Chromium(III) complexes for photochemical nitric oxide generation from coordinated nitrite: synthesis and photochemistry of macrocyclic complexes with pendant chromophores, trans-[Cr(L)(ONO)(2)]BF(4)

Several new dinitritochromium(III) complexes of the type trans-[Cr(L)(ONO)(2)]BF(4), where L is a derivative of the macrocyclic ligand cyclam having pendant aromatic chromophores attached (L = 5,7-dimethyl-6-(substituted)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), have been prepared and characterized. Photoexcitation of aqueous solutions containing these complexes at wavelengths corresponding to the pendant chromophore absorption bands led to the generation of NO as detected by an electrochemical sensor. Photophysical data show that the expected fluorescence of the pendant chromophores is largely quenched when the macrocyclic ligand is coordinated to these Cr(III) centers, and this is interpreted in terms of fast energy transfer processes from the ligand-centered pipi states to the Cr(III)-centered ligand field states leading to subsequent cleavage of the Cr(III)-coordinated nitrito ligand. Thus, the chromophores tethered to the coordinated cyclam serve as light-gathering antennae for the intramolecular sensitization of the NO-generating photoreactions at the metal center.     

Ultrafast excited-state dynamics preceding a ligand trans-cis isomerization of fac-[Re(Cl)(CO)3(t-4-styrylpyridine)2] and fac-[Re(t-4-styrylpyridine)(CO)3(2,2'-bipyridine)]+

UV-vis absorption and resonance Raman spectra of the complexes fac-[Re(Cl)(CO)3(stpy)2] and fac-[Re(stpy)(CO)3(bpy)]+ (stpy = t-4-styrylpyridine, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) show that their lowest absorption bands are dominated by stpy-localized intraligand (IL) pi pi* transitions. For the latter complex a Re --> bpy transition contributes to the low-energy part of the absorption band. Optical population of the 1IL excited state of fac-[Re(Cl)(CO)3(stpy)2] is followed by an intersystem crossing (< or =0.9 ps) to an 3IL state with the original planar trans geometry of the stpy ligand. This state undergoes a approximately 90 degrees rotation around the stpy C=C bond with a 11 ps time constant. An electronically excited species with an approximately perpendicular orientation of the phenyl and pyridine rings of the stpy ligand is formed. Conversion to the ground state and isomerization occurs in the nanosecond range. Intraligand excited states of fac-[Re(stpy)(CO)3(bpy)]+ show the same behavior. Moreover, it was found that the planar reactive 3IL excited state is rapidly and efficiently populated after optical excitation into the Re --> bpy 1MLCT excited state. A 1MLCT --> 3MLCT intersystem crossing takes place first with a time constant of 0.23 ps followed by an intramolecular energy transfer from the ReI(CO)3(bpy) chromophore to a stpy-localized 3IL state with a 3.5 ps time constant. The fast rate ensures complete conversion. Coordination of the stpy ligand to the ReI center thus switches the ligand trans-cis isomerization mechanism from singlet to triplet (intramolecular sensitization) and, in the case of fac-[Re(stpy)(CO)3(bpy)]+, opens an indirect pathway for population of the reactive 3IL excited state via MLCT states.     

Ultrafast photochemical dissociation of an equatorial CO ligand from trans(X,X)-[Ru(X)2(CO)2(bpy)] (X = Cl, Br, I): a picosecond time-resolved infrared spectroscopic and DFT computational study

Ultrafast photochemistry of the complexes trans(X,X)-[Ru(X)(2)(CO)(2)(bpy)] (X = Cl, Br, I) was studied in order to understand excited-state reactivity of equatorial CO ligands, coordinated trans to the 2,2'-bipyridine ligand (bpy). TD-DFT calculations have identified the lowest electronic transitions and singlet excited states as mixed X -->bpy/Ru --> bpy ligand to ligand/metal to ligand charge transfer (LLCT/MLCT). Picosecond time-resolved IR spectroscopy in the region of nu(CO) vibrations has revealed that, for X = Cl and Br, subpicosecond CO dissociation is accompanied by bending of the X-Ru-X moiety, producing a pentacoordinated intermediate trans(X,X)-[Ru(X)(2)(CO)(bpy)]. Final movement of an axial halide ligand to the vacant equatorial position and solvent (CH(3)CN) coordination follows with a time constant of 13-15 ps, forming the photoproduct cis(X,X)-[Ru(X)(2)(CO)(CH(3)CN)(bpy)]. For X = I, the optically populated (1)LLCT/MLCT excited state undergoes a simultaneous subpicosecond CO dissociation and relaxation to a triplet IRuI-localized excited state which involves population of an orbital that is sigma-antibonding with respect to the axial I-Ru-I bonds. Vibrationally relaxed photoproduct cis(I,I)-[Ru(I)(2)(CO)(CH(3)CN)(bpy)] is formed with a time constant of ca. 55 ps. The triplet excited state is unreactive, decaying to the ground state with a 155 ps lifetime. The experimentally observed photochemical intermediates and excited states were assigned by comparing calculated (DFT) and experimental IR spectra. The different behavior of the chloro and bromo complexes from that of the iodo complex is caused by different characters of the lowest triplet excited states.     

