Stabilization of isolated mixed-valence trimers in a novel nickel dithiolene complex with CF2 substituents

The preparation of the novel paramagnetic nickel dithiolene complex Ni(F2pdt)2-* (F2pdt2-: 2,2-difluoro-1,3-propanediyldithioethylene-1,2-dithiolate) and its X-ray crystal structure as n-Bu4N+ salt are described. (n-Bu4N)[Ni(F2pdt)2] (2) crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pna2(1) with a = 21.379(4) A, b = 8.9702(18) A, and c = 18.527(4) A. The radical anions are isolated from each other by the bulky n-Bu4N+ cations and exhibit a Curie-type magnetic behavior. Two reversible redox waves corresponding to the redox couples Ni(F2pdt)2(2-/-*) and Ni(F2pdt)2(-*/0) are observed at -0.55 and 0.30 V vs SCE, illustrating the electron withdrawing effect of the CF2 substituents. As a consequence, (TTF)3(BF4)2 oxidation of the radical anion does not afford the neutral Ni(F2pdt)2(0) but a TTF salt formulated as [TTF](3)[Ni(F2pdt)2]3[CH2Cl2]. It crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1 with a = 12.330(3) A, b = 12.726(3) A, c =15.706(3) A, alpha = 91.10(3), beta = 110.78(3), and gamma = 116.01(3). Donor and acceptor moieties are organized into (TTF)3(2+) and [Ni(F2pdt)2]3(2-) trimers whose dicationic and dianionic charges have been inferred from the intramolecular bond lengths evolution and the singlet-triplet magnetic behavior. These trimers arrange orthogonally to each other into chess-board-like slabs, characterized by a segregation of the CF2 fragments and further stabilized by weak C-H.F interactions. Extended Hückel calculations show that only the nickel dithiolene complex trimer actually contributes to the magnetic susceptibility.     

The molecular and electronic structure of the electron transfer series [Fe2(NO)2(S2C2R2)3](z) (z = 0, -1, -2; R = phenyl, p-tolyl, p-tert-butylphenyl)

Three dinuclear (nitrosyl)iron complexes containing three 1,2-di(phenyl)ethylene-1,2-dithiolate ligands have been prepared ([Fe2(NO)2(S2C2R2)3]0 (R = phenyl, 1a; p-tolyl, 2a; (4-tert-butyl)phenyl, 3a)). Each of these compounds represents the first member of a three-membered electron-transfer series: [Fe2(NO)2(S2C2R2)3]z (z = 0, -1, , -2). The salt [Co(Cp)2][Fe2(NO)2(L3)3] has also been isolated. The molecular structures of 2a and 3a have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Both neutral complexes contain two nearly linear FeNO units, one of which is S,S'-coordinated to two dithiolene ligands yielding a square-based pyramidal Fe(NO)S4 polyhedron; the second FeNO moiety forms two (micro2-S)-bridges to the first unit and is S,S'-coordinated to a third dithiolate radical yielding also a square-based pyramidal Fe(NO)S4 polyhedron. The electronic structures of the neutral, monoanionic, and dianionic species have been elucidated spectroscopically (UV-vis, IR, EPR, M?ssbauer): [[FeII(NO+)](L*)[FeII(NO)](L)2]0 (S = 0); [[FeII(NO)](L*)[FeII(NO)](L)2]1- (S = 1/2); and [[FeII(NO)](L)[FeII(NO)](L)2]2- (S = 0), where (L)2- represents the corresponding closed-shell dithiolate dianion and (L*)- is its monoanionic radical.     

Structures and physical properties of oligomeric and polymeric metal complexes based on bis(pyridyl)-substituted TTF ligands and an inorganic analogue

The bis(pyridyl)-substituted TTF derivative, 2,6(7)-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-tetrathiafulvalene (TTF(py)(2)), and an inorganic analogue, [Ni(4-pedt)(2)] (4-pedt = 1-(pyridin-4-yl)ethylene-1,2-dithiolate), were used as bridging ligands to construct two multinuclear complexes {Co(II)(2)(Tp(Ph2))(2)(OAc)(2)[TTF(py)(2)]} (1, Tp(Ph2) = hydridotri(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)borate) and {Co(II)(2)(Tp(Ph2))(2)(OAc)(2)[Ni(4-pedt)(2)]} (2), and two 1D zigzag chain complexes, {[M(II)(tta)(2)][TTF(py)(2)]}(n) (M = Cu for 3, and Mn for 4; tta = thenoyltrifluoroacetonate). X-Ray structural studies indicate that complexes 1 and 2 are very similar as a result of the isolobal analogy between TTF(py)(2) and [Ni(4-pedt)(2)], whereas complexes 3 and 4 are isostructural. The absorption spectra, electrochemical and magnetic properties for these new complexes have been studied. The results show that the interactions between the paramagnetic ions are weak owing to the large separation of the bridging ligands of TTFs and the inorganic analogue.     

