Aurophilic interactions in cationic gold complexes with two isocyanide ligands. Polymorphic yellow and colorless forms of [(cyclohexyl isocyanide)2AuI](PF6) with distinct luminescence

Crystallographic studies of yellow and colorless forms of [(C(6)H(11)NC)(2)Au(I)](PF(6)) show that they are polymorphs with differing, but close, contacts between the gold atoms which form extended chains. In the colorless polymorph the gold cations form linear chains with a short Au...Au contact (3.1822(3) A) indicative of an aurophilic attraction. The structure of the yellow polymorph is more complicated with four independent cations forming kinked, slightly helical chains with very short Au...Au contacts of 2.9803(6), 2.9790(6), 2.9651(6), and 2.9643(6) A. However, in the related compound, [(CH(3)NC)(2)Au(I)](PF(6)), each cation is surrounded by six hexafluorophosphate ions and there is no close Au...Au contact despite the fact that the isocyanide ligand has less steric bulk. The crystalline colorless and yellow polymorphs are both luminescent at 298 K, lambda(max): 424 nm (colorless) or 480 nm (yellow). Colorless solutions of the two polymorphs have identical absorption spectra and are nonluminescent at room temperature. Freezing solutions of [(C(6)H(11)NC)(2)Au(I)](PF(6)) produces intense luminescence which varies depending upon the solvent involved. Each polymorph melts to give a colorless but luminescent liquid which reverts to the yellow polymorph upon cooling.     

Colorless, non-luminescent; colorless, luminescent; and yellow, luminescent crystals of the cation [Au{C(NHCH(3))(NHCH(2)CH(2)OH)}(2)](+). The roles of anions and hydrogen bonding in determining the aggregation of two-coordinate gold(I) cations

Crystallographic and luminescence studies on salts of the two-coordinate carbene cation, [Au{C(NHCH(3))(NHCH(2)CH(2)OH)}(2)](+), demonstrate the ability of the cation to exist in three different states of aggregation. In colorless, non-luminescent [Au{C(NHCH(3))(NHCH(2)CH(2)OH)}(2)]Cl the cation crystallizes as a monomer with the nearest gold(i) center 6.7890(11) A away. Colorless, luminescent [Au{C(NHCH(3))(NHCH(2)CH(2)OH)}(2)]AsF(6) forms dimers with an AuAu separation of 3.1288(4) A. These dimers form weakly associated extended chains of cations with additional AuAu separations of 3.6625(5) A. [Au{C(NHCH(3))(NHCH(2)CH(2)OH)}(2)]PF(6) is isostructural. Yellow, luminescent [Au{C(NHCH(3))(NHCH(2)CH(2)OH)}(2)](3)(AsF(6))(2)Cl.0.5(H(2)O)(2) and [Au{C(NHCH(3))(NHCH(2)CH(2)OH)}(2)](3)(PF(6))(2)Cl.0.5(H(2)O)(2) form trimers that further aggregate into extended chains with rather short AuAu separations of 3.1301(14) A, 3.1569(14) A and 3.1415(14) A. Absorption, emission and excitation spectra are reported for these salts. The excitation and emission results from the interactions between the gold centers and involves transitions between the filled d(z)((2)) band and the empty p(z) bands with the z axis pointing along the chain of cations.     

Crystallization and interconversions of vapor-sensitive, luminescent polymorphs of [(C6H11NC)2Au(I)](AsF6) and [(C6H11NC)2Au(I)](PF6)

The remarkable, vapor-induced transformation of the yellow polymorphs of [(C(6)H(11)NC)(2)Au(I)](AsF(6)) and [(C(6)H(11)NC)(2)Au(I)](PF(6)) into the colorless forms are reported along with related studies of the crystallization of these polymorphs. Although the interconversion of these polymorphs is produced by vapor exposure, molecules of the vapor are not incorporated into the crystals. Thus, our observations may have broad implications regarding the formation and persistence of other crystal polymorphs where issues of stability and reproducibility of formation exist. Crystallographic studies show that the colorless polymorphs, which display blue luminescence, are isostructural and consist of linear chains of gold(I) cations that self-associate through aurophilic interactions. Significantly, the yellow polymorph of [(C(6)H(11)NC)(2)Au(I)](AsF(6)) is not isostructural with the yellow polymorph of [(C(6)H(11)NC)(2)Au(I)](PF(6)). Both yellow polymorphs exhibit green emission and have the gold cations arranged into somewhat bent chains with significantly closer Au···Au separations than are seen in the colorless counterparts. Luminescence differences in these polymorphs clearly enhance the ability to detect and monitor their phase stability.     

