Protonation state of the Cu4S2 CuZ site in nitrous oxide reductase: redox dependence and insight into reactivity

Spectroscopic and computational methods have been used to determine the protonation state of the edge sulfur ligand in the Cu₄S₂ Cu_Z form of the active site of nitrous oxide reductase (N₂OR) in its 3Cu^ICu^II (1-hole) and 2Cu^I2Cu^II (2-hole) redox states. The EPR, absorption, and MCD spectra of 1-hole Cu_Z indicate that the unpaired spin in this site is evenly delocalized over Cu_I, Cu_II, and Cu_IV. 1-hole Cu_Z is shown to have a μ₂-thiolate edge ligand from the observation of S–H bending modes in the resonance Raman spectrum at 450 and 492 cm^–1 that have significant deuterium isotope shifts (–137 cm^–1) and are not perturbed up to pH 10. 2-hole Cu_Z is characterized with absorption and resonance Raman spectroscopies as having two Cu–S stretching vibrations that profile differently. DFT models of the 1-hole and 2-hole Cu_Z sites are correlated to these spectroscopic features to determine that 2-hole Cu_Z has a μ₂-sulfide edge ligand at neutral pH. The slow two electron (+1 proton) reduction of N₂O by 1-hole Cu_Z is discussed and the possibility of a reaction between 2-hole Cu_Z and O₂ is considered.     

A [3Cu:2S] cluster provides insight into the assembly and function of the CuZ site of nitrous oxide reductase

Nitrous oxide reductase (N₂OR) is the only known enzyme reducing environmentally critical nitrous oxide (N₂O) to dinitrogen (N₂) as the final step of bacterial denitrification. The assembly process of its unique catalytic [4Cu:2S] cluster Cu_Z remains scarcely understood. Here we report on a mutagenesis study of all seven histidine ligands coordinating this copper center, followed by spectroscopic and structural characterization and based on an established, functional expression system for Pseudomonas stutzeri N₂OR in Escherichia coli. While no copper ion was found in the Cu_Z binding site of variants H129A, H130A, H178A, H326A, H433A and H494A, the H382A variant carried a catalytically inactive [3Cu:2S] center, in which one sulfur ligand, S_Z2, had relocated to form a weak hydrogen bond to the sidechain of the nearby lysine residue K454. This link provides sufficient stability to avoid the loss of the sulfide anion. The UV-vis spectra of this cluster are strikingly similar to those of the active enzyme, implying that the flexibility of S_Z2 may have been observed before, but not recognized. The sulfide shift changes the metal coordination in Cu_Z and is thus of high mechanistic interest.

Variants of all seven histidine ligands of the [4Cu:2S] active site of nitrous oxide reductase mostly result in loss of the metal site. However, a H382A variant retains a [3Cu:2S] cluster that hints towards a structural flexibility also present in the intact site.     

Encapsulation of tricopper cluster in a synthetic cryptand enables facile redox processes from CuICuICuI to CuIICuIICuII states

One-pot reaction of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN), [Cu^I(MeCN)₄]PF₆, and paraformaldehyde affords a mixed-valent [TREN₄Cu^IICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₃ complex. The macrocyclic azacryptand TREN₄ contains four TREN motifs, three of which provide a bowl-shape binding pocket for the [Cu₃(μ₃-OH)]³⁺ core. The fourth TREN caps on top of the tricopper cluster to form a cryptand, imposing conformational constraints and preventing solvent interaction. Contrasting the limited redox capability of synthetic tricopper complexes reported so far, [TREN₄Cu^IICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₃ exhibits several reversible single-electron redox events. The distinct electrochemical behaviors of [TREN₄Cu^IICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₃ and its solvent-exposed analog [TREN₃Cu^IICu^IICu^II(μ₃-O)](PF₆)₄ suggest that isolation of tricopper core in a cryptand enables facile electron transfer, allowing potential application of synthetic tricopper complexes as redox catalysts. Indeed, the fully reduced [TREN₄Cu^ICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₂ can reduce O₂ under acidic conditions. The geometric constraints provided by the cryptand are reminiscent of Nature''s multicopper oxidases (MCOs). For the first time, a synthetic tricopper cluster was isolated and fully characterized at Cu^ICu^ICu^I (4a), Cu^IICu^ICu^I (4b), and Cu^IICu^IICu^I (4c) states, providing structural and spectroscopic models for many intermediates in MCOs. Fast electron transfer rates (10⁵ to 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹) were observed for both Cu^ICu^ICu^I/Cu^IICu^ICu^I and Cu^IICu^ICu^I/Cu^IICu^IICu^I redox couples, approaching the rapid electron transfer rates of copper sites in MCO.

