o-Iminobenzosemiquinonato complexes of Mn(III) and Mn(IV). Synthesis and characterization of [Mn(III)(L(ISQ))(2)(L(AP))] (S(t) = 1) and [Mn(IV)(L(ISQ))(2)(L(AP)-H)] (S(t) = 1/2)

From the reaction of [Mn(III)(3)(micro-O)(micro-CH(3)CO(2))(6)]CH(3)CO(2) (manganese(III) acetate) and 2-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol (1:3) in methanol under anaerobic conditions, dark brown-black crystals of [Mn(III)(L(ISQ))(2)(L(AP))] (1) were obtained in approximately 30% yield. (L(AP))(-) represents the closed-shell o-aminophenolate(-) form of the above ligand, and (L(ISQ))(-) is the monoanionic pi radical form o-iminobenzosemiquinonate(-) (S(rad) = 1/2). Complex 1 can be deprotonated at the (L(AP))(-) ligand and one-electron-oxidized by air, yielding crystals of [Mn(IV)(L(ISQ))(2)(L(AP)-H)] (2), where (L(AP)-H)(2-) represents the closed-shell, dianionic o-amidophenolate(2-) form of the above ligand. The structures of 1 and 2 have been determined by X-ray crystallography at 100 K. The protonation and oxidation levels of the ligands and of the metal ions have been unequivocally established: both complexes contain two pi radical ligands, 1 contains a Mn(III) ion, and 2 contains a Mn(IV) ion. The spins of the radicals (S(rad) = 1/2) couple strongly antiferromagnetically with the d(4) and d(3) configuration of the Mn ions in 1 and 2, respectively, yielding the observed ground states of S = 1 for 1 and S = (1)/(2) for 2. This has been established by temperature-dependent susceptibility measurements (2-300 K) and S- and X-band EPR spectroscopy.     

Molecular and electronic structures of iron(II)/(III) complexes containing N,S-coordinated,closed-shell o-aminothiophenolato(1-) and o-iminothiophenolato(2-) ligands

The coordination chemistry of the ligands o-aminothiophenol, H(abt), 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2-aminothiophenol, H[L(AP)], and 1,2-ethanediamine-N,N'-bis(2-benzenethiol), H(4)('N(2)S(2')), with FeCl(2) under strictly anaerobic and increasingly aerobic conditions has been systematically investigated. Using strictly anaerobic conditions, the neutral, air-sensitive, yellow complexes (mu-S,S)[Fe(II)(abt)(2)](2) (1), (mu-S,S)[Fe(II)(L(AP))(2)](2).8CH(3)OH (2), and (mu-S,S)[Fe(II)('H(2)N(2)S(2'))](2).CH(3)CN (3) containing high spin ferrous ions have been isolated where (abt)(1-), (L(AP))(1-), and ('H(2)N(2)S(2'))(2-) represent the respective N,S-coordinated, aromatic o-aminothiophenolate derivative of these ligands. When the described reaction was carried out in the presence of trace amounts of O(2) and [PPh(4)]Br, light-green crystals of [PPh(4)][Fe(II)(abt)(2)(itbs)].[PPh(4)]Br (4) were isolated. The anion [Fe(II)(abt)(2)(itbs)](-) contains a high spin ferrous ion, two N,S-coordinated o-aminophenolate(1-) ligands, and an S-bound, monoanionic o-iminothionebenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radical, (itbs)(-). Complex 4 possesses an S(t) = 3/2 ground state. In the absence of [PPh(4)]Br and presence of a base NEt(3) and a little O(2), the ferric dimer (mu-NH,NH)[Fe(III)(L(AP))(L(IP))](2) (5a) and its isomer (mu-S,S)[Fe(III)(L(AP))(L(IP))](2) (5b) formed. (L(IP))(2-) represents the aromatic o-iminothiophenolate(2-) dianion of H[L(AP)]. The structures of compounds 2, 4, and 5a have been determined by X-ray crystallography at 100(2) K. Zero-field M?ssbauer spectroscopy of 1, 2, 3, and 4 unambiguously shows the presence of high spin ferrous ions: The isomer shift at 80 K is in the narrow range 0.85-0.92 mm s(-1), and a large quadrupole splitting, |DeltaE(Q)|, in the range 3.24-4.10 mm s(-1), is observed. In contrast, 5a and 5b comprise both intermediate spin ferric ions (S(Fe) = 3/2) which couple antiferromagnetically in the dinuclear molecules yielding an S(t) = 0 ground state.     

