Near‐IR Absorbing Ruthenium Complexes of Non‐Innocent 6,12‐Di(pyridin‐2‐yl)indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole: Variation as a Function of Co‐Ligands

This article deals with the hitherto unexplored metal complexes of deprotonated 6,12‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5,11‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (H₂L). The synthesis and structural, optical, electrochemical characterization of dimeric [{Ru^III(acac)₂}₂(μ‐L^.?)]ClO₄ ([ 1 ]ClO₄, S=1/2), [{Ru^II(bpy)₂}₂(μ‐L^.?)](ClO₄)₃ ([ 2 ](ClO₄)₃, S=1/2), [{Ru^II(pap)₂}₂(μ‐L^2?)](ClO₄)₂ ([ 4 ](ClO₄)₂, S=0), and monomeric [(bpy)₂Ru^II(HL^?)]ClO₄ ([ 3 ]ClO₄, S=0), [(pap)₂Ru^II(HL^?)]ClO₄ ([ 5 ]ClO₄, S=0) (acac=σ‐donating acetylacetonate, bpy=moderately π‐accepting 2,2’‐bipyridine, pap=strongly π‐accepting 2‐phenylazopyridine) are reported. The radical and dianionic states of deprotonated L in isolated dimeric 1 ⁺/ 2 ³⁺ and 4 ²⁺, respectively, could be attributed to the varying electronic features of the ancillary (acac, bpy, and pap) ligands, as was reflected in their redox potentials. Perturbation of the energy level of the deprotonated L or HL upon coordination with {Ru(acac)₂}, {Ru(bpy)₂}, or {Ru(pap)₂} led to the smaller energy gap in the frontier molecular orbitals (FMO), resulting in bathochromically shifted NIR absorption bands (800–2000 nm) in the accessible redox states of the complexes, which varied to some extent as a function of the ancillary ligands. Spectroelectrochemical (UV/Vis/NIR, EPR) studies along with DFT/TD‐DFT calculations revealed (i) involvement of deprotonated L or HL in the oxidation processes owing to its redox non‐innocent potential and (ii) metal (Ru^III/Ru^II) or bpy/pap dominated reduction processes in 1 ⁺ or 2 ²⁺/ 3 ⁺/ 4 ²⁺/ 5 ⁺, respectively.     

Experimental and DFT Evidence for the Fractional Non‐Innocence of a β‐Diketonate Ligand

New compounds [Ru(pap)₂(L)](ClO₄), [Ru(pap)(L)₂], and [Ru(acac)₂(L)] (pap=2‐phenylazopyridine, L^?=9‐oxidophenalenone, acac^?=2,4‐pentanedionate) have been prepared and studied regarding their electron‐transfer behavior, both experimentally and by using DFT calculations. [Ru(pap)₂(L)](ClO₄) and [Ru(acac)₂(L)] were characterized by crystal‐structure analysis. Spectroelectrochemistry (EPR, UV/Vis/NIR), in conjunction with cyclic voltammetry, showed a wide range of about 2 V for the potential of the Ru^III/II couple, which was in agreement with the very different characteristics of the strongly π‐accepting pap ligand and the σ‐donating acac^? ligand. At the rather high potential of +1.35 V versus SCE, the oxidation of L^? into L^. could be deduced from the near‐IR absorption of [Ru^III(pap)(L^.)(L^?)]²⁺. Other intense long‐wavelength transitions, including LMCT (L^?→Ru^III) and LL/CT (pap^.?→L^?) processes, were confirmed by TD‐DFT results. DFT calculations and EPR data for the paramagnetic intermediates allowed us to assess the spin densities, which revealed two cases with considerable contributions from L‐radical‐involving forms, that is, [Ru^III(pap⁰)₂(L^?)]²⁺?[Ru^II(pap⁰)₂(L^.)]²⁺ and [Ru^III(pap⁰)(L^?)₂]⁺?[Ru^II(pap⁰)(L^?)(L^?)]⁺. Calculations of electrogenerated complex [Ru^II(pap^.?)(pap⁰)(L^?)] displayed considerable negative spin density (?0.188) at the bridging metal.     