Geometric constraints and site isolation provided by the cryptand enable reversible redox of tricopper μ-oxo cluster.     

Exploring Cu/Al cluster growth and reactivity: from embryonic building blocks to intermetalloid,open-shell superatoms

Cluster growth reactions in the system [Cu₅](Mes)₅ + [Al₄](Cp*)₄ (Mes = mesitylene, Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadiene) were explored and monitored by in situ LIFDI-MS and ¹H-NMR. Feedback into experimental design allowed for an informed choice and precise adjustment of reaction conditions and led to isolation of the intermetallic cluster [Cu₄Al₄](Cp*)₅(Mes) (1). Cluster 1 reacts with excess 3-hexyne to yield the triangular cluster [Cu₂Al](Cp*)₃ (2). The two embryonic [Cu₄Al₄](Cp*)₅(Mes) and [Cu₂Al](Cp*)₃ clusters 1 and 2, respectively, were shown to be intermediates in the formation of an inseparable composite of the closely related clusters [Cu₇Al₆](Cp*)₆ (3), [HCu₇Al₆](Cp*)₆ (3H) and [Cu₈Al₆](Cp*)₆ (4), which just differ by one Cu core atom. The radical nature of the open-shell superatomic [Cu₇Al₆](Cp*)₆ cluster 3 is reflected in its reactivity towards addition of one Cu core atom leading to the closed shell superatom [Cu₈Al₆](Cp*)₆ (4), and as well by its ability to undergo σ(C–H) and σ(Si–H) activation reactions of C₆H₅CH₃ (toluene) and (TMS)₃SiH (TMS = tris(trimethylsilyl)).

Cu/Al cluster growth reactions leading to open- and closed-shell superatoms are investigated. Therein, LIFDI-MS is presented as a powerful technique for the in situ detection of cluster identities and reactivity patterns.     

Self-Assembly of Antiferromagnetically-Coupled Copper(II) Supramolecular Architectures with Diverse Structural Complexities

The self-assembly of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol (DFMP) and 1-amino-2-propanol (AP)/2-amino-1,3-propanediol (APD) in the presence of copper(II) ions results in the formation of six new supramolecular architectures containing two versatile double Schiff base ligands (H₃L and H₅L1) with one-, two-, or three-dimensional structures involving diverse nuclearities: tetranuclear [Cu₄(HL²⁻)₂(N₃)₄]·4CH₃OH·56H₂O (1) and [Cu₄(L³⁻)₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₂] (2), dinuclear [Cu₂(H₃L1²⁻)(N₃)(H₂O)(NO₃)] (3), polynuclear {[Cu₂(H₃L1²⁻)(H₂O)(BF₄)(N₃)]·H₂O}_n (4), heptanuclear [Cu₇(H₃L1²⁻)₂(O)₂(C₆H₅CO₂)₆]·6CH₃OH·44H₂O (5), and decanuclear [Cu₁₀(H₃L1²⁻)₄(O)₂(OH)₂(C₆H₅CO₂)₄] (C₆H₅CO₂)₂·20H₂O (6). X-ray studies have revealed that the basic building block in 1, 3, and 4 is comprised of two copper centers bridged through one μ-phenolate oxygen atom from HL²⁻ or H₃L1²⁻, and one μ-1,1-azido (N₃⁻) ion and in 2, 5, and 6 by μ-phenoxide oxygen of L³⁻ or H₃L1²⁻ and μ-O²⁻ or μ₃-O²⁻ ions. H-bonding involving coordinated/uncoordinated hydroxy groups of the ligands generates fascinating supramolecular architectures with 1D-single chains (1 and 6), 2D-sheets (3), and 3D-structures (4). In 5, benzoate ions display four different coordination modes, which, in our opinion, is unprecedented and constitutes a new discovery. In 1, 3, and 5, Cu(II) ions in [Cu₂] units are antiferromagnetically coupled, with J ranging from −177 to −278 cm⁻¹.     

