Synthesis, structures, and properties of ruthenium(II) complexes of N-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidenes

Mononuclear ruthenium complexes [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2a), [RuCl(L2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2b), [Ru(L1)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4a), [Ru(L2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4b), [Ru(L2)(2)](PF(6))(2) (5), [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (6), [RuCl(L1)(CO)(2)](PF(6)) (7), and [RuCl(L1)(CO)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (8), and a tetranuclear complex [Ru(2)Ag(2)Cl(2)(L1)(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](PF(6))(4) (3) containing 3-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)imidazolylidene (L1) and 3-butyl-1-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidene (L2) have been prepared and fully characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Both L1 and L2 act as pincer NNC donors coordinated to ruthenium (II) ion. In 3, the Ru(II) and Ag(I) ions are linked by two bridging Cl(-) through a rhomboid Ag(2)Cl(2) ring with two Ru(II) extending to above and down the plane. Complexes 2-8 show absorption maximum over the 354-428 nm blueshifted compared to Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) due to strong σ-donating and weak π-acceptor properties of NHC ligands. Electrochemical studies show Ru(II)/Ru(III) couples over 0.578-1.274 V.     

Octahedral Fe(II) and Ru(II) complexes based on a new bis 1,10-phenanthroline ligand that imposes a well defined axis.

A bis-chelating ligand (L1), made of two 7-(p-anisyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (phen) subunits connected with a p-(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(4)(CH(2))(2) spacer through their 4 positions, has been prepared, using Skraup syntheses and reaction of the anion of 4-methyl-7-anisyl-1,10-phenanthroline with alpha,alpha'-dibromo-p-xylene. Its Fe(II) complex, [FeL1(dmbp)](PF(6))(2), was prepared in one step by reaction of L1 with [Fe(dmbp)(3)](PF(6))(2) (dmbp = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine). On the other hand, its Ru(II) complex, [RuL1(dmbp)](PF(6))(2), was prepared in two steps from Ru(CH(3)CN)(4)Cl(2) and L1, followed by reaction with dmbp. X-ray crystal structure analyses show that in the two octahedral complexes, ligand L1 coils around the metal by coordination of the axial and two equatorial positions. It defines a 21 A long axis (O.O distance) running through the central metal and the terminal anisyl substituents. The complexes were also characterized by (1)H NMR, mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, electronic absorption, and, in the case of Ru(II), fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Sensitization and stabilization of TiO(2) photoanodes with electropolymerized overlayer films of ruthenium and zinc polypyridyl complexes: a stable aqueous photoelectrochemical cell

Overlayer thin films of vinylbipyridine (vbpy)-containing Ru and Zn complexes have been formed on top of ruthenium dye complexes adsorbed to TiO(2) by reductive electropolymerization. The goal was to create an efficient, water-stable photoelectrode or electrodes. An adsorbed-[Ru(vbpy)(2)(dcb)](PF(6))(2)/poly-[Ru(vbpy)(3)](PF(6))(2) surface composite displays excellent stability toward dissolution in water, but the added overlayer film greatly decreases incident photon-to-current conversion efficiencies (IPCE) in propylene carbonate with I(3)(-)/I(-) as the carrier couple. An ads-[Ru(vbpy)(2)(dcb)](PF(6))(2)/poly-[Zn(vbpy)(3)](PF(6))(2) composite displays no loss in IPCE compared to ads-[Ru(vbpy)(2)(dcb)](PF(6))(2) but is susceptible to film breakdown in the presence of water by solvolysis and loss of the cross-linking Zn(2+) ions. Success was attained with an ads-[Ru(vbpy)(2)(dcb)](PF(6))(2)/poly-[Ru(vbpy)(2)(dppe)](PF(6))(2) composite. In this case the electropolymerized layer is transparent in the visible. The composite electrode is stable in water, the IPCE in propylene carbonate with I(3)(-)/I(-) is comparable to the adsorbed complex, and a significant IPCE is observed in water with the quinone/hydroquinone carrier couple. The assembly [(bpy)(2)(CN)Ru(CN)Ru(vbpy)(2)(NC)Ru(CN)(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(2) ([Ru(CN)Ru(NC)Ru](PF(6))(2)) adsorbs spontaneously on TiO(2), and electropolymerization of thin layers of the assembly to give ads-[Ru(CN)Ru(NC)Ru](PF(6))(2)/poly-[Ru(CN)Ru(NC)Ru](PF(6))(2) enhances IPCE and has no deleterious effect on the IPCE/Ru.     

