Ancillary Ligand Effects on Red-Emitting Cyclometalated Iridium Complexes

In this work, a series of ten new red-emitting heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes of the type Ir(C^N)₂(L^X) (C^N=cyclometalating ligand, L^X=monoanionic chelating ancillary ligand) is introduced. The suite of new complexes includes two different cyclometalating ligands and five different ancillary ligands, with the primary goal of investigating the effect of the ancillary ligand structure on the excited-state dynamics. The structural variety of the ancillary ligands permitted investigations of the effects of donor atom identity, chelate ring size, and substituents on the electronic structure and excited state properties. Electrochemical analysis showed that the ancillary ligand has a substantial effect on the energy of the HOMO, whereas the LUMO is left unperturbed. Photoluminescence spectra showed that the ancillary ligand can sometimes strongly influence the emission wavelength, but in all cases is an important determinant of the excited-state dynamics.     

Copper–Carbene Intermediates in the Copper‐Catalyzed Functionalization of OH Bonds

Copper–carbene [Tp^xCu?C(Ph)(CO₂Et)] and copper–diazo adducts [Tp^xCu{η¹‐N₂C(Ph)(CO₂Et)}] have been detected and characterized in the context of the catalytic functionalization of O?H bonds through carbene insertion by using N₂?C(Ph)(CO₂Et) as the carbene source. These are the first examples of these type of complexes in which the copper center bears a tridentate ligand and displays a tetrahedral geometry. The relevance of these complexes in the catalytic cycle has been assessed by NMR spectroscopy, and kinetic studies have demonstrated that the N‐bound diazo adduct is a dormant species and is not en route to the formation of the copper–carbene intermediate.     

Ligand‐to‐Ligand Charge‐Transfer Transitions of Platinum(II) Complexes with Arylacetylide Ligands with Different Chain Lengths: Spectroscopic Characterization,Effect of Molecular Conformations,and Density Functional Theory Calculations

The complexes [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1R}]⁺ (n=1: R=alkyl and aryl (Ar); n=1–3: R=phenyl (Ph) or Ph‐N(CH₃)₂‐4; n=1 and 2, R=Ph‐NH₂‐4; tBu₃tpy=4,4’,4’’‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2’:6’,2’’‐terpyridine) and [Pt(Cl₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (R=tert‐butyl (tBu), Ph, 9,9’‐dibutylfluorene, 9,9’‐dibutyl‐7‐dimethyl‐amine‐fluorene; Cl₃tpy=4,4’,4’’‐trichloro‐2,2’:6’,2’’‐terpyridine) were prepared. The effects of substituent(s) on the terpyridine (tpy) and acetylide ligands and chain length of arylacetylide ligands on the absorption and emission spectra were examined. Resonance Raman (RR) spectra of [Pt(tBu₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (R=n‐butyl, Ph, and C₆H₄‐OCH₃‐4) obtained in acetonitrile at 298 K reveal that the structural distortion of the C?C bond in the electronic excited state obtained by 502.9 nm excitation is substantially larger than that obtained by 416 nm excitation. Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations on [Pt(H₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (R= n‐propyl (nPr), 2‐pyridyl (Py)), [Pt(H₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1Ph}]⁺ (n=1–3), and [Pt(H₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐N(CH₃)₂‐4}]⁺/+H⁺ (n=1–3; H₃tpy=nonsubstituted terpyridine) at two different conformations were performed, namely, with the phenyl rings of the arylacetylide ligands coplanar (“cop”) with and perpendicular (“per”) to the H₃tpy ligand. Combining the experimental data and calculated results, the two lowest energy absorption peak maxima, λ₁ and λ₂, of [Pt(Y₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (Y=tBu or Cl, R=aryl) are attributed to ¹[π(C?CR)→π*(Y₃tpy)] in the “cop” conformation and mixed ¹[d_π(Pt)→π*(Y₃tpy)]/¹[π(C?CR)→π*(Y₃tpy)] transitions in the “per” conformation. The lowest energy absorption peak λ₁ for [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐H‐4}]⁺ (n=1–3) shows a redshift with increasing chain length. However, for [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C6H4C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐N(CH₃)₂‐4}]⁺ (n=1–3), λ₁ shows a blueshift with increasing chain length n, but shows a redshift after the addition of acid. The emissions of [Pt(Y₃tpy)(C?CR)]⁺ (Y=tBu or Cl) at 524–642 nm measured in dichloromethane at 298 K are assigned to the ³[π(C?CAr)→π*(Y₃tpy)] excited states and mixed ³[d_π(Pt)→π*(Y₃tpy)]/³[π(C?C)→π*(Y₃tpy)] excited states for R=aryl and alkyl groups, respectively. [Pt(tBu₃tpy){C?C(C₆H₄C?C)_n?1C₆H₄‐N(CH₃)₂‐4}]⁺ (n=1 and 2) are nonemissive, and this is attributed to the small energy gap between the singlet ground state (S₀) and the lowest triplet excited state (T₁).     

