Spectroscopic and energetic properties of thorium(IV) molecular clusters with a hexanuclear core

The spectral and energetic properties of three polynuclear thorium(IV) molecular complexes Th(6)(OH)(4)O(4)(H(2)O)(6)(HCOO)(12)·nH(2)O (1), Th(6)(OH)(4)O(4)(H(2)O)(6)(CH(3)COO)(12)·nH(2)O (2), and Th(6)(OH)(4)O(4)(H(2)O)(6)(ClCH(2)COO)(12)·4H(2)O (3) have been studied. Each complex has a hexanuclear core with six 9-coordinate Th(IV) cations bridged by four μ(3)-hydroxo and four μ(3)-oxo groups. The +12 core is stabilized by twelve bridging carboxylate functionalized organic acid (formate, acetate, and chloroacetate) units. The calculated (1)H NMR chemical shifts for the four μ(3)-hydroxo, water, and formate protons are reported and compared to the experimental values. The vibrational frequencies were calculated to aid in the assignment of the observed Raman bands. The Mulliken and NBO (natural bond orbital) charges are calculated for the Th clusters. The Th atoms are positive and the bridging O and O(H) are negative. The analysis of the calculated highest-occupied and lowest-unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) is reported. The average water complexation energies, the gas phase, the aqueous and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) acidities were predicted, and the Th clusters are found to be mild to strong acids in gas phase yet they behave as weak acids in solution.     

Thorium(IV)-selenate clusters containing an octanuclear Th(IV) hydroxide/oxide core

Four Th(IV) hydroxide/oxide clusters have been synthesized from aqueous solution. The structures of [Th(8)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(8)(H(2)O)(15)(SeO(4))(8)·7.5H(2)O] (1), [Th(8)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(8)(H(2)O)(17)(SeO(4))(8)·nH(2)O] (2), [Th(9)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(8)(H(2)O)(21)(SeO(4))(10)] (3), and Th(9)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(8)(H(2)O)(21)(SeO(4))(10)·nH(2)O (4) were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Each structure consists of an octanuclear core, [Th(8)O(4)(OH)(8)](16+), that is built from eight Th(IV) atoms (four Th in a plane and two up and two down) linked by four "inner" μ(3)-O and eight "outer" μ(2)-OH groups. Compounds 3 and 4 additionally contain mononuclear [Th(H(2)O)(5)(SeO(4))(4)](4-) units that link the octamers into an extended structure. The octanuclear units are invariably complexed by two selenate anions that sit in two cavities formed by four planar Th(IV) and four extra-planar Th(IV) atoms, thus making [Th(8)O(4)(OH)(8)(SeO(4))(2)](12+) a common building block in 1-4. However, changes in hydration as well selenate coordination give rise to structural differences that are observed in the extended structures of 1-4. The compounds were also characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations were performed to predict the geometries, vibrational frequencies, and relative energies of different structures. Details of the calculated structures are in good agreement with experimental results, and the calculated frequencies were used to assign the experimental Raman spectra. On the basis of an analysis of the DFT results, the compound Th(8)O(8)(OH)(4)(SeO(4))(6) was predicted to be a strong gas phase acid but is reduced to a weak acid in aqueous solution. Of the species studied computationally, the dication Th(8)O(6)(OH)(6)(SeO(6))(6)(2+) is predicted to be the most stable in aqueous solution at 298 K followed by the monocation Th(8)O(7)(OH)(5)(SeO(6))(6)(+).     

2-Aminoisobutyric acid in Co(II) and Co(II)/Ln(III) chemistry: homometallic and heterometallic clusters

