Transformations of allylamine and N-allylacetamide on triosmium cluster complexes with hemilabile ligands

The cluster complexes (μ-H)Os₃(μ-OCR)(СО)₁₀ (R = Me (1); R = Ph (2)) catalyze the allylic rearrangement of N-allylacetamide at room temperature. Microwave irradiation greatly (by more than several thousand-fold) accelerates the reaction between the solution of 2 and allylacetamide. The interaction of cluster 2 with allylamine both at room and elevated temperatures results in cleavage of the C–N bond and coordination of the allylic fragment to one of the osmium atoms with the formation of Os₃(CO)₉(μ,η²-OC-Ph)(η³-C₃H₅) (4) cluster.     

Salicylaldoxime in manganese(III) carboxylate chemistry: Synthesis, structural characterization and physical studies of hexanuclear and polymeric complexes

The use of salicylaldehyde oxime (H₂salox) in manganese(III) carboxylate chemistry has yielded new members of the family of hexanuclear compounds presenting the [Mn₆(μ₃-O)₂(μ₂-OR)₂]¹²⁺ core, complexes [Mn^III₆(μ₃-O)₂(O₂CPh)₂(salox)₆(L₁)₂(L₂)₂] (L₁ = py, L₂ = H₂O (1); L₁ = Me₂CO, L₂ = H₂O (2); L₁ = L₂ = MeOH (3)). Addition of NaOMe to the acetonitrile reaction mixture, afforded the 1D complex [Mn^III₃Na(μ₃-O)(O₂CPh)₂(salox)₃(MeCN)]_n (4), whereas addition of NaClO₄ to the acetone reaction mixture afforded an analogous 1D complex [Mn^III₃Na(μ₃-O)(O₂CPh)₂(salox)₃(Me₂CO)]_n (5). The structures of 1–3 present the [Mn₆(μ₃-O)₂(μ₂-OR)₂]¹²⁺ core and can be described as two [Mn₃(μ₃-O)]⁷⁺ triangular subunits linked by two μ₂-oximato oxygen atoms of the salox²⁻ ligands, which show the less common μ₃-κ²O:κO′:κN coordination mode. The benzoato ligands are coordinated through the usual syn,syn-μ₂-κO:κO′ mode. The 1D polymeric structures of 4 and 5 consist of alternating [Mn₃(μ₃-O)]⁷⁺ subunits and Na⁺ atoms linked through two μ₃-κ²O:κO′:κN and one μ₄-κ²O:κ²O′:κN salox²⁻ ligands as well as one syn,anti-μ₂-κO:κO′ benzoato ligand. DC and AC magnetic susceptibility studies on 1 revealed the stabilization of an S = 4 ground state, and indications of single-molecule magnetism behavior, whereas the DC experimental data from polycrystalline sample of 5 are indicative of antiferromagnetic interactions within the [Mn₃] subunit. Solid state ¹H NMR data of 1 were used to probe the spin-lattice relaxation of the system.     

An unprecedented Cu–Schiff base complex existing as two different trinuclear units with strong antiferromagnetic couplings

A new tetradentate N₂O₂ donor Schiff base ligand [OHC₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)NCHC₆H₄OH = H₂L ] was obtained by 1:2 condensation of 1,3-diaminopentane with salicylaldehyde and has been used to synthesise an unusual copper(II) complex whose asymmetric unit presents two structurally different almost linear trinuclear units [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(ClO₄)₂] [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(H₂O)(ClO₄)₂] (1). The ligand and the complex were characterised by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy in addition electrochemical and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were performed for the complex. The magnetic properties of 1 reveal the presence of strong intra-trimer (J₁ = −202(3) cm⁻¹ and J₂ = −233(3) cm⁻¹) as well as very weak inter-trimer (zJ′ = −0.11(1) cm⁻¹) antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Binuclear ruthenium complexes of fluorous phosphine ligands: Synthesis, properties, and biphasic catalytic activity. Crystal structure of [Ru(μ-O2CMe)(CO)2P(CH2CH2(CF2)5CF3)3]2

