Aggregation behaviour of thallium(I) beta-diketiminates

Modulation of the steric requirements of a number of N-aryl beta-diketiminate ligands results in the isolation of a variety of Tl(I) compounds with different stabilities and nuclearities.     

Real and Hypothetical Intermediate-Valence Ag(II)/Ag(III) and Ag(II)/Ag(I) Fluoride Systems as Potential Superconductors

With the aim of gauging their potential as conducting or superconducting materials, we examine the crystal structures and magnetic properties of the roughly one hundred binary, ternary, and quaternary Ag(II) and Ag(III) fluorides in the solid state reported up to date. The Ag(II) cation appears in these species usually in a distorted octahedral environment, either in an [AgF](+) infinite chain or as [AgF(2)] sheets. Sometimes one finds discrete square-planar [AgF(4)](2-) ions. The Ag(III) cation occurs usually in the form of isolated square-planar [AgF(4)](-) ions. Systems containing Ag(III) (d(8)) centers are typically diamagnetic. On the other hand, the rich spectrum of Ag(II) (d(9)) environments in binary and ternary fluorides leads to most diverse magnetic properties, ranging from paramagnetism, through temperature-independent paramagnetism (characteristic for half-filled band and metallic behavior) and antiferromagnetism, to weak ferromagnetism. Ag(II) and Ag(III) have the same d-electron count as Cu(II) (d(9)) and Cu(III) (d(8)), respectively. F(-) and O(2-) ions are isoelectronic, closed-shell (s(2)p(6)) species; both are weak-field ligands. Led by these similarities, and by some experimental evidence, we examine analogies between the superconducting cuprates (Cu(II)/Cu(III)-O(2-) and Cu(II)/Cu(I)-O(2-) systems) and the formally mixed-valence Ag(II)/Ag(III)-F(-) and Ag(II)/Ag(I)-F(-) phases. For this purpose we perform electronic-structure computations for a number of structurally characterized binary and ternary Ag(I), Ag(II), and Ag(III) fluorides and compare the results with similar calculations for oxocuprate superconductors. Electronic levels in the vicinity of the Fermi level (x(2)-y(2) or z(2)) have usually strongly mixed Ag(d)/F(p) character and are Ag-F antibonding, thus providing the potential of efficient vibronic coupling (typical for d(9) systems with substantially covalent bonds). According to our computations this is the result not only of a coincidence in orbital energies; surprisingly the Ag-F bonding is substantially covalent in Ag(II) and Ag(III) fluorides. The electron density of state at the Fermi level (DOS(F)) for silver fluoride materials and frequencies of the metal-ligand stretching modes have values close to those for copper oxides. The above features suggest that properly hole- or electron-doped Ag(II) fluorides might be good BCS-type superconductors. We analyze a comproportionation/disproportionation equilibrium in the hole-doped Ag(II) fluorides, and the possible appearance of holes in the F(p) band. It seems that there is a chance of generating an Ag(III)-F(-)/Ag(II)-F(0) "ionic/covalent" curve crossing in the hole-doped Ag(II)-F(-) fluorides, significantly increasing vibronic coupling.     

Complexes of Ag(I), Hg(I) and Hg(II) with multidentate pyrazolyl-pyridine ligands: From mononuclear complexes to coordination polymers via helicates, a mesocate, a cage and a catenate