Controlling metal-ligand-metal oxidation state combinations by ancillary ligand (L) variation in the redox systems [L2Ru(mu-boptz)RuL2]n, boptz = 3,6-bis(2-oxidophenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, and L = acetylacetonate, 2,2'-bipyridine, or 2-phenylazopyridine

The new compounds [(acac)2Ru(mu-boptz)Ru(acac)2] (1), [(bpy)2Ru(mu-boptz)Ru(bpy)2](ClO4)2 (2-(ClO4)2), and [(pap)2Ru(mu-boptz)Ru(pap)2](ClO4)2 (3-(ClO4)2) were obtained from 3,6-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (H2boptz), the crystal structure analysis of which is reported. Compound 1 contains two antiferromagnetically coupled (J = -36.7 cm(-1)) Ru(III) centers. We have investigated the role of both the donor and acceptor functions containing the boptz2- bridging ligand in combination with the electronically different ancillary ligands (donating acac-, moderately pi-accepting bpy, and strongly pi-accepting pap; acac = acetylacetonate, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine pap = 2-phenylazopyridine) by using cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy for several in situ accessible redox states. We found that metal-ligand-metal oxidation state combinations remain invariant to ancillary ligand change in some instances; however, three isoelectronic paramagnetic cores Ru(mu-boptz)Ru showed remarkable differences. The excellent tolerance of the bpy co-ligand for both Ru(III) and Ru(II) is demonstrated by the adoption of the mixed-valent form in [L2Ru(mu-boptz)RuL2]3+, L = bpy, whereas the corresponding system with pap stabilizes the Ru(II) states to yield a phenoxyl radical ligand and the compound with L = acac- contains two Ru(III) centers connected by a tetrazine radical-anion bridge.     

Application of a Structure/Oxidation‐State Correlation to Complexes of Bridging Azo Ligands

Based on data from more than 40 crystal structures of metal complexes with azo‐based bridging ligands (2,2′‐azobispyridine, 2,2′‐azobis(5‐chloropyrimidine), azodicarbonyl derivatives), a correlation between the N? N bond lengths (d_NN) and the oxidation state of the ligand (neutral, neutral/back‐donating, radical‐anionic, dianionic) was derived. This correlation was applied to the analysis of four ruthenium compounds of 2,2′‐azobispyridine (abpy), that is, the new asymmetrical rac‐[(acac)₂Ru1(μ‐abpy)Ru2(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ ([ 1 ](ClO₄)₂), [Ru(acac)₂(abpy)] ( 2 ), [Ru(bpy)₂(abpy)](ClO₄)₂ ([ 3 ](ClO₄)₂), and meso‐[(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐abpy)Ru(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₃ ([ 4 ](ClO₄)₃; acac^?=2,4‐pentanedionato, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine). In agreement with DFT calculations, both mononuclear species 2 and 3 ²⁺ can be described as ruthenium(II) complexes of unreduced abpy⁰, with 1.295(5)<d_NN<1.320(3) Å, thereby exhibiting effects from π back‐donation. However, the abpy ligand in both the asymmetrical diamagnetic compound 1 ²⁺ (d_NN=1.374(6) Å) and the symmetrical compound 4 ³⁺ (d_NN=1.360(7), 1.368(8) Å) must be formulated as abpy^.?. Remarkably, the addition of [Ru^II(bpy)₂]²⁺ to mononuclear [Ru^II(acac)₂(abpy⁰)] induces intracomplex electron‐transfer under participation of the noninnocent abpy bridge to yield rac‐[(acac)₂Ru1^III(μ‐abpy^.?)Ru2^II(bpy)₂]²⁺ ( 1 ²⁺) with strong antiferromagnetic coupling between abpy^.? and Ru^III (DFT (B3LYP/LANL2DZ/6‐31G*)‐calculated triplet–singlet energy separation E_S=1?E_S=0=11739 cm^?1). Stepwise one‐electron transfer was studied for compound 1 ⁿ, n=1?, 0, 1+, 2+, 3+, by UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry, EPR spectroscopy, and by DFT calculations. Whereas the first oxidation of compound 1 ²⁺ was found to mainly involve the central ligand to produce an (abpy⁰)‐bridged Class I mixed‐valent Ru1^IIIRu2^II species, the first reduction of compound 1 ²⁺ affected both the bridge and Ru1 atom to form a radical complex ( 1 ⁺), with considerable metal participation in the spin‐distribution. Further reduction moves the spin towards the {Ru2(bpy)₂} entity.     

