Luminescent organoplatinum(II) complexes with functionalized cyclometalated C^N^C ligands: structures, photophysical properties, and material applications

A series of [(R'-C^N^C-R')Pt(L)] complexes with doubly deprotonated cyclometalated R'-C^N^C-R' ligands (R'-C^N^C-R'=2,6-diphenylpyridine derivatives) functionalized with carbazole, fluorene, or thiophene unit(s) have been synthesized and their photophysical properties studied. The X-ray crystal structures reveal extensive intermolecular π···π and C-H···π interactions between the cyclometalated C^N^C ligands. Compared to previously reported cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes [(C^N^C)Pt(L)], which are non-emissive in solution at room temperature, the carbazole-, fluorene- and thiophene-functionalized [(R'-C^N^C-R')Pt(L)] (L=DMSO 1-9, C≡N-Ar, 1a-9a) complexes are emissive in solution at room temperature with λ(max) at 564-619 nm and Φ=0.02-0.26. The emissions of the [(R'-C^N^C-R')Pt(L)] complexes are attributed to electronic excited states with mixed (3)MLCT and (3)IL character. The carbazole/fluorene/thiophene unit(s) allow the tuning of the electronic properties of the [(R'-C^N^C-R')Pt] moiety, with the emission maxima in a range of 564-619 nm. These are the first examples of organoplatinum(II) complexes bearing doubly deprotonated cyclometalated C^N^C ligands that are emissive in solution at room temperature. In non-degassed DMSO, the emission intensities of 6a-9a are enhanced upon exposure to ambient light. This phenomenon is caused by reacting photogenerated (1)O(2) with a DMSO molecule to form dimethyl sulfone, leading to the removal of dissolved oxygen in solution. Self-assembled nanowires and nanorods are obtained from precipitation of 3a in THF/H(2)O and 8a in DMSO/Et(2)O, respectively. The [(R'-C^N^C-R')Pt(L)] complexes are soluble in common organic solvents with a high thermal stability (>300 °C), rendering them as phosphorescent dopants for organic light-emitting diode (OLEDs) applications. Red OLEDs with CIE coordinates of (0.65±0.01, 0.35±0.01) were fabricated from 7a or 8a. A maximum external efficiency (η(Ext)) of 12.6% was obtained for the device using 8a as emitter.     

Strong red emissions induced by Pt–Pt interactions in binuclear cycloplatinated(II) complexes containing bridging diphosphines

A series of dinuclear cycloplatinated(II) complexes with general closed formula of [Pt₂Me₂(C^N)₂(μ‐P^P)] (C^N = 2‐vinylpyridine (Vpy), 2,2′‐bipyridine N‐oxide (O‐bpy), 2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)pyridine (dfppy); P^P = 1,1‐bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm), N,N‐bis(diphenylphosphino)amine (dppa)) are reported. The complexes were characterized by means of NMR spectroscopy. Due to the presence of dppm and dppa with short backbones as bridging ligands, two platinum centres are located in front of each other in these complexes so a Pt…Pt interaction is established. Because of this Pt…Pt interaction, the complexes have bright orange colour under ambient light and are able to strongly emit red light under UV light exposure. These strong red emissions originate from a ³MMLCT (metal–metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer) electronic transition. In most of these complexes, the emissions have unstructured bell‐shaped bands, confirming the presence of large amount of ³MMLCT character in the emissive state. Only the complexes bearing dfppy and dppa ligands reveal dual luminescence: a high‐energy structured emission originating from ³ILCT/³MLCT (intra‐ligand charge transfer/metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer) and an unstructured low‐energy band associated with ³MMLCT. In order to describe the nature of the electronic transitions, density functional theory calculations were performed for all the complexes.     

Synthesis and characterization of nickel(II) maltolate complexes containing ancillary bisphosphine ligands

Cationic nickel(II) complexes containing chelating O,O′-donor maltolate or ethyl maltolate ligands in conjunction with bidentate bisphosphine ligands Ph₂P(CH₂) _n PPh₂ were prepared by a one-pot reaction starting from nickel(II) acetate, bisphosphine, maltol (or ethyl maltol), and trimethylamine, and isolated as their tetraphenylborate salts. An X-ray structure determination of [Ni(maltolate)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)]BPh₄ shows that the maltolate ligand binds asymmetrically to the (slightly distorted) square-planar nickel(II) center. The simplicity of the synthetic method was extended to the synthesis of the known platinum(II) maltolate complex [Pt(maltolate)(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ which was obtained in high purity.     

