Diastereospecific and diastereoselective syntheses of Ruthenium(II) complexes using N,N' bidentate ligands aryl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amine ArNH-CH2-2-C5H4N and their oxidation to imine ligands

Coordination of N,N' bidentate ligands aryl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amine ArNH-CH2-2-C5H4N 1 (Ar = 4-CH3-C6H4, 1a; 4-CH3O-C6H4, 1b; 2,6-(CH3)2-C6H3, 1c; 4-CF3-C6H4, 1d) to the moieties [Ru(bipy)2]2+, [Ru(eta5-C5H5)L]+ (L = CH3CN, CO), or [Ru(eta6-arene)Cl]2+ (arene = benzene, p-cymene) occurs under diastereoselective or diastereospecific conditions. Detailed stereochemical analysis of the new complexes is included. The coordination of these secondary amine ligands activates their oxidation to imines by molecular oxygen in a base-catalyzed reaction and hydrogen peroxide was detected as byproduct. The amine-to-imine oxidation was also observed under the experimental conditions of cyclic voltammetry measurements. Deprotonation of the coordinated amine ligands afforded isolatable amido complexes only for the ligand (1-methyl-1-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-p-tolyl-amine, 1e, which doesn't contain hydrogen atoms in a beta position relative to the N-H bond. The structures of [Ru(2,2'-bipyridine)2(1b)](PF6)2, 2b; [Ru(2,2'-bipyridine)(2)(1c)](PF6)2, 2c; trans-[RuCl2(COD)(1a)], 3; and [RuCl2(eta6-C6H6)(1a)]PF6, 4a, have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies.     

New iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes by [2+2+1] cyclotrimerization of alkynes and facile interconversion between iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes

Iridabenzenes [Ir[=CHCH=CHCH=C(CH2R)](CH3CN)2(PPh3)2]2+ (R=Ph 4 a, R=p-C6H4CH3 4 b) are obtained from the reactions of H+ with iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](CO)(PPh3)2]+ (R'=H 3 a, R'=CH3 3 b), which are prepared from [2+2+1] cyclotrimerization of alkynes in the reactions of [Ir(CH3CN)(CO)(PPh3)2]+ with HC[triple chemical bond]CH and HC[triple chemical bond]CR. Iridabenzenes 4 react with CO and CH3CN in the presence of NEt3 to give iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CHR)](CO)2(PPh3)2]+ (6) and [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CHR)](CH3CN)2(PPh3)2]+ (7), respectively. Iridacyclohexadienes 6 and 7 also convert to iridabenzenes 4 by the reactions with H+ in the presence of CH3CN. Alkynyl iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](-C[triple chemical bond]CH)(PPh3)2] (8) undergo a cleavage of C[triple chemical bond]C bond by H+/H2O to produce [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](-CH3)(CO)(PPh3)2] (10) via facile inter-conversion between iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes.     

Density functional calculations on dissociation reactions of radical anions of 5-fluorouracil derivatives

Fragmentation reactions upon electron attachment to 5-fluorouracil with CH2R substituents at N1 have been evaluated by means of density functional calculations. The present results show that electron attachment to R = F, HC=O or CN derivatives follows a stepwise pathway with radical anions as intermediates. For these compounds, the most stable species formed is the pi radical anion which bears an unpaired spin density at the C6=C5-C4=O pi-conjugated system of the uracil ring. Cleavage of the N1-CH2R or N1CH2-R bond of these intermediates proceeds through the mixing of the pi and sigma states by means of proper geometrical fluctuations along the reaction coordinate. No sigma radical anion could be characterised on any of these sigma basal potential surfaces. A noticeable decrease in the activation energy for the N1-CH2R bond dissociation was observed for R = H-C=O or CN. Therefore, such derivatives with unsaturated groups positioned vicinal to the N1-C1' bond are identified as targets for the development of novel radiation-activated antitumour drugs. On the other hand, the electron transfer to the compounds with R = Cl, Br is dissociative, i.e. it occurs without the mediation of radical anions. For compounds with R = halides or R = NO2, the fragmentation of the N1CH2-R bond is the preferred dissociation pathway.     

