Syntheses,Structures, and Properties of the Complexes [Ag(N∧S)n](X), N∧S = 1‐Methyl‐2‐(alkylthiomethyl)‐1H‐benzimidazoles,X = PF6 (n = 2) or PO2F2 (n = 1)

The complexes [Ag(η²‐N∧S)₂](PF₆), N∧S = 1‐methyl‐2‐(methylthiomethyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole, mmb (complex 1 ) or 1‐methyl‐2‐(tert‐butylthiomethyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole, mtb (complex 2 ), and [Ag(μ,η²‐mmb)(μ,η²‐O₂PF₂)] (complex 3 ) were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Long Ag–S (ca. 2.70 Å) and shorter Ag–N bonds (ca. 2.23 Å) are part of characteristically distorted tetrahedral coordination arrangements at the silver(I) ions in 1 and 2 . Unexpectedly, the comparison with the copper analogue [Cu(η²‐mmb)₂](PF₆) reveals a more tetrahedral and less linear coordination arrangement for the corresponding silver species. Compound 3 as obtained by hydrolysis of the PF₆ ion or by the use of AgPO₂F₂ exhibits bridging mmb and η²‐difluorophosphate ligands in a chain‐type structure.     

Combining [Arene–Ru] with Azocarboxamide to Generate a Complex with Cytotoxic Properties

Azocarboxamide (azcH) has been combined for the first time with [Ru–Cym] to generate metal complexes with N,N‐ and N,O‐coordination mode, [(Cym)Ru(azc)Cl] and [(Cym)Ru(azcH)Cl]⁺[PF₆]^?. Geometric and electronic structures of the complexes are reported along with their in vitro activities against different tumour cell lines and preliminary results on solution chemistry. Compound [(Cym)Ru(azc)Cl] exhibited remarkable cytotoxic properties. It was cell‐type specific and had comparable IC₅₀ values towards both cancer cells and their drug‐resistant subline. A tenfold increase in the sensitivity towards [(Cym)Ru(azc)Cl] was noted for the tumour cells with depleted intracellular glutathione (GSH) level, suggesting the essential role of GSH in cell response to this compound.     

Concurrent Stabilization of π‐Donor and π‐Acceptor Ligands in Aromatized and Dearomatized Pincer [(PNN)Re(CO)(O)2] Complexes

Aromatized cationic [(PNN)Re(π acid)(O)₂]⁺ ( 1 ) and dearomatized neutral [(PNN*)Re(π acid)(O)₂] ( 2 ) complexes (where π acid=CO ( a ), tBuNC ( b ), or (2,6‐Me₂)PhNC ( c )), possessing both π‐donor and π‐acceptor ligands, have been synthesized and fully characterized. Reaction of [(PNN)Re(O)₂]⁺ ( 4 ) with lithiumhexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) yield the dearomatized [(PNN*)Re(O)₂] ( 3 ). Complexes 1 and 2 are prepared from the reaction of 4 and 3 , respectively, with CO or isocyanides. Single‐crystal X‐ray structures of 1 a and 1 b show the expected trans‐dioxo structure, in which the oxo ligands occupy the axial positions and the π‐acidic ligand occupies the equatorial plane in an overall octahedral geometry about the rhenium(V) center. DFT studies revealed the stability of complexes 1 and 2 arises from a π‐backbonding interaction between the d_xy orbital of rhenium, the π orbital of the oxo ligands, and the π* orbital of CO/isocyanide.     