Sterically and Electronically Flexible Pyridylidene Amine Dinitrogen Ligands at Palladium: Hemilabile cis/trans Coordination and Application in Dehydrogenation Catalysis

Ligand design is crucial for the development of new catalysts and materials with new properties. Herein, the synthesis and unique hemilabile coordination properties of new bis-pyridylidene amine (bis-PYE) ligands to palladium, and preliminary catalytic activity of these complexes in formic acid dehydrogenation are described. The synthetic pathway to form cationic complexes [Pd(bis-PYE)Cl(L)]X with a cis-coordinated N,N-bidentate bis-PYE ligand is flexible and provides access to a diversity of Pd^II complexes with different ancillary ligands (L=pyridine, DMAP, PPh₃, Cl, P(OMe)₃). The ¹H NMR chemical shift of the trans-positioned PYE N−CH₃ unit is identified as a convenient and diagnostic handle to probe the donor properties of these ancillary ligands and demonstrates the electronic flexibility of the PYE ligand sites. In the presence of a base, the originally cis-coordinated bis-PYE ligand adopts a N,N,N-tridentate coordination mode with the two PYE units in mutual trans position. This cis–trans isomerization is reverted in presence of an acid, demonstrating a unique structural and steric flexibility of the bis-PYE ligand at palladium in addition to its electronic adaptability. The palladium complexes are active in formic acid dehydrogenation to H₂ and CO₂. The catalytic performance is directly dependent on the ligand bonding mode, the nature of the ancillary ligand, the counteranion, and additives. The most active system features a bidentate bis-PYE ligand, PPh₃ as ancillary ligand and accomplishes turnover frequencies up to 525 h⁻¹ in the first hour and turnover numbers of nearly 1000, which is the highest activity reported for palladium-based catalysts to date.     

Rheological and photophysical investigations of chromonic-like supramolecular mesophases formed by luminescent iridium(III) ionic complexes in water

Luminescent complexes with general formula [(C^N)₂Ir(N^N)]OCOCH₃, where C^N = 2-phenylpyridine (ppy) and N^N = 2,2?-bipyridine (bpy), self-assemble into ordered ‘soft’ viscous mesophases of chromonic type. By changing the ancillary ligand with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), a new mesomorphic complex was obtained. The self-assembly into ordered liquid crystalline phases of chromonic type in water was investigated by comprehensive rheological and photophysical studies. By changing the ancillary ligand bpy with phen, assembly into smaller, more symetric aggregates is favoured, resulting in lower viscosity and more dynamic mesophase.     

trans‐(Cl)‐[Ru(5,5′‐diamide‐2,2′‐bipyridine)(CO)2Cl2]: Synthesis,Structure, and Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Activity

