High-spin molecules: synthesis,X-ray characterization,and magnetic behavior of two new cyano-bridged Ni(II)(9)Mo(V)(6) and Ni(II)(9)W(V)(6) clusters with a S = 12 ground state

The preparations, X-ray structures, and magnetic characterizations are presented for two new pentadecanuclear cluster compounds: [Ni(II)(Ni(II)(MeOH)(3))(8)(mu-CN)(30)(M(V)(CN)(3))(6)].xMeOH.yH(2)O (M(V) = Mo(V) (1) with x = 17, y = 1; M(V) = W(V) (2) with x = 15, y = 0). Both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with cell dimensions of a = 28.4957(18) A, b = 19.2583(10) A, c = 32.4279(17) A, beta = 113.155(6) degrees, and Z = 4 for 1 and a = 28.5278(16) A, b = 19.2008(18) A, c = 32.4072(17) A, beta = 113.727(6) degrees, and Z = 4 for 2. The structures of 1 and 2 consist of neutral cluster complexes comprising 15 metal ions, 9 Ni(II) and 6 M(V), all linked by mu-cyano ligands. Magnetic susceptibilities and magnetization measurements of compounds 1 and 2 in the crystalline and dissolved state indicate that these clusters have a S = 12 ground state, originating from intracluster ferromagnetic exchange interactions between the mu-cyano-bridged metal ions of the type Ni(II)-NC-M(V). Indeed, these data show clearly that the cluster molecules stay intact in solution. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that the cluster compounds exhibit magnetic susceptibility relaxation phenomena at low temperatures since, with nonzero dc fields, chi"(M) has a nonzero value that is frequency dependent. However, there appears no out-of-phase (chi"(M)) signal in zero dc field down to 1.8 K, which excludes the expected signature for a single molecule magnet. This finding is confirmed with the small uniaxial magnetic anisotropy value for D of 0.015 cm(-1), deduced from the high-field, high-frequency EPR measurement, which distinctly reveals a positive sign in D. Obviously, the overall magnetic anisotropy of the compounds is too low, and this may be a consequence of a small single ion magnetic anisotropy combined with the highly symmetric arrangement of the metal ions in the cluster molecule.     

Germanium-rich pentaruthenium carbonyl clusters including Ru(5)(CO)(11)(mu-GePh(2))(4)(mu(5)-C) and its reactions with hydrogen

The reaction of Ru(5)(CO)(15)(mu(5)-C), 1, with Ph(3)GeH at 150 degrees C has yielded two new germanium-rich pentaruthenium cluster complexes: Ru(5)(CO)(11)(mu-CO)(mu-GePh(2))(3)(mu(5)-C), 2; Ru(5)(CO)(11)(mu;-GePh(2))(4)(mu(5)-C), 3. Both compounds contain square pyramidal Ru(5) clusters with GePh(2) groups bridging three and four of the edges of the Ru(5) square base, respectively. When treated with 1 equiv of Ph(3)GeH at 150 degrees C compound 2 is converted to 3. Reaction of 3 with H(2) at 150 degrees C yielded Ru(5)(CO)(10)(mu-GePh(2))(4)(mu(5)-C)(mu-H)(2), 4, containing two hydride ligands and one less CO ligand. Reaction of 4 with hydrogen at 150 degrees C yielded the compound Ru(5)(CO)(10)(mu-GePh(2))(2)(mu(3)-GePh)(2)(mu(3)-H)(mu(4)-CH), 5, by loss of benzene and conversion of two of the bridging GePh(2) groups into triply bridging GePh groups. Compound 5 contains one triply bridging hydride ligand and a quadruply bridging methylidyne ligand formed by addition of one hydrogen atom to the carbido carbon atom.     

