Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of a family of tetra-, hexa-, and nonanuclear Mn/Ni heterometallic clusters

A family of Mn(III)/Ni(II) heterometallic clusters, [Mn(III)(4)Ni(II)(5)(OH)(4)(hmcH)(4)(pao)(8)Cl(2)]·5DMF (1·5DMF), [Mn(III)(3)Ni(II)(6)(N(3))(2)(pao)(10)(hmcH)(2)(OH)(4)]Br·2MeOH·9H(2)O (2·2MeOH·9H(2)O), [Mn(III)Ni(II)(5)(N(3))(4)(pao)(6)(paoH)(2)(OH)(2)](ClO(4))·MeOH·3H(2)O (3·MeOH·3H(2)O), and [Mn(III)(2)Ni(II)(2)(hmcH)(2)(pao)(4)(OMe)(2)(MeOH)(2)]·2H(2)O·6MeOH (4·2H(2)O·6MeOH) [paoH = pyridine-2-aldoxime, hmcH(3) = 2, 6-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-p-cresol], has been prepared by reactions of Mn(II) salts with [Ni(paoH)(2)Cl(2)], hmcH(3), and NEt(3) in the presence or absence of NaN(3) and characterized. Complex 1 has a Mn(III)(4)Ni(II)(5) topology which can be described as two corner-sharing [Mn(2)Ni(2)O(2)] butterfly units bridged to an outer Mn atom and a Ni atom through alkoxide groups. Complex 2 has a Mn(III)(3)Ni(II)(6) topology that is similar to that of 1 but with two corner-sharing [Mn(2)Ni(2)O(2)] units of 1 replaced with [Mn(3)NiO(2)] and [MnNi(3)O(2)] units as well as the outer Mn atom of 1 substituted by a Ni atom. 1 and 2 represent the largest 3d heterometal/oxime clusters and the biggest Mn(III)Ni(II) clusters discovered to date. Complex 3 possesses a [MnNi(5)(μ-N(3))(2)(μ-OH)(2)](9+) core, whose topology is observed for the first time in a discrete molecule. Careful examination of the structures of 1-3 indicates that the Mn/Ni ratios of the complexes are likely associated with the presence of the different coligands hmcH(2-) and/or N(3)(-). Complex 4 has a Mn(III)(2)Ni(II)(2) defective double-cubane topology. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc and ac magnetization studies were carried out on complexes 1-4. Fitting of the obtained M/(Nμ(B)) vs H/T data gave S = 5, g = 1.94, and D = -0.38 cm(-1) for 1 and S = 3, g = 2.05, and D = -0.86 cm(-1) for 3. The ground state for 2 was determined from ac data, which indicated an S = 5 ground state. For 4, the pairwise exchange interactions were determined by fitting the susceptibility data vs T based on a 3-J model. Complex 1 exhibits out-of-phase ac susceptibility signals, indicating it may be a SMM.     

Syntheses, structural characterization and properties of transition metal complexes of 5,5'-(1,4-phenylene)bis(1H-tetrazole) (H(2)bdt), 5',5'-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diylbis(1H-tetrazole) (H(2)dbdt) and 5,5',5'-(1,3,5-phenylene)tris(1H-tetrazole) (H(3)btt)

The hydrothermal chemistry of a variety of M(II)SO(4) salts with the tetrazole (Ht) ligands 5,5'-(1,4-phenylene)bis(1H-tetrazole) (H(2)bdt), 5',5'-(1,1'-biphenyl)4,4'-diylbis(1H-tetrazole) (H(2)dbdt) and 5,5',5'-(1,3,5-phenylene)tris(1H-tetrazole) (H(3)btt) was investigated. In the case of Co(II), three phases were isolated, two of which incorporated sulfate: [Co(5)F(2)(dbdt)(4)(H(2)O)(6)]·2H(2)O (1·2H(2)O), [Co(4)(OH)(2)(SO(4))(bdt)(2)(H(2)O)(4)] (2) and [Co(3)(OH)(SO(4))(btt)(H(2)O)(4)]·3H(2)O (3·3H(2)O). The structures are three-dimensional and consist of cluster-based secondary building units: the pentanuclear {Co(5)F(2)(tetrazolate)(8)(H(2)O)(6)}, the tetranuclear {Co(4)(OH)(2)(SO(4))(2)(tetrazolate)(6)}(4-), and the trinuclear {Co(3)(μ(3)-OH)(SO(4))(2) (tetrazolate)(3)}(2-) for 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The Ni(II) analogue [Ni(2)(H(0.67)bdt)(3)]·10.5H(2)O (4·10.5H(2)O) is isomorphous with a fourth cobalt phase, the previously reported [Co(2)(H(0.67)bat)(3)]·20H(2)O and exhibits a {M(tetrazolate)(3/2)}(∞) chain as the fundamental building block. The dense three-dimensional structure of [Zn(bdt)] (5) consists of {ZnN(4)}tetrahedra linked through bdt ligands bonding through N1,N3 donors at either tetrazolate terminus. In contrast to the hydrothermal synthesis of 1-5, the Cd(II) material (Me(2)NH(2))(3)[Cd(12)Cl(3)(btt)(8)(DMF)(12)]·xDMF·yMeOH (DMF = dimethylformamide; x = ca. 12, y = ca. 5) was prepared in DMF/methanol. The structure is constructed from the linking of {Cd(4)Cl(tetrazolate)(8)(DMF)(4)}(1-) secondary building units to produce an open-framework material exhibiting 66.5% void volume. The magnetic properties of the Co(II) series are reflective of the structural building units.     

