The solution stability of copper(I) and silver(I) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbenes

The tris-benzimidazolium cage LH(3)(3+), in MeCN solution, in the presence of OH(-), forms with Cu(I) and Ag(I) ions complexes of formula [M(I)(LH)](2+), in which each metal is linearly coordinated by two carbenes and one imidazolium N-H fragment remains intact. To achieve two-coordination, the two N-heterocyclic moieties of the cage make a saloon-door type motion, with a conformationally costless rotation of ca. 30° each. The two [M(I)(LH)](2+) complexes show high thermodynamic stability and are inert with respect to metal substitution, due to the mechanical constraints imposed by the ligating framework. Complexation with Cu(I) and Ag(I) with the reference unidentate carbene ligand Q, derived from the benzimidazolium precursor QH(+), was studied for comparison. Both metals in MeCN form 1:1 and 1:2 complexes with the carbene ligand Q according to two stepwise equilibria. Q complexes of both metals are labile with respect to metal substitution and those of Ag(I) are more stable than those of Cu(I). A significant cooperative effect has been observed with the formation of the [Ag(I)Q(2)](+) complex.     

Models for copper proteins. Copper(I) and (II) complexes of a novel binucleating tetraamino-tetrathioether ligand

The novel binucleating ligand, 6,6 prime-methylene-bis(5 prime-amino-3 prime,4 prime-benzo-2 prime-thiapentyl)-1,11-diamino-2,3:9,10-dibenzo-4,8-dithiaundecane (H4L) was prepared and reacted with copper(II) salts in dry MeOH to yield mixtures of copper(I) and copper(II) complexes with Cl- and ClO-4 counter ions. The amine functions on the ligand release protons to form copper(I) complexes: (Cu2L)X2, where X=Cl−, ClO4-. The complexes were oxidized to (Cu2L)X4 with H2O2 in DMF; Cu(NO3)2 gave a different complex, [Cu2(H4L)(NO3)2](NO3)2, as regards proton releasing ability, coordination and oxidation number. Evidence for the structures of this new tetraamino-tetrathioether ligand and its copper complexes is provided by 1H-, 13C-n.m.r., mass, u.v.–vis., i.r. spectra, elemental analyses, molar conductivities and magnetic moments. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Structural and electronic differences of copper(I) complexes with tris(pyrazolyl)methane and hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands

Copper(I) complexes with tripodal nitrogen-containing neutral ligands such as tris(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (L1') and tris(3-tertiary-butyl-5-isopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (L3'), and with corresponding anionic ligands such as hydrotris(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate (L1-) and hydrotris(3-tertiary-butyl-5-isopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate (L3-) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Copper(I) complexes [Cu(L1')Cl] (1), [Cu(L1')(OClO3)] (2), [Cu(L1')(NCMe)](PF6) (3a), [Cu(L1')(NCMe)](ClO4) (3b), [Cu(L1')(CO)](PF6) (4a), and [Cu(L1')(CO)](ClO4) (4b) were prepared using the ligand L1'. Copper(I) complexes [Cu(L3')Cl] (5) and [Cu(L3')(NCMe)](PF6) (6) with the ligand L3' were also synthesized. Copper(I) complexes [Cu(L1)(NCMe)] (7) and [Cu(L1)(CO)] (8) were prepared using the anionic ligand L1-. Finally, copper(I) complexes with anionic ligand L3- and acetonitrile (9) and carbon monoxide (10) were synthesized. The complexes obtained were fully characterized by IR, far-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The structures of both ligands, L1' and L3', and of complexes 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5, 6, 7, and 10 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The effects of the differences in (a) the fourth ligand and the counteranion, (b) the steric hindrance at the third position of the pyrazolyl rings, and most importantly, (c) the charge of the N3 type ligands, on the structures, spectroscopic properties, and reactivities of the copper(I) complexes are discussed. The observed differences in the reactivities toward O2 of the copper(I) acetonitrile complexes are traced back to differences in the oxidation potentials determined by cyclic voltammetry. A special focus is set on the carbonyl complexes, where the 13C NMR and vibrational data are presented. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to shed light on the differences in CO bonding in the compounds with neutral and anionic N3 ligands. In correlation with the vibrational and electrochemical data of these complexes, it is demonstrated that the C-O stretching vibration is a sensitive probe for the "electron richness" of copper(I) in these compounds.     