Three Bis‐BODIPY Analogous Diruthenium Redox Series: Characterization and Electronic Structure Analysis

The dianion derived from (2Z,6Z)‐3,7‐diphenyl‐N2,N6‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyrrolo[2,3‐f]indole‐2,6(1H,5H)‐diimine (H₂BL), a modified BODIPY ligand precursor, is shown to be capable of bridging two metal complex fragments RuL₂, L=2,4‐pentanedionato (acac^?), 2,2’‐bipyridine (bpy) or 2‐phenylazopyridine (pap) in [Ru(acac)₂Ru(μ‐BL)Ru(acac)₂] ( 1 / 2 ), [Ru(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐BL)Ru(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ ([ 3 ](ClO₄)₂) and [Ru(pap)₂Ru(μ‐BL)Ru(pap)₂](ClO₄)₂ ([ 4 ](ClO₄)₂). The compounds, including a diastereoisomeric pair 1 (meso) and 2 (rac) were spectroscopically and structurally characterized. Reversible electron transfers as revealed by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry allowed for an EPR and UV‐vis‐NIR spectroelectrochemical investigation of several neighboring charge states. Together with susceptibility measurements and TD‐DFT calculations the assignment of oxidation states reveals that 1 , 2 are diruthenium(III) species which can be oxidized or reduced by one electron whereas 3 ²⁺ and 4 ²⁺ contain ruthenium(II) and get reduced or oxidized mainly at the dianionic bridge ( 3 ²⁺) or are reduced at the ancillary ligands pap ( 4 ²⁺).     

Chemistry of ruthenium in N2P2X2 (X = Cl, Br) coordination sphere: Synthesis, characterization and reactivities

Reaction of 2-(phenylazo)pyridine (pap) with [Ru(PPh₃)₃X₂] (X = Cl, Br) in dichloromethane solution affords [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pap)X₂]. These diamagnetic complexes exhibit a weakdd transition and two intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. In dichloromethane solution they display a one-electron reduction of pap near − 0.90 V vs SCE and a reversible ruthenium(II)-ruthenium(III) oxidation near 0.70 V vs SCE. The [Ru^III(PPh₃)₂(pap)Cl₂]⁺ complex cation, generated by coulometric oxidation of [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pap)Cl₂], shows two intense LMCT transitions in the visible region. It oxidizes N,N-dimethylaniline and [Ru^II(bpy)₂Cl₂] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) to produce N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylbenzidine and [Ru^III(bpy)₂Cl₂]⁺ respectively. Reaction of [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pap)X₂] with Ag⁺ in ethanol produces [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pap)(EtOH)₂]²⁺ which upon further reaction with L (L = pap, bpy, acetylacetonate ion(acac⁻) and oxalate ion (ox²⁻)) gives complexes of type [Ru(PPh₃)₂(pap)(L)]ⁿ⁺ (n = 0, 1, 2). All these diamagnetic complexes show a weakdd transition and several intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. The ruthenium(II)-ruthenium(III) oxidation potential decreases in the order (of L): pap > bpy > acac⁻ > ox²⁻. Reductions of the coordinated pap and bpy are also observed.     

Four‐Center Oxidation State Combinations and Near‐Infrared Absorption in [Ru(pap)(Q)2]n (Q=3,5‐Di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐aryl‐1,2‐benzoquinonemonoimine,pap=2‐Phenylazopyridine)

