Hybrid cluster-cages formed via cyanometalate condensation: Cs subset Co(4)Ru(6)S(2)(CN)(12), Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(CN)(9), and Rh(4)Ru(9)S(6)(CN)(9) frameworks

Condensation of cyanometalates and cluster building blocks leads to the formation of hybrid molecular cyanometalate cages. Specifically, the reaction of [Cs subset [CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[CpRu](3)] and [(cymene)(2)Ru(3)S(2)(NCMe)(3)]PF(6) produced [Cs subset [CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[(cymene)(2)Ru(3)S(2)][CpRu](3)](PF(6))(2), Cs subset Co(4)Ru(6)S(2)(2+). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, and ESI-MS measurements show that Cs subset Co(4)Ru(6)S(2)(2+ ) consists of a Ru(4)Co(4)(CN)(12) box fused with a Ru(3)S(2) cluster via a common Ru atom. The reaction of PPN[CpCo(CN)(3)] and 0.75 equiv of [(cymene)(2)(MeCN)(3)Ru(3)S(2)](PF(6))(2) in MeCN solution produced [[CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[(cymene)(2)Ru(3)S(2)](3)](PF(6))(2), Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+). Crystallographic analysis, together with NMR and ESI-MS measurements, shows that Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+ ) consists of a Ru(3)Co(4)(CN)(9) "defect box" core, wherein each Ru is fused to a Ru(3)S(2) clusters. The analogous condensation using [CpRh(CN)(3)](-) in place of [CpCo(CN)(3)](-) produced the related cluster-cage Rh(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+). Electrochemical analyses of both Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+) and Rh(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+) can be rationalized in the context of reduction at the cluster and the Co(III) subunits, the latter being affected by the presence of alkali metal cations.     

Coordination solids derived from Cp*M(CN)3- (M = Rh,Ir)

Solutions of Rh2(OAc)4 and Et4N[Cp*Ir(CN)3] react to afford crystals of the one-dimensional coordination solid [Et4N[Cp*Ir(CN)3][Rh2(OAc)4]]. This reaction is reversed by coordinating solvents such as MeCN. The structure of the polymer consists of helical anionic chains containing Rh2(OAc)4 units linked via two of the three CN ligands of Cp*Ir(CN)3-. Use of the more Lewis acidic Rh2(O2CCF3)4 in place of Rh2(OAc)4 gave purple [(Et4N)2[Cp*Ir(CN)3]2[Rh2(O2CCF3)4]3], whose insolubility is attributed to stronger Rh-NC bonds as well as the presence of cross-linking. The species [[Cp*Rh(CN)3][Ni(en)n](PF6)] (n = 2, 3) crystallized from an aqueous solution of Et4N[Cp*Rh(CN)3] and [Ni(en)3](PF6)2; [[Cp*Rh(CN)3][Ni(en)2](PF6)] consists of helical chains based on cis-Ni(en)(2)2+ units. Aqueous solutions of Et4N[Cp*Ir(CN)3] and AgNO3 afforded the colorless solid Ag-[Cp*Ir(CN)3]. Recrystallization of this polymer from pyridine gave the hemipyridine adduct [Ag[Ag(py)][Cp*Ir(CN)3]2]. The 13C cross-polarization magic-angle spinning NMR spectrum of the pyridine derivative reveals two distinct Cp* groups, while in the pyridine-free precursor, the Cp*'s appear equivalent. The solid-state structure of [Ag[Ag(py)][Cp*Ir(CN)3]2] reveals a three-dimensional coordination polymer consisting of chains of Cp*Ir(CN)3- units linked to alternating Ag+ and Ag(py)+ units. The network structure arises by the linking of these helices through the third cyanide group on each Ir center.     

