π-Stacked ortho-Palladated Bipyridine Complexes Exhibiting Unusual Liquid Crystalline Behavior

A columnar structure with lamellar morphology in the liquid crystalline state is displayed by the palladium complex salt 1 , which is synthesized from nonmesogenic ligands.     

π‐Stacking Modulates the Luminescence of [(dppz)Ni(Mes)Br] (dppz = dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine,Mes = 2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)

The red colour of the novel organonickel complex [(dppz)Ni(Mes)Br] (dppz = dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine, Mes = 2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl) originates from long‐wavelength MLCT/L′LCT charge transfer bands. However, luminescence in dilute solution comes presumably from the ³π‐π* (phenazine) excited state. The red‐shifted emission exhibited in concentrated solutions is assigned to dimers. In the solid state emission is quenched. The crystal structure reveals two different types of π‐π stacking along the crystallographic a axis.     

Tetrapyrroles as π Donors: A Pd22+ Unit Sandwiched between Two Helical Bilindione–Palladium Moieties

Metalation of octaethylbilindione (H₃OEB) with palladium(II ) acetate produces the novel tetranuclear complex [Pd₄(OEB)₂] in which a (Pd^I₂)²⁺ unit is sandwiched between two helical Pd(OEB) units (see picture). Treatment of [Pd₄(OEB)₂] with pyridine/ethanol gives the odd-electron helical complex [Pd(OEB)].     

Synthesis and Fluorescence Properties of Pyrimidine‐Based Diboron Complexes with Donor–π–Acceptor Structures

Pyrimidine‐based diboron complexes bearing β‐iminoenolate ligands and phenyl groups as bulky substituents on the boron atoms were synthesized as novel fluorescent dyes, and their fluorescence properties were investigated in solution and in the solid state. The diboron complexes with donor–π–acceptor structures showed positive solvatochromism in the fluorescence spectra. The cyano derivative exhibited the most dramatic redshift of the fluorescence maximum F_max with increasing solvent polarity (from 551 nm in n‐hexane to 710 nm in acetonitrile). The diboron complexes showed solid‐state fluorescence in the range of 578–706 nm with fluorescence quantum yields of 0.06–0.28. Additionally, the trifluoromethyl derivative exhibited solvent‐inclusion solid‐state fluorescence. The trifluoromethyl derivative formed toluene‐inclusion and ethyl acetate‐inclusion crystals. The toluene‐inclusion crystal (F_max=668 nm, Φ_f=0.16) showed a blueshifted F_max and higher Φ_f value compared to the original trifluoromethyl derivative (F_max=694 nm, Φ_f=0.08) in the solid state. On the other hand, the F_max (709 nm) and Φ_f (0.04) values of the ethyl acetate‐inclusion crystal were redshifted and lower, respectively.     

Metal–π Interactions Dominate in the Solid‐State Structures of Molecular Heterobimetallic Alkali‐Metal–Europium(II) Aryloxo Complexes

Treatment of Eu metal, 2,6‐diphenylphenol (HOdpp), and MOdpp (M=Na, K) at elevated temperature in the presence of mercury afforded heterobimetallic complexes which were structurally characterized after crystallization from toluene. The structures of [MEu(Odpp)₃]?nPhMe (M=Na, n=1, 1 ; K, n=2.5, 2 ) consist solely of bridging aryloxide ligands and feature extensive π‐Ph–metal interactions. Rather than a heterobimetallic species, treatment of Eu metal and HOdpp with LiOdpp under similar conditions afforded a number of products, including a mixed‐valent europium complex, [Eu₂(Odpp)₃][Eu(Odpp)₄]?4 PhMe ( 3 ). The structural framework of the [Eu₂(Odpp)₃]⁺ cation of 3 is similar to that of the molecular heterobimetallics 1 and 2 , including the presence of π‐Ph–Eu interactions. The reluctance of the reaction to provide a Eu/Li heterobimetallic complex was exemplified by the simultaneous crystallization of [Eu₂(Odpp)₄]?PhMe ( 6 ) and the homoleptic cubane [Li₄(Odpp)₄]?2 C₆H₁₄ ( 5 ) from toluene/hexane.     