The fluorocarbon soluble, binuclear ruthenium(I) complexes [Ru(μ-O₂CMe)(CO)₂L^F]₂, where L^F is the perfluoroalkyl substituted tertiary phosphine, P(C₆H₄-4-CH₂CH₂(CF₂)₇CF₃)₃, or P(CH₂CH₂(CF₂)₅CF₃)₃, were synthesized and partition coefficients for the complexes in fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon biphases were determined. Catalytic hydrogenation of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol in benzotrifluoride at 105 °C occured in the presence of either [Ru(μ-O₂CMe)(CO)₂P(C₆H₄-4-CH₂CH₂(CF₂)₇CF₃)₃]₂ (1) or [Ru(μ-O₂CMe)(CO)₂P(CH₂CH₂(CF₂)₅CF₃)₃]₂ (2). The X-ray crystal structure of [Ru(μ-O₂CMe)(CO)₂P(CH₂CH₂(CF₂)₅CF₃)₃]₂ was determined. The compound exhibited discrete regions of fluorous and non-fluorous packing.     

Synthetic and structural studies of metal complexes derived from tris(3,5-bimethyl-pyrazolylmethyl)amine and pyridine derivatives

A series of metal complexes with a tripodal ligand, TMPzA, have been synthesized and characterized, and their single crystal structures have been determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. It has been found that when pyridyl derivatives as auxiliary ligands are added to the reaction mixture, the tripodal ligand TMPzA loses a pendant arm and coordinates with the metal centers to form the complexes: [Cu(DMPzA)(2,2′-bipy)]·(ClO₄)₂ (1), [(DMPzA)Cu(μ-4,4′-bipy)Cu(DMPzA)]·(ClO₄)₄ (2), [(TMPzA)Cu(μ-H₂DPC)Cu(DMPzA)]·(ClO₄)₂ (3), [(DMPzA)Co(μ-H₂DPC)Co(TMPzA)]·(ClO₄)₂ (4) [TMPzA = tris(3,5-bimethyl-pyrazolymethyl)amine; bipy = bipyridine; H₂DPC = pyridyl-2,6-bicarboxylate; DMPzA = bis(3,5-bimethyl-pyrazolmethyl)amine]. In order to investigate the effect of the pyridyl ring on the cleavage of the pendant arm in the tripodal ligand, a fifth complex, [(TMPzA)Co(μ-HZPC)Co(TMPzA)·(H₂O)₂]·(ClO₄)₃ (5), has been prepared by using pyrazole-carboxylate (HZPC) instead of pyridyl derivatives, and its crystal structure has been determined. It has been found that the pendant arm in TMPzA ligand has not been removed in complex 5. The results show that the complexes with TMPzA have a strong ability to recognize pyridine compounds in methanol solvent, and they have potential application for molecular devices in the future. The cleavage mechanism has been studied by DFT calculations and ESI-MS spectra.     

Hydroformylation of oct-1-ene catalyzed by dinuclear gem-dithiolato-bridged rhodium(I) complexes and phosphorus donor ligands

The dinuclear gem-dithiolato bridged compounds [Rh₂(μ-S₂Cptn)(cod)₂] (1) (CptnS₂²⁻ = 1,1-cyclopentanedithiolato), [Rh₂(μ-S₂Chxn)(cod)₂] (2) (ChxnS₂²⁻ = 1,1-cyclohexanedithiolato), [Rh₂(μ-S₂CBn₂)(cod)₂] (3) (Bn₂CS₂²⁻ = 1,3-diphenyl-2,2-dithiolatopropane) and [Rh₂(μ-S₂CⁱPr₂)(cod)₂] (4) (ⁱPr₂CS₂²⁻ = 2,4-dimethyl-2,2-dithiolatopentane) dissolved in toluene in the presence of monodentate phosphine or phosphite P-donor ligands under carbon monoxide/hydrogen (1:1) atmosphere are efficient catalysts for the hydroformylation of oct-1-ene under mild conditions (6.8 atm of CO/H₂ and 80 °C). The influence of the gem-dithiolato ligand, the P-donor co-catalyst and the P/Rh ratio on the catalytic activity and selectivity has been explored. Aldehyde selectivities higher than 95% and turnover frequencies up to 245 h⁻¹ have been obtained using P(OMe)₃ as modifying ligand. Similar activity figures have been obtained using P(OPh)₃ although the selectivities are lower. Regioselectivities toward linear aldehyde are in the range 75–85%. The performance of the catalytic systems [Rh₂(μ-S₂CR₂)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂]/PPh₃ has been found to be comparable to the systems [Rh₂(μ-S₂CR₂)(cod)₂] at the same P/Rh ratio. The system [Rh₂(μ-S₂CBn₂)(cod)₂] (3)/P(OPh)₃ has been tested in the hydroformylation-isomerization of trans-oct-2-ene. Under optimized conditions up to 54% nonanal was obtained. Spectroscopic studies under pressure (HPNMR and HPIR) evidenced the formation of hydrido mononuclear species under catalytic conditions that are most probably responsible for the observed catalytic activity.     

