Metal-metal interactions in mixed-valence [M2Cl9]2- species: electronic structure of d1d2 (V, Nb, Ta) and d4d5 (Fe, Ru, Os) face-shared systems

The molecular and electronic structures of mixed-valence d1d2 (V, Nb, Ta) and d4d5 (Fe, Ru, Os) face-shared [M2Cl(9)]2- dimers have been calculated by density functional methods in order to investigate metal-metal bonding in this series. General similarities are observed between d1d2 and d4d5 systems and can be considered to reflect the electron-hole equivalence of the individual d1-d5 and d2-d4 configurations. The electronic structures of the dimers have been analyzed using potential energy curves for the broken-symmetry and other spin states resulting from the d1d2 and d4d5 coupling modes. In general, a spin-doublet (S = 1/2) state, characterized by delocalization of the metal-based electrons in a metal-metal bond with a formal order of 1.5, is favored in the systems containing 4d and 5d metals, namely, the Nb, Ta, Ru, and Os dimers. In contrast, the calculated ground structures for [V2Cl9]2- and [Fe2Cl9]2- correspond to a spin-quartet (S = 3/2) state involving weaker coupling between the metal centers and electron localization. In the case of [Ru2Cl9]2-, both the spin-doublet and spin-quartet states are predicted to be energetically favored suggesting that this species may exhibit double-minima behavior. A comparison of computational results across the (d1d1, d1d2, d2d2) [Nb2Cl9]z- and [Ta2Cl9]z- and (d4d4, d4d5, d5d5) [Ru2Cl9]z- and [Os2Cl9]z- series has revealed that, in all four cases, the shortening of the metal-metal distances correlates with an increase in formal metal-metal bond order.     

Density functional investigation of metal-metal interactions in d4d4 face-shared [M2Cl9]3 - (M = Mn, Tc, Re) systems

The molecular and electronic structures of the d(4)d(4) face-shared [M(2)Cl(9)](3)(-) (M = Mn, Tc, Re) dimers have been calculated by density functional methods in order to investigate metal-metal bonding in this series. The electronic structures of these systems have been analyzed using potential energy curves for the broken-symmetry and other spin states arising from the various d(4)d(4) coupling modes, and closed energy cycles have been utilized to identify and quantify the parameters which are most important in determining the preference for electron localization or delocalization and for high-spin or low-spin configurations. In [Tc(2)Cl(9)](3)(-) and [Re(2)Cl(9)](3)(-), the global minimum has been found to be a spin-triplet state arising from the coupling of metal centers with low-spin configurations, and characterized by delocalization of the metal-based electrons in a double (sigma and delta(pi)) bond with a metal-metal separation of 2.57 A. In contrast, high-spin configurations and electron localization are favored in [Mn(2)Cl(9)](3)(-), the global minimum for this species being the ferromagnetic S = 4 state with a rather long metal-metal separation of 3.43 A. These results are consistent with metal-metal overlap and ligand-field effects prevailing over spin polarization effects in the Tc and Re systems, but with the opposite trend being observed in the Mn complex. The ground states and metal-metal bonding observed for the d(4)d(4) systems in this study parallel those previously found for the analogous d(2)d(2) complexes of V, Nb, and Ta, and can be rationalized on the basis that the d(4)d(4) dimer configuration is the hole equivalent of the d(2)d(2) configuration.     

Valence-Dependent Metal-Metal Bonding and Optical Spectra in Confacial Bioctahedral [Re(2)Cl(9)](z)()(-) (z = 1, 2, 3). Crystallographic and Computational Characterization of [Re(2)Cl(9)](-) and [Re(2)Cl(9)](2)(-)