Structures and photoelectron spectroscopy of Cu(n)(BO2)m-(n, m=1, 2) clusters: observation of hyperhalogen behavior

The electronic structures of CuBO(2)(-), Cu(BO(2))(2)(-), Cu(2)(BO(2))(-), and Cu(2)(BO(2))(2)(-) clusters were investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy. The measured vertical and adiabatic detachment energies of these clusters revealed unusual properties of Cu(BO(2))(2) cluster. With an electron affinity of 5.07 eV which is larger than that of its BO(2) superhalogen (4.46 eV) building-block, Cu(BO(2))(2) can be classified as a hyperhalogen. Density functional theory based calculations were carried out to identify the ground state geometries and study the electronic structures of these clusters. Cu(BO(2)) and Cu(BO(2))(2) clusters were found to form chainlike structures in both neutral and anionic forms. Cu(2)(BO(2)) and Cu(2)(BO(2))(2) clusters, on the other hand, preferred a chainlike structure in the anionic form but a closed ringlike structure in the neutral form. Equally important, substantial differences between adiabatic detachment energies and electron affinities were found, demonstrating that correct interpretation of the experimental photoelectron spectroscopy data requires theoretical support not only in determining the ground state geometry of neutral and anionic clusters, but also in identifying their low lying isomers.     

Nickel(II)-molybdenum(III)-cyanide clusters: synthesis and magnetic behavior of species incorporating [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)

The substitution of Mo(III) for Cr(III) in metal-cyanide clusters is demonstrated as an effective means of increasing the strength of the magnetic exchange coupling and introducing magnetic anisotropy. Synthesis of the octahedral complex [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)] (Me(3)tacn = N,N',N"-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) is accomplished with the addition of precisely 3 equiv of LiCN to a solution of [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CF(3)SO(3))(3)] in DMF. An excess of LiCN prompts formation of a seven-coordinate complex, [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(4)](1)(-), whereas less LiCN produces multinuclear species such as [(Me(3)tacn)(2)Mo(2)(CN)(5)](1+). In close parallel to reactions previously performed with [(Me(3)tacn)Cr(CN)(3)], assembly reactions between [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)] and [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) or [(cyclam)Ni(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) afford face-centered cubic [(Me(3)tacn)(8)Mo(8)Ni(6)(CN)(24)](12+) and linear [(Me(3)tacn)(2)(cyclam)NiMo(2)(CN)(6)](2+) clusters, respectively. Generation of the former involves a thermally induced cyanide linkage isomerization, which rapidly leads to a low-spin form of the cluster containing diamagnetic Ni(II) centers. The cyclic voltammagram of this species in DMF reveals a sequence of six successive reduction waves spaced approximately 130 mV apart, suggesting class II mixed-valence behavior upon reduction. The magnetic properties of the aforementioned linear cluster are consistent with the expected ferromagnetic coupling and an S = 4 ground state, but otherwise vary slightly with the specific conformation adopted (as influenced by the packing of associated counteranions and solvate molecules in the crystal). Magnetization data indicate an axial zero-field splitting parameter with a magnitude falling in the range [D] = 0.44-0.72 cm(-1), and fits to the magnetic susceptibility data yield exchange coupling constants in the range J = 17.0-17.6 cm(-1). These values represent significant increases over those displayed by the analogous Cr(III)-containing cluster. When perchlorate is used as a counteranion, [(Me(3)tacn)(2)(cyclam)NiMo(2)(CN)(6)](2+) crystallizes from water in a dimeric form with pairs of the linear clusters directly linked via hydrogen bonding. In this case, fitting the magnetic susceptibility data requires use of two coupling constants: one intramolecular with J = 14.9 cm(-1) and another intermolecular with J' = -1.9 cm(-1). Reacting [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)] with a large excess of [(cyclam)Ni(H(2)O)(2)](2+) produces a [(Me(3)tacn)(2)(cyclam)(3)(H(2)O)(2)Ni(3)Mo(2)(CN)(6)](6+) cluster possessing a zigzag structure that is a simple extension of the linear cluster geometry. Its magnetic behavior is consistent with weaker ferromagnetic coupling and an S = 6 ground state. Similar reactions employing an equimolar ratio of reactants afford related one-dimensional chains of formula [(Me(3)tacn)(cyclam)NiMo(CN)(3)](2+). Once again, the ensuing structure depends on the associated counteranions, and the magnetic behavior indicates ferromagnetic coupling. It is hoped that substitutions of the type exemplified here will be of utility in the design of new single-molecule magnets.     