Reactions of acetonitrile coordinated to a nitrosylruthenium complex with H2O or CH(3)OH under mild conditions: structural characterization of imido-type complexes

The reaction of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH(3)CN)(bpy)(2)](3+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) in H(2)O at room temperature proceeded to afford two new nitrosylruthenium complexes. These complexes have been identified as nitrosylruthenium complexes containing the N-bound methylcarboxyimidato ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](2+), and methylcarboxyimido acid ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+), formed by an electrophilic reaction at the nitrile carbon of the acetonitrile coordinated to the ruthenium ion. The X-ray structure analysis on a single crystal obtained from CH(3)CN-H(2)O solution of cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(3) has been performed: C(22)H(20.5)N(6)O(2)P(2.5)F(15)Ru, orthorhombic, Pccn, a = 15.966(1) A, b = 31.839(1) A, c = 11.707(1) A, V = 5950.8(4) A(3), and Z = 8. The structural results revealed that the single crystal consisted of 1:1 mixture of cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](2+) and cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+) and the structural formula of this single crystal was thus [Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH(0.5))CH(3))(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(2.5). The reaction of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH(3)CN)(bpy)(2)](3+) in dry CH(3)OH-CH(3)CN at room temperature afforded a nitrosylruthenium complex containing the methyl methylcarboxyimidate ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OCH(3))CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+). The structure has been determined by X-ray structure analysis: C(25)H(29)N(8)O(18)Cl(3)Ru, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 13.129(1) A, b = 17.053(1) A, c = 15.711(1) A, beta = 90.876(5) degrees, V = 3517.3(4) A(3), and Z = 4.     

Mono- and dinuclear ruthenium(II) 1,6,7,12-tetraazaperylene complexes

We report the synthesis of free 1,6,7,12-tetraazaperylene (tape). Tape was obtained from 1,1'-bis-2,7-naphthyridine by potassium promoted cyclization followed by oxidation with air. Mono- and dinuclear ruthenium(II) 1,6,7,12-tetraazaperylene complexes of the general formulas [Ru(L-L)(2)(tape)](PF(6))(2), [1](PF(6))(2)-[5](PF(6))(2), and [{Ru(L-L)(2)}(2)(μ-tape)](PF(6))(4), [6](PF(6))(4)-[10](PF(6))(4), with{L-L = phen, bpy, dmbpy (4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), dtbbpy (4,4'-ditertbutyl-2,2'-bipyridine) and tmbpy (4,4'5,5'-tetramethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)}, respectively, were synthesized. The X-ray structures of tape·2CHCl(3) and the mononuclear complexes [Ru(bpy)(2)(tape)](PF(6))(2)·0.5CH(3)CN·0.5toluene, [Ru(dmbpy)(2)(tape)](PF(6))(2)·2toluene and [Ru(dtbbpy)(2)(tape)](PF(6))(2)·3acetone·0.5H(2)O were solved. The UV-vis absorption spectra and the electrochemical behavior of the ruthenium(ii) tape complexes were explored and compared with the data of the analogous dibenzoeilatin (dbneil), 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpym) and tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3',2'-h:2',3'-j]phenazin (tpphz) species.     

Nickel(II) complexes of tripodal 4N ligands as catalysts for alkane oxidation using m-CPBA as oxidant: ligand stereoelectronic effects on catalysis

