High resolution electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of quintet pyridyl-2,6-dinitrene in solid argon: magnetic properties and molecular structure

The high resolution X-band electron para magnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of quintet pyridyl-2,6-dinitrene was recorded after the photolysis of 4-amino-2,6-diazido-3,5-dichloropyridine in solid argon matrix at 15 K. This spectrum represents a new type of powder EPR spectra that are characteristic for quintet spin states with zero-field splitting parameters |E(q)/D(q)| approximately 1/4. All EPR lines of the quintet dinitrene were unambiguously assigned based on the eigenfield calculations of the Zeeman energy levels and angular dependencies of resonance magnetic fields. Owing to the high resolution of the experimental EPR spectrum, zero-field splitting parameters of the quintet dinitrene were determined with a high accuracy: D(q)=0.2100+/-0.0005 cm(-1) and E(q)=-0.0560+/-0.0002 cm(-1). These parameters provide correct information regarding the molecular angle Theta and distance r between two triplet sites in the molecule of quintet dinitrene. The measured molecular angle Theta=114.2 degrees+/-0.2 degrees is in excellent agreement with results of the density functional theory calculations. The analysis of the magnetic parameters shows that the spin population on the nitrene units in the quintet dinitrene is greater than that on the nitrene unit in the triplet nitrene.     

High-field, multifrequency EPR study of the [Mn(OH2)6](3+) cation: influence of pi-bonding on the ground state zero-field-splitting parameters

High-field, multifrequency EPR data are presented for the alum CsMn(SO4)2.12D2O, containing the [Mn(OD2)6](3+) cation. The data are interpreted using the conventional S=2 spin Hamiltonian, and the following parameters determined for the data obtained below 30 K: D=-4.491(7) cm(-1), E=0.248(5) cm(-1), gx=1.981(5), gy=1.993(5), gz=1.988(5). Although the deviation of the MnO6 framework from idealized D(4h) symmetry is small, the magnitude of E/D is significant. The E parameter is related to ligand field parameters derived from the optical absorption spectrum. The rhombic anisotropy is shown to arise as a consequence of the pi-anisotropic nature of the manganese(III)-water interaction.     

Spectroscopic and thermodynamic characterization of the E151D and E151A altered leucine aminopeptidases from Aeromonas proteolytica

Previous kinetic characterization of the glutamate 151 (E151)-substituted forms of the leucine aminopeptidase from Aeromonas proteolytica (Vibrio proteolyticus; AAP) has provided critical evidence that this residue functions as the general acid/base. The close proximity of similar glutamate residues to the bridging water/hydroxide of the dinuclear active sites of metalloenzymes (2.80 and 3.94 angstroms in carboxypeptidase G2 and 3.30 and 3.63 angstroms in AAP), suggests it may also be involved in stabilizing the active-site metal ions. Therefore, the structural perturbations of the dinuclear active site of AAP were examined for two E151-substituted forms, namely E151D-AAP and E151A-AAP, by UV-vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. UV-vis spectroscopy of Co(II)-substituted E151A-AAP did not reveal any significant changes in the electronic absorption spectra. However UV-vis spectra of mono- and dicobalt(II) E151D-AAP exhibited a lower molecular absorptivity compared to AAP (23 and 43 M(-1) cm(-1) vs. 56 and 109 M(-1) cm(-1) for E151D-AAP and AAP, respectively) suggesting both Co(II) ions reside in distorted octahedral coordination geometry in E151D-AAP. EPR spectra of [Co_(E151D-AAP)], [ZnCo(E151D-AAP)], and [(CoCo(E151D-AAP)] were identical, with g(perpendicular) = 2.35, g(parallel) = 2.19, and E/D = 0.19, similar to [CoCo(AAP)]. On the other hand, the EPR spectrum of [Co_(E151A-AAP)] was best simulated assuming the presence of two species with (i) g(x,y) = 2.509, g(z) = 2.19, E/D = 0.19, A = 0.0069 cm(-1) and (ii) g(x,y) = 2.565, g(z) = 2.19, E/D = 0.20, A = 0.0082 cm(-1) indicative of a five- or six-coordinate species. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments revealed a large decrease in Zn(II) affinities, with K(d) values elevated by factors of approximately 850 and approximately 24,000 for the first metal binding events of E151D- and E151A-AAP, respectively. The combination of these data indicates that E151 serves to stabilize the dinuclear active site of AAP.     

