Remote effects of axial ligand substitution in heterometallic Cr≡Cr···M chains

The heterometallic complexes CrCrM(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (dpa = 2,2'-dipyridylamide) featuring linear Cl-Cr≡Cr···M-Cl chains can regiospecifically be modified via axial ligand substitution to yield OTf-Cr≡Cr···M-Cl chains (OTf = triflate) with M being Fe, Mn, or Co. The effect of OTf substitution on the Cr side of the molecule has an unusual and profound structural impact on the square-pyramidal transition metal M. Specifically, elongation of the four equatorial M-N(py) bonds and the axial M-Cl bonds by 0.03 and 0.09 ? for Fe and 0.07 and 0.11 ? for Mn is observed. The longer M-Cl and M-N(py) bonds result from subtle interactions between the equatorial dpa ligand and the three metal ions. The equatorial dpa ligand responds to the introduction of the more labile OTf ligand at Cr by binding more strongly to this Cr ion which in turn weakens bonding to M. The ligand field experienced by M can be tuned by changing the Cr axial ligand, and this effect is observed in electrochemical measurements of the iron compounds.     

Group 12 metal zwitterionic thiolate compounds: preparation and structural characterization

Reactions of TabHPF(6) (Tab = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate) with three equiv. of M(OAc)(2)·2H(2)O (M = Zn, Cd) gave rise to two tetranuclear adamantane-like compounds, [M(4)(μ-Tab)(6)(Tab)(4)](PF(6))(8)·S (·S: M = Zn, S = DMF·4H(2)O; ·S: M = Cd, S = DMF·5H(2)O). The similar reactions of MCl(2) (M = Zn, Cd, Hg) with four equiv. of TabHPF(6) in the presence of Et(3)N afforded three mononuclear compounds [M(Tab)(4)](PF(6))(2)·S (·S: M = Zn, S = 2(H(2)O)(0.5); ·S: M = Cd, S = 2(H(2)O)(0.5); ·S: M = Hg, S = 2DMF). Treatment of the precursor complex or with equimolar MCl(2) and two equiv. of TabHPF(6) and Et(3)N produced one dinuclear compounds [M(μ-Tab)(Tab)(2)](2)(PF(6))(4)·2DMF·2H(2)O (·2DMF·2H(2)O: M = Zn; ·2DMF·2H(2)O: M = Hg) while analogous reactions of with CdCl(2)·2H(2)O gave rise to [Cd(μ-Tab)(2)(Tab)](2)(PF(6))(4)·2DMF (·2DMF). These compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV-Vis spectra, (1)H NMR and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In or , four M(2+) ions and six S atoms of Tab ligands constitute an adamantane-like [M(4)(μ-S)(6)] cage in which each M(2+) ion is tetrahedrally coordinated by one terminal S and three bridged S atoms from four different Tab ligands. In , each M(2+) center of the [M(Tab)(4)](2+) dication is tetrahedrally coordinated by four S atoms of Tab ligand. Two [M(Tab)(2)](2+) dications in or are further bridged by a pair of Tab ligands to form a dimeric [M(μ-Tab)(Tab)(2)](2)(4+) structure. Each dimeric [(Tab)Cd(μ-Tab)(2)Cd(Tab)](4+) unit in is linked to its two neighboring units via two couples of bridging Tab ligands, thereby generating a unique 1D cationic chain. These results may provide useful information on interpreting structural data of MTs containing group 12 metals.     

New coordination polymers with extended arm cyclotriguaiacyclene ligands: 1D chains, and interpenetrating or polycatenating 2D (4(2).6(2))(4.6(2))2 networks

A series of new 1D chain and 2D coordination polymers with cyclotriguaiacylene-type ligands are reported. A zig-zag 1D coordination chain is found in complex [Cd(2)(4ph4py)(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)(2)(DMA)(2)]·(NO(3))·(DMA)(4), where 4ph4py = tris[4-(4-pyridyl)benzoyl]-cyclotriguaiacylene and DMA = dimethylacetamide, while complex [Zn(4ph4py)(2)(CF(3)COO)(H(2)O)]·(CF(3)COO)(NMP)(7), where NMP = N-methylpyrrolidone, has a doubly bridged coordination chain structure. Complexes [M(3ph3py)(NO(3))(2)]·(NMP)(4) where M = Co or Zn, 3ph3py = tris[3-(3-pyridyl)benzoyl]cyclotriguaiacylene, are isostructural and feature 1D ladder coordination chains. Complexes [Cd(2)(4ph4py)(2)(NO(3))(4)(NMP)]·(NMP)(9)(H(2)O)(4) and [Co(4ph4py)(H(2)O)(2)]·(NO(3))(2)·(DMF)(2), where DMF = dimethylformamide, both have (3,4)-connected 2D coordination polymers with a rare (4(2).6(2))(4.6(2))(2) topology. A 2D coordination polymer with this topology is also found in complex [Co(2)(3ph4py)(2)(NO(3))(H(2)O)(5)]·(NO(3))(3)·(DMF)(9) where 3ph4py = tris[3-(4-pyridyl)benzoyl]cyclotriguaiacylene. All 2D coordination polymer complexes are interpenetrating or polycatenating. [Co(2)(3ph4py)(2)(NO(3))(H(2)O)(5)](3+)polymers form a 2D→3D polycatenation showing self-complementary "hand-shake" interactions between the host-type ligands.     

