Preparation and Properties of the Corner-Shared Double Cube [Mo(6)BiS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) as a Derivative of [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) in Aqueous Acidic Solutions

The reaction of [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) with Bi(III) in the presence of BH(4)(-) (rapid), or with Bi metal shot (3-4 days), gives a heterometallic cluster product. The latter has been characterized as the corner-shared double cube [Mo(6)BiS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) by the following procedures. Analyses by ICP-AES confirm the Mo:Bi:S ratio as 6:1:8. Elution from a cation-exchange column by 4 M Hpts (Hpts = p-toluenesulfonic acid), but not 2 M Hpts (or 4 M HClO(4)), is consistent with a high charge. The latter is confirmed as 8+ from the 3:1 stoichiometries observed for the oxidations with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) or [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) yielding [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) and Bi(III) as products. Heterometallic clusters [Mo(6)MS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) are now known for M = Hg, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, Sb, and Bi and are a feature of the P-block main group metals. The color of [Mo(6)BiS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) in 2.0 M Hpts (turquoise) is different from that in 2.0 M HCl (green-blue). Kinetic studies (25 degrees C) for uptake of a single chloride k(f) = 0.80 M(-)(1) s(-)(1), I = 2.0 M (Hpts), and the high affinity for Cl(-) (K > 40 M(-)(1)) exceeds that observed for complexing at Mo. A specific heterometal interaction of the Cl(-) not observed in the case of other double cubes is indicated. The Cl(-) can be removed by cation-exchange chromatography with retention of the double-cube structure. Kinetic studies with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) and hexaaqua-Fe(III) as oxidants form part of a survey of redox properties of this and other clusters. The Cl(-) adduct is more readily oxidized by [Co(dipic)(2)](-) (factor of approximately 10) and is also more air sensitive.     

Ligand Substitution Reactions at the Nickel of [Mo(3)NiS(4)(H(2)O)(10)](4+) with Two Water Soluble Phosphines, CO, Br(-), I(-), and NCS(-) and the Inertness of the 1,4,7-Triazacyclononane (L) Complex [Mo(3)(NiL)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+)

Comparisons (25 degrees C) are made of substitution reactions, X replacing H(2)O, at the tetrahedral Ni of the heterometallic sulfido cuboidal cluster [Mo(3)NiS(4)(H(2)O)(10)](4+), I = 2.00 M (LiClO(4)). Stopped-flow formation rate constants (k(f)/M(-)(1) s(-)(1)) for six X reagents, including two water soluble air-stable phosphines, 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane PTA (119) and tris(3-sulfonatophenyl)phosphine TPPTS(3)(-) (58), and CO (0.66), Br(-) (14.6), I(-) (32.3), and NCS(-) (44) are reported alongside the previous value for Cl(-) (9.4). A dependence on [H(+)] is observed with PTA, which gives an unreactive form confirmed by NMR as N-protonated PTA (acid dissociation constant K(a) = 0.61 M), but in no other cases with [H(+)] in the range 0.30-2.00 M. The narrow spread of rate constants for all but the CO reaction is consistent with an I(d) dissociative interchange mechanism. In addition NMR studies with H(2)(17)O enriched solvent are too slow for direct determination of the water-exchange rate constant indicating a value <10(3) s(-)(1). Equilibrium constants/M(-)(1) for 1:1 complexing with the different X groups at the Ni are obtained for PTA (2040) and TPPTS(3)(-) (8900) by direct spectrophotometry and from kinetic studies (k(f)/k(b)) for Cl(-) (97), Br(-) (150), NCS(-) (690), and CO (5150). No NCS(-) substitution at the Ni is observed in the case of the heterometallic cube [Mo(3)Ni(L)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+), with tridentate 1,4,7-triazacyclononane(L) coordinated to the Ni. Substitution of NCS(-) for H(2)O, at the Mo's of [Mo(3)NiS(4)(H(2)O)(10)](4+) and [Mo(3)(NiL)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) are much slower secondary processes, with k(f) = 2.7 x 10(-)(4) M(-)(1) s(-)(1) and 0.94 x 10(-)(4) M(-)(1) s(-)(1) respectively. No substitution of H(2)O by TPPTS(3)(-) or CO is observed over approximately 1h at either metal on [Mo(3)FeS(4)(H(2)O)(10)](4+), on [Mo(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(12)](5+) or [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+).     