Four NiII complexes with the new cyclam–methylimidazole ligand 1‐[(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane

Although it has not proved possible to crystallize the newly prepared cyclam–methylimidazole ligand 1‐[(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane (L^Im1), the trans and cis isomers of an Ni^II complex, namely trans‐aqua{1‐[(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane}nickel(II) bis(perchlorate) monohydrate, [Ni(C₁₅H₃₀N₆)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂·H₂O, (1), and cis‐aqua{1‐[(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane}nickel(II) bis(perchlorate), [Ni(C₁₅H₃₀N₆)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂, (2), have been prepared and structurally characterized. At different stages of the crystallization and thermal treatment from which (1) and (2) were obtained, a further two compounds were isolated in crystalline form and their structures also analysed, namely trans‐{1‐[(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane}(perchlorato)nickel(II) perchlorate, [Ni(ClO₄)(C₁₅H₃₀N₆)]ClO₄, (3), and cis‐{1,8‐bis[(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane}nickel(II) bis(perchlorate) 0.24‐hydrate, [Ni(C₂₀H₃₆N₆)](ClO₄)₂·0.24H₂O, (4); the 1,8‐bis[(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane ligand is a minor side product, probably formed in trace amounts in the synthesis of L^Im1. The configurations of the cyclam macrocycles in the complexes have been analysed and the structures are compared with analogues from the literature.     

Syntheses,structures and characterization of isomorphous CoII and NiII coordination polymers based on 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole and benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate

Careful choice of the organic ligands is one of the most important parameters in the rational design and synthesis of coordination polymers. Aromatic polycarboxylates have been widely used in the preparation of metal–organic polymers since they can utilize various coordination modes to form diverse structures and can act as hydrogen‐bond acceptors and donors in the assembly of supramolecular structures. Nitrogen‐heterocyclic organic compounds have also been used extensively as ligands for the construction of polymers with interesting structures. In the polymers catena‐poly[[[diaquabis{2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κN ³}cobalt(II)]‐μ₂‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato‐κ²O ¹:O ⁴] dihydrate], {[Co(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₂H₁₁N₄)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n , (I), and catena‐poly[[[diaquabis{2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κN ³}nickel(II)]‐μ₂‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato‐κ²O ¹:O ⁴] dihydrate], {[Ni(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₂H₁₁N₄)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n , (II), the Co^II or Ni^II ion lies on an inversion centre and exhibits a slightly distorted octahedral coordination geometry, coordinated by two N atoms from two imidazole rings and four O atoms from two monodentate carboxylate groups and two water molecules. The dicarboxylate ligands bridge metal ions forming a polymeric chain. The 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole ligands coordinate to the Co^II or Ni^II centres in monodentate modes through an imidazole N atom and are pendant on opposite sides of the main chain. The two structures are isomorphous. In the crystal, the one‐dimensional chains are further connected through O—H…O, O—H…N and N—H…O hydrogen bonds, leading to a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. In addition, the IR spectroscopic properties, PXRD patterns, thermogravimetric behaviours and fluorescence properties of both polymers have been investigated.     

3,5‐Bis{4‐[(benzimidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amine and its one‐dimensional polymeric complex with HgCl2

The molecule of 3,5‐bis{4‐[(benzimidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amine (L), C₃₀H₂₄N₈, has an antiperiplanar conformation of the two terminal benzimidazole groups and forms two‐dimensional networks along the crystallographic b axis via two types of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. However, in catena‐poly[[[dichloridomercury(II)]‐μ‐3,5‐bis{4‐[(benzimidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amine] dichloromethane hemisolvate], {[HgCl₂(C₃₀H₂₄N₈)]·0.5CH₂Cl₂}_n, synthesized by the combination of L with HgCl₂, the L ligand adopts a synperiplanar conformation. The Hg^II cation lies in a distorted tetrahedral environment, which is defined by two N atoms and two Cl atoms to form a one‐dimensional zigzag chain. These zigzag chains stack via hydrogen bonds which expand the dimensionality of the structure from one to two.     

