Synthesis,structure, and magnetic properties of lanthanide ferrocenoylacetonates with nitrate and 2,2′-bipyridine ligands

Ferrocenoylacetonate complexes of several lanthanides, [Ln(fca)₂(NO₃)(bpy)]·nMeC₆H₅ (Ln = Sm (1), Dy (3), Er (4), Yb (5), n = 1; Eu (2), n = 0.5; fca = FcC(O)CHC(O)Me; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine), were synthesized and characterized by X-ray single-crystal analysis. Complexes 1, 4, and 5 are isostructural; 2 has a similar molecular structure with cis-disposition of fca ligands. The molecular structure of 3 is different, with trans-disposition of the fca ligands. Crystal lattices of the complexes are stabilized by π-stacking interactions. The Ln³⁺ ions in the complexes are eight-coordinate. According to mass spectroscopic data, the complexes are unstable in the gas phase. Magnetic properties of 2 and 4 were studied in a DC field; for 4, AC studies were also carried out. The values of spin-orbital parameters obtained using two estimation methods for 2 are in satisfactory agreement. Slow relaxation of the magnetization was found for the Er complex.     

Effects of metal ions and ligands on transesterification: synthesis,structures, and catalytic activities of a series of cation–anionic complexes with dipyridylamine ligands

A series of cation–anion complexes derived by 2,2′-dipyridylamine (Hdpa) and carboxylate ligands with formulas [Ni(Hdpa)₂(CH₃COO)]Cl(CH₃OH) (1), [Co(Hdpa)₂(CH₃COO)]Cl(CH₃OH) (2), [Ni(Hdpa)₂(CH₃CH₂CH₂COO)]Cl (3), [Co(Hdpa)₂(CH₃CH₂CH₂COO)]Cl (4), [Ni(Hdpa)₂(C₆H₅COO)]Cl (5), and [Co(Hdpa)₂(C₆H₅COO)]Cl (6), were synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, MS(ESI), TG analysis, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectra. X-ray single crystal structural analysis showed that the coordination geometries of metal ions in these complexes are similar and they are cation–anion species. The hydrogen-bonding structures are 1-D chains through the N–H···Cl bonds. There are weak stacking interactions between pyridine rings in 1–4, while there are no stacking interactions in 5 and 6. We have investigated the transesterification of phenyl acetate with methanol catalyzed by 1–6 under mild conditions; 1–4 are homogeneous catalysts while 5 and 6 are heterogeneous catalysts due to their poor solubility in methanol. Cobalt complexes exhibit higher catalytic activities than corresponding nickel complexes. Complex 4 is the best catalyst of these six complexes.     

pH-dependent syntheses and crystal structures, characterizations, and DFT calculations of complexes with 2,2′-biimidazole and terephthalic acid ligands

The divalent transition metal complexes [Zn(L)₂(H₂O)₂](Tere) (I), [Cd(L)₂(H₂O)₂](Tere]) (II) and [Cd(L)₂(HTere)₂] (III) (L = 2,2’-biimidazole, Tere = terephthalate) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectrum, thermal analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complexes II and III have the same starting materials but possess different frame-works and are prepared from H₂Biim and H₂Tere under hydrothermal conditions with different pH values. The crystal structures show I and II have the same coordination circumstances and are coordinated by two H₂O molecules and two neutral bidentate 2,2′-biimidazole ligands. The terephthalate acts as the counter anion. In contrast, complex III contains protonated carboxylate groups coordinated to the metal centre to give neutral species. Furthermore, based on the optimized structures, molecular frontier orbitals, Mulliken charges and IR spetra of complex I and III are investigated by density functional theory. Calculated results show that the energy gap (ΔE _L-H) between HOMO and LUMO of complex III is bigger than that of I. It is revealed that complex III is more stable, and this calculated estimation corresponds with experimental analysis of TGA curves.     

