Coordination and Redox Chemistry of Substituted-Polypyridyl Complexes of Ruthenium

The complexes [Ru(tpy)(acac)(Cl)], [Ru(tpy)(acac)(H(2)O)](PF(6)) (tpy = 2,2',2"-terpyridine, acacH = 2,4 pentanedione) [Ru(tpy)(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)] (C(2)O(4)(2)(-) = oxalato dianion), [Ru(tpy)(dppene)(Cl)](PF(6)) (dppene = cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene), [Ru(tpy)(dppene)(H(2)O)](PF(6))(2), [Ru(tpy)(C(2)O(4))(py)], [Ru(tpy)(acac)(py)](ClO(4)), [Ru(tpy)(acac)(NO(2))], [Ru(tpy)(acac)(NO)](PF(6))(2), and [Ru(tpy)(PSCS)Cl] (PSCS = 1-pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate anion) have been prepared and characterized by cyclic voltammetry and UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy. [Ru(tpy)(acac)(NO(2))](+) is stable with respect to oxidation of coordinated NO(2)(-) on the cyclic voltammetric time scale. The nitrosyl [Ru(tpy)(acac)(NO)](2+) falls on an earlier correlation between nu(NO) (1914 cm(-)(1) in KBr) and E(1/2) for the first nitrosyl-based reduction 0.02 V vs SSCE. Oxalate ligand is lost from [Ru(II)(tpy)(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)] to give [Ru(tpy)(H(2)O)(3)](2+). The Ru(III/II) and Ru(IV/III) couples of the aqua complexes are pH dependent. At pH 7.0, E(1/2) values are 0.43 V vs NHE for [Ru(III)(tpy)(acac)(OH)](+)/[Ru(II)(tpy)(acac)(H(2)O)](+), 0.80 V for [Ru(IV)(tpy)(acac)(O)](+)/[Ru(III)(tpy)(acac)(OH)](+), 0.16 V for [Ru(III)(tpy)(C(2)O(4))(OH)]/[Ru(II)(tpy)(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)], and 0.45 V for [Ru(IV)(tpy)(C(2)O(4))(O)]/[Ru(III)(tpy)(C(2)O(4))(OH)]. Plots of E(1/2) vs pH define regions of stability for the various oxidation states and the pK(a) values of aqua and hydroxo forms. These measurements reveal that C(2)O(4)(2)(-) and acac(-) are electron donating to Ru(III) relative to bpy. Comparisons with redox potentials for 21 related polypyridyl couples reveal the influence of ligand changes on the potentials of the Ru(IV/III) and Ru(III/II) couples and the difference between them, DeltaE(1/2). The majority of the effect appears in the Ru(III/II) couple. ()A linear correlation exists between DeltaE(1/2) and the sum of a set of ligand parameters defined by Lever et al., SigmaE(i)(L(i)), for the series of complexes, but there is a dramatic change in slope at DeltaE(1/2) approximately -0.11 V and SigmaE(i)(L(i)) = 1.06 V. Extrapolation of the plot of DeltaE(1/2) vs SigmaE(i)(L(i)) suggests that there may be ligand environments in which Ru(III) is unstable with respect to disproportionation into Ru(IV) and Ru(II). This would make the two-electron Ru(IV)O/Ru(II)OH(2) couple more strongly oxidizing than the one-electron Ru(IV)O/Ru(III)OH couple.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Six-Coordinate Nitrido Complexes of Vanadium(V), Chromium(V), and Manganese(V). Isolation of a Dinuclear, Mixed-Valent &mgr;-Nitrido Chromium(III)/Chromium(V) Species