The geometric structure of the confacial bioctahedral [Re(2)Cl(9)](z)()(-) anion has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction in two distinct oxidation states, Re(IV)(2) and Re(III)Re(IV). [Bu(4)N][Re(2)Cl(9)] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m [a/? = 10.6363(3), b/? = 11.420(1), c/? = 13.612(1), beta/deg = 111.18(1), Z = 2], while [Et(4)N](2)[Re(2)Cl(9)] crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma [a/? = 15.82(1), b/? = 8.55(2), c/? = 22.52(3), Z = 4]. The Re-Re separation contracts from 2.704(1) ? in [Bu(4)N][Re(2)Cl(9)] to 2.473(4) ? in [Et(4)N](2)[Re(2)Cl(9)] (or, equivalently, from 2.725 to 2.481 ? after standard corrections for thermal motions), while the formal metal-metal bond order falls from 3.0 to 2.5. SCF-Xalpha-SW molecular orbital calculations show that, despite the {d(3)d(3)} configuration, the single sigma bond in [Re(2)Cl(9)](-) dominates the observed structural properties. For [Re(2)Cl(9)](2)(-), the 0.23 ? contraction in Re-Re is attributed jointly to radial expansion of the Re 5d orbitals and to diminished metal-metal electrostatic repulsion, which act in concert to make both sigma and delta(pi) bonding more important in the reduced species. Computed transition energies and oscillator strengths for the two structurally defined anions permit rational analysis of their ultraviolet spectra, which involve both sigma --> sigma and halide-to-metal change-transfer absorptions. The intense sigma --> sigma band progresses from 31 000 cm(-)(1) in [Re(2)Cl(9)](-) to 36 400 cm(-)(1) in [Re(2)Cl(9)](2)(-), according to the present assignments. For electrogenerated, highly reactive [Re(2)Cl(9)](3)(-) (where conventional X-ray structural information is unlikely to become available), the dominant absorption band advances to 40 000 cm(-)(1), suggesting further strengthening of the metal-metal sigma bond in the Re(III)(2) species.     

Substitution of the terminal chloride ligands of [Re(6)S(8)Cl(6)](4-) with triethylphosphine: photophysical and electrochemical properties of a new series of [Re(6)S(8)](2+) based clusters

A systematic substitution of the terminal chlorides coordinated to the hexanuclear cluster [Re(6)S(8)Cl(6)](4-) has been conducted. The following complexes: [Re(6)S(8)(PEt(3))Cl(5)](3-) (1), cis- (cis-2) and trans-[Re(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(2)Cl(4)](2-) (trans-2), mer- (mer-3) and fac-[Re(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(3)Cl(3)](-) (fac-3), and cis- (cis-4) and trans-[Re(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(4)Cl(2)] (trans-4) were synthesized and fully characterized. Compared to the substitution of the halide ligands of the related [Re(6)S(8)Br(6)](4-) and [Re(6)Se(8)I(6)](3-) clusters, the chloride ligands are slower to substitute which allowed us to prepare the first monophosphine cluster (1). In addition, the synthesis of fac-3 was optimized by using cis-2 as the starting material, which led to a significant increase in the overall yield of this isomer. Notably, we observed evidence of phosphine isomerization taking place during the preparation of the facial isomer; this was unexpected based on the relatively inert nature of the Re-P bond. The structures of Bu(4)N(+) salts of trans-2, mer-3, and fac-3 were determined using X-ray crystallography. All compounds display luminescent behavior. A study of the photophysical properties of these complexes includes measurement of the excited state lifetimes (which ranged from 4.1-7.1 μs), the emission quantum yields, the rates of radiative and non-radiative decay, and the rate of quenching with O(2). Quenching studies verify the triplet state nature of the excited state.     

Electronic Structure of [Pt(2)(&mgr;-O(2)CCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) Using the Quasi-Relativistic Xalpha-SW Method: Analysis of Metal-Metal Bonding, Assignment of Electronic Spectra, and Comparison with Rh(2)(&mgr;-O(2)CCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)

