Intramolecular Oxidative O‐Demethylation of an Oxoferryl Porphyrin Complexed with a Per‐O‐methylated β‐Cyclodextrin Dimer

The intramolecular oxidation of ROCH₃ to ROCH₂OH, where the latter compound spontaneously decomposed to ROH and HCHO, was observed during the reaction of the supramolecular complex (met‐hemoCD3) with cumene hydroperoxide in aqueous solution. Met‐hemoCD3 is composed of meso‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphinatoiron(III) (Fe^IIITPPS) and a per‐O‐methylated β‐cyclodextrin dimer having an ‐OCH₂PyCH₂O‐ linker (Py=pyridine‐3,5‐diyl). The O=Fe^IVTPPS complex was formed by the reaction of met‐hemoCD3 with cumene hydroperoxide, and isolated by gel‐filtration chromatography. Although the isolated O=Fe^IVTPPS complex in the cyclodextrin cage was stable in aqueous solution at 25 °C, it was gradually converted to Fe^IITPPS (t_1/2=7.6 h). This conversion was accompanied by oxidative O‐demethylation of an OCH₃ group in the cyclodextrin dimer. The results indicated that hydrogen abstraction by O=Fe^IVTPPS from ROCH₃ yields HO‐Fe^IIITPPS and ROCH₂^.. This was followed by radical coupling to afford Fe^IITPPS and ROCH₂OH. The hemiacetal (ROCH₂OH) immediately decomposed to ROH and HCHO. This study revealed the ability of oxoferryl porphyrin to induce two‐electron oxidation.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Properties of Crystalline Salts with Radical Anions of Metal‐Containing and Metal‐Free Phthalocyanines

Radical anion salts of metal‐containing and metal‐free phthalocyanines [MPc(3?)]^.?, where M=Cu^II, Ni^II, H₂, Sn^II, Pb^II, Ti^IVO, and V^IVO ( 1 – 10 ) with tetraalkylammonium cations have been obtained as single crystals by phthalocyanine reduction with sodium fluorenone ketyl. Their formation is accompanied by the Pc ligand reduction and affects the molecular structure of metal phthalocyanine radical anions as well as their optical and magnetic properties. Radical anions are characterized by the alternation of short and long C?N_imine bonds in the Pc ligand owing to the disruption of its aromaticity. Salts 1 – 10 show new bands at 833–1041 nm in the NIR range, whereas the Q‐ and Soret bands are blue‐shifted by 0.13–0.25 eV (38‐92 nm) and 0.04–0.07 eV (4–13 nm), respectively. Radical anions with Ni^II, Sn^II, Pb^II, and Ti^IVO have S=1/2 spin state, whereas [Cu^IIPc(3?)]^.? and [V^IVOPc(3?)]^.? containing paramagnetic Cu^II and V^IVO have two S=1/2 spins per radical anion. Central metal atoms strongly affect EPR spectra of phthalocyanine radical anions. Instead of narrow EPR signals characteristic of metal‐free phthalocyanine radical anions [H₂Pc(3?)]^.? (linewidth of 0.08–0.24 mT), broad EPR signals are manifested (linewidth of 2–70 mT) with g‐factors and linewidths that are strongly temperature‐dependent. Salt 11 containing the [Na^IPc(2?)]^? anions as well as previously studied [Fe^IPc(2?)]^? and [Co^IPc(2?)]^? anions that are formed without reduction of the Pc ligand do not show changes in molecular structure or optical and magnetic properties characteristic of [MPc(3?)]^.? in 1 – 10 .     

Entrapment of a Pseudo‐Tetrahedral CoII Center by Thioether Sulfur Bound {Co2(μ‐L)} Fragments: Synthesis,Field‐Induced Single‐Ion Magnetism and Catechol Oxidase Mimicking Activity