Synthesis,characterization, and photoluminescence properties of difluoroboron complexes with bis-β-diketone ligands

Some novel difluoroboron bis-β-diketonates containing a pyridyl moiety were synthesized from diethyl 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate via Claisen condensation with the corresponding aryl methyl ketones and followed by complexation with boron trifluoride etherate. Their spectroscopic behaviors were studied by FTIR, ¹H NMR, UV–Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. The results indicated that difluoroboron bis-β-diketonates exhibited violet or blue fluorescence emission at 428–454 nm under UV illumination in DMSO and possessed high extinction coefficients. It was found that the nature of the substituents at benzene ring in bis-β-diketone ligands had a significant impact on the photoluminescence behaviors of difluoroboron complexes. The complex 5b exhibited the strongest photoluminescence intensity and highest quantum yield (Φ _u = 0.93), due to two strong electron-donating methoxyl moieties in molecule and the compound 4b displayed the lowest photoluminescence intensity and quantum yield, assigned to the heavy atom effect of the chlorine atom in its molecule. The photoluminescence intensity and quantum yield of these difluoroboron complexes decreased in the sequence, 5b > 2b > 1b > 3b > 4b.     

Synthesis,structure, and magnetic properties of iron — yttrium complexes containing acetylacetonate ligands

Two new compounds have been obtained by the synthesis of heteronuclear iron-yttrium acetylacetonate, using the modified electrochemical dissolution of the [YFe₂] alloy. One of these compounds, with the Fe(acac)₂ · 2H₂O composition, has been studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. X-ray diffraction data: a=11.002(5), b=5.412(2), c=11.179(5) Å;=106.39(4)°;V=638.6 ų, space group P2₁/c, Z=2. According to the data on magnetic susceptibility, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and X-ray electron microanalysis, single crystals of this complex are covered with an amorphous film containing finely dispersed [Y_1–aFe_a]n clusters and, probably, superparamagnetic -Fe₂O₃ species. The second oligomeric acetylacetonate complex contains ions of high-spin two-valence iron, yttrium, and finely dispersed ferromagnetic [Y_1–aFe_a)n intermetallide clusters.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 8, pp. 1454–1458, August, 1995.The studies were financially supported by the International Science Foundation (Grants Nos. MI 8000, MI 8300).     

Cyclopalladated 2-phenyldihydrooxazole complexes with ethylenediamine, 2,2′-bipyridine,and bridging acetate ligands

The ¹H NMR, electronic absorption, and luminescence spectra, as well as voltammograms of the reduction and oxidation of the complexes [Pd(C∧N)(N∧N)]ClO₄ and [Pd(C∧N)(μ-OOCCH₃)]₂ [where (C∧N)⁻ is deprotonated 2-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazole, and N∧N is ethylenediamine or 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy)] were compared. Magnetic nonequivalence of protons in the dihydrooxazole ring and upfield shift of the corresponding signals were observed as a result of anisotropic effect of the ring current in palladated phenyl substituents in the [Pd(C∧N)(μ-OOCCH₃)]₂ complex having a C ₂ symmetry. One-electron reduction wave of [Pd(C∧N)bpy]⁺ was assigned to ligand-centered electron transfer to the π* orbital of 2,2′-bipyridine, and two oxidation waves of [Pd(C∧N)(μ-OOCCH₃)]₂ were attributed to successive one-electron oxidations of the palladium centers. Low-temperature (77 K) phosphorescence of [Pd(C∧N)En]⁺ and [Pd(C∧N)bpy]⁺ was ascribed to optical transition localized on the metal-complex fragment {Pd(C∧N)} and to interligand charge transfer between the chelating and cyclopalladated ligands. The formation of metal-metal bond in the complex [Pd(C∧N)(μ-OOCCH3₎]₂ gives rise to radiative decay of photoexcitation energy from two electronically excited states, one of which is localized on the {Pd(C∧N)} fragment, and the second corresponds to the charge transfer metal-metal-cyclopalladated ligand.     

Zirconium complexes with versatile β-diketiminate ligands: Synthesis, structure, and ethylene polymerization