The coordination chemistry of a series of di- and tri-nucleating ligands with Ag(I), Hg(I) and Hg(II) has been investigated. Most of the ligands contain two or three N,N'-bidentate chelating pyrazolyl-pyridine units pendant from a central aromatic spacer; one contains three binding sites (2 + 3 + 2-dentate) in a linear sequence. A series of thirteen complexes has been structurally characterised displaying a wide range of structural types. Bis-bidentate bridging ligands react with Ag(I) to give complexes in which Ag(I) is four-coordinate from two bidentate donors, but the complexes can take the form of one-dimensional coordination polymers, or dinuclear complexes (mesocate or helicate). A tris-bidentate triangular ligand forms a complicated two-dimensional coordination network with Ag(I) in which Ag...Ag contacts, as well as metal-ligand coordination bonds, play a significant role. Three dinuclear Hg(I) complexes were isolated which contain an {Hg2}2+ metal-metal bonded core bound to a single bis-bidentate ligand which can span both metal ions. Also characterised were a series of Hg(II) complexes comprising a simple mononuclear four-coordinate Hg(II) complex, a tetrahedral Hg(II)4 cage which incorporates a counter-ion in its central cavity, a trinuclear double helicate, and a trinuclear catenated structure in which two long ligands have spontaneously formed interlocked metallomacrocyclic rings thanks to cyclometallation of two of the Hg(II) centres.     

Reaction of beta-diketiminate copper(II) complexes and Na2S2

Reaction of beta-diketiminate copper(II) complexes and Na2S2 resulted in formation of (mu-eta2:eta2-disulfido)dicopper(II) complexes (adduct formation) or beta-diketiminate copper(I) complexes (reduction of copper(II)) depending on the substituents of the supporting ligands. In the case of sterically less demanding ligands, adduct formation occurred to provide the (mu-eta2:eta2-disulfido)dicopper(II) complexes, whereas reduction of copper(II) took place to give the corresponding copper(I) complexes with sterically more demanding beta-diketiminate ligands. Spectroscopic examinations of the reactions at low temperature using UV-vis and ESR as well as kinetic analysis have suggested that a 1 : 1 adduct LCuII-S-SNa with an end-on binding mode is initially formed as a common intermediate, from which different reaction pathways exist depending on the steric environment of the metal-coordination sphere provided by the ligands. Thus, with the sterically less demanding ligands, rearrangement of the disulfide adduct from end-on to side-on followed by self-dimerisation occurs to give the (mu-eta2:eta2-disulfido)dicopper(II) complexes, whereas such an intramolecular rearrangement of the disulfide co-ligand does not take place with the sterically more demanding ligands. In this case, homolytic cleavage of the CuII-S bond occurs to give the reduced copper(I) product. The steric effects of the supporting ligands have been discussed on the basis of detailed analysis of the crystal structures of the copper(II) starting materials.     

Formation of N-heterocyclic diphosphine ligands from Ag(I)-assisted condensation reactions between bdppeda and formaldehyde and their binuclear silver(I) complexes

The reaction of [Ag(MeCN)(4)]ClO(4) with N,N,N',N'-tetra(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)ethylenediamine (dppeda) in CH(2)Cl(2)/MeOH afforded an unexpected cationic binuclear complex [Ag(2)(L(1))(2)(η,η-μ-ClO(4))(2)](ClO(4))(2) (L(1) = N,N'-bis(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)-3H-4,5-dihydroimidazole-1-ium) (1). Compound 1 was also prepared in high yield from reactions of [Ag(MeCN)(4)]ClO(4) with N,N'-bis(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)ethylenediamine (bdppeda) in the presence of formaldehyde (HCHO) or formic acid (HCOOH). Analogous reactions of AgCl with bdppeda and HCHO resulted in the formation a neutral binuclear complex [Ag(2)(L(2))(2)(μ-Cl)(2)] (L(2) = N,N-bis(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)-tetrahydroimidazole) (2). Treatment of 1 with concentrated HCl gave rise to a partially anion-exchanged product [Ag(2)(L(1))(2)(μ-Cl)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (3). Compounds 1 and 3 have a similar cationic binuclear structure, in which a [Ag(2)(η,η-μ-ClO(4))(2)] or [Ag(2)(μ-Cl)(2)] ring is sandwiched by two in situ-formed cationic L(1) ligands. The L(1) ligand may be generated by the Ag(I)-assisted condensation reaction between bdppeda and HCHO or HCOOH. Compound 2 holds a neutral binuclear structure, in which a [Ag(2)(μ-Cl)(2)] ring is connected by two in situ-formed L(2) ligands from its top and bottom sites. The neutral ligand L(2) may be produced from another Ag(I)-assisted condensation reaction between bdppeda and HCHO. The in situ formation of the L(1) and L(2) ligands provides a new route to the N-heterocyclic diphosphine ligands, and an interesting insight into the coordination chemistry of their metal complexes.     