New insights into the effects of self-association of the cation [Au[C(NHMe)(2)](2)](+) on its solid state structure and luminescence

Colorless [Au[C(NHMe)(2)](2)]X.H(2)O (X = Cl or Br) crystallize as dimers with Au.Au separations of 3.1231(3) A (Cl salt) and 3.1297(4) A (Br salt) between the linear, two-coordinate cations, and there is no direct interaction of Au(I) with the halide ions which are hydrogen bonded to ligand N-H groups and the water molecules. The luminescence of these dimers occurs at higher energy than that observed in extended chains of the same cation in the corresponding (PF(6))(-) and (BF(4))(-) salts and shows the important effects of aggregation on the observed luminescence.     

Blue or green glowing crystals of the cation [Au{C(NHMe)2}2]+. Structural effects of anions, hydrogen bonding, and solvate molecules on the luminescence of a two-coordinate gold(I) carbene complex

Depending upon the crystallization conditions, [Au{C(NHMe) 2} 2](AsF 6) forms colorless crystals that display a blue or green luminescence. The difference involves the type of solvate molecule that is incorporated into the crystal and the structure of the chains of cations that are formed upon crystallization. The crystallographically determined structures of blue-glowing [Au{C(NHMe) 2} 2](AsF 6).0.5(benzene), blue-glowing [Au{C(NHMe) 2} 2](AsF 6).0.5(acetone), green-glowing [Au{C(NHMe) 2} 2](AsF 6).0.5(chlorobenzene), and blue-glowing, solvate-free [Au{C(NHMe) 2} 2](EF 6), E = P, As, Sb are reported. All pack with the cations forming extended columns, which may be linear or bent, but all show significant aurophilic interactions. The blue-glowing crystals have ordered stacks of cations with some variation in structural arrangement whereas the green-glowing crystals have disorder in their stacking pattern. Although there is extensive hydrogen bonding between the cations and anions in all structures, in the solvated crystals, the solvate molecules occupy channels but make no hydrogen-bonded contacts. The emission spectra of these new salts taken at 298 and 77 K are reported.     

Reactions of a gold(I) thiolate complex [Au(Tab)(2)](2)(PF(6))(2) (Tab = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate) with diphosphine ligands

Reactions of a gold(i) thiolate complex [Au(Tab)(2)](2)(PF(6))(2) (Tab = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate) with equimolar 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphine)ethane (dppe), 1,3-bis-(diphenylphosphine)propane (dppp) or 1,4-bis-(diphenylphosphine)butane (dppb) in MeOH-DMF-CH(2)Cl(2) gave rise to three polymeric complexes [Au(2)(Tab)(2)(dppe)](2)(PF(6))(4)·2MeOH (1·2MeOH), [Au(2)(Tab)(2)(dppp)]Cl(2)·0.5MeOH·4H(2)O (2·0.5MeOH·4H(2)O), and [Au(4)(μ-Tab)(2)(Tab)(2)(dppb)](PF(6))(4)·4DMF (3·4DMF), respectively. Analogous reaction of 1 with dppb in DMF/C(2)H(4)Cl(2) produced one tetranuclear complex [Au(2)(μ-Tab)(Tab)(2)](2)Cl(4)·2DMF·4H(2)O (4·2DMF·4H(2)O). Complexes 1-4 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV-vis spectra, (1)H and (31)P{(1)H} NMR and single crystal X-ray analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 consist of [Au(Tab)](2) dimeric fragments that are bridged by dppe or dppp ligands to form a 1D linear chain extending along the a axis. For 3, each [Au(4)(Tab)(2)(μ-Tab)(2)] fragment is linked by a pair of dppb ligands to afford another 1D chain extending along the c axis. For 4, the four [Au(Tab)](+) fragments are linked by two Au-Au bonds and two doubly bridging Tab ligands to form a {[Au(Tab)](4)(μ-Tab)(2)} chair-like cyclohexane structure. Hydrogen-bonding interactions in 2 and 4 lead to the formation of interesting 2D hydrogen-bonded networks. The luminescent properties of 1-4 in solid state were also investigated.     