Property tuning in charge-transfer chromophores by systematic modulation of the spacer between donor and acceptor

A series of donor-acceptor chromophores was prepared in which the spacer separating 4-dimethylanilino (DMA) donor and C(CN)(2) acceptor moieties is systematically varied. All of the new push-pull systems, except 4 b, are thermally stable molecules. In series a, the DMA rings are directly attached to the central spacer, whereas in series b additional acetylene moieties are inserted. X-ray crystal structures were obtained for seven of the new, intensely colored target compounds. In series a, the DMA rings are sterically forced out of the mean plane of the residual pi system, whereas the entire conjugated pi system in series b is nearly planar. Support for strong donor-acceptor interactions was obtained through evaluation of the quinoid character of the DMA ring and by NMR and IR spectroscopy. The UV/Vis spectra feature bathochromically shifted, intense charge-transfer bands, with the lowest energy transitions and the smallest optical gap being measured for the two-dimensionally extended chromophores 6 a and 6 b. The redox behavior of the push-pull molecules was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). In the series 1 b, 2 b, 4 b, 5 b, in which the spacer between donor and acceptor moieties is systematically enlarged, the electrochemical gap decreases steadily from 1.94 V (1 b) to 1.53 V (5 b). This decrease is shown to be a consequence of a reduction in the D-A conjugation with increasing spacer length. Degenerate four-wave mixing experiments reveal high third-order optical nonlinearities, pointing to potentially interesting applications of some of the new chromophores in optoelectronic devices.     

Solvent effects on the electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry of diruthenium complexes. Studies of Ru2(L)4Cl where L=2-CH3ap, 2-Fap, and 2,4,6-F3ap, and ap is the 2-anilinopyridinate anion

Three Ru2(5+) diruthenium complexes, (4,0) Ru2(2-CH3ap)4Cl, (3,1) Ru2(2-Fap)4Cl, and (3,1) Ru2(2,4,6-F3ap)4Cl where ap is the 2-anilinopyridinate anion, were examined as to their electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties in five different nonaqueous solvents (CH2Cl2, THF, PhCN, DMF, and DMSO). Each compound undergoes a single one-electron metal-centered oxidation in THF, DMF, and DMSO and two one-electron metal-centered oxidations in CH2Cl2 and PhCN. The three diruthenium complexes also undergo two reductions in each solvent except for CH2Cl2, and these electrode processes are assigned as Ru2(5+/4+) and Ru2(4+/3+). Each neutral, singly reduced, and singly oxidized species was characterized by UV-vis thin-layer spectroelectrochemistry, and the data are discussed in terms of the most probable electronic configuration of the compound in solution. The three neutral complexes contain three unpaired electrons as indicated by magnetic susceptibility measurements using the Evans method (3.91-3.95 muB), and the electronic configuration is assigned as sigma2pi4delta2pi(*2)delta, independent of the solvent. The three singly oxidized compounds have two unpaired electrons in CD2Cl2, DMSO-d6, or CD3CN (2.65-3.03 muB), and the electronic configuration is here assigned as sigma2pi4delta2pi(*2). The singly reduced compound also has two unpaired electrons (2.70-2.80 muB) in all three solvents, consistent with the electronic configuration sigma2pi4delta2pi(*2)delta(*2) or sigma2pi4delta2pi(*3)delta*. Finally, the overall effect of solvent on the number of observed redox processes is discussed in terms of solvent binding, and several formation constants were calculated.     