The synthesis and magnetic properties of 13 new homo- and heterometallic Co(II) complexes containing the artificial amino acid 2-amino-isobutyric acid, aibH, are reported: [Co(II)(4)(aib)(3)(aibH)(3)(NO(3))](NO(3))(4)·2.8CH(3)OH·0.2H(2)O (1·2.8CH(3)OH·0.2H(2)O), {Na(2)[Co(II)(2)(aib)(2)(N(3))(4)(CH(3)OH)(4)]}(n) (2), [Co(II)(6)La(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)CN)(2)]·0.5[La(NO(3))(6)]·0.75(ClO(4))·1.75(NO(3))·3.2CH(3)CN·5.9H(2)O (3·3.2CH(3)CN·5.9H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Pr(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)CN)(6)]·[Pr(NO(3))(5)]·0.41[Pr(NO(3))(3)(ClO(4))(0.5)(H(2)O)(1.5)]·0.59[Co(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)]·0.2(ClO(4))·0.25H(2)O (4·0.25H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Nd(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(2.8)(CH(3)OH)(4.7)(H(2)O)(1.5)]·2.7(ClO(4))·0.5(NO(3))·2.26CH(3)OH·0.24H(2)O (5·2.26CH(3)OH·0.24H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Sm(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)CN)(6)]·[Sm(NO(3))(5)]·0.44[Sm(NO(3))(3)(ClO(4))(0.5)(H(2)O)(1.5)]·0.56[Co(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)]·0.22(ClO(4))·0.3H(2)O (6·0.3H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Eu(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)OH)(4.87)(H(2)O)(1.13)](ClO(4))(2.5)(NO(3))(0.5)·2.43CH(3)OH·0.92H(2)O (7·2.43CH(3)OH·0.92H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Gd(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(2.9)(CH(3)OH)(4.9)(H(2)O)(1.2)]·2.6(ClO(4))·0.5(NO(3))·2.58CH(3)OH·0.47H(2)O (8·2.58CH(3)OH·0.47H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Tb(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)CN)(6)]·[Tb(NO(3))(5)]·0.034[Tb(NO(3))(3)(ClO(4))(0.5)(H(2)O)(0.5)]·0.656[Co(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)]·0.343(ClO(4))·0.3H(2)O (9·0.3H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Dy(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(2.9)(CH(3)OH)(4.92)(H(2)O)(1.18)](ClO(4))(2.6)(NO(3))(0.5)·2.5CH(3)OH·0.5H(2)O (10·2.5CH(3)OH·0.5H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Ho(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)CN)(6)]·0.27[Ho(NO(3))(3)(ClO(4))(0.35)(H(2)O)(0.15)]·0.656[Co(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)]·0.171(ClO(4)) (11), [Co(II)(6)Er(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(4)(NO(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(2.5)(H(2)O)(3.5)](ClO(4))(3)·CH(3)CN·0.75H(2)O (12·CH(3)CN·0.75H(2)O), and [Co(II)(6)Tm(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)(6)]·1.48(ClO(4))·1.52(NO(3))·3H(2)O (13·3H(2)O). Complex 1 describes a distorted tetrahedral metallic cluster, while complex 2 can be considered to be a 2-D coordination polymer. Complexes 3-13 can all be regarded as metallo-cryptand encapsulated lanthanides in which the central lanthanide ion is captivated within a [Co(II)(6)] trigonal prism. dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies have been carried out in the 2-300 K range for complexes 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 13, revealing the possibility of single molecule magnetism behavior for complex 10.     

Periodic trends in hexanuclear actinide clusters

Four new Th(IV), U(IV), and Np(IV) hexanuclear clusters with 1,2-phenylenediphosphonate as the bridging ligand have been prepared by self-assembly at room temperature. The structures of Th(6)Tl(3)[C(6)H(4)(PO(3))(PO(3)H)](6)(NO(3))(7)(H(2)O)(6)·(NO(3))(2)·4H(2)O (Th6-3), (NH(4))(8.11)Np(12)Rb(3.89)[C(6)H(4)(PO(3))(PO(3)H)](12)(NO(3))(24)·15H(2)O (Np6-1), (NH(4))(4)U(12)Cs(8)[C(6)H(4)(PO(3))(PO(3)H)](12)(NO(3))(24)·18H(2)O (U6-1), and (NH(4))(4)U(12)Cs(2)[C(6)H(4)(PO(3))(PO(3)H)](12)(NO(3))(18)·40H(2)O (U6-2) are described and compared with other clusters of containing An(IV) or Ce(IV). All of the clusters share the common formula M(6)(H(2)O)(m)[C(6)H(3)(PO(3))(PO(3)H)](6)(NO(3))(n)((6-n)) (M = Ce, Th, U, Np, Pu). The metal centers are normally nine-coordinate, with five oxygen atoms from the ligand and an additional four either occupied by NO(3)(-) or H(2)O. It was found that the Ce, U, and Pu clusters favor both C(3i) and C(i) point groups, while Th only yields in C(i), and Np only C(3i). In the C(3i) clusters, there are two NO(3)(-) anions bonded to the metal centers. In the C(i) clusters, the number of NO(3)(-) anions varies from 0 to 2. The change in the ionic radius of the actinide ions tunes the cavity size of the clusters. The thorium clusters were found to accept larger ions including Cs(+) and Tl(+), whereas with uranium and later elements, only NH(4)(+) and/or Rb(+) reside in the center of the clusters.     