Metal-metal interactions in platinum(II)/gold(I) or platinum(II)/silver(I) salts containing planar cations and linear anions

The salts [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Au(CN)(2)](2), [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)], [Pt(en)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2), [Pt(en)(2)][Ag(CN)(2)](2), and [Pt(bipy)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2) have been prepared by mixing solutions of salts containing the appropriate cation with solutions of K[Au(CN)(2)] or K[Ag(CN)(2)]. Because the platinum atom in the cation is sterically protected, the structures of [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Au(CN)(2)](2) and [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)] reveal no close metal-metal interactions. Colorless crystals of [Pt(en)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2) and [Pt(en)(2)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) are isostructural and involve extended chains of alternating cations and anions that run parallel to the crystallographic a axis, along with isolated anions. In the chains, the metal-metal separations are relatively short: Pt...Au, 3.1799(3) Angstroms; Pt...Ag, 3.1949(2) Angstroms. In [Pt(bipy)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2), each cation has axial interactions with the anions through close Pt...Au contacts [3.1735(6) Angstroms]. In addition, the anions are weakly linked through Au...Au contacts of 3.5978(9) Angstroms. Unlike the previously reported Pt/Au complex [Pt(NH(3))(4)][Au(CN)(2)](2).1.5H(2)O, which is luminescent, none of the salts reported here luminesce.     

Synthesis and properties of gold alkene complexes. Crystal structure of [Au(bipy(oXyl))(eta(2)-CH(2)=CHPh)](PF(6)) and DFT calculations on the model cation [Au(bipy)(eta(2)-CH(2)=CH(2))](+)

Unprecedented 16-electron gold(i) olefin complexes of general formula [Au(bipy(R,R'))(eta(2)-olefin)](PF(6)) and [Au(2)(bipy(R,R'))(2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-diolefin)](PF(6))(2) (bipy(R,R') = 6-substituted-2,2'-bipyridine) have been prepared by reaction of dinuclear gold(III) oxo complexes [Au(2)(bipy(R,R'))(2)(mu-O)(2)](PF(6))(2) with the appropriate olefin. The X-ray crystal structures of two mononuclear complexes (olefin = styrene) show in-plane coordination of the olefin and a C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond distance considerably lengthened with respect to the free olefin. The spectroscopic properties of the complexes are discussed and compared with those of analogous d(10) metal derivatives. Both structural and spectroscopic information indicate a substantial contribution of pi-back-donation to the Au-olefin bond in the three-coordinate species. Theoretical calculations carried out at the hybrid-DFT level on the model compound [Au(bipy)(eta(2)-CH(2)[double bond, length as m-dash]CH(2))](+) show excellent agreement with the experimental findings giving in addition an estimate of a pi-back-bonding contribution higher than that of the sigma-bonding.     

Gold-thallium supramolecular arrays with 4,4'-bipyridine. Solvent induction of luminescent networks

The reaction of [AuTl(C(6)Cl(5))(2)](n) with bipy at different molar ratios, solvents or crystallisation conditions affords a series of two- and three-dimensional luminescent complexes, [AuTl(C(6)Cl(5))(2)(bipy)(0.5)](n), [AuTl(C(6)Cl(5))(2)(bipy)](n), [[Tl(bipy)][Tl(bipy)(0.5)(THF)][Au(C(6)Cl(5))(2)](2)](n), [[Tl(bipy)][Tl(bipy)(0.5)(THF)][Au(C(6)Cl(5))(2)](2)xTHF](n) and [[AuTl(C(6)Cl(5))(2)(bipy)]x0.5toluene](n)(bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine; THF = tetrahydrofuran) all of them containing polymeric chains formed via unsupported Au...Tl interactions and bridging bipyridine ligands.     

