From solid state to solution: advancing chemistry of Bi-Bi and Bi-Rh paddlewheel carboxylates

The first successful high-yield solution synthesis of homobimetallic Bi(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) (1), as well as heterobimetallic BiRh(O(2)CCF(3))(4) (2) and BiRh(O(2)CCF(2)CF(3))(4) (3), complexes is reported. It is based on one-pot reduction reactions starting from Bi(III) and Rh(II) carboxylates and using Bi metal as a reducing agent. The presence of small amounts of diphenyl ether was found to facilitate this reaction, most probably because of its good solubilizing and π-stabilizing abilities. The latter is illustrated by the isolation and structural characterization of a π-adduct of 1 with diphenyl ether, [Bi(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)·1/2Ph(2)O]. Importantly, the new approach expands to solution the chemistry of Bi(II) that was previously limited to the solid state only. The solution procedure developed for the preparation of heterometallic BiRh(O(2)CCF(3))(4) is now one step shorter and gives the product in excellent yield compared with the previously reported method based on sublimation-deposition technique. It is also performed on a greater scale (~10-20 times) and makes further scale-up feasible, if needed. Moreover, it eliminates the isolation of the hard-to-handle unsolvated Bi(II) trifluoroacetate used earlier as a starting material. A new polymorph of BiRh(O(2)CCF(3))(4) (2) was crystallized from solution in this work. The solution approach was also applied to the synthesis of a new heterobimetallic carboxylate with perfluorinated propionate ligands, BiRh(O(2)CCF(2)CF(3))(4) (3). All products are fully characterized by spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit similar solid state structures based on heterobimetallic paddlewheel units forming infinite 1D chains through intermolecular Rh···O interactions.     

Unligated diruthenium(II,II) tetra(trifluoroacetate): the first X-ray structural study, thermal compressibility, Lewis acidity, and magnetism

The title compound, [Ru(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)] (1), has been obtained without any exogenous ligands and crystallized by deposition from the gas phase at 170 degrees C. Its crystal structure has been determined for the first time to confirm an infinite chain motif built on axial Ru...O interactions of the diruthenium(II,II) units. The X-ray diffraction studies at variable temperatures showed no phase transitions in the range of 295-100 K but revealed a significant decrease in the volume per atom from 14.2 to 13.3 A(3). This noticeable thermal compressibility effect is discussed in connection with the solid-state packing of the [Ru(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)](infinity) chains. The highly electrophilic character of the diruthenium(II,II) units has been shown by the gas-phase deposition reaction of [Ru(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)] with an aromatic donor substrate, namely [2.2]paracyclophane (C(16)H(16)). As a result of the above reaction, a new arene adduct [Ru(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4).C(16)H(16)] (2) has been isolated in crystalline form. It has an extended one-dimensional (1D) chain structure comprised of alternating building units and based on the rare bridging mode of [2.2]paracyclophane, [Ru(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4).(mu(2)-eta(2):eta(2)-C(16)H(16))](infinity). The magnetic susceptibility of 1 and 2 has been measured and compared in the range of 1.8-300 K. In addition, in the course of synthesis of 1 by the carboxylate exchange reactions, a new mixed-carboxylate diruthenium(II,II) core complex [Ru(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(3)(O(2)CC(2)H(5))] (3), bearing no exogenous ligands, has also been isolated and structurally characterized. It exhibits an interesting polymeric structure in which the ruthenium(II) centers selectively form axial interdimer contacts with the O-atoms of the propionate groups only.     

