Novel tripod ligands for prickly self-assembled monolayers

The new tridentate thioether ligands PhSi(CH2SMe)3 (1) and Ph-p-C6H4Si(CH2SMe)3 (2) have been synthesised and used for the preparation of the chelates fac-[W(kappa3-1)(CO)3] and fac-[W(kappa3-2)(CO)3], which were characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 and 2 were used as tripodal adsorbate molecules for the fabrication of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold. Film formation from solution was investigated in situ by second harmonic generation (SHG) and ellipsometry, which revealed a two-stepped process (fast adsorption, followed by slow film ordering). SAMs of 2 on gold were further investigated by ex situ methods, viz. high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HRXPS), Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FTIRRAS), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The latter two methods indicated dense packing of the tripodal anchor groups on the surface, with a substantially lower density of the biphenyl pricks. HRXPS showed three different binding states of sulfur, including a standard thiolate-type and a coordination-type state.     

Zwitterionic dithiocarboxylates derived from N-heterocyclic carbenes: coordination to gold surfaces

The zwitterionic dithiocarboxylates 1(+)-CS(2)(-)-4(+)-CS(2)(-) were prepared by reacting the corresponding N-heterocyclic carbenes 1,3-bis(2,6-diisoproylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (1), 1,3-diisopropylimidazol-2-ylidene (2), 1,3-dibenzylimidazol-2-ylidene (3) and 1,3-diethylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene (4) with CS(2). In the latter two cases, the corresponding N-heterocylic carbene was generated in situ. Compounds 2(+)-CS(2)(-)-4(+)-CS(2)(-) were structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The chemisorption of these zwitterionic dithiocarboxylates on solid gold substrates was investigated in situ and in real time by optical second harmonic generation (SHG). The resulting thin films were exemplarily characterised by near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in the case of 1(+)-CS(2)(-) and 2(+)-CS(2)(-), revealing the formation of almost contamination-free self-assembled monolayers, which exhibit a remarkable degree of orientational order.     

A three-dimensional ferromagnet based on linked copper-azido clusters

Two novel three-dimensional coordination polymers [Cu(6)(N(3))(12)(N-Eten)(2)](n) (1) (N-Eten=N-ethylethylenediamine) and {[Cu(9)(N(3))(18)(1,2-pn)(4)].H(2)O}(n) (2) (1,2-pn=1,2-diaminopropane) have been synthesized by the self-assembly reactions of Cu(NO(3))(2).3H(2)O, NaN(3) and small diamine ligands. Their molecular structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is composed of a neutral 3D coordination framework based on unprecedented hexanuclear copper(ii) clusters which features three types of bridging modes for azide (mu-1,1, mu-1,3 and mu-1,1,3). Complex 2 is a novel 3D coordination polymer featuring octanuclear copper-azido clusters and [Cu(diamine)(2)](2+) units which are linked by azido bridges. Magnetic studies for complex show ferromagnetic ordering at 3.5 K, where the azido bridges mediate ferromagnetic coupling between adjacent Cu(II) ions. The magnetic data for 1 were fitted to a uniform hexanuclear copper model which yielded g=2.21, J=6.26 cm(-1), zJ'=0.39 cm(-1). Complex 2 shows ferromagnetic coupling in the octanuclear unit and antiferromagnetic interaction between neighboring units.     

Self-assembled monolayers derived from a double-chained monothiol having chemically dissimilar chains

The structure and conformation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) derived from the adsorption of a specifically designed double-chained partially fluorinated thiol having the formula 12,12,13,13,14,14,15,15,16,16,17,17,18,18,19,19,19-heptadecafluoro -2-tetradecylnona-decane-1-thiol ( 2) onto the surface of evaporated gold were examined by ellipsometry, contact angle goniometry, polarization modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results were compared to those of SAMs generated from normal hexadecanethiol ( 1) and a structurally related single-chained partially fluorinated thiol having the formula 12,12,13,13,14,14,15,15,16,16,17,17,18,18,19,19,19-heptadecafluorononadecane-1-thiol ( 3). Collectively, the studies demonstrate that the double-chained adsorbate 2 forms SAMs on gold in which the alkyl chains are less densely packed and less conformationally ordered than those in the SAMs derived from each of the single-chained adsorbates. Furthermore, the fluorocarbon moieties in the SAMs derived from 2 are more tilted from the surface normal than those in the SAMs derived from 3. The low values of contact angle hysteresis suggest, however, that the double-chained adsorbate 2 generates homogeneous monolayer films on the surface of gold.     