Formation of mono-, bi-, tri-, and tetranuclear Ag(I) complexes of C3-symmetric tripodal benzimidazole ligands

The C3-symmetric tripodal ligand tris(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine (ntb) and its alkyl-substituted derivatives tris(N-R-benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)amine (R = methyl, Mentb; R = ethyl, Etntb; R = propyl, Prntb) react with various silver(I) salts to afford mononuclear [Ag(Prntb)(CF3SO3)].0.25H2O, 1, binuclear [Ag2(Mentb)2](CF3SO3)2.H2O, 2, trinuclear [Ag3(Etntb)2](ClO4)3.CH3OH, 3, and tetranuclear [Ag4(ntb)2(CH3CN)2(CF3CO2)2](CF3CO2)2.2H2O, 4. All four complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The Ag(I) ion in 1 is coordinated to the three imine nitrogen atoms of the Prntb ligand and one oxygen atom of the trifluoromethanesulfonate anion in a distorted tetrahedral environment. Dinuclear 2 has C2 symmetry with each Ag(I) atom trigonally coordinated by two arms of one Mentb and one arm of another. Trinuclear 3 has C3 symmetry with a Ag3 regular triangle sandwiched between a pair of Etntb ligands such that one arm of each ligand is involved in linear coordination about an Ag(I) atom. In the tetranuclear complex 4, two linearly coordinated Ag(I) atoms lying on the molecular C2 axis are bridged by a pair of ntb ligands and the remaining pendant arm of each ntb ligand is attached to another Ag(I) atom whose tetrahedral coordination sphere is completed by an acetonitrile molecule and a chelating trifluoroacetate anion. Complexes 2 and 3 may be regarded as an aggregation of two tridentate ligands by a silver dimer and a trinuclear cluster with weak Ag...Ag interactions, respectively, while in 4 the aggregation of two tripodal ligands by four Ag(I) ions affords a multicomponent internal cavity. The packing modes of complexes 1-3 are dominated by weak supramolecular pi...pi and CH...pi interactions. Hexagonal or square channels are generated in 1 and 2, and a honeycomb layer structure is formed in 3 with solvate molecules and counteranions occupying the voids. The crystal structure of 4 consists of a three-dimensional network consolidated by NH...O and OH...O hydrogen bonds.     

New 1- and 2-dimensional polymeric structures of cyanopyridine complexes of Ag(I) and Cu(I)

Polymeric transition metal chalcogenides have attracted much attention because of their possible unusual properties directly derived from their extended structures. The molecules n-cyanopyridine (n = 2, 3, and 4) and pyridine-3,4-dicarbonitrile are found to function as bidentate or monodentate (only pyridine nitrogen donor atom) ligands in the coordination of silver(I) and copper(I) ions, respectively. The mode of coordination depends on the anion and the crystallization conditions and has been elucidated in all cases by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. We report here the syntheses, structural characterization, and electrical properties of six new polymers, [Ag(2)(2-cyanopyridine)(2)(NO(3))(2)](n)(1), [Ag(4)(3-cyanopyridine)(8)(SiF(6))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n) (2), [Ag(3-cyanopyridine)(2)(NO(3))](n)(3), [Ag(pyridine-3,4-dicarbonitrile)(2)(NO(3))](n)(4), [Cu(I)(4-cyanopyridine)(2)(SCN)](n)(5), and [Cu(I)(pyridine-3,4-dicarbonitrile)(2)(SCN)](n)(6). Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit novel two-dimensional networks, while 3-6 have one-dimensional chain structures, in which 3 is a single-stranded helix. Room-temperature conductivities of 1, 2, 4, and 6 have been measured and are 3.1 x 10(-)(7), 2.7 x 10(-)(7), 7.4 x 10(-)(6), and 4.3 x 10(-)(5) S.cm(-)(1), respectively. The effect of temperature on the conductivities has been investigated.     