Template- and pH-directed assembly of diruthenium diphosphonates with different topologies and oxidation states

In the presence of organic templates, six diruthenium diphosphonates, namely, [H3N(CH2)3NH3]2[Ru2(hedp)2] (1), [H3N(CH2)4NH3]2[Ru2(hedp)2].4H2O (2), [H3N(CH2)5NH3]2[Ru2(hedp)2].4H2O (3), [H3N(CH2)3NH3][Ru2(hedp)(hedpH)].H2O (4), [H3N(CH2)4NH3][Ru2(hedpH(0.5))2].2H2O (5), and [H3N(CH2)5NH3]2[Ru2(hedp)2][Ru2(hedpH)2]] (6) [hedp = 1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonate, CH3C(OH)(PO3)2] have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compounds 1-3 contain homovalent paddlewheel cores of Ru2(II,II)(hedp)2(4-) that are connected through edge-sharing of the [RuO5Ru] octahedra, resulting in infinite linear chains. Compounds 4-6 contain mixed-valent diruthenium(II,III) phosphonate paddlewheel cores of Ru2(II,III)(hedpH(n))2(3-2n)- that are connected by phosphonate oxygen atoms, forming distorted square-grid layers in 4 and 6 or a kagomé lattice in 5. Both the templates and the pH values are found to play important roles in directing the final products with particular topologies and oxidation states of the diruthenium unit. The magnetic studies show that weak antiferromagentic interactions are propagated between the homovalent diruthenium units in compounds 1-3. For compounds 4-6, weak ferromagnetic interactions are observed.     

Dirhodium paddlewheel with functionalized carboxylate bridges: new building block for self-assembly and immobilization on solid support

A new dirhodium(II,II) paddlewheel complex, [Rh(2)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)COOC(2)H(5))(4)] (1), has been synthesized using a predesigned functionalized carboxylate, namely, 4-(ethoxycarbonyl)benzoate. The target product has been crystallized from the acetone solution and structurally characterized as a bis-acetone adduct, [Rh(2)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)COOC(2)H(5))(4)(OCMe(2))(2)]·C(6)H(14) (2). By utilizing the ability of dangling ester groups to coordinate to open axial ends of neighboring dirhodium units, 1 can self-assemble to form 2D networks upon crystallization from solutions of noncoordinating solvents such as chlorobenzene and chloroform. The resulting [Rh(2)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)COOC(2)H(5))(4)]·2C(6)H(5)Cl (3) and [Rh(2)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)COOC(2)H(5))(4)]·2CHCl(3) (4) products have microporous solid state structures with the pores filled with the corresponding disordered solvent molecules. Notably, 3 and 4 represent unique examples of 2D extended frameworks based on dirhodium tetracarboxylate paddlewheel units devoid of any exogenous ligands. In solution, the dangling ends of carboxylate bridges of 1 have been successfully utilized for condensation reaction with the selected solid support, benzylamine-functionalized polystyrene, allowing successful heterogenization of dirhodium units through the equatorial covalent attachment to the substrate. The resulting solid product was tested as a catalyst in the cyclopropanation reaction of styrene with methyl phenyldiazoacetate to show good yields and diastereoselectivity.     

On the road to a termolecular complex with acetone: a heterometallic supramolecular network [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)].micro(2)-OCMe(2).[Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]

A novel heterometallic supramolecular network [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)].micro(2)-OCMe(2).[Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]](2)( infinity ) has been prepared by codeposition of the volatile mono(acetone) adduct [Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4).eta(1)-OCMe(2)](2) and copper(I) trifluoroacetate, [Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]. The product is of interest from the viewpoints of gas-phase supramolecular synthesis and a rare bridging coordination mode of acetone. It has been fully characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction. An X-ray structure revealed a layered 2D arrangement of the heterometallic [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)].micro(2)-OCMe(2).[Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]] units built by axial intermolecular interactions of the open electrophilic Rh(II) and Cu(I) centers and O-atoms of neighboring carboxylate groups. The coordination of the acetone molecules within the [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)].micro(2)-OCMe(2).[Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]] unit is asymmetric with the Rh-O and Cu-O distances being 2.2173(15) and 2.7197(17) A, respectively. This work shows the potential of gas-phase deposition that may provide additional possibilities in supramolecular synthesis by utilizing intermolecular interactions and coordination bonds in a new way compared with conventional solution chemistry.     