Sulfonic Acid-functionalized gold nanoparticles: a colloid-bound catalyst for soft lithographic application on self-assembled monolayers

In this report, we present a new lithographic approach to prepare patterned surfaces. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of the acid-labile trimethylsilyl ether (TMS-OC(11)H(22)S)(2) (TMS adsorbate) was formed on gold. 5-Mercapto-2-benzimidazole sulfonic acid sodium salt (MBS-Na(+)) was used as a ligand for gold nanoparticles. These monolayer-protected gold colloids (MPCs) were transformed into the catalytically active H(+)-form by ion exchange. This colloid-bound catalyst hydrolyzed the TMS adsorbate (TMS-OC(11)H(22)S)(2) both in solution and when self-assembled on gold surfaces. Microcontact printing of the active colloid-bound catalyst on the preformed TMS SAM led to the deposition of the colloid onto the SAMs. After the catalyst nanoparticles were rinsed off, a patterned surface was created as shown by AFM.     

Self-assembled layers based on isomerizable stilbene and diketoarylhydrazone moieties

The ability to form self-assembled layers on gold (Au) using five organosulfur compounds that contain isomerizable groups has been investigated. The isomerizable groups are either stilbene or diketoarylhydrazone derivatives. To anchor them on a gold surface, the isomerizable groups have been combined with sulfur-containing groups (disulfide, 1,2-dithiolane, and thiophene). The resulting thin films assembled on gold were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), infrared (FTIR) reflectance spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and water contact angle measurements. Though all substances have the potential to form self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), only two of them, disulfanediyl-bis(ethane-2,1-diyl) bis(4-styrylbenzoate) (1) and 4-[(2,4-dioxo-3-pentylidene)diazane-2,2,1-triyl]phenyl thioctate (4), yield the expected structure, the latter one showing the possibility to incorporate diarylketohydrazone moieties into SAMs. The compound 4-[(2,4-dioxo-3-pentylidene)diazane-2,2,1-triyl]phenyl thiophene-2-carboxylate (5) does not self-assemble on gold, but 4-styrylphenyl thioctate (3) presumably forms multilayers. In the case of disulfanediyl-bis(ethane-2,1-diyl) bis[4-(p-nitrostyryl)benzoate] (2), we propose a structure with a fraction of the molecules bound to gold via the nitro group. The results show that the propensity of organosulfur compounds to self-assemble on gold not only is determined by the sulfur-containing group but also is affected by the complete molecule.     

Electrochemical Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy at Bilayered Silver/Gold Films

Bilayered silver/gold films (gold deposited on top of the silver film) were used as substrates for electrochemical surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (EC-SPR). EC-SPR responses of electrochemical deposition/stripping of copper and redox-induced conformation changes of cytochrome c immobilized onto self-assembled monolayers preformed at these substrates were measured. Influence of the Ag layer thickness and the double-layer capacitance on the EC-SPR behavior was investigated. The results demonstrated that the bilayered Ag/Au metal films produce a sharper SPR dip profile than pure Au films and retain the high chemical stability of Au films. Contrary to the result by the Fresnel calculation that predicts a greater fraction of Ag in the bilayered film should result in a greater signal-to-noise ratio, the EC-SPR sensitivity is dependent on both the Ag/Au thickness ratio and the chemical modification of the surface. Factors affecting the overall SPR sensitivity at the bilayered films, such as the film morphology, potential-induced excess surface charges, and the adsorbate layer were investigated. Forming a compact adsorbate layer at the bilayered film diminishes the effect of potential-induce excess surface charges on the SPR signal and improves the overall EC-SPR sensitivity. For the case of redox-induced conformation changes of cytochrome c, the SPR signal obtained at the bilayered silver/gold film is 2.7 times as high as that at a pure gold film.     