Photolysis of a series of octahedral monoazido complexes of the type [LM(III)(didentate ligand)(N(3))](n)(+)X(n) of vanadium(III), chromium(III), and manganese(III) in the solid state or in solution yields quantitatively the corresponding six-coordinate nitrido complexes [LM(V)(didentate ligand)(N)](n)(+)X(n) and 1 equiv of dinitrogen. L represents the macrocycle 1,4,7-triazacyclononane or its N-methylated derivative (L'), the didentate ligands are pentane-2,4-dionate (acac), 2,2,6,6-tetramethylheptane-3,5-dionate (tacac), picolinate (pic), phenanthroline (phen), and oxalate (ox), and X(-) represents perchlorate or hexafluorophosphate. The following nitrido complexes were prepared: [LV(V)(N)(acac)](ClO(4)) (6), [LCr(V)(N)(acac)](ClO(4)) (13), [LCr(V)(N)(tacac)](ClO(4)) (14), [LCr(V)(N)(pic)](ClO(4)) (15), [LCr(V)(N)(phen)](ClO(4))(2) (16), [LCr(V)(N)(ox)] (19), [L'Mn(V)(N)(acac)]PF(6) (21). Photolysis of [LCr(III)(N(3))(ox)] (17) in the solid state produces the &mgr;-nitrido-bridged mixed-valent species [L(2)Cr(2)(ox)(2)(&mgr;-N)](N(3)) (18). The structures of the precursor complex [L'Mn(acac)(N(3))]BPh(4) (20), of 13, and of [L'Mn(V)(N)(acac)]BPh(4) (21) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Complex 13 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma, with cell constants a = 27.187(5) ?, b = 9.228(2) ?, c = 7.070(1) ?, V = 1773.7(6) ?(3), and Z = 4; complex 20 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 14.769(5) ?, b = 16.83(1) ?, c = 16.96(1) ?, alpha = 108.19(5) degrees, beta = 105.06(4) degrees, gamma = 99.78(4) degrees, V = 3719(2) ?(3), and Z = 4; and complex 21 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 10.443(3) ?, b = 16.035(4) ?, c = 21.463(5) ?, beta = 95.76(1) degrees, V = 3575.9(14) ?(3), and Z = 4. The Cr(V)&tbd1;N and Mn(V)&tbd1;N distances are short at 1.575(9) and 1.518(4) ?, respectively, and indicate a metal-to-nitrogen triple bond.     

Synthesis, characterization, and detailed electrochemistry of binuclear ruthenium(III) complexes bridged by bisacetylacetonate. Crystal and molecular structures of [[Ru(acac)2]2(tae)] (acac = 2,4-pentanedionate ion, tae = 1,1,2,2-tetraacetylethanate dianion)

Binuclear beta-diketonatoruthenium(III) complexes [[Ru(acac)(2)](2)(tae)], [[Ru(phpa)(2)](2)(tae)], and [(acac)(2)Ru(tae)Ru(phpa)(2)] and binuclear and mononuclear bipyridine complexes [[Ru(bpy)(2)](2)(tae)](PF(6))(2) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(Htae)]PF(6) (acac = 2,4-pentanedionate ion, phpa = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate ion, tae = 1,1,2,2-tetraacetylethanate dianion, and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) were synthesized. The new complexes have been characterized by (1)H NMR, MS, and electronic spectral data. Crystal and molecular structures of [[Ru(acac)(2)](2)(tae)] have been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Crystal data for the meso isomer of [[Ru(acac)(2)](2)(tae)] have been confirmed by the dihedral angle result that two acetylacetone units of the bridging tae ligand are almost perpendicular to one another. A detailed investigation on the electrochemistry of the binuclear complexes has been carried out. The electrochemical behavior details of the binuclear complexes have been compared with those of the mononuclear complexes obtained from the half-structures of the corresponding binuclear complexes. Studies on the effects of solvents on the mixed-valence states of Ru(II)-Ru(III) and Ru(III)-Ru(IV) complexes have been carried out by various voltammetric and electrospectroscopic techniques. A correlation between the comproportionation constant (K(c)) and the donor number of the solvent has been obtained. The K(c) values for the binuclear complexes have been found to be low because of the fact that two acetylacetone units of the bridging tae ligand are not in the same plane, as revealed by the crystal structure of [[Ru(acac)(2)](2)(tae)].     