Complexation du 2‐[(5‐méthyl­pyrazolyl)méthyle]benzimidazole par les chlorures de cuivre et de cadmium

The structures of dichloro{2‐[(5‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl‐κN²)methyl]‐1H‐1,3‐benzimidazole‐κN³}copper(II), [CuCl₂(C₁₂H₁₂N₄)], and di‐μ‐chloro‐bis(chloro{2‐[(5‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl‐κN²)methyl]‐1H‐1,3‐benzimidazole‐κN³}­cadmium(II)), [Cd₂Cl₄(C₁₂H₁₂N₄)₂], show that these compounds have the structural formula [ML(Cl)₂]_n, where L is 2‐[(5‐methylpyra­zolyl)methyl]benzimidazole. When M is copper, the complex is a monomer (n = 1), with a tetrahedral coordination for the Cu atom. When M is cadmium (n = 2), the complex lies about an inversion centre giving rise to a centrosymmetric dimer in which the Cd atoms are bridged by two chloride ions and are pentacoordinated.     

Three AgI,CuI and CdII coordination polymers based on the new asymmetrical ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole: syntheses,characterization and emission properties

The new asymmetrical organic ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole ( L , C₁₇H₁₃N₅O), containing pyridine and imidazole terminal groups, as well as potential oxdiazole coordination sites, was designed and synthesized. The coordination chemistry of L with soft Ag^I, Cu^I and Cd^II metal ions was investigated and three new coordination polymers (CPs), namely, catena‐poly[[silver(I)‐μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole] hexafluoridophosphate], {[Ag( L )]PF₆}_n, catena‐poly[[copper(I)‐di‐μ‐iodido‐copper(I)‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)] 1,4‐dioxane monosolvate], {[Cu₂I₂( L )₂]·C₄H₈O₂}_n, and catena‐poly[[[dinitratocopper(II)]‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)]–methanol–water (1/1/0.65)], {[Cd( L )₂(NO₃)₂]·2CH₄O·0.65H₂O}_n, were obtained. The experimental results show that ligand L coordinates easily with linear Ag^I, tetrahedral Cu^I and octahedral Cd^II metal atoms to form one‐dimensional polymeric structures. The intermediate oxadiazole ring does not participate in the coordination interactions with the metal ions. In all three CPs, weak π–π interactions between the nearly coplanar pyridine, oxadiazole and benzene rings play an important role in the packing of the polymeric chains.     

Synthesen und Strukturen von Bis(4,4′‐t‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridin)‐Ruthenium(II)‐Komplexen mit funktionellen Derivaten des Tetramethyl‐bibenzimidazols

Syntheses and Structures of Bis(4,4′‐t‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) Ruthenium(II) Complexes with functional Derivatives of Tetramethyl‐bibenzimidazole [(tbbpy)₂RuCl₂] reacts with dinitro‐tetramethylbibenzimidazole ( A ) in DMF to form the complex [(tbbpy)₂Ru( A )](PF₆)₂ ( 1a ) (tbbpy: bis(4,4′‐t‐butyl)‐2,2′bipyridine). Exchange of the two PF₆^? anions by a mixture of tetrafluor‐terephthalat/tetrafluor‐terephthalic acid results in the formation of 1b in which an extended hydrogen‐bonded network is formed. According to the ¹H NMR spectra and X‐ray analyses of both 1a and 1b , the two nitro groups of the bibenzimidazole ligand are situated at the periphery of the complex in cis position to each other. Reduction of the nitro groups in 1a with SnCl₂/HCl results in the corresponding diamino complex 2 which is a useful starting product for further functionalization reactions. Substitution of the two amino groups in 2 by bromide or iodide via Sandmeyer reaction results in the crystalline complexes [(tbbpy)₂Ru( C )](PF₆)₂ and [(tbbpy)₂Ru( D )](PF₆)₂ ( C : dibromo‐tetrabibenzimidazole, D : diiodo‐tetrabibenzimidazole). Furthermore, 2 readily reacts with 4‐t‐butyl‐salicylaldehyde or pyridine‐2‐carbaldehyde under formation of the corresponding Schiff base Ru^II complexes 5 and 6 . ¹H NMR spectra show that the substituents (NH₂, Br, I, azomethines) in 2 ‐ 6 are also situated in peripheral positions, cis to each other. The solid state structure of both 2 , and 3 , determined by X‐ray analyses confirm this structure. In addition, the X‐ray diffraction analyses of single crystals of the complexes [(tri‐t‐butyl‐terpy)(Cl)Ru( A )] ( 7 ) and [( A )PtCl₂] ( 8 ) display also that the nitro groups in these complexes are in a cis‐arrangement.     