The electronic structure and metal-metal bonding in the classic d(7)d(7) tetra-bridged lantern dimer [Pt(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) has been investigated by performing quasi-relativistic Xalpha-SW molecular orbital calculations on the analogous formate-bridged complex. From the calculations, the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied metal-based levels are delta(Pt(2)) and sigma(Pt(2)), respectively, indicating a metal-metal single bond analogous to the isoelectronic Rh(II) complex. The energetic ordering of the main metal-metal bonding levels is, however, quite different from that found for the Rh(II) complex, and the upper metal-metal bonding and antibonding levels have significantly more ligand character. As found for the related complex [W(2)(O(2)CH)(4)], the inclusion of relativistic effects leads to a further strengthening of the metal-metal sigma bond as a result of the increased involvement of the higher-lying platinum 6s orbital. The low-temperature absorption spectrum of [Pt(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) is assigned on the basis of Xalpha-SW calculated transition energies and oscillator strengths. Unlike the analogous Rh(II) spectrum, the visible and near-UV absorption spectrum is dominated by charge transfer (CT) transitions. The weak, visible bands at 27 500 and 31 500 cm(-)(1) are assigned to Ow --> sigma(Pt(2)) and OAc --> sigma(Pt(2)) CT transitions, respectively, although the donor orbital in the latter transition has around 25% pi(Pt(2)) character. The intense near-UV band around 37 500 cm(-)(1) displays the typical lower energy shift as the axial substituents are changed from H(2)O to Cl and Br, indicative of significant charge transfer character. From the calculated oscillator strengths, a number of transitions, mostly OAc --> sigma(Pt-O) CT in nature, are predicted to contribute to this band, including the metal-based sigma(Pt(2)) --> sigma(Pt(2)) transition. The close similarity in the absorption spectra of the CH(3)COO(-), SO(4)(2)(-), and HPO(4)(2)(-) bridged Pt(III) complexes suggests that analogous spectral assignments should apply to [Pt(2)(SO(4))(4)(H(2)O)(2)](2)(-) and [Pt(2)(HPO(4))(4)(H(2)O)(2)](2)(-). Consequently, the anomalous MCD spectra reported recently for the intense near-UV band in the SO(4)(2)(-) and HPO(4)(2)(-) bridged Pt(III) complexes can be rationalized on the basis of contributions from either SO(4) --> sigma(Pt-O) or HPO(4) --> sigma(Pt-O) CT transitions. The electronic absorption spectrum of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)] has been re-examined on the basis of Xalpha-SW calculated transition energies and oscillator strengths. The intense UV band at approximately 45 000 cm(-)(1) is predicted to arise from several excitations, both metal-centered and CT in origin. The lower energy shoulder at approximately 40 000 cm(-)(1) is largely attributed to the metal-based sigma(Rh(2)) --> sigma(Rh(2)) transition.     

Single- and double-cubane clusters in the multiple oxidation states [VFe(3)S(4)](3+,2+,1+)

A new series of cubane-type [VFe(3)S(4)](z)() clusters (z = 1+, 2+, 3+) has been prepared as possible precursor species for clusters related to those present in vanadium-containing nitrogenase. Treatment of [(HBpz(3))VFe(3)S(4)Cl(3)](2)(-) (2, z = 2+), protected from further reaction at the vanadium site by the tris(pyrazolyl)hydroborate ligand, with ferrocenium ion affords the oxidized cluster [(HBpz(3))VFe(3)S(4)Cl(3)](1)(-) (3, z = 3+). Reaction of 2 with Et(3)P results in chloride substitution to give [(HBpz(3))VFe(3)S(4)(PEt(3))(3)](1+) (4, z = 2+). Reaction of 4 with cobaltocene reduced the cluster with formation of the edge-bridged double-cubane [(HBpz(3))(2)V(2)Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(4)] (5, z = 1+, 1+), which with excess chloride underwent ligand substitution to afford [(HBpz(3))(2)V(2)Fe(6)S(8)Cl(4)](4)(-) (6, z = 1+, 1+). X-ray structures of (Me(4)N)[3], [4](PF(6)), 5, and (Et(4)N)(4)[6] x 2MeCN are described. Cluster 5 is isostructural with previously reported [(Cl(4)cat)(2)(Et(3)P)(2)Mo(2)Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(4)] and contains two VFe(3)S(4) cubanes connected across edges by a Fe(2)S(2) rhomb in which the bridging Fe-S distances are shorter than intracubane Fe-S distances. M?ssbauer (2-5), magnetic (2-5), and EPR (2, 4) data are reported and demonstrate an S = 3/2 ground state for 2 and 4 and a diamagnetic ground state for 3. Analysis of (57)Fe isomer shifts based on an empirical correlation between shift and oxidation state and appropriate reference shifts results in two conclusions. (i) The oxidation 2 --> 3 + e(-) results in a change in electron density localized largely or completely on the Fe(3) subcluster and associated sulfur atoms. (ii) The most appropriate charge distributions are [V(3+)Fe(3+)Fe(2+)(2)S(4)](2+) (Fe(2.33+)) for 1, 2, and 4 and [V(3+)Fe(3+)(2)Fe(2+)S(4)](3+) (Fe(2.67+)) for 3 and [V(2)Fe(6)S(8)(SEt)(9)](3+). Conclusion i applies to every MFe(3)S(4) cubane-type cluster thus far examined in different redox states at parity of cluster ligation. The formalistic charge distributions are regarded as the best current approximations to electron distributions in these delocalized species. The isomer shifts require that iron atoms are mixed-valence in each cluster.     

