Thermochromism of CuI Tetrakisguanidine Complexes: Reversible Activation of Metal‐to‐Ligand Charge‐Transfer Bands

Tetranuclear, intensely blue‐coloured Cu^I complexes were synthesised in which two Cu₂X₃^? units (X=Br or I) are bridged by a dicationic GFA (guanidino‐functionalised aromatic) ligand. The UV/Vis spectra show a large metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) band around 638 nm. The tetranuclear “low‐temperature” complexes are in a temperature‐dependent equilibrium with dinuclear Cu^I “high‐temperature” complexes, which result from the reversible elimination of two CuX groups. A massive thermochromism effect results from the extinction of the strong MLCT band upon CuX elimination with increasing temperature. For all complexes, quantum chemical calculations predict a small and method‐dependent energy difference between the possible electronic structures, namely Cu^I and dicationic GFA ligand (closed‐shell singlet) versus Cu^II and neutral GFA ligand (triplet or broken‐symmetry state). The closed‐shell singlet state is disfavoured by hybrid‐DFT functionals, which mix in exact Hartree–Fock exchange, and is favoured by larger basis sets and consideration of a polar medium.     

Electronic Structure of Copper Corroles

The ground state electronic structure of copper corroles has been a topic of debate and revision since the advent of corrole chemistry. Computational studies formulate neutral Cu corroles with an antiferromagnetically coupled Cu^II corrole radical cation ground state. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, EPR, and magnetometry support this assignment. For comparison, Cu^II isocorrole and [TBA][Cu(CF₃)₄] were studied as authentic Cu^II and Cu^III samples, respectively. In addition, the one‐electron reduction and one‐electron oxidation processes are both ligand‐based, demonstrating that the Cu^II centre is retained in these derivatives. These observations underscore ligand non‐innocence in copper corrole complexes.     

Di‐μ‐chlorido‐bis({2‐[1‐(2‐pyridylethylimino)ethyl]pyrrolato‐κ3N,N′,N′′}copper(II))

The title compound, [Cu₂(C₁₃H₁₄N₃)₂Cl₂], is a neutral dimeric copper(II) complex. The two Cu^II atoms are asymmetrically bridged by two chloride ions. Each Cu^II atom is also bound to the three N atoms of a deprotonated tridentate Schiff base ligand, giving a distorted square‐pyramidal N₃Cl₂ coordination environment overall. The dinuclear complex lies across an inversion centre in the space group P. This work demonstrates the effect of ligand flexibility and steric constraints on the structures of copper(II) complexes.     

Intramolecular and Intermolecular Magnetic Coupling Mechanism of a Dinuclear Copper(II) Complex

Abstract. A new dinuclear complex, [Cu₂(μ_{1, 3}‐NCS)₂(Ophen)₂(OH₂)₂], (HOphen = 1, 10‐phenanthrolin‐2‐ol) was synthesized and its crystal structure was determined by X‐ray crystallography. In the complex, the Cu^II ion assumes a distorted square pyramidal arrangement and the thiocyanate anion functions as bridged ligand and Ophen as capped ligand. The analysis of the crystal structure shows that there exists a π–π stacking interaction between the adjacent complexes. The theoretical calculations reveal that the magnetic coupling pathways from the thiocyanate anions bridge ligand and the π–π stacking magnetic coupling pathway resulted in the weak ferromagnetic interactions with 2J = 18.46 cm^–1 and 2J = 10.46 cm^–1, respectively. The calculations also display that the spin delocalization and the spin polarization occur in the bridge magnetic coupling system and the π–π stacking magnetic coupling system, and the magnetic coupling mechanism of the π–π stacking can be explained with McConnell I spin‐polarization mechanism. The fitting for the data of the variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility with dinuclear Cu^II formula gave the magnetic coupling constant 2J = 2.84 cm^–1 and zJ′ = 0.03 cm^–1, in which the 2J = 2.84 cm^–1 is attributed to the magnetic coupling from the bridge dinuclear Cu^II unit and the zJ′ = 0.03 cm^–1 is ascribed to the π–π stacking magnetic coupling system. The study may benefit to understand the magnetic coupling mechanism of π–π stacking system.     