Trinuclear, tetranuclear, and polymeric Cu(II) complexes from the first use of 2-pyridylcyanoxime in transition metal chemistry: synthetic, structural, and magnetic studies

The first use of 2-pyridylcyanoxime, (py)C(CN)NOH, in transition metal chemistry is described. Depending on the nature of the metal starting material and the reaction conditions employed, the Cu(II)/(py)C(CN)NOH system has provided access to complexes [Cu(3)O{(py)C(CN)NO}(3)(NO(3))(H(2)O)(2)(MeOH)] (1), [Cu(4)O{(py)C(CN)NO}(4)(O(2)CMe)(2)] (2), [Cu(4)(OH)(2){(py)C(CN)NO}(2)(O(2)CPh)(4)](2n)·n[Cu(4)(OH)(2){(py)C(CN)NO}(2)(O(2)CPh)(4)] (3), and [Cu{(py)C(CN)NO}(2)](n) (4). The molecule of 1 consists of three Cu(II) atoms in a strictly equilateral arrangement bridged by a central μ(3)-oxide group. The molecule of 2 consists of a tetrahedron of Cu(II) atoms held together by a central μ(4)-oxide ion, four η(1):η(1):η(1):μ-(py)C(CN)NO(-) ligands and two η(1):η(1):μ-MeCO(2)(-) groups. The crystal structure of 3 consists of [Cu(4)(OH)(2){(py)C(CN)NO}(2)(O(2)CPh)(4)](2n) double chains and discrete cluster [Cu(4)(OH)(2){(py)C(CN)NO}(2)(O(2)CPh)(4)] molecules. The crystal structure of 4 consists of neutral polymeric chains based on centrosymmetric mononuclear [Cu{(py)C(CN)NO}(2)] units. The Cu(II) atoms are doubly bridged by the oximate groups of two η(1):η(1):η(1):μ-(py)C(CN)NO(-) ligands. Variable-temperature, solid-state direct current (dc) magnetic susceptibility studies were carried out for 1-4. The data indicate very strong antiferromagnetic exchange interactions for 1-3. The obtained J values are discussed in depth on the basis of the structural parameters of the complexes, literature reports, and existing magnetostructural correlations.     

Syntheses of four-membered metallacyclic complexes with nitrosylruthenium and their ring-opening upon HCl addition

Symmetrically disubstituted bis(3-hydroxyalkynyl) complex [TpRu{C[triple chemical bond]CCPh(2)(OH)}(2)(NO)] (1) (Tp = BH(pyrazol-1-yl)(3)) and unsymmetrically mixed (arylalkynyl)(3-hydroxyalkynyl) congener [TpRu(C[triple chemical bond]CC(6)H(4)Me){C[triple chemical bond]CCPh(2)(OH)}(NO)] (2) were newly prepared. Treatment of 1 or 2 with p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate was carried out to give unusual four-membered metallacyclic complexes [TpRu{C(=C=CPh(2))C(O)C(=CPh(2))}(NO)] (3) and [TpRu{C(=C=CPh(2))C(O)CH(C(6)H(4)Me)}(NO)] (5), respectively, as major products. Formation mechanism of 3 and 5 would involve insertion of the generated allenylidene group (Ru=C=C=CPh(2)) into the other Ru--C(alkynyl) bond, followed by hydration of the resulting alpha-alkynyl--allenyl fragment. With regards to the chemical reactivity of their four-membered metallacycles, treatment with aq. HCl in MeOH afforded the ring-opened one-HCl adducts, [TpRuCl{C(=C=CPh(2))C(O)CH=CPh(2)}(NO)] (7) and [TpRuCl{C(=C=CPh(2))C(O)CH(2)(C(6)H(4)Me)}(NO)] (8). On the other hand, the use of CH(2)Cl(2) and THF as the reaction solvent gave another type of one-HCl adducts [TpRu{CH(C(Cl)=CPh(2))C(O)C(==CPh(2))}(NO)] (9 a/9 b) and [TpRu{CH(C(Cl)=CPh(2))C(O)CH(C(6)H(4)Me)}(NO)] (11 a/11 b) as diastereomeric pairs, still retaining the four-membered ring structure. Moreover, their kinetically controlled products 9 b and 11 b were treated with aq. HCl to afford the ring-opened two-HCl adducts [TpRuCl{C(C(Cl)=CPh(2))(H)C(O)CH=CPh(2)}(NO)] (10) and [TpRuCl{CH(C(6)H(4)Me)C(O)CH(2)(C(Cl)=CPh(2))}(NO)] (12), respectively. In 10 and 12, each one Ru--C bond is cleaved at mutually different positions in the ring. Protonation on the carbonyl group would trigger the formation of 7-12.     