Optically active mixed phthalocyaninato-porphyrinato rare-earth double-decker complexes: synthesis, spectroscopy, and solvent-dependent molecular conformations

Reaction between the optically active metal-free phthalocyanine with a pi system with noncentrosymmetrical C(2) [corrected] symmetry ((S)- and (R)-H(2){Pc(OBNP)(2)}; OBNP=binaphthylphthalocyanine) and half-sandwich complexes [M(III)(acac)(TClPP)] (M=Y, Eu; TClPP=meso-tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrinate; acac=acetylacetonate), which were generated in situ from [M(acac)(3)].n H(2)O and H(2)(TClPP) in n-octanol at reflux, provided the first optically active protonated mixed phthalocyaninato-porphyrinato rare-earth double-decker complexes [M(III)H{Pc(OBNP)(2)}(TClPP)] (M=Y, Eu) in good yield. In addition to electronic absorption spectroscopy and magnetic circular dichroism results, circular dichroism shows different spectroscopic features of these mixed-ring rare-earth double-decker compounds in different solvents, such as DMF and CHCl(3), which was well-reproduced on the basis of time-dependent density functional theory calculation results for the yttrium species (S)-[Y(III){Pc(OBNP)(2)}(Por)](-) (Por=porphyrinate, which is obtained by removing the four chlorophenyl groups from the TClPP ligand) in terms of the change in the rotation angle between the two macrocyclic ligands in the double-decker molecules. These results revealed the solvent-dependent nature of the molecular conformation of mixed-ring rare-earth double-decker complexes, which suggests a new way of tuning the optical and the electrochemical properties of sandwich-type bis(tetrapyrrole)-metal double-decker complexes in solution by changing the solvent.     

Thermal, spectroscopic, and solvent influence studies on mixed-ligand copper(II) complexes containing the bulky ligand: Bis[N-(p-tolyl)imino]acenaphthene

Four mixed-ligand copper(II) complexes containing the rigid bidentate nitrogen ligand bis[N-(p-tolyl)imino]acenaphthene (abb. p-Tol-BIAN) ligand are reported. These complexes, namely [Cu(p-Tol-BIAN)(2)](ClO(4))(2)1, [Cu(p-Tol-BIAN)(acac)](ClO(4)) 2, [Cu(p-Tol-BIAN)Cl(2)] 3 and [Cu(p-Tol-BIAN)(AcOH)(2)](ClO(4))(2)4 (where acac, acetylacetonate and AcOH, acetic acid) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic, magnetic and molar conductance measurements. ESR spectra suggest a square planar geometry for complexes 1 and 2. In complexes 3 and 4, a distorted tetrahedral arrangement around copper(II) centre was suggested. Solvatochromic behavior of all studied complexes indicates strong solvatochromism of their solutions. The observed solvatochromism is mainly due to the solute-solvent interaction between the chelate cation and the solvent molecules. Thermal properties and decomposition kinetics of all complexes are investigated. The kinetic parameters (E, A, Delta H, Delta S and Delta G) of all thermal decomposition stages have been calculated using the Coats-Redfern and other standard equations.     

Reactivity of novel N,N'-diphosphino-silanediamine-based rhodium(I) derivatives

The coordination abilities of the novel N,N'-diphosphino-silanediamine ligand of formula SiMe(2)(NtolPPh(2))(2) (SiNP, 1) have been investigated toward rhodium, and the derivatives [RhCl(SiNP)](2) (2), [Rh(SiNP)(COD)][BF(4)] (3), and Rh(acac)(SiNP) (4) have been synthesized. The stability of the dinuclear frame of [RhCl(SiNP)](2) (2) toward incoming nucleophiles has been shown to be dependent on their π-acceptor ability. Indeed, the mononuclear complexes RhCl(SiNP)(L) (L = CO, 5; CN(t)Bu, 6) have been isolated purely and quantitatively upon reaction of 2 with CO and CN(t)Bu, respectively. Otherwise, PPh(3) and RhCl(SiNP) equilibrate with Rh(Cl)(SiNP)(PPh(3)) (7). Carbon electrophiles such as MeI and 3-chloro-1-proprene afforded the oxidation of rhodium(I) to rhodium(III) and the formation of RhCl(2)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))(SiNP) (8) and Rh(Me)(I)(SiNP)(acac) (10), respectively. The methyl derivative 10 is thermally stable and does not react either with CO or with CN(t)Bu even in excess. Otherwise, RhCl(2)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))(SiNP) (8) is thermally stable but reacts with CO, affording 3-chloro-1-proprene and RhCl(SiNP)(CO) (5). Finally, upon reaction of Rh(acac)(SiNP) (4) and 3-chloro-1-proprene, RhCl(acac)(η(1)-C(3)H(5))(SiNP) (9a) and [Rh(acac)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))(SiNP)]Cl (9b) could be detected at 233 K. At higher temperatures, 9a and 9b smoothly decompose, affording the dinuclear derivative [RhCl(SiNP)](2) (2) and the CC coupling product 3-allylpentane-2,4-dione.     

