)₄(μ-dppb)(μ-pdt)][BF₄] results. This difference is partially ascribed to the greater flexibility of the diphosphine backbone in dppb. With [Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-dppp)(μ-pdt)] the bridging hydride complex [(μ-H)Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-dppp)(μ-pdt)][BF₄] is the final product, in which the diphosphine occupies two basal sites. Monitoring by NMR at low temperature shows the initial formation of a terminal hydride, which rapidly rearranges to a bridged isomer in which the diphosphine adopts a basal–apical geometry and this in turn rearranges in a slower process to the dibasal isomer. This behavior is similar to that recently communicated for [Fe₂(CO)₄(κ²-dppe)(μ-pdt)]. [S. Ezzaher, J.-F. Capon, F. Gloaguen, F.Y. Pétillon, P. Schollhammer, J. Talarmin, R. Pichon, N. Kervarec, Inorg. Chem. 46 (2007) 3426–3428.]     

End-labeling of peptide nucleic acid with osmium complex. Voltammetry at carbon and mercury electrodes

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA), the DNA mimic with electrically neutral pseudopeptide backbone, is intensively used in biotechnologies and particularly in single-base mismatch detection in DNA hybridization sensors. We propose a simple method of covalent end-labeling of PNA with osmium tetroxide, 2,2′-bipyridine (Os,bipy). Os,bipy-modified PNA (PNA–Os,bipy) produces voltammetric stripping peaks at carbon and mercury electrodes. Peak potential (E_p) of one of the anodic peaks of PNA–Os,bipy at the pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) differs from E_p of the reagent, allowing PNA–Os,bipy analysis directly in the reaction mixture. At the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) the PNA–Os,bipy yields a catalytic peak Cat_p, in addition to the redox couples. Using Cat_p it is possible to detect purified PNA–Os,bipy down to 1 pM concentration at accumulation time 60 s. To our knowledge this is the highest sensitivity of the electrochemical detection of PNA.     

Dimethyl sulfoxide oxidation mediated by a copper(II) diamine complex: A possible source of problem in the synthesis of molecular magnetic compounds

In the present work we report a reaction in which dimethyl sulfoxide, initially used as solvent, undergoes oxidation to form sulfate, which then participates to the formation of a linear one-dimensional copper chain. Indeed, using [Cu(bipy)Cl₂], a building block largely applied in synthesis of molecular magnetic compounds, the coordination compound [Cu(bipy)(H₂O)₂(SO₄)]_n, where bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine was obtained. Magnetic characterization of complex shows a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the copper(II) ions with J = ?0.53 cm^?1. DFT calculations demonstrate that the pathway for the weak antiferromagnetic interaction is through the sulfate bridge.     

Ferromagnetic interaction between [Ni(bdt)2]− anions in [Mn2(Saloph)2(μ-OH)][Ni(bdt)2](CH3CN)2

A new molecule-based magnetic material [Mn₂(Saloph)₂(μ-OH)][Ni(bdt)₂](CH₃CN)₂ was prepared by the metathesis of [Mn(Saloph)(H₂O)(ClO₄)] (S = 2) and TBA[Ni(bdt)₂] (S = 1/2). In the crystal, [Ni(bdt)₂]^? anions form square lattices which are separated from each other by the layers of antiferromagnetically coupled binuclear cations [Mn₂(Saloph)₂(μ-OH)]⁺. The magnetic susceptibility of the material coincides with the sum of the S = 2 van Vleck dimer model and S = 1/2 Heisenberg ferromagnetic square lattice model with 2J = ?92.4 and +4.5 K, respectively. The origin of the ferromagnetic interaction can be explained by the T-shaped intermolecular overlap mode of SOMOs which spreads to the ends of [Ni(bdt)₂]^? molecules.     

Synthesis and catalytic properties of cationic palladium(II) and rhodium(I) complexes bearing diphosphinidinecyclobutene ligands

Cationic palladium(II) and rhodium(I) complexes bearing 1,2-diaryl-3,4-bis[(2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl)phosphinidene]cyclobutene ligands (DPCB–Y) were prepared and their structures and catalytic activity were examined (aryl = phenyl (DPCB), 4-methoxyphenyl (DPCB–OMe), 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (DPCB–CF₃)). The palladium complexes [Pd(MeCN)₂(DPCB–Y)]X₂ (X = OTf, BF₄, BAr₄ (Ar = 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)) were prepared by the reactions of DPCB–Y with [Pd(MeCN)₄]X₂, which were generated from Pd(OAc)₂ and HX in MeCN. On the other hand, the rhodium complexes [Rh(MeCN)₂(DPCB–Y)]OTf were prepared by the treatment of [Rh(μ-Cl)(cyclooctene)₂]₂ with DPCB–Y in CH₂Cl₂, followed by treatment with AgOTf in the presence of MeCN. The cationic complexes catalyzed conjugate addition of benzyl carbamate to α,β-unsaturated ketones.     