Copper(II) and Sodium(I) Complexes based on 3,7‐Diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐5‐oxide: Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Activity

The reaction of 3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (DAPTA) with metal salts of Cu^II or Na^I/Ni^II under mild conditions led to the oxidized phosphane derivative 3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐5‐oxide (DAPTA=O) and to the first examples of metal complexes based on the DAPTA=O ligand, that is, [Cu^II(μ‐CH₃COO)₂(κO‐DAPTA=O)]₂ ( 1 ) and [Na(1κOO′;2κO‐DAPTA=O)(MeOH)]₂(BPh₄)₂ ( 2 ). The catalytic activity of 1 was tested in the Henry reaction and for the aerobic 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐mediated oxidation of benzyl alcohol. Compound 1 was also evaluated as a model system for the catechol oxidase enzyme by using 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol as the substrate. The kinetic data fitted the Michaelis–Menten equation and enabled the obtainment of a rate constant for the catalytic reaction; this rate constant is among the highest obtained for this substrate with the use of dinuclear Cu^II complexes. DFT calculations discarded a bridging mode binding type of the substrate and suggested a mixed‐valence Cu^II/Cu^I complex intermediate, in which the spin electron density is mostly concentrated at one of the Cu atoms and at the organic ligand.     

Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation by a Dinuclear Copper Complex in a Neutral Aqueous Solution

Electrocatalytic water oxidation using the oxidatively robust 2,7‐[bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]‐1,8‐naphthyridine ligand (BPMAN)‐based dinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu₂(BPMAN)(μ‐OH)]³⁺, has been investigated. This catalyst exhibits high reactivity and stability towards water oxidation in neutral aqueous solutions. DFT calculations suggest that the O? O bond formation takes place by an intramolecular direct coupling mechanism rather than by a nucleophilic attack of water on the high‐oxidation‐state Cu^IV?O moiety.     

Collision-induced dissociation and theoretical studies of Cu+-dimethoxyethane complexes

Collision-induced dissociation of the dimethoxyethane (DXE) complexes with copper ions, Cu⁺(DXE)_n, n = 1 and 2, is studied using kinetic energy dependent guided ion beam mass spectrometry. For Cu⁺(DXE)₂, the only product formed corresponds to endothermic loss of a neutral ligand, while the Cu⁺(DXE) complex dissociates by several competitive channels. The cross-section thresholds for single ligand loss are interpreted to yield 0 and 298 K bond energies for Cu⁺-DXE and (DXE)Cu⁺-DXE after accounting for the effects of multiple ion-molecule collisions, internal energy of the reactant ions, and dissociation lifetimes. We find absolute 0 K bond dissociation energies for these complexes of 2.74 ± 0.08 and 1.87 ± 0.06 eV, respectively. These values are compared with theoretical values obtained using density functional and second order Møller-Plesset perturbation, MP2, theories. We also compare our results with previously studied alkali cation-ether complexes. Although Cu⁺ and all alkali cations have ¹S electronic ground states, the comparison shows different trends for Cu⁺ because of hybridization effects involving the valence d-electrons.     

A new diaza‐18‐crown‐6 ligand containing two quinolin‐8‐ylmethyl side arms: Crystal structures and characterization of the ligand,the protonated ligand and its mononuclear barium(II) and dinuclear copper(II) complexes