The complex series [Ru(pap)(Q)₂]ⁿ ([ 1 ]ⁿ–[ 4 ]ⁿ; n=+2, +1, 0, ?1, ?2) contains four redox non‐innocent entities: one ruthenium ion, 2‐phenylazopyridine (pap), and two o‐iminoquinone moieties, Q=3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐aryl‐1,2‐benzoquinonemonoimine (aryl=C₆H₅ ( 1⁺ ); m‐(Cl)₂C₆H₃ ( 2⁺ ); m‐(OCH₃)₂C₆H₃ ( 3⁺ ); m‐(tBu)₂C₆H₃ ( 4 ⁺)). A crystal structure determination of the representative compound, [ 1 ]ClO₄, established the crystallization of the ctt‐isomeric form, that is, cis and trans with respect to the mutual orientations of O and N donors of two Q ligands, and the coordinating azo N atom trans to the O donor of Q. The sensitive C? O (average: 1.299(3) Å), C? N (average: 1.346(4) Å) and intra‐ring C? C (meta; average: 1.373(4) Å) bond lengths of the coordinated iminoquinone moieties in corroboration with the N?N length (1.292(3) Å) of pap in 1 ⁺ establish [Ru^III(pap⁰)(Q^.?)₂]⁺ as the most appropriate electronic structural form. The coupling of three spins from one low‐spin ruthenium(III) (t_2g⁵) and two Q^.? radicals in 1 ⁺– 4 ⁺ gives a ground state with one unpaired electron on Q^.?, as evident from g=1.995 radical‐type EPR signals for 1 ⁺– 4 ⁺. Accordingly, the DFT‐calculated Mulliken spin densities of 1 ⁺ (1.152 for two Q, Ru: ?0.179, pap: 0.031) confirm Q‐based spin. Complex ions 1 ⁺– 4 ⁺ exhibit two near‐IR absorption bands at about λ=2000 and 920 nm in addition to intense multiple transitions covering the visible to UV regions; compounds [ 1 ]ClO₄–[ 4 ]ClO₄ undergo one oxidation and three separate reduction processes within ±2.0 V versus SCE. The crystal structure of the neutral (one‐electron reduced) state ( 2 ) was determined to show metal‐based reduction and an EPR signal at g=1.996. The electronic transitions of the complexes 1 ⁿ– 4 ⁿ (n=+2, +1, 0, ?1, ?2) in the UV, visible, and NIR regions, as determined by using spectroelectrochemistry, have been analyzed by TD‐DFT calculations and reveal significant low‐energy absorbance (λ_max>1000 nm) for cations, anions, and neutral forms. The experimental studies in combination with DFT calculations suggest the dominant valence configurations of 1 ⁿ– 4 ⁿ in the accessible redox states to be [Ru^III(pap⁰)(Q^.?)(Q⁰)]²⁺ ( 1 ²⁺– 4 ²⁺)→[Ru^III(pap⁰)(Q^.?)₂]⁺ ( 1 ⁺– 4 ⁺)→[Ru^II(pap⁰)(Q^.?)₂] ( 1 – 4 )→[Ru^II(pap^.?)(Q^.?)₂]^? ( 1 ^?– 4 ^?)→[Ru^III(pap^.?)(Q^2?)₂]^2? ( 1 ^2?– 4 ^2?).     

2,3‐Di(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazine: A NN‐CNN‐Type Bridging Ligand for Dinuclear Transition‐Metal Complexes

A new bridging ligand, 2,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazine (dpppzH), has been synthesized. This ligand was designed so that it could bind two metals through a NN‐CNN‐type coordination mode. The reaction of dpppzH with cis‐[(bpy)₂RuCl₂] (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) affords monoruthenium complex [(bpy)₂Ru(dpppzH)]²⁺ ( 12+ ) in 64 % yield, in which dpppzH behaves as a NN bidentate ligand. The asymmetric biruthenium complex [(bpy)₂Ru(dpppz)Ru(Mebip)]³⁺ ( 23+ ) was prepared from complex 12+ and [(Mebip)RuCl₃] (Mebip=bis(N‐methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine), in which one hydrogen atom on the phenyl ring of dpppzH is lost and the bridging ligand binds to the second ruthenium atom in a CNN tridentate fashion. In addition, the RuPt heterobimetallic complex [(bpy)₂Ru(dpppz)Pt(C?CPh)]²⁺ ( 42+ ) has been prepared from complex 12+ , in which the bridging ligand binds to the platinum atom through a CNN binding mode. The electronic properties of these complexes have been probed by using electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques and studied by theoretical calculations. Complex 12+ is emissive at room temperature, with an emission λ_max=695 nm. No emission was detected for complex 23+ at room temperature in MeCN, whereas complex 42+ displayed an emission at about 750 nm. The emission properties of these complexes are compared to those of previously reported Ru and RuPt bimetallic complexes with a related ligand, 2,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐5,6‐diphenylpyrazine.     

Heterodinuclear Ruthenium(II) Complexes of the Bridging Ligand 1,6,7,12‐Tetraazaperylene with Iron(II), Cobalt(II), Nickel(II), as well as Palladium(II) and Platinum(II)

The first heterodinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes of the 1,6,7,12‐tetraazaperylene (tape) bridging ligand with iron(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) were synthesized and characterized. The metal coordination sphere in this complexes is filled by the tetradentate N,N′‐dimethyl‐2,11‐diaza[3.3](2,6)‐pyridinophane (L‐N₄Me₂) ligand, yielding complexes of the general formula [(L‐N₄Me₂)Ru(µ‐tape)M(L‐N₄Me₂)](ClO₄)₂(PF₆)₂ with M = Fe {[ 2 ](ClO₄)₂(PF₆)₂}, Co {[ 3 ](ClO₄)₂(PF₆)₂}, and Ni {[ 4 ](ClO₄)₂(PF₆)₂}. Furthermore, the heterodinuclear tape ruthenium(II) complexes with palladium(II)‐ and platinum(II)‐dichloride [(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐tape)PdCl₂](PF₆)₂ {[ 5 ](PF₆)₂} and [(dmbpy)₂Ru(μ‐tape)PtCl₂](PF₆)₂ {[ 6 ](PF₆)₂}, respectively were also prepared. The molecular structures of the complex cations [ 2 ]⁴⁺ and [ 4 ]⁴⁺ were discussed on the basis of the X‐ray structures of [ 2 ](ClO₄)₄ · MeCN and [ 4 ](ClO₄)₄ · MeCN. The electrochemical behavior and the UV/Vis absorption spectra of the heterodinuclear tape ruthenium(II) complexes were explored and compared with the data of the analogous mono‐ and homodinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes of the tape bridging ligand.     