Photochemistry of furyl- and thienyldiazomethanes: spectroscopic characterization of triplet 3-thienylcarbene

Photolysis (λ > 543 nm) of 3-thienyldiazomethane (1), matrix isolated in Ar or N(2) at 10 K, yields triplet 3-thienylcarbene (13) and α-thial-methylenecyclopropene (9). Carbene 13 was characterized by IR, UV/vis, and EPR spectroscopy. The conformational isomers of 3-thienylcarbene (s-E and s-Z) exhibit an unusually large difference in zero-field splitting parameters in the triplet EPR spectrum (|D/hc| = 0.508 cm(-1), |E/hc| = 0.0554 cm(-1); |D/hc| = 0.579 cm(-1), |E/hc| = 0.0315 cm(-1)). Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) calculations reveal substantially differing spin densities in the 3-thienyl ring at the positions adjacent to the carbene center, which is one factor contributing to the large difference in D values. NBO calculations also reveal a stabilizing interaction between the sp orbital of the carbene carbon in the s-Z rotamer of 13 and the antibonding σ orbital between sulfur and the neighboring carbon-an interaction that is not observed in the s-E rotamer of 13. In contrast to the EPR spectra, the electronic absorption spectra of the rotamers of triplet 3-thienylcarbene (13) are indistinguishable under our experimental conditions. The carbene exhibits a weak electronic absorption in the visible spectrum (λ(max) = 467 nm) that is characteristic of triplet arylcarbenes. Although studies of 2-thienyldiazomethane (2), 3-furyldiazomethane (3), or 2-furyldiazomethane (4) provided further insight into the photochemical interconversions among C(5)H(4)S or C(5)H(4)O isomers, these studies did not lead to the spectroscopic detection of the corresponding triplet carbenes (2-thienylcarbene (11), 3-furylcarbene (23), or 2-furylcarbene (22), respectively).     

The use of high field/frequency EPR in studies of radical and metal sites in proteins and small inorganic models

Low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with frequencies between 95 and 345 GHz and magnetic fields up to 12 T have been used to study radicals and metal sites in proteins and small inorganic model complexes. We have studied radicals, Fe, Cu and Mn containing proteins. For S = 1/2 systems, the high frequency method can resolve the g-value anisotropy. It was used in mouse ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) to show the presence of a hydrogen bond to the tyrosyl radical oxygen. At 285 GHz the type 2 Cu(II) signal in the complex enzyme laccase is clearly resolved from the Hg(II) containing laccase peroxide adduct. For simple metal sites, the systems over S = 1/2 can be described by the spin Hamiltonian: H(S) = BgS + D[Sz2 - S(S + 1)/3 + E/D (Sx2 - Sy2)]. From the high frequency EPR the D-value can be determined directly by, (I) shifts of g(eff) for half-integer spin systems with large D-values as observed at 345 GHz on an Fe(II)-NO-EDTA complex, which is best described as S = 3/2 system with D = 11.5 cm(-1), E = 0.1 cm(-1) and gx = gy = gz = 2.0; (II) measuring the outermost signal, for systems with small D values, distant of (2S - 1) x absolute value(D) from the center of the spectrum as observed in S= 5/2 Fe(III)-EDTA. In Mn(II) substituted mouse RNR R2 protein the weakly interacting Mn(II) at X-band could be observed as decoupled Mn(II) at 285 GHz.     