Several mononuclear Ni(II) complexes of the type [Ni(L)(CH(3)CN)(2)](BPh(4))(2) 1-7, where L is a tetradentate tripodal 4N ligand such as N,N-dimethyl-N',N'-bis(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L1), N,N-diethyl-N',N'-bis(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L2), N,N-dimethyl-N'-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)-N'-(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L3), N,N-dimethyl-N',N'-bis(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L4), N,N-dimethyl-N',N'-bis(quinolin-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L5), tris(benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)amine (L6) and tris(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)amine (L7), have been isolated and characterized using CHN analysis, UV-Visible spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The single-crystal X-ray structures of the complexes [Ni(L1)(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2) 1a, [Ni(L2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](BPh(4))(2) 2, [Ni(L3)(CH(3)CN)(2)](BPh(4))(2) 3 and [Ni(L4)(CH(3)CN)(2)](BPh(4))(2) 4 have been determined. All these complexes possess a distorted octahedral coordination geometry in which Ni(II) is coordinated to four nitrogen atoms of the tetradentate ligands and two CH(3)CN (2, 3, 4) or one H(2)O and one CH(3)CN (1a) are located in cis positions. The Ni-N(py) bond distances (2.054(2)-2.078(3) ?) in 1a, 2 and 3 are shorter than the Ni-N(amine) bonds (2.127(2)-2.196(3) ?) because of sp(2) and sp(3) hybridizations of the pyridyl and tertiary amine nitrogens respectively. In 3 the Ni-N(im) bond (2.040(5) ?) is shorter than the Ni-N(py) bond (2.074(4) ?) due to the stronger coordination of imidazole compared with the pyridine donor. In dichloromethane/acetonitrile solvent mixture, all the Ni(ii) complexes possess an octahedral coordination geometry, as revealed by the characteristic ligand field bands in the visible region. They efficiently catalyze the hydroxylation of alkanes when m-CPBA is used as oxidant with turnover number (TON) in the range of 340-620 and good alcohol selectivity for cyclohexane (A/K, 5-9). By replacing one of the pyridyl donors in TPA by a weakly coordinating -NMe(2) or -NEt(2) donor nitrogen atom the catalytic activity decreases slightly with no change in the selectivity. In contrast, upon replacing the pyridyl nitrogen donor by the strongly σ-bonding imidazolyl or sterically demanding quinolyl/benzimidazolyl nitrogen donor, both the catalytic activity and selectivity decrease, possibly due to destabilization of the intermediate [(4N)(CH(3)CN)Ni-O˙](+) radical species. Adamantane is selectively (3°/2°, 12-17) oxidized to 1-adamantanol, 2-adamantanol and 2-adamantanone while cumene is selectively oxidized to 2-phenyl-2-propanol. In contrast to cyclohexane oxidation, the incorporation of sterically hindering quinolyl/benzimidazolyl donors around Ni(ii) leads to a high 3°/2° bond selectivity for adamantane oxidation. A linear correlation between the metal-ligand covalency parameter (β) and the turnover number has been observed.     

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.     

Substitution reactions of [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(3)][OTf](2)

The labile nature of the coordinated water ligands in the organometallic aqua complex [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(3)][OTf](2) (1) (dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2); OTf = OSO(2)CF(3)) has been investigated through substitution reactions with a range of incoming ligands. Dissolution of 1 in acetonitrile or dimethyl sulfoxide results in the facile displacement of all three waters to give [Ru(dppe)(CO)(CH(3)CN)(3)][OTf](2) (2) and [Ru(dppe)(CO)(DMSO)(3)][OTf](2) (3), respectively. Similarly, 1 reacts with Me(3)CNC to afford [Ru(dppe)(CO)(CNCMe(3))(3)][OTf](2) (4). Addition of 1 equiv of 2,2'-bipyridyl (bpy) or 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (Me(2)bpy) to acetone/water solutions of 1 initially yields [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(bpy)][OTf](2) (5a) and [Ru(dppe)(CO)(H(2)O)(Me(2)bpy)][OTf](2) (6a), in which the coordinated water lies trans to CO. Compounds 5a and 6a rapidly rearrange to isomeric species (5b, 6b) in which the ligated water is trans to dppe. Further reactivity has been demonstrated for 6b, which, upon dissolution in CDCl(3), loses water and coordinates a triflate anion to afford [Ru(dppe)(CO)(OTf)(Me(2)bpy)][OTf] (7). Reaction of 1 with CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)SH gives the dinuclear bridging thiolate complex [[(dppe)Ru(CO)](2)(mu-SCH(2)CH(2)CH(3))(3)][OTf] (8). The reaction of 1 with CO in acetone/water is slow and yields the cationic hydride complex [Ru(dppe)(CO)(3)H][OTf] (9) via a water gas shift reaction. Moreover, the same mechanism can also be used to account for the previously reported synthesis of 1 upon reaction of Ru(dppe)(CO)(2)(OTf)(2) with water (Organometallics 1999, 18, 4068).     