On, off and intermediate coordination of a bridgehead triarylamine donor in tripodal complexes: towards the tuning of coordinative bond distance

A series of first row transition metal complexes of the tripodal ligand 2,2',2"-nitrilotribenzoic acid H3L has been prepared and characterised by X-ray crystallography: Mononuclear [M(L)]- species [Cu(H2O)4]3[Cu(L)(H2O)]6.25H2O (2), [Co(H2O)6][Co(L)(H2O)].8H2O (4), [Zn(H2O)6][Zn(L)(H2O)].8H2O (5) and a neutral [M(L)] complex [Fe(III)2(L)(H2O)3].5H2O (8) are formed as well as dimeric [M(L)]2 2- species (HNEt3)2[Cu(L)]2.2CH3CN (1), (HNEt3)3[Ni(L)]2(ClO4).H2O (3), (HNEt3)2[Fe(II)(L)]2.2CH3CN (6) and (HNEt3)2[Fe(III)2(L)2(mu-O)](7). The complexes display a unique variation in the M-N distance (2.09 A for Cu(II) to 3.29 A for Fe(III)) to the bridgehead triphenylamine donor and are classified into compounds with "On","Off" and "Intermediate" N-coordination. The trigonal-bipyramidal coordination polyhedron changes towards tetrahedral in the intermediate and octahedral in the Off-state. The M-N distance of individual complexes is reversibly tuned by external chemical input such as changes of metal ion oxidation state (Fe(II)/Fe(III)) or variation of the axial coligand as a consequence of solvent or pH variation. Possible reasons for the exceptional tolerance of the M-N bond to distance variations are discussed under consideration of gas phase DFT calculations of [Zn(L)]-.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of Group 4 metallacycles incorporating a Me2C-linked cyclopentadienyl-carboranyl ligand

Group 4 metallacycles [eta5:sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti[eta2-N(Me)CH2CH2N(Me)] (1a), [eta5:sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Zr[eta2-N(Me)CH2CH2N(Me)](HNMe2) (1b) and [eta5:sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]M[eta2-N(Me)CH2CH2CH2N(Me)] (M = Ti (2a), Zr (2b), Hf (2c)) were synthesized by reaction of [eta5:sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]M(NMe2)(2) (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) with MeNH(CH2)(n)NHMe (n = 2, 3). These metal complexes reacted with unsaturated molecules such as 2,6-Me2C6H3NC, PhNCO and PhCN to give exclusively M-N bond insertion products. The M-C(cage) bond remained intact. Such a preference of M-N over M-C(cage) insertion is suggested to most likely be governed by steric factors, and the mobility of the migratory groups plays no obvious role in the reactions. This work also shows that the insertion of unsaturated molecules into the metallacycles is a useful and effective method for the construction of very large ring systems.     

Structural variation in transition-metal bispidine compounds

The experimentally determined molecular structures of 40 transition metal complexes with the tetradentate bispyridine-substituted bispidone ligand, 2,4-bis(2-pyridine)-3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-9-one [M(bisp)XYZ]n+; M = CrIII, MnII, FeII, CoII, CuII, CuI, ZnII; X, Y, Z = mono- or bidentate co-ligands; penta-, hexa- or heptacoordinate complexes) are characterized in detail, supported by force-field and DFT calculations. While the bispidine ligand is very rigid (N3...N7 distance = 2.933 +/- 0.025 A), it tolerates a large range of metal-donor bond lengths (2.07 A < sigma(M-N)/4 < 2.35 A). Of particular interest is the ratio of the bond lengths between the metal center and the two tertiary amine donors (0.84 A < M-N3/M-N7 < 1.05 A) and the fact that, in terms of this ratio there seem to be two clusters with M-N3 < M-N7 and M-N3 > or = M-N7. Calculations indicate that the two structural types are close to degenerate, and the structural form therefore depends on the metal ion, the number and type of co-ligands, as well as structural variations of the bispidine ligand backbone. Tuning of the structures is of importance since the structurally differing complexes have very different stabilities and reactivities.     