High-field EPR study and crystal and molecular structure of trans-RSSR-[CrCl2(cyclam)]nX (X=ZnCl4 2-, Cl- and Cl-.4H2O.0.5HCl)

For the first time, HF-EPR (94.5 GHz) spectroscopy has been used to determine crystal field parameters in chromium(III) coordination compounds. The large zero-field splitting parameters of the dark-green photochromic trans-RSSR-[CrCl(2)(cyclam)](2)ZnCl(4), 1, the red-purple trans-RSSR-[CrCl(2)(cyclam)]Cl, 2, and the red-purple trans-RSSR-[CrCl(2)(cyclam)]Cl.4H(2)O.0.5HCl, 3, where cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, have been obtained. A full analysis of EPR spectra at 94.5 GHz of diluted complexes 1, 2 and 3 at 300 K revealed that they are extremely sensitive to D and E values. The rhombic distortion was precisely determined for each compound. For 1, g= 2.01, D=-0.305 cm(-1), E= 0.041 cm(-1) and lambda=|E/D|= 0.1396; for 2, g= 2.01; D=-0.348 cm(-1), E= 0.042 cm(-1) and lambda=|E/D|= 0.1206 and for 3, g= 1.99, D=-0.320 cm(-1), E= 0.041 cm(-1) and ambda=|E/D|= 0.1281. The EPR study at 94.5 GHz at 10 K allowed us to confirm the sign of the D value for all compounds. These data indicate that at room temperature the crystal field is mainly rhombic and as the temperature decreases, the rhombicity of the D tensor increases slightly. These found differences between 1, 2 and 3 allowed us to establish the importance of the intermolecular interactions in the solid state due to different hydrogen bonding networks in their crystalline arrangement.     

Optical absorption and EPR studies on some natural carbonate minerals

Limestone and dolomite minerals have been investigated by EPR and optical absorption studies. The optical absorption results indicate the presence of ferrous and ferric ion in both the minerals. The bands observed at 24,750, 22,780, 19,415 and 14,450cm(-1) are assigned to 6A1-->4T2 (4D), 6A1-->4E, 4A1 (4G), 6A1-->4T2 (4G) and 6A1-->4T1 (4G) d-d transitions of Fe3+ ions, respectively. A low energy band at 10,638cm(-1) is identified as being due to Fe2+ ion and can be attributed to 5T2g-->5E(g) transition. The weak band in the region 30,000-40,000cm(-1) corresponds to Fe-O charge transfer. Crystal field and Racah parameters evaluated for the Fe2+ ion are Dq=990cm(-1), B=885cm(-1) and C=3860cm(-1) and that for Fe3+ ions are Dq=1040cm(-1), B=703cm(-1) and C=3150cm(-1). The room temperature 9 and 35GHz EPR spectra of the minerals exhibit a sextet hyperfine pattern characteristic of Mn2+. The EPR parameters obtained for Mn2+ in limestone are g=2.00399, A= -9.411mT, D= -8.19mT and these values confirm that the Mn2+ ion are located in the calcite impurity. For Mn2+ in dolomite are g=2.0004, A= -9.45mT for Mn2+ substituted in the Ca lattice site and g=2.00984, A= -9.37mT, D= -9.94mT for substitution at the Mg site. The EPR spectra of heat-treated limestone and dolomite samples at 950 degrees C show a signal corresponding to CO2(-) ion.     

Synthetic, X-ray Structure, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, and Magnetic Studies of the Manganese(II) Complex of 1-Thia-4,7-diazacyclononane ([9]aneN(2)S)

Reaction of manganese(II) perchlorate hexahydrate with a methanol solution of 1-thia-4,7-diazacyclononane ([9]aneN(2)S) resulted in the isolation of the manganese(II) complex [Mn([9]aneN(2)S)(2)](ClO(4))(2). The X-ray structure of this complex is reported: crystal system orthorhombic, space group Pbam, No. 55, a = 7.937(2) ?,b = 8.811(2) ?, c = 15.531(3) ?, Z = 2, R = 0.0579. The complex is high spin (S = (5)/(2)) with an effective magnetic moment (&mgr;(eff)) 5.82 &mgr;(B) at 298 K and 5.65 &mgr;(B) at 4.2 K. Computer simulation of the Q-band EPR spectrum of [Mn([9]aneN(2)S)(2)](ClO(4))(2) yields g = 1.99 +/- 0.01, |D| = 0.19 +/- 0.005 cm(-)(1), and E/D = 0.04 +/- 0.02. For the analogous hexaamine complex [Mn([9]aneN(3))(2)](ClO(4))(2) ([9]aneN(3) = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane) analysis of the EPR spectra produced the following values: g = 1.98 +/- 0.01, |D| = 0.09 +/- 0.003 cm(-)(1), and E/D = 0.1 +/- 0.01. The spin Hamiltonian parameters for [Mn([9]aneN(2)S)(2)](ClO(4))(2) derived from the EPR spectra produced a good fit to the magnetic susceptibility data.     