Comparative Study of Ruthenium(II) and Ruthenium(III) Complexes with the Ligand dmbpy (dmbpy = 4, 4′‐Dimethyl‐2, 2′‐bipyridine)

The complex cis‐[Ru^III(dmbpy)₂Cl₂](PF₆) ( 2 ) (dmbpy = 4, 4′‐dimethyl‐2, 2′‐bipyridine) was obtained from the reaction of cis‐[Ru^II(dmbpy)₂Cl₂] ( 1 ) with ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate followed by precipitation with saturated ammonium hexafluoridophosphate. The ¹H NMR spectrum of the Ru^III complex confirms the presence of paramagnetic metal atoms, whereas that of the Ru^II complex displays diamagnetism. The ³¹P NMR spectrum of the Ru^III complex shows one signal for the phosphorus atom of the PF₆^– ion. The perspective view of each [Ru^II/III(dmbpy)₂Cl₂]^0/+ unit manifests that the ruthenium atom is in hexacoordinate arrangement with two dmbpy ligands and two chlorido ligands in cis position. As the oxidation state of the central ruthenium metal atom becomes higher, the average Ru–Cl bond length decreases whereas the Ru–N (dmbpy) bond length increases. The cis‐positioned dichloro angle in Ru^III is 1.3° wider than that in the Ru^II. The dihedral angles between pair of planar six‐membered pyridyl ring in the dmbpy ligand for the Ru^II are 4.7(5)° and 5.7(4)°. The observed inter‐planar angle between two dmbpy ligands in the Ru^II is 89.08(15)°, whereas the value for the Ru^III is 85.46(20)°.     

Synthesis,Coordination, and Spectroscopic Properties of 2,2′‐Bipyridyldimesitylpalladium(II) and 6‐Mesityl‐2,2′‐bipyridyldimesitylpalladium(II)

The synthetic route to the dimesitylpalladium(II) complex [(bpy)PdMes₂] ( 1 ) (Mes = mesityl = 2,4,6‐trimethyl phenyl) does not only give the desired compound but also the 6‐mesityl‐2,2′bipyridyldimesitylpalladium [(6‐Mes‐bpy)PdMes₂] ( 2 ) complex and the free ligand 6,6′‐dimesityl‐2,2′‐bipyridine in reasonable yields. Single crystals of 2 were examined by X‐Ray diffraction. The compound reveals a sterically crowded molecular structure. An intramolecular π‐stacking interaction was found between the mesityl substituent on the bipyridine ligand and the adjacent mesityl ligand. The electrochemical behaviour of 1 and 2 together with a related compound was examined at various temperatures showing two reversible reduction reactions and reversible one‐electron oxidation steps at low temperatures. The latter are assigned to Pd^II/Pd^III couples.     

One‐Dimensional Ferromagnetically Coupled Bimetallic Chains Constructed with trans‐[Ru(acac)2(CN)2]−: Syntheses,Structures, Magnetic Properties,and Density Functional Theoretical Study