Structural variability in Ag(I) and Cu(I) coordination polymers with thioether-functionalized bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands

We present here two ligand classes based on a bis(pyrazolyl)methane scaffold functionalized with a rigid (-Ph-S-Ph) or flexible (-CH(2)-S-Ph) thioether function: L(R)PhS (R = H, Me) and L(R)CH(2)S (R = H, Me, iPr). The X-ray molecular structures of Ag(I) and Cu(I) binary complexes with L(R)PhS or L(R)CH(2)S using different types of counterions (BF(4)(-), PF(6)(-), and CF(3)SO(3)(-)) are reported. In these complexes, the ligands are N(2) bound on a metal center and bridge on a second metal with the thioether group. In contrast, when using triphenylphosphine (PPh(3)) as an ancillary ligand, mononuclear ternary complexes [M(L)PPh(3)](+) (M = Cu(I), Ag(I); L = L(R)PhS, L(R)CH(2)S) are formed. In these complexes, the more flexible ligand type, L(R)CH(2)S, is able to provide the N(2)S chelation, whereas the more rigid L(R)PhS ligand class is capable of chelating only N(2) because the thioether function preorganized, as it did in the coordination polymers, to point away from the metal center. Rigid potential-energy surface scans were performed by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations (B3LYP/6-31+G) on the two representative ligands, L(H)PhS and L(H)CH(2)S. The surface scans proved that the thioether function is preferably oriented on the opposite side of the bispyrazole N(2) chelate system. These results confirm that both ligand classes are suitable components for the construction of coordination polymers. Nevertheless, the methylene group that acts as a spacer in L(H)CH(2)S imparts an inherent flexibility to this ligand class so that the conformation responsible for the N(2)S chelation is energetically accessible.     

Cu(I) and Ag(I) complexes of chalcogenide derivatives of the organometallic ligand dppf and the dppa analogue

New Cu(I) and Ag(I) complexes were prepared by reaction of [M(NCCH₃)₄][X] (M = Cu or Ag; X = BF₄ or PF₆) with the bidentate chalcogenide ligands Ph₂P(E)NHP(E)Ph₂ (E = S, S₂dppa; E = Se, Se₂dppa), and dpspf (1,1′-bis(diphenylselenophosphoryl)ferrocene). Copper and silver behaved differently. While three molecules of either S₂dppa and Se₂dppa bind to a distorted tetrahedral Cu₄ cluster, with deprotonation of the ligand, 1:2 complexes of the neutral ligands are formed with Ag(I), with a tetrahedral coordination of the metal. The [Cu₄{Ph₂P(Se)NP(Se)Ph₂}₃]⁺ clusters assemble as dimers, held together by weak Se?Se distances interactions. Another dimer was observed for the [Ag(dpspf)]⁺ cation, with two short Ag?Se distances. DFT and MP2 calculations indicated the presence of attracting interactions, reflected in positive Mayer indices (MI). The electrochemistry study of this species showed that both oxidation and reduction took place at silver.     

Structure and bonding of Ag(I)-DNA base complexes and Ag(I)-adenine-cytosine mispairs: an ab initio study

High level ab initio calculations have been carried out to characterize the structure, bonding and energetics of Ag(I)-DNA base complexes, including adenine or cytosine, as well as Ag(I)-adenine-cytosine mispairs. The interactions of the Ag cation in all binding sites of all adenine and cytosine tautomers have been considered. The calculations show that in gas phase the canonical form of cytosine is stabilized upon metalation, whereas the lowest energy structure of Ag-adenine correspond to a rare tautomer. Interestingly, the theoretical inspection of metalated adenine-cytosine mispair reveals that the most stable structures are formed from the canonical cytosine and adenine tautomers. The lowest energy structure is planar with adenine and cytosine hydrogen-bonded. Within few kcal/mol nonplanar, conformationally very flexible structures are found, in which the Ag(I) crosslinks an endocyclic nitrogen of adenine and the oxygen of cytosine. Metalated reverse-Wobble type of structures, on the contrary, are predicted much higher in energy.     