N2O Reductase Activity of a [Cu4S] Cluster in the 4CuI Redox State Modulated by Hydrogen Bond Donors and Proton Relays in the Secondary Coordination Sphere

The model complex [Cu₄(μ₄‐S)(dppa)₄]²⁺ ( 1 , dppa=μ₂‐(Ph₂P)₂NH) has N₂O reductase activity in methanol solvent, mediating 2 H⁺/2 e^? reduction of N₂O to N₂+H₂O in the presence of an exogenous electron donor (CoCp₂). A stoichiometric product with two deprotonated dppa ligands was characterized, indicating a key role of second‐sphere N?H residues as proton donors during N₂O reduction. The activity of 1 towards N₂O was suppressed in solvents that are unable to provide hydrogen bonding to the second‐sphere N?H groups. Structural and computational data indicate that second‐sphere hydrogen bonding induces structural distortion of the [Cu₄S] active site, accessing a strained geometry with enhanced reactivity due to localization of electron density along a dicopper edge site. The behavior of 1 mimics aspects of the Cu_Z catalytic site of nitrous oxide reductase: activity in the 4Cu^I:1S redox state, use of a second‐sphere proton donor, and reactivity dependence on both primary and secondary sphere effects.     

Intermediates involved in serotonin oxidation catalyzed by Cu bound Aβ peptides

The degradation of neurotransmitters is a hallmark feature of Alzheimer''s disease (AD). Copper bound Aβ peptides, invoked to be involved in the pathology of AD, are found to catalyze the oxidation of serotonin (5-HT) by H₂O₂. A combination of EPR and resonance Raman spectroscopy reveals the formation of a Cu(ii)–OOH species and a dimeric, EPR silent, Cu₂O₂ bis-μ-oxo species under the reaction conditions. The Cu(ii)–OOH species, which can be selectively formed in the presence of excess H₂O₂, is the reactive intermediate responsible for 5-HT oxidation. H₂O₂ produced by the reaction of O₂ with reduced Cu(i)–Aβ species can also oxidize 5-HT. Both these pathways are physiologically relevant and may be involved in the observed decay of neurotransmitters as observed in AD patients.

The mononuclear copper hydroperoxo species (Cu(ii)–OOH) of Cu–Aβ is the active oxidant responsible for serotonin oxidation by Cu–Aβ in the presence of physiologically relevant oxidants like O₂ and H₂O₂, which can potentially cause oxidative degradation of neurotransmitters, a marker of Alzheimer''s disease.     

Dioxygen Reactivity of Copper(I)/Manganese(II)-Porphyrin Assemblies: Mechanistic Studies and Cooperative Activation of O2

The oxidation of transition metals such as manganese and copper by dioxygen (O₂) is of great interest to chemists and biochemists for fundamental and practical reasons. In this report, the O₂ reactivities of 1:1 and 1:2 mixtures of [(TPP)Mn^II] (1; TPP: Tetraphenylporphyrin) and [(tmpa)Cu^I(MeCN)]⁺ (2; TMPA: Tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) are described. Variable-temperature (−110 °C to room temperature) absorption spectroscopic measurements support that, at low temperature, oxygenation of the (TPP)Mn/Cu mixtures leads to rapid formation of a cupric superoxo intermediate, [(tmpa)Cu^II(O₂^•–)]⁺ (3), independent of the presence of the manganese porphyrin complex (1). Complex 3 subsequently reacts with 1 to form a heterobinuclear μ-peroxo species, [(tmpa)Cu^II–(O₂^2–)–Mn^III(TPP)]⁺ (4; λ_max = 443 nm), which thermally converts to a μ-oxo complex, [(tmpa)Cu^II–O–Mn^III(TPP)]⁺ (5; λ_max = 434 and 466 nm), confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In the 1:2 (TPP)Mn/Cu mixture, 4 is subsequently attacked by a second equivalent of 3, giving a bis-μ-peroxo species, i.e., [(tmpa)Cu^II−(O₂²⁻)−Mn^IV(TPP)−(O₂²⁻)−Cu^II(tmpa)]²⁺ (7; λ_max = 420 nm and δ_pyrrolic = −44.90 ppm). The final decomposition product of the (TPP)Mn/Cu/O₂ chemistry in MeTHF is [(TPP)Mn^III(MeTHF)₂]⁺ (6), whose X-ray structure is also presented and compared to literature analogs.     