Dendrimers as ligands. Formation of a 2:1 luminescent complex between a dendrimer with a 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) core and Zn2+

We have investigated the formation of metal complexes between Zn2+ and two derivatives, 1 and 2, of the well-known 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) ligand. Compound 1 is 1,4,8,11-tetrakis(naphthylmethyl) cyclam, and compound 2 is a dendrimer consisting of a cyclam core with appended 12 dimethoxybenzene and 16 naphthyl units. Compound 1 exhibits an emission band with a maximum around 480 nm, assigned to the formation of exciplexes between amine and excited naphthyl units. Dendrimer 2 exhibits three types of weak emission bands, assigned to naphthyl localized excited states (lambdamax = 337 nm), naphthyl excimers (lambdamax ca. 390 nm), and naphthyl-amine exciplexes (lambdamax = 480 nm). In CH3CN-CH2Cl2 1:1 v/v, titration of ligand 1 with Zn2+ causes the disappearance of the exciplex emission and the appearance of a strong naphthyl localized fluorescence; the titration plot is linear and reaches a plateau for a 1:1 stoichiometry, showing that a highly stable [Zn(1)]2+ complex is formed. In the case of 2, titration with Zn2+ causes the disappearance of the exciplex band, with a concomitant increase in the excimer and naphthyl localized emissions; the titration plot is again linear, but in this case it reaches a plateau for a 2:1 stoichiometric ratio, showing the unexpected formation of a [Zn(2)2]2+ complex. Such an unexpected stoichiometry for the complex of the dendritic ligand has been fully confirmed by 1H NMR titrations. The results obtained show that the dendrimer branches not only do not hinder, but in fact favor coordination of cyclam to Zn2+.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of Cr(III) complexes with cyclam-type ligands having pendant chromophores, trans-[Cr(L)Cl(2)]Cl

The synthesis and spectroscopic properties of new cyclam-type ligands 5,7-dimethyl-6-R-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L), where R is a pendant chromophore such as an anthracene derivative, are reported. These ligands were prepared according to a nickel(II) template procedure, and the X-ray crystal structures of several Ni(II) intermediates are described. Reaction of the free base ligands L with CrCl(3)x3THF resulted in facile formation of trans-[Cr(L)Cl(2)]Cl complexes, and the structures and spectroscopic characterizations of these complexes are also described. Examination of the photophysical properties of trans-[Cr(L)Cl(2)]Cl solutions at 77 K demonstrated the emission spectra to be dominated by phosphorescence from the ligand field doublet of the chromium(III) center. This also applies to the Cr(III) complex trans-[Cr(mac)Cl(2)]Cl, where mac is the anthracene derivative 5,7-dimethyl-6-anthracenylcyclam. Excitation into the pi-pi(*) states of the anthracene leads to marked quenching of the fluorescence from this chromophore and sensitized phosphorescence from the metal-centered doublet state.     

Synthesis of cis and trans bis-alkynyl complexes of Cr(III) and Rh(III) supported by a tetradentate macrocyclic amine: a spectroscopic investigation of the M(III)-alkynyl interaction

Alkynyl complexes of the type [M(cyclam)(CCR)(2)]OTf (where cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane; M = Rh(III) or Cr(III); and R = phenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 1-naphthalenyl, 9-phenanthrenyl, and cyclohexyl) were prepared in 49% to 93% yield using a one-pot synthesis involving the addition of 2 equiv of RCCH and 4 equiv of BuLi to the appropriate [M(cyclam)(OTf)(2)]OTf complex in THF. The cis and trans isomers of the alkynyl complexes were separated using solubility differences, and the stereochemistry was characterized using infrared spectroscopy of the CH(2) rocking and NH bending region. All of the trans-[M(cyclam)(CCR)(2)]OTf complexes exhibit strong Raman bands between 2071 and 2109 cm(-1), ascribed to ν(s)(C≡C). The stretching frequencies for the Cr(III) complexes are 21-28 cm(-1) lower than for the analogous Rh(III) complexes, a result that can be interpreted in terms of the alkynyl ligands acting as π-donors. UV-vis spectra of the Cr(III) and Rh(III) complexes are dominated by strong charge transfer (CT) transitions. In the case of the Rh(III) complexes, these CT transitions obscure the metal centered (MC) transitions, but in the case of the Cr(III) complexes the MC transitions are unobscured and appear between 320 and 500 nm, with extinction coefficients (170-700 L mol(-1) cm(-1)) indicative of intensity stealing from the proximal CT bands. The Cr(III) complexes show long-lived (240-327 μs), structureless, MC emission centered between 731 and 748 nm in degassed room temperature aqueous solution. Emission characteristics are also consistent with the arylalkynyl ligands acting as π-donors. The Rh(III) complexes also display long-lived (4-21 μs), structureless, metal centered emission centered between 524 and 548 nm in degassed room temperature solution (CH(3)CN).     