Toward a general strategy for the synthesis of heterobimetallic coordination complexes for use as precursors to metal oxide materials: synthesis, characterization, and thermal decomposition of Bi(2)(Hsal)(6).M(acac)(3) (M = Al, Co, V, Fe, Cr)

Bismuth(III) salicylate, [Bi(Hsal)(3)](n), reacts readily with the trivalent metal beta-diketonate compounds M(acac)(3) (acac = acetylacetonate; M = Al, V, Cr, Fe, Co) to produce trinuclear coordination complexes of the general formula Bi(2)(Hsal)(6).M(acac)(3) (M = Al, V, Cr, Fe, Co) in 60-90% yields. Spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments indicate that these complexes possess an unusual asymmetric nested structure in both solution and solid state. Upon standing in dichloromethane solution, Bi(2)(Hsal)(6).Co(acac)(3) eliminates Bi(Hsal)(3) to give the 1:1 adduct Bi(Hsal)(3).Co(acac)(3). The 2:1 heterobimetallic molecular compounds undergo facile thermal decomposition on heating in air to 475 degrees C to produce heterometallic oxide materials, which upon annealing for 2 h at 700 degrees C form crystalline oxide materials. The synthetic approach detailed here represents a unique, general approach to the formation of heterobimetallic bismuth-based coordination complexes via the coordination of M(acac)(3) complexes to bismuth(III) salicylate.     

Synthesis, structure and spectral and redox properties of new mixed ligand monomeric and dimeric Ru(II) complexes: predominant formation of the "cis-alpha" diastereoisomer and unusual 3MC emission by dimeric complexes

The tetradentate ligands 1,8-bis(pyrid-2-yl)-3,6-dithiaoctane (pdto) and 1,8-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)-3,6-dithiaoctane (bbdo) form the complexes [Ru(pdto)(mu-Cl)](2)(ClO(4))(2) 1 and [Ru(bbdo)(mu-Cl)](2)(ClO(4))(2) 2 respectively. The new di-mu-chloro dimers 1 and 2 undergo facile symmetrical bridge cleavage reactions with the diimine ligands 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and dipyridylamine (dpa) to form the six-coordinate complexes [Ru(pdto)(bpy)](ClO(4))(2) 3, [Ru(bbdo)(bpy)](ClO(4))(2) 4, [Ru(pdto)(dpa)](ClO(4))(2) 5 and [Ru(bbdo)(dpa)](ClO(4))(2) 6 and with the triimine ligand 2,2':6,2'-terpyridine (terpy) to form the unusual seven-coordinate complexes [Ru(pdto)(terpy)](ClO(4))(2) 7 and [Ru(bbdo)(terpy)](ClO(4))(2) 8. In 1 the dimeric cation [Ru(pdto)(mu-Cl)](2)(2+) is made up of two approximately octahedrally coordinated Ru(II) centers bridged by two chloride ions, which constitute a common edge between the two Ru(II) octahedra. Each ruthenium is coordinated also to two pyridine nitrogen and two thioether sulfur atoms of the tetradentate ligand. The ligand pdto is folded around Ru(II) as a result of the cis-dichloro coordination, which corresponds to a "cis-alpha" configuration [DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda(rac) diastereoisomer] supporting the possibility of some attractive pi-stacking interactions between the parallel py rings at each ruthenium atom. The ruthenium atom in the complex cations 3a and 4 exhibit a distorted octahedral coordination geometry composed of two nitrogen atoms of the bpy and the two thioether sulfur and two py/bzim nitrogen atoms of the pdto/bbdo ligand, which is actually folded around Ru(II) to give a "cis-alpha" isomer. The molecule of complex 5 contains a six-coordinated ruthenium atom chelated by pdto and dpa ligands in the expected distorted octahedral fashion. The (1)H and (13)C NMR spectral data of the complexes throw light on the nature of metal-ligand bonding and the conformations of the chelate rings, which indicates that the dithioether ligands maintain their tendency to fold themselves even in solution. The bis-mu-chloro dimers 1 and 2 show a spin-allowed but Laporte-forbidden t(2g)(6)((1)A(1g))--> t(2g)(5) e(g)(1)((1)T(1g), (1)T(2g)) d-d transition. They also display an intense Ru(II) dpi--> py/bzim (pi*) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition. The mononuclear complexes 3-8 exhibit dpi-->pi* MLCT transitions in the range 340-450 nm. The binuclear complexes 1 and 2 exhibit a ligand field ((3)MC) luminescence even at room temperature, whereas the mononuclear complexes 3 and 4 show a ligand based radical anion ((3)MLCT) luminescence. The binuclear complexes 1 and 2 undergo two successive oxidation processes corresponding to successive Ru(II)/Ru(III) couples, affording a stable mixed-valence Ru(II)Ru(III) state (K(c): 1, 3.97 x 10(6); 2, 1.10 x 10(6)). The mononuclear complexes 3-7 exhibit only one while 8 shows two quasi-reversible metal-based oxidative processes. The coordinated 'soft' thioether raises the redox potentials significantly by stabilising the 'soft' Ru(II) oxidation state. One or two ligand-based reduction processes were also observed for the mononuclear complexes.     