A series of zirconium complexes (2c, 2d, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i) containing symmetrical or unsymmetrical β-diketiminate ligands were synthesized by the reaction of ZrCl₄ · 2THF with lithium salt of the corresponding ligand in 1:2 molar ratio. X-ray crystal structures reveal that complexes 2d and 2g adopt distorted octahedral geometry around the zirconium center. These complexes showed moderate activities for ethylene polymerization, when methylaluminoxane (MAO) was used as cocatalyst. The steric and electronic effects of the substituents at the phenyl rings had considerable influence on the catalytic activities of the metal complex, as well as the molecular weights and molecular weight distributions (MWD) of produced polymers. Introduction of electron-withdrawing CF₃ group to phenyls in the ligand led to a significant increase of catalytic activities, and complex 2f (p-CF₃) exhibited the highest catalytic activity of 7.45 × 10⁵ g PE/mol-Zr · h among the investigated complexes. Complexes 2a-d could produce ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPE) that were hardly dissolvable in decahydronaphthalene or 1,2-dichlorobenzene under the molecular weight measurement conditions. Nevertheless, polyethylenes with broad MWD could be afforded by complexes 2g-i, which was probably due to the introduction of bulky unsymmetrical ligands leading to the formation of multi active species under polymerization conditions. High-temperature ¹³C NMR data indicate the linear structure of obtained polyethylenes.     

Ruthenium complexes of 4,4′-bi-1,2,3-thiadiazole and azoimine ligands: syntheses,crystallography, and electrochemical studies

Abstract  

Five ruthenium complexes of the general type trans-[Ru^II(btd)(Azo)Cl₂] ({Azo = PhN=NC(COMe) = NC₆HY, where Y = H (a), Me (b), OMe (c), Cl (d) or Br (e)} and btd = 4,4′-bi-1,2,3-thiadiazole) have been prepared by the reaction of RuCl₃ with the ligands in the presence of LiCl. These complexes have been characterized by spectroscopic (IR, UV–Vis, and NMR) and electrochemical techniques. In addition, the complex trans-[Ru^II(btd)(L5)Cl₂] (complex 5) has been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrochemical parameter for the π-excessive ligand (btd) is reported. The absorption spectrum of complex 5 in acetonitrile has been modeled by time-dependent density functional theory.     

Synthesis,structure, and spectroscopy of two benzil-based α-diimine ligands and their palladium(II) complexes

Two α-diimine ligands were prepared in 60–70% yield via p-toluenesulfonic acid-catalyzed condensation reactions from benzil with 4-bromoaniline and with p-anisidine. Palladium(II) complexes were prepared from both ligands in 70–80% yield. X-ray structures were obtained for the ligand prepared from p-anisidine and its palladium(II) complex. A notable feature observed in the former was its unconjugated C–N double bonds, both in the (E)-configuration. The latter structure possessed two molecules of the metal complex in its unit cell, both of which have diimine cores with a degree of conjugation and a nonideal square-planar geometry around palladium caused by the small bite angles (79.61(3) and 79.15(3)°) of the diimine ligands. Solution-phase electronic absorption spectra of the ligands in chloroform have two bands from π→π ^? and n→π ^? transitions at 269–345?nm. Absorption spectra of the complexes in chloroform exhibited bands attributed to ligand-centered transitions that were red-shifted as compared to free ligands. Only the spectrum obtained from a chloroform solution of the palladium(II) complex with the diimine ligand prepared from p-anisidine featured a band at approximately 520?nm, which was assigned to a combination of d _π(Pd)→π ^? and n(Cl)→π ^? transitions.     

Synthesis,characterization, and cytotoxicity of Pt(IV) complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyridine and diaminocyclohexane ligands

Four platinum(IV) complexes containing intercalating ligands [1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy)] and ancillary ligands [(1S,2S)-diaminocyclohexane (SS-DACH) and (1R,2R)-diaminocyclohexane (RR-DACH)] were synthesized and characterized by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, X-ray crystal structure analysis, elemental analysis, ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis. The reactions between [Pt(phen)(SS-DACH)Cl₂]²⁺ and glutathione and Ac-CPFC-NH₂ were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography. [Pt(phen)(SS-DACH)Cl₂]²⁺ was reduced to its corresponding Pt(II) complex [Pt(phen)(SS-DACH)]²⁺, while glutathione and Ac-CPFC-NH₂ were oxidized to glutathione-disulfide and a peptide containing an intramolecular disulfide bond, respectively. The cytotoxicities of the Pt(IV) complexes against a human non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549) and the corresponding cisplatin-resistant cell line (A549cisR) were evaluated. These Pt(IV) complexes showed a higher activity toward A549 and A549cisR than did cisplatin. Also, the cytotoxicities of the Pt(IV) complexes were higher for A549cisR than for A549 cells. Moreover, the cytotoxicities of the (SS-DACH)-liganded platinum complexes were higher than those of the (RR-DACH)-liganded platinum complexes in either A549 or A549cisR cells. Phen-liganded platinum complexes were more cytotoxic than the bpy-liganded platinum complexes. The cytotoxicities of these Pt(IV) complexes had no correlation with reduction potentials.     