Charge-transfer spectra of structurally characterized mixed-valence thiolate-bridged Cu(I)/Cu(II) cluster complexes

A series of Cu(II) and Cu(I)/Cu(II) complexes containing the cis-N(amine)(2)S(thiolate)(2) copper complex rac-2 has been synthesized to provide a basis for understanding the charge-transfer spectra of mixed-valence thiolate-bridged Cu(I)/Cu(II) complexes. In combination with Cu(Me(2)-13-N(4)ane), rac-2 yields a monobridged dinuclear homovalent adduct, rac-5, while reaction with CuCl yields the mixed-valance pentanuclear complex rac-6. In the presence of Cu(II)(acac)(2), chiral R,R-1 reacts to form a mixed-valence pentanuclear cation R,R-7. rac-6 exhibits a relatively short Cu(I). Cu(II) contact [2.8231(9) A] and associated structural features that suggest the presence of a weak Cu(I).Cu(II) interaction in a valence-trapped system. Additional structural features in rac-6 and R,R-7 include singly and doubly bridging thiolates, three- and four-coordinated Cu(I) ions, and varying Cu(I) ligand sets. These features extend the types and complexities of electronic absorptions significantly. Spectra of rac-6 and R,R-7 exhibit multiple overlapping absorptions over the entire visible and ultraviolet spectral regions studied, consonant with these observations. Trends resulting from variations in structure type and oxidation state permit a first approach toward developing a detailed assignment of the individual ligand Rydberg, LF, LMCT, MLCT, and possible MMCT absorptions in these complexes.     

Dinuclear Cu(I) complexes of 1,2,4,5-tetra(7-azaindolyl)benzene: persistent 3-coordinate geometry, luminescence, and reactivity

Five Cu(I) complexes [Cu2(ttab)(CH3CN)2][BF4]2 (1), [Cu(2)(ttab)(PPh3)2][BF4]2 (2), [Cu2(ttab)I2] (3), [Cu2(ttab)(I3)2] (4), and [Cu2(ttab)(I)BF4]n (5) with 1,2,4,5-tetra(7-azaindolyl)benzene (ttab) have been synthesized and characterized. The structures of compound 1, 2, 4, and 5 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, which established that 1, 2, and 4 are discrete dinuclear Cu2 compounds while compound 5 is a 1D coordination polymer with the I- ligand bridging two dinuclear Cu2 units. The ttab ligand in all four complexes adopts a 1,3-chelation mode. The Cu(I) center in all complexes is three-coordinate. Close contact between the Cu(I) center and the benzene ring in the ttab ligand was observed in all four structures, which is believed to play a role in stabilizing the three-coordinate geometry of the Cu(I) center. The crystals of 1, 2, and 5 contain channels in the lattice that host solvent molecules such as CH2Cl2 and toluene. Fluorescent measurements established that, in solution, compounds 1-3 display weak blue luminescence which originates from the ttab but is significantly red-shifted and has a much lower emission intensity, compared to the free ttab ligand. The application of compound 1 in C-N cross-coupling reactions was examined by using the reaction of phenyl halides with imidazole as a model system. For the reaction with phenyl iodide, 1 was found to be as effective a catalyst as the CuI/1,10-phenanthroline system. For the reaction with phenyl bromide, 1 is less effective than the CuI/1,10-phenanthroline system. Compound 1 reacts with O2 gas, as established by UV-vis spectra, but the oxidized products have not been characterized.     