Charge‐Separated and Molecular Heterobimetallic Rare Earth–Rare Earth and Alkaline Earth–Rare Earth Aryloxo Complexes Featuring Intramolecular Metal–π‐arene Interactions

A new family in town! Treatment of a rare‐earth metal (Ln) and either a potential divalent rare‐earth metal (Ln′) or an alkaline earth metal (Ae) with 2,6‐diphenylphenol (HOdpp) at elevated temperatures (200–250 °C) afforded heterobimetallic aryloxo complexes (see figure). Both a charge‐separated species, [(Ln′/Ae)₂(Odpp)₃][Ln(Odpp)₄], and a neutral species, [AeEu(Odpp)₄], were obtained and crystallographically characterised.

     

CH–π and CF–π Interactions Lead to Structural Changes of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Palladium Complexes

The role of CH–π and CF–π interactions in determining the structure of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) palladium complexes were studied using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and DFT calculations. The CH–π interactions led to the formation of the cis‐anti isomers in 1‐aryl‐3‐isopropylimidazol‐2‐ylidene‐based [(NHC)₂PdX₂] complexes, while CF–π interactions led to the exclusive formation of the cis‐syn isomer of diiodobis(3‐isopropyl‐1‐pentafluorophenylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) palladium(II).     

The Effects of Substituents on the Geometry of π–π Interactions

We have designed and utilized a simple molecular recognition system to study the substituent effects in aromatic interactions. Recently, we showed that 3‐ and 3,5‐disubstituted benzoyl leucine diethyl amides with aromatic rings of varying electronic character organized into homochiral dimers in the solid state through a parallel displaced π–π interaction and two hydrogen bonds, but no such homochiral dimerization was observed for the unsubstituted case. This phenomenon supports the hypothesis that substituents stabilize π–π interactions regardless of their electronic character. To further investigate the origin of substituent effects for π–π interactions, we synthesized and crystallized a series of 4‐substituted benzoyl leucine diethyl amides. Surprisingly, only two of the 4‐substituted compounds formed homochiral dimers. A comparison among the 4‐substituted compounds that crystallized as homochiral dimers and their 3‐substituted counterparts revealed that there are differences in regard to the geometry of the aromatic rings with respect to each other, which depend on the electronic nature and location of the substituent. The crystal structures of the homochiral dimers that showed evidence of direct, local interactions between the substituents on the aromatic rings also displayed nonequivalent dihedral angles in the individual monomers. The crystallographic data suggests that such “flexing” may be the result of the individual molecules orienting themselves to maximize the local dipole interactions on the respective aromatic rings. The results presented here can potentially have broad applicability towards the development of molecular recognition systems that involve aromatic interactions.     

PI by NMR: Probing CH–π Interactions in Protein–Ligand Complexes by NMR Spectroscopy

While CH–π interactions with target proteins are crucial determinants for the affinity of arguably every drug molecule, no method exists to directly measure the strength of individual CH–π interactions in drug–protein complexes. Herein, we present a fast and reliable methodology called PI (π interactions) by NMR, which can differentiate the strength of protein–ligand CH–π interactions in solution. By combining selective amino‐acid side‐chain labeling with ¹H‐¹³C NMR, we are able to identify specific protein protons of side‐chains engaged in CH–π interactions with aromatic ring systems of a ligand, based solely on ¹H chemical‐shift values of the interacting protein aromatic ring protons. The information encoded in the chemical shifts induced by such interactions serves as a proxy for the strength of each individual CH–π interaction. PI by NMR changes the paradigm by which chemists can optimize the potency of drug candidates: direct determination of individual π interactions rather than averaged measures of all interactions.     