Synthesis and properties of [Pt(4-CO2CH3-py)2(dmit)] and [Pt(4-NO2-py)2(mnt)]: Exploring tunable Pt dyes

Two [Pt(II)(substituted-pyridyl)₂(dithiolate)] dyes with the formulas [Pt(4-CO₂CH₃-py)₂(dmit)] and [Pt(4-NO₂-py)₂(mnt)] (where py = pyridyl, dmit = 1,3-dithiol-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate and mnt = maleonitriledithiolate) and their dichloride precursors [PtCl₂(4-R-py)₂] have been synthesized and compared to a previously-reported dye [Pt(4-CO₂CH₃-py)₂(mnt)]. Variation of either the pyridyl ligands or the ditholate ligand showed tuning of the electrochemical and spectroscopic characteristics of the dyes as evidenced by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry, hybrid DFT calculations, UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry and in situ EPR spectroelectrochemistry. The HOMO was shown to be mostly dithiolate based and the LUMO pyridyl based allowing absorption characteristics to be predictably tuned to longer wavelengths, which is important for optimization of such dyes in applications such as solar energy conversion.     

Effects of N-heteroaromatic ligands on highly luminescent mononuclear copper(I)–halide complexes

A series of mononuclear Cu(I)–halide complexes, [CuX(PPh₃)₂(L)] (X = Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻; PPh₃ = triphenylphosphine; L = pyridine (py), isoquinoline (iq), 1,6-naphthyridine (nap)), were synthesized. The emission color of [CuX(PPh₃)₂(L)] varies from blue to red by changing the L ligands and the halide ions, and all the complexes exhibit high emission quantum yields (0.16–0.99) in the crystals. The emission studies revealed that the emissive states of [CuX(PPh₃)₂(L)] differ depending on the L ligand. Complexes [CuX(PPh₃)₂(py)] and [CuX(PPh₃)₂(nap)] mainly emit from the singlet metal-to-ligand charge transfer mixed with the halide-to-ligand charge transfer (¹(M + X)LCT) state at room temperature. In contrast, emissions from [CuX(PPh₃)₂(iq)] at room temperature originate from both ³(M + X)LCT and ³ππ* states. These results indicate that N-heteroaromatic ligands play an important role in the emission properties of mononuclear Cu(I)–halide complexes.     

Structures and magnetic properties of imidazolate-bridged tetranuclear and polymeric copper(II) complexes

Eight kinds of imidazolate-bridged copper(II) complexes were found to be classified into two categories from the magnetic properties. The crystal structures of [Cu(L)(μ-im)]_n (Him = imidazole; L = nonane-4,6-dionate, 2,6-dimethylheptane-3,5-dionate) and [Cu(L)(μ-im)]₄ (L = nonane-4,6-dionate, 1-phenylbutane-1,3-dionate) were determined, to reveal that they consist of polymeric chains and tetranuclear cycles, respectively. Note that the nonane-4,6-dionate derivative gave the two phases. The Bonner–Fisher model (a one-dimensional antiferromagnetic chain model) was plausibly applied to [Cu(L)(μ-im)]_n for the best fit, while a square model was to [Cu(L)(μ-im)]₄. The complexes with unknown crystal structures were also subjected to magnetic measurements, and the tetra- and polymeric structures could be clearly distinguished from each other by fitting the magnetic data to appropriate models. The exchange parameters were comparable for both series (2J/k_B = ?78 to ?97 K) because the structurally common bridges Cu–N(eq)–N(eq)–Cu afford comparable magnitudes of couplings.     

