Structural and photophysical properties of coordination networks combining [Ru(Bpym)(CN)4]2- or [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)]4- anions (bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) with lanthanide(III) cations: sensitized near-infrared luminescence from Yb(III), Nd(III), and Er(III) following Ru-to-lanthanide energy transfer

Reaction of the cyanoruthenate anions [Ru(bpym)(CN)4]2- and [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)]4- (bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) with lanthanide(III) salts resulted in the crystallization of coordination networks based on Ru-CN-Ln bridges. Four types of structure were obtained: [Ru(bpym)(CN)4][Ln(NO3)(H2O)5] (Ru-Ln; Ln = Sm, Nd, and Gd) are one-dimensional helical chains; [Ru(bpym)(CN)4]2[Ln(NO3)(H2O)2][Ln(NO3)(0.5)(H2O)(5.5)](NO3)(0.5).5.5H2O (Ru-Ln; Ln = Er and Yb) are two-dimensional sheets containing cross-linked chains based on Ru2Ln2(mu-CN)4 diamond units, which are linked into one-dimensional chains via shared Ru atoms; [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)][Ln(NO3)(H2O)5]2.3H2O (Ru2-Ln; Ln = Nd and Sm) are one-dimensional ladders with parallel Ln-NC-Ru-CN-Ln-NC strands connected by the bipyrimidine "cross pieces" acting as rungs on the ladder; and [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)][Ln(H2O)6](0.5)[Ln(H2O)4](NO3)(0.5).nH2O (Ru2-Ln; Ln = Eu, Gd, and Yb; n = 8.5, 8.5, and 8, respectively) are three-dimensional networks in which two-dimensional sheets of Ru2Ln2(mu-CN)4 diamonds are connected via cyanide bridges to Ln(III) ions between the layers. Whereas Ru-Gd shows weak triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT) luminescence in the solid state from the Ru-bipyrimidine chromophore, in Ru-Nd, Ru-Er, and Ru-Yb, the Ru-based emission is quenched, and all of these show, instead, sensitized lanthanide-based near-IR luminescence following a Ru --> Ln energy transfer. Similarly, Ru2-Nd and Ru2-Yb show lanthanide-based near-IR emission following excitation of the Ru-bipyrimidine chromophore. Time-resolved luminescence measurements suggest that the Ru --> Ln energy-transfer rate is faster (when Ln = Yb and Er) than in related complexes based on the [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- chromophore, because the lower energy of the Ru-bpym 3MLCT provides better spectroscopic overlap with the low-energy f-f states of Yb(III) and Er(III). In every case, the lanthanide-based luminescence is relatively short-lived as a result of the CN oscillations in the lattice.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of dinuclear complexes containing d-block and f-block luminophores. Sensitization of NIR luminescence from Yb(III), Nd(III), and Er(III) centers by energy transfer from Re(I)- and Pt(II)-bipyrimidine metal centers

Mononuclear complexes [Re(bpym)(CO)(3)Cl] and [Pt(bpym)(CC-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(2)] (bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine), in which one of the bipyrimidine sites is vacant, have been used as "complex ligands" to prepare heterodinuclear d-f complexes in which a lanthanide tris(1,3-diketonate) unit is attached to the secondary bipyrimidine site to evaluate the ability of d-block chromophores to act as antennae for causing sensitized near-infrared (NIR) luminescence from adjacent lanthanide(III) centers. The two sets of complexes so prepared are [Re(CO)(3)Cl(mu-bpym)Ln(fod)(3)] (abbreviated as Re-Ln; where Ln = Yb, Nd, Er) and [(F(3)C-C(6)H(4)-CC)(2)Pt(mu-bpym)Ln(hfac)(3)] (abbreviated as Pt-Ln; where Ln = Nd, Gd). Members of both series have been structurally characterized; the metal-metal separation across the bipyrimidine bridge is approximately 6.3 A in each case. In these complexes, the (3)MLCT (MLCT = metal to ligand charge-transfer) luminescences of the mononuclear [Re(bpym)(CO)(3)Cl] and [Pt(bpym)(CC-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(2)] complexes are quenched by energy transfer to those lanthanides (Ln = Yb, Nd, Er) that have low-lying f-f states capable of NIR luminescence; as a result, sensitized NIR luminescence is seen from the lanthanide center following excitation of the d-block unit. In the solid state, quenching of the luminescence from the d-block chromophore is complete, indicating efficient d --> f energy transfer, as a result of the short metal-metal separation across the bipyrimidine bridge. In a CH(2)Cl(2) solution, partial dissociation of the dinuclear complexes into the mononuclear units occurs, with the result that some (3)MLCT luminescence is observed from mononuclear [Re(bpym)(CO)(3)Cl] or [Pt(bpym)(CC-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(2)] present in the equilibrium mixture. Solution UV-vis and luminescence titrations, carried out by the addition of portions of Ln(fod)(3)(H(2)O)(2) or Ln(hfac)(3)(H(2)O)(2) to the d-block complex ligands, indicate that binding of the lanthanide tris(1,3-diketonate) unit at the secondary bipyrimidine site to give the d-f dinuclear complexes occurs with an association constant of ca. 10(5) M(-)(1).     