CpNi(dithiolene)] (and diselenolene) neutral radical complexes

Various preparations of the neutral radical [CpNi(dddt)] complex (dddt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2,3-dithiolate) were investigated with CpNi sources, [Cp2Ni], [Cp2Ni](BF4), [CpNi(CO)]2, and [CpNi(cod)](BF4), and dithiolene transfer sources, O=C(dddt), the naked dithiolate (dddt(2-)), the monoanion of square-planar Ni dithiolene complex (NBu4)[Ni(dddt)2], and the neutral complex [Ni(dddt)2]. The reaction of [CpNi(cod)](BF4) with (NBu4)[Ni(dddt)2] gave the highest yield for the preparation of [CpNi(dddt)] (86%). [CpNi(ddds)] (ddds = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2,3-diselenolate), [CpNi(dsdt)] (dsdt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-diselenin-2,3-dithiolate), [CpNi(bdt)] (bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolate), and [CpNi(bds)] (bds = 1,2-benzenediselenolate) were synthesized by the reactions of [Cp2Ni] with the corresponding neutral Ni dithiolene complexes [Ni(ddds)2]2, [Ni(dsdt)2], [Ni(bdt)2], and [Ni(bds)2], respectively. The five, formally Ni(III), radical complexes oxidize and reduce reversibly. They exhibit, in the neutral state, a strong absorption in the NIR region, from 1000 nm in the dddt/ddds/dsdt series to 720 nm in the bdt/bds series with epsilon values between 2500 and 5000 M(-1) cm(-1). The molecular and solid state structures of the five complexes were determined by X-ray structure analyses. [CpNi(dddt)] and [CpNi(ddds)] are isostructural, while [CpNi(dsdt)] exhibits a closely related structure. Similarly, [CpNi(bdt)] and [CpNi(bds)] are also isostructural. Correlations between structural data and magnetic measurements show the presence of alternated spin chains in [CpNi(dddt)], [CpNi(ddds)], and [CpNi(dsdt)], while a remarkably strong antiferromagnetic interaction in [CpNi(bdt)] and [CpNi(bds)] is attributed to a Cp...Cp face-to-face sigma overlap, an original feature in organometallic radical complexes.     

The reduction of tris-dithiolene complexes of molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) by hydroxide ion: kinetics and mechanism

The kinetic study of the spontaneous reduction of some neutral tris-dithiolene complexes [ML3] of molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI), (L = S2C6H4(2-), S2C6H3CH3(2-) and S2C2(CH3)2(2-); M = Mo or W) by tetrabutylammonium hydroxide in tetrahydrofuran-water solutions demonstrates that OH- is an effective reductant. Their reduction is fast, clean and quantitative. Depending upon both the molar ratio in which the reagents are mixed and the amount of water present, one- or two-electron reductions of these tris-dithiolene complexes were observed. If Bu4NOH is present in low concentration or/and at high concentrations of water, the total transformation of the neutral M(VI) complex into the monoanionic M(V) complex is the only observed process. Stopped-flow kinetic data for this reaction are consistent with the rate law: -d[ML3]/dt = d[ML3-]/dt = k[ML3][Bu4NOH]. The proposed mechanism involves nucleophilic attack of OH- to form a mono-anionic seven-coordinate intermediate [ML3OH]-, which interacts with another molecule of [ML3] to generate the monoanionic complex [ML3]- transfering the oxygen from coordinated OH- to water. Hydrogen peroxide was identified as the reaction product. The molybdenum complexes are more difficult to reduce than their corresponding tungsten complexes, and the values of k obtained for the molybdenum and tungsten series of complexes increase as the ene-1,2-dithiolate ligand becomes more electron-withdrawing (S2C6H4(2-) > S2C6H3CH3(2-) > S2C2(CH3)2(2-)). This investigation constitutes the only well-established interaction between hydroxide ion and a tris(dithiolene) complex, and supports a highly covalent bonding interaction between the metal and the hydroxide ion that modulates electron transfer reactions within these complexes.     