Five new dicarboxylate organotin complexes under hydrothermal condition: Syntheses, characterization and crystal structures of 1D, 2D and 3D polymers constructed from dimeric tetraorganodistannoxane units

Five new diorganotin(IV) complexes of the types {(Me₂Sn)₂[μ₄-(C₈H₃NO₆)](μ₃-O)}_n (1), {(Me₂Sn)₂[μ₃-(C₈H₈O₄)](μ₃-O)}_n (2), {(Me₂Sn)₂[μ₄-(C₈H₁₀O₄)](μ₃-O)}_n (3) {(Me₂Sn)₂[μ₄-(C₈H₁₀O₄)](μ₃-O)}_n (4) and {(Me₂Sn)₂[μ₄-(C₁₀H₁₄O₄)](μ₃-O)}_n (5) have been synthesized by reactions of 5-nitroisophthalic acid, meso-cis-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic, meso-cis-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, meso-cis-1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and chiral cis-(1R,3S)-(+)-camphoric acid with trimethyltin chloride under hydrothermal condition. All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR and X-ray crystallography. The structural analyses show that complex 1 has a 1D infinite polymeric chain in which 5-nitroisophthalic acid acts as a tetradentate ligand coordinating to dimethyltin(IV) ions, complexes 2, 3 and 4 possess 2D polymeric structures in which dicarboxylate acid act as tridentate or tetradentate ligands coordinating to dimethyltin(IV) ions, complex 5 possesses a irregular 3D framework in which chiral cis-(1R,3S)-(+)-camphoric acid acts as a tetradentate ligand coordinating to dimethyltin(IV) ions.     

3D supramolecular architectures of copper(II) complexes with 6-methylpicolinic and 6-bromopicolinic acid: Synthesis, spectroscopic, thermal and magnetic properties

Copper(II) complexes of 6-methylpicolinic (6-MepicH) and 6-bromopicolinic acid (6-BrpicH), namely [Cu(6-Mepic)₂(H₂O)] (1), [Cu(6-Mepic)₂(py)] (2) and [Cu(6-Brpic)₂(H₂O)] (3) were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, EPR). Their molecular and crystal structures were determined by X-ray crystal structure analysis, their thermal stability by TGA/DTA methods, while their magnetic properties were elucidated by the measurement of the magnetic susceptibility. X-ray structural analysis revealed an intermediate between square-pyramidal and trigonal-bipyramidal coordination polyhedron in 1 and 3 and a trigonal-bipyramidal one in 2 with the same N,O-chelated coordination mode for both 6-MepicH and 6-BrpicH in 1–3. EPR spectra showed three different types of copper(II) S = ½ symmetry signals. Most probably they could be assigned to the elongated axial in 1, the isotropic in 2 and the rhombic in 3. Both 1 and 2 showed the paramagnetic behaviour, while 3 exhibited an antiferromagnetic interaction, ascribed to the formation of pseudobinuclear units by the π···π stacking between pyridine rings.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of manganese, nickel and iron octakis-(2-diethylaminoethanethiol)-phthalocyanine

The syntheses, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of manganese (3), nickel (4) and iron (5) phthalocyanine complexes, octa-substituted at the peripheral positions with diethlyaminoethanethiol substituent, are reported. The electrochemistry of these complexes and the corresponding cobalt complex (6) are reported. Complex 3 showed two reversible reduction couples attributed to the Mn^IIIPc⁻²/Mn^IIPc⁻² (E_½ = −0.12 V versus Ag|AgCl) and Mn^IIPc⁻²/Mn^IIPc⁻³ (E_½ = −0.82 V versus Ag|AgCl) species. Two ring-based reduction couples were also observed for complex 4. Two reduction couples, assigned to the Fe^IIPc⁻²/Fe^IPc⁻² (E_½ = −0.35 V versus Ag|AgCl) and Fe^IPc⁻²/Fe^IPc⁻³ (E_½ = −0.96 V versus Ag|AgCl) species, and an oxidation couple, attributed to Fe^IIIPc⁻²/Fe^IIPc⁻² (E_½ = 0.26 V versus Ag|AgCl) species, were observed. For complex 6, two reductions and one oxidation were also observed with the potential range of 1.2 to −1.8 V versus Ag|AgCl Spectroelectrochemical studies were used to confirm some of the assigned processes.     