Cyanide-bridged Os(II)/Ln(III) coordination networks containing [Os(phen)(CN)4]2- as an energy donor: structural and photophysical properties

Slow evaporation of aqueous solutions containing mixtures of Na 2[Os(phen)(CN) 4], Ln(III) salts (Ln = Pr, Nd, Gd, Er, Yb), and (in some cases) an additional ligand such as 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpym) afforded crystalline coordination networks in which the [Os(phen)(CN) 4] (2-) anions are coordinated to Ln(III) cations via Os-CN-Ln cyanide bridges. The additional diimine ligands, if present, also coordinate to the Ln(III) centers. Several types of structure have been identified by X-ray crystallographic studies. Photophysical studies showed that the characteristic emission of the [Os(phen)(CN) 4] (2-) chromophore, which occurs at approximately 680 nm in this type of coordination environment with a triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer ( (3)MLCT) energy content of approximately 16 000 cm (-1), is quenched by energy transfer to those Ln(III) centers (Pr, Nd, Er, Yb) that have low-lying f-f states capable of accepting energy from the Os(II)-based (3)MLCT state. Time-resolved studies on the residual (partially quenched) Os(II)-based luminescence allowed the rates of Os(II) --> Ln(III) energy transfer to be evaluated. The measured rates varied substantially, having values of >5 x 10 (8), approximately 1 x 10 (8), and 2.5 x 10 (7) s (-1) for Ln = Nd, Er or Yb, and Pr, respectively. These differing rates of Os(II) --> Ln(III) energy transfer can be rationalized on the basis of the availability of f-f states of the different Ln(III) centers that are capable of acting as energy acceptors. In general, the rates of Os(II) --> Ln(III) energy transfer are an order of magnitude faster than the rates of Ru(II) --> Ln(III) energy transfer in a previously described series of [Ru(bipy)(CN) 4] (2-)/Ln(III) networks. This is ascribed principally to the lower energy of the Os(II)-based (3)MLCT state, which provides better spectroscopic overlap with the low-lying f-f states of the Ln(III) ions.     

Luminescent Pt(II)(bipyridyl)(diacetylide) chromophores with pendant binding sites as energy donors for sensitised near-infrared emission from lanthanides: structures and photophysics of Pt(II)/Ln(III) assemblies

The complexes [Pt(bipy){CC-(4-pyridyl)}(2)] (1) and [Pt(tBu(2)bipy){CC-(4-pyridyl)}(2)] (2) and [Pt(tBu(2)-bipy)(CC-phen)(2)] (3) all contain a Pt(bipy)(diacetylide) core with pendant 4-pyridyl (1 and 2) or phenanthroline (3) units which can be coordinated to {Ln(diketonate)(3)} fragments (Ln = a lanthanide) to make covalently-linked Pt(II)/Ln(III) polynuclear assemblies in which the Pt(II) chromophore, absorbing in the visible region, can be used to sensitise near-infrared luminescence from the Ln(III) centres. For 1 and 2 one-dimensional coordination polymers [1Ln(tta)(3)](infinity) and [2Ln(hfac)(3)](infinity) are formed, whereas 3 forms trinuclear adducts [3{Ln(hfac)(3)}(2)] (tta=anion of thenoyl-trifluoroacetone; hfac=anion of hexafluoroacetylacetone). Complexes 1-3 show typical Pt(II)-based (3)MLCT luminescence in solution at approximately 510 nm, but in the coordination polymers [1Ln(tta)(3)](infinity) and [2Ln(hfac)(3)](infinity) the presence of stacked pairs of Pt(II) units with short PtPt distances means that the chromophores have (3)MMLCT character and emit at lower energy ( approximately 630 nm). Photophysical studies in solution and in the solid state show that the (3)MMLCT luminescence in [1Ln(tta)(3)](infinity) and [2Ln(hfac)(3)](infinity) in the solid state, and the (3)MLCT emission of [3{Ln(hfac)(3)}(2)] in solution and the solid state, is quenched by Pt-->Ln energy transfer when the lanthanide has low-energy f-f excited states which can act as energy acceptors (Ln=Yb, Nd, Er, Pr). This results in sensitised near-infrared luminescence from the Ln(III) units. The extent of quenching of the Pt(II)-based emission, and the Pt-->Ln energy-transfer rates, can vary over a wide range according to how effective each Ln(III) ion is at acting as an energy acceptor, with Yb(III) usually providing the least quenching (slowest Pt-->Ln energy transfer) and either Nd(III) or Er(III) providing the most (fastest Pt-->Ln energy transfer) according to which one has the best overlap of its f-f absorption manifold with the Pt(II)-based luminescence.     

