Rational Control of Conformational Distributions and Mixed‐Valence Characteristics in Diruthenium Complexes

The electronic characteristics of mixed‐valence complexes are often inferred from the shape of the inter‐valence charge transfer (IVCT) band, which usually falls in the near infrared (NIR) region, and relationships derived from Marcus‐Hush theory. These analyses typically assume one single, dominant molecular conformation. The NIR spectra of the prototypical delocalised (Class III Robin–Day mixed‐valence) complexes [{Ru(pp)Cp’}₂(μ‐C≡C?C≡C)]⁺ ([ 1 ]⁺: Cp’=Cp, pp=(PPh₃)₂; [ 2 ]⁺: Cp’=Cp, pp=dppe; [ 3 ]⁺: Cp’=Cp*, pp=dppe) feature a ‘two‐band’ pattern, which complicates band‐shape analysis using these traditional methods. In the past, the appearance of sub‐bands within or near the IVCT transition has been attributed to vibronic effects or localised d‐d transitions. Quantum‐chemical modelling of a series of rotational conformers of [ 1 ]⁺–[ 3 ]⁺ reveals the two components that contribute to the NIR absorption band envelope to be a π‐π* transition and an MLCT transition. The MLCT components only gain appreciable intensity when the orientation of the half‐sandwich ruthenium ligand spheres deviates from idealised cis (Ω P?Ru?Ru?P=0°) or trans (Ω P?Ru?Ru?P=180°) conformations. The increased steric demand of the supporting ligands, together with some underlying inter‐phosphine ligand T‐shaped CH???π stacking interactions across the series [ 1 ]⁺ to [ 2 ]⁺ to [ 3 ]⁺ results in local minima biased towards such non‐idealised conformations of the metal‐ligand fragments (Ω P?Ru?Ru?P=33–153°). Experimentally, this is indicated by appearance of multiple bands within the IR (C≡C) band envelopes and increasing intensity of the higher‐energy MLCT transition(s) relative to the π‐π* transition across the series, and the appearance of a pronounced ‘two‐band’ pattern in the experimental NIR absorption envelopes. These conformational effects and the methods of analysis presented here, which combine analysis of IR and NIR spectra with quantum‐chemical calculations on a range of energetically similar conformational minima, are expected to be quite general for mixed‐valence systems.     

The Use of Bridging Ligand Substituents to Bias the Population of Localized and Delocalized Mixed-Valence Conformers in Solution

The electronic structure and associated spectroscopic properties of ligand-bridged, bimetallic ‘mixed-valence’ complexes of the general form {M}(μ-B){M⁺} are dictated by the electronic couplings, and hence orbital overlaps, between the metal centers mediated by the bridge. In the case of complexes such as [{Cp*(dppe)Ru}(μ-C≡CC₆H₄C≡C){Ru(dppe)Cp*}]⁺, the low barrier to rotation of the half-sandwich metal fragments and the arylene bridge around the acetylene moieties results in population of many energy minima across the conformational energy landscape. Since orbital overlap is also sensitive to the particular mutual orientations of the metal fragment(s) and arylene bridge through a Karplus-like relationship, the different members of the population range exemplify electronic structures ranging from strongly localized (weakly coupled Robin-Day Class II) to completely delocalized (Robin-Day Class III). Here, we use electronic structure calculations with the hybrid density functional BLYP35-D3 and a continuum solvent model in combination with UV-vis-NIR and IR spectroelectrochemical studies to show that the conformational population in complexes [{Cp*(dppe)Ru}(μ-C≡CArC≡C){Ru(dppe)Cp*]⁺, and hence the dominant electronic structure, can be biased through the steric and electronic properties of the diethynylarylene (Ar) moiety (Ar=1,4-C₆H₄, 1,4-C₆F₄, 1,4-C₆H₂-2,5-Me₂, 1,4-C₆H₂-2,5-(CF₃)₂, 1,4-C₆H₂-2,5-ⁱPr₂).     