A cyano-bridged single-molecule magnet: slow magnetic relaxation in a trigonal prismatic MnMo(6)(CN)(18) cluster

We report the synthesis of the first well-documented example of a cyano-bridged single-molecule magnet. An assembly reaction parallel to that employed in producing the trigonal prismatic [(Me(3)tacn)(6)MnCr(6)(CN)(18)](2+) (Me(3)tacn = N,N',N"-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) cluster affords K[(Me(3)tacn)(6)MnMo(6)(CN)(18)](ClO(4))(3) (1), containing an analogous molybdenum(III)-substituted cluster. Fits to the DC magnetic susceptibility and magnetization data for 1 show that the MnMo(6) cluster possesses weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -6.7 cm(-1)), leading to an S = (13)/(2) ground state with significantly enhanced magnetic anisotropy (D = -0.33 cm(-1) and E = -0.018 cm(-1)). Consistent with these results, AC magnetic susceptibility measurements show the molecule to exhibit slow magnetic relaxation indicative of a single-molecule magnet with an energy barrier of 10 cm(-1) for spin reversal.     

Anion-directed crystallization of coordination polymers: syntheses and characterization of Cu(4)(2-pzc)(4)(H(2)O)(8)(Mo(8)O(26)).2H(2)O and Cu(3)(2-pzc)(4)(H(2)O)(2)(V(10)O(28)H(4)).6.5H(2)O (2-pzc = 2-pyrazinecarboxylate)

Two new copper 2-pyrazinecarboxylate (2-pzc) coordination polymers incorporating [Mo(8)O(26)](4-) and [V(10)O(28)H(4)](2-) anions were synthesized and structurally characterized: Cu(4)(2-pzc)(4))(H(2)O)(8)(Mo(8)O(26)).2H(2)O (1) and Cu(3)(2-pzc)(4)(H(2)O)(2)(V(10)O(28)H(4)).6.5H(2)O (2). Crystal data: 1, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 11.1547(5) A, b = 13.4149(6) A, c = 15.9633(7) A, beta = 90.816(1) degrees; 2, triclinic, space group P1, a = 10.5896(10) A, b = 10.7921(10) A, c = 13.5168(13) A, alpha = 104.689(2) degrees, beta = 99.103(2) degrees, gamma = 113.419(2) degrees. Compound 1 contains [Cu(2-pzc)(H(2)O)(2)] chains charge-balanced by [Mo(8)O(26)](4-) anions. In compound 2, layers of [Cu(3)(2-pzc)(4)(H(2)O)(2)] form cavities that are filled with [V(10)O(28)H(4)](2-) anions. The magnetic properties of both compounds are described.     

Structural, thermal, and magnetic study of solvation processes in spin-crossover [Fe(bpp)(2)][Cr(L)(ox)(2)](2).nH(2)O complexes

The influence of lattice water in the magnetic properties of spin-crossover [Fe(bpp)2]X2.nH2O salts [bpp = 2,6-bis(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine] is well-documented. In most cases, it stabilizes the low-spin state compared to the anhydrous compound. In other cases, it is rather the contrary. Unraveling this mystery implies the study of the microscopic changes that accompany the loss of water. This might be difficult from an experimental point of view. Our strategy is to focus on some salts that undergo a nonreversible dehydration-hydration process without loss of crystallinity. By comparison of the structural and magnetic properties of original and rehydrated samples, several rules concerning the role of water at the microscopic level can be deduced. This paper reports on the crystal structure, thermal studies, and magnetic properties of [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(bpy)(ox)2]2.2H2O (1), [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(phen)(ox)2]2.0.5H2O.0.5MeOH (2), and [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(phen)(ox)2]2.5.5H2O.2.5MeOH (3). Salt 1 contains both high-spin (HS) and low-spin (LS) Fe2+ cations in a 1:1 ratio. Dehydration yields the anhydrous spin-crossover compound with T1/2 downward arrow = 353 K and T1/2 upward arrow = 369 K. Rehydration affords the dihydrate [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(bpy)(ox)2]2.2H2O (1r) with 100% HS Fe2+ sites. Salt 2 also contains both HS and LS Fe2+ cations in a 1:1 ratio. Dehydration yields the anhydrous spin-crossover compound with T1/2 downward arrow = 343 K and T1/2 upward arrow = 348 K. Rehydration affords [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(phen)(ox)2]2.0.5H2O (2r) with 72% Fe2+ sites in the LS configuration. The structural, magnetic, and thermal properties of these rehydrated compounds 1r and 2r are also discussed. Finally, 1 has been dehydrated and resolvated with MeOH to give [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(bpy)(ox)2]2.MeOH (1s) with 33% HS Fe2+ sites. The influence of the guest solvent in the Fe2+ spin state can anticipate the future applications of these compounds in solvent sensing.     