Influence of a gold(I)-Acetylide subunit on the photophysics of Re(phen)(CO)3Cl

The synthesis and photophysical properties of two new Re(I) complexes are reported: fac-Re(phenC triple-bond CH)(CO)(3)Cl (where phenC triple bond CH is 5-ethynyl-1,10-phenanthroline) and its Au(I)-acetylide analogue (fac-Re(phenC triple-bond CAuPPh(3))(CO)(3)Cl). Also reported are the photophysical measurements obtained for the benchmark fac-Re(phen)(CO)(3)Cl chromophore, as well as the phenC triple-bond CAuPPh(3) and phenC triple-bond CH ligands. The unstable nature of the precursor gold-containing ligand illustrates the advantage of using the "chemistry on the complex" approach, which facilitated preparation of the Re-Au binuclear complex. Where possible, all compounds were studied by static and transient absorption (TA), as well as steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), at room temperature (RT) and 77 K, as well as nanosecond time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectroscopy. The spectroscopic information provided by these techniques enabled a thorough evaluation of excited-state decay in most cases. In fac-Re(phenC triple bond CH)(CO)(3)Cl, the RT excited-state decay is most consistent with a metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) assignment, whereas at 77 K, the lowest excited state is dominated by the triplet intraligand ((3)IL) state, localized within the diimine ligand. The lowest excited state in fac-Re(phenC triple-bond CAuPPh(3))(CO)(3)Cl seems to result from an admixture of Re-based MLCT and (3)IL states resident on the phenC triple-bond CAuPPh(3) moiety. TA and TRIR methods indicate that these excited states are thermally equilibrated at room temperature. At 77 K, the MLCT energy of fac-Re(phenC triple-bond CAuPPh(3))(CO)(3)Cl is increased as a result of the glassy medium and the resulting excited state can be considered to be ligand-localized.     

Complexes of substituted derivatives of 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole with Re(I), Ru(II) and Pt(II): structures, redox and luminescence properties

N,N'-Chelating ligands based on the 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole (PB) core have been prepared with a range of substituents (phenyl, pentafluorophenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, pyrenyl) connected to the periphery via alkylation of the benzimidazolyl unit at one of the N atoms. These PB ligands have been used to prepare a series of complexes of the type [Re(PB)(CO)(3)Cl], [Pt(PB)(CCR)(2)](where -CCR is an acetylide ligand) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(PB)][PF(6)](2)(bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). Six of the complexes have been structurally characterised. Electrochemical and luminescence studies show that all three series of complexes behave in a similar manner to the analogous complexes with 2,2'-bipyridine in place of PB. In particular, all three series of complexes show luminescence in the range 553-605 nm (Pt series), 620-640 nm (Re series) and 626-645 nm (Ru series) arising from the (3)MLCT state, with members of the Pt(II) series being the most strongly emissive with lifetimes of up to 500 ns and quantum yields of up to 6% in air-saturated CH(2)Cl(2) at room temperature. In the Re and Ru series there was clear evidence for inter-component energy-transfer processes in both directions between the (3)MLCT state of the metal centre and the singlet and triplet states of the pendant organic luminophores (naphthalene, pyrene, anthracene). For example the pyrene singlet is almost completely quenched by energy transfer to a Re-based MLCT excited state, which in turn is completely quenched by energy transfer to the lower-lying pyrene triplet state. For the analogous Ru(II) complexes the inter-component energy transfer is less effective, with (1)anthracene --> Ru((3)MLCT) energy transfer being absent, and Ru((3)MLCT)-->(3)anthracene energy transfer being incomplete. This is rationalised on the basis of a greater effective distance for energy transfer in the Ru(II) series, because the MLCT excited states are localised on the bpy ligands which are remote from the pendant aromatic group; in the Re series in contrast, the MLCT excited states involve the PB ligand to which the pendant aromatic group is directly attached, giving more efficient energy transfer.     