Copper(II) carboxylate dimers prepared from ligands designed to form a robust π···π stacking synthon: supramolecular structures and molecular properties

The reactions of bifunctional carboxylate ligands (1,8-naphthalimido)propanoate, (L(C2)(-)), (1,8-naphthalimido)ethanoate, (L(C1)(-)), and (1,8-naphthalimido)benzoate, (L(C4)(-)) with Cu(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2) in methanol or ethanol at room temperature lead to the formation of novel dimeric [Cu(2)(L(C2))(4)(MeOH)(2)] (1), [Cu(2)(L(C1))(4)(MeOH)(2)]·2(CH(2)Cl(2)) (2), [Cu(2)(L(C4))(4)(EtOH)(2)]·2(CH(2)Cl(2)) (3) complexes. When the reaction of L(C1)(-) with Cu(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2) was carried out at -20 °C in the presence of pyridine, [Cu(2)(L(C1))(4)(py)(4)]·2(CH(2)Cl(2)) (4) was produced. At the core of complexes 1-3 lies the square Cu(2)(O(2)CR)(4) "paddlewheel" secondary building unit, where the two copper centers have a nearly square pyramidal geometry with methanol or ethanol occupying the axial coordination sites. Complex 4 contains a different type of dimeric core generated by two κ(1)-bridging carboxylate ligands. Additionally, two terminal carboxylates and four trans situated pyridine molecules complete the coordination environment of the five-coordinate copper(II) centers. In all four compounds, robust π···π stacking interactions of the naphthalimide rings organize the dimeric units into two-dimensional sheets. These two-dimensional networks are organized into a three-dimensional architecture by two different noncovalent interactions: strong π···π stacking of the naphthalimide rings (also the pyridine rings for 4) in 1, 3, and 4, and intermolecular hydrogen bonding of the coordinated methanol or ethanol molecules in 1-3. Magnetic measurements show that the copper ions in the paddlewheel complexes 1-3 are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled with -J values ranging from 255 to 325 cm(-1), whereas the copper ions in 4 are only weakly antiferromagnetically coupled. Typical values of the zero-field splitting parameter D were found from EPR studies of 1-3and the related known complexes [Cu(2)(L(C2))(4)(py)(2)]·2(CH(2)Cl(2))·(CH(3)OH), [Cu(2)(L(C3))(4)(py)(2)]·2(CH(2)Cl(2)) and [Cu(2)(L(C3))(4)(bipy)]·(CH(3)OH)(2)·(CH(2)Cl(2))(3.37) (L(C3)(-) = (1,8-naphthalimido)butanoate)), while its abnormal magnitude in [Cu(2)(L(C2))(4)(bipy)] was qualitatively rationalized by structural analysis and DFT calculations.     

Structures and magnetic properties of an antiferromagnetically coupled polymeric copper(II) complex and ferromagnetically coupled hexanuclear nickel(II) clusters