Acene Size-Dependent Transition of The Radical Centers From the Metal to The Acene Parts In Monocationic Dinuclear (Diethynylacene)diyl Complexes

Controlling radical localization/delocalization is important for functional materials. The present paper describes synthesis and results of electrochemical, spectroscopic, and theoretical studies of diruthenium (p-diethynylacene)diyl complexes, Me₃Si-(C≡C)₂-Ru(dppe)₂-C≡C−Ar-C≡C−Ru(dppe)₂-(C≡C)₂-SiMe₃ ( 1–6 ) (dppe: 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), and their monocationic radical species ([ 1 ]⁺–[ 6 ]⁺). The HOMO-LUMO energy gaps can be finely tuned by the acene rings in the bridging ligands installed, as indicated by the absorption maxima of the electronic spectra of 1–6 ranging from the UV region even to the NIR region. The cationic species [ 1 ]⁺–[ 6 ]⁺ show two characteristic NIR bands, which are ascribed to the charge resonance (CR) and π-π* transition bands, as revealed by spectroelectrochemistry. Expansion of the acene rings in [ 1 ]⁺–[ 6 ]⁺ causes (1) blue shifts of the CR bands and red shifts of the π-π* transition bands and (2) charge localization on the acene parts as evidenced by the ESR, DFT and TD-DFT analyses. Notably, the monocationic complexes of the larger acene derivatives are characterized as the non-classical acene-localized radicals.     

Regulation of Charge Delocalization in a Heteronuclear Fe2Ru System by a Stepwise Photochromic Process

Heteronuclear complexes FeCp₂?DTE?C?C?Ru(dppe)₂Cl ( 1 o ; dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, Cp=cyclopentadienyl, DTE=dithienylethene) and FeCp₂?DTE?C?C?Ru(dppe)₂?C?C?DTE?FeCp₂ ( 2 oo ), with redox‐active ferrocenyl and ruthenium centers separated by a photochromic DTE moiety, were prepared to achieve photoswitchable charge delocalization and Fe???Ru electronic communication. Upon UV‐light irradiation of 2 oo , the Fe???Ru heterometallic electronic interaction is increasingly facilitated with stepwise photocyclization, 2 oo → 2 co → 2 cc ; this is ascribed to the gradual increase in π‐conjugated systems. The near‐infrared absorptions in mixed‐valence species [ 2 oo ]⁺/[ 2 co ]⁺/[ 2 cc ]⁺ are gradually intensified following the conversion of [ 2 oo ]⁺→[ 2 co ]⁺→[ 2 cc ]⁺, which demonstrates that the extent of charge delocalization shows progressive enhancement with stepwise photocyclization. As revealed by electrochemical, spectroscopic, and theoretical studies, complex 2 exhibits nine switchable states through stepwise photochromic and reversible redox processes.     

Luminescent Di‐ and Polynuclear Organometallic Gold(I)–Metal (Au2, {Au2Ag}n and {Au2Cu}n) Compounds Containing Bidentate Phosphanes as Active Antimicrobial Agents

The reaction of new dinuclear gold(I) organometallic complexes containing mesityl ligands and bridging bidentate phosphanes [Au₂(mes)₂(μ‐LL)] (LL=dppe: 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphano)ethane 1 a , and water‐soluble dppy: 1,2‐bis(di‐3‐pyridylphosphano)ethane 1 b ) with Ag⁺ and Cu⁺ lead to the formation of a family of heterometallic clusters with mesityl bridging ligands of the general formula [Au₂M(μ‐mes)₂(μ‐LL)][A] (M=Ag, A=ClO₄^?, LL=dppe 2 a , dppy 2 b ; M=Ag, A=SO₃CF₃^?, LL=dppe 3 a , dppy 3 b ; M=Cu, A=PF₆^?, LL=dppe 4 a , dppy 4 b ). The new compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry The crystal structures of [Au₂(mes)₂(μ‐dppy)] ( 1 b ) and [Au₂Ag(μ‐mes)₂(μ‐dppe)][SO₃CF₃] ( 3 a ) were determined by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study. 3 a in solid state is not a cyclic trinuclear Au₂Ag derivative but it gives an open polymeric structure instead, with the {Au₂(μ‐dppe)} fragments “linked” by {Ag(μ‐mes)₂} units. The very short distances of 2.7559(6) Å (Au? Ag) and 2.9229(8) Å (Au? Au) are indicative of gold–silver (metallophilic) and aurophilic interactions. A systematic study of their luminescence properties revealed that all compounds are brightly luminescent in solid state, at room temperature (RT) and at 77 K, or in frozen DMSO solutions with lifetimes in the microsecond range and probably due to the self‐aggregation of [Au₂M(μ‐mes)₂(μ‐LL)]⁺ units (M=Ag or Cu; LL=dppe or dppy) into an extended chain structure, through Au? Au and/or Au? M metallophilic interactions, as that observed for 3 a . In solid state the heterometallic Au₂M complexes with dppe ( 2 a – 4 a ) show a shift of emission maxima (from ca. 430 to the range of 520‐540 nm) as compared to the parent dinuclear organometallic product 1 a while the complexes with dppy ( 2 b–4 b ) display a more moderate shift (505 for 1 b to a max of 563 nm for 4 b ). More importantly, compound [Au₂Ag(μ‐mes)₂(μ‐dppy)]ClO₄ ( 2 b ) resulted luminescent in diluted DMSO solution at room temperature. Previously reported compound [Au₂Cl₂(μ‐LL)] (LL dppy 5 b ) was also studied for comparative purposes. The antimicrobial activity of 1–5 and Ag[A] (A=ClO₄^?, SO₃CF₃^?) against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and yeast was evaluated. Most tested compounds displayed moderate to high antibacterial activity while heteronuclear Au₂M derivatives with dppe ( 2 a – 4 a ) were the more active (minimum inhibitory concentration 10 to 1 μg mL^?1). Compounds containing silver were ten times more active to Gram‐negative bacteria than the parent dinuclear compound 1 a or silver salts. Au₂Ag compounds with dppy ( 2 b , 3 b ) were also potent against fungi.     