Phosphino-aminothiazoline platinum(II) and platinum(II)/gold(I) complexes: structural, chemical and vapoluminescent properties

Phosphino-amino-thiazolines and -thiazoles can exist in solution in two tautomeric forms, in which the N-H proton involves the endo-cyclic or exo-cyclic nitrogen atom. The two tautomers show different reactivities toward alcoholysis; the imino form degrades more rapidly. Their bischelated platinum complexes were studied in the solid state by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Thus, the unique stereoelectronic features of the [Pt(PN(th))] (PN(th)=diphenylposphino-aminothiazoline) moiety were revealed. The complex cis-[Pt(PN(th))(2)] reacts with gold(I) salts to yield dimetallic compounds, the molecular structures of which have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Solid cis-[Pt(PN(th))(2)] shows vapoluminescent properties if exposed to alcohol vapors. A combined photophysical and crystallographic investigation has been carried out to clarify the unprecedented rigidochromic role of the alcohol in this phenomenon.     

Synthesis and characterisation of dinuclear and mononuclear Cobalt (II) benzoate complexes

Aqua-bridged binuclear cobalt (II) benzoate complexes having pyridine as auxiliary ligands are synthesised through solid state reactions and characterised. The binuclear core in these complexes comprise of two bridging benzoates and an aqua bridge. Each of the cobalt (II) centre is further co-ordinated to one benzoate and two pyridine ligands. The aqua-bridged cobalt (II) benzoate complex [Co₂(μ-H₂O)(μ-OBz)₂(OBz)₂(Py)₄] ·  (C₆H₆)(BzOH) (1a) is inclusion compounds with benzoic acid and benzene (where OBz  =  benzoate, py  =  pyridine). Analogous complex [Co₂(μ-H₂O)(μ-OBz)₂(OBz)₂(Py)₄] · 1.5(C₆H₆) without benzoic acid included is also prepared by an alternative method and structurally characterised. Analogous aqua-bridged complex derived from p-chlorobenzoic acid in unsolvated form is characterised. The Co–O–Co separation in these complexes is in the range of 3.55–3.64 Å with angles Co–O–Co varying from 111.8° to 116.4°. While similar reaction in solution leads to the formation of mononuclear complex having composition [Co(OBz)₂(Py)₂(H₂O)]. The unsubstituted benzoate complex 1a can be easily oxidised to form a tetrameric cobalt (III) complex having benzoate and oxo-bridged structure with a Co₄O₄ core.     

Stable trans isomer as the kinetic and theromodynamic product for the oxidative addition of MeI to cycloplatinated(II) complexes comprising isocyanide ligands

The present investigation introduces a new series of cycloplatinated(II) complexes, with the general formula Pt(O‐bpy)(Me)(CN‐R)] (R = benzyl, 2‐naphtyl and tert‐butyl), which are able to generate the stable trans‐Pt(IV) product in the solution after the reaction with iodomethane. In fact, the trans product is both the kinetic and thermodynamic product of the reaction; this observation was supported by DFT calculations. These Pt(II) complexes are supported by 2,2'‐bipyridine N‐oxide (O‐bpy) and one of several isocyanides as the cyclometalated and ancillary ligands, respectively. These new Pt(II) complexes undergo oxidative addition with MeI to give the corresponding trans‐Pt(IV) complexes. All the complexes were identified employing the multi‐nuclear NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X‐ray crystallography. The kinetic investigations were also performed for the oxidative addition reactions in order to measure the reaction rates; the reaction was followed by UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The rates obtained follow the trend CN‐^tBu > CN‐Bz > CN‐2 Np for the CN‐R ligands in the Pt(II) complexes. The order can be related to the degree of electron‐donation of the R group (tert‐butyl > benzyl > 2‐naphtyl).     

Luminescent cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes with N-benzoyl thiourea derivatives as ancillary ligands

A series of cyclometallated 2-phenylpyridine Pt(II) complexes having N-benzoyl thiourea derivatives as ancillary ligands were prepared and characterised by elemental analysis, IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy as well as by X-ray diffraction on single-crystal. All complexes were obtained as a single isomer with N atom of the 2-phenylpyridine ligand and S atom of the N-benzoyl thiourea derivatives coordinated in trans positions to the platinum metal as evidenced by using X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. All Pt(II) complexes show good luminescence properties at room temperature, both in dichloromethane solution and in solid state.     