Nanosecond CO photodissociation and excited-state character of [Ru(X)(X')(CO)2(N,N'-diisopropyl-1,4-diazabutadiene)] (X=X'=Cl or I; X=Me, X'=I; X=SnPh3, X'=Cl) studied by time-resolved infrared spectroscopy and DFT calculations

The character and dynamics of the low-lying excited states of [Ru(X)(X')(CO)2(iPr-dab)] (X=X'=Cl or I; X=Me, X'=I; X=SnPh3, X'=Cl; iPr-dab=N, N'-diisopropyl-1,4-diazabutadiene) were studied experimentally by pico- and nanosecond time-resolved IR spectroscopy (TRIR) and (for X=X'=Cl or I) computationally using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) techniques. The lowest allowed electronic transition occurs between 390 and 460 nm and involves charge transfer from the Ru(halide)(CO) 2 unit to iPr-dab, denoted (1)MLCT/XLCT (metal-to-ligand/halide-to-ligand charge transfer). The lowest triplet state is well modeled by UKS-DFT-CPCM calculations, which quite accurately reproduce the excited-state IR spectrum in the nu(CO) region. It has a (3)MLCT/XLCT character with an intraligand (iPr-dab) (3)pipi* admixture. TRIR spectra of the lowest triplet excited state show two nu(CO) bands that are shifted to higher energies from their corresponding ground-state positions. The magnitude of this upward shift increases as a function of the ligands X and X' [(I)2 < (Sn)(Cl) < (Me)(I) < (Cl)2] and reveals increasing contribution of the Ru(CO)2-->dab MLCT character to the excited state. The lowest triplet state of [Ru(Cl)2(CO)2(iPr-dab)] undergoes a approximately 10 ps relaxation that is followed by CO dissociation, producing cis(CO,CH 3CN),trans(Cl,Cl)-[Ru(Cl)2(CH 3CN)(CO)(iPr-dab)] with a unity quantum yield and 7.2 ns lifetime and without any observable intermediate. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a "slow" CO dissociation from a thermally equilibrated triplet charge-transfer excited state.     

New Ru(II) chromophores with extended excited-state lifetimes

We describe the synthesis, electrochemical, and photophysical properties of two new luminescent Ru(II) diimine complexes covalently attached to one and three 4-piperidinyl-1,8-naphthalimide (PNI) chromophores, [Ru(bpy)(2)(PNI-phen)](PF(6))(2) and [Ru(PNI-phen)(3)](PF(6))(2), respectively. These compounds represent a new class of visible light-harvesting Ru(II) chromophores that exhibit greatly enhanced room-temperature metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) emission lifetimes as a result of intervening intraligand triplet states ((3)IL) present on the pendant naphthalimide chromophore(s). In both Ru(II) complexes, the intense singlet fluorescence of the pendant PNI chromophore(s) is nearly quantitatively quenched and was found to sensitize the MLCT-based photoluminescence. Excitation into either the (1)IL or (1)MLCT absorption bands results in the formation of both (3)MLCT and (3)IL excited states, conveniently monitored by transient absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The relative energy ordering of these triplet states was determined using time-resolved emission spectra at 77 K in an EtOH/MeOH glass where dual emission from both Ru(II) complexes was observed. Here, the shorter-lived higher energy emission has a spectral profile consistent with that typically observed from (3)MLCT excited states, whereas the millisecond lifetime lower energy band was attributed to (3)IL phosphorescence of the PNI chromophore. At room temperature the data are consistent with an excited-state equilibrium between the higher energy (3)MLCT states and the lower energy (3)PNI states. Both complexes display MLCT-based emission with room-temperature lifetimes that range from 16 to 115 micros depending upon solvent and the number of PNI chromophores present. At 77 K it is apparent that the two triplet states are no longer in thermal equilibrium and independently decay to the ground state.     

Control of photochemical, photophysical, electrochemical, and photocatalytic properties of rhenium(I) complexes using intramolecular weak interactions between ligands

Intramolecular interactions between ligands have been successfully applied as a novel tool for controlling various properties of a series of cis,trans-[Re(dmb)(CO)(2)(PR(3))(PR'(3))](+)-type complexes (dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), in the ground state and in the excited state and in the one-electron reduced form. For rhenium complexes with two triarylphosphine ligands, P(p-XPh)(3), the dmb ligand was sandwiched by four aryl rings having CH(aryl)-pi(pyridine)-pi(aryl) interactions. On the other hand, complexes with one triarylphosphine ligand and one trialkylphosphite ligand, P(OR)(3), had pi-pi and CH-pi interactions between each pyridine ring in the dmb ligand and the aryl group in the P(p-XPh)(3). Various properties of these two series of rhenium complexes were compared with those of complexes having two trialkylphosphite ligands, which do not interact through space with the dmb ligand. Properties of the complexes associated mainly with the dmb ligand are strongly affected by the intramolecular interactions: (1) UV/vis absorptions to the pi-pi and (1)MLCT excited states were both red-shifted, but (2) emission from the (3)MLCT excited state was blue-shifted; (3) the lifetime of the (3)MLCT excited state was prolonged up to 3-fold; (4) the reduction potential in the ground state was positively shifted by 110 mV with pi-pi and CH-pi interactions and by 180-200 mV with the CH-pi-pi interactions. (5) In the excited states, the oxidation power of the complex was also enhanced by the intramolecular interactions. (6) In the corresponding one-electron-reduced species cis,trans-[Re(dmb(-.)(CO)(2)(PR(3))(PR'(3))], the intramolecular interactions are maintained and strongly affected their UV/vis spectra. (7) Photocatalysis for CO(2) reduction was significantly enhanced only by the CH-pi-pi interaction.     