X-ray Crystallographic Study of the Ruthenium Blue Complexes [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O, [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, and [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2): Steric Interactions and the Ru-Ru "Bond Length"

X-ray crystal structures are reported for the following complexes: [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane), monoclinic P2(1)/n, Z = 4, a = 14.418(8) ?, b = 11.577(3) ?, c = 18.471(1) ?, beta = 91.08(5) degrees, V = 3082 ?(3), R(R(w)) = 0.039 (0.043) using 4067 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K; [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, monoclinic P2(1)/a, Z = 4, a = 13.638(4) ?, b = 12.283(4) ?, c = 18.679(6) ?, beta = 109.19(2) degrees, V = 3069.5 ?(3), R(R(w)) = 0.052 (0.054) using 3668 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K; [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2), cubic P2(1)/3, Z = 3, a = 14.03(4) ?, beta = 90.0 degrees, V = 2763.1(1) ?(3), R (R(w)) = 0.022 (0.025) using 896 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K. All of the cations have cofacial bioctahedral geometries, although [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O, [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, and [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2) are not isomorphous. Average bond lengths and angles for the cofacial bioctahedral cores, [N(3)Ru(&mgr;-X)(3)RuN(3)](2+), are compared to those for the analogous ammine complexes [Ru(2)Cl(3)(NH(3))(6)](BPh(4))(2) and [Ru(2)Br(3)(NH(3))(6)](ZnBr(4)). The Ru-Ru distances in the tacn complexes are longer than those in the equivalent ammine complexes, probably as a result of steric interactions.     

Excited-state interactions for [Au(CN)(2)(-)](n) and [Ag(CN)(2)(-)](n) oligomers in solution. Formation of luminescent gold-gold bonded excimers and exciplexes.

Solutions of K[Au(CN)(2)] and K[Ag(CN)(2)] in water and methanol exhibit strong photoluminescence. Aqueous solutions of K[Au(CN)(2)] at ambient temperature exhibit luminescence at concentration levels of > or =10(-2) M, while frozen methanol glasses (77 K) exhibit strong luminescence with concentrations as low as 10(-5) M. The corresponding concentration limits for K[Ag(CN)(2)] solutions are 10(-1) M at ambient temperature and 10(-4) M at 77 K. Systematic variations in concentration, solvent, temperature, and excitation wavelength tune the luminescence energy of both K[Au(CN)(2)] and K[Ag(CN)(2)] solutions by >15 x 10(3) cm(-1) in the UV-visible region. The luminescence bands have been individually assigned to *[Au(CN)(2)(-)](n) and *[Ag(CN)(2)(-)](n) excimers and exciplexes that differ in "n" and geometry. The luminescence of Au(I) compounds is related for the first time to Au-Au bonded excimers and exciplexes similar to those reported earlier for Ag(I) compounds. Fully optimized unrestricted open-shell MP2 calculations for the lowest-energy triplet excited state of staggered [Au(CN)(2)(-)](2) show the formation of a Au-Au sigma single bond (2.66 A) in the triplet excimer, compared to a weaker ground-state aurophilic bond (2.96 A). The corresponding frequency calculations revealed Au-Au Raman-active stretching frequencies at 89.8 and 165.7 cm(-1) associated with the ground state and lowest triplet excited state, respectively. The experimental evidence of the exciplex assignment includes the extremely large Stokes shifts and the structureless feature of the luminescence bands, which suggest very distorted excited states. Extended Hückel (EH) calculations for [M(CN)(2)(-)](n) and *[M(CN)(2)(-)](n) models (M = Au, Ag; n = 2, 3) indicate the formation of M-M bonds in the first excited electronic states. From the average EH values for staggered dimers and trimers, the excited-state Au-Au and Ag-Ag bond energies are predicted to be 104 and 112 kJ/mol, respectively. The corresponding bond energies in the ground state are 32 and 25 kJ/mol, respectively.     