Tuning photophysical properties with ancillary ligands in Ru(II) mono-diimine complexes

The series of complexes [XRu(CO)(L-L)(L′)₂][PF₆] (X = H, TFA, Cl; L-L = 2,2′-bipyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline, 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline and 4,4′-dicarboxylic-2,2′-bipyridyl; L′₂ = 2PPh₃, Ph₂PC₂H₄PPh_2, Ph₂PCHCHPPh₂) have been synthesized from the starting complex K[Ru(CO)₃(TFA)₃] (TFA = CF₃CO₂) by first reacting with the phosphine ligand, followed by reaction with the L-L and anion exchange with NaPF₆. In the case of L-L = phenanthroline and L′₂ = 2PPh₃, the neutral complex Ru(Ph₃P)(CO)(1,10-phenanthroline)(TFA)₂ is also obtained and its solid state structure is reported. Solid state structures are also reported for the cationic complexes where L-L = phenanthroline, L₂ = 2PPh₃ and X = Cl and for L-L = 2,2′-bipyridyl, L₂ = 2PPh₃ and X = H. All the complexes were characterized in solution by a combination of ¹H and ³¹P NMR, IR, mass spectrometry and elemental analyses. The purpose of the project was to synthesize a series of complexes that exhibit a range of excited-state lifetimes and that have large Stokes shifts, high quantum yields and high intrinsic polarizations associated with their metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) emissions. To a large degree these goals have been realized in that excited-state lifetimes in the range of 100 ns to over 1 μs are observed. The lifetimes are sensitive to both solvent and the presence of oxygen. The measured quantum yields and intrinsic anisotropies are higher than for previously reported Ru(II) complexes. Interestingly, the neutral complex with one phosphine ligand shows no MLCT emission. Under the conditions of synthesis some of the initially formed complexes with X = TFA are converted to the corresponding hydrides or in the presence of chlorinated solvents to the corresponding chlorides, testifying to the lability of the TFA Ligand. The compounds show multiple reduction potentials which are chemically and electrochemically reversible in a few cases as examined by cyclic voltammetry. The relationships between the observed photophysical properties of the complexes and the nature of the ligands on the Ru(II) is discussed.     

Neutral pyridylmethylamide ligands and their mononuclear copper(II) complexes

Mononuclear copper(II) complexes of a family of pyridylmethylamide ligands HL, HL^Me, HL^Ph, HL^Me3 and HL^Ph3, [HL = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide; HL^Me = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)propionamide; HL^Ph = 2-phenyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide; HL^Me3 = 2,2-dimethyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)propionamide; HL^Ph3 = 2,2,2-triphenyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide], were synthesized and characterized. The reaction of copper(II) salts with the pyridylmethylamide ligands yields complexes [Cu(HL)₂(OTf)₂] (1), [Cu(HL^Me)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Cu(HL)₂Cl]₂[CuCl₄] (3), [Cu(HL^Me3)₂(THF)](OTf)₂ (4), [Cu(HL^Me3)₂(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂ (5a and 5b), [Cu(HL^Ph3)₂(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂ (6), [Cu(HL)(2,2′-bipy)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂ (7), and [Cu(HL^Ph)(2,2′-bipy)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂ (8). All complexes were fully characterized, and the X-ray structures vary from four-coordinate square-planar, to five-coordinate square-pyramidal or trigonal-bipyramidal. The neutral ligands coordinate via the pyridyl N atom and carbonyl O atom in a bidentate fashion. The spectroscopic properties are typical of mononuclear copper(II) species with similar ligand sets, and are consistent their X-ray structures.     

Structures and solvatochromic phosphorescence of dicationic terpyridyl-platinum(II) complexes with foldable oligo(ortho-phenyleneethynylene) bridging ligands

A series of binuclear organoplatinum(II) complexes, [(tBu3tpy)Pt--(C[triple chemical bond]C--1,2-C6H4)n--C[triple chemical bond]C--Pt(tBu3tpy)][ClO4]2 (1-7, n=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8; tBu3tpy=4,4',4'-tri-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) with foldable oligo(ortho-phenyleneethynylene) linkers were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods and/or X-ray crystallographic analyses. In the crystal structures of 32.5 CH3OH, 5CH3CN, and 64 CH3CN, each of the bridging ortho-phenyleneethynylene ligands has a partially folded conformation. In aerated water/acetonitrile mixtures with water percentages larger than 40 %, the emission of complexes 3-7 are red-shifted and enhanced when compared to those recorded in acetonitrile. The red-shift in emission energy and enhanced emission intensity can be attributed to the inter- and/or intramolecular interactions induced by the addition of water to solutions of the platinum(II) complexes in acetonitrile. Data from dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that these binuclear platinum(II) complexes aggregated into nanosized particles in acetonitrile/water mixtures. Hydrophobic folding of the ortho-phenyleneethynylene linkers in acetonitrile/water mixtures is postulated.     