Between Ni(mnt)2 and Ni(tfd)2 dithiolene complexes: the unsymmetrical 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylonitrile-1,2-dithiolate and its nickel complexes

A novel 1,2-dithiolate ligand, that is, the 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylonitrile-1,2-dithiolate, abbreviated here as tfadt, is prepared from the corresponding cyclic dithiocarbonate. This ligand, substituted with both a CN and a CF(3) group, is compared with the well-known maleonitrile- and bis(trifluoromethyl)ethane-1,2-dithiolates. The preparation, electrochemical properties, and X-ray crystal structures of the square-planar nickel complexes, in both their dianionic diamagnetic [Ni(tfadt)(2)](2)(-) and their monoanionic paramagnetic [Ni(tfadt)(2)](*)(-) forms, are reported, as n-Bu(4)N(+), PPh(4)(+), and (18-crown-6)Na(+) salts, respectively. In the [(18-crown-6)Na](2)[Ni(tfadt)(2)] salt, each CN moiety of the [Ni(tfadt)(2)](2)(-) dianion is coordinated to a (18-crown-6)Na(+) cation through a CN...Na interaction [N...Na = 2.481(3) A], affording an "axle with wheels" model where two MeOH molecules act as axle caps. On the other hand, in [(18-crown-6)Na][Ni(tfadt)(2)], each (18-crown-6)Na(+) cation is coordinated on both sides by the CN groups of two monoanionic [Ni(tfadt)(2)](*)(-) complexes with N...Na(+) distances at 2.434(5) and 2.485(4) A, giving rise to heterobimetallic chains with alternating (18-crown-6)Na(+) and [Ni(tfadt)(2)](*)(-) ions. These two examples demonstrate the attractive ability of the CN moieties in the [Ni(tfadt)(2)](2)(-)(,)(*)(-) complexes to coordinate metallic cationic centers. The paramagnetic salts of the anionic [Ni(tfadt)(2)](*)(-) complex follow Curie-type law in the 2-300 K temperature range, indicating the absence of intermolecular magnetic interactions in the solid state. The complexes are found in their trans form in all crystal structures, while density functional theory calculations establish that both forms have essentially the same energy. A cis-trans interconversion process is observed by variable-temperature NMR on the dianionic [Ni(tfadt)(2)](2)(-) complex with a coalescence temperature T(c) of 260 K and a free energy of activation of 51-53 kJ mol(-)(1).     

A family of oxo-chalcogenide molybdenum and tungsten complexes, (n-Bu4N)2[M2O2(mu-Q)2(1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate)2] (M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se): new synthetic entries, structure, and gas-phase behavior

A new series of complexes with the general formula (n-Bu4N)2[M2O2(micro-Q)2(dmit)2] (where M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se; dmit = 1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate) have been prepared. Fragmentation of the trinuclear cluster (n-Bu4N)2[Mo3(micro3-S)(micro-S2)3(dmit)3] in the presence of triphenylphosphine (PPh3) gives the dinuclear compound (n-Bu4N)2[Mo2O2(micro-S)2(dmit)2] [(n-Bu4N)2[2]], which is formed via oxidation in air from the intermediate (n-Bu4N)2[Mo3(micro3-S)(micro-S)3(dmit)3] [(n-Bu4N)2[1]] complex. Ligand substitution of the molybdenum sulfur bridged [Mo2O2(micro-S)2(dimethylformamide)6]2+ dimer with the sodium salt of the dmit dithiolate also affords the dianionic compound (n-Bu4N)2[2]. The whole series, (n-Bu4N)2[Mo2O2(micro-Se)2(dmit)2] [(n-Bu4N)2[3]], (n-Bu4N)2[W2O2(micro-S)2(dmit)2] [(n-Bu4N)2[4]], (n-Bu4N)2[W2O2(micro-Se)2(dmit)2] [(n-Bu4N)2[5]], and (n-Bu4N)2[Mo2O2(micro-S)2(dmid)2] [(n-Bu4N)2[6]; dmid = 1,3-dithiole-2-one-4,5-dithiolate], has been synthesized by the excision of the polymeric (Mo3Q7Br4)x phases with PPh3 or 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane in acetonitrile followed by the dithiolene incorporation and further degradation in air. Direct evidence of the presence of the intermediates with the formula [M3Q4(dmit)3]2- (M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se) has been obtained by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The crystal structures of (n-Bu4N)2[1], (PPh4)2[Mo2O2(micro-S)2(dmit)2] [(PPh4)2[2]; PPh4 = tetraphenylphosphonium], (n-Bu4N)2[2], (n-Bu4N)2[4], (PPh4)2[W2O2(micro-Se)2(dmit)2] [(PPh4)2[5]], and (n-Bu4N)2[6] have been determined. A detailed study of the gas-phase behavior for compounds (n-Bu4N)2[2-6] shows an identical fragmentation pathway for the whole family that consists of a partial breaking of the two dithiolene ligands followed by the dissociation of the dinuclear cluster.     