Theoretical Modeling of Water Exchange on [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+), [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+), and trans-[PtCl(2)(H(2)O)(2)

Density functional theory is applied to modeling the exchange in aqueous solution of H(2)O on [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+), [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+), and trans-[PtCl(2)(H(2)O)(2)]. Optimized structures for the starting molecules are reported together with trigonal bipyramidal (tbp) systems relevant to an associative mechanism. While a rigorous tbp geometry cannot by symmetry be the actual transition state, it appears that the energy differences between model tbp structures and the actual transition states are small. Ground state geometries calculated via the local density approximation (LDA) for [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and relativistically corrected LDA for the Pt complexes are in good agreement with available experimental data. Nonlocal gradient corrections to the LDA lead to relatively inferior structures. The computed structures for analogous Pd and Pt species are very similar. The equatorial M-OH(2) bonds of all the LDA-optimized tbp structures are predicted to expand by 0.25-0.30 ?, while the axial bonds change little relative to the planar precursors. This bond stretching in the transition state counteracts the decrease in partial molar volume caused by coordination of the entering water molecule and can explain qualitatively the small and closely similar volumes of activation observed. The relatively higher activation enthalpies of the Pt species can be traced to the relativistic correction of the total energies while the absolute DeltaH() values for exchange on [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+) are reproduced using relativistically corrected LDA energies and a simple Born model for hydration. The validity of the latter is confirmed via some simple atomistic molecular mechanics estimates of the relative hydration enthalpies of [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and [Pd(H(2)O)(5)](2+). The computed DeltaH() values are 57, 92, and 103 kJ/mol compared to experimental values of 50(2), 90(2), and 100(2) kJ/mol for [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+), [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+), and trans-[PtCl(2)(H(2)O)(2)], respectively. The calculated activation enthalpy for a hypothetical dissociative water exchange at [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) is 199 kJ/mol. A qualitative analysis of the modeling procedure, the relative hydration enthalpies, and the zero-point and finite temperature corrections yields an estimated uncertainty for the theoretical activation enthalpies of about 15 kJ/mol.     

(Cyclen)(4)Ru(4)(pz)(4)](9+): a Creutz-Taube square

The use of cyclen (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) as a blocking ligand enables assembly of the mixed-valence square complex [(cyclen)4Ru4(pz)4]9+ (pz = pyrazine). A crystal structure determination shows the molecule to possess a regular square geometry wherein each Ru atom has an equivalent coordination environment. Consistent with the presence of one RuIII and three RuII centers, cyclic voltammetry reveals a single reversible reduction wave and three successive oxidation waves. The separation between the first oxidation and reduction waves indicates a comproportionation constant of Kc = 108.9 for the [(cyclen)4Ru6(pz)4]9+ square, suggesting a greater extent of electron delocalization than that observed for the Creutz-Taube ion. The closer spacing between oxidation waves suggests a lesser degree of delocalization in the [(cyclen)4Ru6(pz)4]10+ (Kc = 102.0) and [(cyclen)4Ru6(pz)4]11+ (Kc = 103.0) species, bearing the higher average oxidation states of Ru2.5+ and Ru2.75+, respectively.     

Preparation and Structures of the 2.2.2-Cryptand(1+) Salts of the [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-), [As(2)S(4)](2)(-), [As(10)S(3)](2)(-), and [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) Anions