Iridium(III) complexes formed by O-H and/Or C-H activation of 2-(arylazo)phenols

Reaction of 2-(arylazo)phenols with [Ir(PPh(3))(3)Cl] in refluxing ethanol in the presence of a base (NEt(3)) affords complexes of three different types, viz. [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-R)(H)Cl] (R = OCH(3), CH(3), H, Cl and NO(2)), [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-R)(H)(2)] and [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-R)(H)]. Structures of the [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-Cl)(H)Cl], [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-Cl)(H)(2)] and [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-Cl)(H)] complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. In the [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-R)(H)Cl] and [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-R)(H)(2)] complexes, the 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligands are coordinated to the metal center as monoanionic bidentate N,O-donors, whereas in the [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-R)(H)] complexes, they are coordinated to iridium as dianionic tridentate C,N,O-donors. In all three products formed in ethanol, the two PPh(3) ligands are trans. Reaction of 2-(arylazo)phenols with [Ir(PPh(3))(3)Cl] in refluxing toluene in the presence of NEt(3) affords complexes of two types, viz. [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-R)(H)] and [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-R)Cl]. Structure of the [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-Cl)Cl] complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography, and the 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligand is coordinated to the metal center as a dianionic tridentate C,N,O-donor and the two PPh(3) ligands are cis. All of the iridium(III) complexes show intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry shows an Ir(III)-Ir(IV) oxidation on the positive side of SCE and an Ir(III)-Ir(II) reduction on the negative side for all of the products.     

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 novel triazidoruthenium(III) building block for the construction of polynuclear compounds

Reaction of [Ru(VI)(N)(sap)Cl] with excess NaN(3) affords a novel paramagnetic triazidoruthenium(III) complex [Ru(III)(sap)(N(3))(3)](2-), which is isolated as a PPh(4)(+) salt (1). Reaction of 1 with Ni(2+) and Co(2+) ions produce two isostructural hexanuclear [Ru(4)M(2)] compounds, [Ru(IV)(4)M(II)(2)(μ(3)-OMe)(2)(μ-OMe)(2)(μ-N)(2)(μ-N(3))(2)(μ-O(phenoxy))(2)(sap)(4) (MeOH)(4)] (M = Ni 2 or Co 3). The molecular structures of 1-3 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. 1 is a mononuclear ruthenium(III) compound where three azide ligands are bonded to ruthenium in a meridional fashion, while compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural hexanuclear compounds containing a defective face-sharing dicubane-like core with two missing vertexes. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility studies have been carried out for 2 and 3. These data indicate that there are four diamagnetic Ru(IV) ions in 2 and 3 and there is ferromagnetic interaction between the two Ni(2+) in 2 and Co(2+) in 3 via the methoxy bridges.     

Iron(III) chemistry with ferrocene-1,1'-dicarboxylic acid (fdcH2): an Fe7 cluster with an oxidized fdc(-) ligand

The synthesis and properties are reported of a new Fe(7) cluster obtained from the reaction of ferrocene-1,1'-dicarboxylic acid (fdcH(2)) with FeCl(2)·4H(2)O in MeOH under ambient light conditions. The compound is the mixed-anion salt [Fe(7)O(3)(OMe)(fdc)(6)(MeOH)(3)][FeCl(4)]Cl(2) (1; 8Fe(III)), containing six (fdc(n-)) groups as peripheral ligands. The cation of 1 has virtual C(3) symmetry and contains a central [Fe(4)(μ(3)-O)(3)(μ(3)-OMe)](5+) cubane unit whose three oxide ions each become μ(4) by attaching to a fourth Fe atom outside the cubane. The resulting [Fe(7)(μ(3)-O(3))(μ(3)-OMe)](14+) core is surrounded by six fdc(n-) (n = 1, 2) groups, which divide into two sets by virtual symmetry. The blue color of the complex suggested that some of these ligands are in their oxidized fdc(-) ferricenium (Fe(III)) state, and various data point to there being one fdc(-) ligand in the compound, the initial example of the group acting as a ligand in inorganic chemistry. Variable-temperature, solid-state DC and AC susceptibility measurements reveal the cation to be antiferromagnetically coupled, as expected for high-spin Fe(III), and to have an S = 2 ground state, consistent with an S = (5)/(2) Fe(7) inner core coupled antiferromagnetically to the one paramagnetic fdc(-) (S = (1)/(2)) ligand. Complex 1 displays multiple reductions and oxidations when investigated by electrochemistry in MeCN. (57)Fe Mo?ssbauer spectroscopy supports the presence of only five fdc(2-) ligands, but cannot resolve the signals from the various Fe(III) sites.     