Nickel(II) complexes prepared from NNN type ligands and pseudohalogens

Six nickel(II) complexes, using azide and thiocyanate ions, have been synthesized from bis-2,6(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (pp) and some methyl derivatives, 2-(3,5-dimethyl(pyrazol-1-yl)-6-(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (app) and bis-2,6(3,5-dimethyl(pyrazol-1-yl) pyridine (dmpp) in non-aqueous media. The complex structures were analyzed using elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Appropriate crystals of complex, containing azide [Nipp(N₃)₂]·MeOH (I) and thiocyanate [Nidmpp(SCN)₂·MeOH] (VI) were prepared and the molecular structures determined using X-ray diffraction. Complex I was seen to be dinuclear as stated in literature, space group P2₁/n, monoclinic, a=10.503, b=10.681, c=13.291 Å, β=106.56° and Z=2 whereas complex VI was found to be mononuclear, space group P2₁/n, monoclinic, a=8.646, b=12.614, c=20.697 Å, β=97.18° and Z=2. The Ni(II) coordination in both complexes were octahedral. Thermogravimetric studies showed azide containing structures to resemble the characteristics of explosive materials. Coordinative MeOH were seen to leave the structure in thiocyanate containing complexes, followed by irregular degradation above 300°C.     

The spin-states and spin-transitions of mononuclear iron(II) complexes of nitrogen-donor ligands

A survey of mononuclear iron(II) complexes with heterocyclic N-donor ligation is presented. A brief introduction to spin-crossover chemistry and low-temperature spin-trapping is provided, since many of these compounds undergo thermal spin-transitions upon cooling or heating. These are highlighted, and the structural changes underlying spin-crossover are discussed where this is known. Materials showing spin-trapping behaviour following thermal quenching or irradiation at very low temperatures are also described.     

Design,synthesis and in vitro cytotoxicity of novel dinuclear platinum(II) complexes with a tetradentate carrier ligand

Four novel dinuclear platinum complexes with a tetradentate ligand, (1R,1′R,2R,2′R)‐N¹,N^1′‐(1,2‐phenylenebis(methylene))dicyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine, as the carrier group, have been designed, synthesized and characterized, and their in vitro cytotoxicity against HepG‐2, A549, HCT‐116 and MCF‐7 cell lines evaluated using MTT assay. Results indicate that the targeted dinuclear platinum complexes H1 , H2 , H3 , H4 exhibit significant growth inhibitory properties against HepG‐2, A549 and HCT‐116 cell lines, but none of them show activity against MCF‐7 cell line. Compound H4 shows better antitumor activity than carboplatin against HepG‐2, A549 and HCT‐116 cell lines. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carbon‐iodide bond activation by cyclometalated Pt (II) complexes bearing tricyclohexylphosphine ligand: A comparative kinetic study and theoretical elucidation

Cyclometalated Pt (II) complexes [PtMe(C^N)(L)], in which C^N = deprotonated 2,2′‐bipyridine N‐oxide (Obpy), 1 , deprotonated 2‐phenylpyridine (ppy), 2 , deprotonated benzo [h] quinolone (bzq), 3 , and L = tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy₃) were prepared and fully characterized. By treatment of 1–3 with excess MeI, the thermodynamically favored Pt (IV) complexes cis‐[PtMe₂I(C^N)(PCy₃)] (C^N = Obpy, 1a ; ppy, 2a ; and bzq, 3a ) were obtained as the major products in which the incoming methyl and iodine groups adopted cis positions relative to each other. All the complexes were characterized by means of NMR spectroscopy while the absolute configuration of 1a was further determined by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. The reaction of methyl iodide with 1–3 were kinetically explored using UV–vis spectroscopy. On the basis of the kinetic data together with the time‐resolved NMR investigation, it was established that the oxidative addition reaction occurred through the classical S_N2 attack of Pt (II) center on the MeI reagent. Moreover, comparative kinetic studies demonstrated that the electronic and steric nature of either the cyclometalating ligands or the phosphine ligand influence the rate of reaction. Surprisingly, by extending the oxidative addition reaction time, very stable iodine‐bridged Pt (IV)‐Pt (IV) complexes [Pt₂Me₄(C^N)₂(μ‐I)₂] (C^N = Obpy, 1b ; ppy, 2b ; and bzq, 3b ) were obtained and isolated. In order to find a reasonable explanation for the observation, a DFT (density functional theory) computational analysis was undertaken and it was found that the results were consistent with the experimental findings.     

