Disilver(I) rectangular-shaped metallacycles: X-ray crystal structure and dynamic behavior in solution

Reaction of the ditopic semirigid ligand 1,2-bis(imidazolylmethyl)benzene (1,2-bImb) or the flexible ligand 1,4-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)butane (C4BIm) with AgX (X = ClO4-, BF4-, CF3CO2-) afforded five new complexes, namely, [Ag2(1,2-bImb)2](ClO4)2 (1), [Ag2(1,2-bImb)2](BF4)2 (2), [Ag2(1,2-bImb)2](CF3CO2)2.2CH3OH (3.2CH3OH), [Ag2(C4BIm)2](ClO4)2.2DMF (4.2DMF), and [Ag2(C4BIm)2](CF3CO2)2.2H2O (5.2H2O), all of which contain a centrosymmetric, rectangular-shaped cationic disilver(I) metallacycle [Ag2(L)2]2+. In 1-3, a pair of 1,2-bImb ligands takes on the syn conformation to connect two Ag(I) ions to give a compressed rectangle with a transannular Ag...Ag separation of 3.27-3.36 angstroms, whereas in 4 and 5, the pair of planar C4BIm ligands acts in the cis conformation to connect two Ag(I) ions to yield a normal rectangle with a transannular Ag...Ag separation of 7.67-7.91 angstroms. The anions form Ag...O or Ag...F weak interactions in 1-3 and O-H...O or N-H...O hydrogen bonds in 4 and 5 in crystal packing but exhibit no significant influence on the formation of the disilver(I) macrocycles. The solution structure and dynamic behavior of the complexes studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, and variable-temperature NMR indicated that the dynamic equilibrium between the [Ag2(L)2]2+ cation and the open-ring oligomers or other potential species occurs via solvent-assisted dissociative exchange. The metal-ligand exchange barrier was estimated to be 54.5 kJ mol(-1).     

Tuning the coordination geometry of silver in bis(pyrazolyl)alkane complexes

Silver(I) complexes of the bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands Ph(2)C(pz)(2), PhCH(pz)(2), and PhCH(2)CH(pz)(2) (pz = pyrazolyl ring) have been prepared in an attempt to explore how sterically hindered poly(pyrazolyl)methane ligands influence the variable coordination geometries exhibited by silver(I) complexes, especially its ability to participate in cation...pi interactions. The complex (Ag[(pz)(2)CPh(2)](2))(PF(6)).C(3)H(6)O adopts an unusual square planar coordination environment as indicated by the sum of the four N-Ag-N angles being 360 degrees. The proximity of phenyl groups above and below the AgN(4) core enforces the unusual coordination geometry about the metal center. This arrangement is not a result of silver(I)...pi arene interactions but rather of the constraints imposed by the steric crowding caused by (aryl)(2)C(pz)(2) ligands. In contrast, the complexes of the other two ligands, (Ag[(pz)(2)CHPh](2))(PF(6)).0.5CH(2)Cl(2) and (Ag[(pz)(2)CH(CH(2)Ph)](2))(PF(6)).CH(2)Cl(2), show normal tetrahedral geometry about the silver(I), also with no indication of silver(I)...pi arene interactions. All three new complexes have extended supramolecular structures supported by a combination of CH...pi and CH...F interactions.     

Formation of racemate and mesocate complexes from an achiral tripodal ligand containing three benzimidazole groups

Two complexes of the achiral tripodal ligand tris(1-benzimidazolylethyl)amine (nteb), viz., [Mn(nteb)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2).CH(3)OH, 1, and [Ag(2)(nteb)(2)](CF(3)CO(2))(2).2H(2)O, 2, have been synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, and EPR spectroscopy (1), electrospray mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 contains chiral complex cations due to the same handedness of two nteb ligands (deltadelta or lambdalambda) but crystallizes as a racemate, while 2 contains a dinuclear mesocate because of the opposite handedness (deltalambda) of two nteb ligands. Crystal data for 1: space group P(-)1 with a = 9.471(4) A, b = 16.884(7) A, c = 19.906(8) A, alpha = 77.930(7) degrees, beta = 88.063(7) degrees, gamma = 89.706(7) degrees, V = 3111(2) A(3), and Z = 2. Crystal data for 2: space group P(-)1 with a = 9.3390(12) A, b = 10.2168(13) A, c = 16.382(2) A, alpha = 75.721(3) degrees, beta = 87.857(3) degrees, gamma = 71.738(3) degrees, V = 1437.2(3) A(3), and Z = 1. In 1, water serves as an auxiliary ligand, connected to one imidazole N atom of each nteb ligand through a H-bridge; the cationic complexes are associated intermolecularly via pi.pi interactions. In contrast to 1, the coordination to the Ag(+) ions in 2 occurs in a heterochiral manner and produces a dinuclear mesocate.     