A perimidine-derived non-Kekulé triplet diradical

6,9-Di(tert-butyl)-1-methyltetrazolo[1,5-a]perimidine (1) has been synthesized from naphthalene in seven steps. The EPR spectra, recorded after irradiation of 1 in a butyronitrile matrix at 77 K (lambda = 351 nm) and in Ar and Xe matrixes at 4.6 K (lambda > or = 345 nm), showed a six-line, high-field signal (Delta m(S) = +/- 1), centered at 3350 G in butyronitrile, along with a half-field signal (Delta m(S) = +/- 2), which is characteristic for triplets. Simulation of the observed EPR spectra gave values for the zero-field splitting parameters of |D/hc|/cm(-1) = 0.0105, |E/hc|/cm(-1) = 0.0014 in butyronitrile and |D/hc|/cm(-1) = 0.0107, |E/hc|/cm(-1) = 0.0016 in Ar. These EPR parameters are consistent with the diradical 5,8-di(tert-butyl)-2-(N-methylimino)perimidine-1,3-diyl ((3)2) as source of the EPR spectra. Linearity of the Curie-Weiss plot and UB3LYP and (14/14)CASPT2 calculations of the singlet-triplet energy difference (DeltaE(ST) approximately 8-10 kcal/mol) indicate that the triplet is the ground state of 2, as predicted for such a nondisjoint diradical.     

EPR study of substrate binding to the Mn(II) active site of the bacterial antibiotic resistance enzyme FosA: a better way to examine Mn(II)

FosA is a manganese metalloglutathione transferase that confers resistance to the broad-spectrum antibiotic fosfomycin, (1R,2S)-epoxypropylphosphonic acid. The reaction catalyzed by FosA involves the attack by glutathione on fosfomycin to yield the product 1-(S-glutathionyl)-2-hydroxypropylphosphonic acid. The enzyme is a dimer of 16 kDa subunits, each of which harbors one mononuclear Mn(II) site. The coordination environment of the Mn(II) in the FosA x Mn(2+) complex is composed of a glutamate and two histidine ligands and three water molecules. Here we report EPR spectroscopic studies on FosA, in which EPR spectra were obtained at 35 GHz and 2 K using dispersion-detection rapid-passage techniques. This approach provides an absorption envelope line shape, in contrast to the conventional (slow-passage) derivative line shape, and is a more reliable way to collect spectra from Mn(II) centers with large zero-field splitting. We obtain excellent spectra of FosA bound with substrate, substrate analogue phosphate ion, and product, whereas these states cannot be studied by X-band, slow-passage methods. Simulation of the EPR spectra shows that binding of substrate or analogue causes a profound change in the electronic parameters of the Mn(II) ion. The axial zero-field splitting changes from [D] = 0.06 cm(-1) for substrate-free enzyme to 0.23 cm(-1) for fosfomycin-bound enzyme, 0.28 (1) cm(-1) for FosA with phosphate, and 0.27 (1) cm(-1) with product. Such a large zero-field splitting is uncommon for Mn(II). A simple ligand field analysis of this change indicates that binding of the phosphonate/phosphate group of substrate or analogue changes the electronic energy levels of the Mn(II) 3d orbitals by several thousand cm(-1), indicative of a significant change in the Mn(II) coordination sphere. Comparison with related enzymes (glyoxalase I and MnSOD) suggests that the change in the coordination environment on substrate binding may correspond to loss of the glutamate ligand.     