Scrutinizing low-spin Cr(II) complexes

The oxidation state of the chromium center in the following compounds has been probed using a combination of chromium K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory: [Cr(phen)(3)][PF(6)](2) (1), [Cr(phen)(3)][PF(6)](3) (2), [CrCl(2)((t)bpy)(2)] (3), [CrCl(2)(bpy)(2)]Cl(0.38)[PF(6)](0.62) (4), [Cr(TPP)(py)(2)] (5), [Cr((t)BuNC)(6)][PF(6)](2) (6), [CrCl(2)(dmpe)(2)] (7), and [Cr(Cp)(2)] (8), where phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, (t)bpy is 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine, and TPP(2-) is doubly deprotonated 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin. The X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1, [Cr(phen)(3)][OTf](2) (1'), and 3 are reported. The X-ray absorption and computational data reveal that complexes 1-5 all contain a central Cr(III) ion (S(Cr) = (3)/(2)), whereas complexes 6-8 contain a central low-spin (S = 1) Cr(II) ion. Therefore, the electronic structures of 1-8 are best described as [Cr(III)(phen(?))(phen(0))(2)][PF(6)](2), [Cr(III)(phen(0))(3)][PF(6)](3), [Cr(III)Cl(2)((t)bpy(?))((t)bpy(0))], [Cr(III)Cl(2)(bpy(0))(2)]Cl(0.38)[PF(6)](0.62), [Cr(III)(TPP(3?-))(py)(2)], [Cr(II)((t)BuNC)(6)][PF(6)](2), [Cr(II)Cl(2)(dmpe)(2)], and [Cr(II)(Cp)(2)], respectively, where (L(0)) and (L(?))(-) (L = phen, (t)bpy, or bpy) are the diamagnetic neutral and one-electron-reduced radical monoanionic forms of L, and TPP(3?-) is the one-electron-reduced doublet form of diamagnetic TPP(2-). Following our previous results that have shown [Cr((t)bpy)(3)](2+) and [Cr(tpy)(2)](2+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) to contain a central Cr(III) ion, the current results further refine the scope of compounds that may be described as low-spin Cr(II) and reveal that this is a very rare oxidation state accessible only with ligands in the strong-field extreme of the spectrochemical series.     

Mechanistic Insight into the NN Bond‐Cleavage of Azo‐Compounds that was Induced by an Al?Al‐bonded Compound [L2−AlII?AlIIL2−]

An α‐diimine‐stabilized Al? Al‐bonded compound [L^2?Al^II? Al^IIL^2?] (L=[{(2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)NC(Me)}₂]; 1 ) consists of dianionic α‐diimine ligands and sub‐valent Al²⁺ ions and thus could potentially behave as a multielectron reductant. The reactions of compound 1 with azo‐compounds afforded phenylimido‐bridged products [L^?Al^III(μ₂‐NPh)(μ₂‐NAr)Al^IIIL^?] ( 2 – 4 ). During the reaction, the dianionic ligands and Al²⁺ ions were oxidized into monoanions and Al³⁺, respectively, whilst the [NAr]^2? imides were produced by the four‐electron reductive cleavage of the N?N double bond. Upon further reduction by Na, the monoanionic ligands in compound 2 were reduced to the dianion to give [(L^2?)₂Al^III₂(μ₂‐NPh)₂Na₂(thf)₄] ( 5 ). Interestingly, when asymmetric azo‐compounds were used, the asymmetric adducts were isolated as the only products (compounds 3 and 4 ). DFT calculations indicated that the reaction was quite feasible in the singlet electronic state, but the final product with the triplet‐state monoanionic ligands could result from an exothermic singlet‐to‐triplet conversion during the reaction process.     