Bis‐ and Tris(pyrazolyl)borate/Methane‐Stabilized PIII‐Centered Cations

We report the synthesis of [H₂B(pz)₂PR]⁺, [H₂C(pz)₂PR]⁺², [HB(pz)₃P]⁺², and [HC(pz)₃P]⁺³ (H₂B(pz)₂=bis(pyrazolyl)borate; H₂C(pz)₂=bis(pyrazolyl)methane; HB(pz)₃=tris(pyrazolyl)borate; HC(pz)₃=tris(pyrazolyl) methane; R=Ph, Cy or Et₂N) by reaction of the corresponding neutral or anionic ligands with chlorophosphines in the presence of TMSOTf. The structures of these compounds were determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis and the nature of their bonding was examined using density functional theory.     

Structural Studies of Some Compounds Containing C2 Fragments Attached to Various Metal‐Ligand End‐Groups

The preparation, characterisation and single‐crystal XRD molecular structure determinations of four complexes containing –CC–ML_n end‐groups, namely Ru{C≡CFc′(I)}(dppe)Cp ( 1 ), the vinylidene [Os(=C=CH₂)(PPh₃)₂Cp]PF₆ ( 2 ), trans‐Pt(C≡CC₆H₄‐4‐C≡CPh){C≡CC₆H₄‐4‐C₂Ph[Co₂(μ‐dppm)(CO)₄]}(PPh₃)₂ ( 3 ), and C₆H₄{μ₃‐C₂[AuRu₃(CO)₉(PPh₃)]}₂‐1,4 ( 4 ) are reported. In these compounds a range of –CC– environments is found, extending from the σ‐bonded alkynyl group in 1 to examples where the C₂ unit interacts with either a proton (in vinylidene 2 ), by bridging a dicobalt carbonyl moiety (in 3 ) or the AuRu₃ cluster in 4 . Changes in geometry are rationalised by considering the various bonding modes.     

Further Evidence for ‘Extended’ Cumulene Complexes: Derivatives from Reactions with Halide Anions and Water