Hydrolytic behaviour and chloride ion binding capability of [Ru(η6-p-cym)(H2O)3]2+: a solution equilibrium study

Hydrolysis of an organometallic cation, [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+) (p-cym = 1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene), in the presence of 0.20 M KNO(3) or KCl as supporting electrolyte was studied in detail with the combined use of pH-potentiometry, (1)H-NMR, UV-VIS and ESI-TOF-MS. Stoichiometry and stability constants of chlorido, hydroxido and mixed chlorido-hydroxido complexes formed in aqueous solution have been determined. At pH < 4.0 where hydrolysis of [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+) is negligible with increasing chloride ion concentration two chlorido complexes, [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(2)Cl](+) and [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-Cl)(3)](+), are detectable. At pH > 5.0, in chloride ion free samples the exclusive formation of [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(3)](+) is found. However, if chloride ion is present (in the range 0-3.50 M) novel mixed chlorido-hydroxido species, [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(2)-Cl)](+) and [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(μ(2)-Cl)(2)](+) can also be identified at pH > 4.0. The results obtained in this study may help in rationalizing the solution behaviour of half-sandwich [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(XY)Z] type complexes which, after dissociation of both the monodentate Z and the chelating XY, are capable of yielding the free aqua species [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+). Our results demonstrate that different chloride ion concentrations can influence the speciation in the acidic pH range but at biologically relevant conditions (pH = 7.4, c(Cl(-)) = 0.16 M) and at c(M) = 1 μM [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(3)](+) is predominant in the absence of any coordinating ligands.     

Unprecedented heptacopper(II) cluster with body-centred anti-prismatic topology. Structure, magnetism and density functional study

Using a (2-pyridyl)ethylamine-appended carboxylate ligand a new cluster [Cu(II)(7)(L)(4)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(DMF)(2)][ClO(4)](4)·4H(2)O (1) [L(2-): N-{CH(2)CH(2)(2-pyridyl)}(CH(2)CH(2)CO(2))(2)] is synthesized, as a result of 'coordination-driven self-assembly'. The structure of 1 is unique and consists of a centrosymmetric carboxylato- and hydroxo-bridged heptanuclear copper(II) cation, with body-centred anti-prismatic topology. The four crystallographically independent copper(II) centres differ markedly in their coordination geometry. In addition to establishing cluster authenticity, the structural analysis of 1 discloses two notable features. The existence of {Cu(II)(3)(μ(3)-OH)}(5+) core and H-bonded metal-coordinated carboxylate and water unit, with water acting as a proton donor. Both of these features have biological implications. Magnetic measurements reveal that in this unprecedented cluster the net magnetic-exchange is antiferromagnetic. The different types of magnetic-exchange coupling constants (J values) considered for magnetic data analysis appear to adopt a variety of values depending on the specific geometric parameters associated with two interacting copper(II) centres. Notably, for 1 a good agreement between the J values obtained from DFT calculations at the B3LYP level of theory and from the experimental data is achieved.     

New Cu(II) complexes based on the hydroxo-bridged dinuclear [Cu(OH)2Cu] units: step-like di- and trimerizations of [Cu(OH)2Cu] units