2.2.2-Cryptand(1+) salts of the [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-), [As(2)S(4)](2)(-), [As(10)S(3)](2)(-), and [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) anions have been synthesized from the reduction of binary chalcogenide compounds by K in NH(3)(l) in the presence of the alkali-metal-encapsulating ligand 2.2.2-cryptand (4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane), followed by recrystallization from CH(3)CN. The [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-) anion, which has crystallographically imposed symmetry 2, consists of two discrete edge-sharing SbSe(3) pyramids with terminal Se atoms cis to each other. The Sb-Se(t) bond distance is 2.443(1) ?, whereas the Sb-Se(b) distance is 2.615(1) ? (t = terminal; b = bridge). The Se(b)-Sb-Se(t) angles range from 104.78(4) to 105.18(5) degrees, whereas the Se(b)-Sb-Se(b) angles are 88.09(4) and 88.99(4) degrees. The (77)Se NMR data for this anion in solution are consistent with its X-ray structure (delta 337 and 124 ppm, 1:1 intensity, -30 degrees C, CH(3)CN/CD(3)CN). Similar to this [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-) anion, the [As(2)S(4)](2)(-) anion consists of two discrete edge-sharing AsS(3) pyramidal units. The As-S(t) bond distances are 2.136(7) and 2.120(7) ?, whereas the As-S(b) distances range from 2.306(7) to 2.325(7) ?. The S(b)-As-S(t) angles range from 106.2(3) to 108.2(3) degrees, and the S(b)-As-S(b) angles are 88.3(2) and 88.9(2) degrees. The [As(10)S(3)](2)(-) anion has an 11-atom As(10)S center composed of six five-membered edge-sharing rings. One of the three waist positions is occupied by a S atom, and the other two waist positions feature As atoms with exocyclic S atoms attached, making each As atom in the structure three-coordinate. The As-As bond distances range from 2.388(3) to 2.474(3) ?. The As-S(t) bond distances are 2.181(5) and 2.175(4) ?, and the As-S(b) bond distance is 2.284(6) ?. The [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) anion features two AsSe(3) units joined by Se-Se bonds with the two exocyclic Se atoms trans to each other. The average As-Se(t) bond distance is 2.273(2) ?, whereas the As-Se(b) bond distances range from 2.357(3) to 2.462(2) ?. The Se(b)-As-Se(t) angles range from 101.52(8) to 105.95(9) degrees, and the Se(b)-As-Se(b) angles range from 91.82(7) to 102.97(9) degrees. The (77)Se NMR data for this anion in solution are consistent with its X-ray structure (delta 564 and 317 ppm, 3:1 intensity, 25 degrees C, DMF/CD(3)CN).     

Heterometallic cuboidal complexes as derivatives of the [MO3S4(H2O)9]4+ cluster

Heterometallic atoms can be incorporated into the Mo ₃ ^IV trinuclear ion [Mo₃S₄(H₂O)₉]⁴⁺ to give cuboidal complexes of the kind Mo₃MS₄, or related edge-linked species {Mo₃MS₄}₂, or corner-shared Mo₃S₄MS₄Mo₃ double cubes, depending on the heteroatom used. All of the products formed can be obtained as aqua ions. With four recent additions there are now 15 different heterometal atoms participating in this chemistry from Cr in Group 6 to Bi in Group 15. Preparative procedures, X-ray crystal structures, and distinctive properties including UV-Vis spectra, elution characteristics using Dowexcation exchange chromatography, ICP metal analyses, and the stoichiometries of reactions in which the heterometallic product is oxidized back to [Mo₃S₄(H₂O)₉]⁴⁺ (with release of the heterometal in an ionic form) are considered.Dedicated to Professor Jiaxi Lu on the occasion of his 80th birthday.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Complexes [Cu(C14H8N3O4Br)](C4H9NO) and [Ni(C14H9N2O3Br)](C4H9NO)

The title compounds, Cu(L1)(C4H8NHO) and Ni(L2)(C4H8NHO) (H2L1 = 5-bro- mosalicylaldehyde-p-nitrobenzoylhydrazone, H2L2 = 5-bromosalicylaldehyde-p-hydroxybenzo- ylhydrazone), have been obtained and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 belongs to the triclinic system, space group P1 with a = 8.6960(2), b = 9.957(2), c = 11.878(2) , α = 73.36(3), β = 78.25(3), γ = 82.64(3)o, V = 962.1(3) 3, Mr = 512.81, Z = 2, F(000) = 514, Dc = 1.770 g/cm3, μ(MoKα) = 3.251, R = 0.0337 and wR = 0.0846. Complex 2 is of monoclinic, space group P21/c with a = 13.313(2), b = 8.2096(1), c = 21.890(3) , β = 125.737(3)o, V = 1941.9(4) 3, Mr = 478.97, Z = 4, F(000) = 968, Dc = 1.638 g/cm3, μ(MoKα) = 3.085, R = 0.0356 and wR = 0.0817. The ligands form a satisfactory N2O2 square plane around the metal centers in two compounds. Different patterns of hydrogen bonds are observed owing to the presence of different substituents on aromatic ring of the acylhydrazone Schiff bases. In complex 1, square-planar copper(II) complexes are linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds leading to zigzag infinite chains. In complex 2, the metal complexes are linked via hydrogen bonds to form corrugated sheets in a staggered fashion; 3D channels along the b axis are constructed through other non-covalent interactions between the neighboring layers.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Molybdenum-Sulfur Clusters Mo_3S_4 (dtp)_3(o-CH_3OC_6H_4COO)(Py) and Mo_3S_4 (dtp)_3(p-HOC_6H_4COO)(DMF)·EtOH