Detection and measurement of noncoincidence between the principal axes of the g-matrix and zero-field splitting tensor using multifrequency powder EPR spectroscopy: application to cis-[(NH(3))(2)Pt(1-MeU)(2)Cu(H(2)O)(2)](SO(4)) x 4.5H(2)O (1-MeU = monoanion of 1-methyluracil)

Multifrequency continuous wave EPR spectra (4-34 GHz) on a powder of the title compound are consistent with a spin-triplet state. This arises from interaction between centrosymmetrically related pairs of copper(II) ions in the solid. The spectra at all frequencies have been simulated with a single set of spin-Hamiltonian parameters. The results show that there is noncoincidence between the principal axes of the g-matrices on each copper center and those of the zero-field splitting (D) tensor. This noncoincidence is a single rotation of 33 degrees +/- 2 degrees. The parameters from the powder spectra have been verified by a subsequent single-crystal EPR study which yielded the spin-Hamiltonian parameters g(XX) = 2.074, g(YY) = 2.093, g(ZZ) = 2.385, D(XX) = +/-0.0228 cm(-1), D(YY) = +/-0.0211 cm(-1), D(ZZ) = -/+0.0439 cm(-1) with Euler angles of alpha = 179 degrees, chi = 33.4 degrees, and gamma = 328 degrees. Analysis of the zero-field splitting tensor in terms of exchange indicates that the interaction between the pairs of copper(II) ions is almost entirely dipolar in origin. This study shows that multifrequency EPR spectroscopy on powders, coupled with spectrum simulation, can detect and measure noncoincidence between the principal axes of the g-matrix and zero-field splitting tensor, and does not necessarily require the presence of metal hyperfine interactions.     

EPR and magnetic properties of heteronuclear Mn(n)Mg(6-)(n)(O(2)CNEt(2))(12): impact of structural distortions on Mn(II) in weak ligand fields

The reaction between Mn(6)L(12) and Mg(6)L(12) (L = N,N-diethylcarbamate) results in isolation of heteronuclear complexes Mn(n)Mg(6)(-)(n)L(12). A series was prepared with different doping factors n by varying the Mn/Mg ratio in the crystallization solutions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that MnMg(5)L(12) is isostructural with Mn(6)L(12) and Mg(6)L(12). Magnetic susceptibility data on the series Mn(n)Mg(6)(-)(n)L(12) (n = 1-6) are consistent with antiferromagnetic Mn.Mn interactions. At low n, the magnetic data demonstrate the formation of magnetically isolated Mn(2+) centers. This was confirmed by measurement of the EPR spectrum at a doping factor n = 0.06 in solution, as a powder, and as single crystals. These show hyperfine interactions consistent with isolated Mn(2+). The EPR spectrum of Mn(0.06)Mg(5.94)L(12) exhibits a dominant signal at g(eff) = 4, and a wide series of less intense signals spanning 200-6000 G in the X-band regime. This unusual behavior in a weak-field Mn(2+) complex is attributed to the substantial distortions from cubic ligand field geometry in this system. The g(eff) = 4 signals are attributed to a C(2)-symmetric hexacoordinate Mn(2+) ion with D > 0.3 cm(-)(1) and E/D = 0.33. The wide series is assigned to an axial C(4)(v) pentacoordinate Mn(2+) site with D = 0.05 cm(-)(1). Comparison of the g(eff) = 4 signals to the g = 4.1 signals exhibited by the tetramanganese complex in photosystem II belies the fact that they almost certainly arise from different spin systems. In addition, the similarity of the spectrum of Mn(n)Mg(6)(-)(n)L(12) to mononuclear Mn(4+) complexes suggests that considerable care must be exercised in the use of EPR as a fingerprint for the manganese oxidation state, particularly in manganese proteins where molecular composition may not be precisely established.     