Copper(II) coordination compounds with ferulic acid

The first two molecular structures of the ferulic acid (3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, C₁₀H₁₀O₄) coordination compounds are presented, namely, [Cu₂(C₁₀H₉O₄)₄(CH₃CN)₂] 1 and [Cu₂(C₁₀H₉O₄)₄(C₆H₆N₂O)₂]·4CH₃CN (C₆H₆N₂O = nicotinamide) 2. Both compounds were synthesised from the starting mixture of Cu₂O and CuCl upon copper oxidation in the acetonitrile solution. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 and 2 reveals the binuclear structure of the ‘paddle–wheel’ type for both complexes. 1 and 2 are unstable outside mother liquid due to loosely bound acetonitrile molecules. The final products of decomposition are [Cu₂(C₁₀H₉O₄)₄] 1a and [Cu₂(C₁₀H₉O₄)₄(C₆H₆N₂O)₂] 2a, which were characterized by several physico-chemical methods. The triplet X-band EPR spectra of 1a and 2a, showing signals B_Z1  15 mT, B₂  460 mT and B_Z2  580 mT, are in agreement with the expected data for the binuclear tetracarboxylate units, found in the structures of the parent complexes 1 and 2. Together with the room temperature magnetic susceptibility data, μ_eff/B.M. 1.40 (1a), 1.48 (2a), the EPR spectra analysis confirm the antiferromagnetic interaction in 1a and 2a. This is suggesting preservation and stability of the paddle–wheel structures in 1a and 2a.     

The synthesis and characterisation of some closed polyhedral metallocarbon clusters

Ligands containing unsaturated C₂ and C₄ units have been reacted with triruthenium dodecacarbonyl to produce new organometallic clusters with simple closo-Ru_xC_y polyhedral frameworks which may be regarded as quasi-carboranes. The thermolysis of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with 1,4-diphenybutadiene yields the new clusters [Ru₃(CO)₈(μ₃-CPh(CH)₂CPh)] 2 and [Ru₄(CO)₉(μ₄-CPhCCH₂CH₂Ph)] 3, while treatmentof a solution of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] and diphenylacetylene with trimethylamine N–oxide (Me₃NO) yields [Ru₂(CO)₆(μ-{C₂Ph₂}₂CO)] 4 as the major product and the new cluster [Ru₄(CO)₁₁(μ₄-C₂Ph₂)₂] 5. The solid-state structures of 2, 3 and 5 have been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and are shown to possess closo-Ru₃C₄ pentagonal bipyramidal, closo-Ru₄C₂ octahedral and closo-Ru₄C₄ dodecahedral skeletons, respectively. The structure and bonding in all three clusters may be rationalised using the Wade–Mingos polyhedral skeletal electron pair approach.     

Reactions of M3Te7 (M = Mo, W) clusters with electrophilic reagents: Chalcogen exchange in the Te2 ligand and the first complexes of (TeS)

Reactions of triangular telluride-bridged Mo and W clusters [M₃(μ₃-Te)(μ₂-Te₂)₃(dtp)₃]⁺ (M = Mo, W; dtp = (EtO)₂PS₂) with S₂Cl₂ or Br₂ lead to Te/S exchange in the Te₂ ligands, with the formation of complexes with a novel TeS²⁻ ligand. Reaction of [W₃(μ₃-Te)(μ₂-Te₂)₃(dtp)₃]⁺ with Br₂ or S₂Cl₂ gives a mixture of complexes formulated as [W₃Te_4.25S_2.75(dtp)₃]⁺ and [W₃Te_4.30S_2.70(dtp)₃]⁺, respectively, on the basis of X-ray structural analysis. Reaction of the Mo homolog, namely [Mo₃(μ₃-Te)(μ₂-Te₂)₃(dtp)₃]⁺, with S₂Cl₂ gives rise to [Мо₃Te_4.74S_2.26((EtO)₂PS₂)₃]⁺. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) complements the information gathered from X-ray analysis regarding the degree of Te by S substitution; moreover, detailed insights on the regioselectivity of such replacement are also obtained from ESI-MS analysis. These experimental evidences indicate that Te by S replacement in W complexes display high regioselectivity (as evidenced by the exclusive formation of a W₃Te₄S₃⁴⁺ core), the equatorial Te ligands being preferentially replaced over the Te_ax and μ₃-Te ligands. Conversely, for the Mo homologs, a broad distribution of Mo₃Te_7−xS_x⁴⁺ cluster species ranging from x = 0 to 6 is observed. Bond distance analysis as well as crystal packing trends as a function of the cluster core M₃Te_7−xS_x⁴⁺ (M = Mo, W; x = 0–6) composition are also reported.     