Homoleptic tris(dithiolene) and tetrakis(dithiolene) complexes of uranium(IV)

Reaction of UCl4 with 3 or 4 mol equiv of Na2dddt (dddt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiine-2,3-dithiolate) in THF afforded the first example of a tetrakis(dithiolene) metal compound, [Na4(THF)8U(dddt)4](infinity) (1). The red crystals of 1 are composed of infinite zigzag chains in which Na2(micro-THF)3 fragments ensure the linking of Na2(THF)5U(dddt)4 moieties; the uranium atom is in a dodecahedral environment of eight sulfur atoms. Treatment of UCl4 with 3 mol equiv of Na2dddt in pyridine gave a mixture of tris- and tetrakis(dithiolene) compounds. After addition of 18c6 (18-crown-6), only the tris(dithiolene) complex was obtained and crystallized as orange crystals of [Na(18c6)(py)2]2[U(dddt)3].2py (2.2py) in which the isolated [U(dddt)3]2- anion adopts a slightly distorted trigonal prismatic configuration. A few red crystals of the unsolvated complex 2 and the trinuclear anionic compound [Na(18c6)(py)2]3[Na{U(dddt)3}2] (3) were also obtained along with orange crystals of 2.2py. All the tris(dithiolene) compounds exhibit large folding of the dddt ligand and significant interaction between the C=C double bond and the metal center.     

Electronic structures of tris(dioxolene)chromium and tris(dithiolene)chromium complexes of the electron-transfer series [Cr(dioxolene)(3)](z) and [Cr(dithiolene)(3)](z) (z = 0, 1-, 2-, 3-). A combined experimental and density functional theoretical study

From the reaction mixture of 3,6-di-tert-butylcatechol, H2[3,6L(cat)], [CrCl3(thf)3], and NEt3 in CH3CN in the presence of air, the neutral complex [CrIII(3,6L*(sq))3] (S = 0) (1) was isolated. Reduction of 1 with [Co(Cp)2] in CH2Cl2 yielded microcrystals of [Co(Cp)2][CrIII(3,6L*(sq))2(3,6L(cat))] (S = 1/2) (2) where (3,6L*(sq)(1-) is the pi-radical monoanionic o-semiquinonate of the catecholate dianion (3,6Lcat)(2-). Electrochemistry demonstrated that both species are members of the electron-transfer series [Cr(3,6LO,O)]z (z = 0, 1-, 2-, 3-). The corresponding tris(benzo-1,2-dithiolato)chromium complex [N(n-Bu)4][CrIII(3,5L*S,S)2(3,5LS,S)] (S = 1/2) (3) has also been isolated; (3,5LS,S)(2-) represents the closed-shell dianion 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzene-1,2-dithiolate(2-), and (3,5L*S,S)(1-) is its monoanionic pi radical. Complex 3 is a member of the electron-transfer series [Cr(3,5L(S,S))3]z (z = 0, 1-, 2-, 3-). It is shown by Cr K-edge and S K-edge X-ray absorption, UV-vis, and EPR spectroscopies, as well as X-ray crystallography, of 1 and 3 that the oxidation state of the central Cr ion in each member of both electron-transfer series remains the same (+III) and that all redox processes are ligand-based. These experimental results have been corroborated by broken symmetry density functional theoretical calculations by using the B3LYP functional.     