A series of trans‐(Cl)‐[Ru(L)(CO)₂Cl₂]‐type complexes, in which the ligands L are 2,2′‐bipyridyl derivatives with amide groups at the 5,5′‐positions, are synthesized. The C‐connected amide group bound to the bipyridyl ligand through the carbonyl carbon atom is twisted with respect to the bipyridyl plane, whereas the N‐connected amide group is in the plane. DFT calculations reveal that the twisted structure of the C‐connected amide group raises the level of the LUMO, which results in a negative shift of the first reduction potential (E_p) of the ruthenium complex. The catalytic abilities for CO₂ reduction are evaluated in photoreactions (λ>400 nm) with the ruthenium complexes (the catalyst), [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine; the photosensitizer), and 1‐benzyl‐1,4‐dihydronicotinamide (the electron donor) in CO₂‐saturated N,N‐dimethylacetamide/water. The logarithm of the turnover frequency increases by shifting E_p a negative value until it reaches the reduction potential of the photosensitizer.     

Deep Red Emitting Heteroleptic Ir(III) Complexes that Incorporate Unsymmetrical 4-quinoline Carboxylic Acid Derived Ligands

Six disubstituted ligands based upon 2-(2′-pyridinyl/pyrazinyl)quinoline-4-carboxylic acids have been synthesised, solvent-free, in one step from a range of commercially available isatin derivatives. These species behave as ancillary chelating ligands for Ir(III) complexes of the form [Ir(C^N)₂(N^N)]PF₆ (where C^N=cyclometalating ligand; N^N=2-(2′-pyridinyl/pyrazinyl)quinoline-4-carboxylic acids). An X-ray crystallographic study on one complex shows a distorted octahedral geometry wherein a cis-C,C and trans-N,N coordination mode is observed for the cyclometalating ligands. DFT calculations predicted that variations in N^N ligand from 2,2′-bipyridine to L^{1 – 6} should localise the LUMO on to the Lⁿ ligand and that the complexes are predicted to display MLCT/LLCT character. All complexes displayed luminescence in the deep red part of the visible region (674–679 nm) and emit from triplet states, but with little apparent tuning as a function of L^{1 – 6} . Further time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy supports the participation of these triplet states to the excited state character.     

Iridium(III) Sensitisers and Energy Upconversion: The Influence of Ligand Structure upon TTA-UC Performance

Six substituted ligands based upon 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)quinoline-4-carboxylate and 2-(naphthalen-2-yl)quinoline-4-carboxylate have been synthesised in two steps from a range of commercially available isatin derivatives. These species are shown to be effective cyclometallating ligands for Ir^III, yielding complexes of the form [Ir(C^N)₂(bipy)]PF₆ (where C^N=cyclometallating ligand; bipy=2,2′-bipyridine). X-ray crystallographic studies on three examples demonstrate that the complexes adopt a distorted octahedral geometry wherein a cis-C,C and trans-N,N coordination mode is observed. Intraligand torsional distortions are evident in all cases. The Ir^III complexes display photoluminescence in the red part of the visible region (668–693 nm), which is modestly tuneable through the ligand structure. The triplet lifetimes of the complexes are clearly influenced by the precise structure of the ligand in each case. Supporting computational (DFT) studies suggest that the differences in observed triplet lifetime are likely due to differing admixtures of ligand-centred versus MLCT character instilled by the facets of the ligand structure. Triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) measurements demonstrate that the complexes based upon the 1-naphthyl derived ligands are viable photosensitisers with upconversion quantum efficiencies of 1.6–6.7 %.     

Preparation and Photophysical Properties of Mixed-Ligand Cyclometallated Complexes of Ir(III) with a Dendritic Bipyridine Ligand

Complexes [Ir(C^N)₂(G1-bpy)]PF₆, where C^N is a cyclometallating ligand derived from 2-(2′-thienyl)pyridine and 2-phenylpyridine, and G1-bpy is a dendritic bipyridine ligand of the first generation, 4,4′-bis[3″,5″-bis(benzyloxy)phenylethyl]-2,2′-bipyridine, were prepared and characterized by ¹H NMR, electronic absorption, and emission spectroscopy. The polyether dendritic substituents exert a “ soft” effect on the spectral and luminescence properties of the complexes, manifested as slight destabilization of the electronically excited charge-transfer state involving the bipyridine ligand, as compared to the model complexes [Ir(C^N)₂(bpy)]PF₆.__________Translated from Zhurnal Obshchei Khimii, Vol. 75, No. 5, 2005, pp. 705–711.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kulikova, McClenaghan, Balashev.     