Simultaneous incorporation of both Co^II and Co^III ions within a new thioether S‐bearing phenol‐based ligand system, H₃L (2,6‐bis‐[{2‐(2‐hydroxyethylthio)ethylimino}methyl]‐4‐methylphenol) formed [Co₅] aggregates [Co^IICo^III₄L₂(μ‐OH)₂(μ_1,3‐O₂CCH₃)₂](ClO₄)₄?H₂O ( 1 ) and [Co^IICo^III₄L₂(μ‐OH)₂(μ_1,3‐O₂CC₂H₅)₂](ClO₄)₄?H₂O ( 2 ). The magnetic studies revealed axial zero‐field splitting (ZFS) parameter, D/hc=?23.6 and ?24.3 cm^?1, and E/D=0.03 and 0.00, respectively for 1 and 2 . Dynamic magnetic data confirmed the complexes as SIMs with U_eff/k_B=30 K ( 1 ) and 33 K ( 2 ), and τ₀=9.1×10^?8 s ( 1 ), and 4.3×10^?8 s ( 2 ). The larger atomic radius of S compared to N gave rise to less variation in the distortion of tetrahedral geometry around central Co^II centers, thus affecting the D and U_eff/k_B values. Theoretical studies also support the experimental findings and reveal the origin of the anisotropy parameters. In solutions, both 1 and 2 which produce {Co^III₂(μ‐L)} units, display solvent‐dependent catechol oxidation behavior toward 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol in air. The presence of an adjacent Co^III ion tends to assist the electron transfer from the substrate to the metal ion center, enhancing the catalytic oxidation rate.     

Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of S2O32− by a Co‐Bound μ‐Amido‐μ‐Superoxo Complex

In acetate buffer media (pH 4.5–5.4) thiosulfate ion (S₂O₃^2?) reduces the bridged superoxo complex, [(NH₃)₄Co^III(μ‐NH₂,μ‐O₂)Co^III(NH₃)₄]⁴⁺ ( 1 ) to its corresponding μ‐peroxo product, [(NH₃)₄Co^III(μ‐NH₂,μ‐O₂)Co^III(NH₃)₄]³⁺ ( 2 ) and along a parallel reaction path, simultaneously S₂O₃^2? reacts with 1 to produce the substituted μ‐thiosulfato‐μ‐superoxo complex, [(NH₃)₄Co^III(μ‐S₂O₃,μ‐O₂)Co^III(NH₃)₄]³⁺ ( 3 ). The formation of μ‐thiosulfato‐μ‐superoxo complex ( 3 ) appears as a precipitate which on being subjected to FTIR shows absorption peaks that support the presence of Co(III)‐bound S‐coordinated S₂O₃^2? group. In reaction media, 3 readily dissolves to further react with S₂O₃^2? to produce μ‐thiosulfato‐μ‐peroxo product, [(NH₃)₄Co^III(μ‐S₂O₃,μ‐O₂)Co^III(NH₃)₄]²⁺ ( 4 ). The observed rate (k₀) increases with an increase in [T_Thio] ([T_Thio] is the analytical concentration of S₂O₃^2?) and temperature (T), but it decreases with an increase in [H⁺] and the ionic strength (I). Analysis of the log A_t versus time data (A is the absorbance of 1 at time t) reveals that overall the reaction follows a biphasic consecutive reaction path with rate constants k₁ and k₂ and the change of absorbance is equal to {a₁ exp(–k₁t) + a₂ exp(–k₂t)}, where k₁ > k₂.     

On the Catalytic Mechanism of (S)‐2‐Hydroxypropylphosphonic Acid Epoxidase (HppE): A Hybrid DFT Study

The mechanism of oxidative epoxidation catalyzed by HppE, which is the ultimate step in the biosynthesis of fosfomycin, was studied by using hybrid DFT quantum chemistry methods. An active site model used in the computations was based on the available crystal structure for the HppE‐Fe^II‐(S)‐HPP complex and it comprised first‐shell ligands of iron as well as second‐shell polar groups interacting with the substrates. The reaction energy profiles were constructed for three a priori plausible mechanisms proposed in the literature, and it was found that the most likely scenario for the native substrate, that is, (S)‐HPP, involves generation of the reactive Fe^III? O ^. /Fe^IV?O species, which is responsible for the C? H bond‐cleavage. At the subsequent reaction stage, the OH‐rebound, which would lead to a hydroxylated product, is prevented by a fast protonation of the OH ligand and, as a result, ring closure is the energetically preferred step. For the R enantiomer of the substrate ((R)‐HPP), which is oxidized to a keto product, comparable barrier heights were found for the C? H bond activation by both the Fe^III? O₂ ^. and Fe^IV?O species.     