Reactions of [Ru{C=C(H)-1,4-C₆H₄C≡CH}(PPh₃)₂Cp]BF₄ ([ 1 a ]BF₄) with hydrohalic acids, HX, results in the formation of [Ru{C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C(X)=CH₂}(PPh₃)₂Cp] [X=Cl ( 2 a-Cl ), Br ( 2 a-Br )], arising from facile Markovnikov addition of halide anions to the putative quinoidal cumulene cation [Ru(=C=C=C₆H₄=C=CH₂)(PPh₃)₂Cp]⁺. Similarly, [M{C=C(H)-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH}(LL)Cp ]BF₄ [M(LL)Cp’=Ru(PPh₃)₂Cp ([ 1 a ]BF₄); Ru(dppe)Cp* ([ 1 b ]BF₄); Fe(dppe)Cp ([ 1 c ]BF₄); Fe(dppe)Cp* ([ 1 d ]BF₄)] react with H⁺/H₂O to give the acyl-functionalised phenylacetylide complexes [M{C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C(=O)CH₃}(LL)Cp’] ( 3 a – d ) after workup. The Markovnikov addition of the nucleophile to the remote alkyne in the cations [ 1 a–d ]⁺ is difficult to rationalise from the vinylidene form of the precursor and is much more satisfactorily explained from initial isomerisation to the quinoidal cumulene complexes [M(=C=C=C₆H₄=C=CH₂)(LL)Cp’]⁺ prior to attack at the more exposed, remote quaternary carbon. Thus, whilst representative acetylide complexes [Ru(C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH)(PPh₃)₂Cp] ( 4 a ) and [Ru(C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH)(dppe)Cp*] ( 4 b ) reacted with the relatively small electrophiles [CN]⁺ and [C₇H₇]⁺ at the β-carbon to give the expected vinylidene complexes, the bulky trityl ([CPh₃]⁺) electrophile reacted with [M(C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C≡CH)(LL)Cp’] [M(LL)Cp’=Ru(PPh₃)₂Cp ( 4 a ); Ru(dppe)Cp* ( 4 b ); Fe(dppe)Cp ( 4 c ); Fe(dppe)Cp* ( 4 d )] at the more exposed remote end of the carbon-rich ligand to give the putative quinoidal cumulene complexes [M{C=C=C₆H₄=C=C(H)CPh₃}(LL)Cp’]⁺, which were isolated as the water adducts [M{C≡C-1,4-C₆H₄-C(=O)CH₂CPh₃}(LL)Cp’] ( 6 a–d ). Evincing the scope of the formation of such extended cumulenes from ethynyl-substituted arylvinylene precursors, the rather reactive half-sandwich (5-ethynyl-2-thienyl)vinylidene complexes [M{C=C(H)-2,5-^cC₄H₂S-C≡CH}(LL)Cp’]BF₄ ([ 7 a – d ]BF₄ add water readily to give [M{C≡C-2,5-^cC₄H₂S-C(=O)CH₃}(LL)Cp’] ( 8 a – d )].     

Koordinativ ungesättigte Dirutheniumkomplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Ru2(CO)3L(μ‐η1 : η2‐C≡CPh)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (L = CO,PnBu3)

Coordinatively Unsaturated Diruthenium Complexes: Synthesis and X‐ray Crystal Structures of [Ru₂(CO)₃L(μ‐η¹ : η²‐C≡CPh)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] (L = CO, PⁿBu₃) [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 1 ) reacts with several phosphines (L) in refluxing toluene under substitution of one carbonyl ligand and yields the compounds [Ru₂(CO)₃L(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] (L = PⁿBu₃, 2 a ; L = PCy₂H, 2 b ; L = dppm‐P, 2 c ; dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂). The reactivity of 1 as well as the activated complexes 2 a – c towards phenylethyne was studied. Thus 1 , 2 a and 2 b , respectively, react with PhC≡CH in refluxing toluene with elimination of dihydrogen to the acetylide‐bridged complexes [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐η¹ : η²‐C≡CPh)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 3 ) and [Ru₂(CO)₃L(μ‐η¹ : η²‐C≡CPh)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 4 a and 4 b ). The molecular structures of 3 and 4 a were determined by crystal structure analyses.     

Addition von kationischen Lewis‐Säuren [M′Ln]+ (M′Ln = Fe(CO)2Cp,Fe(CO)(PPh3)Cp,Ru(PPh3)2Cp,Re(CO)5, ${1 \over 2}$ Pt(PPh3)2, W(CO)3Cp an die anionischen Thiocarbonyl‐Komplexe [HB(pz)3(OC)2M(CS)]− (M = Mo,W; pz = 3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)

Addition of Cationic Lewis Acids [M′L_n]⁺ (M′L_n = Fe(CO)₂Cp, Fe(CO)(PPh₃)Cp, Ru(PPh₃)₂Cp, Re(CO)₅, Pt(PPh₃)₂, W(CO)₃Cp to the Anionic Thiocarbonyl Complexes [HB(pz)₃(OC)₂M(CS)]⁻ (M = Mo, W; pz = 3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl) Adducts from Organometallic Lewis Acids [Fe(CO)₂Cp]⁺, [Fe(CO)(PPh₃)Cp]⁺, [Ru(PPh₃)₂Cp]⁺, [Re(CO)₅]⁺, [ Pt(PPh₃)₂]⁺, [W(CO)₃Cp]⁺ and the anionic thiocarbonyl complexes [HB(pz)₃(OC)₂M(CS)]⁻ (M = Mo, W) have been prepared. Their spectroscopic data indicate that the addition of the cations occurs at the sulphur atom to give end‐to‐end thiocarbonyl bridged complexes [HB(pz)₃(OC)₂MCSM′L_n].     