Ligand dependence of metal-metal bonding in the d(3)d(3) dimers M(2)X(9)(n-) (M(III) = Cr, Mo, W; M(IV) = Mn, Tc, Re; X = F, Cl, Br, I)

The ligand dependence of metal-metal bonding in the d(3)d(3) face-shared M(2)X(9)(n-) (M(III) = Cr, Mo, W; M(IV) = Mn, Tc, Re; X = F, Cl, Br, I) dimers has been investigated using density functional theory. In general, significant differences in metal-metal bonding are observed between the fluoride and chloride complexes involving the same metal ion, whereas less dramatic changes occur between the bromide and iodide complexes and minimal differences between the chloride and bromide complexes. For M = Mo, Tc, and Re, change in the halide from F to I results in weaker metal-metal bonding corresponding to a shift from either the triple metal-metal bonded to single bonded case or from the latter to a nonbonded structure. A fragment analysis performed on M(2)X(9)(3-) (M = Mo, W) allowed determination of the metal-metal and metal-bridge contributions to the total bonding energy in the dimer. As the halide changes from F to I, there is a systematic reduction in the total interaction energy of the fragments which can be traced to a progressive destabilization of the metal-bridge interaction because of weaker M-X(bridge) bonding as fluoride is replaced by its heavier congeners. In contrast, the metal-metal interaction remains essentially constant with change in the halide.     

Cubane-type heterometallic sulfido clusters: incorporation of two metal fragments into a dinuclear ReS(mu-S)2ReS core affording bimetallic M2Re2(mu 3-S)4 clusters (M = Ru,Pt, Cu) or trimetallic MM'Re2(mu 3-S)4 clusters via incomplete cubane-type MRe2(mu 3-S)(mu 2-S)3 intermediates (M = Ru,Rh, Ir; M' = Mo,W, Pd,Ru, Rh)

Reactions of a dirhenium tetra(sulfido) complex [PPh(4)](2)[ReS(L)(mu-S)(2)ReS(L)] (L = S(2)C(2)(SiMe(3))(2)) with a series of group 8-11 metal complexes in MeCN at room temperature afforded either the cubane-type clusters [M(2)(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (M = CpRu (2), PtMe(3), Cu(PPh(3)) (4); Cp = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) or the incomplete cubane-type clusters [M(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(mu(2)-S)(3)] (M = (eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru (5), CpRh (6), CpIr (7)), depending on the nature of the metal complexes added. It has also been disclosed that the latter incomplete cubane-type clusters can serve as the good precursors to the trimetallic cubane-type clusters still poorly precedented. Thus, treatment of 5-7 with a range of metal complexes in THF at room temperature resulted in the formation of novel trimetallic cubane-type clusters, including the neutral clusters [[(eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru][W(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], [(CpM)[W(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (M = Rh, Ir), [(Cp*Ir)[Mo(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], [[(eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru][Pd(PPh(3))](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], and [(Cp*Ir)[Pd(PPh(3))](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (13) along with the cationic clusters [(Cp*Ir)(CpRu)(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)][PF(6)] (14) and [(Cp*Ir)[Rh(cod)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)][PF(6)] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene). The X-ray analyses have been carried out for 2, 4, 7, 13, and the SbF(6) analogue of 14 (14') to confirm their bimetallic cubane-type, bimetallic incomplete cubane-type, or trimetallic cubane-type structures. Fluxional behavior of the incomplete cubane-type and trimetallic cubane-type clusters in solutions has been demonstrated by the variable-temperature (1)H NMR studies, which is ascribable to both the metal-metal bond migration in the cluster cores and the pseudorotation of the dithiolene ligand bonded to the square pyramidal Re centers, where the temperatures at which these processes proceed have been found to depend upon the nature of the metal centers included in the cluster cores.     

Periodic trends in metal-metal interactions in face-shared [M2Cl9]z- systems

The periodic trends in metal-metal interactions in even-electron and mixed-valence [M2Cl9]z- face-shared systems, involving transition metals in Groups 4 to 8 and electronic configurations ranging from d1d1 through to d5d5 and from d1d2 through to d4d5, have been investigated by calculating metal-metal bonding and spin polarization (exchange) effects using density functional theory. These two terms are in opposition to one another and their relative difference determines the extent to which the metal-based electrons are delocalized and thus the degree of metal-metal bonding. Remarkably strong linear correlations between the two terms, and between each term and the square of the spin density on the metal centres, have been obtained for all group and period series considered, and are discussed in terms of their dependence on the metal orbital properties and electron density.     