Redox-switched complexation/decomplexation of K(+) and Cs(+) by molecular cyanometalate boxes

The reaction of [N(PPh(3))(2)][CpCo(CN)(3)] and [Cb*Co(NCMe)(3)]PF(6) (Cb* = C(4)Me(4)) in the presence of K(+) afforded {K subset[CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[Cb*Co](4)}PF(6), [KCo(8)]PF(6). IR, NMR, ESI-MS indicate that [KCo(8)]PF(6) is a high-symmetry molecular box containing a potassium ion at its interior. The analogous heterometallic cage {K subset[Cp*Rh(CN)(3)](4)[Cb*Co](4)}PF(6) ([KRh(4)Co(4)]PF(6)) was prepared similarly via the condensation of K[Cp*Rh(CN)(3)] and [Cb*Co(NCMe)(3)]PF(6). Crystallographic analysis confirmed the structure of [KCo(8)]PF(6). The cyanide ligands are ordered, implying that no Co-CN bonds are broken upon cage formation and ion complexation. Eight Co-CN-Co edges of the box bow inward toward the encapsulated K(+), and the remaining four mu-CN ligands bow outward. MeCN solutions of [KCo(8)](+) and [KRh(4)Co(4)](+) were found to undergo ion exchange with Cs(+) to give [CsCo(8)](+) and [CsRh(4)Co(4)](+), both in quantitative yields. Labeling experiments involving [(MeC5H4)Co(CN)(3)]- demonstrated that Cs(+)-for-K(+) ion exchange is accompanied by significant fragmentation. Ion exchange of NH(4+) with [KCo(8)](+) proceeds to completion in THF solution, but in MeCN solution, the exclusive products were [Cb*Co(NCMe)(3)]PF(6) and the poorly soluble salt NH(4)CpCo(CN)(3). The lability of the NH(4+)-containing cage was also indicated by the rapid exchange of the acidic protons in [NH(4)Co(8)](+). Oxidation of [MCo(8)](+) with 4 equiv of FcPF(6) produced paramagnetic (S = 4/2) [Co(8)](4+), releasing Cs(+) or K(+). The oxidation-induced dissociation of M(+) from the cages is chemically reversed by treatment of [Co(8)](4+) and CsOTf with 4 equiv of Cp(2)Co. Cation recognition by [Co(8)] and [Rh(4)Co(4)] cages was investigated. Electrochemical measurements indicated that E(1/2)(Cs(+))--E(1/2)(K(+)) approximately 0.08 V for [MCo(8)](+).     

Insertion reactions of GaCp*, InCp* and In[C(SiMe3)3] into the Ru-Cl bonds of [(p-cymene)RuIICl2]2 and [Cp*RuIICl]4

The first carbonyl free ruthenium/low valent Group 13 organyl complexes are presented, obtained by insertion of ER (ER = GaCp*, InCp*, In[C(SiMe(3))(3)]) into the Ru-Cl bonds of [(p-cymene)RuCl2]2, [Cp*RuCl]4 and [Cp*RuCl2]2. The compound [(p-cymene)RuCl2]2 reacts with GaCp*, giving a variety of isolated products depending on the reaction conditions. The Ru-Ru dimers [{(p-cymene)Ru}2(GaCp*)4(mu3-Cl)2] and the intermediate [{(p-cymene)Ru}2(mu-Cl)2] were isolated, as well as monomeric complexes [(p-cymene)Ru(GaCp*)3Cl2], [(p-cymene)Ru(GaCp*)2GaCl3] and [(p-cymene)Ru(GaCp*)2Cl2(DMSO)]. The reaction of [Cp*RuCl]4 with ER gives "piano-stool" complexes of the type [Cp*Ru(ER)3Cl](ER = InCp*, In[C(SiMe3)3], GaCp*. The chloride ligand in complex can be removed by NaBPh4, yielding [Cp*Ru(GaCp*)3]+[BPh4]-. The reaction of [Cp*RuCl2]2 with GaCp* however, does not lead to an insertion product, but to the ionic Ru(II) complex [Cp*Ru(GaCp*)3]+[Cp*GaCl3]-. The ER ligands in complexes 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are equivalent on the NMR timescale in solution due to a chloride exchange between the three Group 13 atoms even at low temperatures. The solid state structures, however, exhibit a different structural pattern. The chloride ligands exhibit two coordination modes: either terminal or bridging. The new compounds are fully characterized including single crystal X-ray diffraction. These results point out the different reactivities of the two precursors and the nature of the neutral p-cymene and the anionic Cp* ligand when bonding to a Ru(II) centre.     