Linking [M(III)3] triangles with "double-headed" phenolic oximes

Strapping two salicylaldoxime units together with aliphatic α,Ω-aminomethyl links in the 3-position gives ligands which allow the assembly of the polynuclear complexes [Fe(7)O(2)(OH)(6)(H(2)L1)(3)(py)(6)](BF(4))(5)·6H(2)O·14MeOH (1·6H(2)O·14MeOH), [Fe(6)O(OH)(7)(H(2)L2)(3)](BF(4))(3)·4H(2)O·9MeOH (2·4H(2)O·9MeOH) and [Mn(6)O(2)(OH)(2)(H(2)L1)(3)(py)(4)(MeCN)(2)](BF(4))(5)(NO(3))·3MeCN·H(2)O·5py (3·3MeCN·H(2)O·5py). In each case the metallic skeleton of the cluster is based on a trigonal prism in which two [M(III)(3)O] triangles are tethered together via three helically twisted double-headed oximes. The latter are present as H(2)L(2-) in which the oximic and phenolic O-atoms are deprotonated and the amino N-atoms protonated, with the oxime moieties bridging across the edges of the metal triangles. Both the identity of the metal ion and the length of the straps connecting the salicylaldoxime units have a major impact on the nuclearity and topology of the resultant cluster, with, perhaps counter-intuitively, the longer straps producing the "smallest" molecules.     

Group 6 complexes with iron and zinc heterometals: understanding the structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties of a complete series of M≡M···M' compounds

Binuclear quadruply bonded complexes Cr(2)(dpa)(4) (1, dpa = 2,2'-dipyridylamide), Mo(2)(dpa)(4) (2), and W(2)(dpa)(4) (3) react with anhydrous FeCl(2), yielding heterometallic compounds CrCrFe(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (4), MoMoFe(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (5), and WWFe(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (6). These molecules are structurally similar, having a linear M≡M···Fe chain that is axially capped by chloride ions and is equatorially supported by the helically twisted dpa ligands. A structurally related zinc analog, CrCrZn(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (7), can be prepared upon metalation of 1 with ZnCl(2). This reaction also persistently produces a 2:1 adduct of ZnCl(2) with 1, [Cr(2)(dpa)(4)](ZnCl(2))(2) (8), which is in equilibrium with 7 and has the two zinc ions bound externally to the Cr(2) core and axial bridging chloro ligands attached to each Cr ion. The sole isolable product of the addition of ZnCl(2) to 3 is a 1:1 adduct, [W(2)(dpa)(4)]ZnCl(2) (9). The structurally related chain complexes 4, 5, 6, and 7 are characterized by X-ray crystallography, UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and (57)Fe Mo?ssbauer spectroscopy for the iron complexes in order to gain insights into the nature of heterometallic interactions, electronic excited states, and redox properties of these compounds, which have implications for all other M≡M···M' molecules. Additionally, NMR spectroscopy has been used to gain insight into the mechanism of the metalation of 1 by Zn(II).     

Di- and tetra-nuclear copper(II), nickel(II), and cobalt(II) complexes of four bis-tetradentate triazole-based ligands: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Four bis-tetradentate N(4)-substituted-3,5-{bis[bis-N-(2-pyridinemethyl)]aminomethyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole ligands, L(Tz1)-L(Tz4), differing only in the triazole N(4) substituent R (where R is amino, pyrrolyl, phenyl, or 4-tertbutylphenyl, respectively) have been synthesized, characterized, and reacted with M(II)(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O (M(II) = Cu, Ni or Co) and Co(SCN)(2). Experiments using all 16 possible combinations of metal salt and L(TzR) were carried out: 14 pure complexes were obtained, 11 of which are dinuclear, while the other three are tetranuclear. The dinuclear complexes include two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4) (2), [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(2) (4); two nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(H(2)O)(3)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(4)·0.5(CH(3)CN) (5) and [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4)·H(2)O (8); and seven cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·H(2)O (9), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·2H(2)O (10), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(H(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(4) (11), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·3H(2)O (12), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(SCN)(4)]·3H(2)O (13), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(SCN)(4)]·2H(2)O (14), and [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(SCN)(4)]·H(2)O (15). The tetranuclear complexes are [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz1))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(6) (1), [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(μ-F)(2)](BF(4))(6)·0.5H(2)O (3), and [Ni(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)(μ-F(2))](BF(4))(6)·6.5H(2)O (7). Single crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed different solvent content from that found by microanalysis of the bulk sample after drying under a vacuum and confirmed that 5', 8', 9', 11', 12', and 15' are dinuclear while 1' and 7' are tetranuclear. As expected, magnetic measurements showed that weak antiferromagnetic intracomplex interactions are present in 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8, stabilizing a singlet spin ground state. All seven of the dinuclear cobalt(II) complexes, 9-15, have similar magnetic behavior and remain in the [HS-HS] state between 300 and 1.8 K.     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of a family of tetra-, hexa-, and nonanuclear Mn/Ni heterometallic clusters