1 INTRODUCTION Recent years have seen a drastic increase of compounds containing the Mo3S4 core. A major synthetic route to these compounds is by the reaction of the aqua ion [Mo3S4(H2O)9]4+ with different kinds of ligands replacing some or all of the water molecules. In this way, Mo3S4(dtp)4(H2O), which was synthesized by the spontaneous- assembly method in 1986[1] and its structural characterization and chemical reactivity have been well recognized [2], can be rationally synthesize…     

Reactions of [Ru(H(2)O)(6)](2+) with water-soluble tertiary phosphines

In aqueous solutions under mild conditions, [Ru(H(2)O)(6)](2+) was reacted with various water-soluble tertiary phosphines. As determined by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, reactions with the sulfonated arylphosphines L =mtppms, ptppms and mtppts yielded only the mono- and bisphosphine complexes, [Ru(H(2)O)(5)L](2+), cis-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)L(2)](2+), and trans-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)L(2)](2+) even in a high ligand excess. With the small aliphatic phosphine L = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo-[3.3.1.1(3,7)]decane (pta) at [L]:[Ru]= 12:1, the tris- and tetrakisphosphino species, [Ru(H(2)O)(3)(pta)(3)](2+), [Ru(H(2)O)(2)(pta)(4)](2+), [Ru(H(2)O)(OH)(pta)(4)](+), and [Ru(OH)(2)(pta)(4)] were also detected, albeit in minor quantities. These results have significance for the in situ preparation of Ru(II)-tertiary phosphine catalysts. The structures of the complexes trans-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)(ptaMe)(2)](tos)(4)x2H(2)O, trans-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)(ptaH)(2)](tos)(4)[middle dot]2H(2)O, and trans-mer-[RuI(2)(H(2)O)(ptaMe)(3)]I(3)x2H(2)O, containing protonated or methylated pta ligands (ptaH and ptaMe, respectively) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Solvent coordination in gas-phase [Mn.(H(2)O)(n)](2+) and [Mn.(ROH)(n)](2+) complexes: theory and experiment

An experimental gas-phase study of the intensities and fragmentation patterns of [Mn.(H(2)O)(n)](2+) and [Mn.(ROH)(n)](2+) complexes shows the combinations [Mn.(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and [Mn.(ROH)(4)](2+) to be stable. Evidence in complexes involving the alcohols methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol favors preferential fragmentation to [Mn.(ROH)(4)](2+), whereas the fragmentation data for water is less clear. Supporting density functional calculations show that both [Mn.(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and [Mn.(MeOH)(4)](2+) adopt stable tetrahedral configurations, similar to those proposed for biochemical systems where solvent availability and coordination is restricted. Calculated incremental binding energies show a gradual decline on going from one to six solvent molecules, with a step occurring between four and five molecules. The addition of further solvent molecules to the stable [Mn.(MeOH)(4)](2+) unit shows a preference for [Mn.(MeOH)(4)(MeOH)(1,2)](2+) structures, where the extra molecules occupy hydrogen-bonded sites in the form of a secondary solvation shell. Very similar behavior is seen on the part of water. As part of an analysis of the experimental data, the calculations have explored the influence different spins states of Mn(2+) have on solvent geometry. It is concluded that the experimental observations are best reproduced when the central Mn(2+) ion is in the high-spin (6)S ground state. The results are also considered in terms of the biochemical activity of Mn(2+) where the ion is capable of isomorphous substitution with Zn(2+), which itself exhibits a preference for tetrahedral coordination.     

The mechanism for water exchange in [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+) and [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2-), as studied by quantum chemical methods.