Cubic and doubly-fused cubic samarium clusters from Sm(II)-mediated reduction of organic azides and azobenzenes

A polynuclear samarium imido complex [(L)Sm(4)(μ(3)-NSiMe(3))(4)] (2) featuring a cubane-like cluster has been synthesized from the reaction of an organic azide and a samarium(II) complex [(L)SmI(2)Li(2)(THF)(Et(2)O)(2)] (1). In addition, this divalent samarium starting material (1) reacts with azobenzene to give the first example of a well-defined doubly-fused cubic imido-cluster [(L)Sm(6)(μ(3)-NPh)(4)(μ(4)-NPh)(2)I(2)(THF)(2)] (4) in addition to a major cubic complex [(L)Sm(4)(μ(3)-NPh)(4)] (3).     

Stepwise assembly of homochiral coordination polymers based on the precursor of an enantiopure Yb(3)Mn(6) cluster

Two homochiral coordination polymers, namely, [Yb(III)(3)Mn(III)(6)(L)(6)(μ(2)-OMe)(6)(isonicotinate)(2)(HOMe)(2)][Yb(III)(3)Mn(III)(6)(L)(6)(μ(2)-OMe)(6)(isonicotinate)(2)(HOMe)(4)](NO(3))(2)·6MeOH·12H(2)O (5) (H(3)L = (S,E)-4-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-2-hydroxybutanoic acid) and [Yb(III)(3)Mn(III)(6)Na(L)(6)(μ(2)-OMe)(6)(OOCH)(3)]I·17H(2)O (6), have been constructed by utilizing a stable enantiopure [Yb(III)(3)Mn(III)(6)(L)(6)(μ(2)-OMe)(6)](3+) (Yb(3)Mn(6)) cluster as a precursor.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a novel family of heterometallic nonanuclear Na(I)2Mn(III)6Ln(III) (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) complexes

The structures and magnetic properties of four isomorphous nonanuclear heterometallic complexes [Na(2){Mn(3)(III)(μ(3)-O(2-))}(2)Ln(III)(hmmp)(6)(O(2)CPh)(4)(N(3))(2)]OH·0.5 CH(3)CN·1.5H(2)O are reported, where Ln(III) = Eu (1), Gd (2), Tb (3) and Dy (4), H(2)hmmp = 2-[(2-hydroxyethylimino)methyl]-6-methoxyphenol. Complexes 1-4 were prepared by the reactions of hmmpH(2) with a manganese salt and the respective lanthanide salt together with NaO(2)CPh and NaN(3). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the six Mn(III) and one Ln(III) metal topology in the aggregate can be described as a bitetrahedron. The two peripheral [Mn(III)(3)(μ(3)-O(2-))](7+) triangles are each bonded to a central Ln(III) ion with rare distorted octahedral geometry. The magnetic properties of all the complexes were investigated using variable temperature magnetic susceptibility and both antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions exist in the [Mn(III)(3)(μ(3)-O(2-))](7+) triangle. Weak ferromagnetic exchange between the Ln(III) and Mn(III) ions has been established for the corresponding Gd derivative. The Gd, Tb and Dy complexes show no evidence of slow relaxation behaviour above 2.0 K.     

The beta-dialdiminato ligand [{N(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)C(H)}2CPh]-: the conjugate acid and Li, Al, Ga and In derivatives