Cluster-to-metal magnetic coupling: synthesis and characterization of 25-electron [Re6-nOsnSe8(CN)6](5-n)-(n = 1, 2) clusters and (Re6-nOsnSe8[CNCu(Me6tren)]6)9+(n = 0, 1, 2) assemblies

The first face-capped octahedral clusters with 25 metal-based valence electrons are shown to provide versatile building units capable of engaging in magnetic exchange coupling. Reactions of [Re(5)OsSe(8)Cl(6)](3-) and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)Cl(6)](2-) with NaCN in a melt of NaNO(3) or KCF(3)SO(3) afford the 24-electron clusters [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-) and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-). The 13C NMR spectrum of a 13C-labeled version of the latter species indicates a 1:2 mixture of cis and trans isomers. Cyclic voltammograms of the clusters in acetonitrile display reversible [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-/4-), cis-[Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-/3-), and trans-[Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-/3-) couples at E(1/2) = -1.843, -0.760, and -1.031 V vs FeCp(2)(0/+), respectively, in addition to other redox processes. Accordingly, reduction of [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-) with sodium amalgam and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-) with cobaltocene produces the 25-electron clusters [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](4-) and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](3-). EPR spectra of these S = 1/2 species in frozen DMF solutions exhibit isotropic signals with g = 1.46 for the monoosmium cluster and g = 1.74 and 1.09 for the respective cis and trans isomers of the diosmium cluster. In each case, results from DFT calculations show the unpaired spin to delocalize to some extent into the pi* orbitals of the cyanide ligands, suggesting the possibility of magnetic superexchange. Reaction of [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-) with [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) in aqueous solution generates the porous Prussian blue analogue Ni(3)[Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](2).32H(2)O; however, the tendency of the 25-electron clusters to oxidize in water prohibits their use in reactions of this type. Instead, a series of cyano-bridged assemblies, [Re(6-n)Os(n)Se(8)[CNCu(Me(6)tren)](6)](9+) (n = 0, 1, 2; Me(6)tren = tris(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)amine), were synthesized to permit comparison of the exchange coupling abilities of clusters with 23-25 electrons. As expected, the results of magnetic susceptibility measurements show no evidence for exchange coupling in the assemblies containing the 23- and 24-electron clusters, but reveal the presence of weak ferromagnetic coupling in [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)[CNCu(Me(6)tren)](6)](9+). Assuming all cluster-Cu(II) exchange interactions to be equivalent, the data were fit to give an estimated coupling strength of J = 0.4 cm(-1). To our knowledge, the ability of such clusters to participate in magnetic exchange coupling has never previously been demonstrated.     

Experimental fingerprints for redox-active terpyridine in [Cr(tpy)2](PF6)n (n = 3-0), and the remarkable electronic structure of [Cr(tpy)2]1-

The molecular and electronic structures of the four members, [Cr(tpy)(2)](PF(6))(n) (n = 3-0; complexes 1-4; tpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine), of the electron transfer series [Cr(tpy)(2)](n+) have been determined experimentally by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, by their electro- and magnetochemistry, and by the following spectroscopies: electronic absorption, X-ray absorption (XAS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The monoanion of this series, [Cr(tpy)(2)](1-), has been prepared in situ by reduction with KC(8) and its EPR spectrum recorded. The structures of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, where the latter two compounds are the Mo and W analogues of neutral 4, have been determined at 100(2) K. The optimized geometries of 1-6 have been obtained from density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP functional. The XAS and low-energy region of the electronic spectra have also been calculated using time-dependent (TD)-DFT. A consistent picture of the electronic structures of these octahedral complexes has been established. All one-electron transfer processes on going from 1 to 4 are ligand-based: 1 is [Cr(III)(tpy(0))(2)](PF(6))(3) (S = (3)/(2)), 2 is [Cr(III)(tpy(?))(tpy(0))](PF(6))(2) (S = 1), 3 is [Cr(III)(tpy(?))(2)](PF(6)) (S = (1)/(2)), and 4 is [Cr(III)(tpy(??))(tpy(?))](0) (S = 0), where (tpy(0)) is the neutral parent ligand, (tpy(?))(1-) represents its one-electron-reduced π radical monoanion, (tpy(2-))(2-) or (tpy(??))(2-) is the corresponding singlet or triplet dianion, and (tpy(3-))(3-) (S = (1)/(2)) is the trianion. The electronic structure of 2 cannot be described as [Cr(II)(tpy(0))(2)](PF(6))(2) (a low-spin Cr(II) (d(4); S = 1) complex). The geometrical features (C-C and C-N bond lengths) of these coordinated ligands have been elucidated computationally in the following hypothetical species: [Zn(II)Cl(2)(tpy(0))](0) (S = 0) (A), [Zn(II)(tpy(?))Cl(NH(3))](0) (S = (1)/(2)) (B), [Zn(II)(tpy(2-))(NH(3))(2)](0) (S = 0 or 1) (C), and [Al(III)(tpy(3-))(NH(3))(3)](0) (S = (1)/(2) and (3)/(2)) (D). The remarkable electronic structure of the monoanion has been calculated and experimentally verified by EPR spectroscopy to be [Cr(III)(tpy(2-))(tpy(??))](1-) (S = (1)/(2)), a complex in which the two dianionic tpy ligands differ only in the spin state. It has been clearly established that coordinated tpy ligands are redox-active and can exist in at least four oxidation levels.     