Metal(II) hexafluorophosphates(V) (M = Sr, Pb) containing XeF(2)-coordinated metal ions [M(XeF(2))(3)](PF(6))(2), [Pb(3)(XeF(2))(11)](PF(6))(6), and [Sr(3)(XeF(2))(10)](PF(6))(6)

From the system MF(2)/PF(5)/XeF(2)/anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF), four compounds [Sr(XeF(2))(3)](PF(6))(2), [Pb(XeF(2))(3)](PF(6))(2), [Sr(3)(XeF(2))(10)](PF(6))(6), and [Pb(3)(XeF(2))(11)](PF(6))(6) were isolated and characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The [M(XeF(2))(3)](PF(6))(2) (M = Sr, Pb) compounds are isostructural with the previously reported [Sr(XeF(2))(3)](AsF(6))(2). The structure of [Sr(3)(XeF(2))(10)](PF(6))(6) (space group C2/c; a = 11.778(6) Angstrom, b = 12.497(6) Angstrom, c = 34.60(2) Angstrom, beta = 95.574(4) degrees, V = 5069(4) Angstrom(3), Z = 4) contains two crystallographically independent metal centers with a coordination number of 10 and rather unusual coordination spheres in the shape of tetracapped trigonal prisms. The bridging XeF(2) molecules and one bridging PF(6)- anion, which connect the metal centers, form complicated 3D structures. The structure of [Pb(3)(XeF(2))(11)](PF(6))(6) (space group C2/m; a = 13.01(3) Angstrom, b = 11.437(4) Angstrom, c = 18.487(7) Angstrom, beta = 104.374(9) degrees, V = 2665(6) Angstrom(3), Z = 2) consists of a 3D network of the general formula {[Pb(3)(XeF(2))(10)](PF(6))(6)}n and a noncoordinated XeF(2) molecule fixed in the crystal structure only by weak electrostatic interactions. This structure also contains two crystallographically independent Pb atoms. One of them possesses a unique homoleptic environment built up by eight F atoms from eight XeF(2) molecules in the shape of a cube, whereas the second Pb atom with a coordination number of 9 adopts the shape of a tricapped trigonal prism common for lead compounds. [Pb(3)(XeF(2))(11)](PF(6))(6) and [Sr(3)(XeF(2))(10)](PF(6))(6) are formed when an excess of XeF(2) is used during the process of the crystallization of [M(XeF(2))(3)](PF(6))(2) from their aHF solutions.     

Preparation and characterization of the argentates: [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-) (M = Cr, W), and [Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)](-): X-ray crystal structure of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)

The first example of a mononuclear diphosphanidoargentate, bis[bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphanido]argentate, [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), is obtained via the reaction of HP(CF(3))(2) with [Ag(CN)(2)](-) and isolated as its [K(18-crown-6)] salt. When the cyclic phosphane (PCF(3))(4) is reacted with a slight excess of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)], selective insertion of one PCF(3) unit into each silver phosphorus bond is observed, which on the basis of NMR spectroscopic evidence suggests the [Ag[P(CF(3))P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-) ion. On treatment of the phosphane complexes [M(CO)(5)PH(CF(3))(2)] (M = Cr, W) with [K(18-crown-6)][Ag(CN)(2)], the analogous trinuclear argentates, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-), are formed. The chromium compound [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)] crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric space group Fdd2 (No. 43), a = 2970.2(6) pm, b = 1584.5(3) pm, c = 1787.0(4), V = 8.410(3) nm(3), Z = 8. The C(2) symmetric anion, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)](-), shows a nearly linear arrangement of the P-Ag-P unit. Although the bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphanido compound [Ag[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)](-) has not been obtained so far, the synthesis of its trinuclear counterpart, [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)], was successful.     