Crystal chemistry of three new monodimensional fluorometalates templated with ethylenediamine

Three new monodimensional hybrid metal (Ti, In, Al) fluorides are synthesized with ethylenediamine (en) as a templating agent in solvothermal conditions assisted by microwave heating. All structures involve inorganic chains built up from TiO₂F₄ octahedra connected by two opposite O²⁻ vertices in [H₂en]·(TiOF₄) (I), from InF₆(H₂O) pentagonal bipyramids linked by F–F edges in [H₂en]·(InF₄(H₂O))₂·H₂O (II) and from (Al₇F₃₀)⁹⁻ polyanions sharing two opposite AlF₆ octahedra in [H₂en]₃·(Al₆F₂₄) (III). I is tetragonal, P4/ncc, a = 12.761(3) Å, c = 8.041(3) Å; II is orthorhombic, F2dd, a = 6.904(5) Å, b = 16.559(5) Å, c = 19.777(4) Å and III is monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 9.387(2) Å, b = 6.710(2) Å, c = 21.513(6) Å, β = 97.18(3)°.     

Fe–Hg Interactions and P Chemical Shifts in [Fe(CO)3 (PPh2R)2(HgCl2)] (R=pym, fur, py, thi)

In order to study the effects of R group on Fe–Hg interactions and 31P chemical shifts, the structures of mononuclear complexes Fe(CO)₃(PPh₂R)₂ (R=pym:1, fur: 2, py: 3,thi: 4; pym=pyrimidine, fur=furyl, py=pyridine, thi=thiazole) and binuclear complexes [Fe(CO)₃(PPh₂R)₂(HgCl₂)] (R=pym: 5, fur: 6, py: 7, thi: 8) were studied using the density functional theory (DFT) PBE0 method. The 31P chemical shifts were calculated by PBE0-GIAO method. Nature bond orbital (NBO) analyses were also performed to explain the nature of the Fe–Hg interactions. The conclusions can be drawn as follows: (1) The complexes with nitrogen donor atoms are more stable than those with O or S atoms. The more N atoms there are, the higher is the stabilility of the complex. (2) The Fe–Hg interactions play a dominant role in the stabilities of the complexes. In 5 or 6, thereisa σ-bond between Fe and Hg atoms. However, in 7 and 8, the Fe–Hg interactions act as σ_P–Fe→n_Hg and σ_C–Fe→n_Hg delocalization. (3) Through Fe→Hg interactions, there is charge transfer from R groups towards the P, Fe, and Hg atoms, which increases the electron density on P nucleus in binuclear complexes. As a result, compared with their mononuclear complexes, the 31P chemical shifts in binuclear complexes show some reduction.     

Heterometallic clusters arising from cubic Ni3M′O4 (M′=K and Na) entity: Solvothermal synthesis with/without the assistance of microwave

Solvothermal reaction assisted with microwave leads to the formation of two unique heterometallic cubic clusters [Ni₃M′(L)₃(OH)(CH₃CN)₃]₂·CH₃CN (M′=K for 1 and M′=Na for 2, where L is an anion of 2-[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-amino]-ethanesulfonate) with higher efficiency, yields and purity than those without it. The 6-metallacrown-3 [Ni₃(OH)(L)₃]⁻ groups exhibit interesting ion trapping and self-assembly of size-different Na⁺ and K⁺ through form recognition and coordination activity in 1 and 2. The magnetic studies for 1 and 2 suggest that the {Ni₃M′O₄} (M′=K and Na) cores both display dominant ferromagnetic interactions from the nature of the binding modes of μ₃-O (oxidophenyl) and μ₃-OH.     