Anion–π and Cation–π Interactions on the Same Surface

Herein, we address the question whether anion–π and cation–π interactions can take place simultaneously on the same aromatic surface. Covalently positioned carboxylate–guanidinium pairs on the surface of 4‐amino‐1,8‐naphthalimides are used as an example to explore push–pull chromophores as privileged platforms for such “ion pair–π” interactions. In antiparallel orientation with respect to the push–pull dipole, a bathochromic effect is observed. A red shift of 41 nm found in the least polar solvent is in good agreement with the 70 nm expected from theoretical calculations of ground and excited states. Decreasing shifts with solvent polarity, protonation, aggregation, and parallel carboxylate–guanidinium pairs imply that the intramolecular Stark effect from antiparallel ion pair–π interactions exceeds solvatochromic effects by far. Theoretical studies indicate that carboxylate–guanidinium pairs can also interact with the surfaces of π‐acidic naphthalenediimides and π‐basic pyrenes.     

η4‐HBCC‐σ,π‐Borataallyl Complexes of Ruthenium Comprising an Agostic Interaction

Thermolysis of [Cp*Ru(PPh₂(CH₂)PPh₂)BH₂(L₂)] 1 (Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅; L=C₇H₄NS₂), with terminal alkynes led to the formation of η⁴‐σ,π‐borataallyl complexes [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)B{R‐C=CH₂}(L)₂] ( 2 a – c ) and η²‐vinylborane complexes [Cp*Ru(R‐C=CH₂)BH(L)₂] ( 3 a – c ) ( 2 a , 3 a : R=Ph; 2 b , 3 b : R=COOCH₃; 2 c , 3 c : R=p‐CH₃‐C₆H₄; L=C₇H₄NS₂) through hydroboration reaction. Ruthenium and the HBCC unit of the vinylborane moiety in 2 a – c are linked by a unique η⁴‐interaction. Conversions of 1 into 3 a – c proceed through the formation of intermediates 2 a – c . Furthermore, in an attempt to expand the library of these novel complexes, chemistry of σ‐borane complex [Cp*RuCO(μ‐H)BH₂L] 4 (L=C₇H₄NS₂) was investigated with both internal and terminal alkynes. Interestingly, under photolytic conditions, 4 reacts with methyl propiolate to generate the η⁴‐σ,π‐borataallyl complexes [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)BH{R‐C=CH₂}(L)] 5 and [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)BH{HC=CH‐R}(L)] 6 (R=COOCH₃; L=C₇H₄NS₂) by Markovnikov and anti‐Markovnikov hydroboration. In an extension, photolysis of 4 in the presence of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate yielded η⁴‐σ,π‐borataallyl complex [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)BH{R‐C=CH‐R}(L)] 7 (R=COOCH₃; L=C₇H₄NS₂). An agostic interaction was also found to be present in 2 a – c and 5 – 7 , which is rare among the borataallyl complexes. All the new compounds have been characterized in solution by IR, ¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and the structural types were unequivocally established by crystallographic analysis of 2 b , 3 a – c and 5 – 7 . DFT calculations were performed to evaluate possible bonding and electronic structures of the new compounds.     

Catalysis with Gold Complexes Immobilised on Carbon Nanotubes by π–π Stacking Interactions: Heterogeneous Catalysis versus the Boomerang Effect

A new pyrene‐tagged gold(I) complex has been synthesised and tested as a homogeneous catalyst. First, a simple 1,6‐enyne was chosen as a model substrate for cyclisation by using different solvents to optimise the reaction conditions. The non‐covalent immobilisation of our pyrene‐tagged gold complex onto multi‐walled carbon nanotubes through π–π stacking interactions was then explored to obtain a supported homogeneous catalyst. The heterogenised catalyst and its homogeneous counterpart exhibited similar activity in a range of enyne cyclisation reactions. Bearing in mind that π–π interactions are affected by temperature and solvent polarity, the reuse and robustness of the supported homogeneous catalyst was tested to explore the scope and limitations of the recyclability of this catalyst. Under the optimised conditions, recyclability was observed by using the concept of the boomerang effect.     

