Ligand K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and DFT calculations on [Fe3S4]0,+ clusters: delocalization, redox, and effect of the protein environment

Ligand K-edge XAS of an [Fe3S4]0 model complex is reported. The pre-edge can be resolved into contributions from the mu(2)S(sulfide), mu(3)S(sulfide), and S(thiolate) ligands. The average ligand-metal bond covalencies obtained from these pre-edges are further distributed between Fe(3+) and Fe(2.5+) components using DFT calculations. The bridging ligand covalency in the [Fe2S2]+ subsite of the [Fe3S4]0 cluster is found to be significantly lower than its value in a reduced [Fe2S2] cluster (38% vs 61%, respectively). This lowered bridging ligand covalency reduces the superexchange coupling parameter J relative to its value in a reduced [Fe2S2]+ site (-146 cm(-1) vs -360 cm(-1), respectively). This decrease in J, along with estimates of the double exchange parameter B and vibronic coupling parameter lambda2/k(-), leads to an S = 2 delocalized ground state in the [Fe3S4]0 cluster. The S K-edge XAS of the protein ferredoxin II (Fd II) from the D. gigas active site shows a decrease in covalency compared to the model complex, in the same oxidation state, which correlates with the number of H-bonding interactions to specific sulfur ligands present in the active site. The changes in ligand-metal bond covalencies upon redox compared with DFT calculations indicate that the redox reaction involves a two-electron change (one-electron ionization plus a spin change of a second electron) with significant electronic relaxation. The presence of the redox inactive Fe(3+) center is found to decrease the barrier of the redox process in the [Fe3S4] cluster due to its strong antiferromagnetic coupling with the redox active Fe2S2 subsite.     

Sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy of 2Fe-2S ferredoxin: covalency of the oxidized and reduced 2Fe forms and comparison to model complexes

Ligand K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) provides a direct experimental probe of ligand-metal bonding. In previous studies, this method has been applied to mononuclear Fe-S and binuclear 2Fe-2S model compounds as well as to rubredoxins and the Rieske protein. These studies are now extended to the oxidized and reduced forms of ferredoxin I from spinach. Because of its high instability, the mixed-valence state was generated electrochemically in the protein matrix, and ligand K-edge absorption spectra were recorded using an XAS spectroelectrochemical cell. The experimental setup is described. The XAS edge data are analyzed to independently determine the covalencies of the iron-sulfide and -thiolate bonds. The results are compared with those obtained previously for the Rieske protein and for 2Fe-2S model compounds. It is found that the sulfide covalency is significantly lower in oxidized FdI compared to that of the oxidized model complex. This decrease is interpreted in terms of H bonding present in the protein, and its contribution to the reduction potential E degrees is estimated. Further, a significant increase in covalency for the Fe(III)-sulfide bond and a decrease of the Fe(II)-sulfide bond are observed in the reduced Fe(III)Fe(II) mixed-valence species compared to those of the Fe(III)Fe(III) homovalent site. This demonstrates that, upon reduction, the sulfide interactions with the ferrous site decrease, allowing greater charge donation to the remaining ferric center. That is the dominant change in electronic structure of the Fe(2)S(2)RS(4) center upon reduction and can contribute to the redox properties of this active site.     

Tetra-rhenium molecular rectangles as organizational motifs for the investigation of ligand-centered mixed valency: three examples of full delocalization

Molecular rectangles having the form ([Re(CO)3]2(X)2)(2)-mu,mu'-(LL)2, where X is either a bridging alkoxide or phenylthiolate group and LL is 4,4'-bipyridine or pyrazine, are characterized by cofacial LL pairs that are in van der Waals contact across the "long" side of the rectangle. Cyclic voltammetry shows that the redox-accessible bridging ligands, LL, are reduced in sequential, one-electron reactions. The singly reduced rectangles represent an unusual type of mixed-valence compound in which the LL ligands themselves are the redox centers. Spectroelectrochemical measurements for mixed-valence forms of these rectangles reveal intense, asymmetric absorption bands in the near-infrared region, assigned as intervalence transitions. Electroabsorption (Stark spectroscopy) measurements reveal minute changes in dipole moment and therefore a lack of significant charge transfer upon intervalence excitation. Thus, the rectangles are unusual examples of class III (fully valence delocalized) molecular mixed-valence species that employ direct donor-orbital/acceptor-orbital overlap rather than covalent-bond-mediated superexchange to achieve the large electronic coupling strengths required for delocalization.     