Long-range ordered magnet of a charge-transfer Ru2(4+)/TCNQ two-dimensional network compound

Two isostructural 2D assemblies composed of [Ru2(O2CCF3)4] and TCNQ or TCNQF4 in a 2:1 ratio were synthesized: [{Ru2(O2CCF3)4}2TCNQ].3(p-xylene) (1b) and [{Ru2(O2CCF3)4}2TCNQF4].3(p-xylene) (2). In 1b, the TCNQ moiety is assigned to be neutral because of no significant electron transfer from the Ru24+ units. Therefore, the magnetic property of 1b can be understood to be a paramagnetic nature of the isolated Ru24+ unit, while, a fully charge-transfer from the Ru2 units to the TCNQF4 molecules in 2 leads to charge delocalization spreading over the 2D network and allows a long-range magnetic order to occur. On the basis of an idea of the resonance scheme in charge-transfer D2A network systems, the first successful example of a charge-transferred magnet in the Ru2-TCNQ system was rationally designed by tuning redox between [Ru2]4+ and the TCNQ molecule changing from TCNQ to TCNQF4.     

Novel layered ruthenium diphosphonate containing a mixed valent diruthenium paddlewheel core

This paper reports the synthesis and crystal structure of a novel mixed valence ruthenium(II,III) compound, (NH(4))(3)Ru(2)(hedp)(2).2H(2)O (1), where hedp represents 1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonate. It has a two-dimensional structure in which the paddlewheel diruthenium(II,III) units of Ru(2)(hedp)(2) are cross-linked through the phosphonate groups. The layers are stacked along the [100] direction with strong intra- and interlayer hydrogen bonds. Primary magnetic results are presented.     

Bulk material vs. single crystal: powder diffraction to the rescue

The crystal structure of bulk microcrystalline material obtained by interaction of two rigid building blocks, namely dirhodium(ii) tetra(trifluoroacetate), [Rh2(O2CCF3)4], and bis(4'-pyridyl)diphenylsilane, (C6H5)2Si(C5H4N)2, has been solved ab initio using X-ray powder diffraction data. The title product of the 1 [ratio] 1 composition, [Rh2(O2CCF3)4.(mu2-(C6H5)2Si(C5H4N)2)], is a one-dimensional zigzag polymer built on axial Rh...N interactions averaged at 2.16 A. Its structural characterization complements the previously reported product of the 2:1 composition obtained from the same reaction, namely {[Rh2(O2CCF3)4]2.(mu4-(C6H5)2Si(C5H4N)2)}. The latter has a 2D layered network revealed by the single crystal diffraction study. A combination of powder and single crystal X-ray techniques is shown to be methodologically important and complementary for understanding of product assembling in the system.     

Mn(II) Coordination Polymers Based on Bi-, Tri-, and Tetranuclear and Polymeric Chain Building Units: Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties

Five new Mn(II) coordination polymers, namely [Mn(2)(tbip)(2)(bix)] (1), [Mn(3)(tbip)(3)(bix)(2)] (2), [Mn(3)(tbip)(2)(Htbip)(2)(bib)(2)]·4H(2)O (3), [Mn(4)(tbip)(4)(bbp)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (4), and [Mn(4)(tbip)(4)(bip)]·2H(2)O (5), were prepared by hydrothermal reactions of Mn(II) acetate with H(2)tbip (5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid) in the presence of different di-imidazolyl coligands (bix =1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, bib =1,4-bis(imidazol) butane, bbp =1,3-bis(benzimidazol)propane, bip =1,3-bis(imidazol)propane). All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and powder X-ray diffraction. Single crystal X-ray studies show that these coordination polymers contain homometallic clusters varying from dimeric, trimeric, and tetrameric motifs to polymeric chains depending upon the coligands used. Complex 1 has a 3D 6-connected polycatenane network with dinuclear [Mn(2)O(2)] secondary building units. Complex 2 possesses a 3D 8-connected structure with trinuclear [Mn(3)(COO)(6)] units. Complex 3 shows a 3D pcu net based on trinuclear [Mn(3)(COO)(6)] clusters as nodes. Complex 4 features a 3D 8-connected structure constructed from the distorted square-grid tetranuclear [Mn(4)(μ(2)-COO)(8)(μ(2)-H(2)O)] units. Complex 5 shows a 3D (4,5,6)-connected net containing 1D μ-O/μ-COO alternately bridged chains. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that complexes 1 and 3-5 show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Mn(II) ions, whereas 2 is a three-spin center homometallic ferromagnetic system.     