Developing Intense Blue and Magenta Colors in α‐LiZnBO3: The Role of 3d‐Metal Substitution and Coordination

We describe the synthesis, crystal structures, and optical absorption spectra/colors of 3d‐transition‐metal‐substituted α‐LiZnBO₃ derivatives: α‐LiZn_1?xM^II_xBO₃ (M^II=Co^II (0<x<0.50), Ni^II (0<x≤0.05), Cu^II (0<x≤0.10)) and α‐Li_1+xZn_1?2xM^III_xBO₃ (M^III=Mn^III (0<x≤0.10), Fe^III (0<x≤0.25)). The crystal structure of the host α‐LiZnBO₃, which is both disordered and distorted with respect to Li and Zn occupancies and coordination geometries, is largely retained in the derivatives, which gives rise to unique colors (blue for Co^II, magenta for Ni^II, violet for Cu^II) that could be of significance for the development of new, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly pigment materials, particularly in the case of the blue pigments. Accordingly, this work identifies distorted tetrahedral MO₄ (M=Co, Ni, Cu) structural units, with a long M?O bond that results in trigonal bipyramidal geometry, as new chromophores for blue, magenta, and violet colors in a α‐LiZnBO₃ host. From the L*a*b* color coordinates, we found that Co‐substituted compounds have an intense blue color that is stronger than that of CoAl₂O₄ and YIn_0.90Mn_0.10O₃. The near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance spectral studies indicate that these compounds exhibit a moderate IR reflectivity that could be significant for applications as “cool pigments”.     

A Non‐Heme Iron Photocatalyst for Light‐Driven Aerobic Oxidation of Methanol

Non‐heme (L)Fe^III and (L)Fe^III‐O‐Fe^III(L) complexes (L=1,1‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐N,N‐bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)ethan‐1‐amine) underwent reduction under irradiation to the Fe^II state with concomitant oxidation of methanol to methanal, without the need for a secondary photosensitizer. Spectroscopic and DFT studies support a mechanism in which irradiation results in charge‐transfer excitation of a Fe^III?μ‐O?Fe^III complex to generate [(L)Fe^IV=O]²⁺ (observed transiently during irradiation in acetonitrile), and an equivalent of (L)Fe^II. Under aerobic conditions, irradiation accelerates reoxidation from the Fe^II to the Fe^III state with O₂, thus closing the cycle of methanol oxidation to methanal.     

(μ‐C‐meso‐5,5,7,12,12,14‐Hexa­methyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetra­aza­cyclo­tetra­decane‐N‐acetato‐1κ5N,N′,N′′,N′′′,O:2κO′)­tetra­chloro‐1κCl,2κ3Cl‐cobalt(III)­zinc(II)

The crystal structure of the title compound, [CoCl(C₁₈H₃₇N₄O₂){ZnCl₃}], has been determined by X‐ray diffraction.C‐meso‐5,5,7,12,12,14‐Hexa­methyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetra­aza­cyclotetradecane‐N‐acetate acts as a bridging ligand to coodinate with Co^III and Zn^II ions. The Co^III ion is six‐coordinate in a nearly octahedral environment provided by one Cl atom, four N atoms of the bridging ligand, and one O atom. The Zn^II ion is four‐coordinate in a distorted tetrahedral environment completed by three Cl atoms and an O atom of the bridging ligand.     

Two Heterometallic–Organic Frameworks Composed of Iron(III)‐Salen‐Based Ligands and d10 Metals: Gas Sorption and Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Degradation of 2‐Chlorophenol

Two examples of heterometallic–organic frameworks (HMOFs) composed of dicarboxyl‐functionalized Fe^III‐salen complexes and d¹⁰ metals (Zn, Cd), [Zn₂(Fe‐L)₂(μ₂‐O)(H₂O)₂] ? 4 DMF ? 4 H₂O ( 1 ) and [Cd₂(Fe‐L)₂(μ₂‐O)(H₂O)₂] ? 2 DMF ? H₂O ( 2 ) (H₄L=1,2‐cyclohexanediamino‐N,N′‐bis(3‐methyl‐5‐carboxysalicylidene), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. In 1 and 2 , each square‐pyramidal Fe^III atom is embedded in the [N₂O₂] pocket of an L^4? anion, and these units are further bridged by a μ₂‐O anion to give an (Fe‐L)₂(μ₂‐O) dimer. The two carboxylate groups of each L^4? anion bridge Zn^II or Cd^II atoms to afford a 3D porous HMOF. The gas sorption and magnetic properties of 1 and 2 have been studied. Remarkably, 1 and 2 show activity for the photocatalytic degradation of 2‐chlorophenol (2‐CP) under visible‐light irradiation, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first time that this has been observed for Fe^III‐salen‐based HMOFs.     