Coordination chemistry of the soft chiral Lewis acid [Cp*Ir(TsDPEN)]+

The paper surveys the binding of anions to the unsaturated 16e Lewis acid [Cp*Ir(TsDPEN)](+) ([1H](+)), where TsDPEN is racemic H(2)NCHPhCHPhNTs(-). The derivatives Cp*IrX(TsDPEN) were characterized crystallographically for X(-) = CN(-), Me(C═NH)S(-), NO(2)(-), 2-pyridonate, and 0.5 MoS(4)(2-). [(1H)(2)(μ-CN)](+) forms from [1H](+) and 1H(CN). Aside from 2-pyridone, amides generally add reversibly and bind to Ir through N. Thioacetamide binds irreversibly through sulfur. Compounds of the type Cp*IrX(TsDPEN) generally form diastereoselectively, although diastereomeric products were observed for the strong ligands (X = CN(-), H(-) (introduced via BH(4)(-)), or Me(C═NH)S(-)). Related experiments on the reaction (p-cymene)Ru(TsDPEN-H) + BH(4)(-) gave two diastereomers of (p-cymene)RuH(TsDPEN), the known hydrogenation catalyst and a second isomer that hydrogenated acetophenone more slowly. These experiment provide new insights into the enantioselectivity of these catalysts. Diastereomerization in all cases was first order in metal with modest solvent effects. The diphenyl groups are generally diequatorial for the stable diastereomers. For the 2-pyridonate adduct, axial phenyl groups are stabilized in the solid state by puckering of the IrN(2)C(2) ring induced by intramolecular hydrogen-bonding. Crystallographic analysis of [Cp*Ir(TsDPEN)](2)(MoS(4)) revealed a unique example of a κ(1),κ(1)-tetrathiometallate ligand. Cp*Ir(SC(NH)Me)TsDPEN) is the first example of a κ(1)-S-thioamidato complex.     

Synthesis and characterization of the hexagonal prismatic cage [THF[subset or is implied by][PhB(CN)(3)](6)[Cp*Rh](6)](6+)

Condensation of [Cp*Rh(CH(3)NO(2))(n)](2+) and the tricyanoborate [PhB(CN)(3)](-) affords the hexagonal bipyramidal cage [[PhB(CN)(3)](6)[Cp*Rh](6)](6+), demonstrating that tetrahedral tricyanide building blocks can lead to novel cage structures.     

Reactions of [Cp*Ru(H2O)(NBD)]+ with alkynes

Formal [2 + 2 + 2] addition reactions of [Cp*Ru(H₂O)(NBD)]BF₄ (NBD = norbornadiene) with PhC?CR (R = H, COOEt) give [Cp*Ru(η⁶‐C₆H₅? C₉H₈R)] BF₄ (1a, R = H; 2a, R = COOEt). Treatment of [Cp*Ru(H₂O)(NBD)]BF₄ with PhC?C? C?CPh does not give [2 + 2 + 2] addition product, but [Cp*Ru(η⁶‐C₆H₅? C?C? C?CPh)] BF₄(3a). Treatment of 1a, 2a, 3a with NaBPh₄ affords [Cp*Ru(η⁶‐C₆H₅? C₉H₈R)] BPh₄ (1b, R = H; 2b, R = COOEt) and [Cp*Ru(η⁶‐C₆H₅? C?C? C?CPh)] BPh₄(3b). The structures of 1b, 2b and 3b were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tetracyanoborate salts M[b(CN)4] with M = singly charged cations: properties and structures

A series of tetracyanoborate salts M[B(CN)4] with the singly charged cations of Li+, Na+, Rb+, Cs+, [NH4]+, Tl+, and Cu+ as well as the THF solvate tetracyanoborates Na[B(CN)4] x THF and [NH4][B(CN)4] x THF were synthesized and their X-ray structures, vibrational spectra, solubilities in water, and thermal stabilities determined and compared with already known M[B(CN)4] salts. Crystallographic data for these compounds are as follows: Na[B(CN)4], cubic, Fd3m, a = 11.680(1) A, Z= 8; Li[B(CN)4], cubic, P43m, a = 5.4815(1) A, Z= 1; Cu[B(CN)4], cubic, P43m, a = 5.4314(7) A, Z= 1; Rb[B(CN)4], tetragonal, /4(1)/a, a = 7.1354(2) A, c= 14.8197(6) A, Z= 4; Cs[B(CN)4], tetragonal, /4(1)/a, a = 7.300(2) A, c = 15.340(5) A, Z= 4; [NH4][B(CN)4], tetragonal, /4(1)/a, a = 7.132(1) A, c = 14.745(4) A, Z= 4; Tl[B(CN)4], tetragonal, /4(1)/a, a = 7.0655(2) A, c = 14.6791(4) A, Z= 4; Na[B(CN)4] x THF, orthorhombic, Pnma, a = 13.908(3) A, b = 9.288(1) A, c = 8.738(1) A, Z= 4; [NH4][B(CN)4] x THF, orthorhombic, Pnma, a = 8.831(1) A, b = 9.366(2) A, c = 15.061(3) A, Z= 4. The cubic Li+, Na+, and Cu+ salts crystallize in a structure consisting of two interpenetrating independent tetrahedral networks of M cations and [B(CN)4]- ions. The compounds with the larger countercations (Rb+, Cs+, Tl+, and [NH4]+) crystallize as tetragonal, also with a network arrangement. The sodium and ammonium salts with the cocrystallized THF molecules are both orthorhombic but are not isostructural. In the vibrational spectra the two CN stretching modes A1 and T2 coincide in general and the band positions are a measure for the strength of the interionic interaction. An interesting feature in the Raman spectrum of the copper salt is the first appearance of two CN stretching modes.     