Extending the family of titanium heterometallic-oxo-alkoxy cages

Here we investigate the synthesis of high-nuclearity heterometallic titanium oxo-alkoxy cages using the reactions of metal chlorides with [Ti(OEt)(4)] or the pre-formed homometallic titanium-oxo-alkoxy cage [Ti(7)O(4)(OEt)(20)] (A). The octanuclear Ti(7)Co(II) cage [Ti(7)CoO(5)(OEt)(19)Cl] (1) (whose low-yielding synthesis we reported earlier) can be made in better yield, reproducibly by the reaction of a mixture of heptanuclear [Ti(7)O(4)(OEt)(20)] (A) and [KOEt] with [Co(II)Cl(2)] in toluene. A alone reacts with [Co(II)Cl(2)] and [Fe(II)Cl(2)] to form [Ti(7)Co(II)O(5)(OEt)(18)Cl(2)] (2) and [Ti(7)Fe(II)O(5)(OEt)(18)Cl(2)] (3), respectively. Like 1, compounds 2 and 3 retain the original Ti(7) fragment of A and the II-oxidation state of the transition metal ions (Tm). In contrast, from the reaction of [Ti(OEt)(4)] with [Cr(II)Cl(2)] it is possible to isolate [Ti(3)Cr(V)O(OEt)(14)Cl] (4) in low yield, containing a Ti(3)Cr(V) core in which oxidation of Cr from the II to V oxidation state has occurred. Reaction of [Mo(V)Cl(5)] with [Ti(OEt)](4) in [EtOH] gives the Ti(8)Mo(V)(4) cage [{Ti(4)Mo(2)O(8)(OEt)(10)}(2)] (5). The single-crystal X-ray structures of the new cages 2, 3, 4, and 5 are reported. The results show that the size of the heterometallic cage formed can be influenced by the nuclearity of the precursor. In the case of 5, the presence of homometallic Mo-Mo bonding also appears to be a significant factor in the final structure.     

Studies of dirhodium(II) tetra(trifluoroacetate). 5. Remarkable examples of the ambidentate character of dimethyl sulfoxide

The ambidentate character of dimethyl sulfoxide, already known for dirhodium carboxylates, has been remarkably manifested in new ways. Three novel complexes of dirhodium(II) tetra(trifluoroacetate) with the DMSO ligand, namely, [Rh2(O2CCF3)4]m(DMSO)n with m:n = 7:8 (1), 1:1 (2), and 3:2 (3), have been obtained by deposition from the vapor phase, and their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The crystallographic parameters are as follows: for 1, monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 28.261(2) A, b = 16.059(4) A, c = 17.636(2) A, beta = 92.40(4) degrees, and Z = 2; for 2, triclinic space group P1 with a = 8.915(2) A, b = 10.592(2) A, c = 11.916(2) A, alpha = 84.85(1) degrees, beta = 88.86(1) degrees, and gamma = 65.187(8) degrees, and Z = 2; and for 3, triclinic space group P1 with a = 8.876(2) A, b = 9.017(2) A, c = 19.841(3) A, alpha = 101.91(2) degrees, beta = 97.144(8) degrees, gamma = 100.206(9) degrees, and Z = 1. In the oligomeric molecule of 1, six DMSO ligands bridge seven dirhodium tetra(trifluoroacetate) units in a bidentate fashion via S and O atoms, and two additional DMSO molecules terminate the chain. In the structure of the monoadduct Rh2(O2CCF3)4(DMSO) (2), the dirhodium blocks are bridged through the O atoms of DMSO ligands, forming a one-dimensional polymeric chain. Compound 3 also has an infinite chain structure with the molecules of dimethyl sulfoxide acting in a bidentate mu-DMSO-S,O mode. Every second DMSO molecule is missing in 3, so that two of every three Rh2(O2CCF3)4 units are associated through the O atoms of carboxylate groups to give the overall composition [Rh2(O2CCF3)4]3(DMSO)2.     