Four new Cu(II) complexes {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(NO(3))(2)(C(7)H(5)O(2))(2)·6H(2)O 1, {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(NO(3))(2)(C(5)H(6)O(4))·8H(2)O 2, {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(C(5)H(6)O(4))(2)·16H(2)O 3 and {[Cu(6)(bpy)(6)(OH)(6)(H(2)O)(2)]}(C(8)H(7)O(2))(6)·12H(2)O 4 were synthesized (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, H(2)(C(5)H(6)O(4)) = glutaric acid, H(C(7)H(5)O(2)) = benzoic acid, H(C(8)H(7)O(2)) = phenyl acetic acid). The building units in 1-3 are the tetranuclear [Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(H(2)O)(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)](4+) complex cations, and in 4 the hexanuclear [Cu(6)(bpy)(6)(H(2)O)(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)](6+) complex cations, respectively. The tetra- and hexanuclear cluster cores [Cu(4)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)] and [Cu(6)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)] in the complex cations could be viewed as from step-like di- and trimerization of the well-known hydroxo-bridged dinuclear [Cu(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)] entities via the out-of-plane Cu-O(H) bonds. The complex cations are supramolecularly assembled into (4,4) topological networks via intercationic ππ stacking interactions. The counteranions and lattice H(2)O molecules are sandwiched between the 2D cationic networks to form hydrogen-bonded networks in 1-3, while the phenyl acetate anions and the lattice H(2)O molecules generate 3D hydrogen-bonded anionic framework to interpenetrate with the (4,4) topological cationic networks with the hexanuclear complex cations in the channels. The ferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) ions in the [Cu(4)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)] cores of 1-3 is significantly stronger via equatorial-equatorial OH(-) bridges than via equatorial-apical ones. The outer and the central [Cu(2)(OH)(2)] unit within the [Cu(6)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)] cluster cores in 4 exhibit weak ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions, respectively. Results about i.r. spectra, thermal and elemental analyses are presented.     

Self-assembly, crystal structures, and properties of metal-2-sulfoterephthalate frameworks based on [M4(μ3-OH)2]6+ clusters (M = Co, Mn, Zn and Cd)

Hydro- and solvo-thermal reactions of d-block metal ions (Mn(2+), Co(2+), Zn(2+) and Cd(2+)) with monosodium 2-sulfoterephthalate (NaH(2)stp) form six 3D coordination polymers featuring cluster core [M(4)(μ(3)-OH)(2)](6+) in common: [M(2)(μ(3)-OH)(stp)(H(2)O)] (M = Co (1), Mn (2) and Zn (3)), [Zn(2)(μ(3)-OH)(stp)(H(2)O)(2)] (4), [Zn(4)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(stp)(2)(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)]·3.5H(2)O (5) and [Cd(2)(μ(3)-OH)(stp) (bpp)(2)]·H(2)O (6) (stp = 2-sulfoterephthalate, bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine and bpp = 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane). All these coordination polymers were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and elemental analysis. Complexes 1-3 are isostructural coordination polymers with 3D frameworks based on the chair-like [Zn(4)(μ(3)-OH)(2)](6+) core and the quintuple helixes. In complex 4, there exist double helixes in the 3D framework based on the chair-like cluster cores. Complex 5 possesses a 2-fold interpenetration structure constructed from boat-like cluster core and the bridging ligands stp and bpy. For complex 6, the chair-like cluster cores and stp ligands form a 2D (4,4) network which is further pillared by bpp linkers to a 3D architecture. Magnetic studies indicate that complex 1 exhibits magnetic ordering below 4.9 K with spin canting, and complex 2 shows weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the Mn(II) ions with g = 2.02, J(wb) = -2.88 cm(-1), J(bb) = -0.37 cm(-1). The fluorescence studies show that the emissions of complexes 3-6 are attributed to the ligand π-π* transition.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of novel tetranuclear organotitanoxane derivatives

Synthesis of the novel titanoxane compounds, [(TiCl)(TiOH){(Ti)[μ-(η(5)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)O-κO)](2)(μ-O)}(2)(μ-O)] (4) and [{Ti[μ-(η(5)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)O-κO)](μ-O)}(4)] (5) by controlled reaction of the dinuclear titanium oxo complex [{Ti{μ-(η(5)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)O-κO)}Cl](2)(μ-O)] (1) with 2 equiv of LiOH is reported. Complex 4 is innovative and remarkable. It is one of the rare known examples of tetranuclear stable terminal hydroxo titanium complexes, with an open-chained structure, which coincides with the transient metal monohydroxo proposed in the stepwise pathway employed to justify the formation of the hexanuclear complex [{Ti[μ-(η(5)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)O-κO)](μ-O)}(6)] (3) from 1. (1)H DOSY experiments were used to characterize complex 4. In addition, the structures of compound 5 and of precursor 1 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Lanthanide-tungstobismuthate clusters based on [BiW9O33]9- building units: synthesis, crystal structures, luminescent and magnetic properties