Trans ruthenium(II) complexes with NH-bridged tetradentate symmetric and asymmetric polypyridyl ligands

NH-Bridged tetradentate ligands were synthesized to achieve stable trans Ru(II) bis(polypyridyl) complexes. The polypyridyl part of the ligand was either symmetric, as in N,N-bis(1,10-phenanthroline-2-yl)amine (phen-NH-phen), or asymmetric, as in N-(1,10-phenanthroline-2-yl)-N-(6-yl-dipyridyl[2,3-a:2',3'-c]phenazine)amine (dppz-NH-phen). Protonation of phen-NH-phen with trifluoroacetic acid and the subsequent reaction with RuCl3 yield trans-[Ru(phen-NH-phen)Cl2]. The chloro ligands in this compound can easily be replaced by stronger ligands, such as CH3CN and DMSO. In this way, complexes trans-[Ru(phen-NH-phen)(CH3CN)(DMSO)](PF6)2 (1), trans-[Ru(phen-NH-phen)(DMSO)2](PF6)2 (2), and trans-[Ru(phen-NH-phen)(CH3CN)2](PF6)2 (3) were obtained. X-ray structures were determined for 1 and 3. Following a procedure similar to that used with phen-NH-phen, the complex trans-[Ru(dppz-NH-phen)(CH3CN)2](PF6)2 (4) was obtained. To our knowledge, this is the first reported trans ruthenium(II) bis(polypyridyl) complex with two different polypyridyl ligands in the equatorial plane.     

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3(NO2)]PF6, a synthon for [Ru(bpy)(L3)NO2] complexes

We report a high yield, two-step synthesis of fac-[Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 from the known complex [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)Cl]PF6 (p-cym = eta(6)-p-cymene). [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 is prepared by reacting [(p-cymene)Ru(bpy)Cl]PF6 with AgNO3/KNO2 or AgNO2. The 15NO2 analogue is prepared using K15NO2. Displacement of p-cymene from [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 by acetonitrile gives [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6. The new complexes [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 and fac-[Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 have been fully characterized by 1H and 15N NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and single-crystal structure determination. Reaction of [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 with the appropriate ligands gives the new complexes [Ru(bpy)(Tp)NO2] (Tp = HB(pz)3-, pz = 1-pyrazolyl), [Ru(bpy)(Tpm)NO2]PF6 (Tpm = HC(pz)3), and the previously prepared [Ru(bpy)(trpy)NO2]PF6 (trpy = 2,2',6',2' '-terpyridine). Reaction of the nitro complexes with HPF6 gives the new nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bpy)TpNO][PF6]2 and [Ru(bpy)(Tpm)NO][PF6]3. All complexes were prepared with 15N-labeled nitro or nitrosyl groups. The nitro and nitrosyl complexes were characterized by 1H and 15N NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal structure determination for [Ru(bpy)TpNO][PF6]2. For the nitro complexes, a linear correlation is observed between the nitro 15N NMR chemical shift and 1/nu(asym), where nu(asym) is the asymmetric stretching frequency of the nitro group.     

N,N,N ',N '-Tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine and its analogues as hypodentate ligands. Synthesis and characterization of the rhodium(III), ruthenium(II), and palladium(II) complexes