Cu3(mu-S)2]3+ clusters supported by N-donor ligands: progress toward a synthetic model of the catalytic site of nitrous oxide reductase

By treating Cu(I) complexes of neutral, bidentate N-donor ligands with S8, clusters with novel delocalized mixed-valence [Cu3(mu-S)2]3+ cores have been isolated. X-ray crystal structures and UV-vis and resonance Raman spectral features of these clusters reveal similarities to the tetracopper-sulfide "CuZ" site in nitrous oxide reductase. A delocalized S = 1 ground state for the mixed-valent CuIIICu2II cores is supported by the observation of high symmetry in the X-ray structures and 10-line hyperfine features arising from coupling to three equivalent Cu ions in EPR spectra obtained at room temperature (shown) and 10 K. The delocalization we observe contrasts with the localization reported previously for a [Cu3(mu-O)2]3+ analogue (Root, D. E.; Henson, M. J.; Machonkin, T.; Mukherjee, P.; Stack, T. D. P.; Solomon, E. I. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1998, 120, 4982), which we rationalized through DFT calculations.     

Oxidation state dependence of the geometry, electronic structure, and magnetic coupling in mixed oxo- and carboxylato-bridged manganese dimers

Approximate density functional theory has been used to investigate changes in the geometry and electronic structure of the mixed oxo- and carboxylato-bridged dimers [Mn(2)(mu-O)(2)(O(2)CH)(NH(3))(6)](n+)and [Mn(2)(mu-O)(O(2)CH)(2)(NH(3))(6)](n+)in the Mn(IV)Mn(IV), Mn(III)Mn(IV), and Mn(III)Mn(III) oxidation states. The magnetic coupling in the dimer is profoundly affected by changes in both the bridging ligands and Mn oxidation state. In particular, change in the bridging structure has a dramatic effect on the nature of the Jahn-Teller distortion observed for the Mn(III) centers in the III/III and III/IV dimers. The principal magnetic interactions in [Mn(2)(mu-O)(2)(O(2)CH)(NH(3))(6)](n+)() involve the J(xz/xz)and J(yz/yz) pathways but due to the tilt of the Mn(2)O(2) core, they are less efficient than in the planar di-mu-oxo structure and, consequently, the calculated exchange coupling constants are generally smaller. In both the III/III and III/IV dimers, the Mn(III) centers are high-spin, and the Jahn-Teller effect gives rise to axially elongated Mn(III) geometries with the distortion axis along the Mn-O(c) bonds. In the III/IV dimer, the tilt of the Mn(2)O(2) core enhances the crossed exchange J(x)()()2(-)(y)()()2(/)(z)()()2 pathway relative to the planar di-mu-oxo counterpart, leading to significant delocalization of the odd electron. Since this delocalization pathway partially converts the Mn(IV) ion into low-spin Mn(III), the magnetic exchange in the ground state can be considered to arise from two interacting spin ladders, one is the result of coupling between Mn(IV) (S = 3/2) and high-spin Mn(III) (S = 2), the other is the result of coupling between Mn(IV) (S = 3/2) and low-spin Mn(III) (S = 1). In [Mn(2)(mu-O)(O(2)CH)(2)(NH(3))(6)](n+)(), both the III/III dimer and the lowest energy structure for the III/IV dimer involve high-spin Mn(III), but the Jahn-Teller axis is now orientated along the Mn-oxo bond, giving rise to axially compressed Mn(III) geometries with long Mn-O(c) equatorial bonds. In the IV/IV dimer, the ferromagnetic crossed exchange J(yz)()(/)(z)()()2 pathway partially cancels J(yz/yz) and, as a consequence, the antiferromagnetic J(xz/xz) pathway dominates the magnetic coupling. In the III/III dimer, the J(yz/yz) pathway is minimized due to the smaller Mn-O-Mn angle, and since the ferromagnetic J(yz)()(/)(z)()()2 pathway largely negates J(xz/xz), relatively weak overall antiferromagnetic coupling results. In the III/IV dimer, the structures involving high-spin and low-spin Mn(III) are almost degenerate. In the high-spin case, the odd electron is localized on the Mn(III) center, and the resulting antiferromagnetic coupling is similar to that found for the IV/IV dimer. In the alternative low-spin structure, the odd electron is significantly delocalized due to the crossed J(yz)()(/)(z)()()2 pathway, and cancellation between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic pathways leads to overall weak magnetic coupling. The delocalization partially converts the Mn(IV) ion into high-spin Mn(III), and consequently, the spin ladders arising from coupling of Mn(IV) (S = 3/2) with high-spin (S = 2) and low-spin (S = 1) Mn(III) are configurationally mixed. Thus, in principle, the ground-state magnetic coupling in the mixed-valence dimer will involve contributions from three spin-ladders, two associated with the delocalized low-spin structure and the third arising from the localized high-spin structure.     