Half-Sandwich Manganese Complex Bearing Fused Oxazoline-NHC Ligand: Conformational Analysis and Evaluation in Asymmetric Ketone Hydrosilylation

The first manganese complex bearing a chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand was prepared and studied by spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction. While IR spectroscopy revealed the existence of two isomers in solution with distinct ν_CO band patterns, DFT calculations indicated that these isomers correspond to rotamers around the Mn−NHC bond and their different spectroscopic properties were rationalized by the occurrence of attractive π(C=C)⋅⋅⋅π*(C≡O) or σ(C−H)⋅⋅⋅π*(C≡O) intramolecular interligand interactions. The evaluation of this complex in catalytic hydrosilylation of acetophenone using Ph₂SiH₂ under UV irradiation led to the formation of the corresponding (R)-alcohol with low enantioselectivity.     

Four Transition Metal Coordination Polymers based on an Aromatic Multi‐carboxylic Acid as Ligand: Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Fluorescent/Magnetic Properties

Four compounds, namely, [Zn(H₂L)₂ · 4H₂O] ( 1 ), [Cu(HL) · (H₂O)] · H₂O ( 2 ), [Ni₃L₂(bpy)₂ · 12H₂O] · 4H₂O ( 3 ), and [Co₃L₂(bpy)₂ · 12H₂O] · 4H₂O ( 4 ) [H₃L = 4, 4′‐[(5‐carboxy‐1, 3‐phenylene)bis(oxy)]dibenzoic acid], were synthesized under solvothermal conditions by employing a semi‐rigid aromatic multi‐carboxylic acid ligand (H₃L) and ancillary nitrogen ligand (bpy = 4, 4′‐bipyridine). X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that complexes 1 , 3 , and 4 show zero‐dimensional (0D) structures, which were further extended to distinct 3D supramolecular nets by extensive hydrogen‐bond interactions. However, in compound 2 , 1D chains of square‐shaped pores were linked together by HL^2– ligands to generate a 2D porous layer along the ac plane. Comparison of the structures indicated that not only the conformation of the functional ligand, but also the ancillary ligand helped in structural determination of the compounds. Compound 1 exhibited solid fluorescence emission originating from an intraligand π→π* transition. Magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrated that compound 2 exhibited antiferromagnetic coupling between adjacent copper(II) ions, with the corresponding J values of –141.84 cm^–1. Furthermore, the thermal behaviors of the complexes 1 – 4 were studied by thermogravimetric analysis.     

Water‐Soluble Luminescent Cyclometalated Gold(III) Complexes with cis‐Chelating Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) Ligands: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties

A new class of cyclometalated Au^III complexes containing various bidentate C‐deprotonated C^N and cis‐chelating bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) (bis‐NHC) ligands has been synthesized and characterized. These are the first examples of Au^III complexes supported by cis‐chelating bis‐NHC ligands. [Au(C^N)(bis‐NHC)] complexes display emission in solutions under degassed condition at room temperature with emission maxima (λ_max) at 498–633 nm and emission quantum yields of up to 10.1 %. The emissions are assigned to triplet intraligand (IL) π→π* transitions of C^N ligands. The Au^III complex containing a C^N (C‐deprotonated naphthalene‐substituted quinoline) ligand with extended π‐conjugation exhibits prompt fluorescence and phosphorescence of comparable intensity with λ_max at 454 and 611 nm respectively. With sulfonate‐functionalized bis‐NHC ligand, four water‐soluble luminescent Au^III complexes, including those displaying both fluorescence and phosphorescence, were prepared. They show similar photophysical properties in water when compared with their counterparts in acetonitrile. The long phosphorescence lifetime of the water‐soluble AuIII complex with C‐deprotonated naphthalene‐substituted quinoline ligand renders it to function as ratiometric sensor for oxygen. Inhibitory activity of one of these water‐soluble Au^III complexes towards deubiquitinase (DUB) UCHL3 has been investigated; this complex also displayed a significant inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 0.15 μM .     