Structural and photophysical properties of adducts of [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- with different metal cations: metallochromism and its use in switching photoinduced energy transfer

We show in this paper how the 3MLCT luminescence of [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2-, which is known to be highly solvent-dependent, may be varied over a much wider range than can be achieved by solvent effects, by interaction of the externally directed cyanide ligands with additional metal cations both in the solid state and in solution. A series of crystallographic studies of [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- salts with different metal cations Mn+ (Li+, Na+, K+, mixed Li+/K+, Cs+, and Ba2+) shows how the cyanide/Mn+ interaction varies from the conventional "end-on" with the more Lewis-acidic cations (Li+, Ba2+) to the more unusual "side-on" interaction with the softer metal cations (K+, Cs+). The solid-state luminescence intensity and lifetime of these salts is highly dependent on the nature of the cation, with Cs+ affording the weakest luminescence and Ba2+ the strongest. A series of titrations of the more soluble derivative [Ru(tBu2bipy)(CN)4]2- in MeCN with a range of metal salts showed how the cyanide/Mn+ association results in a substantial blue-shift of the 1MLCT absorptions, and 3MLCT energies, intensities, and lifetimes, with the complex varying from essentially non-luminescent in the absence of metal cation to showing strong (phi = 0.07), long-lived (1.4 micros), and high-energy (583 nm) luminescence in the presence of Ba2+. This modulation of the 3MLCT energy, over a range of about 6000 cm-1 depending on the added cation, could be used to reverse the direction of photoinduced energy transfer in a dyad containing covalently linked [Ru(bipy)3]2+ and [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- termini. In the absence of a metal cation, the [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- terminus has the lower 3MLCT energy and thereby quenches the [Ru(bipy)3]2+-based luminescence; in the presence of Ba2+ ions, the 3MLCT energy of the [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- terminus is raised above that of the [Ru(bipy)3]2+ terminus, resulting in energy transfer to and sensitized emission from the latter.     

Hybrid materials containing organometallic cations and 3-D anionic metal dicyanamide networks of type [Cp*2M][M'(dca)3

A new series of hybrid materials of type [Cp*2M][M'(dca)3] has been prepared by cation templation and structurally characterised (M = Fe(III), Co(III); M'= Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cd(II); dca-= N(CN)2-). The crystallographic analysis of [Cp*2Fe][Cd(dca)(3)] showed that the [Cd(dca)3]- anionic framework is of a symmetrical 3-D alpha-polonium type, containing octahedral Cd nodes and micro (1,5)-dca bridging ligands. The [Cp*2Fe]+ cations occupy the cube-like cavities within the framework. The cationic and anionic-framework sublattices remain magnetically independent and display susceptibilities, over the range 300 to 2 K, of a Curie-Weiss nature obtained by adding a S= 1/2 (Cp*2Fe+) or a S= 0 (Cp*2Co+) contribution to those of the weakly antiferromagnetically coupled frameworks of M'. These hybrid species do not show any intrinsic long-range magnetic order. The present [Cp*2Fe]M'(dca)3] series display the characteristic, unusually shaped [Cp*2Fe]+ Mossbauer line, in the range 295-5 K, assigned (below 101 K) as the sum of a narrow and a broad line. Relaxation effects were evident. The [Fe(dca)3]- compound showed superimposed low-spin Fe(III) and high-spin Fe(II) lines, the latter giving relaxation broadening effects.     