Low‐Spin Pseudotetrahedral Iron(I) Sites in Fe2(μ‐S) Complexes

Fe^I centers in iron–sulfide complexes have little precedent in synthetic chemistry despite a growing interest in the possible role of unusually low valent iron in metalloenzymes that feature iron–sulfur clusters. A series of three diiron [(L₃Fe)₂(μ‐S)] complexes that were isolated and characterized in the low‐valent oxidation states Fe^II? S? Fe^II, Fe^II? S? Fe^I, and Fe^I? S? Fe^I is described. This family of iron sulfides constitutes a unique redox series comprising three nearly isostructural but electronically distinct Fe₂(μ‐S) species. Combined structural, magnetic, and spectroscopic studies provided strong evidence that the pseudotetrahedral iron centers undergo a transition to low‐spin S=1/2 states upon reduction from Fe^II to Fe^I. The possibility of accessing low‐spin, pseudotetrahedral Fe^I sites compatible with S^2? as a ligand was previously unknown.     

Zero-Field Splittings and Redox Potentials in an Isostructural Series of Dinuclear FeIITiIV,FeIIITiIV, and MnIITiIV Complexes with a Face-Sharing Bridging Motive

The ligand H₆ioan has been used to synthesize the three dinuclear complexes [(ioan)Mn^IITi^IV], [(ioan)Fe^IITi^IV], and [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺. The face-sharing bridging mode of the three phenolates provides short M-Ti^IV distances of ≈3.0 Å. Mössbauer spectra of [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺ show a magnetically split six-line spectrum at 3 K in zero magnetic field demonstrating a slow magnetic relaxation. Magnetic measurements provide a zero-field splitting of |D|=5 cm⁻¹ in [(ioan)Fe^IITi^IV]. EPR spectroscopy demonstrates sizable zero-field splittings of the S=5/2 spin systems of [(ioan)Mn^IITi^IV] (D=0.246 cm⁻¹) and [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺ (D<−1 cm⁻¹) that can be related to enforced covalency of the M-O^ph bonds. [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺ exhibits a reversible reduction at −0.26 V vs. Fc⁺/Fc demonstrating the facile accessibility of Fe^III and Fe^II. In contrast to an irreversible oxidation in [(ioan)Ni^IITi^IV] at 0.78 V vs. Fc⁺/Fc, the reversible oxidation at 0.25 V vs. Fc⁺/Fc in [(ioan)Mn^IITi^IV] indicates even the access of Mn^III. These results indicate that pentanuclear complexes [(ioan)FeM¹M²M¹Fe(ioan)]ⁿ⁺ are meaningful targets to access electron delocalization in mixed-valence systems over five ions due to the facile accessibility of both Fe^II and Fe^III in the terminal positions. This study provides important local spin-Hamiltonian and Mössbauer parameters that will be essential for the understanding of the potentially complicated electronic structure in the anticipated pentanuclear complexes.     

FeIII in a low‐spin state in caesium bis[3‐ethoxysalicylaldehyde 4‐methylthiosemicarbazonato(2–)‐κ3O2,N1,S]ferrate(III) methanol monosolvate

The synthesis and crystal structure (at 100 K) of the title compound, Cs[Fe(C₁₁H₁₃N₃O₂S₂)₂]·CH₃OH, is reported. The asymmetric unit consists of an octahedral [Fe^III(L)₂]⁻ fragment, where L²⁻ is 3‐ethoxysalicylaldehyde 4‐methylthiosemicarbazonate(2−) {systematic name: [2‐(3‐ethoxy‐2‐oxidobenzylidene)hydrazin‐1‐ylidene](methylamino)methanethiolate}, a caesium cation and a methanol solvent molecule. Each L²⁻ ligand binds through the thiolate S, the imine N and the phenolate O atoms as donors, resulting in an Fe^IIIS₂N₂O₂ chromophore. The O,N,S‐coordinating ligands are orientated in two perpendicular planes, with the O and S atoms in cis positions and the N atoms in trans positions. The Fe^III cation is in the low‐spin state at 100 K.     