Synthese und Struktur chiraler Heterometallatetrahedrane des Typs [Re2(M1PPh3)(M2PPh3)(μ‐PCy2)(CO)7C≡CPh] (M1 = Ag,Au; M2 = Cu,Ag, Au)

Syntheses and Structure of Chiral Metallatetrahedron Complexes of the Type [Re₂(M¹PPh₃)(M²PPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] (M¹ = Ag, Au; M² = Cu, Ag, Au) From the reaction of Li[Re₂(μ‐H)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇(C(Ph)O)] ( 1 ) with Ph₃AuC≡CPh both benzaldehyde and the trinuclear complex Li[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] ( 2a ) were obtained in high yield. The complex anion was isolated as its PPh₄‐salt 2b . The latter reacts with coinage metal complexes PPh₃M²Cl [M² = Cu, Ag, Au] to give chiral heterometallatetrahedranes of the general formula [Re₂(AuPPh₃)(M²PPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] (M² = Cu 3a , Ag 3b , Au 3c ). The corresponding complex [Re₂(AgPPh₃)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] ( 3d ) is obtained from the reaction of [Re₂(AgPPh₃)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Cl] ( 4 ) with LiC≡CPh. 3d undergoes a metathesis reaction in the presence of PPh₃CuCl giving [Re₂(AgPPh₃)(CuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇C≡CPh] ( 3e ) and PPh₃AgCl. Analogous metathesis reactions are observed when 3c is reacted with PPh₃AgCl or PPh₃CuCl giving 3a or 3b , respectively. The reaction of 1 with PPh₃AuCl gives benzaldehyde and Li[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Cl] ( 5a ) which upon reaction with PhLi forms the trinuclear complex Li[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Ph] ( 6a ). Again this complex was isolated as its PPh₄‐salt 6b . In contrast to 2b , 6b reacts with one equivalent of Ph₃PAuCl by transmetalation to give Ph₃PAuPh and PPh₄[Re₂(AuPPh₃)(μ‐PCy₂)(CO)₇Cl] ( 5b ). The X‐ray structures of the compounds 3a , 3b , 3e and 4 are reported.     

A Heterobimetallic AuIII‐PtII Photocatalyst for Water Reduction to Hydrogen

A supramolecular complex, [Au(C^N^C)(C≡CC₆H₄C≡C)Pt(terpy)]⁺, has been synthesized as a photocatalyst for water reduction. This compound consists of a cyclometalated alkyne‐gold(III) photosensitizer and a platinum(II) terpyridine complex bridged through a central phenylethynyl group.     

Formation of Alkyne Bridged Multicobalt Carbonyl Complexes with Tris(2‐Thienyl)Phosphine or Bis(Trimethylsilylethynyl)Phenylphosphine Ligand

Treatment of Co₄(CO)₁₂ with an excess of trimethylsilylacetylene (TMSA) in the presence of tri(2‐thienyl)phosphine in THF at 25 °C for 2 hours yielded six compounds. Two pseudo‐octahedral, alkyne‐bridged tetracobalt clusters, [Co₄(μ₄‐η²‐HC≡CSiMe₃)(CO)₁₀(μ‐CO)₂] ( 4 ) and [Co₄(μ₄‐η²‐HC≡CSiMe³)‐(CO)₉(μ‐CO)₂{P(C₄H₄S)₃}] ( 6 ), along with an alkyne‐bridged dicobalt complex, [Co₂(CO)₅(μ‐HC≡CSiMe₃)‐{P(C₄H₄S)₃}] ( 5 ), were obtained as new compounds. The addition of the thienylphosphine ligand, in fact, facilitates the reaction rate. Reaction of an alkyne‐bridged dicobalt complex, [(η²‐H‐C≡C‐SiMe₃)Co₂(CO)₆] ( 3 ), with a bi‐functional ligand, PPh(‐C≡C‐SiMe₃)₂, yielded an unexpected six‐membered, cyclic compound, {(Ph)(Me₃Si‐C≡C)P‐[(η²‐C≡C‐SiMe₃)Co₂(CO)₅]}₂ ( 7 ). All of these new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic means; the solid‐state structures of ( 5 ), ( 6 ) and ( 7 ) have been established by X‐ray crystallography.     