Ag(I) complexes with alkylidene-bis(2-aminopyrimidines) as building units for discrete metallomacrocyclic frames. A structural and solution study

Alkylidene-bis(2-aminopyrimidines) (pyr2Cx, x = 2-5) are useful ligands to interact with Ag(I) yielding discrete metallocycles. Crystal structures of the [(pyr2C2)Ag(NO3)]2 and [(H-pyr2C4)Ag(NO3)2]2 have been isolated where each macrocyclic moiety interacts with their surroundings through weak interactions, yielding 3D discrete structures, On the other hand, the solution study shows that the equilibrium constants for the formation of Ag(pyr2Cx)+ complexes are higher than the literature values for Ag(I) complexes with single pyrimidines, although the differences could be explained by invoking the solid-state structures of the Ag(I)-pyr2Cx complexes.     

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

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

Highly efficient near-infrared-emitting lanthanide(III) complexes formed by heterogeneous self-assembly of Ag(I), Ln(III), and thiacalix[4]arene-p-tetrasulfonate in aqueous solution (Ln(III) = Nd(III), Yb(III))

Heterogeneous self-assembly of thiacalix[4]arene-p-tetrasulfonate (TCAS), Ag(I), and Ln(III) (= Nd(III), Yb(III)) in aqueous solutions conveniently afforded ternary complexes emitting Ln(III)-centered luminescence in the near-infrared (NIR) region. A solution-state study revealed that the Ag(I)-Nd(III)-TCAS system gave a complex Ag(I)(4)·Nd(III)·TCAS(2) in a wide pH range of 6-12. In contrast, the Ag(I)-Yb(III)-TCAS system gave Ag(I)(2)·Yb(III)(2)·TCAS(2) at a pH of around 6 and Ag(I)(2)·Yb(III)·TCAS(2) at a pH of approximately 9.5. The structures of the Yb(III) complexes were proposed based on comparison with known Ag(I)-Tb(III)-TCAS complexes that show the same self-assembly behavior. In Ag(I)(2)·Yb(III)(2)·TCAS(2), two TCAS ligands sandwiched a cyclic array of a Ag(I)-Ag(I)-Yb(III)-Yb(III) core. In Ag(I)(2)·Yb(III)·TCAS(2), Yb(III) was accommodated in an O(8) cube consisting of eight phenolate O(-) groups from two TCAS ligands linked by two S-Ag-S linkages. Crystallographic analysis of Ag(I)(4)·Nd(III)·TCAS(2) revealed that the structure was similar to Ag(I)(2)·Yb(III)·TCAS(2) but that it had four instead of two S-Ag-S linkages. The number of water molecules coordinating to Ln(III) (q) estimated on the basis of the luminescent lifetimes was as follows: Ag(I)(4)·Nd(III)·TCAS(2), 0; Ag(I)(2)·Yb(III)(2)·TCAS(2), 2.4; and Ag(I)(2)·Yb(III)·TCAS(2), 0. These findings were compatible with the solution-state structures. The luminescent quantum yield (Φ) for Ag(I)(4)·Nd(III)·TCAS(2) was 4.9 × 10(-4), which is the second largest value ever reported in H(2)O. These findings suggest that the O(8) cube is an ideal environment to circumvent deactivation via O-H oscillation of coordinating water. The Φ values for Ag(I)(2)·Yb(III)(2)·TCAS(2) and Ag(I)(2)·Yb(III)·TCAS(2) were found to be 3.8 × 10(-4) and 3.3 × 10(-3), respectively, reflecting the q value. Overall, these results indicate that the ternary systems have the potential for a noncovalent strategy via self-assembly of the multidentate ligand, Ln(III), and an auxiliary metal ion to obtain a highly efficient NIR-emissive Ln(III) complex that usually relies on elaborate covalent linkage of a chromophore and multidentate ligands to expel coordinating water.     