New complexes of Rh(III), Ru(II), and Pd(II) with N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (tpen) and its analogues have been prepared. The reaction of RhCl(3).nH(2)O with tpen is slow and allows one to isolate the products of three consecutive substitution steps: Rh(2)Cl(6)(tpen) (1), cis-[RhCl(2)(eta(4)-tpen)](+) (2), and [RhCl(eta(5)-tpen)](2+) (3). In acetonitrile the reaction stops at the step of the formation of cis-[RhCl(2)(eta(4)-tpen)](+), whereas [RhCl(eta(5)-tpen)](2+) is the final product of the further reaction in ethanol. Fully chelated [Rh(tpen)](3+) could not be obtained. Bis(acetylacetonato)palladium(II), Pd(acac)(2), reacts with tpen and its analogues, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-propanediamine (tptn) and N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-(R)-1,2-propylenediamine (R-tppn), to give [Pd(eta(4)-tpen)](2+) (4), [Pd(eta(4)-tppn)](2+) (5), and [Pd(eta(4)-tptn)](2+) (6), respectively. Two pyridyl arms remain uncoordinated in these cases. The formation of unstable Pd(III) complexes from these Pd(II) complexes in solution was suggested on the basis of electrochemical measurements. Ruthenium(III) trichloride, RuCl(3).nH(2)O, is reduced to give a Ru(II) complex with fully coordinated tpen, [Ru(tpen)](2+) (7). The same product was obtained in a more straightforward reaction of Ru(II)Cl(2)(dimethyl sulfoxide)(4) with tpen. Electrochemical studies showed a quasi-reversible [Ru(tpen)](2+/3+) couple for [7](ClO(4))(2) (E(1/2) = 1.05 V vs Ag/AgCl). Crystal structures of [2](PF(6)).2CH(3)CN, [3](PF(6))(2).CH(3)CN, [6](ClO(4))(2), and [7](ClO(4))(2).0.5H(2)O were determined. Crystal data: [2](PF(6)).2CH(3)CN, monoclinic, C2, a = 16.974(4) A, b = 8.064(3) A, c = 13.247(3) A, beta = 106.37(2) degrees, V = 1739.9(8) A(3), Z = 2; [3](PF(6))(2).CH(3)CN, triclinic, P1, a = 11.430(1) A, b = 19.234(3) A, c = 8.101(1) A, alpha = 99.43(1) degrees, beta = 93.89(1) degrees, gamma = 80.10(1) degrees, V = 1729.3(4) A(3), Z = 2; [6](ClO(4))(2), orthorhombic, Pnna, a = 8.147(1) A, b = 25.57(1) A, c = 14.770(4) A, V = 3076(3) A(3), Z = 4; [7](ClO(4))(2).0.5H(2)O, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.046(7) A, b = 19.049(2) A, c = 15.696(3) A, beta = 101.46(3) degrees, V = 2943(2) A(3), Z = 4.     

Dependence of field switched ordered arrays of dinuclear mixed-valence complexes on the distance between the redox centers and the size of the counterions

trans-[(H(2)NCH(2)CH(2)C triple bond N)(dppe)(2)Ru(C triple bond C)(6)Ru(dppe)(2)(N triple bond CCH(2)CH(2)NH(2))][PF(6)](2), 2[PF(6)](2), a derivative of trans-[Cl(dppe)(2)Ru(C triple bond C)(6)Ru(dppe)(2)Cl] functionalized for binding to a silicon substrate, has been prepared and characterized spectroscopically, electrochemically, and with a solid state, single-crystal structure determination. Covalent binding via reaction of one amine group to a boron-doped, smooth Si-Cl substrate is verified by XPS measurements and surface electrochemistry. Vertical orientation is demonstrated by film thickness measurements. Synthesis of the 2[PF(6)](3) mixed-valence complex on the surface is established by electrochemical techniques. Measurement of the ac capacitance of the film at 1 MHz as a function of voltage across the film with a pulse-counter pulse technique demonstrates controlled electric field generation of the two stable mixed-valence forms differing in the spatial location of one electron, that is, switching. As compared to [trans-Ru(dppm)(2)(C triple bond CFc)(NCCH(2)CH(2)NH(2))][PF(6)][Cl], 1[PF(6)][Cl], the magnitude of the capacitance signal per complex observed on switching is shown to increase with increasing distance between the metal centers. Additional experiments on 1[X][Cl] show that the potential for switching 1[X][Cl] increases in the order [X](-) = [SO(3)CF(3)](-) < [PF(6)](-) < [Cl](-). A simple electrostatic model suggests that the smaller is the counterion, the greater is the perturbation of the metal sites and the larger is the barrier for switching.     

Formation and coordination modes of the C4E4 moiety (E = COOMe) bound to two palladium(II) moieties

The transmetallation of the palladacyclopentadiene complex Pd{C(COOMe)C(COOMe)C(COOMe)C(COOMe)}(bipy) with the dicationic Pd(II) complex [Pd(bipy)(CH(3)CN)(2)][BF(4)](2) afforded a terminally σ-palladated diene complex [Pd(2){μ-η(1):η(1)-C(COOMe)C(COOMe)C(COOMe)C(COOMe)}(bipy)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][BF(4)](2). It was revealed by X-ray crystallographic analysis that replacement of the acetonitrile ligands in a terminally σ-palladated diene complex with PPh(3) ligands resulted in the conformation change of the σ-palladated diene moiety from skewed s-cis to planar s-trans. Treatment of a bis-triphenylphosphine dipalladium complex [Pd(2)(PPh(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)][PF(6)](2) with dimethoxyacetylene dicarboxylate (DMAD) (1 equiv.) in acetonitrile resulted in the insertion of DMAD to the Pd-Pd bond to afford [Pd(2){μ-η(1):η(1)-C(COOMe)C(COOMe)}(PPh(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)][PF(6)](2). Addition of the second DMAD gave the ylide-type complex [Pd(2){μ-η(2):η(3)-C(COOMe)C(COOMe)C(COOMe)C(COOMe)(PPh(3))}(PPh(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)][PF(6)](2) of which the structure was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis.     