Synthesis, X-Ray Structure and Characterization of a Triruthenium Cluster Complex Ruш3(μ3-O)(μ-CH3COO)6(py)2Cl with Four Steps One-electron Redox Processes

The synthesis and crystal structure of oxo-centered carboxylate-bridge trinuclear ruthenium complex, Ru3O(CH3COO)6(py)2Cl (py = pyridine) (1), are reported herein.The complex 1 has been characterized by IR, cyclic voltammetry (CV), UV-Vis and X-ray crystal analysis.The complex 1 in 0.1 mol/L (n-C4H9)4NPF6-CH2Cl2 solution at room temperature shows four one- electron redox processes at E1/2 = -1.38, -1.20, -0.17 and 1.07 V vs.Ag/AgCl.     

Synthesis,X-Ray Structure and Characterization of a Triruthenium Cluster Complex Ru_3~Ⅲ(μ_3-O)(μ-CH_3COO)_6(py)_2Cl with Four Steps One-electron Redox Processes

Great attention is currently paid to the synthesis of polynuclear transition metal complexes as well as their photochemical, photophysical, and electrochemical properties. The design of multicomponent systems capable of performing useful light- and/or redox-induced function is of special interest1. The oxo-centered carboxylate-bridge trinuclear ruthenium clusters have been investigated extensively during recent decades because they have remarkable electron-transfer properties, intense visibl…     

Calixarene--poly(dithiophene)-based chemically modified electrodes

The stepwise synthesis of cone and partial cone 1,3-bridged n-propoxy-calix[4]crown ethers ("monomers" 2 and 3) with an electropolymerizable 2,2'-dithiophene-3-yl-hexylene functionality at the lower rim, is described. The potential of 2 and 3 as sensing agents for alkali metal ions was investigated by 1H NMR titration experiments with NaSCN and KSCN. The results obtained have confirmed that the presence of the heterocyclic subunit does not affect the well-known size-selectivity observed with calix[4]crowns. Monomers 2 and 3 were electropolymerized (Pt as a working electrode, CH2Cl2/CH3CN, Bu4NPF6) to produce the title chemically modified electrodes (CMEs). After coating with a PVC membrane containing a lipophylic cation exchanger, CMEs based on calix[4]-crown-5 2b (cone) and 3b (partial cone) were tested for the potentiometric recognition of alkali metal ions in aqueous solution. In agreement with NMR titration studies, a satisfactory potentiometric response in terms of K+/Na+ selectivity was obtained only with CME 2b (pK(K/Na) 1.51). The amperometric responses of PVC-uncoated CMEs were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments in CH3CN solution. High Na- selectivity was found with the CME based on partial cone calix[4]crown-4 3a, and frequency response analysis (FRA) measurements support this finding.     

Mechanism and molecular-electronic structure correlations in a novel series of osmium(V) hydrazido complexes

Reaction between the Os(VI) nitrido (OsVI identical to N+) complexes [OsVI(L3)(Cl)2(N)]+ (L3 is 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (tpy) or tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane (tpm)) and secondary amines (HN(CH2)4O = morpholine, HN(CH2)4CH2 = piperidine, and HN(C2H5)2 = diethylamine) gives Os(V)-hydrazido complexes, [OsV(L3)(Cl)2(NNR2)]+ (NR2 = morpholide, piperidide, or diethylamide). They can be chemically or electrochemically oxidized to Os(VI) or reduced to Os(IV) and Os(III). The Os-N bond lengths and Os-N-N angles in the structures of these complexes are used to rationalize the bonding between the dianionic hydrazido ligand and Os. The rate law for formation of the Os(V) hydrazido complexes with morpholine as the base is first order in [OsVI(L3)(Cl)2(N)]+ and second order in HN(CH2)4O with ktpy(25 degrees C, CH3CN) = (581 +/- 12) M-2 s-1 and ktpm(25 degrees C, CH3CN) = 2683 +/- 40 M-2 s-1. The proposed mechanism involves initial nucleophilic attack of the secondary amine on the Os(VI) nitrido group to give a protonated Os(IV)-hydrazido intermediate. It is subsequently deprotonated and then oxidized by OsVI identical to N+ to Os(V). The extensive redox chemistry for these complexes can be explained by invoking a generalized bonding model. It can also be used to assign absorption bands that appear in the electronic from the visible-near-infrared spectra including a series of d pi-->d pi interconfigurational bands at low energy.     