Interfacial activity of metal β-diketonato complexes: in situ generation of amphiphiles by water coordination

Symmetric transition metal complexes of 2,4-pentanedione (acetyl acetone) are interfacially active: Spinning drop tensiometry reveals lowering of the interfacial tension at the water-organic interface, most pronounced for [Cr(acac)(3)], [Fe(acac)(3)], [Zr(acac)(4)], and [Hf(acac)(4)]. The interfacial activity is explained by the in situ generation of amphiphilic species. Based on tensiometry and (1)H and diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY NMR), hydrogen bonding of the organically dissolved complexes with water, in some cases in combination with inner-sphere hydrolytic coordination, is identified as the primary origin of this amphiphilicity. The complexes are a rare example of symmetric molecules that turn amphiphilic only upon interfacial interaction with water.     

The coordination chemistry of the hydrotris(3-diphenylmethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate (Tp(CHPh2)) ligand

The new ligand, hydrotris[3-(diphenylmethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]borate, Tp(CHPh2), has been synthesized and its coordination chemistry was compared with that of the analogous Tp(iPr). The new ligand was converted to a variety of complexes, such as M[Tp(CHPh2)]X (M = Co, Ni, Zn; X = Cl, NCO, NCS), Pd[Tp(CHPh2)][eta3-methallyl], Co[Tp(CHPh2)](acac), and Co[Tp(CHPh2)](scorpionate ligand). Compounds Tl[Tp(CHPh2)], 1, Co[Tp(CHPh2)]Cl, 2, Co[Tp(CHPh2)](NCS)(DMF), 3, Ni[Tp(CHPh2)](NCS)(DMF)2, 4, Co[Tp(CHPh2)](acac), 5, Co[Tp(CHPh2)][Ph2Bp], 6, Co[Tp(CHPh2)][Bp(Ph)], 7, Co[Tp(CHPh2)][Tp], 8, and (Ni[Tp(CHPh2)])2[C2O4](H2O)2, 9, were structurally characterized.     

Filling gaps in the series of noninnocent hetero-1,3-diene chelate ligands: ruthenium complexes of redox-active α-azocarbonyl and α-azothiocarbonyl ligands RNNC(R')E, E = O or S