Mononuclear Complexes of Platinum Group Metals Containing η6‐ and η5‐Cyclic Π‐Perimeter Hydrocarbon and Pyridylpyrazolyl Derivatives: Syntheses and Structural Studies

Piano‐stool‐shaped platinum group metal compounds, stable in the solid state and in solution, which are based on 2‐(5‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridine ( L ) with the formulas [(η⁶‐arene)Ru( L )Cl]PF₆ {arene = C₆H₆ ( 1 ), p‐cymene ( 2 ), and C₆Me₆, ( 3 )}, [(η⁶‐C₅Me₅)M( L )Cl]PF₆ {M = Rh ( 4 ), Ir ( 5 )}, and [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)Ru(PPh₃)( L )]PF₆ ( 6 ), [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)Os(PPh₃)( L )]PF₆ ( 7 ), [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Ru(PPh₃)( L )]PF₆ ( 8 ), and [(η⁵‐C₉H₇)Ru(PPh₃)( L )]PF₆ ( 9 ) were prepared by a general method and characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The molecular structures of compounds 4 and 5 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In each compound the metal is connected to N1 and N11 in a k² manner.     

Structural comparison of group 7 tricarbonyl complexes of 2‐{[2‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)ethyl]iminomethyl}‐5‐methylphenolate

Two tricarbonyl complexes of rhenium(I) and manganese(I) coordinated by the ligand 2‐{[2‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)ethyl]iminomethyl}‐5‐methylphenolate are reported, viz. fac‐tricarbonyl(2‐{[2‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl‐κN³)ethyl]iminomethyl‐κN}‐5‐methylphenolato‐κO)rhenium(I) methanol monosolvate, [Re(C₁₆H₁₄N₃O₄)(CO)₃]·CH₃OH, (I), and fac‐tricarbonyl(2‐{[2‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl‐κN³)ethyl]iminomethyl‐κN}‐5‐methylphenolato‐κO)manganese(I), fac‐[Mn(C₁₆H₁₄N₃O₄)(CO)₃], (II), display facial coordination in a distorted octahedral environment. The crystal structure of (I) is stabilized by O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen‐bond interactions, while that of (II) is stabilized by N—H...O hydrogen‐bond interactions only. These interactions result in two‐dimensional networks and π–π stacking for both structures.     

A new one‐dimensional CdII coordination polymer with a two‐dimensional layered structure incorporating 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole and benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate ligands

The N‐heterocyclic ligand 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole (imb) has a rich variety of coordination modes and can lead to polymers with intriguing structures and interesting properties. In the coordination polymer catena‐poly[[cadmium(II)‐bis[μ‐benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylato‐κ⁴O¹,O^1′:O²,O^2′]‐cadmium(II)‐bis{μ‐2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole}‐κ²N²:N³;κ²N³:N²] dimethylformamide disolvate], {[Cd(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₁H₁₀N₄)]·C₃H₇NO}_n, (I), each Cd^II ion exhibits an irregular octahedral CdO₄N₂ coordination geometry and is coordinated by four O atoms from two symmetry‐related benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate (1,2‐bdic²⁻) ligands and two N atoms from two symmetry‐related imb ligands. Two Cd^II ions are connected by two benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate ligands to generate a binuclear [Cd₂(1,2‐bdic)₂] unit. The binuclear units are further connected into a one‐dimensional chain by pairs of bridging imb ligands. These one‐dimensional chains are further connected through N—H…O hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions, leading to a two‐dimensional layered structure. The dimethylformamide solvent molecules are organized in dimeric pairs via weak interactions. In addition, the title polymer exhibits good fluorescence properties in the solid state at room temperature.     