The synthesis of the following crystalline complexes is described: [Li(L)(thf)2] (), [Li(L)(tmeda)] (), [MCl2(L)] [M=Al (), Ga ()], [In(Cl)(L)(micro-Cl)2Li(OEt2)2] (), [In(Cl)(L){N(H)C6H3Pri(2)-2,6}] (), [In(L){N(H)C6H3Pri(2)-2,6}2] (), [{In(Cl)(L)(micro-OH)}2] (), [L(Cl)In-In(Cl)(L)] () (the thf-solvate, the solvate-free and the hexane-solvate), [{In(Cl)L}2(micro-S)] () and [InCl2(L)(tmeda)] () ([L]-=[{N(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)C(H)}2CPh]-). From H(L) (), via Li(L) in Et2O, and thf, tmeda, AlCl3, GaCl3 or InCl3 there was obtained , , , or , respectively in excellent yield. Compound was the precursor for each of , and [{InCl3(tmeda)2{micro-(OSnMe2)2}}] () by treatment with one () or two () equivalents of K[N(H)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)], successively Li[N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)] and moist air (), Na in thf (), tmeda (), or successively tmeda and Me3SnSnMe3 (). Crystals of (with an equivalent of In) and were obtained from InCl or thermolysis of [In(Cl)(L){N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)}] () {prepared in situ from and Li[N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)] in Et2O}, respectively. Compound was obtained from a thf solution of and sulfur. X-Ray data for crystalline , , , , , and are presented. The M(L) moiety in each (not the L-free ) has the monoanionic L ligated to the metal in the N,N'-chelating mode. The MN1C1C2C3N2 six-membered M(L) ring is pi-delocalised and has the half-chair (, and ) or boat (, and ) conformation.     

Na(THF)2Cr(N3N)]: The first trigonal monopyramidal chromium(II) complex

Reduction of [Cr(N(3)N)] (1) [(N(3)N)(3)(-) = ((SiMe(3)NCH(2)CH(2))(3)N)(3)(-)] with sodium powder in THF affords the yellow, extremely air-sensitive amidochromate(II) [Na(THF)(2)Cr(N(3)N)] (2) in good yield. Complex 2 has an effective magnetic moment of 5.1 mu(B) indicative of a d(4) high-spin electronic configuration. (1)H NMR spectroscopy in solution and single-crystal X-ray crystallography show that compound 2 is composed of idealized C(s) symmetric contact ion pairs, in which trigonal-monopyramidal [Cr(II)(N(3)N)](-) anions are linked to the [Na(THF)(2)](+) countercations by two bridging amide ligands. DFT calculations of 1, 2, and the anion [Cr(N(3)N)](-) at the RI-BP86/TZVPP level of theory provide in combination with extended Hückel calculations a rationale for the observed structural changes from 1 to 2.     

Reactions of cadmium(II) nitrate with 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate in the presence of N-donor ligands

Reactions of Cd(NO(3))(2)·4H(2)O with TabHPF(6) (TabH = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiol) and Et(3)N in the presence of NH(4)SCN and five other N-donor ligands such as 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bipy), phenanthroline (phen), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (2,9-dmphen), 2,6-bis(pyrazd-3-yl)pyridine (bppy) and 2,6-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (bdmppy) gave rise to a family of Cd(II)/thiolate complexes of N-donor ligands, {[Cd(2)(μ-Tab)(4)(NCS)(2)](NO(3))(2)·MeOH}(n) (1), [Cd(2)(μ-Tab)(2)(L)(4)](PF(6))(4) (2: L = 2,2'-bipy; 3: L = phen), [Cd(Tab)(2)(L)](PF(6))(2) (4: L = 2,9-dmphen; 5: L = bppy), and [Cd(2)(μ-Tab)(2)(Tab)(2)(bdmppy)](2)(PF(6))(8)·H(2)O (6·H(2)O). These compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV-Vis spectra, (1)H NMR, electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. For 1, each [Cd(NCS)](+) fragment is connected to its equivalents via a pair of Tab bridges to a one-dimensional chain. For 2 and 3, two [Cd(2,2'-bipy)(2)](2+) or [Cd(phen)(2)](2+) units are linked by a pair of Tab bridges to form a cationic dimeric structure. The Cd atom in [Cd(Tab)(2)(L)](2+) dication of 4 or 5 is coordinated by two Tab ligands and chelated by two N atoms from 2,9-dmphen (4) or three N atoms from bppy (5), forming a distorted tetrahedral (4) or trigonal bipyramidal (5) coordination geometry. For 6, each of two [Cd(Tab)(bdmppy)] fragments is linked to one [(Tab)Cd(μ-Tab)(2)Cd(Tab)] fragment via two Tab bridges to generate a unique cationic zigzag tetrameric structure where the Cd centers take a tetrahedral or a trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry. The results may provide an interesting insight into mimicking the coordination spheres of the Cd(II) sites of metallothioneins and their interactions with various N-donor ligands encountered in nature.     