The series of 4-center unsaturated chelate ligands A═B-C═D with redox activity to yield (-)A-B═C-D(-) in two steps has been complemented by two new combinations RNNC(R')E, E = O or S, R = R' = Ph. The ligands N-benzoyl-N'-phenyldiazene = L(O), and N-thiobenzoyl-N'-phenyldiazene = L(S), (obtained in situ) form structurally characterized compounds [(acac)(2)Ru(L)], 1 with L = L(O), and 3 with L = L(S), and [(bpy)(2)Ru(L)](PF(6)), 2(PF(6)) with L = L(O), and 4(PF(6)) with L = L(S) (acac(-) = 2,4-pentanedionato; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). According to spectroscopy and the N-N distances around 1.35 ? and N-C bond lengths of about 1.33 ?, all complexes involve the monoanionic (radical) ligand form. For 1 and 3, the antiferromagnetic spin-spin coupling with electron transfer-generated Ru(III) leads to diamagnetic ground states of the neutral complexes, whereas the cations 2(+) and 4(+) are EPR-active radical ligand complexes of Ru(II). The complexes are reduced and oxidized in reversible one-electron steps. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry in conjunction with time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations allowed us to assign the electronic transitions in the redox series, revealing mostly ligand-centered electron transfer: [(acac)(2)Ru(III)(L(0))](+) ? [(acac)(2)Ru(III)(L(?-))] ? [(acac)(2)Ru(III)(L(2-))](-)/[(acac)(2)Ru(II)(L(?-))](-), and [(bpy)(2)Ru(III)(L(?-))](2+)/[(bpy)(2)Ru(II)(L(0))](2+) ? [(bpy)(2)Ru(II)(L(?-))](+) ? [(bpy)(2)Ru(II)(L(2-))](0). The differences between the O and S containing compounds are rather small in comparison to the effects of the ancillary ligands, acac(-) versus bpy.     

Tetravalent titanium, zirconium, and cerium oxo and peroxo complexes containing an imidodiphosphinate ligand

Dinuclear Ti(IV), Zr(IV), and Ce(IV) oxo and peroxo complexes containing the imidodiphosphinate ligand [N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)](-) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Treatment of Ti(O-i-Pr)(2)Cl(2) with KN(i-Pr(2)PO)(2) afforded the Ti(IV) di-μ-oxo complex [Ti{N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)}(2)](2)(μ-O)(2) (1) that reacted with 35% H(2)O(2) to give the peroxo complex Ti[N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)](2)(η(2)-O(2)) (2). Treatment of HN(i-Pr(2)PO)(2) with Zr(O-t-Bu)(4) and Ce(2)(O-i-Pr)(8)(i-PrOH)(2) afforded the di-μ-peroxo-bridged dimers [M{N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)}(2)](2)(μ-O(2))(2) [M = Zr (3), Ce (4)]. 4 was also obtained from the reaction of Ce[N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)](3) with 35% H(2)O(2). Treatment of (Et(4)N)(2)[CeCl(6)] with 3 equiv of KN(i-Pr(2)PO)(2) afforded Ce[N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)](3)Cl (5). Reaction of (Et(4)N)(2)[CeCl(6)] with 2 equiv of KN(i-Pr(2)PO)(2) in acetonitrile, followed by treatment with Ag(2)O, afforded the μ-oxo-bridged complex [Ce{N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)}Cl](2)[μ-N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)](2)(μ-O) (6). 6 undergoes ligand redistribution in CH(2)Cl(2) in air to give 5. The solid-state structures of [K(2){N(i-Pr(2)PO)(2)}(2)(H(2)O)(8)](n) and complexes 1-6 have been determined.     

2,2'-Biphosphinines and 2,2'-bipyridines in homoleptic dianionic Group 4 complexes and neutral 2,2'-biphosphinine Group 6 d(6) metal complexes: octahedral versus trigonal-prismatic geometries

The geometric and electronic structure of formally d(6) tris-biphosphinine [M(bp)(3)](q) and tris-bipyridine [M(bpy)(3)](q) complexes were studied by means of DFT calculations with the B3LYP functional. In agreement with the available experimental data, Group 4 dianionic [M(bp)(3)](2-) complexes (1P-3P for M=Ti, Zr, and Hf, respectively) adopt a trigonal-prismatic (TP) structure, whereas the geometry of their nitrogen analogues [M(bpy)(3)](2-) (1N-3N) is nearly octahedral (OC), although a secondary minimum was found for the TP structures (1N'-3N'). The electronic factors at work in these systems are discussed by means of an MO analysis of the minima, MO correlation diagrams, and thermodynamic cycles connecting the octahedral and trigonal-prismatic limits. In all these complexes, pronounced electron transfer from the metal center to the lowest lying pi* ligand orbitals makes the d(6) electron count purely formal. However, it is shown that the bp and bpy ligands accommodate the release of electron density from the metal in different ways because of a change in the localization of the HOMO, which is a mainly metal-centered orbital in bp complexes and a pure pi* ligand orbital in bpy complexes. The energetic evolution of the HOMO allows a simple rationalization of the progressive change from the TP to the OC structure on successive oxidation of the [Zr(bp)(3)](2-) complex, a trend in agreement with the experimental structure of the monoanionic complex. The geometry of Group 6 neutral complexes [M(bp)(3)] (4P and 5P for M=Mo and W, respectively) is found to be intermediate between the TP and OC limits, as previously shown experimentally for the tungsten complex. The electron transfer from the metal center to the lowest lying pi* ligand orbitals is found to be significantly smaller than for the Group 4 dianionic analogues. The geometrical change between [Zr(bp)(3)](2-) and [W(bp)(3)] is analyzed by means of a thermodynamic cycle and it is shown that a larger ligand-ligand repulsion plays an important role in favoring the distortion of the tungsten complex away from the TP structure.     