Synthesis,Characterization, Catalytic and Antibacterial Activity of Two Series of Dinuclear Ruthenium Sulphoxide Complexes Using 5,5¢‐Methylenebis(pyridine) as Bis‐chelating Bridging Ligand

The reaction of a new heterocyclic bidentate N containing spacer, (ligand) 5,5′‐methylenebis(pyridine) with ruthenium sulphoxide precursors resulted, dinuclear complexes. We herein report three formulations; [{cis,fac‐RuCl₂(so)₃}₂(μ‐mbp)].3so; [{trans,mer‐RuCl₂(so)₃₂}₂(μ‐mbp)].3so and [{trans‐RuCl₄(so)}₂(μ‐mbp)]^2?[X]₂⁺; where so = dimethyl‐sulfoxide/tetramethylenesulfoxide; mbp = 5,5′‐methylenebis(pyridine) and [X]⁺ = [(dmso)₂H]⁺, Na⁺ or [(tmso)H]⁺. These complexes were characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, molar conductance measurement, magnetic susceptibility, FT‐IR, ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C{¹H}‐NMR, electronic spectroscopy and FAB‐Mass spectrometry. Catalytic activity of these complexes has been investigated in hydrolysis of benzonitrile. All the complexes exhibit good antibacterial activity against gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli in comparison to Chloramphenicol.     

Modification of Electrode Surfaces by Self‐Assembled Monolayers of Thiol‐Terminated Oligo(Phenyleneethynylene)s

The wire‐like properties of four S‐(4‐{2‐[4‐(2‐phenylethynyl)phenyl]ethynyl}phenyl) thioacetate derivatives, PhC≡CC₆H₄C≡CC₆H₄SAc ( 1 ), H₂NC₆H₄C≡CC₆H₄C≡CC₆H₄SAc ( 2 ), PhC≡CC₆H₂(OMe)₂C≡CC₆H₄SAc ( 3 ) and AcSC₆H₄C≡CC₆H₄C≡CC₆H₄SAc ( 4 ) (Figure 1 ), all of which possess a high degree of conjugation along the oligo(phenyleneethynylene) (OPE) backbone, were investigated as self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold and platinum electrodes by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The redox probe [Fe(CN)₆]₄^? was used in both the CV and impedance experiments. The results indicate that the thiolates derived from thioacetate‐protected precursor molecules 1 and 2 form well‐ordered monolayers on a gold electrode, whereas SAMs derived from 3 and 4 exhibit randomly distributed pinholes. The electron tunnelling resistance and fractional coverage of SAMs of all four compounds were examined using electron tunnelling theory. The analysis of the results reveal that the well‐ordered SAMs of 1 and 2 exhibit higher charge‐transfer resistance in comparison to the defect‐ridden SAMs of 3 and 4 . The additional steric bulk offered by the methoxy groups in 3 is likely to prevent efficient packing within the SAM, leading to a microelectrode behaviour, when assembled on a gold electrode surface. The protected dithiol derivative 4 probably binds to the surface through both terminal groups which prevents dense packing and leads to the formation of a monolayer with randomly distributed pinholes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to examine the morphology of the monolayers, and height images gave root‐mean‐square (RMS) roughness′s which are in agreement with the proposed SAM structures.     

Syntheses and Structural Studies of Several Diynyl‐Ruthenium Complexes and their Adducts with Cyano‐Alkenes

Herein are described some continuing investigations into the reactions of cyano‐alkenes with diynyl‐ruthenium complexes which have resulted in the preparation and characterisation of diynyl‐ruthenium compounds Ru(C≡CC≡CR)(PP)Cp [R = Ph, PP = dppe; R = Fc, PP = dppf; R = CPh=CBr₂, PP = (PPh₃)₂], together with the polycyanobutadienyls Ru{C≡CC[=C(CN)₂]CR=CR′(CN)}(PP)Cp′ [R = Fc, (PP)Cp′ = (dppf)Cp; R = H, SiMe₃, (PP)Cp′ = (dppe)Cp*] formed by [2 + 2]‐cycloaddition of the cyano‐alkenes to the outer C≡C triple bonds and subsequent ring‐opening reactions. Single‐crystal XRD molecular structure determinations of six complexes are reported.     