Copper(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) complexes with a bulky anthracene-based carboxylic ligand: syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties

To systematically explore the influence of the bulky aromatic ring skeleton with a large conjugated pi-system on the structures and properties of their complexes, six CuII, CoII, and NiII complexes with the anthracene-based carboxylic ligand anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (HL1), were synthesized and characterized, sometimes incorporating different auxiliary ligands: [Cu2(L1)4(CH3OH)2](CH3OH) (1), [Cu4(L1)6(L2)4](NO3)2(H2O)2 (2), {[Cu2(L1)4(L3)](CH3OH)0.25}infinity (3), [Co2(L1)4(L4)2(micro-H2O)](CH3OH) (4), {[Co(L1)2(L5)(CH3OH)2]}infinity (5), and {[Ni(L1)2(L5)(CH3OH)2]}infinity (6) (L2 = 2,2'-bipyridine, L3 = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, L4 = 1,10-phenanthroline, and L5 = 4,4'-bipyridine). 1 has a dinuclear structure that is further assembled to form a one-dimensional (1D) chain and then a two-dimensional (2D) network by the C-H...O H-bonding and pi...pi stacking interactions jointly. 2 takes a tetranuclear structure due to the existence of the chelating L2 ligand. 3 possesses a 1D chain structure by incorporating the related auxiliary ligand L3, which is further interlinked via interchain pi...pi stacking, resulting in a three-dimensional (3D) network. 4 also has a dinuclear structure and then forms a higher-dimensional supramolecular network through intermolecular pi...pi stacking and/or C-H...pi interactions. 5 and 6 are isostructural complexes, except they involve different metal ions, showing 1D chain structures, which are also assembled into 2D networks from the different crystallographic directions by interchain pi...pi stacking and C-H...pi interactions, respectively. The results reveal that the steric bulk of the anthracene ring in HL1 plays an important role in the formation of 1-6. The magnetic properties of the complexes were investigated, and the very long intermetallic distances result in weak magnetic coupling, with the exception of 1 and 3, which adopt the typical paddle-wheel structure of copper acetate and are thus strongly coupled.     

Silver(I) complexes in coordination supramolecular system with bulky acridine-based ligands: syntheses, crystal structures, and theoretical investigations on C-H...Ag close interaction

In our efforts to investigate the coordination architectures of transition metals and organic ligands with tailored structures, we have prepared two structurally related rigid bulky acridine-based ligands, 9-[3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-1-yl]- acridine (L(1)) and 9-(1-imidazolyl)acridine (L2), and synthesized and characterized four of their Ag(I) complexes, {[AgL1](ClO4)}2 (1), {[AgL1](NO3)}2 (2), [AgL2(2)](ClO4) (3), and {[(Ag3L2(3))(NO3)](NO3)2(H2O)}(infinity) (4). The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the structures of 1 and 2 are similar to each other, with the two intramolecular Ag(I) centers of each complex being encircled by two L1 ligands; this forms a unique boxlike cyclic dimer, which is further linked to form one-dimensional (1D) chains of 1 and a two-dimensional (2D) network of 2 by intermolecular face-to-face pi...pi stacking and/or weak C-H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions, respectively. 3 has a mononuclear structure, which is further assembled into a 2D network via intermolecular Ag...O and pi...pi stacking weak interactions. 4 possesses two different 1D motifs that are further interlinked through interlayer face-to-face pi...pi stacking and Ag...O weak interactions, resulting in a 2D network. It is worth noting that one of the interesting structural features of 1, 2, and 4 is the presence of obvious C-H...M hydrogen-bonding interactions between the Ag centers and some acridine ring H atoms identified by X-ray diffraction on the basis of the van der Waals radii. Furthermore, as a representative example, full geometry optimization on the basis of the experimental structure, the natural bond orbital (NBO), and topological analysis of 1 were carried out by DFT and AIM (Atoms in Molecules) calculations. The total C-H...Ag interaction energy in 1 is estimated to be about 14 kJ/mol. Therefore, this work offers three new rare examples (1, 2, and 4) that exhibit C-H...Ag weak interactions, in which the N donors of the acridine rings coordinate to Ag(I) ions. Also, these results strongly support the existence of C-H...Ag close interactions and allow us to have a better understanding of the nature of such interactions in the coordination supramolecular systems.     