Providing Support in Favor of the Existence of a PdII/PdIV Catalytic Cycle in a Heck‐Type Reaction

The complex [Pd(O,N,C‐L)(OAc)], in which L is a monoanionic pincer ligand derived from 2,6‐diacetylpyridine, reacts with 2‐iodobenzoic acid at room temperature to afford the very stable pair of Pd^IV complexes (OC‐6‐54)‐ and (OC‐6‐26)‐[Pd(O,N,C‐L)(O,C‐C₆H₄CO₂‐2)I] (1.5:1 molar ratio, at ?55 °C). These complexes and the Pd^II species [Pd(O,N,C‐L)(OX)] and [Pd(O,N,C‐L′)(NCMe)]ClO₄, (X=MeC(O) or ClO₃, L′=another monoanionic pincer ligand derived from 2,6‐diacetylpyridine), are precatalysts for the arylation of CH₂?CHR (R?CO₂Me, CO₂Et, Ph) using IC₆H₄CO₂H‐2 and AgClO₄. These catalytic reactions have been studied and a tentative mechanism is proposed. The presence of two Pd^IV complexes was detected by ESI(+)‐MS during the catalytic process. All the data obtained strongly support a Pd^II/Pd^IV catalytic cycle.     

A novel series of iridium complexes with alkenylquinoline ligands: Theoretical study on electronic structure and spectroscopic property

The ground and the lowest-lying triplet excited state geometries, electronic structures, and spectroscopic properties of a novel series of neutral iridium(III) complexes with cyclometalated alkenylquinoline ligands [(C^N)₂Ir(acac)] (acac = acetoylacetonate; C^N = 2-[(E)-2-phenyl-1-ethenyl]pyridine (pep) 1; 2-[(E)-2-phenyl-1-ethenyl]quinoline (peq) 2; 1-[(E)-2-phenyl-1-ethenyl]isoquinoline (peiq) 3; 2-[(E)-1-propenyl]pyridine (pp) 4; 2-[(E)-1-fluoro-1-ethenyl]pyridine (fpp) 5) were investigated by DFT and CIS methods. The highest occupied molecular orbital is composed of d(Ir) and π(C^N) orbital, while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital is dominantly localized on C^N ligand. Under the TD-DFT with PCM model level, the absorption and phosphorescence in CH₂Cl₂ media were calculated based on the optimized ground and triplet excited state geometries, respectively. The calculated lowest-lying absorptions at 437 nm (1), 481 nm (2), 487 nm (3), 422 nm (4), and 389 nm (5) are attributed to a {[d_x²-y²(Ir) + d_xz(Ir) + π(C^N)] → [π∗(C^N)]} transition with metal-to-ligand/intra-ligand charge transfer (MLCT/ILCT) characters, and the calculated phosphorescence at 582 nm (1), 607 nm (2), 634 nm (3), 515 nm (4), and 491 nm (5) can be described as originating from the ³{[d_x²-y²(Ir) + d_xz(Ir) + π (C^N)] [π∗(C^N)]} excited state with the ³MLCT/³ILCT characters. The calculated results revealed that the phosphorescent color of these new Ir(III) complexes can be tuned by changing the π-conjugation effect strength of the C^N ligand.     