Outer sphere perturbation of delocalized mixed-valence complexes

The complexes [[Ru(ttp)(bpy)](2)(micro-adpc)][PF(6)](2) and [[Ru(ttp)(bpy)](2)(micro-dicyd)][PF(6)](2), where ttp is 4-toluene-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine, bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, adpc(2)(-) is azodi(phenylcyanamide), and dicyd(2)(-) is 1,4-dicyanamidebenzene, were prepared and characterized by IR and NIR, vis spectroelectrochemistry, and cyclic voltammetry. The crystal structure of the complex, [[Ru(ttp)(bpy)](2)(micro-adpc)][PF(6)](2).6DMF, revealed a planar bridging adpc(2)(-) ligand with the cyanamide groups adopting an anti configuration. IR and comproportionation data are consistent with delocalized mixed-valence complexes, and a spectroscopic analysis assuming C(2)(h) microsymmetry leads to a prediction of multiple MMCT transitions with the lowest energy transition equal to the resonance exchange integral for the mixing of ruthenium donor and acceptor orbitals with a bridging ligand orbital (the preferred superexchange pathway). The solvent dependence of the MMCT band energy that is seen for [[Ru(ttp)(bpy)](2)(micro-adpc)](3+) is due to a ground state weakening of metal-metal coupling because of solvent donor interactions with the acceptor azo group of the bridging ligand.     

A high nuclearity mixed valence {Mn32} complex

A mixed-valence {Mn(32)} complex, containing Mn(II), Mn(III) and Mn(IV) ions, with a probable S = 5 ground state, utilizes pivalate as a capping ligand and a variety of oxo-type bridging ligands. AC susceptibility data on fresh samples suggest that the Mn(32) complex is one of the largest nuclearity single molecule magnets found to date.     

Tetracyanide-bridged divanadium complexes: redox switching between strong antiferromagnetic and strong ferromagnetic coupling

Reaction of [(Me3tacn)V(CF3SO3)3] (Me3tacn = N,N',N'-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) with LiCN in DMF results in oligomerization of cyanide to form [(Me3tacn)2V2(CN)4(mu-C4N4)]. The structure of this binuclear complex features a planar tetracyanide unit bridging two VIV centers via imido type linkages. The conjugated pathway provided by the bridging ligand leads to strong antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -112 cm-1) and an S = 0 ground state. Reduction of the complex with cobaltocene generates the Class III mixed-valence anion [(Me3tacn)2V2(CN)4(mu-C4N4)]1-, wherein resonance exchange induces strong ferromagnetic coupling to give a well-isolated S = 3/2 ground state.     