Diorganoruthenium complexes incorporating noninnocent [C(6)H(2)(CH(2)ER(2))(2)-3,5](2)(2-) (E = N, P) bis-pincer bridging ligands: synthesis, spectroelectrochemistry, and DFT studies

The dinuclear complex [(tpy)RuII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]Cl2 (bridging PCP-PCP = 3,3',5,5'-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)biphenyl, [C6H2(CH2PPh2)2-3,5]22-) was prepared via a transcyclometalation reaction of the bis-pincer ligand [PC(H)P-PC(H)P] and the Ru(II) precursor [Ru(NCN)(tpy)]Cl (NCN = [C6H3(CH2NMe2)2-2,6]-) followed by a reaction with 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine (tpy). Electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of [(tpy)RuII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]Cl2 are compared with those of the closely related [(tpy)RuII(NCN-NCN)RuII(tpy)](PF6)2 (NCN-NCN = [C6H2(CH2NMe2)2-3,5]22-) obtained by two-electron reduction of [(tpy)RuIII(NCN-NCN)RuIII(tpy)](PF6)4. The molecular structure of the latter complex has been determined by single-crystal X-ray structure determination. One-electron reduction of [(tpy)RuIII(NCN-NCN)RuIII(tpy)](PF6)4 and one-electron oxidation of [(tpy)RuII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]Cl2 yielded the mixed-valence species [(tpy)RuIII(NCN-NCN)RuII(tpy)]3+ and [(tpy)RuIII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]3+, respectively. The comproportionation equilibrium constants Kc (900 and 748 for [(tpy)RuIII(NCN-NCN)RuIII(tpy)]4+ and [(tpy)RuII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]2+, respectively) determined from cyclic voltammetric data reveal comparable stability of the [RuIII-RuII] state of both complexes. Spectroelectrochemical measurements and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy were employed to further characterize the different redox states with special focus on the mixed-valence species and their NIR bands. Analysis of these bands in the framework of Hush theory indicates that the mixed-valence complexes [(tpy)RuIII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]3+ and [(tpy)RuIII(NCN-NCN)RuII(tpy)]3+ belong to strongly coupled borderline Class II/Class III and intrinsically coupled Class III systems, respectively. Preliminary DFT calculations suggest that extensive delocalization of the spin density over the metal centers and the bridging ligand exists. TD-DFT calculations then suggested a substantial MLCT character of the NIR electronic transitions. The results obtained in this study point to a decreased metal-metal electronic interaction accommodated by the double-cyclometalated bis-pincer bridge when strong sigma-donor NMe2 groups are replaced by weak sigma-donor, pi-acceptor PPh2 groups.     

Involvement of a binuclear species with the Re-C(O)O-Re moiety in CO2 reduction catalyzed by tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes with diimine ligands: strikingly slow formation of the Re-Re and Re-C(O)O-Re species from Re(dmb)(CO)3S (dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, S = solvent)

Excited-state properties of fac-[Re(dmb)(CO)(3)(CH(3)CN)]PF(6), [Re(dmb)(CO)(3)](2) (where dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), and other tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes were investigated by transient FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy in CH(3)CN or THF. The one-electron reduced monomer, Re(dmb)(CO)(3)S (S = CH(3)CN or THF), can be prepared either by reductive quenching of the excited states of fac-[Re(dmb)(CO)(3)(CH(3)CN)]PF(6) or by homolysis of [Re(dmb)(CO)(3)](2). In the reduced monomer's ground state, the odd electron resides on the dmb ligand rather than on the metal center. Re(dmb)(CO)(3)S dimerizes slowly in THF, k(d) = 40 +/- 5 M(-1) s(-1). This rate constant is much smaller than those of other organometallic radicals which are typically 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). The slower rate suggests that the equilibrium between the ligand-centered and metal-centered radicals is very unfavorable (K approximately 10(-4)). The reaction of Re(dmb)(CO)(3)S with CO(2) is slow and competes with the dimerization. Photolysis of [Re(dmb)(CO)(3)](2) in the presence of CO(2) produces CO with a 25-50% yield based on [Re]. A CO(2) bridged dimer, (CO)(3)(dmb)Re-CO(O)-Re(dmb)(CO)(3) is identified as an intermediate. Both [Re(dmb)(CO)(3)](2)(OCO(2)) and Re(dmb)(CO)(3)(OC(O)OH) are detected as oxidation products; however, the previously reported formato-rhenium species is not detected.     