A family of Mn(III)/Ni(II) heterometallic clusters, [Mn(III)(4)Ni(II)(5)(OH)(4)(hmcH)(4)(pao)(8)Cl(2)]·5DMF (1·5DMF), [Mn(III)(3)Ni(II)(6)(N(3))(2)(pao)(10)(hmcH)(2)(OH)(4)]Br·2MeOH·9H(2)O (2·2MeOH·9H(2)O), [Mn(III)Ni(II)(5)(N(3))(4)(pao)(6)(paoH)(2)(OH)(2)](ClO(4))·MeOH·3H(2)O (3·MeOH·3H(2)O), and [Mn(III)(2)Ni(II)(2)(hmcH)(2)(pao)(4)(OMe)(2)(MeOH)(2)]·2H(2)O·6MeOH (4·2H(2)O·6MeOH) [paoH = pyridine-2-aldoxime, hmcH(3) = 2, 6-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-p-cresol], has been prepared by reactions of Mn(II) salts with [Ni(paoH)(2)Cl(2)], hmcH(3), and NEt(3) in the presence or absence of NaN(3) and characterized. Complex 1 has a Mn(III)(4)Ni(II)(5) topology which can be described as two corner-sharing [Mn(2)Ni(2)O(2)] butterfly units bridged to an outer Mn atom and a Ni atom through alkoxide groups. Complex 2 has a Mn(III)(3)Ni(II)(6) topology that is similar to that of 1 but with two corner-sharing [Mn(2)Ni(2)O(2)] units of 1 replaced with [Mn(3)NiO(2)] and [MnNi(3)O(2)] units as well as the outer Mn atom of 1 substituted by a Ni atom. 1 and 2 represent the largest 3d heterometal/oxime clusters and the biggest Mn(III)Ni(II) clusters discovered to date. Complex 3 possesses a [MnNi(5)(μ-N(3))(2)(μ-OH)(2)](9+) core, whose topology is observed for the first time in a discrete molecule. Careful examination of the structures of 1-3 indicates that the Mn/Ni ratios of the complexes are likely associated with the presence of the different coligands hmcH(2-) and/or N(3)(-). Complex 4 has a Mn(III)(2)Ni(II)(2) defective double-cubane topology. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc and ac magnetization studies were carried out on complexes 1-4. Fitting of the obtained M/(Nμ(B)) vs H/T data gave S = 5, g = 1.94, and D = -0.38 cm(-1) for 1 and S = 3, g = 2.05, and D = -0.86 cm(-1) for 3. The ground state for 2 was determined from ac data, which indicated an S = 5 ground state. For 4, the pairwise exchange interactions were determined by fitting the susceptibility data vs T based on a 3-J model. Complex 1 exhibits out-of-phase ac susceptibility signals, indicating it may be a SMM.     

Highly-connected, porous coordination polymers based on [M4(μ3-OH)2] (M = Co(II) and Ni(II)) clusters: different networks, adsorption and magnetic properties

Two new 3D coordination polymers based on tetranuclear clusters, {[Co(4)(ina)(5)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(H(2)O)(EtOH)]-NO(3)·2EtOH·4H(2)O}(n) (1) (Hina = isonicotinic acid) and {[Ni(4)(ina)(5)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(EtCOO)]·6EtOH·2H(2)O}(n) (2), were obtained by the solvothermal reactions from Hina and different metal salts. The [M(4)(μ(3)-OH)(2)] cores act as 7- and 9-connected nodes and are extended through ina linkers to highly-connected frameworks with vmr net for 1 and bct-9-P2(1)/c net for 2. Both the desolvated frameworks display effective gas sorption capacities of N(2) and H(2) with Langmuir surface areas of 546 and 917 m(2) g(-1) for 1 and 2, respectively. Magnetic studies show spin canting and spin-glass behaviours with T(g) = 6.0 and 15.0 K for 1 and 2, respectively. The intra- and inter-tetramer coupling interactions and cooperative magnetic correlation greatly influence the bulk magnetic behaviours in this system.     