Toluene-sandwiched trinuclear copper(I) and silver(I) triazolates and phosphine adducts of dinuclear copper(I) and silver(I) triazolates

Cu (I) and Ag (I) complexes of the fluorinated triazolate ligand [3,5-(C3F7)2Tz](-) have been synthesized using the corresponding metal(I) oxides and the triazole. They form pi-acid/base adducts with toluene, leading to [Tol][M3][Tol] ([Tol]=toluene; [M3]={[3,5-(C3F7)2Tz]Cu}3 or {[3,5-(C3F7)2Tz]Ag}3) type structures. Packing diagrams show the presence of extended chains of the type {[Tol][M3][Tol]}infinity, but the intertoluene ring distances are too long for significant pi-arene/pi-arene contacts. These copper and silver triazolates react with PPh3 (at a 1:1 metal ion/P molar ratio), leading to dinuclear {[3,5-(C3F7)2Tz]Cu(PPh3)}2 and {[3,5-(C3F7) 2Tz]Ag(PPh3)}2. They feature a six-membered Cu(mu-N-N) 2Cu or Ag(mu-N-N)2Ag core with a boat conformation.     

Phosphorescent Cu(I) complexes of 2-(2'-pyridylbenzimidazolyl)benzene: impact of phosphine ancillary ligands on electronic and photophysical properties of the Cu(I) complexes

Four mononuclear Cu(I) complexes of 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolylbenzene (pbb) with four different ancillary phosphine ligands PPh(3), bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether (DPEphos), bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), and bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)diphenylborate (DPPMB) have been synthesized. The crystal structures of [Cu(pbb)(PPh(3))(2)][BF(4)] (1), [Cu(pbb)(dppe)][BF(4)] (2), [Cu(pbb)(DPEphos)][BF(4)] (3), and the neutral complex [Cu(pbb)(DPPMB)] (4) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The impact of the phosphine ligands on the structures of the copper(I) complexes was examined, revealing that the most significant impact of the phosphine ligands is on the P-Cu-P bond angle. The electronic and photophysical properties of the new complexes were examined by using UV-vis, fluorescence, and phosphorescence spectroscopies and electrochemical analysis. All four complexes display a weak MLCT absorption band that varies considerably with the phosphine ligand. At ambient temperature, no emission was observed for any of the complexes in solution. However, when doped into PMMA polymer (20 wt %), at ambient temperature, all four complexes emit light with a color ranging from green to red-orange, depending on the phosphine ligand. The emission of the new copper complexes has an exceptionally long decay lifetime (>200 micros). Ab initio MO calculations established that the lowest electronic transition in the copper(I) complexes is MLCT in nature. The electronic and photophysical properties of the new mononuclear Cu(I) complexes were compared with those of the corresponding polynuclear Cu(I) complexes based on the 2-(2'-dipyridyl)benzimidazolyl derivative ligands and the previously extensively studied phenanthroline-based Cu(I) complexes.     

Copper(II/I) Complexes of a Hexakis(bipyridyl)cyclotriveratrylene Ligand: A Redox-Induced Conformational Switch

A series of copper(II) and copper(I) complexes have been synthesized with ligands combining 6-methyl-2,2'-bipyridines with cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) (1) and with catechol (2). The electrochemical, (1)H NMR, and mass spectrometry characterizations of these complexes are described and discussed. The six pendant bipyridines of ligand 1 allow for the formation of two trinuclear copper(I) complexes [(1)Cu(3)](BF(4))(3) differing only in the conformation "vic" or "int" adopted by the ligand to fit the tetrahedral cuprous ions. Similarly, 1 generates two trinuclear copper(II) complexes in which the conformation of the ligand fits the square planar geometry of cupric ions. In both the cuprous and cupric complexes, a conformational equilibrium exists. Ligand 2 bearing two methylbipyridines has proven to be a useful model of the coordinating sites of ligand 1. In this case, two homologous copper(I) complexes are obtained, [(2)Cu]BF(4) and [(2)(2)Cu(2)](BF(4))(2), modeling respectively two possible coordination conformations of ligand 1. With copper(II), ligand 2 yields only one complex [(2)Cu](CF(3)SO(3))(2), which allows for the unambiguous identification of the conformations observed for ligand 1 complexes. The different coordinating modes of ligand 1 in the complexes mentioned are in exchange but exhibit different physical properties, thus representing a new bistable system based on conformational isomerism which exhibits an electrochemical potential hysteresis. An equilibrium constant and thermodynamic data were obtained for this system by variable-temperature cyclic voltammetry. The influence of coordinating vs noncoordinating solvents was also studied.     