Factors affecting metal-metal bonding in the face-shared d(3)d(3) bioctahedral dimer systems,MM'Cl(9)(5-) (M,M' = V,Nb, Ta)

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to investigate the d(3)d(3) bioctahedral complexes, MM'Cl(9)(5-), of the vanadium triad. Broken-symmetry calculations upon these species indicate that the V-containing complexes have optimized metal-metal separations of 3.4-3.5 A, corresponding to essentially localized magnetic electrons. The metal-metal separations in these weakly coupled dimers are elongated as a consequence of Coulombic repulsion, which profoundly influences (and destabilizes) the gas-phase structures for such dimers; nevertheless, the intermetallic interactions in the V-containing dimers involve significantly greater metal-metal bonding character than in the analogous Cr-containing dimers. These observations all show good agreement with existing experimental (solid state) results for the chloride-bridged, face-shared dimers V(2)Cl(9)(5-) and V(2)Cl(3)(thf)(6)(+). In contrast to the V-containing dimers, complexes featuring only Nb and Ta have much shorter intermetallic distances (approximately 2.4 A) consistent with d-electron delocalization and formal metal-metal triple bond formation; again, good agreement is found with available experimental data. Calculations on the complexes V(2)(mu-Cl)(3)(dme)(6)(+), Nb(2)(mu-dms)(3)Cl(6)(2-), and Ta(2)(mu-dms)(3)Cl(6)(2-), which are closely related to compounds for which crystallographic structural data exist, have been pursued and provide an insight into the intermetallic interactions in the experimentally characterized complexes. Analysis of the contributions from d-orbital overlap (E(ovlp)) stabilization, as well as spin polarization (exchange) stabilization of localized d electrons (E(spe)), has also been attempted for the MM'Cl(9)(5-) dimers. While E(ovlp) clearly dominates over E(spe) as a stabilizing factor in those dimers containing only Nb and Ta metal atoms, detailed assessment of the competition between E(ovlp) and E(spe) for V-containing dimers is obstructed by the instability of triply bonded V-containing dimers against Coulombic explosion. On the basis of the periodic trends in E(ovlp) versus E(spe), the V-triad dimers have a greater propensity for metal-metal bonding than do their Cr-triad or Mn-triad counterparts.     

Energy decomposition analysis of metal-metal bonding in [M2X8]2- (X=Cl, br) complexes of 5f (U, Np, Pu), 5d (W, Re, Os), and 4d (Mo, Tc, Ru) elements

The electronic structures of a series of [M2X8]2- (X=Cl, Br) complexes involving 5f (U, Np, Pu), 5d (W, Re, Os), and 4d (Mo, Tc, Ru) elements have been calculated using density functional theory, and an energy decomposition approach has been used to carry out a detailed analysis of the metal-metal interactions. The energy decomposition analysis involves contributions from orbital interactions (mixing of occupied and unoccupied orbitals), electrostatic effects (Coulombic attraction and repulsion), and Pauli repulsion (associated with four-electron two-orbital interactions). As previously observed for Mo, W, and U M2X6 species, the general results suggest that the overall metal-metal interaction is considerably weaker or unfavorable in the actinide systems relative to the d-block analogues, as a consequence of a significantly more destabilizing contribution from the combined Pauli and electrostatic (prerelaxation) effects. Although the orbital-mixing (postrelaxation) contribution to the total bonding energy is predicted to be larger in the actinide complexes, this is not sufficiently strong to compensate for the comparatively greater destabilization originating from the Pauli-plus-electrostatic effects. A generally weak electrostatic contribution accounts for the large prerelaxation destabilization in the f-block systems, and ultimately for the weak or unfavorable nature of metal-metal bonding between the actinide elements. There is a greater variation in the energy decomposition results across the [M2Cl8]2- series for the actinide than for the d-block elements, both in the general behavior and in some particular properties.     