Probing the solvent dependent photophysics of fac-[Re(CO)3(dppz-X2)Cl] (dppz-X2 = 11,12-X2-dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine); X = CH3, H, F, Cl, CF3)

The results of electrochemical measurements, density-functional theory calculations, emission and time-resolved IR (TRIR) spectroscopic studies for fac-[ReCl(CO)3(dppz-X2)], (dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine; X = CH3, H, F, Cl, CF3) are reported. For all complexes the calculations show that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) is a phenazine based orbital localized on the dppz ligand. We observe that three different excited states, IL pi pi*, metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) (phen), and MLCT (phz), are formed depending upon the substituent on the dppz ligand and on the nature of the solvent. This means that both the energy and the nature of the photophysically active state(s) can be tuned by both chemical modification of dppz ligand and solvent properties. The excited-state dynamics in these systems is directly related to the mechanism of the "light switch effect", and ps-TRIR has allowed a deeper insight into this mechanism by being able to directly monitor the change in the population of the higher lying emissive phen-type (3)MLCT and IL pi pi* states and the dark (3)MLCT (phz) state depending on the different environmental factors.     

Preferred bonding motif for indium aminoethanethiolate complexes: structural characterization of (Me2NCH2CH2S)2InX/SR (X = Cl, I; R = 4-MeC6H4, 4-MeOC6H4)

The metathesis reaction of InCl3 with Me2NCH2CH2SNa or the redox reaction of indium metal with elemental iodine and the disulfide (Me2NCH2CH2S)2 yield the indium bis(thiolate) complexes (Me2NCH2CH2S)2InX [X = Cl (3) and I (4)], respectively. Compounds 3 and 4 may be further reacted with the appropriate sodium thiolate salts to afford the heteroleptic tris(thiolate) complexes (Me2NCH2CH2S)2InSR [R = 4-MeC6H4 (5), 4-MeOC6H4 (6), and Pr (7)]. Reaction of 2,6-Me2C6H3SNa with 4 affords (Me2NCH2CH2S)2InS(2,6-Me2C6H3) (8), while no reaction is observed with 3, suggesting a greater reactivity for 4. All isolated compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, melting point, and Fourier transform IR and 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies. X-ray crystallographic analyses of 3-6 show a bicyclic arrangement and a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry for In in all cases. The two sulfur and one halogen (3 and 4) or three sulfur (5 and 6) atoms occupy equatorial positions, while the nitrogen atoms of the chelating (dimethylamino)ethanethiolate ligands occupy the axial positions. The metric parameters of the (Me2NCH2CH2S)2In framework were found to change minimally upon variation of the X/SR ligand, while the solubility of the corresponding compounds in organic solvents varied greatly. 1H NMR studies in D2O showed that 6 and 7 react slowly with an excess of the tripeptide l-glutathione and that the rate of reaction is affected by the pendant thiolate ligand -SR.     

Excited-state dynamics of fac-[ReI(L)(CO)3(phen)]+ and fac-[ReI(L)(CO)3(5-NO2-phen)]+ (L = imidazole, 4-ethylpyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) complexes