The reaction of Na(12)[Bi(2)W(22)O(74)(OH)(2)]·44H(2)O, Na(9)[BiW(9)O(33)]·16H(2)O, lanthanide chloride and Na(2)CO(3) in aqueous solution at a pH value of about 7.0 resulted in the three unprecedented giant lanthanide-tungstobismuthate clusters Na(x)H(22-x)[(BiW(9)O(33))(4)(WO(3)){Bi(6)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(3)}(Ln(3)(H(2)O)(6)CO(3))]·nH(2)O {Ln = Pr(3+) (1), Nd(3+) (2), La(3+) (3), x = 22 (1), 22 (2), 20 (3), n = 95 (1), 91 (2), 73 (3)}. These three complexes represent the first examples of lanthanide ions encapsulated in polyoxotungstobismuthates and the largest polytungstobismuthates so far. Furthermore, a [{Bi(6)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(3)}](7+) polyoxo cation was incorporated into the structure of these compounds. All complexes are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, electronic spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and elemental analysis. Magnetic investigation revealed that the progressive depopulation of excited Stark sublevels of the lanthanide ions at low temperature and the weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the neighboring metal centres are responsible for the magnetic properties of 1 and 2. The original synthesis strategy in this work may open a gateway to assembly of large lanthanide-tungstobismuthates clusters and novel multifunctional solid materials in aqueous solution under mild conditions.     

Solvothermal synthesis and characterization of polyselenidoarsenate salts of transition metal complex cations

The polyselenidoarsenates [Fe(phen)(3)][As(2)Se(6)] (1), [Zn(phen)(dien)][As(2)Se(6)]·2phen (2), [{Mn(phen)(2)}(2)(μ-η(2),η(2)-AsSe(4))](2)[As(2)Se(6)]·H(2)O (3), and [Ni(phen)(3)][As(2)Se(2)(μ-Se(3))(μ-Se(5))] (4) (dien = diethylenetriamine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) were prepared by the reaction of As(2)O(3), Se, dien, and phen in the presence of transition metals in a methanol solvent under solvothermal conditions. Compounds 1-3 consist of [As(2)Se(6)](2-) anions with [Fe(phen)(3)](2+), [Zn(phen)(dien)](2+), and [{Mn(phen)(2)}(2)(μ-η(2),η(2)-AsSe(4))](+) complex counter cations, respectively. The [As(2)Se(6)](2-) anion is formed from two As(III)Se(3) trigonal pyramids linked through two Se-Se bonds. Compound 3 is the first example of a mixed-valent selenidoarsenate(III,V) and exhibits the coexistence of As(III)Se(3) trigonal pyramidal and As(V)Se(4) tetrahedral units. Compound 4 is composed of a helical chain of [As(2)Se(2)(μ-Se(3))(μ-Se(5))(2-)](∞) and octahedral [Ni(phen)(3)](2+) cations. The [As(2)Se(2)(μ-Se(3))(μ-Se(5))(2-)](∞) chain is constructed from AsSe(+) units alternatively linked by μ-Se(3)(2-) and μ-Se(5)(2-) bridging ligands. When the structures of compounds 1-4 are compared, the transition metal ions show different structural directing effects during the synthesis of arsenic polyselenides in methanol. Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 exhibit semiconducting properties with band gaps of 1.88, 2.29, 1.82, and 2.01 eV, respectively.     

Assembly of trinuclear and tetranuclear building units of Cu2+ towards two 1D magnetic systems: synthesis and magneto-structural correlations

Two new 1D coordination polymers, [Cu(3)(μ(3)-OH)(ppk)(3)(μ-N(CN)(2))(OAc)](n) (1) and {[Cu(4)(pdmH)(2)(pdm)(2)(μ(2)-OH)(H(2)O)]·ClO(4)}(n) (2) based on two different blocking ligands phenyl-2-pyridylketoxime (ppk) and pyridine-2,6-dimethanol (pdmH(2)) have been synthesized and were characterized by X-ray single crystal structural analysis. In compound 1, the hydroxido-bridged trinuclear core, {Cu(3)(μ(3)-OH)(ppk)(3)(OAc)}, acts as secondary building units and are connected by the N(CN)(2)(-) anions resulting in a one dimensional (1D) coordination polymer. The 1D coordination chains undergo π-π interactions giving rise to a 3D supramolecular framework. In compound 2, tetrameric [Cu(4)(pdmH)(2)(pdm)(2)(H(2)O)](2+) cores are linked via hydroxido groups forming a zigzag 1D coordination chain where non-coordinated ClO(4)(-) ions are intercalated between the chains. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility study of suggests that Cu(II) ions in the trinuclear Cu(3)(μ(3)-OH) cores are antiferromagnetically coupled with J = -459.7 cm(-1) and g = 2.11 and the trinuclear cores are further weakly coupled antiferromagnetically (zj' = -5.25 cm(-1)) through the N(CN)(2)(-) bridging ligand. Investigation of the magnetic properties of reveals that Cu(II) ions are coupled antiferromagnetically in the tetranuclear core with J = -27.1 cm(-1) and g = 2.17; the Cu(II)(4) building units are further coupled antiferromagnetically with zj' = -9.65 cm(-1). The experimental magnetic behaviours of 1 and 2 are correlated by first principle DFT calculations which provide a qualitative understanding of the origin of antiferromagnetic interactions in both cases.     