Pseudo-base formation in the attempted synthesis of a conjugatively coupled bis(nitrosylruthenium) complex and spectroelectrochemistry of bipyrimidine-bridged dinuclear Ru(terpy)X precursor compounds (X = Cl, NO2)

Reaction of {(mu-bpym)[RuCl(terpy)]2}(PF6)2, bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine and terpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine, with NaNO2 yields {(mu-bpym)[Ru(NO2)(terpy)]2}(PF6)2. In CH3CN/0.1 M Bu4NPF6 both dinuclear complexes can undergo two reversible bpym-centered one-electron reduction processes and two metal-centered one-electron oxidation steps, the latter involving mixed-valent intermediates with weak intermetallic coupling. Acidification of {(mu-bpym)[Ru(NO2)(terpy)]2}(PF6)2 does not lead to the expected {(mu-bpym)[Ru(NO)(terpy)]2}6+ but, probably because of the high charge, to the insoluble but structurally and IR-spectroscopically characterised pseudo-base product syn-{(mu-bpym-(4-OH))[Ru(NO)(terpy)]2}(PF6)5. The addition of one hydroxide to one of the 4-positions of bis-chelating bpym interrupts the aromatic pi conjugation and is accompanied by corresponding intra-pyrimidine bond length variations, however, the effect on the electronic interaction of the two different syn positioned {RuNO}6 moieties remains small, possibly due to their situation within the central molecular pi plane.     

Absorption, Circular Dichroism, and Luminescence Spectroscopy of Electrogenerated Delta-[Ru(bipy)(3)](+/0/)(-) and Delta-[Os(bipy)(3)](+/0/)(-) (bipy = 2,2'-Bipyridine)

The electronic absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the complexes produced by the one, two, and three electron reduction of Delta-[Ru(bipy)(3)](2+) and Delta-[Os(bipy)(3)](2+) are reported. The CD spectra give unequivocal proof that the added electrons are localized on individual bipiridine ligands and thus that the complexes are correctly formulated [M(bipy)(2)(bipy(-))](+), [M(bipy)(bipy(-))(2)](0), and [M(bipy(-))(3)](-). The absorption spectra of the triply reduced species [M(bipy(-))(3)](-) (M = Ru, Os) are compared to those of the Fe(II) and Ir(III) analogs. The luminescence spectra of the two triply reduced complexes [Ru(bipy(-))(3)](-) and [Os(bipy(-))(3)](-). are also presented. The MLCT luminescence found in the parent complexes is completely quenched and is replaced by a weak luminescence attributed to the pi(10) --> pi(7) transition of the (coordinated) [bipy](-) ion.     

Diimine-acetylide compounds of ruthenium: the structural and spectroscopic effects of oxidation

The reaction of Ru(Me(2)bipy)(PPh(3))(2)Cl(2) 1 with terminal alkynes HCCR in the presence of TlPF(6) leads to the formation of the vinylidene compounds [Ru(Me(2)bipy)(PPh(3))(2)Cl(=C=CHR)][PF(6)] (2) (2a, R = Bu(t); 2b, R = p-C(6)H(4)-Me; 2c, R = Ph). These compounds decompose in oxygenated solution to form the carbonyl compound [Ru(Me(2)bipy)(PPh(3))(2)Cl(CO)][PF(6)] (3), and may be deprotonated by K(2)CO(3) to give the ruthenium(II) terminal acetylide compounds Ru(Me(2)bipy)(PPh(3))(2)Cl(CC-R) (4) (4a, R = Bu(t); 4b, R = p-C(6)H(4)-Me; 4c, R = Ph). Cyclic voltammetry shows that 2a-c may also be reductively dehydrogenated to form 4a-c. 4a-c are readily oxidized to their ruthenium(III) analogues [4a](+)-[4c](+), and the changes seen in their UV/visible spectra upon performing this oxidation are analyzed. These show that whereas the UV/visible spectra of 4a-c show MLCT bands from the ruthenium atom to the bipyridyl ligand, those of [4a](+)-[4c](+) contain LMCT bands originating on the acetylide ligands. This is in agreement with the IR and ESR spectra of [4a](+)-[4c](+). The X-ray crystal structures of the redox pair 4a and [4a][PF(6)()] have been determined, allowing the bonding within the metal-acetylide unit to be analyzed, and an attempt is made to determine Lever electrochemical parameters (E(L)) for the vinylidene and acetylide ligands seen herein. Room temperature luminescence measurements on 4a-c show that the compounds are not strongly emissive.     