Synthesis, Structure and Physical Properties of Mn and Cd Complexes with 1,1,2,2-Tetracarboxyl-ethylene Acid

Complex [Mn(tce) 0.5(H2O) 4](1) was obtained from Mn(OAc) 2 and tce,where tce is 1,1,2,2-tetracarboxyl-ethane. The structure of 1 is a single molecule,in which Mn(II) is a distorted octahedron coordinated to six oxygen atoms. Complex [Cd(tce) 0.5(H2O) 3](H2O) (2) fea-tures a pillared layer architecture. The Cd(II) atom is in an octahedral environment coordinated by six oxygen donors from water molecules and tce ligands. Cd(II) atoms are interlinked by the tce ligand to generate a 2-D wavelike layer. The layers are strutted by the intermolecular O-H···O hydrogen bonds to form a 3-D open framework. Luminescence property of complex 2 was investigated. Magnetic property of complex 1 was also studied. 1 belongs to triclinic,space group P1 with a = 6.2901(12) ,b = 8.0212(15) ,c = 8.0769(15) ,α = 108.522(3) ,β = 95.068(3) ,γ = 97.086(3) °,V = 379.92(12) 3,Mr = 456.08,Dc = 1.993 g/cm3,F(000) = 232,μ = 1.748 mm-1,Z = 1,the final R = 0.0297 and wR = 0.0731 for 1575 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I) . 2 is of monoclinic system,space group P21/c with a = 6.4367(14) ,b = 9.495(2) ,c = 13.907(3) ,β = 117.405(8) °,V = 754.6(3) 3,Mr = 285.51,Dc = 2.513 g/cm3,F(000) = 556,μ = 2.905 mm-1,Z = 4,the final R = 0.0375 and wR = 0.0737 for 1521 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I).     

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and preliminary reactivity behaviour of new heteropolytopic ligands based on the 1,3,5-triazine spacer and pyrazolyl, tris-pyrazolylmethyl and tris-pyrazolylethoxy bonding fragments

Four new potentially polytopic nitrogen donor ligands based on the 1,3,5-triazine fragment, L(1)-L(4) (L(1) = 2-chloro-4,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine, L(2) = N,N'-bis(4,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diamine, L(3) = 2,4,6-tris(tri(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-1,3,5-triazine, and L(4) = 2,4,6-tris(2,2,2-tri(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethoxy)-1,3,5-triazine) have been synthesized and characterized. The X-ray crystal structure of L(3) confirms that its molecular nature consists of a 1,3,5-triazine ring bearing three tripodal tris(pyrazolyl) arms. L(1), L(2), and L(4) react with Cu(I), Cu(II), Pd(II) and Ag(I) salts yielding mono-, di-, and oligonuclear derivatives: [Cu(L(1))(Cy(3)P)]ClO(4), [{Ag(2)(L(2))}(CF(3)SO(3))(2)]·H(2)O, [Cu(2)(L(2))(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(2)·H(2)O, [Cu(2)(L(2))(CH(3)COO)(2)](CH(3)COO)(2)·3H(2)O, [Pd(2)(L(2))(Cl)(4)]·2H(2)O, [Ru(L(2))(Cl)(OH)]·CH(3)OH, [Ag(3)(L(4))(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(3) and [Ag(3)(L(4))(2)](BF(4))(3). The interaction of L(3) with Ag(I), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ru(II) complexes unexpectedly produced the hydrolysis of the ligand with formation, in all cases, of tris(pyrazolyl)methane (TPM) derivatives. In detail, the already known [Ag(TPM)(2)](CF(3)SO(3)) and [Cu(TPM)(2)](NO(3))(2), as well as the new [Zn(TPM)(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2) and [Ru(TMP)(p-cymene)]Cl(OH)·2H(2)O complexes have been isolated. Single-crystal XRD determinations on the latter derivatives confirm their formulation, evidencing, for the Ru(II) complex, an interesting supramolecular arrangement of the anions and crystallization water molecules.     

Discrete and infinite cage-like frameworks with inclusion of anionic and neutral species and with interpenetration phenomena

Complex [Ag(tpba)N(3)] (1) was obtained by reaction of novel tripodal ligand N,N',N"-tris(pyrid-3-ylmethyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide (TPBA) with [Ag(NH(3))(2)]N(3). While the reactions between 1,3,5-tris(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene (TITMB) and silver(I) salts with different anions and solvent systems give six complexes: [Ag(3)(titmb)(2)](N(3))(3).CH(3)OH.4 H(2)O (2), [Ag(3)(titmb)(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2)(OH).5 H(2)O (3), [Ag(3)(titmb)(2)][Ag(NO(3))(3)]NO(3).H(2)O (4), [Ag(3)(titmb)(2)(py)](NO(3))(3).H(2)O (py=pyridine) (5), [Ag(3)(titmb)(2)(py)](ClO(4))(3) (6), and [Ag(3)(titmb)(2)](ClO(4))(3).CHCl(3) (7). The structures of these complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography. The results of structural analysis of complexes 1 and 2, with the same azide anion but different ligands, revealed that 1 is a twofold interpenetrated 3D framework with interlocked cage-like moieties, while 2 is a M(3)L(2) type cage-like complex with a methanol molecule inside the cage. Entirely different structure and topology between 1 and 2 indicates that the nature of organic ligands affected the structures of assemblies greatly. While in the cases of complexes 2-7 with flexible tripodal ligand TITMB, they are all discrete M(3)L(2) type cages. The results indicate that the framework of these complexes is predominated by the nature of the organic ligand and geometric need of the metal ions, but not influenced greatly by the anions and solvents. It is interesting that there is a divalent anion [Ag(NO(3))(3)](2-) inside the cage 4 and an anion of ClO(4)(-) or NO(3)(-) spontaneously encapsulated within the cage of complexes 5, 6 and 7.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and characterization of new tetranuclear Ag(I) complexes with triazole bridges