Dioxo-molybdenum(VI) and mono-oxo-molybdenum(IV) complexes supported by new aliphatic dithiolene ligands: new models with weakened Mo=O bond characters for the arsenite oxidase active site

The cis-dioxo-molybdenum(VI) complexes, [MoO2(L(H))2]2- (1b), [MoO2(L(S))(2)]2- (2b), and [MoO2(L(O))2]2- (3b) (L(H) = cyclohexene-1,2-dithiolate, L(S) = 2,3-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-4,5-dithiolate, and L(O) = 2,3-dihydro-2H-pyran-4,5-dithiolate), with new aliphatic dithiolene ligands were prepared and investigated by infrared (IR) and UV-vis spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. The mono-oxo-molybdenum(IV) complexes, [MoO(L(H))2]2- (1a), [MoO(L(S))2]2- (2a), and [MoO(L(O))2]2- (3a), were further characterized by X-ray crystal structural determinations. The IR and resonance Raman spectroscopic studies suggested that these cis-dioxo molybdenum(VI) complexes (1b-3b) had weaker Mo=O bonds than the common Mo(VI)O2 complexes. Complexes 1b-3b also exhibited strong absorption bands in the visible regions assigned as charge-transfer bands from the dithiolene ligands to the cis-MoO2 cores. Because the oxygen atoms of the cis-Mo(VI)O2 cores are relatively nucleophilic, these complexes were unstable in protic solvents and protonation might occur to produce Mo(VI)O(OH), as observed with the oxidized state of arsenite oxidase.     

Syntheses, properties and structures of copper and nickel complexes of 6,7-dihydro-5H-1,4-dithiepin-2,3-dithiolate

The reaction of CuCl2-2H2O or NiCl2.6H2O with K2(C5H6S4) [potassium salt of 6,7-dihydro-5H-1,4-dithiepin-2,3-dithiolate] under nitrogen atmosphere resulted in the isolation of [Cu(C5H6S4)2]- or [Ni(C5H6S4)2]- as the tetrabutylammonium salt. Both complexes show characteristic IR and UV-Vis absorptions of transition metal dithiolenes. Cyclic voltammograms contain two waves indicating a two step electrochemical procedure [M(C5H6S4)2]0 = [M(C5H6S4)2]1-= [M(C5H6S4)2]2-. Single crystal structure study has been carried out on the nickel complex. Crystal of [Bu4N][Ni(C5H6S4)2] belongs to monoclinic space group P21/c with a=17.576(5), 6=10.883(2), c=17.773(4) A,B=91.07(2)0, Z=4, and o(calcd.)=1.348 g/cm3. Final result is R=0.059 for 2959 reflections. The NiS4 core exhibits square planar coordination with average Ni-S bond length of 2.134(5) A. There are not anion pairs in crystal. The anions stack along a and c axes while the cations intercalate in them. The nearest S-S contact is 4.429 A. The solid powder ESR s     

Preparation and isolation of dithiolene thiophosphoryl molecules as stable, protected forms of dithiolene ligands

The reaction of P4S10 with acyloins, RC(O)CH(OH)R, in refluxing dioxane, followed by the addition of alkylating agents, forms dithiolene thiophosphoryl thiolate compounds, (R2C2S2)P(S)(SR'), which are readily isolated and purified. The compounds that have been prepared and identified spectroscopically are those with R = p-anisyl, R' = Me (1); R = p-anisyl, R' = Bz (2); R = Ph, R' = Me (4); R = Et, R' = Bz (5). Compounds 1, 2, and 4 were structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and found to possess a tetrahedral coordination geometry about the phosphorus atom, with overall Cs symmetry. In each case, the mirror plane bisects the dithiolene S-P-S chelate and contains the thiophosphoryl bond, which ranges in length from 1.9241(8) to 1.9361(7) A. The use of 2-(bromomethyl)naphthalene as organic electrophile in the P4S10/acyloin reaction produced bis(2-methylnaphthalenyl) disulfide as the only identifiable product. The substitution of Lawesson's reagent for P4S10 in reactions with acyloins produced deoxy acyloin rather than products resulting from chalcogen exchange. Compounds 1-2 and 4-5 are Group 5 analogues of 1,3-dithiol-2-ones, (R2C2S2)C=O, and undergo a similar hydrolysis in aqueous base to liberate ene-1,2-dithiolate dianions from which corresponding metal dithiolene complexes may be prepared. Deprotection of 1 in MeO-/MeOH, followed by the addition of NiCl2.6H2O and then I2, produces square planar [Ni(S2C2(C6H4-p-OCH3)2)2] (8) in 93% yield. A high-resolution structure of 8 (P) reveals dithiolene C-C and C-S bond lengths that are clearly indicative of the thionyl radical monoanionic nature of the ligand. The use of isolated (R2C2S2)P(S)(SR') compounds as a dithiolene ligand source for the preparation of metal dithiolene complexes offers the advantages of clean reactivity and high yield.     