Syntheses, luminescence behavior, and assembly reaction of tetraalkynylplatinate(II) complexes: crystal structures of [Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)(Ctbd1;CC(5)H(4)N)Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)](PF(6))(3) and [Pt(2)Ag(4)(Ctbd1;CCtbd1;CC(6)H(4)CH(3)-4)(8)(THF)(4)

A series of tetraalkynylplatinate(II) complexes, (NBu(4))(2)[Pt(Ctbd1;CR)(4)] (R = C(6)H(4)N-4, C(6)H(4)N-3, and C(6)H(3)N(2)-5), and the diynyl analogues, (NBu(4))(2)[Pt(Ctbd1;CCtbd1;CR)(4)] (R = C(6)H(5) and C(6)H(4)CH(3)-4), have been synthesized. These complexes displayed intense photoluminescence, which was assigned as metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions. Reaction of (Bu(4)N)(2)[Pt(Ctbd1;CC(5)H(4)N-4)(4)] with 4 equiv of [Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)(MeCN)](OTf)(2) in methanol did not yield the expected pentanuclear platinum product, [Pt(Ctbd1;CC(5)H(4)N)(4)[Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)](4)](OTf)(6), but instead afforded a strongly luminescent 4-ethynylpyridine-bridged dinuclear complex, [Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)(Ctbd1;CC(5)H(4)N)Pt((t)Bu(3)trpy)](PF(6))(3,) which has been structurally characterized. The emission origin is assigned as derived from states of predominantly (3)MLCT [d(pi)(Pt) --> pi((t)Bu(3)trpy)] character, probably mixed with some intraligand (3)IL [pi --> pi(Ctbd1;C)], and ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (3)LLCT [pi(Ctbd1;C) --> pi((t)()Bu(3)trpy)] character. On the other hand, reaction of (Bu(4)N)(2)[Pt(Ctbd1;CCtbd1;CC(6)H(4)CH(3)-4)(4)] with [Ag(MeCN)(4)][BF(4)] gave a mixed-metal aggregate, [Pt(2)Ag(4)(Ctbd1;CCtbd1;CC(6)H(4)CH(3)-4)(8)(THF)(4)]. The crystal structure of [Pt(2)Ag(4)(Ctbd1;CCtbd1;CC(6)H(4)CH(3)-4)(8)(THF)(4)] has also been determined. A comparison study of the spectroscopic properties of the hexanuclear platinum-silver complex with its precursor complex has been made and their spectroscopic origins were suggested.     

A platinum-ruthenium dinuclear complex bridged by bis(terpyridyl)xanthene

4,5-Bis(terpyridyl)-2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene (btpyxa) was prepared to serve as a new bridging ligand via Suzuki coupling of terpyridin-4'-yl triflate and 2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene-4,5-diboronic acid. The reaction of btpyxa with either 1 equiv or an excess of PtCl(2)(cod) (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) followed by anion exchange afforded mono- and dinuclear platinum complexes [(PtCl)(btpyxa)](PF(6)) ([1](PF(6))) and [(PtCl)(2)(btpyxa)](PF(6))(2) ([2](PF(6))(2)), respectively. The X-ray crystallography of [1](PF(6)).CHCl(3) revealed that the two terpyridine units in the ligand are nearly parallel to each other. The heterodinuclear complex [(PtCl)[Ru((t)Bu(2)SQ)(dmso)](btpyxa)](PF(6))(2) ([4](PF(6))(2)) (dmso = dimethyl sulfoxide; (t)Bu(2)SQ = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzosemiquinone) and the monoruthenium complex [Ru((t)Bu(2)SQ)(dmso)(trpy)](PF(6)) ([5](PF(6))) (trpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine) were also synthesized. The CV of [2](2+) suggests possible electronic interaction between the two Pt(trpy) groups, whereas such an electronic interaction was not suggested by the CV of [4](2+) between Pt(trpy) and Ru((t)Bu(2)SQ) frameworks.     

Scrutinizing low-spin Cr(II) complexes

The oxidation state of the chromium center in the following compounds has been probed using a combination of chromium K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory: [Cr(phen)(3)][PF(6)](2) (1), [Cr(phen)(3)][PF(6)](3) (2), [CrCl(2)((t)bpy)(2)] (3), [CrCl(2)(bpy)(2)]Cl(0.38)[PF(6)](0.62) (4), [Cr(TPP)(py)(2)] (5), [Cr((t)BuNC)(6)][PF(6)](2) (6), [CrCl(2)(dmpe)(2)] (7), and [Cr(Cp)(2)] (8), where phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, (t)bpy is 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine, and TPP(2-) is doubly deprotonated 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin. The X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1, [Cr(phen)(3)][OTf](2) (1'), and 3 are reported. The X-ray absorption and computational data reveal that complexes 1-5 all contain a central Cr(III) ion (S(Cr) = (3)/(2)), whereas complexes 6-8 contain a central low-spin (S = 1) Cr(II) ion. Therefore, the electronic structures of 1-8 are best described as [Cr(III)(phen(?))(phen(0))(2)][PF(6)](2), [Cr(III)(phen(0))(3)][PF(6)](3), [Cr(III)Cl(2)((t)bpy(?))((t)bpy(0))], [Cr(III)Cl(2)(bpy(0))(2)]Cl(0.38)[PF(6)](0.62), [Cr(III)(TPP(3?-))(py)(2)], [Cr(II)((t)BuNC)(6)][PF(6)](2), [Cr(II)Cl(2)(dmpe)(2)], and [Cr(II)(Cp)(2)], respectively, where (L(0)) and (L(?))(-) (L = phen, (t)bpy, or bpy) are the diamagnetic neutral and one-electron-reduced radical monoanionic forms of L, and TPP(3?-) is the one-electron-reduced doublet form of diamagnetic TPP(2-). Following our previous results that have shown [Cr((t)bpy)(3)](2+) and [Cr(tpy)(2)](2+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) to contain a central Cr(III) ion, the current results further refine the scope of compounds that may be described as low-spin Cr(II) and reveal that this is a very rare oxidation state accessible only with ligands in the strong-field extreme of the spectrochemical series.     