Family of carboxylate- and nitrate-diphenoxo triply bridged dinuclear Ni(II)Ln(III) complexes (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, Y): synthesis, experimental and theoretical magneto-structural studies, and single-molecule magnet behavior

Seven acetate-diphenoxo triply bridged M(II)-Ln(III) complexes (M(II) = Ni(II) and Ln(III) = Gd, Tb, Ho, Er, and Y; M(II) = Zn(II) and Ln(III) = Ho(III) and Er(III)) of formula [M(μ-L)(μ-OAc)Ln(NO(3))(2)], one nitrate-diphenoxo triply bridged Ni(II)-Tb(III) complex, [Ni(μ-L)(μ-NO(3))Tb(NO(3))(2)]·2CH(3)OH, and two diphenoxo doubly bridged Ni(II)-Ln(III) complexes (Ln(III) = Eu, Gd) of formula [Ni(H(2)O)(μ-L)Ln(NO(3))(3)]·2CH(3)OH have been prepared in one pot reaction from the compartmental ligand N,N',N"-trimethyl-N,N"-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methylbenzyl)diethylenetriamine (H(2)L). Moreover, Ni(II)-Ln(III) complexes bearing benzoate or 9-anthracenecarboxylate bridging groups of formula [Ni(μ-L)(μ-BzO)Dy(NO(3))(2)] and [Ni(μ-L)(μ-9-An)Dy(9-An)(NO(3))(2)]·3CH(3)CN have also been successfully synthesized. In acetate-diphenoxo triply bridged complexes, the acetate bridging group forces the structure to be folded with an average hinge angle in the M(μ-O(2))Ln bridging fragment of ~22°, whereas nitrate-diphenoxo doubly bridged complexes and diphenoxo-doubly bridged complexes exhibit more planar structures with hinge angles of ~13° and ~2°, respectively. All Ni(II)-Ln(III) complexes exhibit ferromagnetic interactions between Ni(II) and Ln(III) ions and, in the case of the Gd(III) complexes, the J(NiGd) coupling increases weakly but significantly with the planarity of the M-(O)(2)-Gd bridging fragment and with the increase of the Ni-O-Gd angle. Density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations on the Ni(II)Gd(III) complexes and model compounds support these magneto-structural correlations as well as the experimental J(NiGd) values, which were found to be ~1.38 and ~2.1 cm(-1) for the folded [Ni(μ-L)(μ-OAc)Gd(NO(3))(2)] and planar [Ni(H(2)O)(μ-L)Gd(NO(3))(3)]·2CH(3)OH complexes, respectively. The Ni(II)Dy(III) complexes exhibit slow relaxation of the magnetization with Δ/k(B) energy barriers under 1000 Oe applied magnetic fields of 9.2 and 10.1 K for [Ni(μ-L)(μ-BzO)Dy(NO(3))(2)] and [Ni(μ-L)(μ-9-An)Dy(9-An)(NO(3))(2)]·3CH(3)CN, respectively.     

Rational enantioselective design of chiral heterobimetallic single-chain magnets: synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties of oxamato-bridged M(II)Cu(II) chains (M=Mn, Co)

A new series of neutral oxamato-bridged M(II)Cu(II) chiral chains of general formula [MCuL(x)(S)(m)(H(2)O)(n)]·aS·bH(2)O [L(1)=(M)-1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-bis(oxamate) with M=Mn (1a) and Co (1b); L(2)=(P)-1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-bis(oxamate) with M=Mn (2a) and Co (2b)] and the analogous racemic chains of formula [MCuL(3)(S)(m)(H(2)O)(n)]·aS·bH(2)O [L(3)=1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-bis(oxamate) with M=Mn (3a) and Co (3b)] have been prepared by reaction of the corresponding dianionic oxamatocopper(II) complex [Cu(L(x))](2-) with Mn(2+) or Co(2+) cations in either dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Solid circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the bimetallic chain compounds were recorded to establish their chiral and enantiomeric nature. They exhibit maximum positive and negative Cotton effects, each pair of enantiomeric chains being non-superimposable mirror images. The crystal structures of the Mn(II)Cu(II) (1a-3a) and the Co(II)Cu(II) (1b and 2b) chain compounds were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Our attempts to obtain X-ray quality crystals of 3b were unsuccessful. The values of the shortest interchain Mn···Mn and Co···Co distances are indicative of a good isolation of neighbouring chains in the crystal lattice, which is caused by the bulky aromatic ligand. Although all the Mn(II)Cu(II) and Co(II)Cu(II) chains exhibit ferrimagnetic behaviour (-J(MnCu)=18.9-26.6 cm(-1) and -J(CoCu)=19.5-32.5 cm(-1)), only the enantiopure Co(II)Cu(II) chains (1b and 2b) show slow magnetic relaxation at low temperatures (T(B)=0.6-1.8 K), which is a characteristic of single-chain magnets (SCMs) and is related to the magnetic anisotropy of the high-spin Co(II) ion. Analysis of the SCM behaviour of 1b and 2b, based on Glauber's theory for an Ising one-dimensional system, shows a thermally activated mechanism for the magnetic relaxation (Arrhenius law dependence). The energy barriers (E(a)) to reverse the magnetisation direction are 8.2 (1b) and 8.1cm(-1) (2b), whereas the pre-exponential factor (τ(0)) is 1.9×10(-8) (1b) and 6.0×10(-9) s (2b). Interestingly, the racemic Co(II)Cu(II) chain analogue, 3b, showed no evidence of SCM behaviour.     