Atomically Precise Copper Nanoclusters for Highly Efficient Electroreduction of CO2 towards Hydrocarbons via Breaking the Coordination Symmetry of Cu Site

We propose an effective highest occupied d-orbital modulation strategy engendered by breaking the coordination symmetry of sites in the atomically precise Cu nanocluster (NC) to switch the product of CO₂ electroreduction from HCOOH/CO to higher-valued hydrocarbons. An atomically well-defined Cu₆ NC with symmetry-broken Cu−S₂N₁ active sites (named Cu₆(MBD)₆, MBD=2-mercaptobenzimidazole) was designed and synthesized by a judicious choice of ligand containing both S and N coordination atoms. Different from the previously reported high HCOOH selectivity of Cu NCs with Cu−S₃ sites, the Cu₆(MBD)₆ with Cu−S₂N₁ coordination structure shows a high Faradaic efficiency toward hydrocarbons of 65.5 % at −1.4 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (including 42.5 % CH₄ and 23 % C₂H₄), with the hydrocarbons partial current density of −183.4 mA cm⁻². Theoretical calculations reveal that the symmetry-broken Cu−S₂N₁ sites can rearrange the Cu 3d orbitals with as the highest occupied d-orbital, thus favoring the generation of key intermediate *COOH instead of *OCHO to favor *CO formation, followed by hydrogenation and/or C−C coupling to produce hydrocarbons. This is the first attempt to regulate the coordination mode of Cu atom in Cu NCs for hydrocarbons generation, and provides new inspiration for designing atomically precise NCs for efficient CO₂RR towards highly-valued products.     

The first square‐planar copper(II) 1:2 complex with differently coordinated 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde 4‐allylthiosemicarbazone ligands

The title compound, [(Z)‐4‐allyl‐2‐(2‐hydroxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazide‐κS][(E)‐4‐allyl‐1‐(2‐oxidobenzylidene)thiosemicarbazidato‐κ³O,N¹,S]copper(II) monohydrate, [Cu(C₁₁H₁₁N₃OS)(C₁₁H₁₃N₃OS)]·H₂O, crystallized as a rotational twin in the monoclinic crystal system (space group Cc) with two formula unit (Z′ = 2) in the asymmetric unit, one of which contains an allyl substituent disordered over two positions. The Cu^II atom exhibits a distorted square‐planar geometry involving two differently coordinated thiosemicarbazone ligands. One ligand is bonded to the Cu^II atom in a tridentate manner via the phenolate O, azomethine N and thioamide S atoms, while the other coordinates in a monodentate manner via the S atom only. The complex is stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond, which creates a six‐membered pseudo‐chelate metalla‐ring. The structure analysis indicates the presence of the E isomer for the tridentate ligand and the Z isomer for the monodentate ligand. The crystal structure contains a three‐dimensional network built from intermolecular O—H...O, N—H...O, O—H...N and N—H...S hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis,structure, and reactivity of uranium(vi) nitrides