Half-integer spin heptanuclear single-molecule magnet with an unusual Mn(III)6Mn(II) exchange-coupled core

The synthesis, X-ray crystallography, magnetic properties, and high-field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) of a new heptanuclear manganese complex [Mn(7)(heamp)(6)](ClO(4))(2)·4CH(2)Cl(2)·H(2)O (complex 2), in which heampH(3) is 2-[N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)aminomethyl]phenol (compound 1), is reported. Complex 2 has a hexagonal, disk-shaped topology and contains six Mn(III) ions and a central Mn(II) ion. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with two molecular orientations. Consideration of the cluster topology, together with variable-temperature and variable-field DC magnetic susceptibility data, suggest that complex 2 exists in a half-integer, S = (19)/(2) ± 1 spin ground state, with appreciable uniaxial zero-field splitting (D = -0.16 cm(-1)). AC magnetic susceptibility measurements clearly show out-of-phase signals, which are frequency- and temperature-dependent, indicating slow magnetization relaxation behavior. An analysis of the relaxation data employing the Arrhenius formula yielded an effective relaxation barrier of 12.9 cm(-1). Simulations of HFEPR studies agree with the assignment of an S ≈ (19)/(2) spin ground state, with g = 1.96, D = -4.71 GHz (-0.16 cm(-1)), and a longitudinal fourth-order zero-field splitting parameter B(4)(0) = -2.7 × 10(-4) GHz (-9.0 × 10(-6) cm(-1)).     

Bonding and redox properties of [Os(3)(CO)(9)(tmbp)(L)] (tmbp=4,4',5,5'-tetramethyl-2,2'-biphosphinine; L=CO, PPh(3)) clusters with an unprecedented electron-deficient metallic core and doubly bridging biphosphinine dianion

Herein we describe in detail the bonding properties and electrochemical behavior of the first known triosmium carbonyl clusters with a coordinated redox-active ligand 4,4',5,5'-tetramethyl-2,2'-biphosphinine (tmbp), the phosphorus derivative of 2,2'-bipyridine. The clusters investigated were [Os(3)(CO)(10)(tmbp)] (1) and its derivative [Os(3)(CO)(9)(PPh(3))(tmbp)] (2). The crystal structures of both clusters are compared with those of relevant compounds; they served as the basis for density functional theory (DFT and time-dependent DFT) calculations. The experimental and theoretical data reveal an unexpected and unprecedented bridging coordination mode of tmbp, with each P atom bridging two metal atoms. The tmbp ligand is formally reduced by transfer of two electrons from the triangular cluster core that consequently lacks one of the metal-metal bonds. Both 1 and 2 therefore represent 50e(-) clusters with a coordinated 8e(-) donor, [tmbp](2-). The HOMO and LUMO of 1 and 2 possess a predominant contribution from different pi*(tmbp) orbitals, implying that the lowest energy excited state possesses a significant intraligand character. This is in agreement with the photostability of these clusters. DFT calculations also predict the experimentally observed structure of 1 to be the most stable one in a series of several plausible structural isomers. Stepwise two-electron electrochemical reduction of 1 and 2 results in dissociation of CO and PPh(3), respectively, and formation of the [Os(3)(CO)(9)(tmbp)](2-) ion. The initially produced radical anions of the parent clusters, in which the odd electron is predominantly localized on the tmbp ligand, are sufficiently stable at low temperatures and can be observed with IR spectroelectrochemistry. The electron-deficiency of the cluster core in 1 permits facile electrocatalytic substitution of a CO ligand by tertiary phosphane and phosphite donors.     