Selenadiazolopyridine: a synthon for supramolecular assembly and complexes with metallophilic interactions

The synthesis and characterization of the complexes of Cu(I), Ag(I), Cu(II), and Co(II) ions with 1,2,5-selenadiazolopyridine (psd) is reported. The following complexes have been prepared: [Cu(2)(psd)(3)(CH(3)CN)(2)](2+)2(PF(6)(-)); [(CuCl)(2)(psd)(3)]; [Cu(2)(psd)(6)](2+)2(ClO(4))(-); [Ag(2)(psd)(2)](2+)2(NO(3))(-); [Ag(2)(psd)(2)](2+)2(CF(3)COO)(-); [Cu(psd)(2)(H(2)O)(3)](2+)2(ClO(4))(-)·(psd)(2); [Cu(psd)(4)(H(2)O)](2+)2(ClO(4))(-)·(CHCl(3)); [Cu(psd)(2)(H(2)O)(3)](2+)2(NO(3))(-)·(H(2)O)·(psd)(2), and [Co(psd)(2)(H(2)O)(4)](2+)2(ClO(4))(-)·(psd)(2). The electronic structure of ligand psd, in particular the bond order of Se-N bonds, has been probed by X-ray diffraction, (77)Se NMR, and computational studies. A detailed analysis of the crystal structures of the ligand and the complexes revealed interesting supramolecular assembly. The assembly was further facilitated by the presence of neutral ligands for some complexes (Cu(II) and Co(II)). The molecular structure of the ligand showed that it was present as a dimer in the solid state where the monomers were linked by strong secondary bonding Se···N interactions. The crystal structures of Cu(I) and Ag(I) complexes revealed the dinuclear nature with characteristic metallophilic interactions [M···M] (M = Cu, Ag), while the Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes were mononuclear. The presence of M···M interactions has been further probed by Atoms in Molecules (AIM) calculations. The paramagnetic Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes have been characterized by UV-vis, ESI spectroscopy, and room temperature magnetic measurements.     

Bisphosphonate metal complexes as selective inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi farnesyl diphosphate synthase

In the search for a pharmacological answer to treat Chagas disease, eight metal complexes with two bioactive bisphosphonates, alendronate (Ale) and pamidronate (Pam), were described. Complexes of the formula [M(2)(II)(Ale)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O, with M = Cu, Co, Mn, Ni, and ([CuPam]·H(2)O)(n) as well as [M(II)(Pam)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·3H(2)O, with M = Co, Mn and Ni, were synthesized and fully characterized. Crystal structure of [Cu(2)(II)(Ale)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O, [Co(II)(Pam)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] and [Ni(II)(Pam)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] were solved by X-ray single crystal diffraction methods and the structures of [M(2)(II)(Ale)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O complexes M = Co, Mn and Ni were studied by X-ray powder diffraction methods. All obtained complexes were active against the amastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), etiological agent of Chagas disease. Most of them were more active than the corresponding free ligands showing no toxicity for mammalian cells. The main mechanism of the antiparasitic action of bisphosphonates, inhibition of parasitic farnesyl diphosphate synthase (TcFPPS), remains in the obtained metal complexes and an increase in the inhibiting enzyme levels was observed upon coordination. Observed enzymatic inhibition was selective for TcFPPS as the metal complexes showed no or little inhibition of human FPPS. Additionally, metal complexation might improve the bioavailability of the complexes through the hindrance of the phosphonate group's ionization at physiological pH and, eventually, through the ability of plasma proteins to work as complex transporters.     