Intramolecularly coordinated heteroleptic organostannylene tungsten pentacarbonyl complexes 4-tBu-2,6-[P(O)(OiPr)2]2C6H2Sn(X)W(CO)5 (X = Cl, F, PPh2, PPh2[W(CO)5]). Syntheses and reactivity

The synthesis of the intramolecularly coordinated heteroleptic organostannylene tungsten pentacarbonyl complexes 4-tBu-2,6-[P(O)(OiPr)(2)](2)C(6)H(2)Sn(X)W(CO)(5) (1, X = Cl; 2, X = F; 3, X = PPh(2)) and of 4-tBu-2,6-[P(O)(OiPr)(2)](2)C(6)H(2)Sn[W(CO)(5)]PPh(2)[W(CO)(5)], 4, are reported. UV-irradiation of compound 4 in tetrahydrofurane serendipitously gave the bis(organostannylene) tungsten tetracarbonyl complex cyclo-O(2)W[OSn(R)](2)W(CO)(4) (R = 4-tBu-2,6-[P(O)(OiPr)(2)](2)C(6)H(2)), 5, that contains an unprecedented W(0)-Sn-O-W(vi) bond sequence. The compounds 1-5 were characterized by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, (1)H, (13)C, (19)F, (31)P, (119)Sn NMR, and IR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and elemental analysis. Compound 4 features a hindered rotation about the Sn-P bond.     

Interconversion and Reactivity of Two Heterometallic Tin-Containing Cuboidal Clusters from [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+): X-ray Structure of the Single Cube with an Mo(3)SnS(4) Core

The Mo(3)SnS(4)(6+) single cube is obtained by direct addition of Sn(2+) to [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+). UV-vis spectra of the product (0.13 mM) in 2.00 M HClO(4), Hpts, and HCl indicate a marked affinity of the Sn for Cl(-), with formation of the more strongly yellow [Mo(3)(SnCl(3))S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](3+) complex complete in as little as 0.050 M Cl(-). The X-ray crystal structure of (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[Mo(3)(SnCl(3))S(4)(NCS)(9)].0.5H(2)O has been determined and gives Mo-Mo (mean 2.730 ?) and Mo-Sn (mean 3.732 ?) distances, with a difference close to 1 ?. The red-purple double cube cation [Mo(6)SnS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) is obtained by reacting Sn metal with [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+). The double cube is also obtained in approximately 50% yield by BH(4)(-) reduction of a 1:1 mixture of [Mo(3)SnS(4)(H(2)O)(10)](6+) and [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+). Conversely two-electron oxidation of [Mo(6)SnS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) or [Fe(H(2)O(6)](3+) gives the single cube [Mo(3)SnS(4)(H(2)O)(12)](6+) and [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) (up to 70% yield), followed by further two-electron oxidation to [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) and Sn(IV). The kinetics of the first stages have been studied using the stopped-flow method and give rate laws first order in [Mo(6)SnS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) and the Co(III) or Fe(III) oxidant. The oxidation with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) has no [H(+)] dependence, [H(+)] = 0.50-2.00 M. With Fe(III) as oxidant, reaction steps involving [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) and [Fe(H(2)O)(5)OH](2+) are implicated. At 25 degrees C and I = 2.00 M (Li(pts)) k(Co) is 14.9 M(-)(1) s(-)(1) and k(a) for the reaction of [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) is 0.68 M(-)(1) s(-)(1) (both outer-sphere reactions). Reaction of Cu(2+) with the double but not the single cube is observed, yielding [Mo(3)CuS(4)(H(2)O)(10)](5+). A redox-controlled mechanism involving intermediate formation of Cu(+) and [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) accounts for the changes observed.     

Theoretical elucidation of a classic reaction: protonation of the quadruple bond of the octachlorodimolybdate(II,II) [Mo2Cl8]4- anion

The protonation reaction of the unbridged quadruple metal-metal bond of [Mo(2)Cl(8)](4-) anion producing the triply bonded hydride [Mo(2)(μ-H)(μ-Cl)(2)Cl(6)](3-) is studied by accurate Density Functional Theory computations. The reactant, product, stable intermediates, and transition states are located on the potential energy surface. The water solvent is explicitly included in the calculations. Full reaction profiles are calculated and compared to experimental data. The mechanism of the reaction is fully elucidated. This involves two steps. The first is a proton transfer from an oxonium ion to the quadruple bond, being rate determining. The second, involves the internal rearrangement of chlorine atoms and is much faster. Activation energies with a mean value of 19 kcal/mol are calculated, in excellent agreement with experimental values.