Synthesis, characterization, and multielectron reduction chemistry of uranium supported by redox-active α-diimine ligands

Uranium compounds supported by redox-active α-diimine ligands, which have methyl groups on the ligand backbone and bulky mesityl substituents on the nitrogen atoms {(Mes)DAB(Me) = [ArN═C(Me)C(Me)═NAr], where Ar = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl (Mes)}, are reported. The addition of 2 equiv of (Mes)DAB(Me), 3 equiv of KC(8), and 1 equiv of UI(3)(THF)(4) produced the bis(ligand) species ((Mes)DAB(Me))(2)U(THF) (1). The metallocene derivative, Cp(2)U((Mes)DAB(Me)) (2), was generated by the addition of an equimolar ratio of (Mes)DAB(Me) and KC(8) to Cp(3)U. The bond lengths in the molecular structure of both species confirm that the α-diimine ligands have been doubly reduced to form ene-diamide ligands. Characterization by electronic absorption spectroscopy shows weak, sharp transitions in the near-IR region of the spectrum and, in combination with the crystallographic data, is consistent with the formulation that tetravalent uranium ions are present and supported by ene-diamide ligands. This interpretation was verified by U L(III)-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and by variable-temperature magnetic measurements. The magnetic data are consistent with singlet ground states at low temperature and variable-temperature dependencies that would be expected for uranium(IV) species. However, both complexes exhibit low magnetic moments at room temperature, with values of 1.91 and 1.79 μ(B) for 1 and 2, respectively. Iodomethane was used to test the reactivity of 1 and 2 for multielectron transfer. While 2 showed no reactivity with CH(3)I, the addition of 2 equiv of iodomethane to 1 resulted in the formation of a uranium(IV) monoiodide species, ((Mes)DAB(Me))((Mes)DAB(Me2))UI {3; (Mes)DAB(Me2) = [ArN═C(Me)C(Me(2))NAr]}, which was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and U M(4)- and M(5)-edge XANES. Confirmation of the structure was also attained by deuterium labeling studies, which showed that a methyl group was added to the ene-diamide ligand carbon backbone.     

Half-sandwich η-benzene Ru(II) complexes of pyridylpyrazole and pyridylimidazole ligands: Synthesis, spectra, and structure

New series of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes supported by a group of bidentate pyridylpyrazole and pyridylimidazole ligands [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L²)Cl][PF₆] (1), [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(HL³)Cl][PF₆] (2), [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L⁴)Cl][PF₆] (3), and [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(HL⁵)Cl][PF₆] (4) [L², 2-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazol-1-ylmethyl]pyridine; HL³, 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole; L⁴, 1-benzyl-[3-(2′-pyridyl)]pyrazole; HL⁵, 2-(1-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine] are reported. The molecular structures of 1-4 both in the solid state by X-ray crystallography and in solution using ¹H NMR spectroscopy have been elucidated. Further, the crystal packing in the complexes is stabilized by C-H?X (X = Cl and π), N-H?Cl, and π-π interactions.     

Synthesis,characterization, and optoelectronic properties of heteroleptic iridium complexes containing substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole and β-diketone as ligands

The new heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes (BuOXD)₂Ir(tta) and (BuOXD)₂Ir(tmd) [BuOXD?=?2-(4-butyloxyphenyl)-5-phenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazolato-N4,C2, tta?=?1,1,1-trifluoro-4-thienylbutane-2,4-dionato, tmd?=?2,2,6,6-tetramethylheptane-3,5-dionato] have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes have two cyclometalated ligands (C^N) and a bidentate diketone ligand (X) [C^N)₂Ir(X)], where X is a β-diketone with trifluoromethyl, theonyl or t-butyl groups. The color tuning with the change in electronegativity of substituents in the β-diketones has been studied. Photoluminescence spectra of the complexes showed peak emissions at 523 and 549?nm, respectively. The electroluminescent properties of these complexes have been studied by fabricating multi layer devices with device structure ITO/α-NPD/8% iridium complex doped CBP/BCP/Alq₃/LiF/Al. The electroluminescence spectra also showed peak emissions at 526 and 570?nm for (BuOXD)₂Ir(tta) and (BuOXD)₂Ir(tmd), respectively. These metal complexes showed good thermal stability in air to 340°C.     