Four cyano‐bridged 1D bimetallic polymers have been prepared by using the paramagnetic building block trans‐[Ru(acac)₂(CN)₂]^? (Hacac=acetylacetone): {[{Ni(tren)}{Ru(acac)₂(CN)₂}][ClO₄]?CH₃OH}_n ( 1 ) (tren=tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine), {[{Ni(cyclen)}{Ru(acac)₂(CN)₂}][ClO₄]? CH₃OH}_n ( 2 ) (cyclen=1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane), {[{Fe(salen)}{Ru(acac)₂(CN)₂}]}_n ( 3 ) (salen^2?=N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐o‐ethyldiamine dianion) and [{Mn(5,5′‐Me₂salen)}₂{Ru(acac)₂(CN)₂}][Ru(acac)₂(CN)₂]? 2 CH₃OH ( 4 ) (5,5′‐Me₂salen=N,N′‐bis(5,5′‐dimethylsalicylidene)‐o‐ethylenediimine). Compounds 1 and 2 are 1D, zigzagged NiRu chains that exhibit ferromagnetic coupling between Ni^II and Ru^III ions through cyano bridges with J=+1.92 cm^?1, z J′=?1.37 cm^?1, g=2.20 for 1 and J=+0.85 cm^?1, z J′=?0.16 cm^?1, g=2.24 for 2 . Compound 3 has a 1D linear chain structure that exhibits intrachain ferromagnetic coupling (J=+0.62 cm^?1, z J′=?0.09 cm^?1, g=2.08), but antiferromagnetic coupling occurs between FeRu chains, leading to metamagnetic behavior with T_N=2.6 K. In compound 4 , two Mn^III ions are coordinated to trans‐[Ru(acac)₂(CN)₂]^? to form trinuclear Mn₂Ru units, which are linked together by π–π stacking and weak Mn???O* interactions to form a 1D chain. Compound 4 shows slow magnetic relaxation below 3.0 K with ?=0.25, characteristic of superparamagnetic behavior. The Mn^III???Ru^III coupling constant (through cyano bridges) and the Mn^III???Mn^III coupling constant (between the trimers) are +0.87 and +0.24 cm^?1, respectively. Compound 4 is a novel single‐chain magnet built from Mn₂Ru trimers through noncovalent interactions. Density functional theory (DFT) combined with the broken symmetry state method was used to calculate the molecular magnetic orbitals and the magnetic exchange interactions between Ru^III and M (M=Ni^II, Fe^III, and Mn^III) ions. To explain the somewhat unexpected ferromagnetic coupling between low‐spin Ru^III and high‐spin Fe^III and Mn^III ions in compounds 3 and 4 , respectively, it is proposed that apart from the relative symmetries, the relative energies of the magnetic orbitals may also be important in determining the overall magnetic coupling in these bimetallic assemblies.     

Reduktive Dimerisierung von NO an Dirutheniumkomplexen und Bildung eines tridentaten 2, 2‐Bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethanolato‐Liganden

The reaction of the trans‐hyponitrito complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐η²‐ONNO)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu₂)(μ‐dppen)] ( 1 , dppen = Ph₂PC(=CH₂)PPh₂) with tetrafluorido boric acid afforded the new complex salt [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐η²‐ONNOH)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu₂)(μ‐dppen)]BF₄ ( 2 ) containing the monoprotonate hyponitrous acid as the ligand in the cationic complex. Complex 1 showed a nucleophilic reactivity towards the trimethyloxonium cation resulting in the monoester derivative of the hyponitrous acid [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐η²‐ONNOMe)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu₂)(μ‐dppen)]BF₄ ( 3 ). During heating of compound 2 in ethanol under reflux for a short time nitrous oxide was liberated affording unexpectedly a new tridentate 2, 2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethanolato ligand formed by an intramolecular attack of an intermediate hydroxido ligand towards the unsaturated carbon carbon double bond in the bridging dppen ligand. Thus the complex salt [Ru₂(CO)₄{μ‐η³‐OCH₂CH(PPh₂)₂}(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu₂)]BF₄ ( 4 ) was formed in good yields. The new compounds 2 , 3 , and 4 were characterized by spectroscopic means as well as their molecular structures were determined in the crystal.     

Three Distinct Redox States of an Oxo‐Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium Complex

A series of [{(terpy)(bpy)Ru}(μ‐O){Ru(bpy)(terpy)}]ⁿ⁺ ( [RuORu]ⁿ⁺ , terpy=2,2′;6′,2′′‐terpyridine, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) was systematically synthesized and characterized in three distinct redox states (n=3, 4, and 5 for Ru^II,III₂ , Ru^III,III₂ , and Ru^III,IV₂ , respectively). The crystal structures of [RuORu]ⁿ⁺ (n=3, 4, 5) in all three redox states were successfully determined. X‐ray crystallography showed that the Ru? O distances and the Ru‐O‐Ru angles are mainly regulated by the oxidation states of the ruthenium centers. X‐ray crystallography and ESR spectra clearly revealed the detailed electronic structures of two mixed‐valence complexes, [Ru^IIIORu^IV]⁵⁺ and [Ru^IIORu^III]³⁺ , in which each unpaired electron is completely delocalized across the oxo‐bridged dinuclear core. These findings allow us to understand the systematic changes in structure and electronic state that accompany the changes in the redox state.     