Synthesis and structures of gallium amido imido phenyl clusters (PhGa)(4)(NH(i)Bu)(4)(N(i)Bu)(2) and (PhGa)(7)(NHMe)(4)(NMe)(5)

The phenylgallium-containing clusters constructed with bridging imido and amido ligands, (PhGa)(4)(NH(i)Bu)(4)(N(i)Bu)(2) (1) (51% yield) and (PhGa)(7)(NHMe)(4)(NMe)(5) (2) (31% yield), were synthesized from the room-temperature reactions of bis(dimethylamido)phenylgallium, [PhGa(NMe(2))(2)](2), with isobutylamine and methylamine, respectively. The reaction of [PhGa(NMe(2))(2)](2) in refluxing isobutylamine (85 degrees C) afforded (Ph(2)GaNH(i)Bu)(2) as one of the products, while the reaction of [PhGa(NMe(2))(2)](2) with methylamine at 150 degrees C afforded compound 2 in only 9% yield. Compound 1 possessed an admantane-like Ga(4)N(6) core, whereas compound 2 had a novel Ga(7)N(9) core constructed with both chair- and boat-shaped Ga(3)N(3) rings. The presence of several isomers of compounds 1 and 2 in solution is discussed along the structural similarities with other known gallium-nitrogen clusters and with gallium nitride.     

Raising the spin-reversal barrier in cyano-bridged single-molecule magnets: linear Mn(III)(2)M(III)(CN)(6) (M = Cr, Fe) species incorporating [(5-Brsalen)Mn](+) units

Reactions between K(3)[M(CN)(6)] and [Mn(5-Brsalen)(H(2)O)(2)](+) (5-Brsalen = N,N'-ethylenebis(5-bromosalicylidene)aminato dianion) in a mixture of methanol and water afford the compounds K[(5-Brsalen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)Mn(2)M(CN)(6)].2H(2)O, with M = Cr (1) or Fe (2). The two compounds are isostructural, each containing a molecular cluster with a linear Mn(III)-NC-M(III)-CN-Mn(III) core and tetragonally elongated coordination about the Mn(III) centers. Magnetic data indicate the presence of weak exchange interactions within the clusters, giving rise to ground states of S = (5)/(2) and (9)/(2) with significant zero-field splitting. Despite the proximity of spin-excited states, ac susceptibility data reveal frequency-dependent out-of-phase signals characteristic of single-molecule magnets with spin-reversal barriers of U(eff) = 16 and 25 cm(-)(1), respectively.     

Nanoscale Hemispheres in Novel Mixed-Valent Uranyl Chromate(V,VI), (C(3)NH(10))(10)[(UO(2))(13)(Cr(12)(5+)O(42))(Cr(6+)O(4))(6)(H(2)O)(6)](H(2)O)(6)

The structure of a novel mixed-valent chromium uranyl compound, (C(3)NH(10))(10)[(UO(2))(13)(Cr(12)(5+)O(42))(Cr(6+)O(4))(6)(H(2)O)(6)](H(2)O)(6) (1), obtained by the combination of a hydrothermal method and evaporation from aqueous solutions with isopropylammonium, contains uranyl chromate hemispheres with lateral dimensions of 18.9 × 18.5 ?(2) and a height of about 8 ?. The hemispheres are centered by a UO(8) hexagonal bipyramid surrounded by six dimers of Cr(5+)O(5) square pyramids, UO(7) pentagonal bipyramids, and Cr(6+)O(4) tetrahedra. The hemispheres are linked into two-dimensional layers so that two adjacent hemispheres are oriented in opposite directions relative to the plane of the layer. From a topological point of view, the hemispheres have the formula U(21)Cr(23) and can be considered as derivatives of nanospherical cluster U(26)Cr(36) composed of three-, four-, and five-membered rings.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetism of heterometallic carboxylate complexes [MnIII2M(II)4O2(PhCOO)10(DMF)4], M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II)