Zirconium and hafnium amide, alkoxide, and pyrrolyl complexes manifesting with pyrrolyl-linked N-donor ligands: Syntheses, characterization, and ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone

A series of zirconium and hafnium alkoxide and amide complexes containing symmetrical tridentate pyrrolyl ligand, [C₄H₂NH(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂] have been synthesized conveniently by treatment of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, tert-butanol or pyrrole in pentane and their reactivity over ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone have been carried out. Reactions of [C₄H₂NH(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂] with M(NEt₂)₄ (M = Zr or Hf) originate [C₄H₂N(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂]M(NEt₂)₃ (1, M = Zr; 2, M = Hf). Furthermore, reactions of [C₄H₂N(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂]M(NEt₂)₃ with 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, tert-butanol or pyrrole afford [C₄H₂N(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂]M(OC₆H₃-2,6-^tBu₂)(NEt₂)₂ (3, M = Zr; 4, M = Hf), [C₄H₂N(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂]M(O^tBu)₃ (5, M = Zr; 6, M = Hf) and [C₄H₂N(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂]M(C₄H₄N)₃ (7, M = Zr; 8, M = Hf), respectively, in satisfactory yield. All the complexes have been characterized by NMR spectra as well 3, 4 and 6 subjected to the X-ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 3-8 have been used as initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and observed broad PDI values (1.84-2.75) representing multiple reactivity centers of these complexes.     

Study on molecular and electronic structures, and spectroscopic properties of azide ruthenium complexes with pyridine and β-picoline ligands

The [Ru(N₃)₂(PPh₃)(py)₃] and [Ru(N₃)₂(PPh₃)₂(β-pic)₂] complexes have been prepared and studied by IR, NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The complexes were prepared in the reactions of [RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃] with pyridine, β-picoline and NaN₃ in methanol solutions. The electronic structures of the obtained complexes have been calculated using the DFT/TD-DFT method. The trans effect of triphenylphosphine on the pyridine molecule has been studied using NBO and molecular orbital terms, and impact of the acceptor properties of the halide/pseudohalide co-ligands was indicated.     

Syntheses,crystal structures,and characterization of three metal–organic complexes with 2,2′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid and phenanthroline ligands

Three complexes constructed with 2,2′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid, multidentate nitrogen donors, and metal salts, {[Cd(2,2′-dpdc)(tppp)(H₂O)]₂?·?2H₂O} _n (1), {[Pb(2,2′-dpdc)(pyphen)]₂} _n (2), and {[Pb(2,2′-dpdc)(dppz)]} _n (3) (H₂dpdc = 2,2′-diphenyldicarboxylic acid; tppp = 4-(1H-1,3,7,8-tetraazacyclopenta[l]phenanthren-2-yl)phenol; pyphen?=?pyrazino[2,3-f]-[1,10]phenanthroline; and dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine), are synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. These complexes are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR, TGA, and photoluminescence. In 1, two 2,2′-dpdc ions bridge two Cd(II) ions to form an isolated cluster with Cd?···?Cd distance of 5.023(4)?Å. These clusters are further linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds, yielding a 2-D supramolecular structure. Complex 2 contains two crystallographically independent Pb(II) ions in the asymmetric unit. Pb1 ions are bridged by 2,2′-dpdc anions to form a chain along the x-axis. Two Pb2 ions are coordinated by two 2,2′-dpdc anions and two pyphen ligands to form a cluster. These clusters are linked by π–π interactions to yield a 1-D supramolecular chain along the y-axis. In 3, neighboring Pb(II) atoms are bridged by 2,2′-dpdc anions to form a 1-D chain structure. Further, the chains are linked into a 3-D supramolecular network through aromatic π–π interactions.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure, and properties of two novel binuclear complexes based on Zaltoprofen and 2,2′-bipyridine ligands