Uranium(III)-mediated C-C-coupling of terminal alkynes: formation of dinuclear uranium(IV) vinyl complexes

The previously reported uranium(III) complex [(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(III)(DME)] (1; Ad = adamantane, DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) reacts with the terminal bis-alkynes 1,7-octadiyne or 1,6-heptadiyne in C-C-coupling reactions to form the uranium(IV) vinyl complexes [{(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(IV)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(1)-1,2-(CH)(2)-cyclohexane)] (2) and [{(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(IV)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-1,2-(CH)(2)-cyclopentane)] (3). With the monoalkynes 1-hexyne or 4-(t)butyl-phenylacetylene, the complexes [{(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(IV)}(2)(μ-η(2)(C1):η(1)(C4)-2-(n)Bu-1,3-octadiene)] (4) and [{(((Ad)ArO)(3)N)U(IV)}(2)(μ-η(2)(C4):η(1)(C1)-1,3-di-(p-(t)Bu-phenyl)butadiene))] (5), are formed. These are the first four examples of uranium vinyl complexes that are reported and crystallographically characterized. In addition, detailed DFT calculations are presented to establish a possible mechanism for their formation and explain the differences found for the coordination of the hydrocarbon fragments. In contrast to a previously proposed monometallic pathway for catalytic hydroamination of alkynes and alkyne dimerization involving a uranium vinyl intermediate at uranium(III) complexes, the calculations clearly support a bimetallic mechanism, since its transition states are energetically the most favored.     

Layered assemblies of a dialuminum-substituted silicotungstate trimer and the reversible interlayer cation-exchange properties

Two polyoxometalate assemblies, TBA(9)[{γ-H(2)SiW(10)O(36)Al(2)(μ-OH)(2)(μ-OH)}(3)] (1; TBA = tetra-n-butylammonium) and TBA(6)Li(3)[{γ-H(2)SiW(10)O(36)Al(2)(μ-OH)(2)(μ-OH)}(3)]·18H(2)O (2), were synthesized by trimerization of a dialuminum-substituted silicotungstate monomer. Both 1 and 2 possessed a layered structure composed of a basal sheet unit [TBA(3){γ-H(2)SiW(10)O(36)Al(2)(μ-OH)(2)(μ-OH)}(3)](6-) and interlayer cations. The interconversion between 1 and 2 reversibly took place through interlayer cation exchange.     

Reactions of beryllium halides in liquid ammonia: the tetraammineberyllium cation [Be(NH3)4]2+, its hydrolysis products, and the action of Be2+ as a fluoride-ion acceptor

The first structural characterization of the text-book tetraammineberyllium(II) cation [Be(NH(3))(4)](2+), obtained in the compounds [Be(NH(3))(4)](2)Cl(4)?17NH(3) and [Be(NH(3))(4)]Cl(2), is reported. Through NMR spectroscopic and quantum chemical studies, its hydrolysis products in liquid ammonia were identified. These are the dinuclear [Be(2)(μ-OH)(NH(3))(6)](3+) and the cyclic [Be(2)(μ-OH)(2)(NH(3))(4)](2+) and [Be(3)(μ-OH)(3)(NH(3))(6)](3+) cations. The latter species was isolated as the compound [Be(3)(μ-OH)(3)(NH(3))(6)]Cl(3)?7NH(3). NMR analysis of solutions of BeF(2) in liquid ammonia showed that the [BeF(2)(NH(3))(2)] molecule was the only dissolved species. It acts as a strong fluoride-ion acceptor and forms the [BeF(3)(NH(3))](-) anion in the compound [N(2)H(7)][BeF(3)(NH(3))]. The compounds presented herein were characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, (9)Be, (17)O, and (19)F?NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, deuteration studies, and quantum chemical calculations. The extension of beryllium chemistry to the ammine system shows similarities but also decisive differences to the aquo system.     