Synthesis and cytostatic activity of Pt(II) complexes of intramolecularly coordinated phosphine and stibine ligands

The intramolecularly coordinated phosphine and stibine ligands L¹PPh₂ ( 1 ), L²PPh₂ ( 2 ) and L²SbPh₂ ( 3 ) containing Y,C,Y‐chelating ligands, L¹ = 2,6‐(^tBuOCH₂)₂C₆H₄^? and L² = 2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₄^?, were prepared and characterized. The treatment of these ligands 1 , 2 , 3 with PtCl₂ yielded complexes trans‐{[2,6‐(^tBuOCH₂)₂C₆H₃]PPh₂}₂PtCl₂ (4), cis‐{[2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₃]PPh₂}PtCl₂ (5), and cis‐{[2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₃]SbPh₂}PtCl₂ (6) as the result of different ability of the starting compounds 1 , 2 , 3 to complex platinum centre. Compounds 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and molecular structures of 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The substitution reactions of complexes 4 , 5 , 6 were also studied. The reaction of 5 and 6 with NaI yielded complexes {[2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₃]PPh₂}PtI₂ ( 7 ) and {[2,6‐(Me₂NCH₂)₂C₆H₃]SbPh₂}PtI₂ ( 8 ), while the same reaction of 4 with NaI did not proceed. As the compounds 7 and 8 structurally resemble cisplatin, complex {{[2‐(Me₂NCH₂)‐6‐(Me₂NHCH₂)C₆H₃]PPh₂}PtCl₂}⁺Cl^? ( 9 ) was prepared as water‐soluble platinum complex. The cytotoxic effect of complex 9 was evaluated on human T‐lymphocytic leukemia cells MOLT‐4 (IC₅₀ = 27.6 ± 1.8 µmol l^?1) and human promyelocytic leukemia HL‐60 (IC₅₀ = 55.9 ± 4.9 µmol l^?1). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal stability and kinetic studies of new dinuclear copper(II) complexes with octaazamacrocyclic and multidonor bidentate ligands

The thermal properties of four copper(II) complexes with N,N′,N″,N-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (tpmc) and several bidentate ligands N,S (thiosemicarbazide and thiourea) or N,O donors (semicarbazide and urea), of the general formula [Cu₂(X)tpmc](ClO₄)₄, have been investigated by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal stability order can be recognized for the examined complexes, depending on coordinated bidentate bridging N,S or N,O ligand. Kinetic data demonstrated first-order thermal decomposition. A plausible mechanism has been proposed which explains the major products of the degradation.     

Mono- and dinuclear Zn(II) complexes of Schiff-base ligands: syntheses,characterization and studies of photoluminescence

Six Schiff-bases HL¹-HL⁴, L⁵ and L⁶ [HL¹ = 2,6-bis[1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrolidine-iminomethyl]-4-methyl-phenol, HL² = 2,6-bis[1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine-iminomethyl]-4-methyl-phenol, HL³ = N-{1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrolidine}salicylideneimine, HL⁴ = N-{1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine}salicylideneimine, L⁵ = 2-benzoyl pyridine-N-{1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrolidine}, L⁶ = 2-benzoylpyridine-N-{1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine}] have been synthesized and characterized. Zn(II) complexes of those ligands have been prepared by conventional sequential route as well as by template synthesis. The same complexes are obtained from the two routes as evident from routine physicochemical characterizations. All the Schiff-bases exhibit photoluminescence originating from intraligand (π–π*) transitions. Metal mediated fluorescence enhancement is observed on complexation of HL¹-HL⁴ with Zn(II), whereas metal mediated fluorescence quenching occurs in Zn(II) complexes of L⁵ and L⁶.     

Experimental studies on the trans-influence of boryl ligands in square-planar platinum(II) complexes

A series of platinum(II) boryl complexes of general formula trans-[(Cy(3)P)2Pt(Br)(BX2)], including the rare dibromoboryl species trans-[(Cy(3)P)2Pt(Br)(BBr2)], were synthesized by oxidative addition of the B-Br bond of a number of bromoboranes to [Pt(PCy3)2]. X-ray diffraction studies were performed on several such compounds. Comparison of the Pt--Br bond lengths allowed an empirical assessment of the trans-influence of different boryl ligands. A trans-influence scale was thus deduced and the results were compared with those previously computed for compounds of the type trans-[(Me(3)P)2Pt(Cl)(BX2)].