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTI-2-FURAN CARBOXALDOXIME COMPLEXES WITH COBALT(II), COPPER(II & I) AND SILVER(I)

Abstract

The ligand, 2-furan carboxaldoxime exists in two geometrical isomeric forms: anti-(β-form) and syn-(α-form). Six different complexes of Co(II), Cu(II), Cu(I) and Ag(I) with anti-2-furan carboxaldoxime (FDH) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weights, conductance studies, magnetic moments and infra-red spectral studies. These are [Co(FDH)₄Cl₂], [Co(FD)₂], [Cu(CH₃COO)₂ (FDH)]₂, [Cu(FD)(OH)]₂, Cu(FDH)₂ Cl and AgNO₃·2FDH. Under the similar conditions, syn- form does not form any complex with these metal ions. The complexes [Co(FDH)₄Cl₂] and [Co(FD)₂] are neutral, monomeric and para-magnetic (μ=4.88 and 4.52 BM respectively); the former may be considered as octahedral with FDH acting as monodentate, and the latter as tetrahedral with FD^? as a bidentate ligand. Both the Cu(II) complexes are neutral, dimeric, weakly para-magnetic (μ=0.44 and 0.28 BM respectively) with the bridging acetato groups in [Cu(CH₃ COO)₂ (FDH)]₂ and with bridging hydroxo groups in [Cu(FD)(OH)]₂. The Cu(I) complex may be polymeric, being insoluble in most solvents. The Ag(I) compound is cationic 1:1 electrolyte in nitrobenzene. In all these complexes the ligand functions as monodentate and/or bidentate, coordinating with furan oxygen and oxime oxygen in the latter case. The C[sbnd]O[sbnd]C stretching frequency of furan may be taken as the criterion for the denticity of this ligand which is observed at 1240 cm^?1 (in the free ligand). A shift to lower frequency is observed in the complex if the ligand acts as bidentate. However this frequency is not affected if the ligand acts as monodentate coordinating through the oxime oxygen atom. The ligand has been shown to be present in the ionized and/or unionized form in these complexes.     

Synthesis and reactivity of copper(I) complexes with an ethylene-bridged bis(imidazolin-2-imine) ligand

A series of copper(I) complexes with a sterically hindered, bidentate ligand, BL iPr, derived from an N-heterocyclic carbene precursor have been isolated, characterized and their reactivity studied. The ethylene-bridged bis(imidazolin-2-imine) ligand (BL iPr) provides strongly donating N-donor atoms for the stabilization of a copper(I) metal center, priming it for reactivity. The complexes [(BL iPr)Cu(XyNC)]PF6 (4) and [(BL iPr)CuCl] (5) were characterized by X-ray crystallography and exhibit trigonal coordination at the copper centers. The reactivity of [(BL iPr)Cu]SbF6 toward dioxygen was studied at low temperature, indicating formation of a thermally sensitive intermediate with intense UV/Vis features and an isotope-sensitive vibration at 625 cm(-1) (599 cm(-1) with 18 O2). The intermediate is assigned as containing the bis(mu-oxo)dicopper(III) core, [2](PF6)2, and the related, stable hydroxo form was crystallized as [{(BL iPr)Cu}2(mu-OH)2](PF6)2, [3](PF6)2. The reactivity of 5 as a catalyst for the ATR polymerization of styrene was assessed in terms of reaction kinetics and polymer properties, with low PDI values achieved for polymers with molecular weights up to 30 000 g mol(-1).     

Intrinsic carrier doping in antiferromagnetically interacted supramolecular copper complexes with (pyrazino)tetrathiafulvalene (pyra-TTF) as the ligand, [CuIICl2(pyra-TTF)] and (pyra-TTF)2[CuI3Cl4(pyra-TTF)