The interaction of 1,1'-diisocyanoferrocene with gold: formation of monolayers and supramolecular polymerization of an aurophilic ferrocenophane

The coordination chemistry of 1,1'-diisocyanoferrocene (1) was investigated. Its reaction with Cr(CO)5(THF) (2 equiv) affords (1)[Cr(CO)5]2, which exhibits eclipsed cyclopentadienyl rings with a synclinal arrangement of the two substituents. 1 behaves like an aryl isocyanide in this compound according to IR spectroscopic data, and its oxidation leads to a marked decrease of net electron donor ability. The reaction of 1 with AuCl(SMe2) affords the insoluble coordination polymer [(1)(AuCl)2]infinity. The (1)(AuCl)2 molecules adopt a 3,4-diaura-[6]ferrocenophane structure. They are aggregated in a zipperlike fashion through aurophilic interactions, with Au-Au distances ranging from 3.34 to 3.48 A. The adsorption of 1 from acetonitrile solution on polycrystalline gold affords a self-assembled monolayer. Both isocyanide groups are binding to the surface.     

Chemical grafting of biphenyl self-assembled monolayers on ultrananocrystalline diamond

We have investigated the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 4'-nitro-1,1-biphenyl-4-diazonium tetrafluoroborate (NBD) onto ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) thin films. In contrast to the common approach to modify diamond and diamond-like substrates by electrografting, the SAM was formed from the saturated solution of NBD in acetonitrile by pure chemical grafting. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) have been used to verify the direct covalent attachment of the 4'-nitro-1,1-biphenyl (NB) SAM on the diamond substrate via stable C-C bonds and to estimate the monolayer packing density. The results confirm the presence of a very stable, homogeneous and dense monolayer. Additionally, the terminal nitro group of the NB SAM can be readily converted into an amino group by X-ray irradiation as well as electrochemistry. This opens the possibility of in situ electrochemical modification as well as the creation of chemical patterns (chemical lithography) in the SAM on UNCD substrates and enables a variety of consecutive chemical functionalization for sensing and molecular electronics applications.     

New dialkyldithiophosphinic acid self-assembled monolayers (SAMs): influence of gold substrate morphology on adsorbate binding and SAM structure

We report the fabrication and characterization of new self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed from dihexadecyldithiophosphinic acid [(C(16))(2)DTPA] molecules on gold substrates. In these SAMs, the ability of the (C(16))(2)DTPA headgroup to chelate to the gold surface depends on the morphology of the gold substrate. Gold substrates fabricated by electron-beam evaporation (As-Dep gold) consist of ～50-nm grains separated by deep grain boundaries (～10 nm). These grain boundaries inhibit the chelation of (C(16))(2)DTPA adsorbates to the surface, producing SAMs in which there is a mixture of monodentate and bidentate adsorbates. In contrast, gold substrates produced by template stripping (TS gold) consist of larger grains (～200-500 nm) with shallower grain boundaries (<2 nm). On these substrates, the low density of shallow grain boundaries allows (C(16))(2)DTPA molecules to chelate to the surface, producing SAMs in which all molecules are bidentate. The content of bidentate adsorbates in (C(16))(2)DTPA SAMs formed on As-Dep and TS gold substrates strongly affects the SAM properties: Alkyl chain organization, wettability, frictional response, barrier properties, thickness, and thermal stability all depend on whether a SAM has been formed on As-Dep or TS gold. This study demonstrates that substrate morphology has an important influence on the structure of SAMs formed from these chelating adsorbates.     

Alkanethiols on platinum: multicomponent self-assembled monolayers

We have studied the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of n-alkanethiols on platinum thin films using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), and contact angle (CA) measurements. Specifically, SAMs of 1-hexanethiol, 1-dodecanethiol, and 1-octadecanethiol were grown on polycrystalline Pt films, and the effects of Pt surface preparation, deposition conditions, and solvent treatments on the initial quality and stability of the monolayer in air were investigated. The SAMs prepared under ambient conditions on piranha-cleaned and UV/ozone-cleaned substrates were compared to monolayers formed on template-stripped Pt in an inert atmosphere. We found that alkanethiols deposited from 1 mM ethanolic solutions on piranha-cleaned Pt formed densely packed monolayers in which alkyl chains were oriented close to the surface normal. Stored in the laboratory ambient, these monolayers were unchanged over about 1 week but were largely oxidized in about 1 month. No evidence was found of molecules being weakly bound within the monolayer or having undergone C-S bond scission; however, three distinct sulfur states were observed for all samples in the XPS of the S 2p region. The lowest- and highest-binding-energy components are assigned to alkylthiolate and partially oxidized alkylthiolate species, respectively. The remaining S 2p component (approximately one-third of the sulfur layer), intermediate in binding energy between the other two components, is attributed to a chemisorbed species with a S binding configuration distinct from the majority alkylthiolate: for example, S bound to Pt bound to O, S with a different Pt coordination number, or S in an adsorbed disulfide.     