A new three‐dimensional CdII supramolecular framework constructed from the 1‐[(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)methyl]‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane ligand

A new tetrazole–metal supramolecular compound, di‐μ‐chlorido‐bis(trichlorido{1‐[(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl‐κN²)methyl]‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane}cadmium(II)), [Cd₂(C₈H₁₆N₆)₂Cl₈], has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the structure, each Cd^II cation is coordinated by five Cl atoms (two bridging and three terminal) and by one N atom from the 1‐[(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)methyl]‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane ligand, adopting a slightly distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The bridging bicyclo[2.2.2]octane and chloride ligands link the Cd^II cations into one‐dimensional ribbon‐like N—H...Cl hydrogen‐bonded chains along the b axis. An extensive hydrogen‐bonding network formed by N—H...Cl and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, and interchain π–π stacking interactions between adjacent tetrazole rings, consolidate the crystal packing, linking the poymeric chains into a three‐dimensional supramolecular network.     

A new three‐dimensional zinc(II) coordination polymer involving 2‐[(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole and benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate ligands

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on multidentate N‐heterocyclic ligands involving imidazole, triazole, tetrazole, benzimidazole, benzotriazole or pyridine present intriguing molecular topologies and have potential applications in ion exchange, magnetism, gas sorption and storage, catalysis, optics and biomedicine. The 2‐[(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole (tmb) ligand has four potential N‐atom donors and can act in monodentate, chelating, bridging and tridentate coordination modes in the construction of complexes, and can also act as both a hydrogen‐bond donor and acceptor. In addition, the tmb ligand can adopt different coordination conformations, resulting in complexes with helical structures due to the presence of the flexible methylene spacer. A new three‐dimensional coordination polymer, poly[[bis(μ₂‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato)‐κ⁴O¹,O^1′:O⁴,O^4′;κ²O¹:O⁴‐bis{μ₂‐2‐[(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl‐κN⁴]‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κN³}dizinc(II)] trihydrate], {[Zn(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₀H₉N₅)]·1.5H₂O}_n, has been synthesized by the reaction of ZnCl₂ with tmb and benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂bdic) under solvothermal conditions. There are two crystallographically distinct bdic²⁻ ligands [bdic²⁻(A) and bdic²⁻(B)] in the structure which adopt different coordination modes. The Zn^II ions are bridged by tmb ligands, leading to one‐dimensional helical chains with different handedness, and adjacent helices are linked by bdic²⁻(A) ligands, forming a two‐dimensional network structure. The two‐dimensional layers are further connected by bdic²⁻(B) ligands, resulting in a three‐dimensional framework with the topological notation 6⁶. The IR spectra and thermogravimetric curves are consistent with the results of the X‐ray crystal structure analysis and the title polymer exhibits good fluorescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

A new one‐dimensional ZnII coordination polymer based on 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole and benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate

Multidentate N‐heterocyclic compounds form a variety of metal complexes with many intriguing structures and interesting properties. The title coordination polymer, catena‐poly[zinc(II)‐bis{μ‐2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole}‐κ²N³:N^3′;N^3′:N³‐zinc(II)‐bis(μ‐benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylato)‐κ²O¹:O²;κ³O¹,O^1′:O²], [Zn₂(C₈H₄O₄)₂(C₁₁H₁₀N₄)₂]_n, has been synthesized by the reaction of Zn(NO₃)₂ with 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole (imb) and benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂bdic) under hydrothermal conditions. There are two crystallographically distinct imb ligands [imb(A) and imb(B)] in the structure which adopt very similar coordination geometries. The imb(A) ligand bridges two symmetry‐related Zn1 ions, yielding a binuclear [(Zn1)₂{imb(A)}₂] unit, and the imb(B) ligand bridges two symmetry‐related Zn2 ions resulting in a binuclear [(Zn2)₂{imb(B)}₂] unit. The above‐mentioned binuclear units are further connected alternately by pairs of bridging bdic²⁻ ligands, forming an infinite one‐dimensional chain. These one‐dimensional chains are further connected through N—H...O hydrogen bonds, leading to a two‐dimensional layered structure. In addition, the title polymer exhibits good fluorescence properties in the solid state at room temperature.     