New supramolecular copper complexes with pyrazinotetrathiafulvalene (pyra-TTF) as the ligand, [Cu(II)Cl2(pyra-TTF)] (1) and (pyra-TTF) 2[Cu(I)3Cl4(pyra-TTF)] (2), have been synthesized by the diffusion method. Complex 1 is a black block crystal with a three-dimensional (3-D) supramolecular network; the linear chain [-Cu(II)Cl2-(pyra-TTF)-] n extends along the b axis, where the coordinated pyra-TTF donors are stacked in a head-to-tail and ring-over-bond configuration to construct two-dimensional (2-D) sheets, and between the sheets, there are C...Cl(-) or H...Cl(-) contacts. Even though the electron spin resonance (ESR) measurement reveals the nearly Cu(II) state, complex 1 is a semiconductor with sigmaRT=1.0 x 10(-4) S cm(-1) and Ea=0.33 eV. The high-frequency conductivity measurement also confirmed the intrinsic slight carrier doping from Cu(II) to the pyra-TTF donor. This slight doping enhances not only the real and imaginary dielectric constants but also the antiferromagnetic interaction between Cu(II) spins following the 2-D Heisenberg model with 2J=-20 K. In contrast, complex 2 is a very thin black needle. This needle crystal has two crystallographically independent pyra-TTF molecules, which are coordinated and noncoordinated donors. The coordinated donors composed a supramolecular chain [Cu(I)3Cl4(pyra-TTF)(0)]n , whereas the noncoordinated donors formed conducting alpha'-type pyra-TTF(+0.5) sheets. This complex is semiconducting with sigmaRT=0.1 S cm(-1) and Ea=0.15 eV. Both complexes 1 and 2 demonstrate that the pyra-TTF molecule works not only as an oxidized donor by Cu(II) to construct conducting sheets but also as a ligand coordinated to a Cu cation to form supramolecuar chains.     

A tris(pyrazolyl) eta6-arene ligand that selects Cu(I) over Cu(II)

1,3,5-Tris{2'-[(pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]phenyl}benzene, 4, and its complexes with Cu(I) and Ag(I) have been prepared and characterized. Both CuI4 and AgI4 triflate crystallize in the rhombohedral space group R3, with the cations and anions each exhibiting crystallographically imposed 3-fold (C3) symmetry. In both complexes, 4 behaves as a tris(pyrazolyl) eta6-arene ligand whose arms act as three-pronged tweezers to form chiral, propeller-like cations with pyramidal MN(pyrazole)3 coordination geometries. Centers of symmetry in the space group ensure that the crystals are racemates, with equal numbers of P,P,P and M,M,M enantiomers. In broad outline, each cation is shaped like a three-legged stool, with the metal ion centered at the top and pointed downward from a triangular N(pyrazole) plane toward the center of gravity (Cg) of the central benzene ring (a metal-endo conformation), which constitutes the bottom shelf of the stool. The Cu(I)...Cg and Ag(I)...Cg distances, 3.195(2) and 3.165(2) A, respectively, support the existence of an eta6 bonding interaction with Ag(I) and, to a lesser extent, with Cu(I). NMR data for AgI4 suggest rapid interconversion of this cation in solution between P,P,P and M,M,M enantiomers. Our inability to prepare any Cu(II) complexes with 4 is consistent with cyclovoltammetric results, which suggest that the ligand is more easily oxidized than Cu(I).     

Electron-transfer kinetics of copper(II/I) tripodal ligand complexes

The electron-transfer kinetics for each of three copper(II/I) tripodal ligand complexes reacting with multiple reducing and oxidizing counter reagents have been examined in aqueous solution at 25 degrees C, mu = 0.10 M. For all of the ligands studied, an amine nitrogen serves as the bridgehead atom. Two of the ligands (PMMEA and PEMEA) contain two thioether sulfurs and one pyridyl nitrogen as donor atoms on the appended legs while the third ligand (BPEMEA) has two pyridyl nitrogens and one thioether sulfur. Very limited kinetic studies were also conducted on two additional closely related tripodal ligand complexes. The results are compared to our previous kinetic study on a Cu(II/I) system involving a tripodal ligand (TMMEA) with thioether sulfur donor atoms on all three legs. In all systems, the Cu(II/I) electron self-exchange rate constants (k(11)) are surprisingly small, ranging approximately 0.03-50 M(-)(1) s(-)(1). The results are consistent with earlier studies reported by Yandell involving the reduction of Cu(II) complexes with four similar tripodal ligand systems, and it is concluded that the dominant reaction pathway involves a metastable Cu(II)L intermediate species (designated as pathway B). Since crystal structures suggest that the ligand reorganization accompanying electron transfer is relatively small compared to our earlier studies on macrocyclic ligand complexes of Cu(II/I), it is unclear why the k(11) values for the tripodal ligand systems are of such small magnitude.     