Exchange coupling through diamagnetic [Fe(CO)4]2- bridging ligands in a xenophilic cluster

The electronic structure of so-called 'xenophilic' clusters, which contain both organometallic fragments and Werner-type paramagnetic transition metal centres, presents a challenge to simple theories of bonding. Density functional theory shows clearly that the cluster Mn(2)(thf)(4)(Fe(CO)(4))(2) is best described as an exchange-coupled Mn(II)(2) dimer, the closed-shell organometallic [Fe(CO)(4)](2-) fragments acting simply as bridging ligands. The high-spin configuration of the Mn(II) ions leads to single occupation of the Mn-Fe σ* orbitals and therefore substantially weaker metal-metal bonding than in conventional low-valent organometallic clusters. The transition metal fragments are effective mediators of superexchange (J(calc) = -44 cm(-1)), leading to the measured effective magnetic moment of ~5 μ(B) at 300 K, considerably lower than the limiting value of 8.37 μ(B) for two uncoupled S = 5/2 Mn(II) centres.     

A [4Fe-4S] cluster dimer bridged by bis(2,2':6',2'-terpyridine-4'-thiolato)iron(II)

The use of 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine-4'-thiol (tpySH) was explored as a bridging ligand for the formation of stable assemblies containing both [4Fe-4S] clusters and single metal ions. Reaction of tpySH (2 equiv) with (NH4)2Fe(SO4)(2).6H2O generated the homoleptic complex [Fe(tpySH)2](2+), which was isolated as its PF6(-) salt. The compound could be fully deprotonated to yield neutral [Fe(tpyS)2], and the absorption spectrum is highly dependent on the protonation state. Reaction of [Fe(tpySH)2](PF6)2 with the new 3:1 site-differentiated cluster (n-Bu4N)2[Fe4S4(TriS)(SEt)] yielded the first metal-bridged [4Fe-4S] cluster dimer, (n-Bu4N)2[{Fe4S4(TriS)(mu-Stpy)}2Fe]. Electrochemical studies indicate that the [4Fe-4S] clusters in the dimer act as independent redox units, while UV-vis spectroscopy provides strong evidence for a thioquinonoid electron distribution in the bridging tpyS(-) ligand. TpySH thus acts as a directional bridging ligand between [4Fe-4S] clusters and single metal ions, thereby opening the way to the synthesis of larger, more complex assemblies.     

15N HYSCORE characterization of the fully deprotonated, reduced form of the archaeal Rieske [2Fe-2S] center

The hyperfine couplings for strongly and weakly coupled 15N nuclei around a reduced Rieske [2Fe-2S] center of uniformly 15N-labeled, hyperthermostable archaeal Rieske protein at pH 13.3 were determined by hyperfine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE) spectroscopy and compared with those at physiological pH. Significant changes in the hyperfine couplings of the terminal histidine Ndelta ligands and Nepsilon nuclei were observed between them, which can be explained by not only the redistribution of the unpaired electron spin density over the ligands but also the difference in the mixed-valence state of the fully deprotonated, reduced cluster. These quantitative data can be used in theoretical analysis for the selection of an appropriate model of the mixed-valence state of the reduced Rieske center at very alkaline pH.     

Electron delocalization patterns in models of distorted (D2d) mixed-valence cubanes

Low-symmetry distortions are present in cubanes such as Fe(4)S(4), but their effects on electron delocalization properties are not well-understood. Mixed-valence cubanes often exhibit experimentally measurable "pair delocalization" of a delocalizable electron. An important question is, what is the role of physical interactions (vibronic, electronic, exchange) and symmetry distortions in determining the electron delocalization pattern? Semiclassical models are used to explore the electron delocalization patterns of S=1/2 tetragonally (D(2d)) distorted mixed-valence cubanes comprising four metal centers with bridging ligands, a single delocalizable "excess" electron, and either closed-shell or open-shell ion cores. Phase diagrams show that distorted S=1/2 ground state cubanes with antiferromagnetic exchange (as found in nature) have delocalization patterns qualitatively similar to those of an S=1/2 model with no Heisenberg exchange, suggesting that exchange is not necessarily a dominant factor in determining electron delocalization properties. The open-shell model reveals two types of pair delocalization for the S=1/2 ground state, with differing dimer subunit spins for compressed and elongated geometries. Previous studies emphasize the importance of exchange interactions for pair delocalization. Here, it is shown that electron exchange is not always necessary for pair delocalization and that it can be achieved with relatively small tetragonal distortions from tetrahedral (T(d)) symmetry. The results contradict those of an earlier theoretical study of distorted Fe(4)S(4) clusters, which concluded that distortions of lower symmetry than D(2d) are necessary to induce a transition to pair delocalization.     