Two novel Ag(I) coordination polymers with triazoles derivatives: synthesis,crystal structures and biological activity

Two novel coordination polymers, [Ag(L₁)(NO₃)]_n 1 and [Ag(L₂)₂(ClO₄)]_n 2 [L₁ = 1‐(1‐benzotriazole‐yl‐)triazole, L₂ = 1‐(4‐chloro‐pyridazine‐yl‐)triazole] have been synthesized and characterized. Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses show that the Ag(I) atom is in a four‐coordinated distorted tetrahedron environment, which are linked by the coordinated nitrate group and L₁ into a two‐dimensional network in complex 1 . While in the complex 2 , the Ag(I) is also in a distorted tetrahedron environment consisting of four N atoms to present a one‐dimensional infinite chain, the intermolecular π? π stacking action extends further the repeated units into three‐dimensional topological framework. The biological activities of the title compounds have been studied. The results indicate that two ligands exhibit excellent radical‐scavenging activities and certain fungicidal activities, and both Ag(I) complexes only have good antibacterial activities. Furthermore, the studies on luminescent properties of the complexes in the solid state indicate that the Ag(I) complexes exhibit weaker fluoresce intensity than that of ligands at room temperature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ligand-unsupported Au(I) chains with short Au(I)...Au(I) contacts

A new series of solids with ligand-unsupported Au(I) chains with short Au...Au contacts were synthesized; as Ag compounds with the same structure are known, the new phases now allow unbiased comparison of Ag...Ag and Au...Au metallophilic bonds not supported by bridging ligands, which shows the latter to be consistently shorter by 0.03-0.04 A.     

Ag(I) and Cu(II) discrete and polymeric complexes based on single- and double-armed oxadiazole-bridging organic clips

Four new oxadiazole-bridging ligands (L1-L4) were designed and synthesized by the reaction of 2,5-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole with isonicotinoyl chloride and nicotinoyl chloride, respectively. L1 and L3 are unsymmetric single-armed ligands (4- or 3-pyridinecarboxylate arm), and L2 and L4 are symmetric double-armed ligands (4- or 3-pyridinecarboxylate arms). Nine new complexes, [Ag(L1)]PF6.CH3OH (1), [Ag(L1)]ClO4.CH3OH (2), Cu(L2)(NO3)2.2(CH2Cl2) (3), [Cu(L2)2](ClO4)2.2(CH2CCl2) (4), Cu(L2)Cl2 (5), [Cu4(L3)2(H2O)2](L3)4(ClO4)4 (6), [Ag(L4)(C2H5OH)]ClO4 (7), [Ag(L4)(C2H5OH)]BF4 (8), and [Ag(L4)(CH3OH)]SO3CF3 (9), were isolated from the solution reactions based on these four new ligands, respectively. L1, L2, and L3 act as convergent ligands and bind metal ions into discrete molecular complexes. In contrast, L4 exhibits a divergent spacer to link metal ions into one-dimensional coordination polymers. New coordination compounds were fully characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In addition, the luminescent and electrical conductive properties of these new compounds were investigated.     

A selective chemosensor for detection of Ag(I) and Cu(I) based on an acenaphthoquinone derivative and its complexes

A new Schiff base, acenaphthoquinone bis(diphenylmethlenehydrazone) (L), was synthesized and employed as a chemosensor for detecting Ag(I) and Cu(I). Experimental results showed that the chemosensor exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity. The sensitivity of the chemosensor for Ag(I) or Cu(I) was not affected by other metal ions, such as Ni(II), Nd(III), Zn(II), Fe(III), Cu(II), Na(I), La(III), K(I), and Co(II). Complexes 1 and 2 were synthesized by coordination of L with Ag(I) and Cu(I), respectively. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. They had the same space group P2₁/c. Based on theoretical calculation, mechanism of the chemosensor detecting Ag(I) and Cu(I) was suggested.     