Hybrid cluster-cages formed via cyanometalate condensation: Cs subset Co(4)Ru(6)S(2)(CN)(12), Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(CN)(9), and Rh(4)Ru(9)S(6)(CN)(9) frameworks

Condensation of cyanometalates and cluster building blocks leads to the formation of hybrid molecular cyanometalate cages. Specifically, the reaction of [Cs subset [CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[CpRu](3)] and [(cymene)(2)Ru(3)S(2)(NCMe)(3)]PF(6) produced [Cs subset [CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[(cymene)(2)Ru(3)S(2)][CpRu](3)](PF(6))(2), Cs subset Co(4)Ru(6)S(2)(2+). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, and ESI-MS measurements show that Cs subset Co(4)Ru(6)S(2)(2+ ) consists of a Ru(4)Co(4)(CN)(12) box fused with a Ru(3)S(2) cluster via a common Ru atom. The reaction of PPN[CpCo(CN)(3)] and 0.75 equiv of [(cymene)(2)(MeCN)(3)Ru(3)S(2)](PF(6))(2) in MeCN solution produced [[CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[(cymene)(2)Ru(3)S(2)](3)](PF(6))(2), Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+). Crystallographic analysis, together with NMR and ESI-MS measurements, shows that Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+ ) consists of a Ru(3)Co(4)(CN)(9) "defect box" core, wherein each Ru is fused to a Ru(3)S(2) clusters. The analogous condensation using [CpRh(CN)(3)](-) in place of [CpCo(CN)(3)](-) produced the related cluster-cage Rh(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+). Electrochemical analyses of both Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+) and Rh(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+) can be rationalized in the context of reduction at the cluster and the Co(III) subunits, the latter being affected by the presence of alkali metal cations.     

General synthesis of (salen)ruthenium(III) complexes via N...N coupling of (salen)ruthenium(VI) nitrides

Reaction of [Ru (VI)(N)(L (1))(MeOH)] (+) (L (1) = N, N'-bis(salicylidene)- o-cyclohexylenediamine dianion) with excess pyridine in CH 3CN produces [Ru (III)(L (1))(py) 2] (+) and N 2. The proposed mechanism involves initial equilibrium formation of [Ru (VI)(N)(L (1))(py)] (+), which undergoes rapid N...N coupling to produce [(py)(L (1))Ru (III) N N-Ru (III)(L (1))(py)] (2+); this is followed by pyridine substituion to give the final product. This ligand-induced N...N coupling of Ru (VI)N is utilized in the preparation of a series of new ruthenium(III) salen complexes, [Ru (III)(L)(X) 2] (+/-) (L = salen ligand; X = H 2O, 1-MeIm, py, Me 2SO, PhNH 2, ( t )BuNH 2, Cl (-) or CN (-)). The structures of [Ru (III)(L (1))(NH 2Ph) 2](PF 6) ( 6), K[Ru (III)(L (1))(CN) 2] ( 9), [Ru (III)(L (2))(NCCH 3) 2][Au (I)(CN) 2] ( 11) (L (2) = N, N'-bis(salicylidene)- o-phenylenediamine dianion) and [N ( n )Bu 4][Ru (III)(L (3))Cl 2] ( 12) (L (3) = N, N'-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine dianion) have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Supramolecular structural variations with changes in anion and solvent in silver(I) complexes of a semirigid, bitopic tris(pyrazolyl)methane ligand