The self-assembly of Ag(I) ions with 3,5-dimethyl-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (L1) and 4-salicylideneamino-1,2,4-triazole (L2) gave two novel complexes, [Ag4(mu2-L1)6][Ag4(mu2-L1)6(CH3CN)2](ClO4)8.2H2O (1) and [Ag4(mu2-L2)6(CH3CN)2](AsF6)4.2H2O (2), both of which contain tetranuclearic clusters constructed via Ag(I) ions and six N1,N2-bridged triazoles with a Ag4N12 core. When 4-(6-amino-2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole (L3) was employed, {[Ag4(mu2-L3)4(mu3-L3)2](CF3SO3)4.H2O}n (3), {[Ag4(mu2-L3)4(mu3-L3)2](ClO4)4}n (4), and {[Ag4(mu2-L3)2(mu3-L3)4](PF6)4.CH3CN.0.75H2O}n (5) were isolated. 3 and 4 are 1D polymers, while 5 is a 2D polymer. 1D and 2D coordination polymers are constructed via the self-assembly of Ag4N12 cores as secondary building units (SBUs). The connection of these SBUs can be represented as a ladderlike structure for 1D polymers and a 4.8(2) net for 2D polymers. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry measurements and NMR (1H and 13C) studies demonstrate that the tetranuclear SBU retains its integrity and the coordination polymers decompose into the tetranuclear Ag4N12 core in solution. 2 exhibits blue emission in the solid state and green emission in solution at ambient temperature. Strong blue fluorescence for complexes 3-5 in the solid state can be assigned to the intraligand fluorescent emission.     

Mono-, di-, and trinuclear luminescent silver(I) and gold(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes derived from the picolyl-substituted methylimidazolium salt: 1-methyl-3-(2-pyridinylmethyl)-1H-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate

The N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursor, 1-methyl-3-(2-pyridinylmethyl)-1H-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [HCH3im(CH2py)]BF4, reacted with AgBF4 in the presence of aqueous NaOH to produce the silver complex [Ag(CH3im(CH2py))2]BF4 (1) which was then reacted with Au(tht)Cl to form the corresponding gold(I) complex, [Au(CH3im(CH2py))2]BF4 (2). Complex 2 reacted with 1 equiv of AgBF4 to produce the mixed-metal species [AuAg(CH3im(CH2py))2](BF4)2 (3). The reaction of 2 with 1 equiv of Au(tht)Cl followed by metathesis with NaBF4 produces the dimetallic gold complex [Au2(CH3im(CH2py))2](BF4)2 (4). The reaction of [Ag(CH3im(CH2py))2]BF4 (1) with 1 equiv of AgBF4 produces the trinuclear [Ag3(CH3im(CH2py))3(NCCH3)2](BF4)3 (5) complex, which appears to dissociate into a dimetallic complex in solution. Complexes 1-5 were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV-vis, luminescence spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. The CH3im(CH2py) ligands in 3 are arranged in a head-to-head fashion spanning a Au-Ag separation of 3.0318(5) A with the carbene portion of the ligand remaining coordinated to the Au(I) center. In 4, the ligands are arranged in a head-to-tail fashion with an Au-Au separation of 3.1730(5) A. In 5, the ligands bridge the nearly symmetrical Ag3 triangular core with short Ag-Ag separations of 2.7765(8), 2.7832(8), and 2.7598(8) A. All of these complexes, including the ligand precursor, are intensely luminescent in solution and the solid state.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic, and structural studies on transition metal complexes involving homoleptic tripodal selenoether and telluroether coordination