Electronic structure description of the mu(4)-sulfide bridged tetranuclear Cu(Z) center in N(2)O reductase

Spectroscopy coupled with density functional calculations has been used to define the spin state, oxidation states, spin distribution, and ground state wave function of the mu4-sulfide bridged tetranuclear CuZ cluster of nitrous oxide reductase. Initial insight into the electronic contribution to N2O reduction is developed, which involves a sigma superexchange pathway through the bridging sulfide.     

Inter- or intramolecular electron transfer between triruthenium clusters: we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it

The purpose of this review is to examine the fundamental differences between intermolecular self-exchange vs. intramolecular ET in mixed-valence complexes based on similar triruthenium structural units. The role of orbital overlap between ancillary ligands of the electron donor and acceptor are considered in self-exchange reactions which are found to be strongly adiabatic and again in bridged mixed-valence systems. The method of infrared (IR) reflectance spectroelectrochemistry for the determination of extremely fast (10¹¹–10¹³ s^?1) ET rate constants is reviewed as a tool to provide quantitative information about the time scales of localization and delocalization. The role of internal vibrations of the bridging ligand in strongly delocalized mixed-valence ions is investigated by resonance Raman and IR spectroscopies. The role of solvent dipolar relaxation times in determining the rates of ultrafast intramolecular ET reactions is reviewed in the context of inorganic mixed-valence chemistry. Finally, the concept of Robin–Day Class II/III “borderline” complexes is considered, and a concise definition of the localized to delocalized transition is provided in terms of the relative contributions of external solvent and internal complex ion vibrational modes to ET.     

Tunable charge delocalization in dinickel quinonoid complexes

When a 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzoquinonediimine C6H2(=NR)2(NHR)2 (2) is used as a bridging ligand, new dinickel(II) complexes [(acac)Ni[mu-C6H2(=NPh)4]Ni(acac)] (3a: R=Ph) and [(acac)Ni[mu-C6H2(=NCH2tBu)4]Ni(acac)] (3b: R=CH2tBu) are obtained; upon one-electron oxidation of these complexes delocalized mixed-valence compounds are formed. An X-ray diffraction study on 3b reveals equalization of the bond lengths within each of the ligand 6 systems and a lack of conjugation between them. The oxidized state in 3b+ involves both the bridging quinonoid ligand and the metal centers, with a major contribution coming from the bridging ligand. Electrochemical and spectroscopic methods were used to study the influence of the N-substituents of the tetranitrogen donor ligands 2. In this combined experimental and theoretical (DFT) study, it is also shown that the electronic structure within the dinickel system can be altered by addition of a coordinating ligand such as pyridine. The latter favors the high-spin configuration with semi-occupied metal-centered orbitals, leading to a metal-metal interaction in the mixed-valence Ni(II)-Ni(III) 3b+ system.     

Chemical activity of iron in [2Fe-2S]-protein centers and FeS2(100) surfaces

Iron atoms bonded to sulfur play an important role in proteins, heterogeneous catalysts, and gas sensors. First-principles density functional calculations were used to investigate the structure and chemical activity of a unique [2Fe-2S] center in the split-Soret cytochrome c (Ssc) from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. In agreement with a previously proposed structural model [Abreu et al., J. Biol. Inorg. Chem. 2003, 8, 360], it is found that the [2Fe-2S] cluster is located in a surface pocket of the Ssc and bonded to only three cysteines. The [2Fe-2S] center in the Ssc is nonplanar and somewhat distorted with respect to canonical [2Fe-2S] centers seen in proteins where the iron-sulfur unit is bonded to four cysteines. In the Ssc, the lack of one Fe-cysteine bond is partially compensated by the separation between the cysteines that minimizes electrostatic repulsion among these ligands. The unique structure of the [2Fe-2S] center in the Ssc makes the center more chemically active than canonical [2Fe-2S] centers in proteins, (RS)(4)[2Fe-2S] inorganic complexes, and an FeS2(100) surface. A [2Fe-2S] center in the Ssc interacts efficiently with electron acceptors (O2, NO, CO) and poorly with a Lewis base such as H2O. The interaction with molecular oxygen is so strong that eventually oxidatively destroys the [2Fe-2S] unit. The bonding energy of the ligands to the [2Fe-2S] centers and FeS2(100) surface increases following the sequence: H2O < CO < NO < O2. The higher the electron affinity of the ligand, the larger its bonding energy. A relatively large positive charge on the Fe cations in FeS2(100) makes this sulfide surface less reactive toward O2, CO, and NO than the [2Fe-2S] centers in proteins and inorganic complexes.     