Uranium nitride compounds are important molecular analogues of uranium nitride materials such as UN and UN₂ which are effective catalysts in the Haber–Bosch synthesis of ammonia, but the synthesis of molecular nitrides remains a challenge and studies of the reactivity and of the nature of the bonding are poorly developed. Here we report the synthesis of the first nitride bridged uranium complexes containing U(vi) and provide a unique comparison of reactivity and bonding in U(vi)/U(vi), U(vi)/U(v) and U(v)/U(v) systems. Oxidation of the U(v)/U(v) bis-nitride [K₂{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃(μ-N)}₂], 1, with mild oxidants yields the U(v)/U(vi) complexes [K{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃(μ-N)}₂], 2 and [K₂{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃}₂(μ-N)₂(μ-I)], 3 while oxidation with a stronger oxidant (“magic blue”) yields the U(vi)/U(vi) complex [{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃}₂(μ-N)₂(μ-thf)], 4. The three complexes show very different stability and reactivity, with N₂ release observed for complex 4. Complex 2 undergoes hydrogenolysis to yield imido bridged [K₂{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃(μ-NH)}₂], 6 and rare amido bridged U(iv)/U(iv) complexes [{U(OSi(O^tBu)₃)₃}₂(μ-NH₂)₂(μ-thf)], 7 while no hydrogenolysis could be observed for 4. Both complexes 2 and 4 react with H⁺ to yield quantitatively NH₄Cl, but only complex 2 reacts with CO and H₂. Differences in reactivity can be related to significant differences in the U–N bonding. Computational studies show a delocalised bond across the U–N–U for 1 and 2, but an asymmetric bonding scheme is found for the U(vi)/U(vi) complex 4 which shows a U–N σ orbital well localised to U N and π orbitals which partially delocalise to form the U–N single bond with the other uranium.

The first examples of molecular compounds containing the cyclic (U(vi)N)₂ and (U(v)U(vi)N)₂ cores were obtained by oxidation of the (U(v)U(v)N)₂ analogue. Different bonding within these complexes yields different stability and reactivity with CO and H₂.     

New Suberato‐bridged Supramolecular Layers: Crystal Structure of [Cu2(phen)2(C8H12O4)2] · 3 H2O with phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline

The reaction of CuCl₂ · 2 H₂O, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen), suberic acid and Na₂CO₃ in a CH₃CN–H₂O solution yielded blue needle‐like crystals of [Cu₂(phen)₂(C₈H₁₂O₄)₂] · 3 H₂O. The crystal structure (monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 10.756(2) Å, b = 9.790(2) Å, c = 18.593(4) Å, β = 91.15(3)°, Z = 2, R = 0.043, wR² = 0.1238) consists of suberato‐bridged [Cu₂(phen)₂(C₈H₁₂O₄)_4/2] layers and hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules. The Cu atoms are coordinated by two N atoms from one bidentate chelating phen ligand and three carboxyl O atoms from different suberato ligands to form distorted [CuN₂O₃] square‐pyramids with one carboxyl O atom at the apical position (d(Cu–N) = 2.017(2), 2.043(3) Å, basal d(Cu–O) = 1.936(2), 1.951(2) Å and axial d(Cu–O) = 2.389(2) Å). Two [CuN₂O₃] square‐pyramids are condensed via a common O–O edge to a centrosymmetric [Cu₂N₄O₄] dimer with the Cu…Cu distance of 3.406(1) Å indicating no interaction between Cu atoms. The resultant [Cu₂N₄O₄] dimers are interlinked by the tridentate suberato ligands to form [Cu₂(phen)₂(C₈H₁₂O₄)_4/2] layers parallel to (101). These are assembled via π‐π stacking interactions into 3D network with H₂O molecules in the tunnels extending in the [010] direction.     

Dual Ag/Co cocatalyst synergism for the highly effective photocatalytic conversion of CO2 by H2O over Al-SrTiO3

Loading Ag and Co dual cocatalysts on Al-doped SrTiO₃ (AgCo/Al-SrTiO₃) led to a significantly improved CO-formation rate and extremely high selectivity toward CO evolution (99.8%) using H₂O as an electron donor when irradiated with light at wavelengths above 300 nm. Furthermore, the CO-formation rate over AgCo/Al-SrTiO₃ (52.7 μmol h⁻¹) was a dozen times higher than that over Ag/Al-SrTiO₃ (4.7 μmol h⁻¹). The apparent quantum efficiency for CO evolution over AgCo/Al-SrTiO₃ was about 0.03% when photoirradiated at a wavelength at 365 nm, with a CO-evolution selectivity of 98.6% (7.4 μmol h⁻¹). The Ag and Co cocatalysts were found to function as reduction and oxidation sites for promoting the generation of CO and O₂, respectively, on the Al-SrTiO₃ surface.