The mechanisms for the exchange of water between [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+), [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2)(-)(,) and water solvent along dissociative (D), associative (A) and interchange (I) pathways have been investigated with quantum chemical methods. The choice of exchange mechanism is based on the computed activation energy and the geometry of the identified transition states and intermediates. These quantities were calculated both in the gas phase and with a polarizable continuum model for the solvent. There is a significant and predictable difference between the activation energy of the gas phase and solvent models: the energy barrier for the D-mechanism increases in the solvent as compared to the gas phase, while it decreases for the A- and I-mechanisms. The calculated activation energy, Delta U(++), for the water exchange in [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+) is 74, 19, and 21 kJ/mol, respectively, for the D-, A-, and I-mechanisms in the solvent, as compared to the experimental value Delta H(++) = 26 +/- 1 kJ/mol. This indicates that the D-mechanism for this system can be ruled out. The energy barrier between the intermediates and the transition states is small, indicating a lifetime for the intermediate approximately 10(-10) s, making it very difficult to distinguish between the A- and I-mechanisms experimentally. There is no direct experimental information on the rate and mechanism of water exchange in [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2-) containing two bidentate oxalate ions. The activation energy and the geometry of transition states and intermediates along the D-, A-, and I-pathways were calculated both in the gas phase and in a water solvent model, using a single-point MP2 calculation with the gas phase geometry. The activation energy, Delta U(++), in the solvent for the D-, A-, and I-mechanisms is 56, 12, and 53 kJ/mol, respectively. This indicates that the water exchange follows an associative reaction mechanism. The geometry of the A- and I-transition states for both [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+) and [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2-) indicates that the entering/leaving water molecules are located outside the plane formed by the spectator ligands.     

Kinetic Analysis of the Reactions between GG-Containing Oligonucleotides and Platinum Complexes. 1. Reactions of Single-Stranded Oligonucleotides with cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) and [Pt(NH(3))(3)(H(2)O)](2+)

Using concentration measurements based on high performance liquid chromatography, we have investigated the kinetics of reaction between single-stranded oligonucleotides containing a d(GpG) sequence, i.e., d(GG), d(TGG), d(TTGG), and d(CTGGCTCA), and the platinum complexes cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (1) and [Pt(NH(3))(3)(H(2)O)](2+) (2). The rate constants for the substitution of one aqua ligand of platinum in 1 or 2 by each guanine of the oligonucleotides were individually measured, as well as, for 1, those for the subsequent conversion of the monoadducts to the diadduct. For the platination of d(GG) and d(TGG), the rate constants are similar for the 5'- and 3'-guanines. The longer oligonucleotides d(TTGG) and d(CTGGCTCA) are platinated slightly faster on the 5'-G than on the 3'-G. 2 shows a similar slight preference for the 5'-guanine, but it reacts by a factor of 4-10 more slowly than 1. For both complexes, the platination rate constants increase with increasing oligonucleotide length. Platination of the 5'-G by 1 is 1 order of magnitude faster on d(CTGGCTCA) than on d(GG). Concerning the chelation step giving the GG diadduct of 1, the longer the oligonucleotide, the larger is the ratio between the rates of the cyclization of the 3'- and 5'-monoadducts k(3)(')(c) and k(5)(')(c): k(3)(')(c)/k(5)(')(c) equals 1.4 for d(GG) and 3.3 for d(CTGGCTCA).     

Sensitization of photo-reduction of the polyoxometalate anions [S(2)M(18)O(62)](4-) (M = Mo, W) in the visible spectral region by the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) cation

Voltammetric, photo-physical and photo-electrochemical properties of the Dawson polyoxometalate anions alpha-[S(2)M(18)O(62)](4-) (M = Mo, W) are presented, both in the presence and absence of a series of [Ru(II)L(n)](+/2+) cations [L(n) = (bpy)(3), (bpy)(2)(Im)(2), (bpy)(2)(dpq), (bpy)(2)(box) and (biq)(2)(box)]. Electrochemical processes for both the anion and Ru(II/III) couples were detected in solutions of the salts [Ru(II)L(n)](2)[S(2)M(18)O(62)] in dimethylformamide (0.1 M Bu(4)NPF(6)) by both cyclic and hydrodynamic voltammetries. Responses were also detected when the solid salts were adhered to the surface of a glassy carbon electrode in contact with an electrolyte in which they are insoluble (CH(3)CN; 0.1M Bu(4)NPF(6)). Photolysis experiments were performed on solutions of the salts [R(4)N](4)[S(2)M(18)O(62)] (R = n-butyl or n-hexyl) and [Ru(II)L(n)](2)[S(2)M(18)O(62)] at 355 and 420 nm in dimethylformamide and acetonitrile in the presence and absence of benzyl alcohol (10% v/v). When associated with [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+), the molybdate anion exhibited a large increase in the quantum yield for photo-reduction at 420 nm. The quantum yield for the tungstate analogue was lower but the experiments again provided clear evidence for sensitization of the photo-reduction reaction in the visible spectral region. The origin of this sensitization is ascribed to the new optical transition observed around 480 nm in static ion clusters {[Ru(bpy)(3)][S(2)M(18)O(62)]}(2-) and {[Ru(bpy)(3)](2)[S(2)M(18)O(62)]} present in solution. Measurable photocurrents resulted from irradiation of solutions of the anions with white light in the presence of the electron donor dimethylformamide. Evidence is also presented for possible quencher-fluorophore interactions in the presence of certain [Ru(II)L(n)](+) cations.     