Variable-temperature nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy allows direct observation of carboxylate shift in zinc carboxylate complexes

Tetranuclear complexes [Zn(4)(bdmap)(2)(OOCR)(6)] 1 (R = Me) and 2 (R = Et), where Hbdmap = 1,3-bis(dimethylamino)-2-propanol, were prepared from zinc carboxylates and Hbdmap in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The solid-state structures of isomers 1a and 2a consist of two pairs of zinc atoms, each bridged by two mu-1,2 and one mu-1,1 carboxylate ligands. Two pairs are connected by two tridentate bdmap ligands with oxygen acting as a bridging donating atom. The complexes retain the tetranuclear structure in solution and two dynamic processes are observed from variable-temperature (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra. A low-temperature process (LT dynamics) observed already below 200 K is a coalescence of the mu-1,2 and the mu-1,1 resonances to a single resonance. An additional dynamic process (HT dynamics) is observed above 247 K (1) and 263 K (2), leading to a coalescence of two dimethylamino resonances. Both dynamic processes are rationalized by a mechanism involving changes in the carboxylate coordination mode termed as carboxylate shift. The LT dynamics is ascribed to interconversions of a single mu-1,2 and a single mu-1,1 carboxylate ligation by rotations of 60 degrees. The interconversions involve all carboxylate ligands in 1 and 2. The HT dynamics is ascribed to the exchange of the coordinating geometries of two carboxylate-bridged zinc atoms. We propose a mechanism that starts with a cleavage of the Zn-N coordination bond. The resulting coordinatively unsaturated zinc atom acquires an additional oxygen donor atom by carboxylate shift of mu-1,2 carboxylate to mu-1,1 mode. The activation parameters (DeltaH values in kilocalories per mole, DeltaS values in calories per mole per kelvin) were determined by line-shape analysis of VT NMR spectra: for 1 in THF-d(8), DeltaH(LT) = 8.1(3), DeltaS(LT) = -12(2), DeltaH(HT) = 17.9(2), DeltaS(HT) = 14(1); for 1 in CDCl(3), DeltaH(HT) = 13.6(5), DeltaS(HT) = 3(3); for 1 in CD(2)Cl(2), DeltaH(HT) = 9.9(3), DeltaS(HT) = -8(2); for 2 in THF-d(8), DeltaH(LT) = 11(1), DeltaS(LT) = -5(3), DeltaH(HT) = 19.6(5), DeltaS(HT) = 18(3). Polymeric [Zn(4)(bdmap)(2)(OOCMe)(6)](n) 1-catena crystallizes from a dichloromethane solution of 1. In 1-catena, the zinc atoms are linked into a chain through mu-1,2 and mu-1,1 acetate alternated by mu-1,2 acetate and bdmap.     

Loosely packed self-assembled monolayers on gold generated from 2-alkyl-2-methylpropane-1,3-dithiols

A series of 2-alkyl-2-methylpropane-1,3-dithiol derivatives with increasing alkyl chain lengths (i.e., CH3(CH2)mC(CH3)[CH2SH]2, where m = 7, 9, 11, 13, 15) were synthesized and used to generate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold. The resulting monolayers were analyzed by ellipsometry, contact angle goniometry, polarization modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These data were compared with those obtained on SAMs on gold derived from normal alkanethiols (CH3(CH2)(m+2)SH) and 2-monoalkylpropane-1,3-dithiols (CH3(CH2)(m)CH[CH2SH]2) having the same number of carbon atoms in the primary chain. The results demonstrate that the 2-alkyl-2-methylpropane-1,3-dithiols generate conformationally disordered monolayer films in which the density of alkyl chains is less than those generated from normal alkanethiols and the 2-monoalkylpropane-1,3-dithiols.     

Chemistry on surface-confined molecules: an approach to anchor isolated functional units to surfaces.