Two novel binuclear metal-organic coordination complexes [M₂(Zaltoprofen)₂(Bipy)₂] [M = Cd (I), Zn (II); Zaltoprofen = 5-(1-carboxyethyl)-2-(phenylthio)phenylacetic acid, Bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR and electronic spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and fluorescent properties. Complexes I, II crystallize isomorphously in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c. Structural analysis shows that the M(II) atom of I and II is coordinated with four oxygen atoms from the carboxyl group of the Zaltoprofen together with two nitrogen atoms from the Bipy. The 3D structures of the complexes are stabilized by π-π stacking interactions.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes of azoimine and α-diimine ligands: synthesis,spectroscopic and electrochemical properties,crystal structures and DFT calculations

Five octahedral ruthenium(II) complexes with azoimine–quinoline (Azo) and α-diimine (L) ligands having the general formula [Ru^II(L)(Azo)Cl](PF₆) (1–5) {Azo: PhN=NC(COMe)=NC₉H₆N, L = 4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine (dmeb) (1), 4,4′-di-tertbutyl-2,2′-bipyridine (dtb) (2), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (3), 5-chlorophenanthroline (Clphen) (4), or 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (tmphen) (5)} were prepared by stepwise addition of the tridentate azoimine (H₂Azo) and α-diimine (L) pro-ligands to RuCl₃ in refluxing EtOH. The tridentate azoimine–quinoline ligands coordinate to ruthenium via the Azo-N′, N′-imine and N″-quinolone nitrogen atoms. The spectroscopic properties (IR, UV/Vis, ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹F NMR) and electrochemical behavior of complexes 1–5 and the X-ray crystal structures of complexes 2 and 3 are presented. The coordination of Ru(II) to these strong π-acceptor ligands (Azo and L) results in a large anodic shift for the Ru(III/II) couples of 1.63–1.72 V versus NHE. The electronic spectra in MeCN and IR spectra in CH₂Cl₂ for complex 3 in its oxidized 3 ⁺ and reduced 3 ^? forms were investigated. The calculated absorption spectrum of 3 in MeCN was used to assign the UV–Vis absorption bands.     

New tetradentate N,N,N,N-chelating α-diimine ligands and their corresponding zinc and nickel complexes: synthesis, characterisation and testing as olefin polymerisation catalysts

A series of zinc complexes of the general formula {[ZnCl(ArN=C(An)-C(An)=NAr)](+)}(2)[Zn(2)Cl(6)](2-) (where Ar = 2-(1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl 2a, 2-(1-(1-phenylethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl 2b, 2-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl 2c; An = acenaphthene backbone) were prepared by the condensation of acenaphthenequinone with the corresponding o-triazolyl-substituted anilines (2-(1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)aniline 1a, 2-(1-(1-phenylethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)aniline 1b, 2-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)aniline 1c) which were formed by the copper(I)-catalyzed Huisgen[3+2] dipolar cycloaddition between 2-ethynylaniline and the corresponding azides in high yields, using anhydrous ZnCl(2) as the metal template, in boiling glacial acetic acid. Zinc complexes of the type [ZnCl(ArN=C(An)-C(An)=NAr)](+)[ZnCl(3)(NCCH(3))](-) (4a-c) were synthesized by crystallisation of the corresponding complexes 2a-c in acetonitrile, at -20 °C. After removal of zinc dichloride from complexes 2a-c by the addition of potassium oxalate, in dichloromethane, the tetradentate N,N,N,N-chelating α-diimine ligands of the type ArN=C(An)-C(An)=NAr (5a-c) were obtained. The new ligand precursors and zinc complexes were characterised by elemental analysis, (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy, two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Reaction of the ligand precursors 5a-c with [NiBr(2)(DME)], in dichloromethane, gave nickel complexes of the type [NiBr(2)(ArN=C(An)-C(An)=NAr)] (6a-c). The results of single crystal X-ray diffraction characterisation and magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrated that nickel complexes 6a-c possess octahedral geometries around the nickel atoms with variable configurations, the Br atoms of which can be ionized when dissolved in methanol. In preliminary catalytic tests, complexes 6a-c revealed to be active as catalysts for the polymerisation of norbornene and styrene, when activated by cocatalyst MAO. The characterisation of the polymers by (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography/size-exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) revealed that these polymers were formed by a coordination addition mechanism.