Strongly Absorbing π–π* States in Heteroleptic Dipyrrin/2,2′‐Bipyridine Ruthenium Complexes: Excited‐State Dynamics from Resonance Raman Spectroscopy

A recently reported new class of ruthenium complexes containing 2,2′‐bipyridine and a dipyrrin ligand in the coordination sphere exhibit both strong metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) and π–π* transitions. Quantitative analysis of the resonance Raman scattering intensities and absorption spectra reveals only weak electronic interactions between these states despite direct coordination of the bipyridyl and dipyrrin ligands to the central ruthenium atom. On the basis of DFT calculations and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT), we propose that the electronic excited states closely resemble “pure” MLCT and π–π* states. Resonance Raman intensity analysis demonstrates that a large amplitude transannular torsional motion provides a mechanism for relaxation on the π–π* excited‐state surface. We assert that this result is generally applicable to a range of dipyrrin complexes such as boron–dipyrrin and metallodipyrrin systems. Despite the large torsional distortion between the phenyl ring and the dipyrromethene plane, π–π* excitation extends out onto the phenyl ring which may have important consequences in solar‐energy‐conversion applications of ruthenium–dipyrrin complexes.     

Hole Mobility Modulation in Single‐Crystal Metal Phthalocyanines by Changing the Metal–π/π–π Interactions

Weak intermolecular interactions in organic semiconducting molecular crystals play an important role in determining molecular packing and electronic properties. Single crystals of metal‐free and metal phthalocyanines were synthesized to investigate how the coordination of the central metal atom affects their molecular packing and resultant electronic properties. Single‐crystal field‐effect transistors were made and showed a hole mobility order of ZnPc>MnPc>FePc>CoPc>CuPc>H₂Pc>NiPc. Density functional theory (DFT) and 1D polaron transport theory reach a good agreement in reproducing the experimentally measured trend for hole mobility. Additional detail analysis at the DFT level suggests the metal atom coordination into H₂Pc planes can tune the hole mobility via adjusting the intermolecular distances along the shortest axis with closest parallel π stackings.     

Supramolecular Assemblies of Mononuclear and Polymeric Nickel(II) Glutarato Complexes via π‐π Stacking Interactions and Hydrogen Bonds: [Ni(H2O)3(phen)(C5H6O4)] · H2O and [Ni(H2O)2(phen)(C5H6O4)]

Syntheses of the sky blue complex compounds [Ni(H₂O)₃(phen)(C₅H₆O₄)] · H₂O ( 1 ) and [Ni(H₂O)₂(phen)(C₅H₆O₄)] ( 2 ) were carried out by the reactions of 1,10‐phenanthroline monohydrate, glutaric acid, NiSO₄ · 6 H₂O and Na₂CO₃ in CH₃OH/H₂O at pH = 6.9 and 7.5, respectively. The crystal structure of 1 (P 1 (no. 2), a = 14.289 Å, b = 15.182 Å, c = 15.913 Å, α = 67.108°, β = 87.27°, γ = 68.216°, V = 2934.2 ų, Z = 2) consists of hydrogen bonded [Ni(H₂O)₃‐ (phen)(C₅H₆O₄)]₂ dimers and H₂O molecules. The Ni atoms are octahedrally coordinated by two N atoms of one phen ligand, three water O atoms and one carboxyl O atom from one monodentate glutarato ligand (d(Ni–N) = 2.086, 2.090 Å; d(Ni–O) = 2.064–2.079 Å). Through the π‐π stacking interactions and intermolecular hydrogen bonds, the dimers are assembled to form 2 D layers parallel to (0 1 1). The crystal structure of 2 (P2₁/n (no. 14), a = 7.574 Å, b = 11.938 Å, c = 18.817 Å, β = 98.48°, V = 1682.8 ų, Z = 4) contains [Ni(H₂O)₂(phen)(C₅H₆O₄)_2/2] supramolecular chains extending along [010]. The Ni atoms are octahedrally coordinated by two N atoms of one phen ligand, two water O atoms and two carboxyl O atoms from different bis‐monodentate glutarato ligands with d(Ni–N) = 2.082, 2.105 Å and d(Ni–O) = 2.059–2.087 Å. The supramolecular chains are assembled into a 3 D network by π‐π stacking interactions and interchain hydrogen bonds. A TG/DTA of 2 shows two endothermic effects at 132 °C and 390 °C corresponding to the complete dehydration and the lost of phen.