Iron Pentacarbonyl Promoted Addition of CO and MeOH to 1,4-Disubstituted-1,3-butadiyne and Formation of Vinylallyl and Butatriene Ligand Systems

Abstract  Photochemical reaction of methanol solution containing 1,4-diferrocenyl- or 1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiynes and iron pentacarbonyl into which CO was constantly bubbled, yielded diiron hexacarbonyl complexes of cumulene ligand systems, [η¹: η³-{RCHC₂CR(COOMe)}Fe₂(CO)₆] (1; E, R = Fc, 2; Z, R = Fc, 5; E, R = Ph, 6; Z, R = Ph) and [η³: η³-{RCHC₂CR(COOMe)}Fe₂(CO)₆] (3; E, R = Fc, 7; E, R = Ph), formed by 1,4-addition of –COOMe and –H to the butadiynes. Additionally, diferrole, [Fe(CO)₄{C(O)CC(Fc)C(O)}₂],4 was obtained in minor quantity. Compounds 1, 2, 5 and 6 contain vinylallyl carbon framework which is stabilized by MeOC=O → Fe bond along with η¹: η³ coordinated Fe₂(CO)₆ unit. Compounds 3 and 7 contain butatriene units which are stabilized by η³: η³ coordinated Fe₂(CO)₆ unit. Characterization of the new compounds was carried out by IR and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry. Molecular structures of 2–7 were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Graphical Abstract  Diiron hexacarbonyl complexes of cumulene ligand systems, [η¹: η³ {RCHC₂CR(COOMe)}] (1; E, R = Fc, 2; Z, R = Fc, 5; E, R = Ph, 6; Z, R = Ph) and [η³: η³-{RCHC₂CR(COOMe)}] (3; E, R = Fc, 7; E, R = Ph) were obtained from photochemical reactions between Fe(CO)₅, CO and methanol. Yield of the minor product, the diferrole, 4, was improved when the photoreaction was carried out in hexane in place of methanol      

Activating a Low Overpotential CO2 Reduction Mechanism by a Strategic Ligand Modification on a Ruthenium Polypyridyl Catalyst

The introduction of a simple methyl substituent on the bipyridine ligand of [Ru(tBu₃tpy)(bpy)(NCCH₃)]²⁺ (tBu₃tpy=4,4′,4′′‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) gives rise to a highly active electrocatalyst for the reduction of CO₂ to CO. The methyl group enables CO₂ binding already at the one‐electron reduced state of the complex to enter a previously not accessible catalytic cycle that operates at the potential of the first reduction. The complex turns over with a Faradaic efficiency close to unity and at an overpotential that is amongst the lowest ever reported for homogenous CO₂ reduction catalysts.     

Lanthanide(II) Complexes of the Dihydrotriazinido Ligand [N{C(Ph)=N}2C(tBu)Ph]−

The potassium dihydrotriazinide K(L^Ph,tBu) ( 1 ) was obtained by a metal exchange route from [Li(L^Ph,tBu)(THF)₃] and KOtBu (L^Ph,tBu = [N{C(Ph)=N}₂C(tBu)Ph]). Reaction of 1 with 1 or 0.5 equivalents of SmI₂(thf)₂ yielded the monosubstituted Sm^II complex [Sm(L^Ph,tBu)I(THF)₄] ( 2 ) or the disubstituted [Sm(L^Ph,tBu)₂(THF)₂] ( 3 ), respectively. Attempted synthesis of a heteroleptic Sm^II amido‐alkyl complex by the reaction of 2 with KCH₂Ph produced compound 3 due to ligand redistribution. The Yb^II bis(dihydrotriazinide) [Yb(L^Ph,tBu)₂(THF)₂] ( 4 ) was isolated from the 1:1 reaction of YbI₂(THF)₂ and 1 . Molecular structures of the crystalline compounds 2 , 3· 2C₆H₆ and 4· PhMe were determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

Cationic tris(pyrazolyl)borate bipyrimidine complexes

The cationic complexes, [Tp^RNi(bpym)]⁺ {Tp^R = tris(3,5-diphenylpyrazolyl)borate, R = Ph₂ 1; tris(3-phenyl-5-methylpyrazolyl)borate, R = Ph,Me 2} were synthesized by reacting [Tp^RNiBr] (R = Ph₂; Ph,Me) with bipyrimidine followed by subsequent addition of KPF₆ in CH₂Cl₂. The green solids have been characterized by IR, UV–Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Crystallographic studies of [Tp^Ph,MeNi(bpym)]PF₆ reveal a five-coordinate square pyramidal nickel centre with a κ³-coordinated Tp^Ph,Me ligand and a chelating bipyrimidine ligand. Cyclic voltammetric studies show irreversible reduction with the degree of reversibility dependent on the type of Tp^R ligand.     