Structure and DNA cleavage properties of two copper(II) complexes of the pyridine-pyrazole-containing ligands mbpzbpy and Hmpzbpya

The DNA-cleavage properties of the two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(mbpzbpy)Br(2)](H(2)O)(2.5) (1) and [Cu(mpzbpya)Cl](CH(3)OH) (2), obtained from the ligands 6,6'-bis(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) (mbpzbpy) and 6'-(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine-6-carboxylic acid) (Hmpzbpya), respectively, are reported. Upon coordination to Cu(II) chloride in methanol, one arm of the ligand mbpzbpy is hydrolyzed to form mpzbpya. Under the same experimental conditions, the reaction of mbpzbpy with CuBr(2) does not lead to ligand hydrolysis. The ligand mpzbpya is coordinated to a copper(ii) ion generating a CuN(3)OCl chromophore, resulting in a distorted square-pyramidal environment, whereas with the N(4) mbpzbpy ligand, the Cu(II) ion is four-coordinated in a distorted square planar geometry. Both complexes promote the oxidative DNA cleavage of phiX174 phage DNA in the absence of reductant. The oxidative nature of the DNA cleavage reaction has been confirmed by religation and cell-transformation experiments. Studies using standard radical scavengers suggest the involvement of hydroxyl radicals in the oxidative cleavage of DNA. Although both compounds do convert form I (supercoiled) DNA to form II (nicked, relaxed form), only complex 1 is able to produce small amounts of form III (linearized DNA). This observation may be explained either by the attack of the copper(ii) complexes to only one single strand of DNA, or by a single cleavage event. Statistical analysis of relative DNA quantities present after the treatment with both copper(ii) complexes supports a random mode of DNA cleavage.     

Syntheses and structures of copper(I) complexes based on Cu(n)X(n) (X = Br and I; n = 1, 2 and 4) units and bis(pyridyl) ligands with longer flexible spacer

Self-assembly of four bis(pyridyl) ligands with longer flexible spacer: 1,4-bis(3-pyridylaminomethyl)benzene (L1), 1,4-bis(2-pyridylaminomethyl)benzene (L2), 1,3-bis(3-pyridylaminomethyl)benzene (L3) and 1,3-bis(2-pyridylaminomethyl)benzene (L4), and CuX (X = Br and I) leads to the formation of eight [Cu(n)X(n)]-based (X = Br and I; n = 1, 2, and 4) complexes, [Cu(2)I(2)L1(PPh(3))(4)] (1), [Cu(4)Cl(2)Br(2)(L4)(2)(PPh(3))(6)]·(CH(3)CN)(2) (2), [Cu(2)I(2)(L3)(2)] (3), {[Cu(2)Br(2)L2(PPh(3))(2)]·(CH(2)Cl(2))(2)}(n) (4), [CuIL1](n)·nCH(2)Cl(2) (5), [CuIL1](n) (6), [CuIL4](n) (7) and [Cu(2)I(2)L4](n) (8), which have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural analyses show that the eight complexes possess an increasing dimensionality from 0D (1-3) to 1D (4) to 2D (5-8), in which 1 and 2 contain a CuX unit, 2-7 contain a Cu(2)X(2) unit and 8 contains a Cu(4)X(4) unit. Such evolvement indicates that the conformation of flexible bis(pyridyl) ligands and the participation of triphenylphosphine (PPh(3)) as a second ligand take an essential role in the framework formation of the Cu(i) complexes. Moreover, a pair of symmetry-related L3 ligands in complex 3 coordinate to the rhomboid Cu(2)I(2) dimer to form "handcuff-shaped" dinuclear structures, which are further joined together through intermolecular N-HI hydrogen bonds to furnish a 2D (4,4) layer. Although complexes 5 and 6 exhibit a similar 2D (4,4) layer constructed from L1 ligand bridging [Cu(2)I(2)](n) units, the different packing fashion of the layers leads to the formation of 3D porous frameworks of 5 and dense 3D frameworks of 6. The "twisted-boat" conformation of the Cu(4)I(4) tetramer unit in complex 8 has not been reported so far.     