Towards inert and preorganized d-block-containing receptors for trivalent lanthanides: the synthesis and characterization of triple-helical monometallic Os(II) and bimetallic Os(II)-Ln(III) complexes

The mononuclear Os(II) complex [Os()(3)](PF(6))(2) ( = 5-methyl(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine) is an obvious candidate for the design of an inert d-block-based tripodal receptor capable of binding and photosensitizing trivalent lanthanides (Ln(III)). It has thus been prepared and its two enantiomeric meridional (Delta-mer and Lambda-mer) and facial (rac-fac) isomers have been separated by ion-exchange chromatography. The optical isomers have been characterized by CD spectroscopy and assignments of absolute configuration confirmed by an X-ray crystallographic study of Lambda-mer-[Os()(3)](PF(6))(2).1.5MeCN (monoclinic, P2(1), Z = 4). Comparison of the latter structure with that of racemic fac-[Os()(3)](PF(6))(2) (monoclinic, C2/c, Z = 8) and [Os(bipy)(3)](PF(6))(2) (where bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) shows minimal structural variations, but differences are observed in the photophysical and electrochemical properties of the respective compounds. Luminescence emissions from Os(II) complexes of are typically lower in energy, with shorter lifetimes and lower quantum yields than their bipy analogues, whilst metal-centred oxidation processes are more facile due to the enhanced pi-donor ability of . The key relationships between these parameters are discussed. Finally, though challenged by (i) the low reactivity of many osmium precursors and (ii) the irreversible formation of competing side products, the synthesis and purification of the heterobimetallic triple-stranded helicate HHH-[OsLu()(3)](CF(3)SO(3))(5) has been realised, in which is a segmental ligand containing the same bidentate unit as that found in further connected to a tridentate binding site adapted for complexing Ln(III). Its solid-state structure has been established by X-ray crystallography (triclinic, P1, Z = 2).     

Synthesis and luminescence studies of mono- and C3-symmetric, tris(ligand) complexes of Sm(III), Y(III) and Eu(III) with sulfur-bridged binaphtholate ligands

A series of trivalent mono- and tris(ligand) lanthanide complexes of a sulfur-bridged binaphthol ligand [1,1'-S(2-HOC(10)H(4)Bu(t)(2)-3,6)(2)] H(2)L(SN), have been prepared and characterised both structurally and photophysically. The H(2)L(SN) ligand provides an increased steric bulk and offers an additional donor atom (sulfur) as compared with 1,1'-binaphthol (BINOL), a ligand commonly used to complex Lewis acidic lanthanide catalysts. Reaction of the diol H(2)L(SN) with [Sm[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)] affords silylamido- and amino- derivatives [Sm(L(SN))[N(SiMe(3))(2)][HN(SiMe(3))(2)]] and the crystallographically characterised [Sm(L(SN))[N(SiMe(3))(2)](thf)(2)] with different degrees of structural rigidity, depending on the presence of coordinating solvents. The binaphthyl groups of the L(SN) ligand act as sensitisers of the metal centred emission, which is observed for the Eu(III) and Sm(III) complexes studied. We have therefore sought to use emission spectroscopy as a non-invasive technique to monitor a monomer-dimer equilibrium in these complexes. A dramatic difference between the emission properties of the unreactive dimeric Sm(III) aryloxide complex, the solvated monomeric analogues and the amido adduct demonstrated the potential use of such a technique. For a few representative lanthanides (Ln = Sm, Eu and Y) the reaction of the dilithium salt Li(2)L(SN) with either [Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2]3)] or [LnCl(3)(thf)(3)] affords only the homoleptic complex [Li(S)(3)][LnL(SN)(3)](S = thf or diethyl ether); we report the structural characterisation of the Sm complex. However, the reactions of this dipotassium salt K(2)L(SN) with [Sm[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)] or [SmCl(3)(thf)(3)] give only [SmL(SN)N(SiMe(3))(2)], or intractable mixtures respectively, in which no (tris)binaphtholate is observed. The only isolable lanthanide-L(SN) halide adduct so far is [YbL(SN)I(thf)].     