Investigation of the zinc(II)-benzoate-2-pyridinealdoxime reaction system

The employment of pyridine-2-carbaldehyde oxime (paoH) in zinc(II) benzoate chemistry, in the absence or presence of azide ions, is described. The syntheses, crystal structures and spectroscopic characterization are reported for the complexes [Zn(O(2)CPh)(2)(paoH)(2)] (1), [Zn(12)(OH)(4)(O(2)CPh)(16)(pao)(4)] (2) and [Zn(4)(OH)(2)(pao)(4)(N(3))(2)] (3). The Zn(II) centre in octahedral 1 is coordinated by two monodentate PhCO(2)(-) groups and two N,N'-chelating paoH ligands. The metallic skeleton of 2 describes a tetrahedron encapsulated in a distorted cube. The {Zn(12)(μ-OH)(4)(μ(3)-ΟR)(4)}(16+) core of the cluster can be conveniently described as consisting of a central {Zn(4)(μ(3)-ΟR)(4)}(4+) cubane subunit (RO(-) = pao(-)) linked to four {Zn(2)(μ-OH)}(3+) subunits via the OH(-) group of each of the latter, which becomes μ(3). The molecule of 3 has an inverse 12-metallacrown-4 topology. Two triply bridging hydroxido groups are accommodated into the metallacrown ring. Each pao(-) ligand adopts the η(1)?:?η(1)?:?η(1)?:?μ coordination mode, chelating one Zn(II) atom and bridging a Zn(II)(2) pair. Complexes 1 and 2 display photoluminescence with maxima at ～355 nm and ～375 nm, upon maximum excitation at 314 nm; the origin of the photoluminescence is discussed.     

Insight into the dinuclear {Fe(NO)2}10{Fe(NO)2}10 and mononuclear {Fe(NO)2}10 dinitrosyliron complexes

The reversible redox transformations [(NO)(2)Fe(S(t)Bu)(2)](-) ? [Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)(NO)(2)](2)(2-) ? [Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)(NO)(2)](2)(-) ? [Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)(NO)(2)](2) and [cation][(NO)(2)Fe(SEt)(2)] ? [cation](2)[(NO)(2)Fe(SEt)(2)] (cation = K(+)-18-crown-6 ether) are demonstrated. The countercation of the {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) dinitrosyliron complexes (DNICs) functions to control the formation of the {Fe(NO)(2)}(10){Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced Roussin's red ester (RRE) [PPN](2)[Fe(μ-SR)(NO)(2)](2) or the {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced monomeric DNIC [K(+)-18-crown-6 ether](2)[(NO)(2)Fe(SR)(2)] upon reduction of the {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) DNICs [cation][(NO)(2)Fe(SR)(2)] (cation = PPN(+), K(+)-18-crown-6 ether; R = alkyl). The binding preference of ligands [OPh](-)/[SR](-) toward the {Fe(NO)(2)}(10){Fe(NO)(2)}(10) motif of dianionic reduced RRE follows the ligand-displacement series [SR](-) > [OPh](-). Compared to the Fe K-edge preedge energy falling within the range of 7113.6-7113.8 eV for the dinuclear {Fe(NO)(2)}(9){Fe(NO)(2)}(9) DNICs and 7113.4-7113.8 eV for the mononuclear {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) DNICs, the {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced monomeric DNICs and the {Fe(NO)(2)}(10){Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced RREs containing S/O/N-ligation modes display the characteristic preedge energy 7113.1-7113.3 eV, which may be adopted to probe the formation of the EPR-silent {Fe(NO)(2)}(10)-{Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced RREs and {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced monomeric DNICs in biology. In addition to the characteristic Fe/S K-edge preedge energy, the IR ν(NO) spectra may also be adopted to characterize and discriminate [(NO)(2)Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)](2) [IR ν(NO) 1809 vw, 1778 s, 1753 s cm(-1) (KBr)], [Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)(NO)(2)](2)(-) [IR ν(NO) 1674 s, 1651 s cm(-1) (KBr)], [Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)(NO)(2)](2)(2-) [IR ν(NO) 1637 m, 1613 s, 1578 s, 1567 s cm(-1) (KBr)], and [K-18-crown-6 ether](2)[(NO)(2)Fe(SEt)(2)] [IR ν(NO) 1604 s, 1560 s cm(-1) (KBr)].     