The reaction of [MCl2(NCMe)2] (M = Pd or Pt) with 2 molar equiv of MeC(CH2ER)3 (E = Se, R = Me; E = Te, R = Me or Ph) and 2 molar equiv of TlPF6 affords the bis ligand complexes [M(MeC(CH2ER)3)2][PF6]2. The crystal structure of [Pt(MeC(CH2SeMe)3)2][PF6]2 (C16H36F12P2PtSe6, a = 12.272(10) A, b = 18.563(9) A, c = 15.285(7) A, beta = 113.18(3) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4) confirms distorted square planar Se4 coordination at Pt(II), derived from two bidentate tripod selenoethers with the remaining arm not coordinated and directed away from the metal center. Solution NMR studies indicate that these species are fluxional and that the telluroether complexes are rather unstable in solution. The octahedral bis tripod complexes [Ru(MeC(CH2SMe)3)2][CF3-SO3]2 and [Ru(MeC(CH2TePh)3)2][CF3SO3]2 are obtained from [Ru(dmf)6][CF3SO3]3 and tripod ligand in EtOH solution. The thioether complex (C18H36F6O6RuS8, a = 8.658(3) A, b = 11.533(3) A, c = 8.659(2) A, alpha = 108.33(2) degrees, beta = 91.53(3) degrees, gamma = 106.01(2) degrees, triclinic, P1, Z = 1) is isostructural with its selenoether analogue, involving two facially coordinated trithioether ligands in the syn configuration. NMR spectroscopy confirms that this configuration is retained in solution for all of the bis tripod Ru(II) complexes. These low-spin d6 complexes show unusually high ligand field splittings. The hexaselenoether Rh(III) complex [Rh(MeC(CH2SeMe)3)2][PF6]3 was obtained by treatment of [Rh(H2O)6]3+ with 2 molar equiv of MeC(CH2SeMe)3 in aqueous MeOH in the presence of excess PF6- anion, while the iridium(III) analogue [Ir(MeC(CH2SeMe)3)2][PF6]3 was obtained via the reaction of the Ir(I) precursor [IrCl(C8H14)2]2 with the selenoether tripod in MeOH/aqueous HBF4. NMR studies reveal different invertomers in solution for both the Rh and Ir species. The Cu(I) complexes [Cu(MeC(CH2ER)3)2]PF6 were obtained from [Cu(NCMe)4]PF6 and tripod ligand in CH2Cl2 solution. The corresponding Ag(I) species [Ag(MeC(CH2TeR)3)2]CF3SO3 (R = Me or Ph) were obtained from Ag[CF3SO3] and tripod telluroether. In contrast, a similar reaction with 2 molar equiv of MeC(CH2SeMe)3 afforded only the 1:1 complex [Ag(MeC(CH2SeMe)3)]CF3SO3. The structure of this species (C9H18AgF3O3SSe3, a = 8.120(3) A, b = 15.374(3) A, c = 14.071(2) A, beta = 93.86(2) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4) reveals a distorted trigonal planar geometry at Ag(I) derived from one bidentate selenoether and one monodentate selenoether. These units are then linked to adjacent Ag(I) ions to give a one-dimensional linear chain cation.     

Polymeric silver(I) complexes with pyridyl dithioether ligands: experimental and theoretical investigations on the coordination properties of the ligands

The reactions of four flexible tetradentate ligands, 1,3-bis(2-pyridylthio)propane (L1), 1,4-bis(2-pyridylthio)butane (L2), 1,5-bis(2-pyridylthio)pentane (L3) and 1,6-bis(2-pyridylthio)hexane (L4) with AgX (X = BF4-, ClO4-, PF6-, or CF3SO3-) lead to the formation of seven new complexes: [AgL1(BF4)]2 (1), [[AgL2](ClO4)]infinity (2), [[AgL2(CH3CN)](PF6)]infinity (3), [[AgL3](BF4)(CHCl3)]2 (4), [[AgL3(CF3SO3)](CH3OH)(0.5)]infinity (5), [[Ag2L4(2)](BF4)2]infinity (6), and [[AgL4](PF6)]infinity (7), which have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Single-crystal X-ray analyses show that complexes 1 and 4 possess dinuclear macrometallacyclic structures, and complexes 2, 3 and 5-7 take chain structures. In all the complexes, the nitrogen atoms of ligands preferentially coordinate to silver atoms to form normal coordination bonds, while the sulfur atoms only show weak interactions with silver atoms and the intermolecular AgS weak contacts connect the low-dimensional complexes into high-dimensional supramolecular networks. Additional weak interactions, such as pi-pi stacking, F...F weak interactions, Ag...O contacts or C-H...O hydrogen bonds, also help to stabilize the crystal structures. It was found that the parity of the -(CH2)n- spacers (n = 3-6) affect the orientation of the two terminal pyridyl rings, thereby significantly influence the framework formations of these complexes. The coordination features of ligands and their conformation changes between free and coordination states have been investigated by DFT calculations.     