The synthesis of surface-confined, nanometer-sized dendrimers and Au nanoparticles was performed starting from single Pd(II) pincer adsorbate molecules (10) embedded as isolated species into 11-mercapto-1-undecanol and decanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold. The coordination of monolayer-protected Au nanoclusters (MPCs) bearing phosphine moieties at the periphery (13), or dendritic wedges (8) having a phosphine group at the focal point, to SAMs containing individual Pd(II) pincer molecules was monitored by tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM AFM). The individual Pd(II) pincer molecules embedded in the decanethiol SAM were visualized by their coordination to phosphine MPCs 13; isolated objects with a height of 3.5 +/- 0.7 nm were observed by TM AFM. Reaction of these embedded Pd(II) pincer molecules with the dendritic wedge 8 yielded individual molecules with a height of 4.3 +/- 0.2 nm.     

Template-assisted patterning of nanoscale self-assembled monolayer arrays on surfaces

We report a general, simple, and inexpensive approach to pattern features of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on silicon and gold surfaces using porous anodic alumina films as templates. The SAM patterns, with feature sizes down to 30 nm and densities higher than 10(10)/cm(2), can be prepared over large areas (>5 cm(2)). The feature dimensions can be tuned by controlling the alumina template structure. These SAM patterns have been successfully used as resists for fabricating gold and silicon nanoparticle arrays on substrates by wet-chemical etching. In addition, we show that arrays of gold features can be patterned with 10-nm gaps between the dots.     

Liquid-phase epitaxy of multicomponent layer-based porous coordination polymer thin films of [M(L)(P)0.5] type: importance of deposition sequence on the oriented growth

The progressive liquid-phase layer-by-layer (LbL) growth of anisotropic multicomponent layer-based porous coordination polymers (PCPs) of the general formula [M(L)(P)(0.5)] (M: Cu(2+), Zn(2+); L: dicarboxylate linker; P: dinitrogen pillar ligand) was investigated by using either pyridyl- or carboxyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold substrates as templates. It was found that the deposition of smooth, highly crystalline, and oriented multilayer films of these PCPs depends on the conditions at the early growth cycles. In the case of a two-step process with an equimolar mixture of L and P, growth along the [001] direction is strongly preferred. However, employing a three-step scheme with full separation of all components allows deposition along the [100] direction on carboxyl-terminated SAMs. Interestingly, the growth of additional layers on top of previously grown oriented seeding layers proved to be insensitive to the particular growth scheme and full retention of the initial orientation, either along the [001] or [100] direction, was observed. This homo- and heteroepitaxial LbL growth allows full control over the orientation and the layer sequence, including introduction of functionalized linkers and pillars.     

Directed, selective insertion of single molecules into patterned self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols with different chain lengths

Pd(ii) pincer adsorbate molecules (1) were inserted into self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols with different chain lengths (C(8) to C(18)) on annealed gold substrates. Their presence was brought to expression by reaction of with Au nanoclusters bearing phosphine moieties (2). The surface-confined Au nanoclusters were observed only on the shorter chain SAMs (C(8)SH to C(16)SH) and not on C(18)SH SAMs. This is attributed to the longer chain length of C(18)SH preventing the insertion of pincer molecules. Microcontact printing (microCP) with C(18)SH on unannealed gold substrates and the subsequent immersion of the substrates into C(8)SH, C(10)SH, C(12)SH, or C(16)SH solutions, yielded a series of patterned SAMs that have areas of thiols of different chain lengths. Insertion of 1 followed by expression using 2, or insertion of 3 showed inserted molecules only in the shorter chain SAM areas. The absolute particle densities in the former case were higher than on the corresponding homogeneous SAMs on annealed substrates, probably due to larger numbers of defects in the SAMs on unannealed substrates.     

Tripodal Binding Units for Self-Assembled Monolayers on Gold: A Comparison of Thiol and Thioether Headgroups

Whereas thiols and thioethers are frequently used as binding units of oligodentate precursor molecules to fabricate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on coinage metal and semiconductor surfaces, their use for tridentate bonding configuration is still questionable. Against this background, novel tridentate thiol ligands, PhSi(CH(2)SH)(3) (PTT) and p-Ph-C(6)H(4)Si(CH(2)SH)(3) (BPTT), were synthesized and used as tripodal adsorbate molecules for the fabrication of SAMs on Au(111). These SAMs were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The PTT and BPTT films were compared with the analogous systems comprised of same tripodal ligands with thioether instead of thiol binding units (anchors). XPS and NEXAFS data suggest that the binding uniformity, packing density, and molecular alignment of the thiol-based ligands in the respective SAMs is superior to their thioether counterparts. In addition, the thiol-based films showed significantly lower levels of contamination. Significantly, the quality of the PTT SAMs on Au(111) was found to be even higher than that of the films formed from the respective monodentate counterpart, benzenethiol. The results obtained allow for making some general conclusions on the specific character of molecular self-assembly in the case of tridentate ligands.     