X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies of chromium nitroso complexes. Crystal and molecular structure of (Ph4P)3[Cr(NO)(NCS)5].2.4(CH3)2CO

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) provides a direct means of solving the controversy on Cr oxidation states in nitroso complexes. The first XAS studies of four known Cr-NO complexes, [Cr(NO)(OH(2))(5)](2+), [Cr(NO)(acac)(2)(OH(2))], [Cr(NO)(CN)(5)](3)(-), and [Cr(NO)(NCS)(5)](3)(-), have been performed, in comparison with the related Cr(III) complexes, [Cr(OH(2))(6)](3+), [Cr(acac)(3)], [Cr(CN)(6)](3)(-), and [Cr(NCS)(6)](3)(-). The X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra of the Cr-NO complexes are distinguished from those of the corresponding Cr(III) complexes by increased intensities of pre-edge absorbancies due to the 1s --> 3d transition, as well as with slight shifts (by 0.2-1.0 eV) of the edge positions to lower energies, with no major changes in the edge shape. These features, together with the available structural data on Cr-NO complexes, show that the effective Cr oxidation states in such complexes are close to Cr(III), due to the pi-back-bonding within the Cr-NO moiety. Multiple-scattering fitting of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectra of [Cr(NO)(acac)(2)(OH(2))] supported the assignment of this complex as a trans-isomer (Keller, A.; Jezovska-Trzebiatowska, B. Polyhedron 1985, 4, 1847-1852). The first crystal structure of a Cr nitroso-isothiocyanato complex, (Ph(4)P)(3)[Cr(NO)(NCS)(5)].2.4(CH(3))(2)CO, has been determined.     

Sandwich complexes based on the "all-metal" Al4 2- aromatic ring

We report on novel sandwichlike structures [Al(4)MAl(4)](q-) (q=0-2 and M=Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W) based on the recently synthesized all-metal aromatic Al(4)(2-) square ring. The sandwichlike structures have two aromatic tetraaluminum square rings which trap a transition-metal cation from either the first, second, or third row. The stability of the anionic sandwichlike complexes towards electron detachment is discussed, and addition of alkali cations is found to stabilize the 2- charged complexes, preventing spontaneous electron detachment. Once the sandwichlike complexes are formed, the Al(4)(2-) square properties remain nearly unchanged; this fact strongly supports the hypothesis that in these complexes the Al(4)(2-) square rings remain aromatic.     

Preparation and characterization of mixed-ligand cobalt(III) complexes containing (3-aminopropyl)dimethylphosphine (pdmp). Conformation of the six-membered pdmp chelate ring