Luminescent homo- and heteropolynuclear platinum(II) chalcogenido aggregates based on [Pt2E2(P empty set N)4] units (E=S,Se)

A series of homodinuclear platinum(II) complexes containing bridging chalcogenido ligands, [Pt(2)(mu-E)(2)(P empty set N)(4)] (P empty set N=dppy, E=S (1), Se (2); P empty set N=tBu-dppy, E=S (3)) (dppy=2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine, tBu-dppy=4-tert-butyl-2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine) have been synthesized and characterized. The nucleophilicity of the [Pt(2)E(2)] unit towards a number of d(10) metal ions and complexes has been demonstrated through the successful isolation of a number of novel heteropolynuclear platinum(II)-copper(I), -silver(I), and -gold(I) complexes: [[Pt(2)(mu(3)-E)(2)(dppy)(4)](2)Ag(3)](PF(6))(3) (E=S (4); Se (5)) and [Pt(2)(dppy)(4)(mu(3)-E)(2)M(2)(dppm)]X(2) (E=S, M=Ag, X=BF(4) (6); E=S, M=Cu, X=PF(6) (7); E=S, M=Au, X=PF(6) (8); E=Se, M=Ag, X=PF(6) (9); E=Se, M=Au, X=PF(6) (10)). Some of them display short metal.metal contacts. These complexes have been found to possess interesting luminescence properties. Through systematic comparison studies, the emission origin has been probed.     

Electronic excited states of [Au(2)(dmpm)(3)](ClO(4))(2) (dmpm= bis(dimethylphosphine)methane)

We present studies of the resonance Raman and electronic luminescence spectra of the [Au(2)(dmpm)(3)](ClO(4))(2) (dmpm = bis(dimethylphosphine)methane) complex, including excitation into an intense band at 256 nm and into a weaker absorption system centered about approximately 300 nm. The resonance Raman spectra confirm the assignment of the 256 nm absorption band to a (1)(dsigma --> psigma) transition, a metal-metal-localized transition, in that nu(Au-Au) and overtones of it are strongly enhanced. A resonance Raman intensity analysis of the spectra associated with the 256 nm absorption band gives the ground-state and excited-state nu(Au-Au) stretching frequencies to be 79 and 165 cm(-1), respectively, and the excited-state Au-Au distance is calculated to decrease by about 0.1 A from the ground-state value of 3.05 A. The approximately 300 nm absorption displays a different enhancement pattern, in that resonance-enhanced Raman bands are observed at 103 and 183 cm(-1) in addition to nu(Au-Au) at 79 cm(-1) The compound exhibits intense, long-lived luminescence (in room-temperature CH(3)CN, for example, tau = 0.70 micros, phi(emission) = 0.037) with a maximum at 550-600 nm that is not very medium-sensitive. We conclude, in agreement with an earlier proposal of Mason (Inorg. Chem. 1989, 28, 4366-4369), that the lowest-energy, luminescent excited state is not (3)(dsigma --> psigma) but instead derives from (3)(d(x2-y2,xy --> psigma) excitations. We compare the Au(I)-Au(I) interaction shown in the various transitions of the [Au(2)(dmpm)(3)](ClO(4))(2) tribridged compound with previous results for solvent or counterion exciplexes of [Au(2)(dcpm)(2)](2+) salts (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1999, 121, 4799-4803; Angew. Chem. 1999, 38, 2783-2785; Chem. Eur. J. 2001, 7, 4656-4664) and for planar, mononuclear Au(I) triphosphine complexes. It is proposed that the luminescent state in all of these cases is very similar in electronic nature.     