Novel hexagonal {V=O}6-containing sandwich-type cluster accompanied by in situ carbon-carbon bond formation of organic cations

Two novel sandwich-type polyanions containing hexagonal {V=O}(6) group (H(2)tpy)(Hbpe)(3)H[(VO)(6)(SbW(9)O(33))(2)]·2H(2)O (1) and (H(2)tcy)(6)(Hbpp)(6)H(4)[VW(12)O(40)][(VO)(6)(SbW(9)O(33))(2)](3)·30H(2)O (2) (tpy = 4-(2,3,4-tri(pyridin-4-yl)butyl)pyridine, bpe = 1,2-(4-pyridyl)ethene, tcy = 1,2,4,5-tetra(pyridin-4-yl)cyclohexanol, bpp = 1,3-bis-(4-pyridyl)propane), were reported. Both compounds are built upon the complex hydrogen bonding networks of C-H···O and N-H···O occurred among inorganic anions and organic cations. Unusual in situ organic reactions involving C-C coupling are also observed in 1 and 2 regardless of the rigid bpe or flexible bpp. Compound 2 represents a rare case in which nano-sized α-Keggin [VW(12)O(40)](4-) and sandwich-type [(VO)(6)(SbW(9)O(33))(2)](6-) anionic clusters are present in a common crystal framework.     

Porous metalloporphyrinic frameworks constructed from metal 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3,5-biscarboxylphenyl)porphyrin for highly efficient and selective catalytic oxidation of alkylbenzenes

We incorporate metal 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3,5-biscarboxylphenyl)porphyrin (M-H(8)OCPP), for the first time, into porous metal-organic frameworks. The self-assembled porous metalloporphyrinic frameworks [Mn(5)Cl(2)(MnCl-OCPP)(DMF)(4)(H(2)O)(4)]·2DMF·8CH(3)COOH·14H(2)O (ZJU-18; ZJU = Zhejiang University), [Mn(5)Cl(2)(Ni-OCPP)(H(2)O)(8)]·7DMF·6CH(3)COOH·11H(2)O (ZJU-19), and [Cd(5)Cl(2)(MnCl-OCPP)(H(2)O)(6)]·13DMF·2CH(3)COOH·9H(2)O (ZJU-20) are isostructural as revealed by their single X-ray crystal structures. The metalloporphyrin octacarboxylates (M-OCPP) (M = Mn(III)Cl for ZJU-18 and ZJU-20, M = Ni(II) for ZJU-19) are bridged by binuclear and trinuclear metal carboxylate secondary building units to form a 3-periodic, binodal, edge-transitive net with Reticular Chemistry Structure Resource symbol tbo with pore windows of about 11.5 ? and pore cages about 21.3 ? in diameter. The porous nature of these metalloporphyrinic frameworks is further established by sorption studies in which different substrates such as ethanol, acetonitrile, acetone, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and acetophenone can readily have access to the pores. Their catalytic activities for the oxidation of alkylbenzenes were examined at 65 °C using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. The results indicate that ZJU-18 is much superior to ZJU-19, ZJU-20, and homogeneous molecular MnCl-Me(8)OCPP, exhibiting highly efficient and selective oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone in quantitative >99% yield and a turnover number of 8076 after 48 h.     

Solvent control: dinuclear versus tetranuclear complexes of a bis-tetradentate pyrimidine-based ligand

A new bis-tetradentate acyclic amine ligand L(Et) has been synthesized from 4,6-bis(aminomethyl)-2-phenylpyrimidine and 2-vinylpyridine. Dinuclear complexes, Mn(II)(2)L(Et)(MeCN)(H(2)O)(3)(ClO(4))(4) (1), Fe(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(BF(4))(4) (2), Co(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(3)(MeCN)(2)(BF(4))(4) (3), Ni(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(BF(4))(4) (4), Ni(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(ClO(4))(4)·8H(2)O (4'), Cu(II)(2)L(Et)(BF(4))(4)·MeCN (5), Zn(II)(2)L(Et)(BF(4))(2)(BF(4))(2)·?MeCN (6), were obtained from 1 : 2 reactions of L(Et) and the appropriate metal salts in MeCN, whereas in MeOH tetranuclear complexes, Mn(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(OH)(4)(ClO(4))(4) (7), Fe(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·5/2H(2)O (8), Co(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·3H(2)O (9), Ni(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·4H(2)O (10), Cu(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·3H(2)O (11) and Zn(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4) (12), result. Six complexes have been structurally characterized: in all cases each L(Et) is bis-tetradentate and provides a pyrimidine bridge between two metal centres. As originally anticipated, complexes 1, 4' and 6 are dinuclear, while 9, 10 and 12 are revealed to be tetranuclear, with two M(2)(L(Et))(4+) moieties bridged by two pairs of fluoride anions. Weak to moderate antiferromagnetic coupling between the metal centres is a feature of complexes 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10. The dinuclear complexes 1-6 undergo multiple, mostly irreversible, redox processes. However, the pyrimidine-based dicopper(II) complex 5 undergoes a two electron quasi-reversible reduction, Cu(II)(2)→ Cu(I)(2), and this occurs at a more positive potential [E(m) = +0.11 V (E(pc) = -0.03 and E(pa) = +0.26 V) vs. 0.01 M AgNO(3)/Ag] than for either of the dicopper(II) complexes of the analogous pyrazine-based ligands.     