Preparation, Structure and Electrochemical Property of a Pyrazole-substituted Diiron Dithiolate Complex

A pyrazole-substituted diiron dithiolate complex [Fe2(μ-pdt)(CO)5(3,5-Me2Pz)](1,3,5-Me 2Pz=3,5-dimethylpyrazole) was prepared as a biomimetic model for the active site of [FeFe]-hydrogenase by CO-substitution of all-carbonyl complex [Fe2(μ-pdt)(CO)6] with 3,5-Me2Pz. The molecular structure was confirmed by MS, IR, 1H NMR, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1 with a=9.108(7), b=9.743(8), c=11.192(9), α=109.235(5), β=101.914(9), γ=96.605(6)o. In CH3CN solution, reversible transformation between 1 and the acetonitrile-substituted species [Fe2(μ-pdt)-(CO)5(NCCH3)] was detected by both IR and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The electrochemical proton reduction catalyzed by 1 in the presence of acetic acid was also studied in CH2Cl2.     

Unprecedented 1,3-diaza[3]ferrocenophane scaffold as molecular probe for anions

The guanidine unit in the guise of 2-aminoimidazole in the new structural motif 2-arylamino-1,3-diaza[3]ferrocenophane 4 acts as a binding site for anions. The electrochemical behavior of this compound has been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and was found to exhibit a quasi reversible oxidation peak, associated to the Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couple (Ep = 440 mV), and a non-reversible oxidation wave (Ep = 817 mV), probably associated to the oxidation of the C═N unit present in the guanidine bridge. Recognition of AcO(-), PhCO(2)(-), F(-), Cl(-), and Br(-) anions by the free receptor and the less basic anions Br(-), Cl(-), and NO(3)(-) by its monoprotonated form takes place by unusual redox-ratiometric measurements and spectroscopic ((1)H NMR and UV-vis) changes.     

Anodization in oligo(ethylene glycol) as an initial derivatization tool for preparing glassy carbon electrodes covalently modified with amino compounds: effective access to a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-modified glassy carbon electrode

Anodization in HO(CH2CH2O)nH (1a, n=2; 1b, n=3; 1c, n=4) as an initial derivatization tool for preparing glassy carbon (GC) electrodes covalently modified with amino compounds was explored. As an amino compound to be immobilized, 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (4-amino-TEMPO) was selected. When GC electrodes anodized at 2.0 V vs. Ag wire coated with AgCl in 1 containing RCH2CH2SO3Na (2a, R=H; 2b, R=OH) were treated with a N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or CH2Cl2 solution of 4-amino-TEMPO and 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), TEMPO-modified GC electrodes were afforded. Coverage (gammaTEMPO) of the electrode surfaces by TEMPO was estimated by cyclic voltammetry in CH3CN containing NaClO4. A TEMPO-modified GC electrode with the best gammaTEMPO (1.36 x 10(-10) mol/cm2) was obtained by anodization in 1b containing 2a at the expense of 3.0 C followed by amidization in DMF for 7 d. On cyclic voltammetry, the TEMPO-modified GC electrode showed good and stable electrocatalytic ability for oxidation of allyl alcohol in the presence of 2,6-lutidine.     

Electrochemical investigations of the [tris(2-(diphenylphosphino)thiaphenolato)ruthenate(II)] monoanion reveal metal- and ligand-centered events: radical, reactivity, and rate