Synthesis of mononuclear and dinuclear ruthenium(II) tris(heteroleptic) complexes via photosubstitution in bis(carbonyl) precursors

A novel, and quite general, approach for the preparation of tris(heteroleptic) ruthenium(II) complexes is reported. Using this method, which is based on photosubstitution of carbonyl ligands in precursors such as [Ru(bpy)(CO)(2)Cl(2)] and [Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)(CO)(2)](PF(6))(2), mononuclear and dinuclear Ru(II) tris(heteroleptic) polypyridyl complexes containing the bridging ligands 3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole (Hbpt) and 3,5-bis(pyrazin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole (Hbpzt) have been prepared. The complexes obtained were purified by column chromatography and characterized by HPLC, mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, absorption and emission spectroscopy and by electrochemical methods. The X-ray structures of the compounds [Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)(bpt)](PF(6))x0.5C(4)H(10)O [1x0.5C(4)H(10)O], [Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)(bpzt)](PF(6))xH(2)O (2xH(2)O) and [Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2)xC(4)H(10)O (6xC(4)H(10)O) are reported. The synthesis and characterisation of the dinuclear analogues of 1 and 2, [{Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)}(2)bpt](PF(6))(3)x2H(2)O (3) and [{Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)}(2)bpzt](PF(6))(3) (4), are also described.     

Photoluminescence properties of four-coordinate gold(I)-phosphine complexes of the types [Au(diphos)2]PF6 and [Au2(tetraphos)2](PF6)2

Numerous reports describe the photoluminescence of two- and three-coordinate gold(I)-phosphine complexes, but emission in their analogous four-coordinate complexes is almost unknown. This work examines the luminescence of tetrahedral gold(I) complexes of the types [Au(diphos)(2)]PF(6) (diphos = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, 1) and [Au(2)(tetraphos)(2)](PF(6))(2) (tetraphos = (R,R)-(+/-)/(R,S)-1,1,4,7,10,10-hexaphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetraphosphadecane, (R,R)-(+/-)/(R,S)-2). Although nonemitting in solution, these complexes luminesce with an intense yellow color (lambda(max) 580-620 nm) at 293 K in the solid state or when immobilized as molecular dispersions within solid matrixes. The excited-state lifetimes of the emissions (tau 4.1-9.4 micros) are markedly dependent on the inter- and intramolecular phenyl-phenyl pairing interactions present. At 77 K in an ethanol glass, two transitions are observed: a minor emission at lambda(max) 415-450 nm and a major emission at lambda(max) 520-595 nm. For [Au(1)(2)]PF(6), lifetimes of tau 251.0 +/- 20.5 micros were determined for the former transition and tau 14.9 +/- 4.6 micros for the latter. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and comparative studies indicate that the former of these emissions involves triplet LMCT pi(Ph) --> Au(d)-P(p) transitions associated with individual P-phenyl groups. The latter emissions, which are the only ones observed at 293 K, are assigned to LMCT pi(Ph-Ph) --> Au(d)-P(p) transitions associated with excited P-phenyl dimers. Other tetrahedral gold(I)-phosphine complexes containing paired P-Ph substituents display similar emissions. The corresponding phosphine ligands, whether free, protonated, or bound to Ag(I), do not exhibit comparable emissions. Far from being rare, luminescence in four-coordinate Au(I)-phosphine complexes appears to be general when stacked P-phenyl groups are present.     

Luminescence and mesogenic properties in crown-ether-isocyanide or carbene gold(I) complexes: luminescence in solution, in the solid, in the mesophase, and in the isotropic liquid state