Formation of μ-dinitrogen (salen)osmium complexes via ligand-induced N···N coupling of (salen)osmium(VI) nitrides

Treatment of [N(n)Bu(4)][Os(VI)(N)Cl(4)] with a stoichiometric amount of H(2)L (L = N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-o-cyclohexylenediamine dianion) in the presence of PF(6)(-) or ClO(4)(-) in MeOH affords [Os(VI)(N)(L)(OH(2))](PF(6)) 1a and [Os(VI)(N)(L)(CH(3)OH)](ClO(4)) 1b, respectively. The structure of 1b has been determined by X-ray crystallography and the Os≡N bond distance is 1.627(3) ?. In the presence of a N-donor heterocyclic ligand in CH(3)CN, 1a reacts at room temperature to afford the mixed-valence μ-N(2) (salen)osmium species [(X)(L)Os(III)-N≡N-Os(II)(L)(X)](PF(6)), 2-14 (X = py 2; 4-Mepy 3; 4-(t)Bupy 4; pz 5; 3-Mepz 6; 3,5-Me(2)pz 7; Im 8; 1-MeIm 9; 2-MeIm 10; 4-MeIm 11; 1,2-Me(2)Im 12; 2-Meozl 13; 4-MeTz 14). These complexes are formed by ligand-induced N···N coupling of two [Os(VI)≡N](+) to give initially [Os(III)-N(2)-Os(III)](2+), which is then reduced to give the more stable mixed-valence species [Os(III)-N(2)-Os(II)](+). Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of 2-14 show two reversible couples, attributed to Os(III,III)/Os(III,II) and Os(III,II)/Os(II,II). The large comproportionation constants (K(com)) of (5.36-82.3) × 10(13) indicate charge delocalization in these complexes. The structures of 3 and 14 have been determined by X-ray crystallography, the salen ligands are in uncommon cis-β configuration. Oxidations of 4 and 14 by [Cp(2)Fe](PF(6)) afford the symmetrical species [(X)(L)Os(III)-N≡N-Os(III)(L)(X)](PF(6))(2) (X = 4-(t)Bupy 15; 4-MeTz 16). These are the first stable μ-N(2) diosmium(III,III) complexes that have been characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Tuning and switching MLCT phosphorescence of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complexes with triarylboranes and anions

Four new Ru(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)(2)(4,4'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (1), [Ru(t-Bu-bpy)(2)(4,4'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (2), [Ru(bpy)(2)(5,5'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (3), and [Ru(t-Bu-bpy)(2)(5,5'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (4) have been synthesized (where 4,4'-BP2bpy = 4,4'-bis(BMes(2)phenyl)-2,2'-bpy; 5,5'-BP2bpy = 5,5'-bis(BMes(2)phenyl)-2,2'-bpy (4,4'-BP2bpy); and t-Bu-bpy = 4,4'-bis(t-butyl)-2,2'-bipyridine). These new complexes have been fully characterized. The crystal structures of 3 and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All four complexes display distinct metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) phosphorescence that has a similar quantum efficiency as that of [Ru(bpy)(3)][PF(6)](2) under air, but is at a much lower energy. The MLCT phosphorescence of these complexes has been found to be highly sensitive toward anions such as fluoride and cyanide, which switch the MLCT band to higher energy when added. The triarylboron groups in these compounds not only introduce this color switching mechanism, but also play a key role in the phosphorescence color of the complexes.     

Cationic Ti(IV) and neutral Ti(III) titanocene-phosphinoaryloxide frustrated Lewis pairs: hydrogen activation and catalytic amine-borane dehydrogenation

Titanium-phosphorus frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) based on titanocene-phosphinoaryloxide complexes have been synthesised. The cationic titanium(IV) complex [Cp(2)TiOC(6)H(4)P((t)Bu)(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] 2 reacts with hydrogen to yield the reduced titanium(III) complex [Cp(2)TiOC(6)H(4)PH((t)Bu)(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] 5. The titanium(III)-phosphorus FLP [Cp(2)TiOC(6)H(4)P((t)Bu)(2)] 6 has been synthesised either by chemical reduction of [Cp(2)Ti(Cl)OC(6)H(4)P((t)Bu)(2)] 1 with [CoCp*(2)] or by reaction of [Cp(2)Ti{N(SiMe(3))(2)}] with 2-C(6)H(4)(OH){P((t)Bu)(2)}. Both 2 and 6 catalyse the dehydrogenation of Me(2)HN·BH(3).     