1-D Selenidoindates {[In2Se5]}∞ directed by chiral metal complex cations of 1,10-phenanthroline

Two 1-D selenidoindates {[M(phen)(3)]In(2)Se(5)·H(2)O}(n) (M = Ni, Fe) were synthesized by a solvothermal method. The 1-D {[In(2)Se(5)](2-)}(n) anion is a new type of single 1-D structure constituted by an alternately fused four-membered In(2)Se(2) ring and five-membered In(2)Se(3) ring. The chalcogenoindates were separated as mechanical racemic mixtures of single enantiomer crystals, in which the R-helix of 1-D InSe anion is directed by the related clockwise (Δ) cations of [M(phen)(3)](2+) or the L-helix of 1-D anion is directed by the related anticlockwise (Λ) cation. The π···π, C···Se, and C-H···Se oriented interactions of metal complex cations with selenidoindate anions play an important role in the formation of the chiral crystals. The embedded [M(phen)(3)](2+) cations improve the optical absorption of the 1-D semiconductor materials.     

Electronic structures of ruthenium and osmium complexes of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone

The reaction of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) with [M(II)(H)(CO)(X)(PPh(3))(3)] in boiling toluene leads to the homolytic cleavage of the M(II)-H bond, affording the paramagnetic trans-[M(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] (M = Ru, X = Cl, 1; M = Os, X = Br, 3) and cis-[M(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] (M = Ru, X = Cl, 2; M = Os, X = Br, 4) complexes. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations of 1, 2·toluene, and 4·CH(2)Cl(2), EPR spectra, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have substantiated that 1-4 are 9,10-phenanthrenesemiquinone radical (PQ(?-)) complexes of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) and are defined as trans-[Ru(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (1), cis-[Ru(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (2), trans-[Os(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO) Br] (3), and cis-[Os(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br] (4). Two comparatively longer C-O [average lengths: 1, 1.291(3) ?; 2·toluene, 1.281(5) ?; 4·CH(2)Cl(2), 1.300(8) ?] and shorter C-C lengths [1, 1.418(5) ?; 2·toluene, 1.439(6) ?; 4·CH(2)Cl(2), 1.434(9) ?] of the OO chelates are consistent with the presence of a reduced PQ(?-) ligand in 1-4. A minor contribution of the alternate resonance form, trans- or cis-[M(I)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X], of 1-4 has been predicted by the anisotropic X- and Q-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the frozen glasses of the complexes at 25 K and unrestricted DFT calculations on 1, trans-[Ru(PQ)(PMe(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (5), cis-[Ru(PQ)(PMe(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (6), and cis-[Os(PQ)(PMe(3))(2)(CO)Br] (7). However, no thermodynamic equilibria between [M(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] and [M(I)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] tautomers have been detected. 1-4 undergo one-electron oxidation at -0.06, -0.05, 0.03, and -0.03 V versus a ferrocenium/ferrocene, Fc(+)/Fc, couple because of the formation of PQ complexes as trans-[Ru(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl](+) (1(+)), cis-[Ru(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl](+) (2(+)), trans-[Os(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br](+) (3(+)), and cis-[Os(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br](+) (4(+)). The trans isomers 1 and 3 also undergo one-electron reduction at -1.11 and -0.96 V, forming PQ(2-) complexes trans-[Ru(II)(PQ(2-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl](-) (1(-)) and trans-[Os(II)(PQ(2-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br](-) (3(-)). Oxidation of 1 by I(2) affords diamagnetic 1(+)I(3)(-) in low yields. Bond parameters of 1(+)I(3)(-) [C-O, 1.256(3) and 1.258(3) ?; C-C, 1.482(3) ?] are consistent with ligand oxidation, yielding a coordinated PQ ligand. Origins of UV-vis/near-IR absorption features of 1-4 and the electrogenerated species have been investigated by spectroelectrochemical measurements and time-dependent DFT calculations on 5, 6, 5(+), and 5(-).