Structures and magnetism of {Ni2Na2}, {Ni4} and {Ni6(II)Ni(III)} 2-hydroxy-3-alkoxy-benzaldehyde clusters

Three polynuclear complexes, [NiNa(μ(1,1,1)-N(3))(μ-hmb)(2)(DMF)](2), (1), [Ni(4)(μ(3)-OMe)(4)(heb)(4)(MeOH)(1.05)(H(2)O)(2.95)], (2) and [Ni(III)(OH)(6)(hmb)(6)Ni(II)(6)]·(ClO(4))(3) (3) (Hhmb = 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde; Hheb = 2-hydroxy-3-ethoxy-benzaldehyde), were prepared by reaction of the appropriate ligand with nickel(II) perchloride hexahydrate under solvothermal conditions. All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Compound 1 exhibits a centrosymmetric heterotetranuclear cluster which represents the first nickel complex to possess two connected face-sharing cubes structure {Ni(2)Na(2)N(2)O(4)}. Compound 2 has a tetranuclear Ni cluster with a cubane topology in which the Ni(II) and the oxygen atoms from the methanol ligands occupying alternate vertices of the cube. Compound 3 consisits of a mixed-valence [Ni(III)(OH)(6)(hmb)(6)Ni(II)(6)](3+) subunits and it represents the first nickel {Ni(II)(6)Ni(III)} complex to possess a planar hexagonal disc-like structure. The results show that the minor ligand modifications or solvent change have a key role in the structural control of the self-assembly process. Magnetic properties of 1-3 in the 300-2 K have been discussed. The {Ni(2)Na(2)} (1) and {Ni(4)} (2) core display dominant ferromagnetic interactions from the nature of the binding modes through μ(3)-N(3)(-) or μ(3)-OCH(3)(-), while {Ni(II)(6)Ni(III)} core (3) displays dominant anti-ferromagnetic interactions from the nature of the binding modes through μ(3)-OH(-).     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of dinuclear nickel amino-thiophenolate complexes bearing bridging VO2(OH)2- and VO2(OR)2- coligands

A series of novel mixed ligand dinickel complexes of the type [Ni(II)(2)L(μ-L')](+), where L' is a tetrahedral oxo-alkoxo vanadate (L' = [O(2)V(V)(OR)(2)](-), R = H or alkyl) and L a macrocyclic N(6)S(2) supporting ligand, have been prepared, and their esterification reactivity has been studied. The orthovanadate complex [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OH)(2))](+) (2), prepared by reaction between [Ni(2)L(μ-Cl)]ClO(4) with Na(3)VO(4) and a phase transfer reagent in CH(3)CN, reacts smoothly with MeOH and EtOH forming the vanadate diesters [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OMe)(2))](+) (3) and [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OEt)(2))](+) (4). The dialkyl orthovanadate esters in 3 and 4 are readily transesterified with mono- and difunctional alcohols. Complex 3 can also be generated from 4 by transesterification with MeOH. Complexes 3 and 4 react with diols (ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and diethylene glycol) as well to afford the complexes [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OH)(OCH(2)CH(2)OH))](+) (5), [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OCH(2))(2)CH(2))](+) (6), and [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OCH(2)CH(2))(2)O)] (7). The crystal structures of the tetraphenylborate salts of complexes 3-7 reveal in each case four-coordinate O(2)V(V)(OR)(2)(-) groups bonded in a μ(1,3)-bridging mode to generate trinuclear complexes with a central N(3)Ni(μ-S)(2)(μ(1,3)-O(2)V(OR)(2))NiN(3) core. The stabilization of the four-coordinate V(V)O(2)(OR)(2)(-) moieties is a consequence of both the two-point coordinative fixation to and the steric protection of the bowl-shape binding pocket of the [Ni(2)L](2+) fragment. Cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal that the encapsulated vanadate esters are not reduced in a potential window of -2.0 to +2.5 V vs SCE. The spins of the nickel(II) (S(i) = 1 ions) in 3 are weakly ferromagnetically coupled (J = +23 cm(-1), (H = -2JS(1)S(2))) to produce an S = 2 ground state.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of a new family of heterometallic cyanide-bridged Fe(III)2M(II)2 (M=Mn, Ni, and Co) square complexes