A new series of molybdenum-(IV), -(V), and -(VI) dithiolate compounds as active site models of molybdoenzymes: preparation, crystal structures, spectroscopic/electrochemical properties and reactivity in oxygen atom transfer

A new set of molybdenum-(IV), -(V), and -(VI) compounds containing 3,6-dichloro-1,2-benzenedithiolate (bdtCl2) were isolated and characterised by crystallographic and other spectroscopic techniques as active site models of arsenite oxidase, one of the molybdoenzymes. MoO2 compounds were prepared in high yields by reaction of MoO2Cl2 with bdtCl2, related dithiolene and thiocatecholate in methanol at low temperature. The bdtCl2 ligand particularly stabilised the MoO compounds with oxidation numbers of +4 and +5 as well as the MoO2 compound with an oxidation number of +6. The compounds (Et4N)2[MoVIO2(bdtCl2)2], (Et4N)2[MoIVO(bdtCl2)2] and (Et4N)[MoVO(bdtCl2)2] were successfully isolated, whereas (Et3NH)2[MoO2(thiocatecholate)2] gradually decomposed in acetonitrile. A distorted octahedral structure similar to that of was suggested for the structure of the active site of the oxidised form of arsenite oxidase on the basis of a comparison of their bond distances and angles. The bond distances and angles around the molybdenum(IV) atom in were similar to those around the molybdenum(IV) centre in the reduced form of arsenite oxidase. The reversible / couple exhibited a more positive redox potential than common MoO dithiolene compounds. Underwent an irreversible proton-coupled reduction process to yield. An oxygen atom transfer reaction of with triphenylphosphine afforded and triphenylphosphine oxide, and proceeded in second order as v=-d/dt[MoO2]=k[MoO2][PPh3]. The structures and properties of the oxo-bridged dinuclear compound (Et4N)2[MoVIO2(bdtCl2)]2(micro-O), a dimer of bdtCl2 and were also characterised.     

Complexes based on asymmetrically substituted pyridine–dithiolene ligands [M(4-pedt)2] (M = Au,Cu, Ni; 4-pedt = 1-(pyridin-4-yl)-ethylene-1,2-dithiolate): Synthesis,structure and physical properties

The monoanionic Ni, Au and Cu bisdithiolene complexes based on the 1-(pyridin-4-yl)-ethylene-1,2-dithiolate were prepared and isolated as [PPh₄]⁺, [n-Bu₄N]⁺ and [Na(18C6)]⁺ salts which were characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, EPR and magnetic susceptibility measurements. All the complexes adopt a square planar coordination geometry with a trans arrangement of the substituent pyridine rings whose planes are rotated from 13° to 33° relatively to the central MS₄ core. The C–C and C–S bond lengths are consistent with ene-1,2-dithiolate form of the ligand and M^III oxidation state. The Ni complexes are paramagnetic with an effective magnetic moment of ～1.7 BM.     

Na5(THF)10Ce(mnt)4]infinity: a honeycomb network polymer that yields homoleptic cerium(III) tetrakis(dithiolene) complexes in donor solvents

The first example of a lanthanide tetrakis(dithiolene) complex, [Na5(THF)10Ce(mnt)4] (1) (mnt = 1,2-maleonitrile-1,2-dithiolate), has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic methods. In the solid state, 1 exists as a 2-D corrugated honeycomb network polymer in which the monomeric units comprising the trigonal nodes are knitted together by interlocking dative Na-N bonds extended from nitrile groups of bifunctional mnt ligands coordinated through the sulfur atoms to adjacent cerium centers. Individual honeycomb sheets are separated by 14.8 A. Compound 1 dissolves in donor solvents such as THF and acetonitrile to give soluble [Ce(mnt)4]5- units that exhibit spectroscopic features (i.e., NMR, luminescence, UV-vis) that are consistent with the 4f1 Ce(III) ion. In the first examination of the redox chemistry of a lanthanide dithiolene complex, cyclic voltammetry measurements conducted on 1 reveal a single irreversible oxidation wave that is likely attributable to ligand-centered oxidation.     