Tetraphosphinite resorcinarene complexes: silver(I) capsule complexes

Resorcinarene tetraphosphinite ligands, P4, react with silver(I) trifluoroacetate or silver(I) triflate, AgX, to give the corresponding [Ag4X4(P4)] complexes. The resorcinarene skeleton in these complexes adopts a boat conformation with the silver(I) phosphinite units on the horizontal, rather than the upright, arene units of the resorcinarene. The [Ag4X4(P4)] complexes react with free P4 ligand to yield the [Ag2X2(P4)] or [AgX(P4)] complexes, which are characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy to have a conformation opposite to that of the [Ag4X4(P4)] complexes; the silver(I) phosphinite groups are on the upright arene rings of the resorcinarene "boat" instead of the horizontal arene units. There is an easy equilibrium between these complexes. When X = triflate, the [Ag4X4(P4)] complexes disproportionate and add aqua ligands during slow crystallization to give "capsule complexes", which are characterized crystallographically as [Ag10(O3SCF3)10(OH2)6(P4)2], [Ag10(O3SCF3)6(OH2)8(P4)2][O3SCF3]4, or [Ag13(O3SCF3)13(OH2)7(P4)2] depending on the resorcinarene tetraphosphinite ligand P4 used. These unusual capsule complexes are formed by the tail-to-tail self-assembly of pairs of [Ag4(P4)]4+ units linked by additional silver ions that bind to the phenyl substituents of one resorcinarene through {Ag(eta2-C6H5)}+ binding and to the bridging triflate ligands, aqua ligands, or both of the other resorcinarene unit.     

Thermally stable gold(I) beta-diketiminate complexes

The synthesis and X-ray structures of gold(I) adducts supported by beta-diketiminates have been reported. {[HC{(H)C(2,4,6-Br(3)C(6)H(2))N}(2)]Au}(2) and {[HC{(H)C(Dipp)N}(2)]Au}(2) [Dipp = 2,6-(i-Pr)(2)C(6)H(3)] are easily isolable solids and feature 12-membered macrocyclic ring structures. beta-Diketiminate ligands adopt a W-shaped conformation. Gold atoms are bonded to the nitrogen atoms in a linear fashion. (1)H NMR signals corresponding to the protons at the beta-diketiminate ligand beta-C position of the gold adducts appear at a notably high downfield region.     

beta-diketiminate ligand backbone structural effects on Cu(I)/O(2) reactivity: unique copper-superoxo and bis(mu-oxo) complexes

Copper(I) and -(II) complexes of beta-diketiminate ligands with identical flanking 2,6-diisopropylphenyl groups but divergent backbone substitution patterns were prepared and structurally characterized, and reactions of the Cu(I) species with O(2) at low temperature were explored. Despite being far removed from the coordinated metal ion, the different backbone patterns significantly influence the steric encumbrance exerted by the ligands, as revealed by differences in (a) the structural features of the Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes and (b) the course of the oxygenation reactions of the Cu(I) compounds. With the less hindered ligand, a rare example of a neutral bis(mu-oxo)dicopper complex was identified on the basis of its diagnostic spectral features (UV-vis, resonance Raman, EPR) and the stoichiometry of O(2) uptake (Cu:O(2) = 2:1). In contrast, oxygenation of the Cu(I) complexes supported by the more hindered ligands yielded novel (superoxo)copper complexes, identified by a Cu:O(2) ratio of 1:1, a lack of an EPR signal, and O-isotope sensitive resonance Raman spectral features (nu(O)(-)(O) = 968 cm(-1), Delta(18)O(2) = 51 cm(-1)). Symmetric coordination of the superoxo ligand is proposed on the basis of Raman data acquired using (16)O(18)O (single peak at 943 cm(-1)).