Synthesis and Structural Investigations of [Mn(3)O(4)(phen)(4)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(4).2.5H(2)O: A Water-Bound Complex Obtained by Cerium(IV) Oxidation

The trinuclear manganese complex [Mn(3)O(4)(phen)(4)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(4).2.5H(2)O, 1 (where, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), has been synthesized by the Ce(IV) oxidation of a concentrated solution of manganese(II) acetate and phen in 1.6 N nitric acid. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 10.700(2) ?, b = 12.643(3) ?, c = 20.509(4) ?, alpha = 78.37(3) degrees, beta = 83.12(3) degrees, gamma = 82.50(3) degrees, and Z = 2. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by least-squares techniques to the conventional R (R(w)) factors of 0.055 (0.076) based on 4609 unique reflections with F(o) >/= 6.0sigma(F(o)). The structure of the cation consists of an oxo-bridged Mn(3)O(4)(4+) core, with the geometry of the manganese atoms being octahedral. The coordination polyhedron of one of the manganese atoms (Mn(1)) consists of two &mgr; oxo ligands and two pairs of nitrogen atoms of two phen moieties, whereas that of each of the remaining two manganese atoms consists of three &mgr;-oxo ligands, two nitrogen atoms of a phen moiety, and the oxygen atom of a water molecule. The complex represents the second example for water coordination to manganese(IV) centers in complexes with a Mn(3)O(4)(4+) core. Optical spectra in ligand buffer (pH 4.5) reveal complete conversion of the complex into a Mn(III)Mn(IV) species. The observed room-temperature (298 K) magnetic moment of 3.75 &mgr;(B) indicates the presence of strong antiferromagnetic coupling in the complex.     

Assignment of the electronic spectra of [Mo(CN)(8)](4)(-) and [W(CN)(8)](4)(-) by Ab initio calculations

CASPT2 calculations are performed on the dodecahedral and square antiprismatic isomers of the [Mo(CN)(8)](4)(-) and [W(CN)(8)](4)(-) complexes. The high-energy experimental bands above 40000 cm(-)(1) are assigned to MLCT transitions. The experimental observed trend of the extinction coefficients for the molybdenum and tungsten complex is reproduced by our CASSCF oscillator strengths. All bands below 40000 cm(-)(1) can be ascribed to ligand-field transitions, although small contributions from forbidden MLCT transitions cannot be excluded. In order to account for all experimental bands in the electronic spectrum of these octacyanocomplexes, a dynamic equilibrium in solution between the two isomeric forms must be hypothesized. Spin-orbit coupling effects are found to be more important for the square antiprismatic isomers; in particular, large singlet-triplet mixings are calculated for this isomer of [W(CN)(8)](4)(-). Ligand-field and Racah parameters as well as spin-orbit coupling constants are determined on the basis of the calculated transition energies. The obtained values for these parameters support the recently proposed model for exchange interactions in magnetic clusters and networks containing pentavalent octocyanometalates of molybdenum and tungsten.     