Multireversible redox processes in pentanuclear bis(triple-helical) manganese complexes featuring an oxo-centered triangular {Mn(II)2Mn(III)(μ3-O)}5+ or {Mn(II)Mn(III)2(μ3-O)}6+ core wrapped by two {Mn(II)2(bpp)3}-

A new pentanuclear bis(triple-helical) manganese complex has been isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction in two oxidation states: [{Mn(II)(μ-bpp)(3)}(2)Mn(II)(2)Mn(III)(μ-O)](3+) (1(3+)) and [{Mn(II)(μ-bpp)(3)}(2)Mn(II)Mn(III)(2)(μ-O)](4+) (1(4+)). The structure consists of a central {Mn(3)(μ(3)-O)} core of Mn(II)(2)Mn(III) (1(3+)) or Mn(II)Mn(III)(2) ions (1(4+)) which is connected to two apical Mn(II) ions through six bpp(-) ligands. Both cations have a triple-stranded helicate configuration, and a pair of enantiomers is present in each crystal. The redox properties of 1(3+) have been investigated in CH(3)CN. A series of five distinct and reversible one-electron waves is observed in the -1.0 and +1.50 V potential range, assigned to the Mn(II)(4)Mn(III)/Mn(II)(5), Mn(II)(3)Mn(III)(2)/Mn(II)(4)Mn(III), Mn(II)(2)Mn(III)(3)/Mn(II)(3)Mn(III)(2), Mn(II)Mn(III)(4)/Mn(II)(2)Mn(III)(3), and Mn(III)(5)/Mn(II)Mn(III)(4) redox couples. The two first oxidation processes leading to Mn(II)(3)Mn(III)(2) (1(4+)) and Mn(II)(2)Mn(III)(3) (1(5+)) are related to the oxidation of the Mn(II) ions of the central core and the two higher oxidation waves, close in potential, are thus assigned to the oxidation of the two apical Mn(II) ions. The 1(4+) and 1(5+) oxidized species and the reduced Mn(4)(II) (1(2+)) species are quantitatively generated by bulk electrolyses demonstrating the high stability of the pentanuclear structure in four oxidation states (1(2+) to 1(5+)). The spectroscopic characteristics (X-band electron paramagnetic resonance, EPR, and UV-visible) of these species are also described as well as the magnetic properties of 1(3+) and 1(4+) in solid state. The powder X- and Q-band EPR signature of 1(3+) corresponds to an S = 5/2 spin state characterized by a small zero-field splitting parameter (|D| = 0.071 cm(-1)) attributed to the two apical Mn(II) ions. At 40 K, the magnetic behavior is consistent for 1(3+) with two apical S = 5/2 {Mn(II)(bpp)(3)}(-) and one S = 2 noninteracting spins (11.75 cm(3) K mol(-1)), and for 1(4+) with three S = 5/2 noninteracting spins (13.125 cm(3) K mol(-1)) suggesting that the {Mn(II)(2)Mn(III)(μ(3)-O)}(5+) and {Mn(II)Mn(III)(2)(μ(3)-O)}(6+) cores behave at low temperature like S = 2 and S = 5/2 spin centers, respectively. The thermal behavior below 40 K highlights the presence of intracomplex magnetic interactions between the two apical spins and the central core, which is antiferromagnetic for 1(3+) leading to an S(T) = 3 and ferromagnetic for 1(4+) giving thus an S(T) = 15/2 ground state.     

Zinc-rich compounds of iron and cobalt: formation of [Fe2Zn(n)] (n = 2-4) and [Co2Zn3] cores

The reactions of heteroleptic GaCp*/CO containing transition metal complexes of iron and cobalt, namely [(CO)(3)M(μ(2)-GaCp*)(m)M(CO)(3)] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; M = Fe, m = 3; M = Co, m = 2) and [Fe(CO)(4)(GaCp*)], with ZnMe(2) in toluene and the presence of a coordinating co-solvent were investigated. The reaction of the iron complex [Fe(CO)(4)(GaCp*)] with ZnMe(2) in presence of tetrahydrofurane (thf) leads to the dimeric compound [(CO)(4)Fe{μ(2)-Zn(thf)(2)}(2)Fe(CO)(4)] (1). Reaction of [(CO)(3)Fe(μ(2)-GaCp*(3))Fe(CO)(3)] with ZnMe(2) and stoichiometric amounts of thf leads to the formation of [(CO)(3)Fe{μ(2)-Zn(thf)(2)}(2)(μ(2)-ZnMe)(2)Fe(CO)(3)] (2) containing {Zn(thf)(2)} as well as ZnMe ligands. Using pyridine (py) instead of thf leads to [(CO)(3)Fe{μ(2)-Zn(py)(2)}(3)Fe(CO)(3)] (3) via replacement of all GaCp* ligands by three{Zn(py)(2)} groups. In contrast, reaction of [(CO)(3)Co(μ(2)-GaCp*)(2)Co(CO)(3)] with ZnMe(2) in the presence of py or thf leads in both cases to the formation of [(CO)(3)Co{μ(2)-ZnL(2)}(μ(2)-ZnCp*)(2)Co(CO)(3)] (L = py (4), thf (5)) via replacement of GaCp* with {Zn(L)(2)} units as well as Cp* transfer from the gallium to the zinc centre. All compounds were characterised by NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis.     