Aktivierung von Schwefelkohlenstoff an Trirutheniumclustern: Synthese und Kristallstruktur von [Ru3(CO)5(μ‐H)2(μ‐PCy2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2){μ‐η2‐PCy2C(S)}(μ3‐S)] und [Ru3(CO)5(CS)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐PCy2)2(μ3‐S)]

Activation of Carbon Disulfide on Triruthenium Clusters: Synthesis and X‐Ray Crystal Structure Analysis of [Ru₃(CO)₅(μ‐H)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂){μ‐η²‐PCy₂C(S)}(μ₃‐S)] and [Ru₃(CO)₅(CS)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐PCy₂)₂(μ₃‐S)] [Ru₃(CO)₆(μ‐H)₂(μ‐PCy₂)₂(μ‐dppm)] ( 1 ) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) reacts under mild conditions with CS₂ and yields by oxidative decarbonylation and insertion of CS into one phosphido bridge the opened 50 VE‐cluster [Ru₃(CO)₅(μ‐H)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(μ‐dppm){μ‐η²‐PCy₂C(S)}(μ₃‐S)] ( 2 ) with only two M–M bonds. The compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with a = 19.093(3), b = 12.2883(12), c = 20.098(3) Å; α = 84.65(3), β = 77.21(3), γ = 81.87(3)° and V = 2790.7(11) ų. The reaction of [Ru₃(CO)₇(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐PCy₂)₂] ( 3 ) with CS₂ in refluxing toluene affords the 50 VE‐cluster [Ru₃(CO)₅(CS)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐PCy₂)₂(μ₃‐S)] ( 4 ). The compound cristallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2₁/a with a = 19.093(3), b = 12.2883(12), c = 20.098(3) Å; β = 104.223(16)° and V = 4570.9(10) ų. Although in the solid state structure one elongated Ru–Ru bond has been found the complex 4 can be considered by means of the ³¹P‐NMR data as an electron‐rich metal cluster.     

Koordinativ ungesättigte Dirutheniumkomplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Ru2(CO)n(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (n = 4; 5) und [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐CH2)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)]

Coordinatively Unsaturated Diruthenium Complexes: Synthesis and X‐ray Crystal Structures of [Ru₂(CO)_n(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] (n = 4; 5) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] The reaction of [Ru₂(μ‐CO)(CO)₅(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)] ( 2 ) with dppm yields the dinuclear species [Ru₂(μ‐CO)(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 3 ) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂). Under thermal or photolytic conditions 3 loses very easily one carbonyl ligand and affords the corresponding electronically and coordinatively unsaturated complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 4 ). 4 is also obtainable by an one‐pot synthesis from [Ru₃(CO)₁₂], an excess of ^tBu₂PH and stoichiometric amounts of dppm via the formation of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)₂] ( 1 ). 4 exhibits a Ru–Ru double bond which could be confirmed by addition of methylene to the dimetallacyclopropane [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 5 ). The molecular structures of 3 , 4 and 5 were determined by X‐ray crystal structure analyses.     

An Easy One‐Pot Synthesis of Diverse 2,5‐Di(2‐pyridyl)pyrroles: A Versatile Entry Point to Metal Complexes of Functionalised,Meridial and Tridentate 2,5‐Di(2‐pyridyl)pyrrolato Ligands

A wide variety of 2,5‐di(2‐pyridyl)pyrroles (dppHs) substituted at the C3 and C4 positions of the pyrrole core were obtained by direct condensation of a 2‐pyridylcarboxaldehyde (2 equiv), an α‐methylene ketone with at least one electron‐withdrawing substituent and ammonium acetate. A novel 2,5‐di(1,10‐phenanthrolin‐2‐yl)pyrrole was also characterised. The dppHs provide a direct, quick entry to dipyridylpyrrolato (dpp^?)–metal complexes. The meridial tridentate dpp^? ligand is a useful anionic analogue of the terpyridyl ligand. The first (dpp)Ru complexes are described; the 3,4‐substitution of the central pyrrole significantly perturbs the potentials of the redox processes of these complexes. A [(dpp)Ru(bpy)(MeCN)]⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) complex is an electrocatalyst for the reductive disproportionation of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide and the carbonate ion.     