Trinuclear [CoIII2–LnIII] (Ln=Tb,Dy) Single‐Ion Magnets with Mixed 6‐Chloro‐2‐Hydroxypyridine and Schiff Base Ligands

The Schiff base ligand N1,N3‐bis(3‐methoxysalicylidene)diethylenetriamine (H₂valdien) and the co‐ligand 6‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypyridine (Hchp) were used to construct two 3d–4f heterometallic single‐ion magnets [Co₂Dy(valdien)₂(OCH₃)₂(chp)₂] ? ClO₄ ? 5 H₂O ( 1 ) and [Co₂Tb(valdien)₂(OCH₃)₂(chp)₂] ? ClO₄ ? 2 H₂O ? CH₃OH ( 2 ). The two trinuclear [Co^III₂Ln^III] complexes behave as a mononuclear Ln^III magnetic system because of the presence of two diamagnetic cobalt(III) ions. Complex 1 has a molecular symmetry center, and it crystallizes in the C2/c space group, whereas complex 2 shows a lower molecular symmetry and crystallizes in the P2₁/c space group. Magnetic investigations indicated that both complexes are field‐induced single‐ion magnets, and the Co^III₂–Dy^III complex possesses a larger energy barrier [74.1(4.2) K] than the Co^III₂–Tb^III complex [32.3(2.6) K].     

An Artificial Enzyme Made by Covalent Grafting of an FeII Complex into β‐Lactoglobulin: Molecular Chemistry,Oxidation Catalysis,and Reaction‐Intermediate Monitoring in a Protein

An artificial metalloenzyme based on the covalent grafting of a nonheme Fe^II polyazadentate complex into bovine β‐lactoglobulin has been prepared and characterized by using various spectroscopic techniques. Attachment of the Fe^II catalyst to the protein scaffold is shown to occur specifically at Cys121. In addition, spectrophotometric titration with cyanide ions based on the spin‐state conversion of the initial high spin (S=2) Fe^II complex into a low spin (S=0) one allows qualitative and quantitative characterization of the metal center’s first coordination sphere. This biohybrid catalyst activates hydrogen peroxide to oxidize thioanisole into phenylmethylsulfoxide as the sole product with an enantiomeric excess of up to 20 %. Investigation of the reaction between the biohybrid system and H₂O₂ reveals the generation of a high spin (S=5/2) Fe^III(η²‐O₂) intermediate, which is proposed to be responsible for the catalytic sulfoxidation of the substrate.     

The first three‐dimensional FeIII–SrII heterometallic coordination polymer: poly[[diaquatetrakis(μ3‐pyridine‐2,3‐dicarboxylato)diiron(III)strontium(II)] dihydrate]

The title compound, poly[[diaqua‐1κ²O‐tetrakis(μ₃‐pyridine‐2,3‐dicarboxylato)‐2:1:2′κ¹⁰N,O²:O^2′,O³:O^3′;2:1:2′κ⁸O³:O^3′:N,O²‐diiron(III)strontium(II)] dihydrate], {[Fe₂Sr(C₇H₃O₄)₄(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n, which has triclinic (P) symmetry, was prepared by the reaction of pyridine‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid, SrCl₂·6H₂O and Fe(OAc)₂(OH) (OAc is acetate) in the presence of imidazole in water at 363 K. In the crystal structure, the pyridine‐2,3‐dicarboxylate (pydc²⁻) ligand exhibits μ₃‐η¹,η¹:η¹:η¹ and μ₃‐η¹,η¹:η¹,η¹:η¹ coordination modes, bridging two Fe^III cations and one Sr^II cation. The Sr^II cation, which is located on an inversion centre, is eight‐coordinated by six O atoms of four pydc²⁻ ligands and two water molecules. The coordination geometry of the Sr^II cation can be best described as distorted dodecahedral. The Fe^III cation is six‐coordinated by O and N atoms of four pydc²⁻ ligands in a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. Each Fe^III cation bridges two neighbouring Fe^III cations to form a one‐dimensional [Fe₂(pydc)₄]_n chain. The chains are connected by Sr^II cations to form a three‐dimensional framework. The topology type of this framework is tfj . The structure displays O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonding.     