Cl(3)V(mu-S(CH(3))(2))(3)VCl(3)(2)(-): a first-row,face-shared bioctahedral complex with multiple metal-metal bonding

Density functional theory calculations have been used to investigate the structure and bonding of the d(3)d(3) bioctahedral complexes X(3)V(mu-S(CH(3))(2))(3)VX(3)(2)(-) (X = F(-), Cl(-), OH(-), SH(-), NH(2)(-)). According to geometry optimizations using the broken-symmetry approach and the VWN+B-LYP combination of density functionals, the halide-terminated complexes have a V-V bond order of approximately 2, while complexes featuring OH(-), SH(-), or NH(2)(-) as terminal ligands exhibit full triple bonding between the vanadium atoms. The tendency toward triple bonding in the latter complexes is consistent with an increased covalency of the vanadium-ligand bonds, and the influence of bond covalency is apparent also in the tendency for V-V bond elongation in the complexes with OH(-) and NH(2)(-) terminal ligands. Detailed examination of the composition of molecular orbitals in all of the thioether-bridged V(II) complexes substantiates the conclusion that the strong antiferromagnetic coupling which we have determined for these complexes (-J > 250 cm(-)(1)) is due to direct bonding between metal atoms rather than superexchange through the bridging ligands. As such, these V(II) complexes comprise the first apparent examples of multiple metal-metal bonding in first-transition-row, face-shared dinuclear complexes and are therefore of considerable structural and synthetic interest.     

pi-Acid/pi-base carbonyloxo, carbonylsulfido, and mixed-valence complexes of tungsten

Carbonyloxotungsten(IV) complexes, TpWOX(CO), are produced in the reactions of dioxygen (for X = Cl, Br, I) or pyridine N-oxide [for X = S(2)P(OPr(i))(2), S(2)PPh(2)] with TpWX(CO)(2) [Tp = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate]. Analogous carbonylsulfidotungsten(IV) species, TpWSX(CO), result from the reactions of TpWX(kappa(2)-MeCN)(CO) with propylene sulfide. The carbonyloxo complexes exhibit nu(CO) and nu(W=O) IR bands in the 1995-1965 and 957-951 cm(-1) regions, respectively; the nu(CO) and nu(W=S) bands of the carbonylsulfido species appear at 1970-1937 and 512-502 cm(-1), respectively. The complexes possess C(1) symmetry and display carbonyl (13)C NMR resonances at delta 272-287, with J(WC) 160-196 Hz. The crystal structures of TpWO(S(2)PPh(2))(CO) and TpWS(S(2)PPh(2))(CO).0.5CHCl(3) reveal distorted octahedral tungsten centers coordinated by a fac tridentate Tp ligand and mutually cis, monodentate chalcogenido [d(W=O) = 1.698(4) A; d(W=S) = 2.135(4) Angstroms], carbonyl, and dithiophosphinato ligands. In refluxing toluene, TpWOI(CO) converts into purple, mixed-valence TpW(III)I(CO)(mu-O)W(V)OITp. The dinuclear complex contains a nearly linear [173.1(6) degrees] mu-oxo bridge connecting disparate distorted octahedral tungsten centers. The metrical parameters and spectroscopic properties are consistent with the presence of a W(III)/W(V) mixed-valence species, possessing a filled, delocalized three-center (W-O-W) pi bond and a localized (on W(III)), filled d(pi) orbital that back-bonds to the carbonyl ligand.     