A new 7,16‐bis(quinolin‐8‐ylmethyl)‐1,4,10,13‐tetraoxa‐7,16‐diazacyclooctadecane ligand, L, has been prepared and its crystal structure reported. In addition, the structure of the protonated ligand H₂L has been determined. H₂L is of interest because of interatomic interactions between the ligand and perchlorate ions. The mononuclear Ba(II) (Ba L ), and dinuclear Cu(II) (Cu₂L) complexes of L have been prepared and their crystal structures determined. Stability constants and other thermodynamic data valid in methanol at 23 or 25° for these and several other complexes of L have been obtained. Among the metal ions studied, L forms the most stable complex with Ba²⁺. In addition, L selectively binds Cu²⁺ over Ni²⁺ by about 3 orders of magnitude. Some of the complexes have been studied using nmr and uv‐vis spectroscopic techniques. Crystal data are given for L, space group, P2₁c, a = 8.8325(14) Å, b = 13.808(3) Å, c = 13.310(3) Å; β = 94.72(2)° Z=2, R = 0.0727; for H₂ L , space group, P2₁/c, a = 14.685(3) Å, b = 15.035(6) Å, c = 17.369(4) Å, β = 90.366(12)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0781; for Ba L , space group, Pbcn, a = 17.314(3) Å, b = 9.539(2) Å, c = 22.081(3) Å, Z = 4, R = 0.0354; and for Cu₂ L , space group, Cc, a = 19.762(2) Å, b = 14.413(2) Å, c = 14.935(2) Å, β = 98.753(12)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0564. Cu²⁺ forms a hydroxo‐bridged dinuclear complex with L while Ba²⁺ forms a mononuclear complex with L in which its two side arms are not involved in complexation.     

Preparation and characterization of metal complexes containing a NS donor ligand derived from S-benzyldithiocarbazate and p-nitrobenzaldehyde. X-ray crystal structure of the nickel(II) chelate

Summary A series of metal (Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pd) complexes of a Schiff base ligand derived from S-benzyldithiocarbazate and p-nitrobenzaldehyde were prepared and characterized. The Schiff base acts as a single negatively-charged bidentate ligand forming stable neutral metal complexes. Magnetic and spectroscopic data suggest a square planar structure for the Cu^II, Ni^II and Pd^II chelates. Single X-ray diffraction analysis of the Ni^II chelate established that the Schiff base loses a proton from its tautomeric thiol form and coordinates to the metal via the thiolato sulfur and -nitrogen. The geometry around Ni^II is square planar with two equivalent Ni-N and Ni-S bonds; the two nitrobenzyl rings and the coordination plane are almost isoplanar, giving a delocalized electronic system.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,DNA‐binding Properties and Antioxidant Activity of a Copper(II) Complex with Naphthalimide Schiff Base

The Schiff N‐allylamine‐4‐(ethylenediamine‐5‐methylsalicylidene)‐1,8‐naphthalimide (H₂L) and its copper(II) complex, [Cu(HL)₂] · 0.5DMF, were synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of the Cu^II complex reveals a slightly distorted square‐planar arrangement provided by two N and O donors from two deprotonated ligands. In addition, the DNA‐binding properties of the ligand and Cu^II complex were investigated by fluorescence spectra, electronic absorption, and viscosity measurements. The experimental studies of the DNA‐binding properties indicated that the ligand and Cu^II complex reacted with DNA via intercalation binding mode, and binding affinity for DNA takes the order: ligand > Cu^II complex. The antioxidant assay in vitro suggested that both exhibited potential intensely antioxidant properties, and the ligand is more effective than its Cu^II complex.     

New CuII and CdII Metal‐organic Coordination Polymers with 1,2,4‐triazolo[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole Ligands: Syntheses,Structures and Luminescent Properties

Three new complexes {[Cu( L¹ )₂(NO₃)₂]?H₂O}_oo ( 1 ), {[Cu₄( L² )₂(OAc)₈]‐CH₃CH₂OH}_oo ( 2 ) and [Cd₂( L³ )₃(NO₃)₄(H₂O)₂]_oo ( 3 ) ( L¹= 4‐phenyl‐7‐(pyridine‐3‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazolo[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole, L²= 4‐(pyridine‐3‐yl)‐7‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole, and L³= 4‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)‐7‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structural analyses reveal that complex 1 is a neutral 2‐D network structure with a 4⁴ topology, 2 has a 1‐D neutral coordination chain with a [Cu₂(CH₃COO)₄] dinuclear structural unit bridged by four acetate ions, and 3 is a neutral rhombohedral grid structure. All the complexes are air stable at room temperature. Furthermore, the fluorescent properties of complex 3 and corresponding ligand L³ have been investigated and discussed.     