The bitopic ligand p-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2) (pz = pyrazolyl ring) that contains two tris(pyrazolyl)methane units connected by a semirigid organic spacer reacts with silver(I) salts to yield [p-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2)(AgX)(2)]( infinity ), where X = CF(3)SO(3)(-) (1), SbF(6)(-) (2), PF(6)(-) (3), BF(4)(-) (4), and NO(3)(-) (5). Crystallization of the first three compounds from acetone yields [p-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2)(AgCF(3)SO(3))(2)]( infinity ) (1a), [p-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2)(AgSbF(6))(2)[(CH(3))(2)CO](2)]( infinity ) (2b), and [p-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2)AgPF(6)]( infinity ) (3a), where the stoichiometry for the latter compound has changed from a metal:ligand ratio of 2:1 to 1:1. The structure of 1a is based on helical argentachains constructed by a kappa(2)-kappa(1) coordination to silver of the tris(pyrazolyl)methane units. These chains are organized into a tubular 3D structure by cylindrical [(CF(3)SO(3))(6)](6)(-) clusters that form weak C-H...O hydrogen bonds with the bitopic ligand. The same kappa(2)-kappa(1) coordination is present in the structure of 2a, but the structure is organized by six different tris(pyrazolyl)methane units from six ligands bonding with six silvers to form a 36-member argentamacrocycle core. The cores are organized in a tubular array by the organic spacers where each pair of macrocycles sandwich six acetone molecules and one SbF(6)(-) counterion. The structure of 3a is based on a kappa(2)-kappa(0) coordination mode of each tris(pyrazolyl)methane unit forming a helical coordination polymer, with two strands organized in a double stranded helical structure by a series of C-H...pi interactions between the central arene rings. Crystallization of 2-4 from acetonitrile yields complexes of the formula [p-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2)[(AgX)(2)(CH(3)CN)(n)]]( infinity ) where n = 2 for X = SbF(6)(-) (2b), X = PF(6)(-) (3b) and n = 1 for X = BF(4)(-) (4b). All three structures contain argentachains formed by a kappa(2)-kappa(1) coordination mode of the tris(pyrazolyl)methane units linked by the organic spacer and arranged in a 2D sheet structure with the anions sandwiched between the sheets. Crystallization of 5 from acetonitrile yields crystals of the formula [p-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2)(AgNO(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)]( infinity ), where the nitrate is bonded to the silver. The argentachains, again formed by kappa(2)-kappa(1) coordination, are arranged in W-shaped sheets that have an overall configuration very different from 2b-4b. Treating [p-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2)(AgSbF(6))(2)]( infinity ) with a saturated aqueous solution of KPF(6) or KO(3)SCF(3) slowly leads to complete exchange of the anion. Crystallization of a sample that contains an approximately equal mixture of SbF(6)(-)/PF(6)(-) from acetonitrile yields [p-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2)[Ag(2)(PF(6))(0.78(1))(SbF(6))(1.22(1))(CH(3)CN)(2)][(CH(3)CN)(0.25) (C(4)H(10)O)(0.25)]]( infinity ), a compound with a sheet structure analogous to 2b-4b. Crystallization of the same mixture from acetone yields [p-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2)(AgSbF(6))[(CH(3))(2)CO](1.5)]( infinity ), where the metal-to-ligand ratio is 1:1 and the [C(pz)(3)] units are kappa(2)-kappa(0) bonded forming a coordination polymer. The supramolecular structures of all species are organized by a combination of C-H...pi, pi-pi, or weak C-H-F(O) hydrogen bonding interactions.     

Fast, efficient Ru(IV)-catalysed regioselective allylation of indoles using allyl alcohol (without additives) under mild conditions

The new Ru(IV) salt, [Ru(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))(Cp*)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2), is an excellent catalyst for the regioselective allylation of a variety of indole compounds using allyl alcohol as substrate; there are no co-catalysts required in this chemistry and the yields and reaction conditions are very favorable.     