Unique Thermal Structural Phase Transitions Exhibited by Unsymmetrical Organometallic Gold(III)-Dithiolene Complexes with Pentylthio and Hexylthio Groups

Unsymmetrical gold(III)-dithiolene complexes are potential candidates for molecular materials that exhibit thermal structural phase transitions. In this study, unsymmetrical ppy-gold(III) (ppy⁻=C-deprotonated-2-phenylpyridine(−)) complexes [AuC5] and [AuC6] coordinated by dithiolene ligands containing tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) skeletons with pentylthio (2-{bis(pentylthio)-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene}-1,3-dithiol-4,5-dithiolate(2−)) and hexylthio groups (2-{bis(hexylthio)-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene}-1,3-dithiol-4,5-dithiolate(2−)) were synthesized. Both complexes exhibited a large absorption band at approximately 508 nm, owing to intramolecular ligand-to-ligand charge transfer. One-dimensional columnar structures with head-to-tail molecular arrangements around the metal ions were constructed in the crystals. The flexible alkylthio groups were intercalated into crystalline spaces between dithiolene ligands in the columns. [AuC5] exhibits a simple phase transition at 198 °C between crystalline and isotropic phases irreversibly. The crystalline phase of [AuC6] observed at 25 °C melted at 148 °C. Another crystalline phase grew above 148 °C with a very slow crystallization rate from the liquid phase and was completely transformed into an isotropic phase at 200 °C.     

A series of complexes of the phosphorus-based TTF ligand o-P2 with the metal ions Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), and Ag(I)

Reactions of 3,4-dimethyl-3',4'-bis(diphenylphosphino)tetrathiafulvalene, o-P2, with [BF(4)](-) salts of Fe(ii), Co(ii), Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II) yield complexes of general formula [M(o-P2)(2)][BF(4)](2). Similar reactions between o-P2 and AgSbF(6) or AgPF(6) produced the salts [Ag(o-P2)(2)][X] where X = [SbF(6)](-) or [PF(6)](-). The resulting compounds were fully characterized by (1)H and (31)P{(1)H} NMR, infrared and electronic absorption spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, FAB-MS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The paramagnetic Co(II) compound exhibits an S = 3/2 state with large spin-orbit coupling contribution at higher temperatures and an effective S' = 1/2 state below 20 K. Electrochemical studies of the compounds indicate that the two functionalized TTF ligands are not in electronic communication and that they essentially behave as isolated redox centers.     

Transition metal induced derivatisations resulting in novel coordination behaviour of bis(oxamato) ligands

Two mononuclear bis(oxamato) complexes with the formula [nBu4N]2[M(2,3-acbo)] (M=Ni (), Cu (), with acbo=anthra-9,10-chinone-2,3-bis(oxamato) have been synthesized starting from symmetric diethyl N,N'-anthra-9,10-chinone-2,3-bis(oxamate) (, 2,3-acboH2Et2). The crystal structures of and have been determined, verifying that the transition metal ions are eta4(kappa2N,kappa2O) coordinated by the [2,3-acbo]4- ligands. Using the asymmetric diethyl N,N'-anthra-9,10-chinone-1,2-bis(oxamate) (, 1,2-acboH2Et2) leads, under otherwise identical reaction conditions, to the novel bis(oxamato) complex [(n)Bu4N]2[Ni(1,2-acbo)] () whereby in the case of Cu(II) the derivate [nBu4N]2[Cu(aibo)2] () (aibo=anthra[1,2-d]-(imidazole-2-carboxylato)-6,11-dione) has been obtained. The crystal structures of and have been determined, displaying that the Ni(II) ion of is eta4(kappa2N,kappa2O) coordinated by the [1,2-acbo]4- ligand. The Cu(II) ion of is coordinated by two [aibo]2- ligands, giving rise to an approximately square-planar trans-bis(aibo-N,O) arrangement. Using the symmetric diethyl N,N'-4,5-dinitro-o-phenylene-bis(oxamate) (, niboH2Et2), possessing strongly electron withdrawing NO2-groups, leads under otherwise identical reaction conditions to the bis(oxamato) complex [nBu4N]2[Ni(nibo)] (), whereby in the case of Cu(II) the derivate [nBu4N]2[Cu(niqo)2] () (niqo=7,8-dinitro-2,3-quinoxalinedionato) has been obtained. The crystal structures of and have been determined, ensuring that the Ni(II) ion of is eta(4)(kappa2N,kappa2O) coordinated by the [nibo]4- ligand. The Cu(II) ion of is coordinated by four oxygen atoms of two [niqo]2- ligands, giving rise to an approximately square-planar coordination geometry.     