New cyanide-bridged Mn(III)-M(III) heterometallic dinuclear complexes constructed from [M(III)(AA)(CN)4]- building blocks (M = Cr and Fe): synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties

Three Mn(III)-M(III) (M = Cr and Fe) dinuclear complexes have been obtained by assembling [Mn(III)(SB)(H(2)O)](+) and [M(III)(AA)(CN)(4)](-) ions, where SB is the dianion of the Schiff-base resulting from the condensation of 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde with ethylenediamine (3-MeOsalen(2-)) or 1,2-cyclohexanediamine (3-MeOsalcyen(2-)): [Mn(3-MeOsalen)(H(2)O)(μ-NC)Cr(bipy)(CN)(3)]·2H(2)O (1), [Mn(3-MeOsalen)(H(2)O)(μ-NC)Cr(ampy)(CN)(3)][Mn(3-MeOsalen)(H(2)O)(2)]ClO(4)·2H(2)O (2) and [Mn(3-MeOsalcyen)(H(2)O)(μ-NC)Fe(bpym)(CN)(3)]·3H(2)O (3) (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, ampy = 2-aminomethylpyridine and bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine). The [M(AA)(CN)(4)](-) unit in 1-3 acts as a monodentate ligand towards the manganese(III) ion through one of its four cyanide groups. The manganese(III) ion in 1-3 exhibits an elongated octahedral stereochemistry with the tetradentate SB building the equatorial plane and a water molecule and a cyanide-nitrogen atom filling the axial positions. Remarkably, the neutral mononuclear complex [Mn(3-MeOsalen)(H(2)O)(2)]ClO(4) co-crystallizes with the heterobimetallic unit in 2. The values of the Mn(III)-M(III) distance across the bridging cyanide are 5.228 (1), 5.505 (2) and 5.265 ? (3). The packing of the neutral heterobimetallic units in the crystal is governed by the self-complementarity of the [Mn(SB)(H(2)O)](+) moieties, which interact each other through hydrogen bonds established between the aqua ligand from one fragment with the set of phenolate- and methoxy-oxygens from the adjacent one. The magnetic properties of the three complexes have been investigated in the temperature range 1.9-300 K. Weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Mn(III) and M(III) ions across the cyanido bridge were found: J(MnM) = -5.6 (1), -0.63 (2) and -2.4 cm(-1) (3) the Hamiltonian being defined as H = -JS(Mn)·S(M). Theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) have been used to substantiate both the nature and magnitude of the exchange interactions observed and also to analyze the dependence of the magnetic coupling on the structural parameters within the Mn(III)-N-C-M(III) motif in 1-3.     

Structures, spectroscopic properties and redox potentials of quaterpyridyl Ru(II) photosensitizer and its derivatives for solar energy cell: a density functional study

Scalar relativistic density functional theory (DFT) has been used to explore the spectroscopic and redox properties of Ruthenium-type photovoltaic sensitizers, trans-[Ru((R)L)(NCS)(2)] ((R)L = 4,4'-di-R-4',4'-bis(carboxylic acid)-2,2' : 6',2' : 6',2'-quaterpyridine, R = H (1), Me (2), (t)Bu (3) and COOH (4); (R)L = 4,4'-di-R-4',4'-bis(carboxylic acid)-cycloquaterpyridine, R = COOH (5)). The geometries of the molecular ground, univalent cationic and triplet excited states of 1-5 were optimized. In complexes 1-4, the quaterpyridine ligand retains its planarity in the molecular, cationic and excited states, although the C≡N-Ru angle representing the SCN → Ru coordination approaches 180° in the univalent cationic and triplet excited states. The theoretically designed complex 5 displays a curved cycloquaterpyridine ligand with significantly distorted SCN → Ru coordination. The electron spin density distributions reveal that one electron is removed from the Ru/NCS moieties upon oxidation and the triplet excited state is due to the Ru/NCS → polypyridine charge transfer (MLCT/L'LCT). The experimental absorption spectra were well reproduced by the time-dependent DFT calculations. In the visible region, two MLCT/L'LCT absorption bands were calculated to be at 652 and 506 nm for 3, agreeing with experimental values of 637 and 515 nm, respectively. The replacement of the R- group with -COOH stabilizes the lower-energy unoccupied orbitals of π* character in the quaterpyridine ligand in 4. This results in a large red shift for these two MLCT/L'LCT bands. In contrast, the lower-energy MLCT/L'LCT peak of 5 nearly disappears due to the introduction of cycloquaterpyridine ligand. The higher energy bands in 5 however become broader and more intense. As far as absorption in the visible region is concerned, the theoretically designed 5 may be a very promising sensitizer for DSSC. In addition, the redox potentials of 1-5 were calculated and discussed, in conjunction with photosensitizers such as cis-[Ru(L(1))(2)(X)(2)] (L(1) = 4,4'-bis(carboxylic acid)-2,2'-bipyridine; X = NCS(-) (6), Cl(-) (7) and CN(-) (8)), cis-[Ru(L(1)')(2)(NCS)(2)] (L(1)' = 4,7-bis(carboxylic acid)-1,10-phenanthroline, 9), [NH(4)][Ru(L(2))(NCS)(3)] (L(2) = 4,4',4'-tris(carboxylic acid)-2,2' : 6',2'-terpyridine, 10) and [Ru(L(2))(NCS)(3)](-) (11).     