Electrochemical investigations of [bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium)][tris(2-(diphenylphosphino)thiaphenolato)ruthenate(II)], PPN[Ru(DPPBT)(3)] (1), and [(bis(2-(diphenylphosphino)thiaphenolato)methane)(2-(diphenylphosphino)thiaphenolato)ruthenium(II)] chloride, [Ru((DPPBT)(2)CH(2))(DPPBT)]Cl (2) are reported. Complex 1 is oxidized reversibly in a metal-centered event by one electron at a potential of +455 mV (vs Ag/AgCl) to the ruthenium(III) derivative [tris(2-(diphenylphosphino)thiaphenolato)ruthenium(III)], 3. Complex 3 can also be prepared by iodine oxidation of 1 in acetonitrile. Oxidation of 3 in acetonitrile is reversible on a cyclic voltammetry time scale but irreversible upon bulk oxidation yielding Ru-X. Monitoring the oxidation of 3 by UV-visible spectroscopy reveals a proposed metal-coordinated thiyl radical intermediate with a maximum absorbance at 850 nm. This intermediate decays at a temperature of -20 degrees C with a rate constant of (5.82 +/- 0.73) x 10(-)(3) s(-)(1) with a small, positive deltaH and a large, negative deltaS. Ru-X can be oxidized reversibly to Ru-Y at a potential of +806 mV but cannot be reduced. Complex 2 is reversibly oxidized by one electron in a metal-centered event to 4 at a potential of +767 mV.     

Primary and secondary phosphine complexes of iron porphyrins and ruthenium phthalocyanine: synthesis, structure, and P-H bond functionalization

Reduction of [Fe(III)(Por)Cl] (Por = porphyrinato dianion) with Na2S2O4 followed by reaction with excess PH2Ph, PH2Ad, or PHPh2 afforded [Fe(II)(F20-TPP)(PH2Ph)2] (1a), [Fe(II)(F20-TPP)(PH2Ad)2] (1b), [Fe(II)(F20-TPP)(PHPh2)2] (2a), and [Fe(II)(2,6-Cl2TPP)(PHPh2)2] (2b). Reaction of [Ru(II)(Pc)(DMSO)2] (Pc = phthalocyaninato dianion) with PH2Ph or PHPh2 gave [Ru(II)(Pc)(PH2Ph)2] (3a) and [Ru(II)(Pc)(PHPh2)2] (4). [Ru(II)(Pc)(PH2Ad)2] (3b) and [Ru(II)(Pc)(PH2Bu(t))2] (3c) were isolated by treating a mixture of [Ru(II)(Pc)(DMSO)2] and O=PCl2Ad or PCl2Bu(t) with LiAlH4. Hydrophosphination of CH2=CHR (R = CO2Et, CN) with [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(PH2Ph)2] or [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(PHPh2)2] in the presence of (t)BuOK led to the isolation of [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(P(CH2CH2R)2Ph)2] (R = CO2Et, 5a; CN, 5b) and [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(P(CH2CH2R)Ph2)2] (R = CO2Et, 6a; CN, 6b). Similar reaction of 3a with CH2=CHCN or MeI gave [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH2CH2CN)2Ph)2] (7) or [Ru(II)(Pc)(PMe2Ph)2] (8). The reactions of 4 with CH2=CHR (R = CO2Et, CN, C(O)Me, P(O)(OEt)2, S(O)2Ph), CH2=C(Me)CO2Me, CH(CO2Me)=CHCO2Me, MeI, BnCl, and RBr (R = (n)Bu, CH2=CHCH2, MeC[triple bond]CCH2, HC[triple bond]CCH2) in the presence of (t)BuOK afforded [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH2CH2R)Ph2)2] (R = CO2Et, 9a; CN, 9b; C(O)Me, 9c; P(O)(OEt)2, 9d; S(O)2Ph, 9e), [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH2CH(Me)CO2Me)Ph2)2] (9f), [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH(CO2Me)CH2CO2Me)Ph2)2] (9g), and [Ru(II)(Pc)(PRPh2)2] (R = Me, 10a; Bu(n), 10b; Bn, 10c; CH2CH=CH2, 10d; CH2C[triple bond]CMe, 10e; CH=C=CH2, 10f). X-ray crystal structure determinations revealed Fe-P distances of 2.2597(9) (1a) and 2.309(2) A (2bx 2 CH2Cl2) and Ru-P distances of 2.3707(13) (3b), 2.373(2) (3c), 2.3478(11) (4), and 2.3754(10) A (5b x 2 CH2Cl2). Both the crystal structures of 3b and 4 feature intermolecular C-H...pi interactions, which link the molecules into 3D and 2D networks, respectively.     