Judicious Ligand Design in Ruthenium Polypyridyl CO2 Reduction Catalysts to Enhance Reactivity by Steric and Electronic Effects

A series of Ru^II polypyridyl complexes of the structural design [Ru^II(R?tpy)(NN)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (R?tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (R=H) or 4,4′,4′′‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (R=tBu); NN=2,2′‐bipyridine with methyl substituents in various positions) have been synthesized and analyzed for their ability to function as electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO₂ to CO. Detailed electrochemical analyses establish how substitutions at different ring positions of the bipyridine and terpyridine ligands can have profound electronic and, even more importantly, steric effects that determine the complexes’ reactivities. Whereas electron‐donating groups para to the heteroatoms exhibit the expected electronic effect, with an increase in turnover frequencies at increased overpotential, the introduction of a methyl group at the ortho position of NN imposes drastic steric effects. Two complexes, [Ru^II(tpy)(6‐mbpy)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (trans‐[ 3 ]²⁺; 6‐mbpy=6‐methyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) and [Ru^II(tBu?tpy)(6‐mbpy)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (trans‐[ 4 ]²⁺), in which the methyl group of the 6‐mbpy ligand is trans to the CH₃CN ligand, show electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction at a previously unreactive oxidation state of the complex. This low overpotential pathway follows an ECE mechanism (electron transfer–chemical reaction–electron transfer), and is a direct result of steric interactions that facilitate CH₃CN ligand dissociation, CO₂ coordination, and ultimately catalytic turnover at the first reduction potential of the complexes. All experimental observations are rigorously corroborated by DFT calculations.     

Luminescent mononuclear and dinuclear cycloplatinated (II) complexes comprising azide and phosphine ancillary ligands

A new series of cycloplatinated (II) complexes with general formulas of [Pt (bhq)(N₃)(P)] [bhq = deprotonated 7,8‐benzo[h]quinoline, P = triphenyl phosphine (PPh₃) and methyldiphenyl phosphine], [Pt (bhq)(P^P)]N₃ [P^P = 1,1‐bis (diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) and 1,2‐bis (diphenylphosphino)ethane] and [Pt₂(bhq)₂(μ‐P^P)(N₃)₂] [P^P = dppm and 1,2‐bis (diphenylphosphino)acetylene] is reported in this investigation. A combination of azide (N₃^?) and phosphine (monodentate and bidentate) was used as ancillary ligands to study their influences on the chromophoric cyclometalated ligand. All complexes were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To confirm the presence of the N₃^? ligand directly connected to the platinum center, complex [Pt (bhq)(N₃)(PPh₃)] was further characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The photophysical properties of the new products were studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy in CH₂Cl₂ and photoluminescence spectroscopy in solid state (298 or 77 K) and in solution (77 K). Using density functional theory calculations, it was proved that, in addition to intraligand charge‐transfer (ILCT) and metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) transitions, the L′LCT (L′ = N₃, L = C^N) electronic transition has a remarkable contribution in low energy bands of the absorption spectra (for complexes [Pt (bhq)(N₃)(P)] and [Pt₂(bhq)₂(μ‐P^P)(N₃)₂]). It is indicative of the determining role of the N₃^? ligand in electronic transitions of these complexes, specifically in the low energy region. In this regard, the photoluminescence studies indicated that the emissions in such complexes originate from a mixed ³ILCT/³MLCT (intramolecular) and also from aggregations (intermolecular).