Cyclopentadienyl Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Bridging Alkynylphosphine Ligands: Synthesis and Electrochemical Studies

The reaction of [CpRuCl(PPh₃)₂] (Cp=cyclopentadienyl) and [CpRuCl(dppe)] (dppe=Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂) with bis‐ and tris‐phosphine ligands 1,4‐(Ph₂PC≡C)₂C₆H₄ ( 1 ) and 1,3,5‐(Ph₂PC≡C)₃C₆H₃ ( 2 ), prepared by Ni‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions between terminal alkynes and diphenylchlorophosphine, has been investigated. Using metal‐directed self‐assembly methodologies, two linear bimetallic complexes, [{CpRuCl(PPh₃)}₂(μ‐dppab)] ( 3 ) and [{CpRu(dppe)}₂(μ‐dppab)](PF₆)₂ ( 4 ), and the mononuclear complex [CpRuCl(PPh₃)(η¹‐dppab)] ( 6 ), which contains a “dangling arm” ligand, were prepared (dppab=1,4‐bis[(diphenylphosphino)ethynyl]benzene). Moreover, by using the triphosphine 1,3,5‐tris[(diphenylphosphino)ethynyl]benzene (tppab), the trimetallic [{CpRuCl(PPh₃)}₃(μ₃‐tppab)] ( 5 ) species was synthesised, which is the first example of a chiral‐at‐ruthenium complex containing three different stereogenic centres. Besides these open‐chain complexes, the neutral cyclic species [{CpRuCl(μ‐dppab)}₂] ( 7 ) was also obtained under different experimental conditions. The coordination chemistry of such systems towards supramolecular assemblies was tested by reaction of the bimetallic precursor 3 with additional equivalents of ligand 2 . Two rigid macrocycles based on cis coordination of dppab to [CpRu(PPh₃)] were obtained, that is, the dinuclear complex [{CpRu(PPh₃)(μ‐dppab)}₂](PF₆)₂ ( 8 ) and the tetranuclear square [{CpRu(PPh₃)(μ‐dppab)}₄](PF₆)₄ ( 9 ). The solid‐state structures of 7 and 8 have been determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis and show a different arrangement of the two parallel dppab ligands. All compounds were characterised by various methods including ESIMS, electrochemistry and by X‐band ESR spectroscopy in the case of the electrogenerated paramagnetic species.     

Mono‐ and dinuclear oxime palladacycles bearing diphosphine ligands: An unusual coordination mode for dppe

Three new oxime‐based palladacycles, namely [Pd{C,N‐C₆H₄{C(Me)?NOH}‐2}(dppm)]ClO₄ ( 1 ), [Pd₂{C,N‐C₆H₄{C(Me)?NOH}‐2}₂(dppe)₂(μ‐dppe)](ClO₄)₂ ( 2 ) and [Pd{C,N‐C₆H₄{C(Me)?NOH}‐2}(dppmS₂)]ClO₄ ( 3 ), were synthesized by the reaction of dinuclear oxime complex [Pd{C,N‐C₆H₄{C(Me)?NOH}‐2}(μ‐Cl)]₂ with different diphosphine ligands (dppm, dppe and dppmS₂). The synthesized complexes were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, ³¹P NMR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses, and their molecular structures were elucidated using X‐ray crystallography. The structure of 2 is worthy of note as it is the first oxime palladacycle where there are both bridging (P–) and chelating (P^P) dppe ligands, giving rise to a dinuclear complex. The palladium atom is in a five‐coordinate, square pyramidal P₃NC environment, while in 3 the palladium atom is in a distorted square planar environment, coordinated by the oxime ligand and a chelating (S^S) dppmS₂ ligand. These complexes were employed as efficient catalysts for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction of several aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds was also evaluated against human tumour cell lines (HT29, A549 and HeLa) using the MTT assay method. The results indicate that the dinuclear complex 2 has greater catalytic and anticancer activity in comparison with the mononuclear complexes 1 and 3 .     