Coordination solids derived from Cp*M(CN)3- (M = Rh,Ir)

Solutions of Rh2(OAc)4 and Et4N[Cp*Ir(CN)3] react to afford crystals of the one-dimensional coordination solid [Et4N[Cp*Ir(CN)3][Rh2(OAc)4]]. This reaction is reversed by coordinating solvents such as MeCN. The structure of the polymer consists of helical anionic chains containing Rh2(OAc)4 units linked via two of the three CN ligands of Cp*Ir(CN)3-. Use of the more Lewis acidic Rh2(O2CCF3)4 in place of Rh2(OAc)4 gave purple [(Et4N)2[Cp*Ir(CN)3]2[Rh2(O2CCF3)4]3], whose insolubility is attributed to stronger Rh-NC bonds as well as the presence of cross-linking. The species [[Cp*Rh(CN)3][Ni(en)n](PF6)] (n = 2, 3) crystallized from an aqueous solution of Et4N[Cp*Rh(CN)3] and [Ni(en)3](PF6)2; [[Cp*Rh(CN)3][Ni(en)2](PF6)] consists of helical chains based on cis-Ni(en)(2)2+ units. Aqueous solutions of Et4N[Cp*Ir(CN)3] and AgNO3 afforded the colorless solid Ag-[Cp*Ir(CN)3]. Recrystallization of this polymer from pyridine gave the hemipyridine adduct [Ag[Ag(py)][Cp*Ir(CN)3]2]. The 13C cross-polarization magic-angle spinning NMR spectrum of the pyridine derivative reveals two distinct Cp* groups, while in the pyridine-free precursor, the Cp*'s appear equivalent. The solid-state structure of [Ag[Ag(py)][Cp*Ir(CN)3]2] reveals a three-dimensional coordination polymer consisting of chains of Cp*Ir(CN)3- units linked to alternating Ag+ and Ag(py)+ units. The network structure arises by the linking of these helices through the third cyanide group on each Ir center.     

Hydroxyl-directed dinitration of carboxylate ligands mediated by lead and nickel nitrates and preparation of Pb/Ni heterometallic complexes under hydrothermal conditions

The hydrothermal reaction of 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid (H3L) and lead and nickel nitrates produced a heterometallic polymer [Pb6Ni(mu3-OH)8(La)2]n containing heptanuclear [Pb6Ni(mu3-OH)8]6+ units and a homometallic complex {[Pb(Lb)(H2O)].(H2O)0.25}n consisting of one-dimensional lead-oxide chains: evidently, the La and Lb ligands resulted from in situ hydroxyl-directed dinitration of L ligand during the hydrothermal reaction.     

Mixed-valence iron(II, III) trimesates with open frameworks modulated by solvents

Solvothermal reactions with different solvents produced two iron trimesates [Fe2(H2O)2(BTC)4/3]Cl x 4.5(DMF) (1) and [Fe4Cl(BTC)8/3]Cl2 x H2O x 2.5(DEF) (2) (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate, DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide, DEF = N,N'-diethylformamide). The framework of 1 is a (3,4)-connected net constructed from mixed-valence paddlewheel Fe2(II, III) units and BTC linkers, while the framework of 2 is a (3,8)-connected net built from mixed-valence square-planar Fe4(III, III, III, II) units and BTC linkers. The large volume inside the framework of 1 (or 2) is occupied by disordered Cl- anions and guest DMF (or DEF) molecules. The mixed-valence character of the frameworks of 1 and 2 was confirmed by M?ssbauer spectroscopy studies. The active electronic property of iron cations may be the origin of the variability of the iron-organic frameworks, which are readily affected by some synthetic factors, such as solvents. Magnetic studies reveal that there are antiferromagnetic exchange interactions among the Fe atoms in 1 and 2. Ion-exchange studies for 1 show that the Cl- anions inside the framework of 1 can be exchanged by CNS- anions.     