Self‐Assembled Cyclic Structures from Copper(II) Peptoids

Metal–ligand coordination is a key interaction in the self‐assembly of both biopolymers and synthetic oligomers. Although the binding of metal ions to synthetic proteins and peptides is known to yield high‐order structures, the self‐assembly of peptidomimetic molecules upon metal binding is still challenging. Herein we explore the self‐assembly of three peptoid trimers bearing a bipyridine ligand at their C‐terminus, a benzyl group at their N‐terminus, and a polar group (N‐ethyl‐R) in the middle position (R=OH, OCH₃, or NH₂) upon Cu²⁺ coordination. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed unique, highly symmetric, dinuclear cyclic structure or aqua‐bridged dinuclear double‐stranded peptoid helicates, formed by the self‐assembly of two peptoid molecules with two Cu²⁺ ions. Only the macrocycle with the highest number of intermolecular hydrogen bonds is stable in solution, while the other two disassemble to their corresponding monometallic complexes.     

Synthesis and spectral characterization of some investigated thiocarbohydrazone binuclear complexes with an illustrated EPR study for d<Superscript>1</Superscript> complexes

Some new complexes were synthesized using pyrol-2-carbaldhyde thiocarbohydrazone ligand and characterized using physicochemical techniques. The i.r. data reveal that, the ligand acts as a mononegative tetradentate in Ni^II and Cu^II binuclear complexes. Also, they coordinate as mononegative tridentates with Co^II, Cd^II and VO²⁺ ions but in the neutral state with Pt^IV ion in a mononuclear monomer structure for Co^II and Cd^II complexes, but binuclear dimer structure through bridged sulphate for the VO²⁺ complex. The magnetic moment beside the electronic spectral data proposed the complex geometries as a mixed stereochemistry for Ni^II, square-planar for Cu^II, square-pyramidal for VO²⁺ and octahedral for the other complexes. The thermal analysis supports the proposal of the presence or absence of water molecule in or outside the coordination sphere. The EPR spectra of Cu^II and VO²⁺ complexes were illustrated elaborately and some theoretical data were abstracted from EPR curves to support the proposed structures.     

A two-step valence tautomeric transition in a dinuclear cobalt complex

A dinuclear cobalt complex with cobalt centers bridged by a bis(dioxolene) ligand exhibits a rare two-step valence tautomeric transition.     

Host-guest chemistry of copper(II)-histidine complexes encaged in zeolite Y

Structural analysis has been carried out on copper(II )–histidine (Cu²⁺/His) complexes after immobilization in the pore system of the zeolites NaY and de‐aluminated NaY (DAY). The aim of this study was to determine the geometrical structure of Cu²⁺/His complexes after encaging, to obtain insight into both the effect of the zeolite matrix on the molecular structure and redox properties of the immobilized complexes. In addition to N₂ physisorption and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses, a combination of UV/Vis/NIR, ESR, X‐ray absorption (EXAFS and XANES), IR, and Raman spectroscopy was used to obtain complementary information on both the first coordination shell of the copper ion and the orientation of the coordinating His ligands. It was demonstrated that two complexes ( A and B ) are formed, of which the absolute and relative abundance depends on the Cu²⁺/His concentration in the ion‐exchange solution and on the Si/Al ratio of the zeolite material. In complex A , one His ligand coordinates in a tridentate facial‐like manner through N_am, N_im, and O_c, a fourth position being occupied by an oxygen atom from a zeolite Brønsted site. In complex B , two His ligands coordinate as bidentate ligands; one histamine‐like (N_am, N_im) and the other one glycine‐like (N_am, O_c). In particular the geometrical structure of complex A differs from the preferred structure of Cu²⁺/His complexes in aqueous solutions; this fact implies that the zeolite host material actively participates in the coordination and orientation of the guest molecules. The tendency for complex A to undergo reduction in inert atmosphere to Cu¹⁺ (as revealed by dynamic XANES studies) suggests activation of complex A by the interaction with the zeolite material. EXAFS analysis confirms the formation of a distorted four coordinate geometry of complex A , suggesting that the combination of zeolite and one His ligand force the Cu²⁺ complex into an activated, entactic state.     