Low-valent low-coordinated manganese(I) ion dimer: a temperature dependent W-band EPR study

W-Band EPR spectra of [[HC(CMeNAr)(2)]Mn](2) (Ar = 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)) have been measured at different temperatures. The spectra show a behavior which is typical for an antiferromagnetically coupled dimer with excited states populating upon increasing temperature. By following the intensity variation of the different features of the spectra with temperature, we attributed different groups of resonances to the S = 1, 2, and 3 states of the dimer. Their corresponding spin Hamiltonian parameters were derived from simulations. The zero-field-splitting parameters measured in this way were D(S=1) = 1.57 cm(-1) and E(S=1) = 0.064 cm(-1), D(S=2) = 0.266 cm(-1) and E(S=2) = 0.0045 cm(-1), and D(S=3) = 0.075 cm(-1) and E(S=3) = 0. On the basis of the molecular structure of the system, we could estimate that zero-field splitting (ZFS) is the result of anisotropic exchange and single-ion anisotropic contributions of similar magnitude (|D| approximately 0.2 cm(-1)). These results allow a deeper insight into the electronic structure of the Mn(I) centers in low-coordination environments, further supporting the electronic structure of Mn(I) to be 4s(1)3d(5), as previously indicated by DFT calculations.     

Versatility of 2,6-diacetylpyridine (dap) hydrazones in stabilizing uncommon coordination geometries of Mn(II): synthesis, spectroscopic, magnetic and structural characterization

Five seven- or eight-coordinate manganese complexes of hydrazone ligands have been prepared. Three seven-coordinate neutral Mn(II) complexes: [Mn(dapA2)]n (1), [Mn(dapB2)(H2O)2] (2), [Mn(dapS2)(H2O)2] (3) have been synthesized from the bis-Schiff bases of 2,6-diacetylpyridine: dap(AH)2, dap(BH)2 and dap(SH)2 (AH = anthraniloyl hydrazide, BH = benzoyl hydrazide, SH = salicyloyl hydrazide), respectively. Two eight-coordinate Mn(II) complexes: [Mn(dapS)2] (4) and [Mn(dapB)2].3H2O (5) have been synthesized from the mono-Schiff bases dapBH and dapSH, respectively. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses and by IR, UV-Vis., FAB mass, EI mass and EPR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 1, 3.DMF and 4.DMF have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The mono-Schiff bases are monoanionic and the bis-Schiff bases are dianionic. The octa-coordinated mono-Schiff base complex 4 adopts a dodecahedral geometry, while the hepta-coordinated bis-Schiff base complex 1 forms a one-dimensional linear polymeric chain. A weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction (J=-0.15 cm(-1)) between the Mn(II) ions in is attributed to weak Mn...Mn interaction through the PhNH(2) moiety of the ligand, as indicated by extended-Hückel molecular orbital calculations. A good simulation of the EPR spectrum of a frozen solution (DMSO at 4 K) of compound 1 was obtained with g=2.0, D=0.1 cm(-1), E=0.01 cm(-1). The EPR spectrum of a powdered sample of compound 1 shows a large broadening of the signal, due in part, to the important zero-field splitting of the hepta-coordinated Mn(II) ion.     

Reactive carbon-chain molecules: synthesis of 1-diazo-2,4-pentadiyne and spectroscopic characterization of triplet pentadiynylidene (H-C[triple bond]C-:C-C[triple bond]C-H)

1-Diazo-2,4-pentadiyne (6a), along with both monodeuterio isotopomers 6b and 6c, has been synthesized via a route that proceeds through diacetylene, 2,4-pentadiynal, and 2,4-pentadiynal tosylhydrazone. Photolysis of diazo compounds 6a-c (lambda > 444 nm; Ar or N2, 10 K) generates triplet carbenes HC5H (1) and HC5D (1-d), which have been characterized by IR, EPR, and UV/vis spectroscopy. Although many resonance structures contribute to the resonance hybrid for this highly unsaturated carbon-chain molecule, experiment and theory reveal that the structure is best depicted in terms of the dominant resonance contributor of penta-1,4-diyn-3-ylidene (diethynylcarbene, H-C[triple bond]C-:C-C[triple bond]C-H). Theory predicts an axially symmetric (D(infinity h)) structure and a triplet electronic ground state for 1 (CCSD(T)/ANO). Experimental IR frequencies and isotope shifts are in good agreement with computed values. The triplet EPR spectrum of 1 (absolute value(D/hc) = 0.6157 cm(-1), absolute value(E/hc) = 0.0006 cm(-1)) is consistent with an axially symmetric structure, and the Curie law behavior confirms that the triplet state is the ground state. The electronic absorption spectrum of 1 exhibits a weak transition near 400 nm with extensive vibronic coupling. Chemical trapping of triplet HC5H (1) in an O2-doped matrix affords the carbonyl oxide 16 derived exclusively from attack at the central carbon.     