Three new homo- and heterometallic hexanuclear complexes [Mn(2)M(II)(4)O(2)(PhCOO)(10)(DMF)(4)] (with M = Mn (1), Co (2) or Ni (3) and DMF = dimethylformamide) have been synthesized by redox generation of benzoate ligands from benzaldehyde in a one-pot reaction. All of the compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the I-42d space group of the tetragonal system, data for 1: a = 27.2249(8) Angstroms, c = 25.5182(5) Angstroms, R1 = 0.0681. The crystal structure contains isolated molecules. Each molecule consists of 2 x Mn(III) surrounded by four M(II) ions to form two edge-sharing OMn(2)M(2) tetrahedra giving rise to the [Mn(2)M(4)O(2)] core. The coordination sphere of each metal is completed by the bridging benzoate ligands and DMF molecules. The magnetic susceptibilities of 1-3 have been measured in the 1.8 K < T < 300 K temperature range. The magnetic susceptibilities for 1 and 2 pass through a broad maximum at low temperature which is characteristic of the diamagnetic ground state, while for 3 no maximum is detected down to 1.8 K. The magnetic data have been interpreted quantitatively for 1 and 3 on the basis of spin exchange interactions between the metallic centers (spin Hamiltonian for a pair being H(AB) = -J(AB) S(A).S(B)). Single-crystal measurements on [Mn(6)O(2)(PhCOO)(10)(CH(3)CN)(4)] (4) show that significant magnetic anisotropy develops at low temperature.     

Iron-arylimide clusters [Fe(m)()(NAr)(n)Cl(4)](2)(-) (m,n = 2, 2; 3, 4; 4, 4) from a ferric amide precursor: synthesis,characterization, and comparison to Fe-S chemistry

Tetrahedral FeCl[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(THF) (2), prepared from FeCl(3) and 2 equiv of Na[N(SiMe(3))(2)] in THF, is a useful ferric starting material for the synthesis of weak-field iron-imide (Fe-NR) clusters. Protonolysis of 2 with aniline yields azobenzene and [Fe(2)(mu-Cl)(3)(THF)(6)](2)[Fe(3)(mu-NPh)(4)Cl(4)] (3), a salt composed of two diferrous monocations and a trinuclear dianion with a formal 2 Fe(III)/1 Fe(IV) oxidation state. Treatment of 2 with LiCl, which gives the adduct [FeCl(2)(N(SiMe(3))(2))(2)](-) (isolated as the [Li(TMEDA)(2)](+) salt), suppresses arylamine oxidation/iron reduction chemistry during protonolysis. Thus, under appropriate conditions, the reaction of 1:1 2/LiCl with arylamine provides a practical route to the following Fe-NR clusters: [Li(2)(THF)(7)][Fe(3)(mu-NPh)(4)Cl(4)] (5a), which contains the same Fe-NR cluster found in 3; [Li(THF)(4)](2)[Fe(3)(mu-N-p-Tol)(4)Cl(4)] (5b); [Li(DME)(3)](2)[Fe(2)(mu-NPh)(2)Cl(4)] (6a); [Li(2)(THF)(7)][Fe(2)(mu-NMes)(2)Cl(4)] (6c). [Li(DME)(3)](2)[Fe(4)(mu(3)-NPh)(4)Cl(4)] (7), a trace product in the synthesis of 5a and 6a, forms readily as the sole Fe-NR complex upon reduction of these lower nuclearity clusters. Products were characterized by X-ray crystallographic analysis, by electronic absorption, (1)H NMR, and M?ssbauer spectroscopies, and by cyclic voltammetry. The structures of the Fe-NR complexes derive from tetrahedral iron centers, edge-fused by imide bridges into linear arrays (5a,b; 6a,c) or the condensed heterocubane geometry (7), and are homologous to fundamental iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster motifs. The analogy to Fe-S chemistry also encompasses parallels between Fe-mediated redox transformations of nitrogen and sulfur ligands and reductive core conversions of linear dinuclear and trinuclear clusters to heterocubane species and is reinforced by other recent examples of iron- and cobalt-imide cluster chemistry. The correspondence of nitrogen and sulfur chemistry at iron is intriguing in the context of speculative Fe-mediated mechanisms for biological nitrogen fixation.     