Tuning the properties at heterobimetallic core: mixed-ligand bismuth-rhodium paddlewheel carboxylates

Mixed-ligand heterometallic compounds [BiRh(O2CCF3)4-x(O2CR)x] (R = But, x = 2 (cis); R = Me, Bui, x = 1) have been obtained by gas-phase reactions of bismuth(II) trifluoroacetate with the corresponding rhodium(II) carboxylate. This synthetic approach was found to be very effective for tuning the properties and introduction of chiral ligands at a heterobimetallic core.     

A coordination polymer of CdCl2 with the novel zwitterionic dicarboxylate ligand 2,2′‐(2‐methylbenzimidazolium‐1,3‐diyl)diacetate (pda)

The title compound, poly[chlorido[μ₄‐2,2′‐(2‐methylbenzimidazolium‐1,3‐diyl)diacetato]cadmium(II)], [Cd(C₁₂H₁₁N₂O₄)Cl]_n, is an undulating two‐dimensional polymer consisting of a paddlewheel Cd₂(CO₂)₄ cluster which lies on an inversion centre. These paddlewheel clusters act as four‐connected square building units interlinked via bridging zwitterionic dicarboxylate ligands into a corrugated layer which is consolidated by π–π interactions between benzene rings of benzimidazole groups. Neighbouring layers are further assembled via interlayer π–π interactions into a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. The key feature of this study is the synthesis of a paddlewheel‐based polymer constructed with a novel multifunctional zwitterionic dicarboxylate ligand.     

A rational design by hydrothermal methods of a tetrazolate-bridged bimetallic spin-canted antiferromagnet. Synthesis, X-ray structure and magnetic properties of [CoNi(pmtz)4] (Hpmtz- = 5-(pyrimidyl)tetrazole)

The bimetallic complex [CoNi(pmzt)4] (pmtz- = 5-(pyrimidyl)tetrazolate ligand) has been prepared by hydrothermal treatment of an equimolecular mixture of the mononuclear complexes[Co(pmtz)2(H2O)2] and [Ni(pmtz)2(H2O)2]. The structure of [CoNi(pmzt)4] consists of (4,4) square-grid-like sheets, in which Co(II) and Ni(II) metal ions are connected by pmtz(-) bridging ligands. This compound is a spin-canted antiferromagnet (weak ferromagnet) with Tc = 18 K. Although Co(II) and Ni(II) ions have different spin values, the spin-canted structure can be formed because of the accidental compensation of their magnetic moments. Both magnetic anisotropy and antisymmetric exchange interaction promote the spin canting of the compensated magnetic moments in the 3D antiferromagnetic phase. On passing from the homometallic complex, [Co2(pmzt)4], which is also a spin-canted antiferromagnet with Tc = 15 K, to the bimetallic complex, [CoNi(pmzt)4], Tc increases and the hysteresis parameters, remnant magnetization (Mr) and critical field (Hc), decrease. The increase in Tc may be a consequence of the increase of the JCoNi, whereas the decrease in Mr and Hc is probably due to the presence in [CoNi(pmzt)4] of a lower content of the highly anisotropic Co(II) ion.     

Rational syntheses, structure, and properties of the first bismuth(II) carboxylate