水溶性聚合物和两亲聚合物——10.两亲聚合物PAMC_(16)S的自组装有序膜

用自组装技术在金(纯金和经阳极氧化的金)表面上获得了新型两亲聚合物PAMC_(16)S的有序膜。用接触角测试,XPS谱和电化学分析等方法对自组装膜进行了表征。根据膜表面的润湿性,金表面的自组装膜是疏水的,亲水的磺酸基团连于金表面,而疏水的碳氢链从表面伸展出。XPS实验结果支持金表面上单层膜的疏水结构。聚合物单层膜复盖的金电极起到含有针孔缺陷的阻膈型电极的作用。单层膜在法拉第反应中显示很强的吸附稳定性,说明聚合物LB膜在潜在应用中有其特有的特点。     

Carboxylate and alkyl carbonate coordination at the hydrophobic binding site of redox-active dicobalt amine thiophenolate complexes

A series of new dicobalt complexes of the permethylated macrocyclic hexaamine dithiophenolate ligand H(2)L(Me) have been prepared and investigated in the context of ligand binding and oxidation state changes. The octadentate ligand is an effective dinucleating ligand that supports the formation of bioctahedral complexes with a central N(3)Co(mu-SR)(2)(mu-X)CoN(3) core structure, leaving a free bridging position X for the coordination of the substrates. The acetato- and cinnamato-bridged complexes [(L(Me))Co(II)(2)(mu-O(2)CMe)](+) (2) and [(L(Me))Co(II)(2)(mu-O(2)CCH=CHPh)](+) (5) were prepared by reaction of the mu-Cl complex [(L(Me))Co(II)(2)(mu-Cl)](+) (1) with the corresponding sodium carboxylates in methanol. The electrochemical properties of these and of the methyl carbonate complex [(L(Me))Co(II)(2)(mu-O(2)COMe)](+) (8) were also investigated. All complexes undergo two stepwise oxidations at ca. E(1)(1/2) = +0.22 and at E(2)(1/2) = ca. +0.60 V vs SCE, affording the mixed-valent complexes [(L(Me))Co(II)Co(III)(mu-O(2)CR)](2+) (3, 6, 9) and the fully oxidized Co(III)Co(III) forms [(L(Me))Co(III)(2)(mu-O(2)CR)](3+) (4, 7, 10), respectively. Compounds 3, 6, 9 and 4, 7, 10 refer to acetato-, cinnamato-, and methylcarbonato species, respectively. The Co(II)Co(III) compounds were prepared by comproportionation of the respective Co(II)(2) and Co(III)(2) compounds. The Co(III)Co(III) species were prepared by bromine oxidation of the Co(II)Co(II) forms. The crystal structures of complexes 2.BPh(4).MeCN, 3.(I(3))(2), 5.BPh(4).2MeCN, 6.(ClO(4))(2).EtOH, 7.(ClO(4))(3).MeCN.(H(2)O)(3), and 9.(ClO(4))(2).(MeOH)(2).H(2)O were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography at 210 K. The oxidations occur without gross structural changes of the parent complexes. The Co(II)Co(III) complexes are composed of high-spin Co(II) (d(7)) and low-spin Co(III) (d(6)) ions. The Co(III)Co(III) complexes are diamagnetic. The oxidation reactions affect the binding mode of the substrates. In the Co(II)(2) and Co(II)Co(III) forms the carboxylates bridge the two Co(2+) ions in a symmetric mu-1,3 fashion with uniform C-O bond distances, whereas asymmetric bridging modes, with one short C=O and one long C-O distance, are adopted in the fully oxidized species. This is consistent with the observed shifts in vibrational frequencies for nu(as)(C-O) and nu(s)(C-O) across the series.