The nature and dynamics of the lowest excited states of fac-[Re(I)(L)(CO)(3)(phen)](+) and fac-[Re(I)(L)(CO)(3)(5-NO(2)-phen)](+) [L = Cl(-), 4-ethyl-pyridine (4-Etpy), imidazole (imH); phen = 1,10-phenanthroline] have been investigated by picosecond visible and IR transient absorption spectroscopy in aqueous (L = imH), acetonitrile (L = 4-Etpy, imH), and MeOH (L = imH) solutions. The phen complexes have long-lived Re(I) --> phen (3)MLCT excited states, characterized by CO stretching frequencies that are upshifted relative to their ground-state values and by widely split IR bands due to the out-of-phase A'(2) and A"nu(CO) vibrations. The lowest excited states of the 5-NO(2)-phen complexes also have (3)MLCT character; the larger upward nu(CO) shifts accord with much more extensive charge transfer from the Re(I)(CO)(3) unit to 5-NO(2)-phen in these states. Transient visible absorption spectra indicate that the excited electron is delocalized over the 5-NO(2)-phen ligand, which acquires radical anionic character. Similarly, involvement of the -NO(2) group in the Franck-Condon MLCT transition is manifested by the presence of an enhanced nu(NO(2)) band in the preresonance Raman spectrum of [Re(I)(4-Etpy)(CO)(3)(5-NO(2)-phen)](+). The Re(I) --> 5-NO(2)-phen (3)MLCT excited states are very short-lived: 7.6, 170, and 43 ps for L = Cl(-), 4-Etpy, and imH, respectively, in CH(3)CN solutions. The (3)MLCT excited state of [Re(I)(imH)(CO)(3)(5-NO(2)-phen)](+) is even shorter-lived in MeOH (15 ps) and H(2)O (1.3 ps). In addition to (3)MLCT, excitation of [Re(I)(imH)(CO)(3)(5-NO(2)-phen)](+) populates a (3)LLCT (imH --> 5-NO(2)-phen) excited state. Most of the (3)LLCT population decays to the ground state (time constants of 19 (H(2)O), 50 (MeOH), and 72 ps (CH(3)CN)); in a small fraction, however, deprotonation of the imH.+ ligand occurs, producing a long-lived species, [Re(I)(im.)(CO)(3)(5-NO(2)-phen).-]+.     

Probing shapes of bichromophoric metal-organic complexes using ion mobility mass spectrometry

Ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) was used to probe the structures of several metal complexes carrying pendant chromophores. The three complexes investigated were the copper(II) complex Cu(DAC)2+ (DAC = 1,8-bis(9-methylanthracyl)cyclam, cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), the N-nitrosylated ligand DAC-NO, and the Roussin's red salt ester (mu-S,mu-S')-protoporphyrin-IX-bis(2-thioethyl ester)tetranitrosyldiiron (PPIX-RSE). From the IM-MS data coupled with theoretical calculations, it was found that [Cu(II)(DAC - H)]+ exists as a single conformer, with one anthracenyl group above the cyclam and the other below, similar to the crystal structure of Cu(II)(DAC)2+. The metal-free N-nitrosylated ligand (DAC-NO + H)+ has two conformations: one family of structures has one anthracenyl group above the cyclam and one below, while the other has both anthracenyl groups on the same side of the cyclam. These observations are consistent with 1H NMR data for the neutral DAC-NO complex that indicate the presence of two geometric isomers in solution. The third species, PPIX-RSE, has a porphyrin chromophore covalently linked to an Fe2S2(NO)4 cluster for use as a precursor for the photochemical delivery of nitric oxide in single- and two-photon excitation processes. Ion mobility indicates the presence of two (PPIX-RSE + H)+ conformations, consistent with the previous interpretation of the bimodal fluorescence lifetime decay seen for PPIX-RSE. DFT structures, in good agreement with the IM-MS cross sections, indicate two "bent" conformations with the planes of the porphyrin and Fe2S2 rings at different angles with respect to each other.     

Example of highly stereoregulated ruthenium amidine complex formation: synthesis,crystal structures,and spectral and redox properties of the complexes [Ru(II)(trpy)[NC(5)H(4)-CH=N-N(C(6)H(5))C(CH(3))=NH]](ClO(4))(2) (1) and [Ru(II)(trpy)(NC(5)H(4)-CH=N-NH-C(6)H(5))Cl]ClO(4) (2) (trpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine)

The reaction of Ru(trpy)Cl(3) (trpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) with the pyridine-based imine function N(p)C(5)H(4)-CH=N(i)-NH-C(6)H(5) (L), incorporating an NH spacer between the imine nitrogen (N(i)) and the pendant phenyl ring, in ethanol medium followed by chromatographic work up on a neutral alumina column using CH(3)CN/CH(2)Cl(2) (1:4) as eluent, results in complexes of the types [Ru(trpy)(L')](ClO(4))(2) (1) and [Ru(trpy)(L)Cl]ClO(4) (2). Although the identity of the free ligand (L) has been retained in complex 2, the preformed imine-based potentially bidentate ligand (L) has been selectively transformed into a new class of unusual imine-amidine-based tridentate ligand, N(p)C(5)H(4)-CH=N(i)-N(C(6)H(5))C(CH(3))=N(a)H (L'), in 1. The single-crystal X-ray structures of the free ligand (L) and both complexes 1 and 2 have been determined. In 2, the sixth coordination site, that is, the Cl(-) function, is cis to the pyridine nitrogen (N(p)) of L which in turn places the NH spacer away from the Ru-Cl bond, whereas, in 1, the corresponding sixth position, that is, the Ru-N(a) (amidine) bond, is trans to the pyridine nitrogen (N(p)) of L'. The trans configuration of N(a) with respect to the N(p) of L' in 1 provides the basis for the selective L --> L' transformation in 1. The complexes exhibit strong Ru(II) --> pi* (trpy) MLCT transitions in the visible region and intraligand transitions in the UV region. The lowest energy MLCT band at 510 nm for 2 has been substantially blue-shifted to 478 nm in the case of 1. The reversible Ru(III)-Ru(II) couples for 1 and 2 have been observed at 0.80 and 0.59 V versus SCE, respectively. The complexes are weakly luminescent at 77 K, exhibiting emissions at lambda(max), 598 nm [quantum yield (Phi) = 0.43 x 10(-2)] and 574 nm (Phi = 0.28 x 10(-2)) for 1 and 2, respectively.     