Dinuclear Rh(I) complex with 2,7-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,8-naphthyridine: Synthesis,structure, and dynamic property

Reaction of [RhCl(cod)]₂ with 2,7-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,8-naphthyridine (dpnapy) and 2,6-xylyl isocyanide (XylNC) in the presence of NH₄PF₆ afforded the dirhodium(I) complex, [Rh₂(μ-dpnapy)₂(XylNC)₄](PF₆)₂ (5), and similar procedures using [MCl₂(cod)] (M = Pt, Pd) resulted in the formation of [Pt₂(μ-dpnapy)₂(XylNC)₄](PF₆)₄ (6) and [Pd₂Cl₂(μ-dpnapy)₂(XylNC)₂](PF₆)₂ (7). Complexes 5–7 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis, ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR, and ESI mass spectroscopic techniques, to involve a small and rigid d⁸ {M₂(μ-dpnapy)₂} metallomacrocycle. Complex 5 readily incorporated a silver(I) ion into the macrocycle to afford [Rh₂Ag(μ-dpnapy)₂(XylNC)₄](PF₆)₃ (8) which was characterized by X-ray crystallography. The Ag(I) ion is trapped by two trans N atoms of dpnapy ligands, resulting in an asymmetric Rh–Ag⋯Rh structure, determined as a disordered model in the crystal structure, and however, in a CH₂Cl₂ solution, a dynamic interconversion of the two Ag-trapped sites was observed with low-temperature NMR studies, which was further supported by DFT molecular orbital calculations. When an acetonitrile solution of complex 5 was treated over a droplet of mercury(0), the polymeric compound formulated as {[Rh(μ-dpnapy)(XylNC)₂](PF₆)}_n (9) was isolated as yellow single crystals, which were revealed by X-ray crystallography to consist of C₆ helical rods along c axis with a pitch of 33.5 Å (rise of unit = 5.6 Å) and a diameter of 20.64 Å.     

Synthesis and investigations of mixed-ligand lanthanide complexes with N,N′-dipyrrolidine-N′′-trichloracetylphosphortriamide,dimethyl-N-trichloracetylamidophosphate, 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyrimidine

Coordination compounds with general formula [Ln(L¹)₃phen], where Ln = Nd, Eu, Er, Yb, HL¹ = N,N′-dipyrrolidine-N′′-trichloracetylphosphortriamide, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; [Ln(L¹)₃bpm], where Ln = La, Nd, Eu, Gd, Er, Y, bpm = 2,2′-bipyrimidine and [{Ln(L²)₃}₂(μ-bpm)], where Ln = La, Nd, Eu, Gd, Er, Y, HL² = dimethyl-N-trichloracetylamidophosphate have been synthesized and characterized by means of IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Crystal structures of [Nd(L¹)₃phen] (1), [Nd(L¹)₃bpm] (2) and [{Nd(L²)₃}₂(μ-bpm)] (3) have been determined. It was found, that in the deprotonated form the phosphoryl ligands (L¹)^? and (L²)^? are coordinated to the neodymium atoms in a bidentate manner via the oxygen atoms of the phosphoryl and the carbonyl groups with formation of six-membered metallocycles. In the case of compounds 1 and 2 the 1,10-phenanthroline (or 2,2′-bipyrimidine) molecules are coordinated to the metals in a bidentate manner via the nitrogen atoms. In contrast 2,2′-bipyrimidine acts in the bidentate-bridge mode forming binuclear complex 3. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of 3 and [{Gd(L²)₃}₂(μ-bpm)] (4) reveal a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the two magnetic centres, whereas in the case of [{Eu(L²)₃}₂(μ-bpm)] (5) the presence of spin–orbit coupling leads to a deviation from the Curie and Curie–Weiss laws.     

Preparation and characterization of cobalt-containing alcohols and diols

A series of cobalt-containing alcohols and diols were prepared and characterized. Intramolecular hydrogen-bonding was observed for the cobalt-containing diols [Co₂(CO)₆(μ-η-(HO)R₁R₂CCCCR₁R₂(OH)] (1: R₁ = CH₃, R₂ = C₂H₅; 2: R₁ = CH₃, R₂ = C₃H₇), [Co₂(CO)₆(μ-η-(HO)Ph₂CCCCPh₂(OH)] (3) and [(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄(μ-η-(HO)Ph₂CCCCPh₂(OH)] (4). Potentially all the four compounds could serve as chelating O,O-ligands. In principle, it is possible for compounds [(μ-PPh₂NHPPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄(μ-η-HCCCPh₂OH)] (5b), [Co₂(CO)₆(μ-η-HCCC₂H₄OH] (6) and [Co₂(CO)₆(μ-η-HCCC₃H₆OH)] (7) in their syn-conformations to behave as chelating O,N-ligands. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 5b, 6 and 7 are the first reported examples of PPh₂NHPPh₂-bridged dicobalt complexes.     