Novel Dinuclear Redox‐isomeric Complexes with a Tetrapodal Pyridine‐based Ligand

Tris‐o‐semiquinonato cobalt complexes react with a tetrapodal pyridine‐derived ligand to form dinuclear cobalt compounds of general formula (OMP)[CoQ₂]₂, where OMP = 2,2′‐(pyridine‐2,6‐diyl)bis(N¹,N¹,N³,N³‐tetramethylpropane‐1,3‐diamine), Q = mono‐ or dianion of 3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐o‐benzoquinone (complex 1 ) and it derivatives: 3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4,5‐N,N′‐piperazino‐o‐benzoquinone (complex 2 ), and 3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐Cl‐o‐benzoquinone (complex 3 ). Single crystal X‐ray crystallography of 1 and 3 indicates two bis‐quinonato cobalt units bound by an OMP ligand, which acts as a bridge. Each central cobalt atom is chelated by one N¹,N¹,N³,N³‐tetramethylpropane‐1,3‐diamine and two o‐quinonato fragments. The nitrogen atom of the pyridine ring is uncoordinated. All complexes were characterized by NIR‐IR and EPR spectroscopy, precise adiabatic vacuum calorimetry, and by variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. All data indicate a reversible thermally driven redox‐isomeric (valence tautomeric) transformation in the solid state for all complexes.     

Controlling the Direction of the Molecular Axis of Rod‐Shaped Binuclear Ruthenium Complexes on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes

We report the synthesis of a mixed‐valence ruthenium complex, bearing pyrene moieties on one side of the ligands as anchor groups. Composites consisting of mixed‐valence ruthenium complexes and SWNTs were prepared by noncovalent π–π interactions between the SWNT surface and the pyrene anchors of the Ru complex. In these composites, the long axis of the Ru complexes was aligned in parallel to the principal direction of the SWNT. The optimized conformation of these complexes on the SWNT surface was calculated by molecular mechanics. The composites were examined by UV/Vis absorption and FT‐IR spectroscopy, XPS, and SEM analysis. Furthermore, their electrochemical properties were evaluated. Cyclic voltammograms of the composites showed reversible oxidation waves at peak oxidation potentials (Ep_ox) = 0.86 and 1.08 V versus Fc⁺/Fc, which were assigned to the Ru^II‐Ru^II/Ru^II‐Ru^III and the Ru^II‐Ru^III/Ru^III‐Ru^III oxidation events of the dinuclear ruthenium complex, respectively. Based on these observations, we concluded that the electrochemical properties and mixed‐valence state of the dinuclear ruthenium complexes were preserved upon attachment to the SWNT surface.     

Transition metal complexes derived from ethyl-α-(N-phenylthiocarbamyl)cyanoacetate

Summary Complexes of Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II, Pd^II, Cd^II, Hg^II and Cu^I with ethyl--(N-phenylthiocarbamyl)cyanoacetate (HETCA) have been synthesized and characterized. The i.r. spectra show that HETCA behaves as a mononegative bidentate ligand, in the thiol tautomeric form. HETCA reduces CuCl₂ to give a diamagnetic Cu^I complex. A tetrahedral structure is proposed for the Co^II complex, while a square-planar structure is proposed for the Ni^II, Cu^II, and Pd^II complexes.     

A density functional theory computational study of the role of ligand on the stability of CuI and CuII species associated with ATRP and SET‐LRP

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and single electron‐transfer living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) both utilize copper complexes of various oxidation states with N‐ligands to perform their respective activation and deactivation steps. Herein, we utilize DFT (B3YLP) methods to determine the preferred ligand‐binding geometries for Cu/N‐ligand complexes related to ATRP and SET‐LRP. We find that those ligands capable of achieving tetrahedral complexes with Cu^I and trigonal bipyramidal with axial halide complexes with [Cu^IIX]⁺ have higher energies of stabilization. We were able to correlate calculated preferential stabilization of [Cu^IIX]⁺ with those ligands that perform best in SET‐LRP. A crude calculation of energy of disproportionation revealed that the same preferential binding of [Cu^IIX]⁺ results in increased propensity for disproportionation. Finally, by examining the relative energies of the basic steps of ATRP and SET‐LRP, we were able to rationalize the transition from the ATRP mechanism to the SET‐LRP mechanism as we transition from typical nonpolar ATRP solvents to polar SET‐LRP solvents. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4950–4964, 2007