Deposition Ag and Co dual cocatalysts onto Al-SrTiO₃ significantly improves its activity for photoreduction of CO₂ by H₂O, with extremely high selectivity to CO evolution (99.8%), in which Ag and Co enable CO₂ reduction and H₂O oxidation, respectively.     

Cu2O(SO4), dolerophanite: Refinement of the crystal structure,with a comparison of [O Cu(II)4] tetrahedra in inorganic compounds

The refinement of the crystal structure of Cu₂O(SO₄), dolerophanite, [a=9.370 (1) Å,b=6.319 (1) Å,c=7.639 (1) Å, =122.34 (1)°; space group C 2/m;Z=4;R=0.035] confirmed the trigonal dipyramidal coordination of one Cu(II) atom (mean distance Cu-O=2.025 Å). One O atom is tetrahedrally surrounded by four Cu(II) atoms; the mean Cu(II)-O distance of 1.918 Å compares well to [O Cu(II)₄] tetrahedra found in inorganic crystal structures.de|Die Verfeinerung der Kristallstruktur von Cu₂O(SO₄), Dolerophanit, [a=9.370 (1) Å,b=6.319 (1) Å,c=7.639 (1) Å, =122.34 (1)°; Raumgruppe C 2/m;Z=4;R=0.035] bestätigte die trigonal dipyramidale Koordination des einen Cu(II)-Atoms (mittlerer Cu-O-Abstand=2.025 Å). Ein O-Atom ist tetraedrisch von vier Cu(II)-Atomen umgeben; der mittlere Cu(II)-O-Abstand von 1.918 Å entspricht den in ähnlichen [O Cu(II)₄]-Tetraedern von anorganischen Kristallstrukturen gefundenen Werten.

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Cu₂O(SO₄), Dolerophanit: Verfeinerung der Kristallstruktur mit einem Vergleich von [O Cu(II)₄]-Tetraedern in anorganischen Verbindungen

     

Synthesis, crystal structures and spectroscopic characterization of two neutral heterobimetallic clusters MS4Cu4(pz)6X2 (where M = Mo (1) or W (2), X = Cl (1) or disordered Cl/Br (2), and pz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole)

The title complexes were synthesized in acetone by the reaction of [n-Bu₄N]₂[MoS₄Cu₄Cl₄] and pz^Me2 for compound 1, and n-Bu₄NBr, [NH₄]₂[WS₄], CuCl and pz^Me2 for compound 2. X-ray diffraction studies of 1 and 2 demonstrate that four of the six edges of the tetrahedral [MS₄]²⁻ core are bridged by four copper atoms, giving a pentanuclear structure MS₄Cu₄(pz^Me2)₆X₂ (M = Mo, W) with the five metal atoms essentially coplanar. The four Cu atoms exhibit two different coordination modes. Each of one pair of mutually trans Cu atoms is coordinated by two (μ₃-S) atoms and two nitrogen atoms of pz^Me2 rings, giving a distorted tetrahedral CuS₂N₂ arrangement. The other two mutually trans Cu atoms are coordinated by two (μ₃-S) atoms, one nitrogen atom of pz^Me2 and one terminal Cl or Br ligand, giving a distorted tetrahedral CuS₂NX unit. In addition to being structurally studied by X-ray diffraction, the title compounds have been characterized by IR, UV–Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The IR results, which include low-frequency M–S_b stretching bands, are consistent with the X-ray structural analysis and confirm that the [MS₄]²⁻ cores are coordinated through all four sulfur atoms in the complexes 1 and 2.     