Transition metal complexes with thiosemicarbazide-based ligands. Part 56. Square-pyramidal complexes of copper(II) with 2-acetylpyridine S-methylisothiosemicarbazone

The article describes the synthesis and single-crystal X-ray analysis of two sulfato and one thiocyanato copper(II) complex with 2-acetylpyridine S-methylisothiosemicarbazone (HL) of the formulae [Cu(HL)SO₄(H₂O)]·H₂O (1), [Cu₂(HL)₂(μ-SO₄)₂]·2H₂O (2) and [Cu(HL)(NCS)(SCN)] (3), as well as the structure of the protonated ligand H₂L⁺I⁻. Complexes 1 and 2 were obtained from the reaction of aqueous/methanolic CuSO₄·5H₂O and ethanolic/methanolic H₂L⁺I⁻ solutions, respectively. Complex 3 was synthesized by the reaction of methanolic solutions of Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O, the ligand and NH₄SCN, with the addition of triethyl orthoformate. All three complexes have a slightly deformed square-pyramidal structure (τ_av = 0.15) with the tridentate NNN neutral ligand in the basal plane. In complexes 1 and 3 the apical position is occupied by the oxygen atom of the monodentate SO₄ group, or the sulfur atom of the SCN group. Thanks to the hydrogen bonds, complex 3 may be thought of as having a pseudo-dimeric structure. In the authentic centrosymmetric dimer 2, the oxygen atoms of both SO₄ groups occupy also the apical position of both coordination polyhedra, as well as an equatorial position. Complexes 1 and 3 have μ_eff values characteristic of magnetically isolated mononuclear Cu(II) complexes. In contrast to them, complex 2 has a μ_eff value of 1.57 BM, which is in agreement with its dinuclear structure. All the complexes, in addition to the X-ray analysis and magnetic measurements, were characterized by IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy and by thermal analysis.     

The synthesis, structural characterization, magnetochemistry and Mössbauer spectroscopy of [Fe3LnO2(CCl3COO)8H2O(THF)3] (Ln = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Lu and Y)

The new tetranuclear complexes [Fe₃Ln(μ₃-O)₂(CCl₃COO)₈(H₂O)(THF)₃]·THF (Ln = Ce^III (1), Pr^III (2), Nd^III (3)) and [Fe₃Ln(μ₃-O)₂(CCl₃COO)₈(H₂O)(THF)₃]·THF·C₇H₁₆ (Ln = Sm^III (4), Eu^III (5), Gd^III (6), Tb^III (7), Dy^III (8), Ho^III (9), Lu^III (10) and Y^III (11)) have been prepared. All compounds were prepared by the reaction between [Fe₂BaO(CCl₃COO)₆(THF)₆] and the corresponding Ln^III nitrate salt. The crystal structures of 1–4, 8 and 9 have been determined; these isostructural molecules have a non-planar {Fe₃Ln(μ₃-O)₂} “butterfly” core. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show dominant intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange interactions for all the complexes. ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy shows three different environments for the Fe^III metal ions, all in their high-spin state S = 5/2 (confirming that no electron transfer from Ce^III to Fe^III occurs in 1). At the time scale of the Mössbauer spectroscopy (about 10⁻⁷ s), evidence of magnetization blocking, i.e. slow relaxation of the magnetization, is observed below 3 K for 7, which was confirmed by ac susceptibility measurements.     

Thermal and photochemical transformations of 2-methylthiothiophene in triosmium clusters: photoinduced migrations of MeS from carbon to metal and back again