Spectroscopic demonstration of a large antisymmetric exchange contribution to the spin-frustrated ground state of a D3 symmetric hydroxy-bridged trinuclear Cu(II) complex: ground-to-excited state superexchange pathways

The magnetic and electronic properties of a spin-frustrated ground state of an antiferromagnetically coupled 3-fold symmetric trinuclear copper complex (TrisOH) is investigated using a combination of variable-temperature variable-field magnetic circular dichroism (VTVH MCD) and powder/single-crystal EPR. Direct evidence for a low-lying excited S = (1)/(2) state from the zero-field split ground (2)E state is provided by the nonlinear dependence of the MCD intensity on 1/T and the nesting of the VTVH MCD isotherms. A consistent zero-field splitting (Delta) value of approximately 65 cm(-1) is obtained from both approaches. In addition, the strong angular dependence of the single-crystal EPR spectrum, with effective g-values from 2.32 down to an unprecedented 1.2, requires in-state spin-orbit coupling of the (2)E state via antisymmetric exchange. The observable EPR intensities also require lowering of the symmetry of the trimer structure, likely reflecting a magnetic Jahn-Teller effect. Thus, the Delta of the ground (2)E state is shown to be governed by the competing effects of antisymmetric exchange (G = 36.0 +/- 0.8 cm(-1)) and symmetry lowering (delta = 17.5 +/- 5.0 cm(-1)). G and delta have opposite effects on the spin distribution over the three metal sites where the former tends to delocalize and the latter tends to localize the spin of the S(tot) = (1)/(2) ground state on one metal center. The combined effects lead to partial delocalization, reflected by the observed EPR parallel hyperfine splitting of 74 x 10(-4) cm(-1). The origin of the large G value derives from the efficient superexchange pathway available between the ground d(x2-y2) and excited d(xy) orbitals of adjacent Cu sites, via strong sigma-type bonds with the in-plane p-orbitals of the bridging hydroxy ligands. This study provides significant insight into the orbital origin of the spin Hamiltonian parameters of a spin-frustrated ground state of a trigonal copper cluster.     

Single crystal EPR studies on Mn(II)-doped sarcosine cadmium chloride and sarcosine cadmium bromide: study of zero-field splitting tensor in iso-structural complexes

EPR spectra of single crystals of Mn(II)-doped sarcosine cadmium chloride and sarcosine cadmium bromide are studied in Q-band and in X-band at room temperature. Two magnetically inequivalent sites are observed in both the lattices in a distorted octahedral environment. The spin-Hamiltonian parameters are extracted and are found to have a rhombic symmetry. The angular variation of the zero-field transitions is simulated for one of the sites with an asymmetric zero-field tensor D = 480 x 10(-4) cm(-1), E = -115 x 10(-4) cm(-1) and a = 10 x 10(-4) cm(-1) for Mn(II) in sarcosine cadmium chloride and with D = 460 x 10(-4) cm(-1) E = -98 x 10(-4) cm(-1) and a = 10 x 10(-4) cm(-1) for Mn(II) in sarcosine cadmium bromide. The observed large value of zero-field tensor is due to the steric effects of the crystal packing caused by the ligands. Matumura's plot predicts an average covalency of 8.8 and 7.7% for the manganese-ligand bond in SCC and SCB lattices respectively.     