Correspondence of RuIIIRuII and RuIVRuIII Mixed Valent States in a Small Dinuclear Complex

The diruthenium(III) compound [(μ‐oxa){Ru(acac)₂}₂] [ 1 , oxa^2?=oxamidato(2?), acac^?=2,4‐pentanedionato] exhibits an S=1 ground state with antiferromagnetic spin‐spin coupling (J=?40 cm^?1). The molecular structure in the crystal of 1? 2 C₇H₈ revealed an intramolecular metal–metal distance of 5.433 Å and a notable asymmetry within the bridging ligand. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry (EPR, UV/Vis/NIR) of the two‐step reduction and of the two‐step oxidation (irreversible second step) produced monocation and monoanion intermediates (K_c=10^5.9) with broad NIR absorption bands (ε ca. 2000 M ^?1 cm^?1) and maxima at 1800 ( 1 ^?) and 1500 nm ( 1 ⁺). TD‐DFT calculations support a Ru^IIIRu^II formulation for 1 ^? with a doublet ground state. The 1 ⁺ ion (Ru^IVRu^III) was calculated with an S=3/2 ground state and the doublet state higher in energy (ΔE=694.6 cm^?1). The Mulliken spin density calculations showed little participation of the ligand bridge in the spin accommodation for all paramagnetic species [(μ‐oxa){Ru(acac)₂}₂]ⁿ, n=+1, 0, ?1, and, accordingly, the NIR absorptions were identified as metal‐to‐metal (intervalence) charge transfers. Whereas only one such NIR band was observed for the Ru^IIIRu^II (4d⁵/4d⁶) system 1 ^?, the Ru^IVRu^III (4d⁴/4d⁵) form 1 ⁺ exhibited extended absorbance over the UV/Vis/NIR range.     

Tuning the Electronic Properties in Ruthenium–Quinone Complexes through Metal Coordination and Substitution at the Bridge

A rare example of a mononuclear complex [(bpy)₂Ru(L¹_?H)](ClO₄), 1 (ClO₄) and dinuclear complexes [(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐L¹_?2H)Ru(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂, 2 (ClO₄)₂, [(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐L²_?2H)Ru(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂, 3 (ClO₄)₂, and [(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐L³_?2H)Ru(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂, 4 (ClO₄)₂ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, L¹=2,5‐di‐(isopropyl‐amino)‐1,4‐benzoquinone, L²=2,5‐di‐(benzyl‐amino)‐1,4‐benzoquinone, and L³=2,5‐di‐[2,4,6‐(trimethyl)‐anilino]‐1,4‐benzoquinone) with the symmetrically substituted p‐quinone ligands, L, are reported. Bond‐length analysis within the potentially bridging ligands in both the mono‐ and dinuclear complexes shows a localization of bonds, and binding to the metal centers through a phenolate‐type “O^?” and an immine/imminium‐type neutral “N” donor. For the mononuclear complex 1 (ClO₄), this facilitates strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding and leads to the imminium‐type character of the noncoordinated nitrogen atom. The dinuclear complexes display two oxidation and several reduction steps in acetonitrile solutions. In contrast, the mononuclear complex 1 ⁺ exhibits just one oxidation and several reduction steps. The redox processes of 1 ¹⁺ are strongly dependent on the solvent. The one‐electron oxidized forms 2 ³⁺, 3 ³⁺, and 4 ³⁺ of the dinuclear complexes exhibit strong absorptions in the NIR region. Weak NIR absorption bands are observed for the one‐electron reduced forms of all complexes. A combination of structural data, electrochemistry, UV/Vis/NIR/EPR spectroelectrochemistry, and DFT calculations is used to elucidate the electronic structures of the complexes. Our DFT results indicate that the electronic natures of the various redox states of the complexes in vacuum differ greatly from those in a solvent continuum. We show here the tuning possibilities that arise upon substituting [O] for the isoelectronic [NR] groups in such quinone ligands.     

A Polymeric Arched Chain and a Chair‐like M2L2‐Metallamacrocycle Crystal Engineered of [M(phen)]2+ (M = Cu,Cd; phen = 1,10‐Phenanthroline) Corner Units and the Bent Ligand 4,4′‐Dithiodipyridine

Self‐assembly of Cd(phen)²⁺ and Cu(phen)²⁺ (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) building blocks with the bent ligand 4,4′‐dithiodipyridine (dtdp) has been investigated. Both building blocks serve as corner units with constrained cis‐geometry. The arched chain coordination polymer [{Cd(phen)(μ‐dtdp)(dtdp)(H₂O)}(ClO₄)₂·2CH₃OH·1.5H₂O]_n ( 1 ) crystallised from a mixture of Cd(ClO₄)₂·H₂O, phen and dtdp in methanol. The reaction of [Cu(phen)(H₂O)₂](CF₃SO₃)₂ ( 2 ) with dtdp in an ethanol/water mixture yielded a chair‐like metallamacrocycle, [{Cu(phen)(CF₃SO₃)₂}₂(μ‐dtpd)₂] ( 3 ). The crystal structure of the precursor complex 2 is also reported.