New heterobimetallic tetranuclear complexes of formula [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Mn(II)(bpy)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·CH(3)CN (1), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2a), [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2b), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3a), and [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3b), [HB(pz)(3)(-) = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate, B(Pz)(4)(-) = tetrakis(1-pyrazolyl)borate, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine] have been synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized. Complexes 1-3b have been prepared by following a rational route based on the self-assembly of the tricyanometalate precursor fac-[Fe(III)(L)(CN)(3)](-) (L = tridentate anionic ligand) and cationic preformed complexes [M(II)(L')(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (L' = bidentate α-diimine type ligand), this last species having four blocked coordination sites and two labile ones located in cis positions. The structures of 1-3b consist of cationic tetranuclear Fe(III)(2)M(II)(2) square complexes [M = Mn (1), Ni (2a and 2b), Co (3a and 3b)] where corners are defined by the metal ions and the edges by the Fe-CN-M units. The charge is balanced by free perchlorate anions. The [Fe(L)(CN)(3)](-) complex in 1-3b acts as a ligand through two cyanide groups toward two divalent metal complexes. The magnetic properties of 1-3b have been investigated in the temperature range 2-300 K. A moderately strong antiferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Mn(II) (S = 5/2) ions has been found for 1 leading to an S = 4 ground state (J(1) = -6.2 and J(2) = -2.7 cm(-1)), whereas a moderately strong ferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Ni(II) (S = 1) and Co(II) (S = 3/2) ions has been found for complexes 2a-3b with S = 3 (2a and 2b) and S = 4 (3a and 3b) ground spin states [J(1) = +21.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +19.4 cm(-1) (2a); J(1) = +17.0 cm(-1) and J(2) = +12.5 cm(-1) (2b); J(1) = +5.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.1 cm(-1) (3a); J(1) = +8.1 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.0 cm(-1) (3b)] [the exchange Hamiltonian being of the type H? = -J(S?(i)·S?(j))]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to substantiate the nature and magnitude of the exchange magnetic coupling observed in 1-3b and also to analyze the dependence of the exchange magnetic coupling on the structural parameters of the Fe-C-N-M skeleton.     

Copper(II)-terbium(III) single-molecule magnets linked by photochromic ligands

Two assemblies composed of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) linked by photochromic ligands, [Cu(II)(2)Tb(III)(2)(L)(2)(NO(3))(2)(dae-o)(2)]·2(n-BuOH) (1) and {[Cu(II)Tb(III)(L)(n-BuOH)(0.5)](2)(dae-c)(3)}·5(DMF)·4(n-BuOH)·2(H(2)O) (2), were synthesized by reacting the SMM [Cu(II)Tb(III)(L)(NO(3))(3)] (H(2)L = 1,3-bis((3-methoxysalicylidene)amino)propane) and photochromic molecules, H(2)dae-o and H(2)dae-c, which are open- and closed-ring isomers of 1,2-bis(5-carboxyl-2-methyl-3-thienyl)perfluoropentene (H(2)dae), respectively. 1 has a tetranuclear ring-like structure comprised of two [CuTb] units and two dae-o(2-) ligands. On the other hand, 2 has a one-dimensional ladder-type structure involving the [CuTb] and dae-c(2-) units in a 3?:?2 ratio. Magnetic studies revealed that 1 and 2 had ferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) and Tb(III) ions and that both compounds exhibited frequency dependence of ac susceptibilities owing to freezing the magnetization of the [CuTb] SMM. Upon irradiation with ultraviolet light and visible light, an absorption band at ～600 nm changed, indicating that photochromic reactions involving the dae(2-) ligands occurred. After irradiation, the magnetic behaviour of 1 did not change, whereas magnetic behaviour of 2 changed, due to the modification of intermolecular environment.