Chemistry of transition-metal clusters with mixed Sb/S ligands: evidence for a terminal Sb=S double bond in Cp*3Rh3Sb2S5 (Cp* = C5Me5)

The reaction of [Cp2*Rh2Cl4] (Cp* = C5Me5) with a slight excess of K(3)SbS(3) in boiling THF gave the neutral clusters [Cp*4Rh4S5] (1), [Cp*3Rh3Sb2S5] (2), and after salt metathesis [Cp*3Rh3SbSn]PF6 (3; n = 5 and 6). The structures of 1-3 are heterocubane clusters with CpRh, S, and Sb vertices but with sulfur inserted into one (1 and 2) or two (3) edges. X-ray diffraction analysis of 2 additionally reveals a very short Sb-S distance of 2.297(1) A within the novel mu3-Sb2S4 ligand. Density functional theory calculation of the model compounds [SSbS]3-, [HSSbS]2-, and [HSSbH2S]0 provided strong evidence for the existence of a stable terminal Sb=S double bond in 2.     

Helical supramolecular assemblies of {2,4,6-[Cp*Rh(E2-1,2-C2B10H10)(NC5H4CH2S)]3(triazine)} (E = S, Se) shaped by Cp*-Toluene-Cp* pi-stacking forces and BH-pyridine hydrogen bonding

Polycarborane-substituted molecules [Cp*Rh{E 2C 2(B 10H 10)}] 3(tpst) [E = S ( 2a), Se ( 2b)] were synthesized and characterized. 2a and 2b form toluene solvates in the solid state showing infinitely connected [( 2a, b)-(toluene)] infinity helices. The chains of these supramolecules are held together by Cp*-toluene-Cp* pi-stacking interactions of two of the three Cp* ligands of the bell-shaped 2a and 2b molecules. Unconventional BH (delta-)-pyridyl (delta+) aromatic hydrogen bonding enforces the bell-shapes of the molecular units, and the Cp* conformations are expected to induce the supramolecular structures.     

Proton-driven self-assembled systems based on cyclam-cored dendrimers and [Ru(bpy)(CN)4]2-

1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam), which is one of the most extensively investigated ligands in coordination chemistry, in its protonated forms, can play the role of host toward cyanide metal complexes. We have investigated the acid-driven adducts formed in acetonitrile-dichloromethane (1:1 v/v) solution by [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-) with 1,4,8,11-tetrakis(naphthylmethyl)cyclam (1) and a dendrimer consisting of a cyclam core appended with 12 dimethoxybenzene and 16 naphthyl units (2). [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-), 1, and 2 exhibit characteristic absorption and emission bands, in distinct spectral regions, that are strongly affected by addition of acid. When a solution containing equimolar amounts of [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-) and 1 or 2 is titrated by trifluoroacetic acid, or when [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-) is titrated with (1.2H)2+ or (2.2H)2+, [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-).(2H+).1] or [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-).(2H+).2] adducts are formed in which the fluorescence of the naphthyl units is strongly quenched by very efficient energy transfer to the metal complex, as shown by the sensitized luminescence of the latter. The [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4]2-.(2H+).1] and [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-).(2H+).2] adducts can be disrupted (i) by addition of a base (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), yielding the starting species [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-) and 1 or 2, or (ii) by further addition of triflic acid, with formation of (1.2H)2+ or (2.2H)2+ and protonated forms of [Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-). It is shown that upon stimulation with two chemical inputs (acid and base) both [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-).(2H+).1] and [[Ru(bpy)(CN)4](2-).(2H+).2] exhibit two distinct optical outputs (a naphthalene-based and a Ru(bpy)-based emission) that behave according to an XOR and an XNOR logic, respectively.     