Phenylimidorhenium(V) Complexes with 1,3‐Diethyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ ylidene Ligands

The phenylimidorhenium(V) complexes [Re(NPh)X₃(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) react with the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) 1,3‐diethyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ylidene (L^Et) under formation of the stable rhenium(V) complex cations [Re(NPh)X(L^Et)₄]²⁺ (X = Cl, Br), which can be isolated as their chloride or [PF₆]^? salts. The compounds are remarkably stable against air, moisture and ligand exchange. The hydroxo species [Re(NPh)(OH)(L^Et)₄]²⁺ is formed when moist solvents are used during the synthesis. The rhenium atoms in all three complexes are coordinated in a distorted octahedral fashion with the four NHC ligands in equatorial planes of the molecules. The Re–C(carbene) bond lengths between 2.171(8) and 2.221(3) Å indicate mainly σ‐bonding between the NHC ligand and the electron deficient d² metal atoms. Attempts to prepare analogous phenylimido complexes from [Re(NPh)Cl₃(PPh₃)₂] and 1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ylidene (L^i?Pr) led to a cleavage of the rhenium‐nitrogen multiple bond and the formation of the dioxo complex [ReO₂(L^i?Pr)₄]⁺.     

Solid‐State Thermolysis of a fac‐Rhenium(I) Carbonyl Complex with a Redox Non‐Innocent Pincer Ligand

The development of rhenium(I) chemistry has been restricted by the limited structural and electronic variability of the common pseudo‐octahedral products fac‐[ReX(CO)₃L₂] (L₂=α‐diimine). We address this constraint by first preparing the bidentate bis(imino)pyridine complexes [(2,6‐{2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃N?CPh}₂C₅H₃N)Re(CO)₃X] (X=Cl 2 , Br 3 ), which were characterized by spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallographic means, and then converting these species into tridentate pincer ligand compounds, [(2,6‐{2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃N?CPh}₂C₅H₃N)Re(CO)₂X] (X=Cl 4 , Br 5 ). This transformation was performed in the solid‐state by controlled heating of 2 or 3 above 200 °C in a tube furnace under a flow of nitrogen gas, giving excellent yields (≥95 %). Compounds 4 and 5 define a new coordination environment for rhenium(I) carbonyl chemistry where the metal center is supported by a planar, tridentate pincer‐coordinated bis(imino)pyridine ligand. The basic photophysical features of these compounds show significant elaboration in both number and intensity of the d–π* transitions observed in the UV/Vis spec tra relative to the bidentate starting materials, and these spectra were analyzed using time‐dependent DFT computations. The redox nature of the bis(imino)pyridine ligand in compounds 2 and 4 was examined by electrochemical analysis, which showed two ligand reduction events and demonstrated that the ligand reduction shifts to a more positive potential when going from bidentate 2 to tridentate 4 (+160 mV for the first reduction step and +90 mV for the second). These observations indicate an increase in electrostatic stabilization of the reduced ligand in the tridentate conformation. Elaboration on this synthetic methodology documented its generality through the preparation of the pseudo‐octahedral rhenium(I) triflate complex [(2,6‐{2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃N?CPh}₂C₅H₃N)Re(CO)₂OTf] ( 7 , 93 % yield).     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic Characterisation of Mono‐ and Dinuclear 5,5‐Diethylbarbiturato Complexes of Chromium(0) and Rhenium(I)