Accidentally on purpose: construction of a ferromagnetic, oxime-based [Mn(III)2] dimer

The serendipitous self-assembly of the complex [Mn(III)(2)Zn(II)(2)(Ph-sao)(2)(Ph-saoH)(4)(hmp)(2)] (1),whose magnetic core consists solely of two symmetry equivalent Mn(iii) ions linked by two symmetry equivalent -N-O- moieties, provides a relatively simple model complex with which to study the magneto-structural relationship in oxime-bridged Mn(III) cluster compounds. Dc magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal ferromagnetic (J = +2.2 cm(-1)) exchange resulting in an S = 4 ground state. Magnetisation measurements performed at low temperatures and high fields reveal the presence of significant anisotropy, with ac measurements confirming slow relaxation of the magnetisation and Single-Molecule Magnetism behaviour. Simulations of high field, high frequency EPR data reveal a single ion anisotropy, D((Mn(III))) = -3.83 cm(-1). DFT studies on a simplified model complex of 1 reveal a pronounced dependence of the exchange coupling on the relative twisting of the oxime moiety with respect to the metal ion positions, as suggested previously in more complicated [Mn(III)(3)] and [Mn(III)(6)] clusters.     

Copper(I) alkynyl clusters, [Cu(x+y)(hfac)(x)(C[triple chemical bond]CR)(y)], with Cu(10)-Cu(12) cores

The facile syntheses and the structures of five new Cu(I) alkynyl clusters, [Cu(12)(hfac)(8)(C[triple chemical bond]CnPr)(4)(thf)(6)]xTHF (1), [Cu(12)(hfac)(8)(C[triple chemical bond]CtBu)(4)] (2), [Cu(12)(hfac)(8)(C[triple chemical bond]CSiMe(3))(4)] (3), [Cu(10)(hfac)(6)(C[triple chemical bond]CtBu)(4)(diethyl ether)]/[Cu(10)(hfac)(6)(C[triple chemical bond]CtBu)(3)(C[triple chemical bond]CnPr)(diethyl ether)] (4) and [Cu(10)(hfac)(6)(C[triple chemical bond]CtBu)(4)(diethyl ether)] (5) are reported, in which hfacH=1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentan-2,4-dione. The first independent molecule found in the crystals of 4 (4 a) proved to be chemically identical to 5. The Cu(10) and Cu(12) cores in these clusters are based on a central "square" Cu(4)C(4) unit. Whilst the connectivities of the Cu(10) or Cu(12) units remain identical the geometries vary considerably and depend on the bulk of the alkynyl group, weak coordination of ether molecules to copper atoms in the core and CuO intramolecular contacts formed between Cu-hfac units on the periphery of the cluster. Similar intermolecular contacts and interlocking of Cu-hfac units are formed in the simple model complex [Cu(2)(hfac)(2)(HC[triple chemical bond]CtBu)] (6). When linear alkynes, C(n)H(2n+1)C[triple chemical bond]CH, are used in the synthesis and non-coordinating solvents are used in the workup, further association of the Cu(4)C(4) cores occurs and clusters with more than eighteen copper atoms are isolated.     

Dodecanuclear manganese(III) phosphonates with cage structures

Treatments of Mn(O(2)CR)(2) (R = Me, Ph) with NBu(4)MnO(4) in CH(3)CN or CH(3)CN/CH(2)Cl(2) in the presence of acetic acid, delta(1)-cyclohexenephosphonic acid (C(6)H(9)PO(3)H(2)), and 2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline result in three novel dodecamanganese(III) clusters [Mn(12)O(8)(O(2)CMe)(6)(O(3)PC(6)H(9))(7)(bipy)(3)] (1), [Mn(12)O(8)(O(2)CPh)(6)(O(3)PC(6)H(9))(7)(bipy)(3)] (2), and [Mn(12)O(8)(O(2)CPh)(6)(O(3)PC(6)H(9))(7)(phen)(3)] (3). They have a similar Mn(12) core of [Mn(III)(12)(mu(4)-O)(3)(mu(3)-O)(5)(mu-O(3)P)(3)] with a new type of topologic structure. Solid-state dc magnetic susceptibility measurements of complexes 1-3 reveal that dominant antiferromagnetic interactions are propagated between the magnetic centers. The ac magnetic measurements suggest an S = 2 ground state for compounds 1 and 3 and an S = 3 ground state for compound 2.     