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.     

Ruthenium(II)-polyazine light absorbers bridged to reactive cis-dichlororhodium(III) centers in a bimetallic molecular architecture

Bimetallic complexes of the form [(bpy)(2)Ru(BL)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3), where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, and BL = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (dpp) or 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpm), were synthesized, characterized, and compared to the [{(bpy)(2)Ru(BL)}(2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5) trimetallic analogues. The new complexes were synthesized via the building block method, exploiting the known coordination chemistry of Rh(III) polyazine complexes. In contrast to [{(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)}(2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5) and [{(bpy)(2)Ru(bpm)}(2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5), [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) and [(bpy)(2)Ru(bpm)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) have a single visible light absorber subunit coupled to the cis-Rh(III)Cl(2) moiety, an unexplored molecular architecture. The electrochemistry of [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) showed a reversible oxidation at 1.61 V (vs Ag/AgCl) (Ru(III/II)), quasi-reversible reductions at -0.39 V, -0.74, and -0.98 V. The first two reductive couples corresponded to two electrons, consistent with Rh reduction. The electrochemistry of [(bpy)(2)Ru(bpm)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) exhibited a reversible oxidation at 1.76 V (Ru(III/II)). A reversible reduction at -0.14 V (bpm(0/-)), and quasi-reversible reductions at -0.77 and -0.91 V each corresponded to a one electron process, bpm(0/-), Rh(III/II), and Rh(II/I). The dpp bridged bimetallic and trimetallic display Ru(dpi)-->dpp(pi*) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions at 509 nm (14,700 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 518 nm (26,100 M(-1) cm(-1)), respectively. The bpm bridged bimetallic and trimetallic display Ru(dpi)-->bpm(pi*) charge transfer (CT) transitions at 581 nm (4,000 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 594 nm (9,900 M(-1) cm(-1)), respectively. The heteronuclear complexes [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) and [{(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)}(2)RhCl(2)](PF(6))(5) had (3)MLCT emissions that are Ru(dpi)-->dpp(pi*) CT in nature but were red-shifted and lower intensity than [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)Ru(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(4). The lifetimes of the (3)MLCT state of [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)RhCl(2)(phen)](PF(6))(3) at room temperature (30 ns) was shorter than [(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)Ru(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(4), consistent with favorable electron transfer to Rh(III) to generate a metal-to-metal charge-transfer ((3)MMCT) state. The reported synthetic methods provide means to a new molecular architecture coupling a single Ru light absorber to the Rh(III) center while retaining the interesting cis-Rh(III)Cl(2) moiety.     

Metallocyclodextrins as building blocks in noncovalent assemblies of photoactive units for the study of photoinduced intercomponent processes

Cyclodextrin cups have been employed to build supramolecular systems consisting of metal and organic photoactive/redox-active components; the photoinduced communication between redox-active units assembled in water via noncovalent interactions is established. The functionalization of a beta-cyclodextrin with a terpyridine unit, ttp-beta-CD, is achieved by protection of all but one of the hydroxyl groups by methylation and attachment of the ttp unit on the free primary hydroxyl group. The metalloreceptors [(beta-CD-ttp)Ru(ttp)][PF(6)](2), [(beta-CD-ttp)Ru(tpy)][PF(6)](2), and [Ru(beta-CD-ttp)(2)][PF(6)](2) are synthesized and fully characterized. The [(beta-CD-ttp)Ru(ttp)][PF(6)](2) metalloreceptor exhibits luminescence in water, centered at 640 nm, from the (3)MLCT state with a lifetime of 1.9 ns and a quantum yield of Phi = 4.1 x 10(-)(5). Addition of redox-active quinone guests AQS, AQC, and BQ to an aqueous solution of [(beta-CD-ttp)Ru(ttp)](2+) results in quenching of the luminescence up to 40%, 20%, and 25%, respectively. Measurement of the binding strength indicates that, in saturation conditions, 85% for AQS and 77% for AQC are bound. The luminescence quenching is attributed to an intercomponent electron transfer from the appended ruthenium center to the quinone guest inside the cavity. Control experiments demonstrate no bimolecular quenching at these conditions. A photoactive osmium metalloguest, [Os(biptpy)(tpy)][PF(6)], is designed with a biphenyl hydrophobic tail for insertion in the cyclodextrin cavity. The complex is luminescent at room temperature with an emission band maximum at 730 nm and a lifetime of 116 ns. The osmium(III) species are formed for the study of photoinduced electron transfer upon their assembly with the ruthenium cyclodextrin, [(beta-CD-ttp)Ru(ttp)](2+). Time-resolved spectroscopy studies show a short component of 10 ps, attributed to electron transfer from Ru(II) to Os(III) giving an electron transfer rate 9.5 x 10(9) s(-)(1).