2-Methylthiothiophene (2-MeSC₄H₃S) oxidatively adds to [Os₃(CO)₁₀(MeCN)₂] with cleavage of the C–H bond at the 3-position to give [Os₃(μ-H)(μ-MeSC₄H₂S)(CO)₁₀] 1, the X-ray structure of which shows that the MeS group is coordinated to osmium through the S atom while the thiophene ring is coordinated to osmium through the 3-carbon atom. Only one invertomer at sulfur is observed in solution and in the crystal the Me group is exo. Thermal treatment of 1 in the dark gives only one product, [Os₃(μ-H)(μ₃-MeSC₄H₂S)(CO)₉] 2 (X-ray structure), derived by loss of a CO from the Os(CO)₄ unit of 1 with concomitant η²-coordination of the thiophene ring of bridging MeSC₄H₂S at the third metal atom. Whereas thermal reaction in the dark leads only to C–H cleavage products, visible irradiation at room temperature leads to various products derived by migration of the MeS group. Thus thermal treatment of 1 in daylight for 2 h gave 2, together with an isomer 3. Cluster 2 converts at room temperature to 3 in daylight while thermal treatment of 2 in the dark (125°C) gave no reaction. Isomer 3 of [Os₃(μ-H)(μ₃-MeSC₄H₂S)(CO)₉] (X-ray structure) is closely related to 2 except that the MeS group and the Os–C σ-bond have interchanged sites at the thiophene ring between the 2- and the 3-positions. Visible irradiation of 1 at room temperature for 3 days in daylight gave further chemical change leading to two bridging thienyl clusters, [Os₃(μ-MeS)(μ-2-C₄H₂S)(CO)₁₀] 4 and [Os₃(μ-MeS)(μ₃-2-C₄H₂S)(CO)₉] 5. Cluster 5 is the ultimate product of daylight irradiation of any of the clusters 1 to 4.     

Preparation of new dinuclear half-titanocene complexes with ortho- and meta-xylene linkages and investigation of styrene polymerization

Half-titanocene is well-known as an excellent catalyst for the preparation of SPS (syndiotactic polystyrene) when activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO). Dinuclear half-sandwich complexes of titanium bearing a xylene bridge, (TiCl₂L)₂{(μ-η⁵, η⁵-C₅H₄-ortho-(CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂)C₅H₄}, (4 (L = Cl), 7 (L = O-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)) and (TiCl₂L)₂{(μ-η⁵, η⁵-C₅H₄-meta-(CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂)C₅H₄} (5 (L = Cl), 8(L = O-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)), have been successfully synthesized and introduced for styrene polymerization. The catalysts were characterized by ¹H- and ¹³C NMR, and elemental analysis. These catalysts were found to be effective in forming SPS in combination with MAO. The activities of the catalysts with rigid ortho- and meta-xylene bridges were higher than those of catalysts with flexible pentamethylene bridges. The catalytic activity of four dinuclear half-titanocenes increased in the order of 4 < 5 < 7 < 8. This result displays that the meta-xylene bridged catalyst is more active than the ortho-xylene bridged and that the aryloxo group at the titanium center is more effective at promoting catalyst activity compared to the chloride group at the titanium center. Temperature and ratio of [Al]:[Ti] had significant effects on catalytic activity. Polymerizations were conducted at three different temperatures (25, 40, and 70 °C) with variation in the [Al]:[Ti] ratio from 2000 to 4000. It was observed that activity of the catalysts increased with increasing temperature, as well as higher [Al]:[Ti]. Different xylene linkage patterns (ortho and meta) were recognized to be a principal factor leading to the characteristics of the dinuclear catalyst due to its different spatial arrangement, causing dissimilar intramolecular interactions between the two active sites.     

Synthesis of unsymmetrical compartmental oxime nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes: spectral, electrochemical and magnetic studies

A new series of binuclear unsymmetrical compartmental oxime complexes (1–5) [M₂L] [M=Cu(II), Ni(II)] have been synthesized using mononuclear complex [ML] (L=1,4-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(formyl)-5-methylbenzyl]piperazine), hydroxylamine hydrochloride and triethylamine. In this system there are two different compartments, one has piperazinyl nitrogens and phenolic oxygens and the other compartment has two oxime nitrogens and phenolic oxygens as coordinating sites. The complexes were characterized by elemental and spectral analysis. Electrochemical studies of the complexes show two step single electron quasi-reversible redox processes at cathodic potential region. For copper complexes E¹ _pc=−0.18 to −0.62 and E² _pc=−1.18 to −1.25 V, for nickel complexes E¹ _pc=−0.40 to −0.63 and E² _pc=−1.08 to −1.10 V and reduction potentials are sensitive towards the chemical environment around the copper and nickel atoms. The nickel(II) complexes undergo two electrons oxidation. The first one electron oxidation is observed around +0.75 V and the second around +1.13 V. ESR Spectra of the binuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu₂L](ClO₄), [Cu₂L(Cl)], [Cu₂L(NO₃)] shows a broad signal at g=2.1 indicating the presence of coupling between the two copper centers. Copper(II) complexes show a magnetic moment value of μ_eff around 1.59 B.M at 298 K and variable temperature magnetic measurements show a −2J value of 172 cm⁻¹ indicating presence of antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between copper(II) centres.