Na(23)K(9)Tl(15.3): An Unusual Zintl Compound Containing Apparent Tl(5)(7)(-), Tl(4)(8)(-), Tl(3)(7)(-), and Tl(5)(-) Anions

Reaction of the neat elements in tantalum containers at 400 degrees C and then 150 degrees C gives the pure title phase. X-ray crystallography shows that the hexagonal structure (P6(3)/mmc, Z = 2, a = 11.235(1) ?, b = 30.133(5) ?) contains relatively high symmetry clusters Tl(5)(7)(-) (D(3)(h)()), Tl(4)(8)(-) (C(3)(v)(), approximately T(d)), and the new Tl(3)(7)(-) (D(infinity)(h)()) plus Tl(5)(-), the last two disordered over the same elongated site in 1:2 proportions. Cation solvation of these anions is tight and specific, providing good Coulombic trapping of weakly bound electrons on the isolated cluster anions. The observed disorder makes the compound structurally a Zintl phase with a closed shell electron count. EHMO calculations on the novel Tl(3)(7)(-) reveal some bonding similarities with the isoelectronic CO(2), with two good sigma(s,p) bonding and two weakly bonding pi MO's. The Tl-Tl bond lengths therein (3.14 ?) are evidently consistent with multiple bonding. The weak temperature-independent paramagnetism and metallic conductivity (rho(293) approximately 90 &mgr;Omega.cm) of the phase are discussed.     

Insertion of a bis(phosphine)platinum group into the S-S bond of Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S(2))

The reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S(2)), 1, with Pt(PPh(3))(2)(PhC(2)Ph) yielded the new complex, Mn(2)(CO)(6)Pt(PPh(3))(2)(mu(3)-S)(2), 3, by loss of CO and insertion of a Pt(PPh(3))(2) group into the S-S bond of 1. Complex 3 was characterized crystallographically and was found to consist of an open Mn(2)Pt cluster with one Mn-Mn bond, 2.8154(14) A, one Mn-Pt bond, 2.9109(10) A, and two triply bridging sulfido ligands. Compound 3 reacts with CO to form adduct Mn(2)(CO)(6)(mu-CO)Pt(PPh(3))(2)(mu(3)-S)(2), 4. Compound 4 also contains an open Mn(2)Pt cluster with two triply bridging sulfido ligands but has only one metal-metal bond, Mn-Mn = 2.638(2) A. Under nitrogen, compound 4 readily loses CO and reverts back to 3.     

Ln(III)(2)Mn(III)(2) heterobimetallic "butterfly" complexes displaying antiferromagnetic coupling (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Er)

The isostructural heterometallic complexes [Ln(III)(2)Mn(III)(2)O(2)(ccnm)(6)(dcnm)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (Ln = Eu (1Eu), Gd (1Gd), Tb (1Tb), Er (1Er); ccnm = carbamoylcyanonitrosomethanide; dcnm = dicyanonitrosomethanide) have been synthesised and structurally characterised. The in situ transition metal promoted nucleophilic addition of water to dcnm, forming the derivative ligand ccnm, plays an essential role in cluster formation. The central [Ln(III)(2)Mn(III)(2)(O)(2)] moiety has a "butterfly" topology. The coordinated aqua ligands and the NH(2) group of the ccnm ligands facilitate the formation of a range of hydrogen bonds with the lattice solvent and neighbouring clusters. Magnetic measurements generally reveal weak intracluster antiferromagnetic coupling, except for the large J(MnMn) value in 1Gd. There is some evidence for single molecule magnetic (SMM) behaviour in 1Er. Comparisons of the magnetic properties are made with other recently reported butterfly-type {Ln(III)(x)M(III)(4-x) (d-block)} clusters, x = 1, 2; M = Mn, Fe.