Bifunctional activation of amine-boranes by the W/Pd bimetallic analogs of “frustrated Lewis pairs”

The reaction between basic [(PCP)Pd(H)] (PCP = 2,6-(CH₂P(t-C₄H₉)₂)₂C₆H₄) and acidic [LWH(CO)₃] (L = Cp (1a), Tp (1b); Cp = η⁵-cyclopentadienyl, Tp = κ³-hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate) leads to the formation of bimolecular complexes [LW(CO)₂(μ-CO)⋯Pd(PCP)] (4a, 4b), which catalyze amine-borane (Me₂NHBH₃, ^tBuNH₂BH₃) dehydrogenation. The combination of variable-temperature (¹H, ³¹P{¹H}, ¹¹B NMR and IR) spectroscopies and computational (ωB97XD/def2-TZVP) studies reveal the formation of an η¹-borane complex [(PCP)Pd(Me₂NHBH₃)]⁺[LW(CO₃)]⁻ (5) in the first step, where a BH bond strongly binds palladium and an amine group is hydrogen-bonded to tungsten. The subsequent intracomplex proton transfer is the rate-determining step, followed by an almost barrierless hydride transfer. Bimetallic species 4 are easily regenerated through hydrogen evolution in the reaction between two hydrides.

Bimetallic complexes [LW(CO)₂(μ-CO)⋯Pd(PCP)] cooperatively activate amine-boranes for their dehydrogenation via N–H proton tunneling at RDS and H₂ evolution from two neutral hydrides.     

Comparison of CO2 Reduction Performance with NH3 and H2O between Cu/TiO2 and Pd/TiO2

The aim of this study is to clarify the effect of doped metal type on CO₂ reduction characteristics of TiO₂ with NH₃ and H₂O. Cu and Pd have been selected as dopants for TiO₂. In addition, the impact of molar ratio of CO₂ to reductants NH₃ and H₂O has been investigated. A TiO₂ photocatalyst was prepared by a sol-gel and dip-coating process, and then doped with Cu or Pd fine particles by using the pulse arc plasma gun method. The prepared Cu/TiO₂ film and Pd/TiO₂ film were characterized by SEM, EPMA, TEM, STEM, EDX, EDS and EELS. This study also has investigated the performance of CO₂ reduction under the illumination condition of Xe lamp with or without ultraviolet (UV) light. As a result, it is revealed that the CO₂ reduction performance with Cu/TiO₂ under the illumination condition of Xe lamp with UV light is the highest when the molar ratio of CO₂/NH₃/H₂O = 1:1:1 while that without UV light is the highest when the molar ratio of CO₂/NH₃/H₂O = 1:0.5:0.5. It is revealed that the CO₂ reduction performance of Pd/TiO₂ is the highest for the molar ratio of CO₂/NH₃/H₂O = 1:1:1 no matter the used Xe lamp was with or without UV light. The molar quantity of CO per unit weight of photocatalyst for Cu/TiO₂ produced under the illumination condition of Xe lamp with UV light was 10.2 μmol/g, while that for Pd/TiO₂ was 5.5 μmol/g. Meanwhile, the molar quantity of CO per unit weight of photocatalyst for Cu/TiO₂ produced under the illumination condition of Xe lamp without UV light was 2.5 μmol/g, while that for Pd/TiO₂ was 3.5 μmol/g. This study has concluded that Cu/TiO₂ is superior to Pd/TiO₂ from the viewpoint of the molar quantity of CO per unit weight of photocatalyst as well as the quantum efficiency.     

Refinement of the crystal structure of as-schwatzite Cu<Subscript>6</Subscript>(Cu<Subscript>5.26</Subscript>Hg<Subscript>0.75</Subscript>)(As<Subscript>2.83</Subscript>Sb<Subscript>1.17</Subscript>)S<Subscript>13</Subscript> (Aktash,Altai mountaines)