Synthesis and characterization of silver(I) coordination networks bearing flexible thioethers: anion versus ligand dominated structures

This report describes the synthesis and X-ray characterization of a series of L(n)AgX complexes wherein Ln = PhS(CH2)nSPh (n = 2, 4, 6, 10) and X = CF3SO3-, CF3COO-, CF3CF2COO-, CF3CF2CF2COO-, NO3-, and ClO4-. This study was undertaken in order to rationalize the structure of the coordination networks formed as a function of the anion coordinating strength and the ligand structure. The following complexes were examined: with L(2), CF3SO3- (1), CF3COO- (2), ClO4- (3); L4, CF3SO3- (4), CF3COO- (5), CF3CF2COO- (6), CF3CF2CF2COO- (7); L6, CF3COO-.H2O (8), CF3CF2COO- (9), CF3CF2CF2COO- (10); and L10, NO3- (11). The anions selected are classified in three groups of increasing coordinating strength: perchlorates, fluorosulfonates, and perfluorocarboxylates. Except in two cases, all complexes form 2D-coordination networks. The 2D-network in 1 (L2, CF3SO3-) is made up of Ag(I) and L2, while the anion is only a terminal co-ligand that completes the trigonal coordination around Ag(I). In 4 (L4, CF3SO3-), a 1D-coordination polymer, [Ag-L4-]infinity, is observed where the anions are coordinated to Ag(I) in a trigonal fashion. The perfluorocarboxylates form tetrameric units in a zigzag shape, but only with the L4 ligand. In these (6 and 7), the silver-silver distances are very short, especially those of the central bond, indicating the presence of weak Ag-Ag interactions. Dimers, with short silver-silver distances, are observed with ligands L2 and L6 and perfluorocarboxylates. In 8 (L6, CF3COO-.H2O), a 3D channel-like structure is built through water molecules that connect adjacent layers. An unusual stoichiometry is noted in 3 (L2, ClO4-, acetone); Ag:L is 4:2.5. In 11 (L10 and NO3-), the nitrate acts as a bidentate ligand and an [Ag-NO3-]infinity chain is formed. Adjacent chains are linked by the L10 ligands into a 2D-coordination network.     

Ligand and counterion control of Ag(I) architectures: assembly of a {Ag8} ring cluster mediated by hydrophobic and Ag...Ag interactions

A strategy combining ligand design and counterion variation has been used to investigate the assembly of silver(I) complexes. As a result, dinuclear, octanuclear, and polymeric silver(I) species have been synthesized by complexation of the rigid aliphatic amino ligands cis-3,5-diamino-trans-hydroxycyclohexane (DAHC), cis-3,5-diamino-trans-methoxycyclohexane (DAMC), and cis-3,5-diamino-trans-tert-butyldimethylsilylanyloxycyclohexane (DATC) with silver(I) triflate, nitrate, and perchlorate. The compositions of these aggregates, established by X-ray crystallography and elemental analysis, are [{Ag(DAHC)}2](CF3SO3)2 (1), [{Ag(DAMC)}2](CF3SO3)2 (2), [{Ag(DAMC)}2](NO3)2 (3), [{Ag(DATC)}6{Ag(DAHC)}2](NO3)8 (4), and [{Ag(DATC}n](NO3)n (5), where the DAHC present in 4 is formed by in situ hydrolysis of the acid labile silyl ether group. The type of aggregate formed depends both upon the noncoordinating O-substituent of the ligand and the (also noncoordinating) counterion, with the normal preference of the ligand topology for forming Ag2L2 structures being broken by introduction of the bulky, lipophilic O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) group. Of particular note is the octanuclear silver ring structure 4, which is isolated only when both the O-TBDMS group and the nitrate counteranion are present and is formed from four Ag2L2 dimers connected by Ag...Ag and hydrogen-bonding interactions. Diffusion rate measurement of this {Ag8} complex by 1H NMR (DOSY) indicates dissociation in CD3OD and CD3CN, showing that this supramolecular ring structure is formed upon crystallization, and establishing a qualitative limit to the strength of Ag...Ag interactions in solution. When solutions of the {Ag8} cluster in methanol are kept for several days though, a new UV-vis absorption is observed at around 430 nm, consistent with the formation of silver nanoparticles.     

Ligand-controlled nuclearity in nickel bis(benzimidazolyl) complexes

A series of nickel complexes supported with a tripodal ligand bis(1-methylbenzimidazolyl-2-methyl)amine (L) or bis(1-methylbenzimidazolyl-2-methyl)-10-camphorsulfonamide (L') on a Ni(II) ion were synthesized and fully characterized. The complexes, [LNiCl(micro-Cl)]2.4CH(3)OH (1), [LNi(CH(3)CN)3](ClO4)2.2CH(3)CN (3), and [L2(2)Ni(2)(micro-OAc)3]X (X = Cl- (5) or ClO4- (7)), coordinated with the tridentate L ligand, all possess an octahedral structure at the nickel center; in contrast, the geometry of the complexes, L'NiCl2 (2), [L'Ni(CH(3)CN)3](ClO4)2.2CH(3)CN (4), and L'Ni(OAc)2.0.5Et(2)O (6), employing the L' ligand are either tetrahedral or octahedral. Due to the weak coordinating ability of the sulfonamide group and the steric hindrance of the camphorsulfonyl group of L', the tripodal L' becomes a bidentate ligand in the presence of chloride or acetate groups, which have a stronger electron donating ability than acetonitrile, bound to the nickel center. It is noteworthy that the nuclearity of the nickel complexes can be controlled by the coordination ability of the central nitrogen of the supporting bis-methylbenzimidazolyl ligand.     