Structural basis for vapoluminescent organoplatinum materials derived from noncovalent interactions as recognition components

The spectroscopic properties and crystal structures of a series of platinum(II) complexes bearing functionalized sigma-alkynyl groups, namely [(tBu(2)bpy)Pt(C triple bond CAr)(2)] (tBu(2)bpy = 4,4'-bis-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine, Ar = 4-pyridyl, 1; 3-pyridyl, 2; 2-pyridyl, 3; 4-ethynylpyridyl, 4; 2-thienyl, 5; pentafluorophenyl, 6) have been studied. Solid-state emissions of 1 and 6 are dependent on their crystallinity. Reversible and selective vapoluminescence was observed for 1 and 6 in the presence of chlorocarbon vapors. For solid 1, dramatic enhancement of green luminescence is observed upon sorption of CH(2)Cl(2) or CHCl(3) vapor. The excimeric orange emission for solid 6 is switched to monomeric green emission upon exposure to CH(2)Cl(2) vapor. The luminescent responses of a thin film of 1 towards various organic vapors have also been examined. In the crystallographically determined structure of 1.CH(2)Cl(2), the bis(acetylide) moiety acts as the receptor berth for a CH(2)Cl(2) molecule through concerted C-H.pi(C triple bond C) interactions, while Cl.Cl interactions connect the CH(2)Cl(2) molecules into infinite linear chains. The observed crystal lattices are arranged into scaffolds of varying porosity by weak C-H...N(py) (1.CH(2)Cl(2), 1.CH(3)CN, 4.DMF) and C-H...F-C (6, 6.CH(3)CN) interactions. The correlation between the crystal structures of 1.CH(2)Cl(2), 1.CH(3)CN, 2, 4.DMF, 5, 6, and 6.CH(3)CN and their vapoluminescence suggests that weak nonconventional hydrogen-bonding interactions preside over the reversible sensing and signalling processes.     

Unprecedented single-pot synthesis of nitrile-derived ketoimino platinum(II) complexes by ring opening of Delta4-1,2,4-oxadiazolines

[PtCl2(RCN)2] (1a R=CH2CO2Me, 1b R=CH2Cl) prepared upon EtCN replacement at [PtCl2(EtCN)2] by the appropriate organonitrile, react with a cyclic nitrone -O-+N=CHCH2CH2C(Me)2, under mild conditions, to give, in an unprecedented single-pot synthesis involving spontaneous N-O bond cleavage, the ketoimino complexes trans-[PtCl2[RC(=O)N=CN(H)C(Me)2-CH2CH2]2 (2a, 2b) with two (pyrrolidin-2-ylidene)amino ligands. The analogous 2c (R=Et) and 2d (R=Ph) are formed by treatment with H2, in the absence of any added catalyst, of the Delta4-1,2,4-oxadiazoline complexes trans-[PtCl2[N=C(R)ONC(Me)2CH2CH2CH]2] (3a R=Et, 3b R=Ph) derived from the [2 + 3]-cycloaddition of the cyclic nitrone with the appropriate organonitrile complex of type 1. The compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1H, (13C and 195Pt NMR spectroscopies, FAB mass spectrometry and X-ray structure analyses for 2a and 2d.     