A crown ether isocyanide CNR (R = benzo-15-crown-5) has been synthesized by dehydration of the corresponding formamide. Substitution reactions with the appropriate gold(I) precursors afford the luminescent mononuclear derivatives [AuX(CNR)] (X = Cl, C 6F 5, Br, I), [Au(C 6F 4OCH 2C 6H 4OC nH 2 n+1 - p)(CNR)] ( n = 4, 8, 10, 12), and [Au(C 6F 4OCH 2C 6H 2-3,4,5-(OC n H 2 n+1 ) 3(CNR)] ( n = 4, 8, 12). X-ray diffraction studies of [AuCl(CNR)] show the molecules associated in a tetranuclear manner with an antiparallel orientation and gold-gold distances of 3.420 and 3.427 A (Au...Au...Au angles are 121.2 degrees ). These tetranuclear units generate infinite zigzag chains through longer Au...Au distances of 3.746 A and weak C-H...O nonclassic interactions. Nucleophilic attack to the coordinated isocyanide in [AuCl(CNR)] by methanol or a primary amine produces the carbene derivatives [AuCl{C((NHR)(OMe)}] and [AuCl{C(NHR')(NHR)}] (R' = Me, n-Bu). The ether crown in these complexes is able to coordinate sodium from NaClO 4, affording the corresponding bimetallic complexes (Na/Au = 1:1). The derivatives containing one alkoxy chain are liquid crystals, displaying a smectic C mesophase (for n > 4), whereas the trialkoxy derivatives display unidentified or smectic C mesophases, depending on the alkyl chain length. After complexation of sodium salts, the mesogenic behavior is lost. All of the derivatives are luminescent at room temperature in the solid state with emission maxima in the range 405-550 nm; they emit at 77 K from 410 to 572 nm. Only the ligand and the fluoroaryl complexes emit in solution at room temperature, but all of the compounds are luminescent at 77 K. Very interestingly, some fluoroaryl derivatives with alkoxy chains are luminescent not only in the solid, and in solution, but also in the mesophase, and in the isotropic liquid at moderate temperatures. These are the first metal complexes ever reported to show luminescence in the isotropic liquid state.     

Preparation of Au(I), Ag(I), and Pd(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes utilizing a methylpyridyl-substituted NHC ligand. formation of a luminescent coordination polymer

Reaction of the imidazolium N-heterocyclic carbene precursor containing a methyl-substituted pyridyl functionality [HCH3im(CH3py)]PF6, 1, with Ag2O produces the homoleptic Ag(I) complex, [Ag(CH3im(CH3py))2]PF6, 2. In a simple carbene transfer reaction the analogous Au(I) species, [Au(CH3im(CH3py))2]PF6, 3, is formed by treatment of 2 with Au(tht)Cl in dichloromethane. Both 2 and 3 are structurally similar with nearly linearly coordinated NHC ligands. The methyl group appended to the pyridyl ring inhibits rotation of the pyridyl group at room temperature. Addition of AgBF4 to a hot propionitrile solution of 3 followed by crystallization with diethyl ether yields the one-dimensional coordination polymer, {[AuAg(CH3im(CH3py))2(NCCH2CH3)](BF4)2}n, 4, which contains Au-Ag separations of 2.9845(5) and 2.9641(5) A with intermetallic angles of 167.642(14) degrees and 162.081(9) degrees. This material is intensely luminescent in the solid state and exhibits an emission band at 453 nm (lambdaex=350 nm). Nearly colorless [Pd(CH3im(CH3py))2Cl]PF6, 5, is produced upon treatment of 2 with PdCl2(NCC6H5)2. The Pd(II) center in 5 is coordinated to one NHC ligand in a chelate fashion, while the second NHC is bound solely through the carbon center. The X-ray crystal structures of 1-5 are reported.     

New class of diiron dithiolates related to the Fe-only hydrogenase active site: synthesis and characterization of [Fe2(SR)(2)(CNMe)7]2+

Electron-rich polyisocyano derivatives Fe(2)(S(2)C(n)H(2n)(CO)(6-x)(CNMe)(x) (x approximately 4) undergo oxidatively induced (FeCp(2)(+)) reaction with additional CNMe to give [Fe(2)(SR)(2)(CNMe)(7)](PF(6))(2), a new class of iron thiolates. Crystallographic characterization established that the 34 e(-) dinuclear core resembles the oxidized (H(2)-binding) form of the active sites of the Fe-only hydrogenases, key features being the face-sharing bioctahedral geometry, the mu-CX ligand, and an Fe-Fe separation of 2.61 A. Oxidation of the phenylthiolate Fe(2)(SPh)(2)(CO)(2)(CNMe)(4) led to mononuclear [Fe(SPh)(CNMe)(5)](PF(6)), which is analogous to [Fe(2)(SR)(2)(CNMe)(10)](PF(6))(2) formed upon treatment of [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CNMe)(7)](PF(6))(2) with excess CNMe.