Structural diversity of silver(I) 4,6-dipyridyl-2-aminopyrimidine complexes: effect of counteranions and ligand isomerism

Using two ligands, 4,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-2-aminopyrimidine (L1) with two N,N'-chelating sites and 4-(2-pyridyl)-6-(4-pyridyl)-2-aminopyrimidine (L2) (as the isomer of L1) containing one chelating site and one bridging unit, a series of novel Ag(I) complexes varying from zero- to two-dimensions have been prepared and their crystal structures determined via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The two ligands are employed for the first time in coordination chemistry. The structures of compounds 1-3 are directed by the counteranions adopted in the reaction system: The reaction of L1 with AgNO3 yielded a dimer [Ag2L12](NO3)2 (1). The reaction of L1 with AgCF3SO3 led to a one-dimension "V-shaped" chain {[AgL1](CF3SO3)}n (2). When AgSCN was used, a one-dimension ladder {[Ag2L1(SCN)2].H2O}n (3) was obtained. While ligand L2 reacted with AgNO3, a two-dimension {[Ag2(L2)2](NO3)2.H2O}n (4) was prepared with the help of an argentophilic interaction. Compounds 1-4 display room-temperature photoluminescence.     

Zero to three dimensional increase of silver(I) coordination assemblies controlled by deprotonation of 1,3,5-tri(2-benzimidazolyl)benzene and aggregation of multinuclear building units

Four Ag(I) complexes of a triangular multidentate ligand 1,3,5-tri(2-benzimidazolyl)benzene (H3TBimB), namely, [Ag2(H3TBimB)2](CF3SO3)2 (1), [Ag4(HTBimB)2]n (2), [Ag9(HTBimB)4(TAZ)]n (HTAZ=1,2,4-triazole) (3), and [Ag17(TBimB)5(HTBimB)(H2O)5]n.nH2O (4), have been synthesized at different pH values adjusted by addition of NH3.H2O under solvothermal conditions and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Complex 1 shows an M2L2 dimeric structure, 2 displays a one-dimensional chain containing M4L2 basic units, 3 is a two-dimensional network built up from an M9L4 subunit, and 4 exhibits a three-dimensional framework generated by an M17L6 motif. Dimensional increase in complexes 1-4 was caused by deprotonation of the H3TBimB ligand, thus offering more coordinating donors and resulting in aggregation of oligomeric Ag(I) building units. In the cases of complexes 3 and 4, TAZ or H2O molecules serve as auxiliary ligands to complete the coordination geometry of the Ag(I) ions wherever necessary. The photoluminescent properties of the ligand H3TBimB and the complexes 1-3 have been investigated.     

Reactions of a methylmercury zwitterionic thiolate complex [MeHg(Tab)]PF6 with various donor ligands: relevance to methylmercury detoxification

Reaction of MeHgI with Ag(2)O in H(2)O followed by addition of equimolar TabHPF(6) in MeCN gave rise to a methylmercury zwitterionic thiolate complex [MeHg(Tab)]PF(6) (1) (TabH = 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiol) in a high yield. Treatment of 1 with KI and KSCN afforded an anion exchange product [MeHg(Tab)]I·0.25H(2)O (2·0.25H(2)O) and [MeHg(Tab)]SCN (3), respectively, while that of 1 with equimolar Tab resulted in the formation of another MeHg/Tab compound [MeHg(Tab)(2)]PF(6) (4). The cation of 2 or 3 shows an approximately linear structure in which the central Hg(II) is coordinated by one C atom of one CH(3) group and one S atom of a Tab ligand. The Hg(ii) center of the cation of 4 is trigonally coordinated by one C atom of the CH(3) group and two S atoms of two Tab ligands. The analogous reaction of 1 with NH(4)SCN led to the cleavage of the Hg-C bond of 1 and the formation of a known four-coordinated Hg(II)/Tab complex [Hg(Tab)(2)(SCN)(2)] (5). When 4 was treated with 4,6-Me(2)pymSH or EtSH, another four-coordinated Hg(II)/Tab complex [Hg(Tab)(4)](3)(PF(6))(6) (6) was generated in a high yield. The Hg(II) center of each cation of 6 is tetrahedrally coordinated by four S atoms of four Tab ligands. The results suggested that cleavage of the Hg-C bond in the methylmercury complex 1 could be completed by increasing the coordination number of its Hg(II) center by S-donor ligands and protonating the methyl group by weak acids.     