X-ray and vibrational spectra on metal complexes with indolecarboxylic acids: Part IV. Catena-poly[{aqua(η2-indole-3-carboxylato-O,O′)zinc}-μ-indole-3-carboxylato-O:O′]

The new zinc(II) coordination polymer catena-poly[{aqua(η²-indole-3-carboxylato-O,O′)zinc}-μ-indole-3-carboxylato-O:O′], [Zn(I3CA)₂(H₂O)]_n [Zn(I3CA)₂(H₂O)]_n has been synthesized and characterized using infrared and Raman spectroscopy and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The crystals are monoclinic, space group Cc, with a = 33.319(7), b = 5.985(1), c = 8.291(2) Å, V = 1653.1(6) Å³ and z = 4. Each zinc centre is five-coordinated by the bidentate chelating indole-3-carboxylato, one oxygen atom bridging indole-3-carboxylato, water molecule and one oxygen atom bridging indole-3-carboxylato from an adjacent [Zn(I3CA)₂(H₂O)] unit. The Zn–O distances of 1.978(4), 1.987(3), 1.977(4), 1.983(3) and 2.519(4) Å, are typical for distances of such complexes. The infrared and Raman spectroscopic data of [Zn(I3CA)₂(H₂O)]_n in the solid state are supported by X-ray analysis. The theoretical wavenumbers, infrared intensities and Raman scattering activities have been calculated by the density functional methods (B3LYP and mPW1PW) with the D95V^**/LanL2DZ and 6-311++G(d,p)/LanL2DZ basis sets. The theoretical wavenumbers, infrared intensities and Raman scattering activities show a good agreement with experimental. Detailed band assignment has been made on the basis of the calculated potential energy distribution (PED). The results provide information on the strength of zinc-ligand bonding in complex.     

Magnetic properties of hybrid organo-inorganic copper(II) oxovanadate(V) phosphate and phosphonate bridged systems

The hybrid organo-inorganic compounds [Cu₄(bipy)₄V₄O₁₁(PO₄)₂]nH₂O (n ∼ 5) (1), [Cu₂(phen)₂(PO₄)(H₂PO₄)₂(VO₂) · 2H₂O] (2) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(O₃PCH₂PO₃)(V₂O₅) (H₂O)]H₂O (3) which present different bridging forms of the phosphate/phosphonate group, show different bulk magnetic properties. We herein analyze the magnetic behaviour of these compounds in terms of their structural parameters. We also report a theoretical study for compound (1) assuming four different magnetic exchange pathways between the copper centres present in the tetranuclear unit. For compound (1) the following J values were obtained J₁ = +3.29; J₂ = −0.63; J₃ = −2.23; J₄ = −46.14 cm⁻¹. Compound (2) presents a Curie–Weiss behaviour in the whole range of temperature (3–300 K), and compound (3) shows a maximum for the magnetic susceptibility at 64 K, typical for antiferromagnetic interactions. These data where fitted using a model previously reported in the literature, assuming two different magnetic exchange pathways between the four copper(II) centres, with J₁ = −30.0 and J₂ = −8.5 cm⁻¹.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and thermal behaviour of [La(hfa)3(Phen)2] (hfa = hexafluoroacetylacetonate,Phen = o-phenanthroline)

The mixed ligand complex [La(hfa)₃(Phen)₂] (I) was obtained by the interaction of La(hfa)₃ and Phen; its composition does not depend on the stoichiometry of the reagents. According to the X-ray single crystal analysis data, complex I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n, with a = 13.583(3) Å, b = 16.959(3) Å, c = 18.860(4) Å, β = 94.71(3)° and Z = 4. The structure of I consists of isolated mononuclear molecules, the coordination number of La being 10. Thermal behaviour and composition of the vapor phase have been studied for I by thermal analysis and mass-spectrometry using a Knudsen cell. The mixed ligand complex I was found to sublime congruently in the temperature range 370–460 K: [La(hfa)₃(Phen)₂]_(s) = [La(hfa)₃(Phen)]_(g) + Phen_(g), Δ_rH⁰(T) = 316.2 ± 1.8 kJ/mol.     