Mössbauer, electron paramagnetic resonance, and theoretical study of a high-spin, four-coordinate Fe(II) diketiminate complex

The iron(II) complex LFeCl 2Li(THF) 2 (L = beta-diketiminate), 1, has been studied with variable-temperature, variable-field Mossbauer spectroscopy and parallel mode electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in both solution and the solid state. In zero applied field the 4.2 K Mossbauer spectrum exhibits an isomer shift delta = 0.90 mm/s and quadrupole splitting Delta E Q = 2.4 mm/s, values that are typical for the high-spin ( S = 2) state anticipated for the iron in 1. Spectra recorded in applied magnetic fields yield an anisotropic magnetic hyperfine tensor with A x = +2.3 (+ 1.0) T, A y = A z = -21.5 T ( solution) and a nearly axial zero-field splitting of the spin quintet with D = D x approximately -14 cm (-1) and rhombicity E/ D approximately 0.1. The small, positive value for A x results from the presence of residual orbital angular momentum along x. The EPR analysis gives g x approximately 2.4 (and g y approximately g z approximately 2.0) and reveals a split " M S = +/- 2" ground doublet with a gap distributed around Delta = 0.42 cm (-1). The Mossbauer spectra of 1 show unusual features that arise from the presence of orientation-dependent relaxation and a distribution in the magnetic hyperfine field along x. The origin of the distribution has been analyzed using crystal field theory. The analysis indicates that the distribution in the magnetic hyperfine field originates from a narrow distribution, sigma phi approximately 0.5 degrees , in torsion angle phi between the FeN 2 and FeCl 2 planes, arising from minute inhomogeneities in the molecular environments.     

Magnetic and optical studies on an S = 6 ground-state cluster [Cr12O9(OH)3(O2CCMe3)15]: determination of,and the relationship between,single-ion and cluster spin Hamiltonian parameters

The dodecametallic Cr(III) cluster [Cr(12)O(9)(OH)(3)(O(2)CCMe(3))(15)] has a ground spin state of S = 6 characterized by the spin Hamiltonian parameters g(ZZ)() = 1.965, g(XX)() = g(YY)() = 1.960, D(S=)()(6) = +0.088 cm(-)(1), and E(S=)()(6) = 0 (where D and E are the axial and rhombic zero-field splitting parameters, respectively) as determined by multifrequency EPR spectroscopy and magnetization studies. Micro-SQUID magnetization studies reveal steps due to the fine structure of the ground state, with the spacing between the steps in excellent agreement with the D(S=)()(6) value determined by EPR. Analysis of high-resolution optical data (MCD) allows us to determine the single-ion g values and D value (= -1.035 cm(-)(1)) of the constituent Cr(III) ions directly. A vector coupling analysis demonstrates that the cluster ZFS is almost entirely due to the single-ion component. Thus, the relative orientations of the local and cluster magnetic axes can lead to a cluster ZFS of opposite sign to the single-ion value, even when this is the only significant contribution.     

High-frequency EPR study of the ferrous ion in the reduced rubredoxin model

High-frequency (94-371 GHz) EPR data are reported for powdered samples of [PPh4]2[Fe(SPh)4], an accurate model for the reduced site of rubredoxins. This is the first HFEPR investigation of an S = 2 ferrous complex, illustrating the utility of this technique for the investigation of integer-spin systems. A full-matrix diagonalization approach is used to simulate spectra over the 94-371 GHz frequency range, providing the spin-Hamiltonian parameters g, D, and E. It is observed that g is anisotropic, characterized by gx = gy = 2.08 and gz = 2.00, and that D = +5.84 cm(-1) and E = +1.42 cm(-1), where the uncertainty in each parameter is estimated as +/- 2%. The spin-Hamiltonian for [PPh4]2[Fe(SPh)4] is related to fundamental properties, such as the crystal-field splitting and the spin-orbit coupling of Fe2+. It is shown that the conventional spin-Hamiltonian accurately represents the electronic structure of the Fe2+ ion in this molecule. Through a comparison with Fe(SPh)4(PPh4)2, the zero-field splitting of the Fe2+ site in reduced rubredoxin is estimated to be D = +5.3 cm(-1) and E = +1.5 cm(-1). This is one of the few HFEPR investigations of a rhombic, high-spin system; as such, it is a step toward the eventual investigation of similar Fe2+ sites in proteins.