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: μ‐Oxo‐Diiron Corroles Revisited

For well over 20 years, μ‐oxo‐diiron corroles, first reported by Vogel and co‐workers in the form of μ‐oxo‐bis[(octaethylcorrolato)iron] (Mössbauer δ 0.02 mm s^?1, ΔE_Q 2.35 mm s^?1), have been thought of as comprising a pair antiferromagnetically coupled low‐spin Fe^IV centers. The remarkable stability of these complexes, which can be handled at room temperature and crystallographically analyzed, present a sharp contrast to the fleeting nature of enzymatic, iron(IV)‐oxo intermediates. An array of experimental and theoretical methods have now shown that the iron centers in these complexes are not Fe^IV but intermediate‐spin Fe^III coupled to a corrole^.2?. The intramolecular spin couplings in {Fe[TPC]}₂(μ‐O) were analyzed via DFT(B3LYP) calculations in terms of the Heisenberg–Dirac–van Vleck spin Hamiltonian H=J_Fe–corrole(S_Fe?S_corrole)+J_Fe–Fe′(S_Fe?S_Fe′)+J_{Fe′–corrole}(S_Fe′?S_corrole′), which yielded J_Fe–corrole=J_{Fe′–corrole′}=0.355 eV (2860 cm^?1) and J_Fe–Fe′=0.068 eV (548 cm^?1). The unexpected stability of μ‐oxo‐diiron corroles thus appears to be attributable to charge delocalization via ligand noninnocence.     

Lability‐Controlled Syntheses of Heterometallic Clusters

A bulky bidentate ligand was used to stabilize a macrocyclic [Fe^III₈Co^II₆] cluster. Tuning the basicity of the ligand by derivatization with one or two methoxy groups led to the isolation of a homologous [Fe^III₈Co^II₆] species and a [Fe^III₆Fe^II₂Co^III₂Co^II₂] complex, respectively. Lowering the reaction temperatures allowed isolation of [Fe^III₆Fe^II₂Co^III₂Co^II₂] clusters with all three ligands. Temperature‐dependent absorption data and corresponding experiments with iron/nickel systems indicated that the iron/cobalt self‐assembly process was directed by the occurrence of solution‐state electron‐transfer‐coupled spin transition (ETCST) and its influence on reaction intermediate lability.     

Pressure‐Induced Conversion of a Paramagnetic FeCo Complex into a Molecular Magnetic Switch with Tuneable Hysteresis

A key challenge in the design of magnetic molecular switches is to obtain bistability at room temperature. Here, we show that application of moderate pressure makes it possible to convert a paramagnetic Fe^III₂Co^II₂ square complex into a molecular switch exhibiting a full dia‐ to paramagnetic transition: Fe^IICo^III ? Fe^IIICo^II. Moreover, the complex follows a rare behavior: the higher the pressure, the broader the magnetic hysteresis. Thus, the application of an adequate pressure allows inducing a magnetic bistability at room temperature with predictable hysteresis width. The structural studies at different pressures suggest that the pressure‐enhanced bistability is due to the strengthening of intermolecular interactions upon pressure increase. An original microscopic Ising‐like model including pressure effects is developed to simulate this unprecedented behavior. Overall, this study shows that FeCo complexes could be very sensitive piezo switches with potential use as sensors.     

Heterotrimetallic Mixed‐Valent Molecular Precursors Containing Periodic Table Neighbors: Assignment of Metal Positions and Oxidation States

A known trinuclear structure was used to design the heterobimetallic mixed‐valent, mixed‐ligand molecule [Co^II(hfac)₃?Na?Co^III(acac)₃] ( 1 ). This was used as a template structure to develop heterotrimetallic molecules [Co^II(hfac)₃?Na?Fe^III(acac)₃] ( 2 ) and [Ni^II(hfac)₃?Na?Co^III(acac)₃] ( 3 ) via isovalent site‐specific substitution at either of the cobalt positions. Diffraction methods, synchrotron resonant diffraction, and multiple‐wavelength anomalous diffraction were applied beyond simple structural investigation to provide an unambiguous assignment of the positions and oxidation states for the periodic table neighbors in the heterometallic assemblies. Molecules of 2 and 3 are true heterotrimetallic rather than a statistical mixture of two heterobimetallic counterparts. Trinuclear platform 1 exhibits flexibility in accommodating a variety of di‐ and trivalent metals, which can be further utilized in the design of molecular precursors for the NaMM′O₄ functional oxide materials.     

Zn‐ and Cd‐based Coordination Polymers Offering H‐Bonding Cavities: Highly Selective Sensing of S2O72− and Fe3+ Ions

We present two Zn^II‐ and Cd^II‐based coordination polymers (CPs), L ‐Zn and L ‐Cd , offering H‐bonding‐based cavities of varying dimensions. Both CPs were used for the highly selective detection of S₂O₇^2? and Fe³⁺ ions where H‐bonding based cavities played an important role. Fluorescence quenching, competitive binding studies and binding parameters substantiated significant recognition of S₂O₇^2? and Fe³⁺ ions by both CPs.