Photodissociation of Mg+-XCH3 (X=F, Cl, Br, and I) complexes. I. Electronic spectra and dissociation pathways

Photodissociation spectra of Mg+-XCH3 (X=F, Cl, Br, and I) complexes have been measured in the ultraviolet region (225-415 nm). Several fragment ions with and without charge transfer (CT), Mg+, XCH3+, MgX+, MgCH3+, CH3+, and X+, were formed by evaporation (intermolecular bond dissociation) and intracluster reaction (intramolecular bond dissociation) via excited electronic states. Branching ratios of these ions were found to depend both on absorption bands and on halogen atoms. The ground states of the complexes were calculated to have geometries in which the Mg atom lies next to X atom of methyl halide molecules. Positive charges of the complexes are confirmed to be almost localized on Mg. Observed absorption bands were assigned to the transitions of the Mg+2P-2S atomic line perturbed by interactions with methyl halide molecules. Branching ratios of fragment ions can be partly explained by the stability of fragment ions and neutral counterparts. From the excited state potential energy curves along the Mg-X bond distance, dissociation reaction after CT was concluded to proceed predissociatively; potential curve crossings between the initially excited states and repulsive CT states may have a crucial role in the formation of CH3+, XCH3+, and X+. In particular, XCH3+ ions were formed via repulsive CT states having a character of electron excitation from Xnp to Mg+3s.     

Cationic bis-cyclometallated iridium(III) phenanthroline complexes with pendant fluorenyl substituents: synthesis, redox, photophysical properties and light-emitting cells

We report the synthesis, characterisation, photophysical and electrochemical properties of a series of cationic cyclometallated Ir(III) complexes of general formula [Ir(ppy)(2)(phen)]PF(6) (ppy=2-phenylpyridine, phen=a substituted phenanthroline). A feature of these complexes is that the phen ligands are substituted with one or two 9,9-dihexylfluorenyl substituents to provide extended pi conjugation, for example, the 3-[2-(9,9-dihexylfluorenyl)]phenanthroline and 3,8-bis[2-(9,9-dihexylfluorenyl)]phenanthroline ligands afford complexes 6 and 9, respectively. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of a related complex 18 containing the 3,8-bis(4-iodophenyl)phenanthroline ligand, revealed an octahedral coordination of the Ir atom, in which the metallated C atoms of the ppy ligands occupy cis positions. The complexes 6 and 9 displayed reversible oxidation waves in cyclic voltammetric studies (E(ox)(1/2)=+1.18 and +1.20 V, respectively, versus Ag/Ag(+) in CH(2)Cl(2)) assigned to the metal-centred Ir(III)/Ir(IV) couple. The complexes exhibit strong absorption in the UV region in solution spectra, due to spin-allowed ligand-centred (LC) (1)pi-pi* transitions; moderately intense bands occur at approximately 360-390 nm which are red-shifted with increased ligand length. The photoluminescence spectra of all the complexes were characterised by a broad band at lambda(max) approximately 595 nm assigned to a combination of (3)MLCT and (3)pi-->pi* states. The long emission lifetimes (in the microsecond time-scale) are indicative of phosphorescence: the increased ligand conjugation length in complexes 9 and 17 leads to increased lifetimes for the complexes (tau=2.56 and 2.57 micros in MeCN, respectively) compared to monofluorenyl analogues 6 and 15 (tau=1.43 and 1.39 micros, respectively). DFT calculations of the geometries and electronic structures of complexes 6', 9' (for both singlet ground state (S(0)) and triplet first excited (T(1)) states) and 18 have been performed. In the singlet ground state (S(0)) HOMO orbitals in the complexes are spread between the Ir atom and benzene rings of the phenylpyridine ligand, whereas the LUMO is mainly located on the phenanthroline ligand. Analysis of orbital localisations for the first excited (T(1)) state have been performed and compared with spectroscopic data. Spin-coated light-emitting cells (LECs) have been fabricated with the device structures ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Ir complex/Al, or Ba capped with Al (ITO=indium tin oxide, PEDOT=poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PSS=poly(styrene) sulfonate). A maximum brightness efficiency of 9 cd A(-1) has been attained at a bias of 9 V for 17 with a Ba/Al cathode. The devices operated in air with no reduction in efficiency after storage for one week in air.     