New dicarboxylic acid bipyridine ligand for ruthenium polypyridyl sensitization of TiO2

An ambidentate dicarboxylic acid bipyridine ligand, (4,5-diazafluoren-9-ylidene) malonic acid (dfm), was synthesized for coordination to Ru(II) and mesoporous nanocrystalline (anatase) TiO(2) thin films. The dfm ligand provides a conjugated pathway from the pyridyl rings to the carbonyl carbons of the carboxylic acid groups. X-ray crystal structures of [Ru(bpy)(2)(dfm)]Cl(2) and the corresponding diethyl ester compound, [Ru(bpy)(2)(defm)](PF(6))(2), were obtained. The compounds displayed intense metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption bands in the visible region (ε > 11,000 M(-1) cm(-1) for [Ru(bpy)(2)(dfm)](PF(6))(2) in acetonitrile). Significant room temperature photoluminescence, PL, was absent in CH(3)CN but was observed at 77 K in a 4:1 EtOH:MeOH (v:v) glass. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed quasi-reversible Ru(III/II) electrochemistry. Ligand reductions were quasi-reversible for the diethyl ester compound [Ru(bpy)(2)(defm)](2+), but were irreversible for [Ru(bpy)(2)(dfm)](2+). Both compounds were anchored to TiO(2) thin films by overnight reactions in CH(3)CN to yield saturation surface coverages of 3 × 10(-8) mol/cm(2). Attenuated total reflection infrared measurements revealed that the [Ru(bpy)(2)(dfm)](2+) compound was present in the deprotonated carboxylate form when anchored to the TiO(2) surface. The MLCT excited states of both compounds injected electrons into TiO(2) with quantum yields of 0.70 in 0.1 M LiClO(4) CH(3)CN. Micro- to milli-second charge recombination yielded ground state products. In regenerative solar cells with 0.5 M LiI/0.05 M I(2) in CH(3)CN, the Ru(bpy)(2)(dfm)/TiO(2) displayed incident photon-to-current efficiencies of 0.7 at the absorption maximum. Under the same conditions, the diethylester compound was found to rapidly desorb from the TiO(2) surface.     

Spectroelectrochemistry and DFT analysis of a new {RuNO}n redox system with multifrequency EPR suggesting conformational isomerism in the {RuNO}7 state

The compound [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)](PF6)3, bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine and terpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine, with a {RuNO}6 configuration (angle Ru-N-O 175.2(4) degrees ) was obtained from the structurally characterized precursor [Ru(NO2)(bpym)(terpy)](PF6), which shows bpym-centered reduction and metal-centered oxidation, as evident from EPR spectroscopy. The relatively labile [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)](3+), which forms a structurally characterized acetonitrile substitution product [Ru(CH3CN)(bpym)(terpy)](PF6)2 upon treatment with CH3OH/CH3CN, is electrochemically reduced in three one-electron steps of which the third, leading to neutral [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)], involves electrode adsorption. The first-two reduction processes cause shifts of nu(NO) from 1957 via 1665 to 1388 cm(-1), implying a predominantly NO-centered electron addition. UV-vis-NIR Spectroscopy shows long-wavelength ligand-to-ligand charge transfer absorptions for [Ru(II)(NO(-I))(bpym)(terpy)]+ in the visible region, whereas the paramagnetic intermediate [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)](2+) exhibits no distinct absorption maximum above 309 nm. EPR spectroscopy of the latter at 9.5, 95, and 190 GHz shows the typical invariant pattern of the {RuNO}7 configuration; however, the high-frequency measurements at 4 and 10 K reveal a splitting of the g1 and g2 components, which is tentatively attributed to conformers resulting from the bending of RuNO. DFT calculations support the assignments of oxidation states and the general interpretation of the electronic structure.     

Dinuclear silver(I) complexes for the design of metal-ligand networks based on triazolopyrimidines

Silver(I) coordination complexes with the versatile and biomimetic ligands 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (tp), 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (dmtp) and 7-amine-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (7atp) all feature dinuclear [Ag(2)(μ-tp)(2)](2+) building units (where tp is a triazolopyrimidine derivative), which are the preferred motif, independently of the counter-anion used. According to AIM (atoms in molecules) and ELF (electron localization function) analyses, this fact is due to the great stability of these dinuclear species. The complexes structures range from the dinuclear entities [Ag(2)(μ-tp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)](BF(4))(2) (1), [Ag(2)(μ-tp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)](ClO(4))(2) (2), [Ag(2)(μ-7atp)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (3) and [Ag(2)(μ-dmtp)(2)(CH(3)CN)](PF(6))(ClO(4)) (4) over the 1D polymer chain [Ag(2)(μ-CF(3)SO(3))(2)(μ-dmtp)(2)](n) (5) to the 3D net {[Ag(2)(μ(3)-tp)(2)](PF(6))(2)·～6H(2)O}(n) (6) with NbO topology.