Preparation of chalcogenolato-bridged dinuclear Tp*Rh-Cp*Ru complexes (Tp*= hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate, Cp*=eta(5)-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) and binding of dioxygen to their Ru sites

Reactions of [Tp*Rh(coe)(MeCN)](1; Tp*= hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl); coe = cyclooctene) with one equiv of diphenyl dichalcogenides PhEEPh (E = Se, Te) afforded the mononuclear Rh(III) complexes [Tp*Rh(EPh)(2)(MeCN)](2b: E = Se; 2c: E = Te), as reported previously for the formation of [Tp*Rh(SPh)(2)(MeCN)](2a) from the reaction of 1 and PhSSPh. Complexes 2a-2c were treated with the Ru(II) complex [(Cp*Ru)(4)(mu(3)-Cl)(4)](Cp*=eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) in THF at room temperature, yielding the chalcogenolato-bridged dinuclear complexes [Tp*RhCl(mu-EPh)(2)RuCp*(MeCN)](3). Complex 3a (E = S) in solution was converted slowly into a mixture of 3a and the sterically less encumbered dinuclear complex [Tp*RhCl(SPh)(mu-eta(1)-S-eta(6)-Ph)RuCp*](4a) at room temperature. In 4a, one SPh group binds only to the Rh center as a terminal ligand, while the other SPh group bridges the Rh and Ru atoms by coordinating to the former at the S atom and to the latter with the Ph group in a pi fashion. The Se analogue 3b also underwent a similar transformation under more forcing conditions, e.g. in benzene at reflux, whereas formation of the mu-eta(1)-Te-eta(6)-Ph complex was not observed for the Te analogue 3c even under these forcing conditions. When complexes 3 was dissolved in THF exposed to air, the MeCN ligand bound to Ru was substituted by dioxygen to give the peroxo complexes [Tp*RhCl(mu-EPh)(2)RuCp*(eta(2)-O(2))](5a: E = S; 5b: E = Se; 5c: E = Te). X-Ray analyses have been undertaken to determine the detailed structures for 2c, 3a, 3b, 4a, 5a, 5b, and 5c.     

Azido- or hydroxyl-capped half-cubanes containing Cp*Rh fragments: [Cp*3Rh3(mu-X)3(mu3-X)]2+ (X-=OH- or N3-)

Treatment of [Cp*Rh(H(2)O)(3)](OTf)(2) (1) with Me(3)SiNH-t-Bu in acetone gave a hydroxyl-capped half-cubane [Cp*(3)Rh(3)(mu-OH)(3)(mu(3)-OH)](OTf)(3)(t-BuNH(3)) (2). Slow diffusion of Me(3)SiN(3) in diethyl ether into compound in acetone produced an azido-capped half-cubane [Cp*(3)Rh(3)(mu-N(3))(3)(mu(3)-N(3))](OTf)(2) (3). On the other hand, treating 1 with Me(3)SiN(3) in acetone gave an azido-bridged, dinuclear rhodium(III) complex [Cp*Rh(mu-N(3))(OH(2))](2)(OTf)(2) (4). Complexes 2 and 3 represent the first azido- or hydroxyl-capped, incomplete cubane-type Rh clusters. Under appropriate conditions, complexes 2 and 3 could be converted to complex 4. The structures of all products were determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis of Ru-Pt and Ru-Pd mixed-metal imido clusters from a diruthenium imido-methylene scaffold [(Cp*Ru)2(mu2-NPh)(mu2-CH2)

The diruthenium mu2-imido mu2-methylene complex [(Cp*Ru)2(mu2-NPh)(mu2-CH2)] serves as a bifunctional scaffold for cluster synthesis, producing a mu3-imido Ru2Pt cluster [(Cp*Ru)2(mu3-NPh)(mu2-CH2)Pt(PMe3)2] on treatment with [Pt(eta2-C2H4)(PMe3)2] and a mu3-methylidyne Ru4Pd2 cluster [(Cp*Ru)2(mu2-NPh)(mu3-CH)PdCl]2 with [PdMeCl(cod)].     

Rhodium-103 NMR of [Rh(X)(PPh3)3] [X = Cl, N3, NCO, NCS, N(CN)2, NCBPh3, CNBPh3, CN] and derivatives containing CO, isocyanide, pyridine, H2 and O2. Ligand, solvent and temperature effects