Reactions of M(CO)5X (M = Mn, Re; X = Cl, Br) with (Ph2PCH2)3CCH3 (P3) and (Ph2P(CH2)2)3P (P3P'): synthetic, spectroscopic, electrochemical, and electrospray mass spectrometric studies

The reactions of M(CO)5X (M = Mn, Re; X = Cl, Br) with (Ph2PCH2)3CCH3 (P3) and (Ph2P(CH2)2)3P (P3P') are investigated, and the products are characterized by IR, NMR (31P and 13C), and electrospray mass spectrometric (ESMS) techniques. With P3, the major products are fac-M(CO)3(eta 2-P3)X (syn and anti isomers) and cis,fac-M(CO)2(eta 3-P3)X, and with P3P', the major product for each metal is cis,mer-M(CO)2(eta 3-P3P')X, but cis-[M(CO)2(eta 4-P3P')]X and fac-[Re(CO)3(eta 3-P3P')]X are also characterized. Addition of MeI to those complexes containing pendant phosphine groups produces the corresponding phosphonium cations without affecting the remainder of the molecule. On the voltammetric time scale, electrochemical oxidation of cis,fac-Mn(CO)2(eta 3-P3)X yields the corresponding 17e cation cis,fac-[Mn(CO)2(eta 3-P3)X]+, but on the longer time scale of exhaustive electrolysis or chemical oxidation, the product is fac-[Mn(CO)3(eta 3-P3)]+. In contrast, the rhenium cation cis,fac-[Re(CO)2(eta 3-P3)X]+ is stable on the synthetic time scale, but upon oxidation of cis,fac-Re(CO)2(eta 3-P3)X with NOBF4, the final product is the 18e [Re(CO)(NO)(eta 3-P3)X]+. cis,mer-Mn(CO)2(eta 3-P3P')X is reversibly oxidized to cis,mer-[Mn(CO)2(eta 3-P3P')X]+ on the voltammetric time scale, but on the longer synthetic time scale, the product isomerizes to trans-[Mn(CO)2(eta 3-P3P')X]+, which can be reduced to trans-Mn(CO)2(eta 3-P3P')X. Upon voltammetric oxidation, the corresponding rhenium complexes show an initial irreversible response associated with the pendant phosphine group prior to the reversible oxidation of the metal on the synthetic time scale; spectroscopic data indicate formation of cis,mer-Re(CO)2(eta 3-P3P'O)X. The complex cis,mer-[Re(CO)2(eta 3-P3P'Me)X]+ shows only the reversible metal oxidation response. ESMS data are obtained directly for the methylated cationic complexes, and neutral complexes are either oxidized or adducted with sodium ions to produce cationic species.     

Isomeric distribution and catalyzed isomerization of cobalt(III) complexes with pentadentate macrocyclic ligands. importance of hydrogen bonding

We have investigated the isomeric distribution and rearrangement of complexes of the type [CoXLn]2+,3+ (where X = Cl-, OH-, H2O, and Ln represents a pentadentate 13-, 14-, and 15-membered tetra-aza or diaza-dithia (N4 or N2S2) macrocycle bearing a pendant primary amine). The preparative procedures for chloro complexes produced almost exclusively kinetically preferred cis isomers (where the pendant primary amine is cis to the chloro ligand) that can be separated by careful cation-exchange chromatography. For L13 and L14 the so-called cis-V isomer is isolated as the kinetic product, and for L15 the cis-VI form (an N-based diastereomer) is the preferred, while for the L14(S) complex both cis-V and trans-I forms are obtained. All these complexes rearrange to form stable trans isomers in which the pendent primary amine is trans to the monodentate aqua or hydroxo ligand, depending on pH and the workup procedure. In total 11 different complexes have been studied. From these, two different trans isomers of [CoClL14(S)]2+ have been characterized crystallographically for the first time in addition to a new structure of cis-V-[CoClL14(S)]2+; all were isolated as their chloride perchlorate salts. Two additional isomers have been identified and characterized by NMR as reaction intermediates. The remaining seven forms correspond to the complexes already known, produced in preparative procedures. The kinetic, thermal, and baric activation parameters for all the isomerization reactions have been determined and involve large activation enthalpies and positive volumes of activation. Activation entropies indicate a very important degree of hydrogen bonding in the reactivity of the complexes, confirmed by density functional theory studies on the stability of the different isomeric forms. The isomerization processes are not simple and even some unstable intermediates have been detected and characterized as part of the above-mentioned 11 forms of the complexes. A common reaction mechanism for the isomerization reactions has been proposed for all the complexes derived from the observed kinetic and solution behavior.