Bismuth(II) trifluoroacetate (1), the first inorganic salt of bismuth in oxidation state +2, has been obtained in its pure, unstabilized form. Several synthetic routes suggested for the isolation of the new compound include (i) mild oxidation of elemental bismuth with some metal trifluoroacetates, e.g., Ag(I) and Hg(II); (ii) mild reduction of bismuth(III) trifluoroacetate with metals, such as Zn; (iii) comproportionation reaction between Bi and Bi(O(2)CCF(3))(3). The last approach gives the title compound 1 in quantitative yield as a sole product. Bismuth(II) trifluoroacetate has been characterized by NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic study reveals the dinuclear paddle-wheel structure for diamagnetic molecules Bi(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4). The Bi-Bi bond distances in dimetal units of 1 are averaged to 2.9462(3) A, and there are no axial intermolecular contacts between these units in the solid state. The compound is volatile and exists in vapor phase up to 220 degrees C when it disproportionates back to Bi(0) and Bi(III) species, i.e., by the reverse of the synthetic route iii. In contrast, the solution chemistry is quite limited: the bismuth(II) trifluoroacetate is decomposed by the majority of common solvents, but it can be stabilized by aromatic systems. The dibismuth unit has been shown to be preserved in the latter solvents and can be crystallized out in a form of pi-adducts with arenes. Two such adducts, Bi(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4).(C(6)H(5)Me) (2) and Bi(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4).(1,4-C(6)H(4)Me(2))(2) (3), have been isolated as single crystals and characterized by X-ray diffraction techniques. In the structures of both 2 and 3, the bismuth(II) centers exhibit weak eta(6)-coordination to aromatic rings.     

Using structures formed by dirhodium tetra(trifluoroacetate) with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to prospect for maximum pi-electron density: Hückel calculations get it right.

A new class of supramolecular assemblies derived from a powerful Lewis acid in the form of dirhodium(II) tetra(trifluoroacetate) and various planar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as donors has been prepared using a solventless technique. As a result, a number of novel adducts [Rh2(O2CCF3)4]x(L)y with various stoichiometries, x:y = 1:2, 1:1, 3:2, and 3:1, have been isolated in crystalline form. The following PAHs have been employed: acenaphthylene C12H8 (L1); acenaphthene C12H10 (L2); anthracene (L3) and phenanthrene (L4), C14H10; pyrene (L5) and fluoranthene (L6), C16H10; a series of isomers of the C18H12 composition: 1,2-benzanthracene (L7), triphenylene (L8), and chrysene (L9). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies have revealed a variety of structural motifs ranging from discrete molecules to extended 1D chains and 2D networks. In the bis-adducts, [Rh2(O2CCF3)4](L)2, an aromatic ligand is axially coordinated to the rhodium atoms through two long inequivalent Rh-C linkages at each end of the dirhodium complex. In the 1D complexes ([Rh2(O2CCF3)4](L))infinity aromatic ligands serve as bidentate links between two dirhodium units, while in 2D structures PAHs act as polydentate linkers, each coordinated to several rhodium atoms. Each linkage of a PAH consisted of an off-centered eta(2) coordination toward a single rhodium center. Simple Hückel calculations performed on the PAHs were used to calculate pi-electron densities for the C-C bonds, and these densities were compared to the experimental results.     

Rodlike bimetallic ruthenium and osmium complexes bridged by phenylene spacers. Synthesis, electrochemistry, and photophysics

In the search for light-addressable nanosized compounds we have synthesized 10 dinuclear homometallic trisbipyridyl complexes of linear structure with the general formula [M(bpy)3-BL-M(bpy)3]4+ [M = Ru(II) or Os(II); BL = polyphenylenes (2, 3, 4, or 5 units) or indenofluorene; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine]. By using a "chemistry on the complex" approach, different sizes of rodlike systems have been obtained with a length of 19.8 and 32.5 A for the shortest and longest complex, respectively. For one of the ruthenium precursors, [Rubpy-ph2-Si(CH3)3][PF6]2, single crystals were obtained by recrystallization from methanol. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties are reported. All the compounds are luminescent both at room and low temperature with long excited-state lifetimes due to an extended delocalization. Nanosecond transient absorption showed that the lowest excited state involves the chelating unit attached to the bridging ligand. Electrochemical data indicated that the first reduction is at a slightly more positive potential than for the reference complexes [M(bpy)3]2+ (M = Ru, Os). This result confirms that the best acceptor is the bipyridine moiety connected to the conjugated spacers. The role of the tilt angle between the phenylene units, in the two series of complexes, for the ground and excited states is discussed.