Rhodium-103 chemical shifts are reported for 62 compounds, namely [Rh(X)(PPh3)3] [X = Cl, N3, NCO, NCS, N(CN)2, NCBPh3, CNBPh3, CN] and derivatives formed by replacement of a phosphine by CO, xylyl isocyanide (XNC) and pyridine and/or by oxidative addition of H2 or O2 to give trans-[Rh(X)(PPh3)2(CO)] (delta in the range -816 to -368 ppm) trans-[Rh(X)(PPh3)2(XNC)] (delta -817 to -250 ppm), cis-[Rh(X)(PPh3)2(py)] (the trans isomer is formed with X = CN, CNBPh3) (delta -233 to 170 ppm), [Rh(X)(H)2(PPh3)3] (delta -611 to 119), trans-[Rh(X)(H)2(PPh3)2(py)] (delta -30 to 566 ppm), [Rh(X)(O2)(PPh3)3] (delta 1393 to 3273 ppm) and cis-[Rh(X)(O2)(PPh3)2(py)] (delta 1949 to 3374 ppm). For the majority of these compounds data were obtained from solutions in chloroform and in toluene at temperatures of 247 and 300 K; for [Rh(X)(PPh3)3] (delta -562 to -4 ppm) data are reported at a number of temperatures in the range 195-300 K for solutions in chloroform, toluene and dichloromethane and at 300 K for solutions in DMSO. The expected trend to lower delta(103Rh) with decreasing temperature (vibrational shielding) is observed for the dichloromethane data, but data from solutions {of [Rh(X)(PPh3)3]} in chloroform and toluene show a number of features which diverge from this pattern, i.e. shifts to higher delta are found to accompany a decrease in temperature, most noticeably where X = CN and Cl [on changing the solvent from dichloromethane to chloroform changes in delta(103Rh) of up to 172 ppm are observed]. These results are interpreted in terms of a hydrogen-bonded interaction with the solvent that is enhanced by the presence of a polarizable ligand (CN, Cl). With a ligand (O2CCF3) that is only weakly polarizable the solvent dependence of delta(103Rh) is minimal.     

Co(I)- versus Ru(II)-Catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloadditions involving alkynyl halides

Alkynyl chlorides, bromides, and iodides have been tested as [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition partners using CpCo(CO)(dimethylfumarate) and Cp*Ru(cod)Cl as precatalysts. A series of cocyclizations between diynyl dihalides and alkynes, as well as intramolecular cycloadditions of triynyl dihalides, has been carried out. While this study confirmed the versatility of the ruthenium complex with all kinds of halides, the cheap air-stable cobalt complex proved nonetheless efficient with alkynyl bromides.     

cis-[Rh2(mu-O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)6]2+ as a photoactivated cisplatin analog

The complex cis-[Rh2(mu-O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)6]2+ (1) exchanges the two axial CH3CN ligands for solvent molecules in water to yield cis-[Rh2(mu-O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)4(H2O)2]2+ (2). Photolysis of 2 in H2O results in the photoaquation of two equatorial acetonitrile ligands to yield [Rh2(mu-O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)2(H2O)4]2+ (3), which is able to covalently bind to free 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and 9-ethylguanine in solution, as well as double-stranded DNA (lambdairr >/= 455 nm). Complex 2 exhibits 20-fold lower cytotoxicity towards human skin cells than hematoporphyrin in the dark, and its toxicity increases by a factor of 34 when irradiated with visible light (400-700 nm, 30 min). This increase in cytotoxicity by 2 upon irradiation is approximately 7 times greater than that measured for hematoporphyrin. These properties make 2 a promising photo-cisplatin analog and a potential agent for photodynamic therapy. To our knowledge, 2 is the first metal-metal bonded complex to bind to DNA upon irradiation with visible light.     

The electronic structure and spectra of Ru(II) and Ru(III) complexes with imidazole and its derivatives

The calculations of the electronic structure and spectra of [Ru(NH3)5L]2+ (L = imidazole, histidine) and [Ru(NH3)5L]3+ (L = imidazole, N-imidazolate anion, 4-methylimidazole, 4-methyl-1N-imidazolate anion and 1N-bound histidine) complexes are performed in the framework of the CI method in the INDO/CNDO approximation. The MO diagram is obtained. The assignment of all transitions with energies of 4-5 eV is made and the nature of corresponding excited states is discussed. For the Ru(II) complexes, the lower energy observable transition is assigned to d-->pi* type, whereas the higher energy one is assigned to pi-->pi* type. In the spectra of the Ru(III) complexes with charged ligands both transitions are of pi-->d character, while in the case of uncharged ligands, the higher energy transition mostly incorporates pi-->pi* excitations.