Addition of 5,5‐diethylbarbituric acid (H₂debarb, 1 ) to [CpCr(NO)₂Cl], [Re(CO)₅Br] or [(PPh₃)Re(CO)₄Br] in the presence of triethylamine and AgO₃SCF₃ (= AgOTf) resulted in the mono‐barbiturato complexes [CpCr(NO)₂(Hdebarb)] ( 2 ), [PPh₃Re(CO)₄(Hdebarb)] ( 3 ) and [Re(CO)₅(Hdebarb)] ( 4 ), respectively. Bis‐barbiturato complex [{(CO)₅Re}₂(debarb)] ( 5 ) with a doubly deprotonated barbiturate dianion formed when a molar ratio of metal complex to ligand of 2:1 was used. In the case of the rhenium complexes, AgO₃SCF₃ must be used additionally to cleave off bromide. All of the complexes were fully characterised by means of IR, mass and ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectra and elemental analysis. In addition, their solid‐state structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The complexes exhibit distorted pseudo‐tetrahedral ( 2 ) or pseudo‐octahedral ( 3 – 5 ) configuration around the metal atom. In all complexes the ring system of the Hdebarb ligand is essentially planar.     

Zinc(II) Complexes with 1H‐Imidazol‐4‐yl‐Containing Polyamine Ligand

The protonation and Zn^II/Cu^II complexation constants of tripodal polyamine ligand N¹‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐N¹‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐ylmethyl)‐ethane‐1,2‐diamine (HL) were determined by potentiometric titration. Three new compounds, i.e. [H₃(HL)](ClO₄)₃ ( 5 ), [Zn(HL)Cl](ClO₄) ( 6 ) and {[Zn(L)](ClO₄)}_n ( 7 ) were obtained by reactions of HL · 4HCl with Zn(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O under different reaction pH, and they were compared with the corresponding Cu^II complexes reported previously. The results indicate that the reaction pH and metal ions have remarkable influence on the formation and structure of the complexes.     

Synthesis and structures of photoactive rhenium carbonyl complexes derived from 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole, 2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole and 1,10‐phenanthroline

Carbon monoxide (CO) has recently been identified as a gaseous signaling molecule that exerts various salutary effects in mammalian pathophysiology. Photoactive metal carbonyl complexes (photoCORMs) are ideal exogenous candidates for more controllable and site‐specific CO delivery compared to gaseous CO. Along this line, our group has been engaged for the past few years in developing group‐7‐based photoCORMs towards the efficient eradication of various malignant cells. Moreover, several such complexes can be tracked within cancerous cells by virtue of their luminescence. The inherent luminecscent nature of some photoCORMs and the change in emission wavelength upon CO release also provide a covenient means to track the entry of the prodrug and, in some cases, both the entry and CO release from the prodrug. In continuation of the research circumscribing the development of trackable photoCORMs and also to graft such molecules covalently to conventional delivery vehicles, we report herein the synthesis and structures of three rhenium carbonyl complexes, namely, fac‐tricarbonyl[2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole‐κ²N ,N ′](4‐vinylpyridine‐κN )rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C₇H₇N)(C₁₂H₈N₂S)(CO)₃](CF₃SO₃), ( 1 ), fac‐tricarbonyl[2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole‐κ²N ,N ′](4‐vinylpyridine‐κN )rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C₇H₇N)(C₁₆H₁₀N₂S)(CO)₃](CF₃SO₃), ( 2 ), and fac‐tricarbonyl[1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ²N ,N ′](4‐vinylpyridine‐κN )rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C₇H₇N)(C₁₂H₈N₂)(CO)₃](CF₃SO₃), ( 3 ). In all three complexes, the Re^I center resides in a distorted octahedral coordination environment. These complexes exhibit CO release upon exposure to low‐power UV light. The apparent CO release rates of the complexes have been measured to assess their comparative CO‐donating capacity. The three complexes are highly luminescent and this in turn provides a convenient way to track the entry of the prodrug molecules within biological targets.