Syntheses, solid-state structures, and solution studies by VT 31P NMR of [Zn[Se2P(OEt)2]2] infinity and [Zn2[Se2P(OiPr)2]4

Complexes [Zn[Se(2)P(OEt)(2)](2)]( infinity ) (1) and [Zn(2)[Se(2)P(O(i)Pr)(2)](4)] (2) are prepared from the reaction of Zn(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O and (NH(4))[Se(2)P(OR)(2)] (R = Et and (i)Pr) in a molar ratio of 1:2 in deoxygenated water at room temperature. Positive FAB mass spectra show m/z peaks at 968.8 (Zn(2)L(3)(+)) and 344.8 (ZnL(+)) for 1 and m/z at 1052.8 (Zn(2)L(3)(+)) for 2. (1)H NMR spectra exhibit chemical shifts at delta 1.43 and 4.23 ppm for 1 and 1.41 and 4.87 ppm for 2 due to Et and (i)Pr group of dsep ligands. While the solid-state structure of compound 1 is a one-dimensional polymer via symmetrically bridging dsep ligands, complex 2 in the crystalline state exists as a dimer. In both 1 and 2, zinc atoms are connected by two bridging dsep ligands with an additional chelating ligand at each zinc atom. The dsep ligands exhibit bimetallic biconnective (micro(2), eta(2)) and monometallic biconnective (eta(2)) coordination patterns. Thus, each zinc atom is coordinated by four selenium atoms from two bridging and one chelating dsep ligands and the geometry around zinc is distorted tetrahedral. The Zn-Se distances range between 2.422 and 2.524 A. From variable-temperature (31)P NMR studies it has been found that monomer and dimer of the complex are in equilibrium in solution via exchange of bridging and chelating ligands. However, at temperature above 40 degrees C the complex exists as a monomer and shows a very sharp peak while with lowering of the temperature the percentage of dimer increases gradually at the expense of monomer. Below -90 degrees C the complex exists as a dimer and two peaks are observed with equal intensities which are due to bridging and chelating ligands. (77)Se NMR spectra of both complexes at -30 degrees C exhibit three doublets due to the presence of monomer and dimer in solution.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of the low-symmetry tetranuclear cubane-like nickel complex [Ni4(pypentO)(pym)(mu 3-OH)2(mu- Oac)2(NCS)2(OH2)

The tetranuclear [Ni4(pypentO)(pym)(mu 3-OH)2(mu-Oac)2(NCS)2(OH2)] cubane-like complex has been prepared, and its structure and magnetic properties have been studied (pypentO and pym are the deprotonated forms of 1,5-bis[(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]pentane-3-ol and 2-pyridylmethanol, respectively). The X-ray diffraction analysis of this novel nickel complex (C61H74N14O25.5S4Ni8, monoclinic, P2(1), a = 13.9375(14) A, b = 20.6604(18) A, c = 16.6684(19) A, beta = 110.619(12) degrees, Z = 2) showed a Ni4O4 cubane arrangement of four nickel atoms, four mu 3-O bridging ligands (one pypentO, one pym, and two OH-), two syn-syn bridging acetates, and three terminal monodentate ligands (two NCS- and one OH2). In this low-symmetry elongated cubane, the four Ni-Ni long distances (3.18 A) correspond to the faces of the cube including two mu 3-OR bridges, and the two Ni-Ni short distances (2.94 A) correspond to the faces including two mu 3-OR and one acetate bridges. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility was fitted with J1 = -3.09 cm-1, J2 = 15.0 cm-1, J3 = 6.72 cm-1, and g = 2.27. The differences in sign among the J1, J2, and J3 superexchange interactions is in good agreement with the different types of faces present in this Ni4O4 cubane core. The two faces of the cube, including two mu 3-OR bridges associated with one acetate bridge, exhibit ferromagnetic interactions, while the four faces which include only mu 3-OR bridges exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions. The very small zero field splitting may be attributed to the fact that the ground state is diamagnetic. The nature of the ground state is confirmed by the good simulation of the magnetization curves at 2 and 5 K (diagonalization of the full matrix taking into account all energy levels obtained with the parameter set resulting from the fit of the susceptibility curve). The large differences in J values resulting from small differences in Ni-O-Ni angles in this Ni4O4 core of very low symmetry reflect a quite strong magnetostructural correlation.