Terminal nickel(ii) amide, alkoxide, and thiolate complexes containing amido diphosphine ligands of the type [N(o-C6H4PR2)2]- (R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy)

A series of nickel(ii) complexes of the type [R-PNP]Ni(ER') ([R-PNP](-) = [N(o-C(6)H(4)PR(2))(2)](-); R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; E = NH, O, S; R' = Ph, (t)Bu) featuring unsupported, covalently bound pi-donor ligands have been prepared and characterized. The metathetical reactions of [R-PNP]NiCl (R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy) with LiNHPh, NaOPh, or NaSPh, respectively, produced the corresponding anilide [R-PNP]Ni(NHPh), phenolate [R-PNP]Ni(OPh), and thiophenolate [R-PNP]Ni(SPh) derivatives. Treatment of [Ph-PNP]NiCl with either LiNH(t)Bu or NaO(t)Bu generated tert-butyl amide [Ph-PNP]Ni(NH(t)Bu) and tert-butoxide [Ph-PNP]Ni(O(t)Bu), respectively. In contrast, attempts to prepare analogous tert-butyl amide and tert-butoxide complexes of [(i)Pr-PNP](-) or [Cy-PNP](-) were not successful. Protonolysis studies of these nickel(ii)-heteroatom complexes revealed the basic reactivity of these pi-donor ligands. The basicity follows the order NH(t)Bu > O(t)Bu > NHPh > OPh > SPh. In addition to solution NMR spectroscopic data for all new compounds, X-ray structures of [(i)Pr-PNP]Ni(NHPh) and [(i)Pr-PNP]Ni(OPh) are presented.     

A copper(I) homocubane collapses to a tetracapped tetrahedron upon hydride insertion

The hydrido copper(I) and silver(I) clusters incorporating 1,1-dicyanoethylene-2,2-dithiolate (i-MNT) ligands are presented in this paper. Reactions of M(I) (M = Cu, Ag) salts, [Bu(4)N](2)[S(2)CC(CN)(2)], with the anion sources ([Bu(4)N][BH(4)] for H(-), [Bu(4)N][BD(4)] for D(-)) in an 8:6:1 molar ratio in THF produce octanuclear penta-anionic Cu(I)/Ag(I) clusters, [Bu(4)N](5)[M(8)(X){S(2)CC(CN)(2)}(6)] (M = Cu, X = H, 1(H); X = D, 1(D); M = Ag, X = H, 2(H); X = D, 2(D)). They can also be produced from the stoichiometric reaction of M(8)(i-MNT)(6)(4-) with the ammonium borohydride. All four compounds have been fully characterized spectroscopically ((1)H and (13)C NMR, IR, UV-vis) and by elemental analyses. The deuteride-encapsulated Cu(8)/Ag(8) clusters of 1(D) and 2(D) are also characterized by (2)H NMR. X-ray crystal structures of 1(H) and 2(H) reveal a hydride-centered tetracapped tetrahedral Cu(8)/Ag(8) core, which is inscribed within an S(12) icosahedron formed by six i-MNT ligands, each in a tetrametallic-tetraconnective (μ(2), μ(2)) bonding mode. The encapsulated hydride in 2(H) is unequivocally characterized by both (1)H and (109)Ag NMR spectroscopies, and the results strongly suggest that the hydride is coupled to eight magnetically equivalent silver nuclei on the NMR time scale. Therefore, a fast interchange between the vertex and capping silver atoms in solution gives a plausible explanation for the perceived structural differences between the Ag(8) geometry deduced from the X-ray structure and the NMR spectra.