Naphthalene and Anthracene Complexes Sandwiched by Two {(Cp*)FeI} Fragments: Strong Electronic Coupling between the FeI Centers

The reactions of the half‐sandwich iron(II) complex [FeCl(Cp*)(tmeda)] ( 1 ; Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅, TMEDA=N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine) with potassium naphthalenide or potassium anthracenide gave the diamagnetic complexes [(Cp*)Fe(μ‐polyarene)Fe(Cp*)] (polyarene=naphthalene ( 2 ), anthracene ( 3a )), which have two {(Cp*)Fe} units bound to opposite faces of the polyarene. One of two {(Cp*)Fe} units in 3a is located over the central ring of anthracene while the other is positioned over an outer ring. The {(Cp*)Fe} unit bound to the central ring of 3a migrates to the outer ring upon heating in the solid state to give the isomer 3b . The electrochemical potential separations between successive one‐electron redox events for complexes 2 and 3b are large. The mixed valence complexes [ [2]+ ]⁺ and [ [3b]+ ]⁺ were synthesized by chemical oxidation. The mixed‐valence complex [ [3b]+ ]⁺ is charge delocalized on the Mössbauer timescale at 78 K, and its absorption spectrum shows an intervalence charge‐transfer band. Complex [ [2]+ ]⁺ exhibits two absorption bands in the near‐IR region and a slightly broadened doublet in the Mössbauer spectrum. DFT calculations were carried out to examine the electronic structures of these dinuclear iron(I) complexes to elucidate the factors responsible for their diamagnetism and to determine the degree of charge delocalization in the mixed‐valence complexes.     

Cationic Heterocycles as Ligands: Synthesis and Reactivity with Anionic Nucleophiles of Cationic Triruthenium Clusters Containing C‐Metalated N‐Methylquinoxalinium or N‐Methylpyrazinium Ligands

The cationic cluster complexes [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N,C‐L¹Me)]⁺ ( 3 ⁺; HL¹=quinoxaline) and [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N,C‐L²Me)]⁺ ( 5 ⁺; HL²=pyrazine) have been prepared as triflate salts by treatment of their neutral precursors [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N,C‐Lⁿ)] with methyl triflate. The cationic character of their heterocyclic ligands is responsible for their enhanced tendency to react with anionic nucleophiles relative to that of hydrido triruthenium carbonyl clusters that have neutral N‐heterocyclic ligands. These clusters react instantaneously with methyl lithium and potassium tris‐sec‐butylborohydride (K‐selectride) to give neutral products that contain novel nonaromatic N‐heterocyclic ligands. The following are the products that have been isolated: [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L¹Me₂)] ( 6 ; from 3 ⁺ and methyl lithium), [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L¹HMe)] ( 7 ; from 3 ⁺ and K‐selectride), [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L²Me₂)] ( 8 ; from 5 ⁺ and methyl lithium), and [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L²HMe)] ( 11 ; from 5 ⁺ and K‐selectride). Whereas the reactions of 3 ⁺ lead to products that arise from the attack of the corresponding nucleophile at the C atom of the only CH group adjacent to the N‐methyl group, the reactions of 5 ⁺ give mixtures of two products that arise from the attack of the nucleophile at one of the C atoms located on either side of the N‐methyl group. The LUMOs and the atomic charges of 3 ⁺ and 5 ⁺ confirm that the reactions of these clusters with anionic nucleophiles are orbital‐controlled rather than charge‐controlled processes. The N‐heterocyclic ligands of all of these neutral products are attached to the metal atoms in nonconventional face‐capping modes. Those of compounds 6 – 8 have the atoms of a ligand C?N fragment σ‐bonded to two Ru atoms and π‐bonded to the other Ru atom, whereas the ligand of compound 11 has a C? N fragment attached to a Ru atom through the N atom and to the remaining two Ru atoms through the C atom. A variable‐temperature ¹H NMR spectroscopic study showed that the ligand of compound 7 is involved in a fluxional process at temperatures above ?93 °C, the mechanism of which has been satisfactorily modeled with the help of DFT calculations and involves the interconversion of the two enantiomers of this cluster through a conformational change of the ligand CH₂ group, which moves from one side of the plane of the heterocyclic ligand to the other, and a 180° rotation of the entire organic ligand over a face of the metal triangle.