Structural and functional characteristics of rhenium clusters derived from redox chemistry of the triangular [ReIII3(mu-Cl)3] core unit

The present study investigates structural and functional aspects of the redox chemistry of rhenium(III) chloride [Re3Cl9] (1) in aqueous and organic solvents, with emphasis on the dioxygen-activating capabilities of reduced rhenium clusters bearing the Re3(8+) core. Dissolution of 1 in HCl (6 M) generates [Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl9]3- (2a), which can be isolated as the tetraphenylphosphonium salt (2b). Anaerobic one-electron reduction of 1 by Hg in HCl (6-12 M) produces [(C6H5)4P]2[Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl7(H2O)2].H2O (3), the structure of which features a planar [Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl3] framework (Re3(8+) core), involving two water ligands that occupy out-of-plane positions in a trans arrangement. Compound 3 dissociates in the presence of CO, yielding [(C6H5)4P]2[ReIII2Cl8] (4) and an unidentified red carbonyl species. In situ oxidation (O2) of the reduced Re3(8+)-containing cluster in HCl (6 M) produces quantitatively 2a, whereas oxidation of 3 in organic media results in the formation of [(C6H5)4P]4[(Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl7(mu-OH))2].2CH2Cl2 (5). The structure of 5 reveals that two oxygen ligands (hydroxo units) bridge asymmetrically two Re3(9+) triangular clusters. The origin of these hydroxo units derives from the aquo ligands, rather than O2, as shown by 18O2 labeling studies. The hydroxo bridges of 5 can be replaced by chlorides upon treatment with Me3SiCl to afford the analogous [(C6H5)4P]4[(Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl7(mu-Cl))2].10CH2Cl2 (6). The reaction of 5 with Hg in HCl (6 M)/tetrahydrofuran regenerates compound 3. Complexes 1-3 exhibit nitrile hydratase type activity, inducing hydrolysis of CH3CN to acetamide. The reaction of 3 with CH3CN yields [(C6H5)4P]2[Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl6.5(CH3CN)1.5(CH3C(O)NH)0.5] (7), the structure of which is composed of [Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl7(CH3CN)2]2- (7a) and [Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl6(CH3CN)(CH3C(O)NH)]2- (7b) (Re3(8+) cores) as a disordered mixture (1:1). Oxidation of 7 with O2 in CH3CN affords [(C6H5)4P]2[Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl7(CH3C(O)NH)].CH3CN (8) and small amounts of [(C6H5)4P][ReO4] (9). Compound 8 is also independently isolated from the reaction of 2b with wet CH3CN, or by dissolving 5 in CH3CN. In MeOH, 5 dissociates to afford [(C6H5)4P]2[Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl8(MeOH)].MeOH (10).     

Theoretical studies on structures and spectroscopic properties of a series of novel mixed-ligand Ir(III) complexes [Ir(Mebib)(ppy)X

The series of novel mixed-ligand iridium(III) complexes Ir(Mebib)(ppy)X (Mebib = bis(N-methylbenzimidazolyl)benzene and ppy = phenylpyridine; X = Cl, 1; X = -C[triple band]CH, 2; X = CN, 3) have been investigated theoretically to explore their electronic structures and spectroscopic properties. The ground and excited state geometries have been fully optimized at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ and CIS/LANL2DZ levels, respectively. The optimized geometry structural parameters agree well with the corresponding experimental results. The HOMO of 1 and 3 are mainly localized on the Ir atom, Mebib, and ppy ligand, but that of 2 has significant X ligand composition. Absorptions and phosphorescences in CH2 Cl2 media have been calculated using the TD-DFT level of theory with the PCM model based on the optimized ground and excited state geometries, respectively. The lowest lying absorptions of 1 and 3 at 444 and 416 nm are attributed to a {[d(yz)(Ir) + pi(Mebib) + pi(ppy)] --> [pi*(Mebib)]} transition with metal-to-ligand, ligand-to-ligand, and intra-ligand charge transfer (MLCT/LLCT/ILCT) character, whereas that of 2 at 458 nm is related to a {[d(yz)(Ir) + pi(Mebib) + pi(ppy) + pi(C[triple band]CH)] --> [pi*(Mebib)]} transition with MLCT/LLCT/ILCT and X ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (XLCT) transition character. The phosphorescence of 1 and 3 at 565 and 543 nm originates from the 3{[dy(yz)(Ir) + pi(Mebib) + pi(ppy)] [pi*(Mebib)]} excited state, while that of 2 at 576 nm originates from the 3{[d(yz)(Ir) + pi(Mebib) + pi(ppy) + pi(C[triple band]CH)] [pi*(Mebib)]} excited state. The calculation results show that the absorption and emission transition character can be changed by altering the pi electron-withdrawing ability of the X ligand and the phosphorescent color can be tuned by adjusting the X ligand.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear palladium and nickel complexes of phosphinimine-based tridentate ligands