Cyanide-limited complexation of molybdenum(III): synthesis of octahedral [Mo(CN)(6)](3-) and cyano-bridged [Mo(2)(CN)(11)](5-)

Octahedral coordination of molybdenum(III) is achieved by limiting the amount of cyanide available upon complex formation. Reaction of Mo(CF(3)SO(3))(3) with LiCN in DMF affords Li(3)[Mo(CN)(6)] x 6DMF (1), featuring the previously unknown octahedral complex [Mo(CN)(6)](3-). The complex exhibits a room-temperature moment of mu(eff) = 3.80 mu(B), and assignment of its absorption bands leads to the ligand field parameters Delta(o) = 24800 cm(-1) and B = 247 cm(-1). Further restricting the available cyanide in a reaction between Mo(CF(3)SO(3))(3) and (Et(4)N)CN in DMF, followed by recrystallization from DMF/MeOH, yields (Et(4)N)(5)[Mo(2)(CN)(11)] x 2DMF x 2MeOH (2). The dinuclear [Mo(2)(CN)(11)](5-) complex featured therein contains two octahedrally coordinated Mo(III) centers spanned by a bridging cyanide ligand. A fit to the magnetic susceptibility data for 2, gives J = -113 cm(-1) and g = 2.33, representing the strongest antiferromagnetic coupling yet observed through a cyanide bridge. Efforts to incorporate these new complexes in magnetic Prussian blue-type solids are ongoing.     

Novel rectangular [Fe4(mu4-OHO)(mu-OH)(2)](7+) versus "butterfly" [Fe4(mu3-O2](8+) core topology in the Fe(III)/RCO2(-)/phen reaction systems (R = Me,Ph; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline): preparation and properties of [Fe4(OHO)(OH)(2)(O2CMe)(4)(phen)(4)](ClO4)(3), [Fe4O2(O2CPh)(7)(phen)(2)](ClO4), and [Fe4O2(O2CPh)(8)(phen)(2)

The preparations, X-ray structures, and detailed physical characterizations are presented for three new tetranuclear Fe(III)/RCO(2)(-)/phen complexes, where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline: [Fe(4)(OHO)(OH)(2)(O(2)CMe)(4)(phen)(4)](ClO(4))(3).4.4MeCN.H(2)O (1.4.4MeCN.H(2)O); [Fe(4)O(2)(O(2)CPh)(7)(phen)(2)](ClO(4)).2MeCN (2.2MeCN); [Fe(4)O(2)(O(2)CPh)(8)(phen)(2)].2H(2)O (3.2H(2)O). Complex 1.4.4MeCN.H(2)O crystallizes in space group P2(1)/n, with a = 18.162(9) A, b = 39.016(19) A, c = 13.054(7) A, beta = 104.29(2) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 8963.7 A(3). Complex 2.2MeCN crystallizes in space group P2(1)/n, with a = 18.532(2) A, b = 35.908(3) A, c = 11.591(1) A, beta = 96.42(1) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 7665(1) A(3). Complex 3.2H(2)O crystallizes in space group I2/a, with a = 18.79(1) A, b = 22.80(1) A, c = 20.74(1) A, beta = 113.21(2) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 8166(1) A(3). The cation of 1 contains the novel [Fe(4)(mu(4)-OHO)(mu-OH)(2)](7+) core. The core structure of 2 and 3 consists of a tetranuclear bis(mu(3)-O) cluster disposed in a "butterfly" arrangement. Magnetic susceptibility data were collected on 1-3 in the 2-300 K range. For the rectangular complex 1, fitting the data to the appropriate theoretical chi(M) vs T expression gave J(1) = -75.4 cm(-1), J(2) = -21.4 cm(-1), and g = 2.0(1), where J(1) and J(2) refer to the Fe(III)O(O(2)CMe)(2)Fe(III) and Fe(III)(OH)Fe(III) pairwise exchange interactions, respectively. The S = 0 ground state of 1 was confirmed by 2 K magnetization data. The data for 2 and 3 reveal a diamagnetic ground state with antiferromagnetic exchange interactions among the four high-spin Fe(III) ions. The exchange coupling constant J(bb) ("body-body" interaction) is indeterminate due to prevailing spin frustration, but the "wing-body" antiferromagnetic interaction (J(wb)) was evaluated to be -77.6 and -65.7 cm(-1) for 2 and 3, respectively, using the appropriate spin Hamiltonian approach. M?ssbauer spectra of 1-3 are consistent with high-spin Fe(III) ions. The data indicated asymmetry of the Fe(4) core of 1 at 80 K, which is not detected at room temperature due to thermal motion of the core. The spectra of 2 and 3 analyze as two quadrupole-split doublets which were assigned to the body and wing-tip pairs of metal ions. (1)H NMR spectra are reported for 1-3 with assignment of the main resonances.