Tripodal bis(imidazole) thioether copper(I) complexes: mimics of the Cu(M) site of copper hydroxylase enzymes

Tripodal bis(imidazole) thioether ligands, (N-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-2-imidazolyl)2C(OR)C(CH3)2SR' (BIT(OR,SR'); R = H, CH3; R' = CH3, C(CH3)3, C(C6H5)3), have been prepared, offering the same N2S donor atom set as the CuM binding site of the hydroxylase enzymes, dopamine beta hydroxylase and peptidylglycine hydroxylating monooxygenase. Isolable copper(I) complexes of the type [(BIT(OR,SMe))Cu(CO)]PF6 (3a and 3b) are produced in reactions of the respective tripodal ligands 1a (R = H) and 1b (R = Me) with [Cu(CH3CN)4]PF6 in CH2Cl2 under CO (1 atm); the pyramidal structure of 3a has been determined crystallographically. The infrared (IR) nu(CO)'s of 3a and 3b (L = CO) are comparable to those of the Cu(M)-carbonylated enzymes, indicating similar electronic character at the copper centers. The reaction of [(BIT(OH,SMe))Cu(CH3CN)]PF6 (2a) with dioxygen produces [(BIT(O,SOMe))2Cu2(DMF)2](PF6)2 (4), whose X-ray structure revealed the presence of bridging BIT-alkoxo ligands and terminal -SOMe groups. In contrast, oxygenation of 2b (R = Me) affords crystallographically defined [(BIT(OMe,SMe))2Cu2(mu-OH)2](OTf)2 (5), in which the copper centers are oxygenated without accompanying sulfur oxidation. Complex 5 in DMF is transformed into five-coordinate, mononuclear [CuII(BIT(OMe,SMe))(DMF)2](PF6)2 (6). The sterically hindered BIT(OR,SR') ligands 9 and 10 (R' = t-Bu; R = H, Me) and 11 and 12 (R' = CPh3; R = H, Me) were also prepared and examined for copper coordination/oxygenation. Oxygenation of copper(I) complex 13b derived from the BIT(OMe,SBu-t) ligand is slow, relative to 2b, producing a mixture of (BIT(OMe,SBu-t))2Cu2(mu-OH)2-type complexes 14b and 15b in which the -SBu-t group is uncoordinated; one of these complexes (15b) has been ortho-oxygenated on a neighboring aryl group according to the X-ray analysis and characterization of the free ligand. Oxygenation of the copper(I) complex derived from BIT(OMe,SCPh3) ligand 12 produces a novel dinuclear disulfide complex, [(BIT(OMe,S)2Cu2(mu-OH)2](PF6)2 (17), which is structurally characterized. Reactivity studies under anaerobic conditions in the presence of t-BuNC indicate that 17 is the result of copper(I)-induced detritylation followed by oxygenation of a highly reactive copper(I)-thiolate complex.     

Silver(I) complexes with oxazoline-containing tripodal ligands: structure variation via counter anions and reaction conditions

Seven new silver(I) complexes of the formula [Ag2(L)2(CF3SO3)2] (1), [Ag2(L)2(CH3SO3)2] (2) [Ag2(L)2](BF4)2 (3), [Ag3(L)2(NO3)2]NO3.5H2O (4), [Ag2(L)(NO3)2].CH3OH (5), [Ag2(L)2](ClO4)2 (6) and [Ag3(L)2(CH3CN)3](ClO4)3 (7) have been synthesized by reactions of 1,3,5-tris(2-oxazolinyl)benzene (L) with varied silver(I) salts under different conditions. The influences of counter anions and reaction conditions on the structure of the complexes are discussed. Three complexes , 1, 2 and 3 with two kinds of different 1D chain structures were obtained under the same synthetic conditions by using different silver(I) salts, and the ligand L was found to adopt bis-monodentate (1 and 2) and tris-monodentate (3) coordination modes respectively. On the other hand, by using the same silver(I) nitrate or silver(I) perchlorate but different reaction solvents, 4 and 5 or 6 and 7 were isolated respectively. Complexes 4and 5 have different 1D chain structures, and 6 is isostructural with . However, 7 is a tri-nuclear, propeller-shaped M3L2 supramolecular capsule in which L adopts a cis,cis,cis-conformation, while the ligand L in 3-6 has cis,trans,trans-conformation. The results revealed that the nature of the counter anions, such as their size, coordination ability and coordination mode, and the reaction conditions all have great impact on the structure of the complexes. The complexes were also characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry. Furthermore, complex 7 exhibited modest second-harmonic-generation (SHG) efficiency.