The tridentate bis-phosphinimine ligands O(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)1, HN(1,2-C(2)H(4)N=PR(3))(2) (R = Ph 2, iPr 3), MeN(1,2-C(2)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)4 and HN(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)5 were prepared. Employing these ligands, monometallic Pd and Ni complexes O(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl(2)6, RN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl][Cl] (R = H 7, Me 8), [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PiPr(3))(2)PdCl][Cl] 9, [MeN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl][PF(6)] 10, [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)NiCl(2)] 11, [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PR(3))(2)NiCl][X] (X = Cl, R = iPr 12, X = PF(6), R = Ph 13, iPr 14), and [HN(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)Ni(MeCN)(2)][BF(4)]Cl 15 were prepared and characterized. While the ether-bis-phosphinimine ligand 1 acts in a bidentate fashion to Pd, the amine-bis-phosphinimine ligands 2-5 act in a tridentate fashion, yielding monometallic complexes of varying geometries. In contrast, initial reaction of the amine-bis-phosphinimine ligands with base followed by treatment with NiCl(2)(DME), afforded the amide-bridged bimetallic complexes N(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PR(3))(2)Ni(2)Cl(3) (R = Ph 16, iPr 17) and N(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)Ni(2)Cl(3)18. The precise nature of a number of these complexes were crystallographically characterized.     

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution at low overpotentials by cobalt macrocyclic glyoxime and tetraimine complexes

Cobalt complexes supported by diglyoxime ligands of the type Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CN)2 and Co(dpgBF2)2(CH3CN)2 (where dmgBF2 is difluoroboryl-dimethylglyoxime and dpgBF2 is difluoroboryl-diphenylglyoxime), as well as cobalt complexes with [14]-tetraene-N4 (Tim) ligands of the type [Co(TimR)X2]n+ (R=methyl or phenyl, X=Br or CH3CN; n=1 with X=Br and n=3 with X=CH3CN), have been observed to evolve H2 electrocatalytically at potentials between -0.55 V and -0.20 V vs SCE in CH3CN. The complexes with more positive Co(II/I) redox potentials exhibited lower activity for H2 production. For the complexes Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CN)2, Co(dpgBF2)2(CH3CN)2, [Co(TimMe)Br2]Br, and [Co(TimMe)(CH3CN)2](BPh4)3, bulk electrolysis confirmed the catalytic nature of the process, with turnover numbers in excess of 5 and essentially quantitative faradaic yields for H2 production. In contrast, the complexes [Co(TimPh/Me)Br2]Br and [Co(TimPh/Me)(CH3CN)2](BPh4)3 were less stable, and bulk electrolysis only produced faradaic yields for H2 production of 20-25%. Cyclic voltammetry of Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CN)2, [Co(TimMe)Br2]+, and [Co(TimMe)(CH3CN)2]3+ in the presence of acid revealed redox waves consistent with the Co(III)-H/Co(II)-H couple, suggesting the presence of Co(III) hydride intermediates in the catalytic system. The potentials at which these Co complexes catalyzed H2 evolution were close to the reported thermodynamic potentials for the production of H2 from protons in CH3CN, with the smallest overpotential being 40 mV for Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CN)2 determined by electrochemistry. Consistent with this small overpotential, Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CN)2 was also able to oxidize H2 in the presence of a suitable conjugate base. Digital simulations of the electrochemical data were used to study the mechanism of H2 evolution catalysis, and these studies are discussed.