Hydrotris(triazolyl)borate complexes as functional models for Cu nitrite reductase: the electronic influence of distal nitrogens

Hydrotris(triazolyl)borate (Ttz) ligands form CuNO(x) (x = 2, 3) complexes for structural and functional models of copper nitrite reductase. These complexes have distinct properties relative to complexes of hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp) and neutral tridentate N-donor ligands. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of five-coordinate copper complexes show rare nitrogen superhyperfine couplings with the Ttz ligand, indicating strong σ donation. The copper(I) nitrite complex [PPN](+)[(Ttz(tBu,Me))Cu(I)NO(2)](-) has been synthesized and characterized and allows for the stoichiometric reduction of NO(2)(-) to NO with H(+) addition. Anionic Cu(I) nitrite complexes are unusual and are stabilized here for the first time because Ttz is a good π acceptor.     

Photoluminescent copper(I) complexes with amido-triazolato ligands

A series of heteroleptic copper(I) complexes incorporating amido-triazole and diphosphine ligands, [Cu(I)(N-phenyl-2-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)aniline)(dppb)] (1), [Cu(I)(N-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)aniline)(dppb)] (2), [Cu(I)(N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)aniline)(dppb)] (3), [Cu(I)(N-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)aniline)(dppb)] (4), [Cu(I)(2,6-dimethyl-N-[2-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl]aniline)(dppb)] (5), [Cu(I)(2,6-dimethyl-N-[2-(1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl]aniline)(dppb)] (6), (dppb = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene), have been prepared. The complexes adopt a distorted tetrahedral geometry in the solid state with the amido-triazole ligand forming a six-member ring with the Cu(I) ion. The complexes exhibit long-lived photoluminescence with colors ranging from yellow to red-orange in the solid state, in frozen glass at 77 K, and in fluid solution with modest quantum yields of up to 0.022. Electrochemically, complexes 1-4 show irreversible oxidation waves while 5 and 6 are characterized by quasi-reversible oxidations as determined by cyclic voltammetry. For 1-4, the emission energy and oxidation potential are found to vary linearly with the Hammett parameter σ(p) of the substituent in the para position of the amido ligand, while in 5 and 6, large differences in emission are observed because of the nature of N3 substitution in the triazole ring. Density functional theory calculations have been performed on the singlet ground states (S(o)) of all complexes at the BP86/6-31G(d) level to assist in assignment of the excited states. On the basis of both experimental and computational results, we have assigned the excited states as intraligand + metal-to-ligand charge transfer (3)(ILCT+MLCT) or ligand-to-ligand charge transfer mixed with MLCT (3)(MLCT +LLCT) in these complexes.     

Copper(I)-dioxygen reactivity of [(L)Cu(I)](+) (L = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine): kinetic/thermodynamic and spectroscopic studies concerning the formation of Cu-O2 and Cu2-O2 adducts as a function of solvent medium and 4-pyridyl ligand substituent variations