Several new cobalt(III) complexes containing (3-aminopropyl)dimethylphosphine (pdmp) have been prepared, and their molecular structures have been determined. A dichloro complex of trans(Cl,Cl)-cis(P,P)-[CoCl(2)(pdmp)(2)]PF(6) (1) was prepared from trans-[CoCl(2)(py)(4)]Cl.6H(2)O and pdmp. X-Ray crystallography confirmed the (C(2))-chair(2) conformation of two six-membered pdmp chelate rings in 1, while the analogous 1,3-bis(dimethylphosphino)propane (dmpp) complex trans-[CoCl(2)(dmpp)(2)]ClO(4) (3) exhibited the (D(2d))-twist(2) conformation. Substitution reactions of 1 for ethane-1,2-diamine (en), pentane-2,4-dionate (acac), and N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamate (dtc) gave the mixed-ligand tris(chelate)-type complexes of [Co(en)(2)(pdmp)]Cl(2)(PF(6)) (5), [Co(acac)(pdmp)(2)](PF(6))(2) (7), and [Co(dtc)(3-n)(pdmp)(n)](PF(6))(n) [n = 1 (9) or 2 (10)], respectively. The conformer of the complex cation in 5 was assigned as lel.ob.chair by X-ray analysis. In the case of the acac complex 7, both trans(P,N) (7a) and trans(N,N) (7b) isomers were isolated, and the complex cations were characterized as syn-chair(2) and anti-chair(2) conformers, respectively, with respect to the six-membered pdmp chelate rings. These conformers coincide with the most stable ones anticipated by the DFT optimum geometry calculations. In the crystal structure of trans(P,N)-[Co(dtc)(pdmp)(2)](BPh(4))(2) (10') one of the pdmp chelate rings adopted a skew-boat (twist) conformation, which reduced the intramolecular steric ring-ring interaction effectively. The DFT optimized geometries for several isomers and/or conformers of [CoCl(2)(pdmp)(2)](+) were compared.     

Syntheses, X-ray crystal structures, and magnetic properties of novel linear M2[II]U[IV] complexes (M=Co, Ni, Cu, Zn)

Attempts to prepare heterobimetallic complexes in which 3d and uranium magnetic ions are associated by means of the Schiff bases H(2)L(i) derived from 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde or 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde were unsuccessful because of ligand transfer reactions between [ML(i)] (M=Co, Ni, Cu) and UCl(4) that led to the mononuclear Schiff base complexes of uranium [UL(i)Cl(2)]. The crystal structure of [UL(3)Cl(2)(py)(2)] [L(3)=N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-ethylenediamine; py=pyridine] was determined. The hexadentate Schiff base ligand N,N'-bis(3-hydroxysalicylidene)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (L) was useful for the synthesis of novel trinuclear complexes of the general formula [[ML(py)](2)U] (M=Co, Ni, Zn) or [[CuL(py)]M'[CuL]] (M'=U, Th, Zr) by reaction of [M(H(2)L)] with [M'(acac)(4)] (acac=MeCOCHCOMe). The crystal structures of the Co(2)U, Ni(2)U, Zn(2)U, Cu(2)U, and Cu(2)Th complexes show that the two ML fragments are orthogonal, being linked to the central actinide ion by the two pairs of oxygen atoms of the Schiff base ligand. In each compound, the UO(8) core exhibits the same dodecahedral geometry, and the three metals are linear. The magnetic study indicated that the two Cu(2+) ions are not coupled in the Cu(2)Zr and Cu(2)Th compounds. The magnetic behavior of the Co(2)U, Ni(2)U, and Cu(2)U complexes was compared with that of the Zn(2)U derivative, in which the paramagnetic 3d ion was replaced with the diamagnetic Zn(2+) ion. A weak antiferromagnetic coupling was observed between the Ni(2+) and the U(4+) ions, while a ferromagnetic interaction was revealed between the Cu(2+) and U(4+) ions.     

Lanthanide-mediated triangular cationic assemblies: structural and physico-chemical properties

This contribution investigates Ln(III) complexes formed with a small ditopic ligand, L1, and their structural, thermodynamic and photophysical properties. The spectrophotometric and NMR titrations evidence the triangular assemblies [Ln(3)(L1-H)(3)](6+) at stoichiometric conditions and their properties are discussed in relation to L2-containing analogues. In addition, the dinuclear species, [Ln(2)(L1-H)](5+), is observed with an excess of metal.     

Complexes of a novel multinucleating poly-beta-diketonate ligand

The synthesis of the new polynucleating ligand 1,3-bis-(3-oxo-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-propionyl)-benzene (H4L) is reported along with the preparation, structure and properties of its dinuclear complexes [Cu(2)(H(2)L)(2)(py)(2)](1), [Ni(2)(H(2)L)(2)(py)(4)](2), [Mn(2)(H(2)L)(2)(dmf)(4)](3), [Co(2)(H(2)L)(2)(dmf)(4)](4) and [Co(2)(H(2)L)(2)(MeOH)(4)](5), respectively. In complexes 1 to 5, the polydentate ligand is in its bis-deprotonated form, chelating the metals through its [small beta]-diketonate moieties. Magnetic measurements show that the metals within these molecules are maintained almost mutually independent.