Spin-crossover in dimeric hydrogen-bonded iron(II) 2-(pyrazolyl)-pyridine and 2-(imidazolyl)-pyridine complexes

Five new hydrogen-bonded solvated iron(II) complexes of pyrazolyl- and imidazolyl-based N,N-chelating ligands have been synthesised. Water to ligand-NH hydrogen-bonded bridges occur in the pseudo-dimeric complexes {cis-[Fe(pypzH)₂(NCX)₂]₂(μ-OH₂)(H₂O)₂} · H₂O · MeOH (where X = S or Se), and in the chain complex {cis-[Fe(pypzH)₂(NCS)₂](μ-OH₂)}_n. A “half” spin-crossover (T_c = 125 K) was observed in the dimeric X = Se complex by means of magnetic measurements and no thermal hysteresis occurred between 4 and 300 K. The crystal structure at 123 K showed Fe–N distances consistent with the magnetism. Each Fe in the dimeric unit was structurally equivalent in the HS–LS state. Removal of the solvate molecules led to HS–HS behaviour over the temperature range 4–300 K. The pseudo-dimer with X = S also showed HS–HS behaviour as did the monomeric analogue cis-[Fe(pypzH)₂(NCS)₂]H₂O and a structurally different methanol-bridged dimer {cis-[Fe(pyimH)₂(NCS)₂]₂(μ-MeOH)₂} · 2MeOH (pypzH = 2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyridine; pyimH = 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-pyridine).     

Synthesis and structural determination of new multidimensional coordination polymers with 4,4′-oxybis(benzoate) building ligands: Construction of coordination polymers with heteroorganic bridges

We report on the synthesis and crystal structures of two new zinc coordination polymers with 4,4′-oxybis(benzoate) (oba) ligands. Single crystals of [Zn₂(oba)₂(azpy)(dmf)₂] · 6DMF(azpy = 4,4′-azopyridine) and [Zn₂(oba)₂(bpe)] · 2DMF · 4H₂O (bpe = trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene) were prepared by treatment of Zn(CH₃COO)₂ · 2H₂O with the H₂oba and bis-pyridine type ligands, azpy and bpe, respectively, in DMF. Compound [Zn₂(oba)₂(azpy)(dmf)₂] · 6DMF has a unique ladder structure comprising of heteroorganic bridges, in which the Zn–oba chains construct the side rails, while the Zn–azpy–Zn parts construct the rungs of the ladder framework. Despite the large size of the cavities, these ladder chains stack without interpenetration, and the cavities in the ladder framework are partially connected to create one-dimensional channel-like cavities. Compound [Zn₂(oba)₂(bpe)] · 2DMF · 4H₂O exhibits a three-dimensional coordination framework that is comprised of heteroorganic bridges. The framework is interwoven by two-dimensional layers of [Zn₂(oba)₂] and the Zn₂–bpe chains. The three-dimensional framework, which contains large cavities, about 13 × 11 Å² in area, has a high porosity and a density of only 0.53 g cm⁻³.     

Structural effects on the oxidation of formic acid on the high index planes of palladium

Electrochemical oxidation of formic acid has been studied on the stepped and kinked-stepped surfaces of Pd in 0.1 M HClO₄ containing 0.1 M formic acid with the use of voltammetry. The surfaces examined are Pd(S)-[n(1 0 0) × (1 1 0)], Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 0 0)] and Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 1 1)] series (n = 2–9). The results are compared with those of Pd(S)-[n(1 0 0) × (1 1 1)] series reported previously. All the electrodes give maximum currents of formic acid oxidation j_P between 0.5 and 0.8 V (RHE). The values of j_P plotted against the density of step (kink) atoms d_S depend on the surface structure remarkably. Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 0 0)] surfaces provide maximum of j_P at n = 5, whereas Pd(S)-[n(1 0 0) × (1 1 0)] and Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 1 1)] do not give maximum of j_P. The values of j_P have the following order: Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 1 1)] < Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 0 0)] < Pd(S)-[n(1 0 0) × (1 1 0)] < Pd(S)-[n(1 0 0) × (1 1 1)]. The anodic current at more negative potential 0.20 V (RHE) shows different activity series: Pd(1 1 1) and Pd(1 1 0) have the highest rate for formic acid oxidation at 0.20 V (RHE).