The kinetic and thermodynamic behavior of O(2)-binding to Cu(I) complexes can provide fundamental understanding of copper(I)/dioxygen chemistry, which is of interest in chemical and biological systems. Here we report stopped-flow kinetic investigations of the oxygenation reactions of a series of tetradentate copper(I) complexes [(L(R))Cu(I)(MeCN)](+) (1(R), R=H, Me, tBu, MeO, Me(2)N) in propionitrile (EtCN), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and acetone. The syntheses of 4-pyridyl substituted tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligands (L(R)) and copper(I) complexes are detailed. Variations of ligand electronic properties are manifested in the electrochemistry of 1(R) and nu(CO) of [(L(R))Cu(I)-CO](+) complexes. The kinetic studies in EtCN and THF show that the O(2)-reactions of 1(R) follow the reaction mechanism established for oxygenation of 1(H) in EtCN (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1993, 115, 9506), involving reversible formation (k(1)/k(-1)) of [(L(R))Cu(II)(O(2-))](+) (2(R)), which further reacts (k(2)/k(-2)) with 1(R) to form the 2:1 Cu(2)O(2) complex [[(L(R))Cu(II)](2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) (3(R)). In EtCN, the rate constants for formation of 2(R) (k(1)) are not dramatically affected by the ligand electronic variations. For R = Me and tBu, the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are very similar to those of the parent complex (1(H)); e.g., k(1) is in the range 1.2 x 10(4) to 3.1 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) at 183 K. With the stronger donors R = MeO and Me(2)N, more significant effects were observed, with the expected increase in thermodynamic stability of resultant 2(R) and 3(R) complexes, and decreased dissociation rates. The modest ligand electronic effects manifested in EtCN are due to the competitive binding of solvent and dioxygen to the copper centers. In THF, a weakly coordinating solvent, the formation rate for 2(H) is much faster (>/=100 times) than that in EtCN, and the thermodynamic stabilities of both the 1:1 (K(1)) and 2:1 (beta = K(1)K(2)) copper-dioxygen species are much higher than those in EtCN (e.g., for 2(H), deltaH(o) (K(1))=-41 kJ mol(-1) in THF versus -29.8 kJ mol(-1) in EtCN; for 3(H), deltaH(o) (beta)=-94 kJ mol(-1) in THF versus -77 kJ mol(-1) in EtCN). In addition, a more significant ligand electronic effect is seen for the oxygenation reactions of 1(MeO) in THF compared to that in EtCN; the thermal stability of superoxo- and peroxocopper complexes are considerably enhanced using L(MeO) compared to L(H). In acetone as solvent, a different reaction mechanism involving dimeric copper(I) species [(L(R))(2)Cu(I)(2)](2+) is proposed for the oxygenation reactions, supported by kinetic analyses, electrical conductivity measurements, and variable-temperature NMR spectroscopic studies. The present study is the first systematic study investigating both solvent medium and ligand electronic effects in reactions forming copper-dioxygen adducts.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of copper(II) and silver(I) complexes of a biphenyl-bridged bipyrazolyl ligand

A semirigid bipyrazolyl ligand, 4,4??-bis[(3??,5??-diethyl-1H-pyrazol-4??-yl)methylene)]-1,1??-biphenyl (H₂L), and four of its Ag(I) and Cu(II) complexes have been prepared and structurally characterized. X-ray analysis demonstrates that the Ag(I) complexes are dinuclear molecular rectangle, while the Cu(II) complexes display a twisted rectangular structure. Two different conformations, namely cis and trans, have been observed for this bipyrazolyl ligand.     

Increasing structure dimensionality of copper(I) complexes by varying the flexible thioether ligand geometry and counteranions

This work focuses on the systematic investigation of the influences of pyrimidine-based thioether ligand geometries and counteranions on the overall molecular architectures. A N-containing heterocyclic dithioether ligand 2,6-bis(2-pyrimidinesulfanylmethyl)pyridine (L1) and three structurally related isomeric bis(2-pyrimidinesulfanylmethyl)benzene (L2-L4) ligands have been prepared. On the basis of the self-assembly of CuX (X = I, Br, Cl, SCN, or CN) and the four structurally related flexible dithioether ligands, we have synthesized and characterized 10 new metal-organic entities, Cu4(L1)2I4 1, Cu4(L1)2Br4 2, [Cu2(L2)2I2.CH3CN]n 3, [Cu(L3)I]n 4, [Cu(L3)Br]n 5, [Cu(L3)CN]n 6, [Cu(L4)CN]n 7, [Cu2(L4)I2]n 8, [Cu2(L4)(SCN)2]n 9, and [[Cu6I5(L4)3](BF4).H2O]n 10, by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Single-crystal X-ray analyses show that the 10 Cu(I) complexes possess an increasing dimensionality from 0D (1 and 2) to 1D (3-5) to 2D (6-9) to 3D (10), which indicates that the ligand geometry takes an essential role in the framework formation of the Cu(I) complexes. The influence of counteranions and pi-pi weak interactions on the formation and dimensionality of these coordination polymers has also been explored. In addition, the photoluminescence properties of Cu(I) coordination polymers 4-10 in the solid state have been studied.