The crystal structure of As-schwatzite Cu₆(Cu_5.26Hg_0.75)(As_2.83Sb_1.17)S13 (Aktash deposit, Altai mountains) is refined. Tetrahedrally shaped dark-gray single crystals of the mineral belong to the cubic crystal system: I4¯3m space group, a = 10.2890(1) Å, V = 1089.2(1) ų, d = 4.99 g/cm³, Z = 2 for the composition Cu_11.26Hg_0.75As_2.83Sb_1.17S₁₃, R = 0.0177. The structure is based on the sphalerite-like framework comprising identically oriented (Cu,Hg)S₄ tetrahedra ((Cu,Hg)-S 2.3452(8) Å) and (As,Sb)S₃ pyramids ((As,Sb)-S 2.311(1) Å) sharing their vertices. The centers of [Cu₆] octahedra in the (000) and (1/2 1/2 1/2) positions coinciding with the centers of the “cluster” anionic vacancies [□]₄ are occupied by the so-called “thirteenth” sulfur atom. Quantum chemical calculations of the electron density are carried out for the [As₄S₁₃Cu₆]⁶ fragment. The calculation results confirm the presence of strain in the [As₄S₁₃Cu₆]⁶ moiety, which exists due to the support of the surrounding symmetric framework including the external sulfur atoms of the fragment. The possibility of inclusion of mercury into the framework, which is much richer in arsenic than in antimony, is demonstrated. High stability of the framework determines significant compression of the S-centered [SCu₆] octahedron in its interstices, bringing together copper atoms to 3.145(1) Å and shortening the Cu-S distances to 2.224(1) Å     

Two Novel CuII Phenanthroline Adipato Complexes with π‐π Stacking Interactions: [Cu(phen)2(C6H8O4)] · 4.5 H2O and [(Cu2(phen)2Cl2)(C6H8O4)] · 4 H2O

The blue copper complex compounds [Cu(phen)₂(C₆H₈O₄)] · 4.5 H₂O ( 1 ) and [(Cu₂(phen)₂Cl₂)(C₆H₈O₄)] · 4 H₂O ( 2 ) were synthesized from CuCl₂, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) and adipic acid in CH₃OH/H₂O solutions. [Cu(phen)₂‐ (C₆H₈O₄)] complexes and hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules form the crystal structure of ( 1 ) (P1 (no. 2), a = 10.086(2) Å, b = 11.470(2) Å, c = 16.523(3) Å, α = 99.80(1)°, β = 115.13(1)°, γ = 115.13(1)°, V = 1617.5(5) ų, Z = 2). The Cu atoms are square‐pyramidally coordinated by four N atoms of the phen ligands and one O atom of the adipate anion (d(Cu–O) = 1.989 Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.032–2.040 Å, axial d(Cu–N) = 2.235 Å). π‐π stacking interactions between phen ligands are responsible for the formation of supramolecular assemblies of [Cu(phen)₂(C₆H₈O₄)] complex molecules into 1 D chains along [111]. The crystal structure of ( 2 ) shows polymeric [(Cu₂(phen)₂Cl₂)(C₆H₈O₄)_2/2] chains (P1 (no. 2), a = 7.013(1) Å, b = 10.376(1) Å, c = 11.372(3) Å, α = 73.64(1)°, β = 78.15(2)°, γ = 81.44(1)°, V = 773.5(2) ų, Z = 1). The Cu atoms are fivefold coordinated by two Cl atoms, two N atoms of phen ligands and one O atom of the adipate anion, forming [CuCl₂N₂O] square pyramids with an axial Cl atom (d(Cu–O) = 1.958 Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.017–2.033 Å, d(Cu–Cl) = 2.281 Å; axial d(Cu–Cl) = 2.724 Å). Two square pyramids are condensed via the common Cl–Cl edge to centrosymmetric [Cu₂Cl₂N₄O₂] dimers, which are connected via the adipate anions to form the [(Cu₂(phen)₂Cl₂)(C₆H₈O₄)_2/2] chains. The supramolecular 3 D network results from π‐π stacking interactions between the chains. H₂O molecules are located in tunnels.     

Bis(2,2′‐bipyridine)iodo­(oxo)tri‐μ3‐sulfido‐tricopper(I)tungsten(VI)

The title nest‐shaped cluster, [Cu₃WIOS₃(C₁₀H₈N₂)₂], has been synthesized by the reaction of (NH₄)₂[WOS₃], CuI and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) in dimethyl­formamide under a purified nitro­gen atmosphere. The cluster has a neutral skeleton containing the bipy ligands, and the central W atom is tetra­hedrally coordinated by three S atoms and one O atom. The three Cu atoms are divided into two different kinds. Two Cu atoms adopt distorted tetra­hedral geometry, with each Cu atom coordinated by two S atoms and the two N atoms of a bipy ligand. The other Cu atom adopts a trigonal mode surrounded by two S atoms and one I atom.