Co-complexation of Lithium Gallates on the Titanium Molecular Oxide {[Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-O)}(3)(μ(3)-CH)

Amide and lithium aryloxide gallates [Li(+){RGaPh(3)}(-)] (R = NMe(2), O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3)) react with the μ(3)-alkylidyne oxoderivative ligand [{Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-O)}(3)(μ(3)-CH)] (1) to afford the gallium-lithium-titanium cubane complexes [{Ph(3)Ga(μ-R)Li}{Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-O)}(3)(μ(3)-CH)] [R = NMe(2) (3), O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3) (4)]. The same complexes can be obtained by treatment of the [Ph(3)Ga(μ(3)-O)(3){Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(3)(μ(3)-CH)] (2) adduct with the corresponding lithium amide or aryloxide, respectively. Complex 3 evolves with formation of 5 as a solvent-separated ion pair constituted by the lithium dicubane cationic species [Li{(μ(3)-O)(3)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-CH)}(2)](+) together with the anionic [(GaPh(3))(2)(μ-NMe(2))](-) unit. On the other hand, the reaction of 1 with Li(p-MeC(6)H(4)) and GaPh(3) leads to the complex [Li{(μ(3)-O)(3)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-CH)}(2)][GaLi(p-MeC(6)H(4))(2)Ph(3)] (6). X-ray diffraction studies were performed on 1, 2, 4, and 5, while trials to obtain crystals of 6 led to characterization of [Li{(μ(3)-O)(3)Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-CH)}(2)][PhLi(μ-C(6)H(5))(2)Ga(p-MeC(6)H(4))Ph] 6a.     

Zinc(II) ortho-hydroxyphenylhydrazo-β-diketonate complexes and their catalytic ability towards diastereoselective nitroaldol (Henry) reaction

The zinc(II) complexes with ortho-hydroxy substituted arylhydrazo-β-diketonates [Zn(2)(CH(3)OH)(2)(μ-L(1))(2)] (5), [Zn{(CH(3))(2)SO}(H(2)O)(L(2))] (6), [Zn(2)(H(2)O)(2)(μ-L(3))(2)] (7) and [Zn(H(2)O)(2)(L(4))]·H(2)O (8) were synthesized by reaction of a zinc(II) salt with the appropriate hydrazo-β-diketone, HO-2-C(6)H(4)-NHN=C{C(=O)CH(3)}(2) (H(2)L(1), 1), HO-2-O(2)N-4-C(6)H(3)-NHN=C{C(=O)CH(3)}(2) (H(2)L(2), 2), HO-2-C(6)H(4)-NHN=CC(=O)CH(2)C(CH(3))(2)CH(2)C(=O) (H(2)L(3), 3) or HO-2-O(2)N-4-C(6)H(3)-NHN=[CC(=O)CH(2)C(CH(3))(2)CH(2)C(=O) (H(2)L(4), 4). They were fully characterized, namely by X-ray diffraction analysis that disclosed the formation of extensive H-bonds leading to 1D chains (5 and 6), 2D layers (7) or 3D networks (8). The thermodynamic parameters of the Zn(II) reaction with H(2)L(2) in solution, as well as of the thermal decomposition of 1-8 were determined. Complexes 5-8 act as diastereoselective catalysts for the nitroaldol (Henry) reaction. The threo/erythro diastereoselectivity of the β-nitroalkanol products ranges from 8:1 to 1:10 with typical yields of 80-99%, depending on the catalyst and substrate used.     

Novel lanthanoid thioantimonates: the first coexistence of different types of thioantimonate anions in the same framework

Two novel lanthanoid thioantimonates [Sm(4)(tepa)(4)(μ-η(2),η(3)-Sb(3)S(7))(2)(μ-Sb(2)S(4))] (1, tepa = tetraethylenepentamine) and [Eu(2)(tepa)(2)(μ-SbS(3))(μ-OH)](2)(SbS(4))(OH)·H(2)O (2) were solvothermally synthesized. Compound 1 represents the only example of different types of [Sb(3)S(7)](5-) and [Sb(2)S(4)](2-) anions coexisting in the same lanthanoid thioantimonate framework, while 2 displays rare mixed-valent Sb(3+)/Sb(5+) character with the Sb(3+) in a noncondensed pyramid [Sb(III)S(3)](3-). The theoretical band structure and luminescence properties have also been investigated.