Reactions between 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol (DFMF) and tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (THMAM = H(3)L2) in the presence of copper(II) salts, CuX(2) (X = CH(3)CO(2)(-), BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), Cl(-), NO(3)(-)) and Ni(CH(3)CO(2))(2) or Ni(ClO(4))(2)/NaC(6)H(5)CO(2), sodium azide (NaN(3)), and triethylamine (TEA), in one pot self-assemble giving a coordination polymer consisting of repeating pentanuclear copper(II) clusters {[Cu(2)(H(5)L(2-))(μ-N(3))](2)[Cu(N(3))(4)]·2CH(3)OH}(n) (1) and hexanuclear Ni(II) complexes [Ni(6)(H(3)L1(-))(2)(HL2(2-))(2)(μ-N(3))(4)(CH(3)CO(2))(2)]·6C(3)H(7)NO·C(2)H(5)OH (2) and [Ni(6)(H(3)L1(-))(2)(HL2(2-))(2)(μ-N(3))(4)(C(6)H(5)CO(2))(2)]·3C(3)H(7)NO·3H(2)O·CH(3)OH (3). In 1, H(5)L(2-) and in 2 and 3 H(3)L1(-) and HL2(2-) represent doubly deprotonated, singly deprotonated, and doubly deprotonated Schiff-base ligands H(7)L and H(4)L1 and a tripodal ligand H(3)L2, respectively. 1 has a novel double-stranded ladder-like structure in which [Cu(N(3))(4)](2-) anions link single chains comprised of dinuclear cationic subunits [Cu(2)(H(5)L(2-))(μ-N(3))](+), forming a 3D structure of interconnected ladders through H bonding. Nickel(II) clusters 2 and 3 have very similar neutral hexanuclear cores in which six nickel(II) ions are bonded to two H(4)L1, two H(3)L2, four μ-azido, and two μ-CH(3)CO(2)(-)/μ-C(6)H(5)CO(2)(-) ligands. In each structure two terminal dinickel (Ni(2)) units are connected to the central dinickel unit through four doubly bridging end-on (EO) μ-azido and four triply bridging μ(3)-methoxy bridges organizing into hexanuclear units. In each terminal dinuclear unit two nickel centers are bridged through one μ-phenolate oxygen from H(3)L1(-), one μ(3)-methoxy oxygen from HL2(2-), and one μ-CH(3)CO(2)(-) (2)/μ-C(6)H(5)CO(2)(-) (3) ion. Bulk magnetization measurements on 1 show moderately strong antiferromagnetic coupling within the [Cu(2)] building block (J(1) = -113.5 cm(-1)). Bulk magnetization measurements on 2 and 3 demonstrate that the magnetic interactions are completely dominated by ferromagnetic coupling occurring between Ni(II) ions for all bridges with coupling constants (J(1), J(2), and J(3)) ranging from 2.10 to 14.56 cm(-1) (in the ? = -J(1)(?(1)?(2)) - J(1)(?(2)?(3)) - J(2)(?(3)?(4)) - J(1)(?(4)?(5)) - J(1)(?(5)?(6)) - J(2)(?(1)?(6)) - J(3)(?(2)?(6)) - J(3)(?(2)?(5)) - J(3)(?(3)?(5)) convention).     

One pot-synthesis of chiral Ni6 clusters involving Ni3 subunits: a combined structural, magnetic and DFT study

Ni(6) clusters of the general formula [{Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(X)(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)] (n = 1, 2; X = Cl(-) or N(3)(-), (L(n))(3-) = hexadentate tritopic ligands) can be isolated by spontaneous self-assembly, from mixtures of Ni(OAc)(2), H(3)L(n), NMe(4)OH·5H(2)O and NaX in adequate molar ratios. Thus, four new hexanuclear complexes [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·7.5H(2)O (1·7.5H(2)O), [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH (2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH), [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·6H(2)O (3·6H(2)O) and [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·4H(2)O (4·4H(2)O) were obtained and fully characterised. 1·7.5H(2)O and 2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH were isolated in the form of single crystals, the latter losing solvate on drying, to yield 2·2H(2)O. Recrystallisation of 3·6H(2)O in MeCN/MeOH also generates single crystals of 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN. Their X-ray characterisation shows that these Ni(6) clusters can be considered to be built from two triangular trinuclear [Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)](+) subunits with different connectors. In addition, these studies demonstrate that the (L(n))(3-) ligands behave as trinucleating, adopting such a conformation that induces chirality in the isolated compounds. In this way, 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN appears particularly interesting, since it emerges as homochiral after undergoing spontaneous resolution upon crystallisation. The magnetic characterisation of 1·7.5H(2)O to 3·6H(2)O reveals that the three compounds present an overall antiferromagnetic coupling. The intricate magnetic behaviour of these clusters, mediated by a total of 14 bridges of different kinds, was analysed and satisfactorily interpreted in light of DFT calculations.     

Syntheses, characterization, and magnetic studies of copper(II) complexes with the ligand N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-benzenediamine (1,3-tpbd) and its phenol derivative 2,6-bis[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-p-cresol] (2,6-Htpcd)

The copper(II) complexes [Cu(4)(1,3-tpbd)(2)(H(2)O)(4)(NO(3))(4)](n)(NO(3))(4n)·13nH(2)O (1), [Cu(4)(1,3-tpbd)(2)(AsO(4))(ClO(4))(3)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2)·2H(2)O·0.5CH(3)OH (2), [Cu(4)(1,3-tpbd)(2)(PO(4))(ClO(4))(3)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2)·2H(2)O·0.5CH(3)OH (3), [Cu(2)(1,3-tpbd){(PhO)(2)PO(2)}(2)](2)(ClO(4))(4) (4), and [Cu(2)(1,3-tpbd){(PhO)PO(3)}(2)(H(2)O)(0.69)(CH(3)CN)(0.31)](2)(BPh(4))(4)·Et(2)O·CH(3)CN (5) [1,3-tpbd = N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-benzenediamine, BPh(4)(-) = tetraphenylborate] were prepared and structurally characterized. Analyses of the magnetic data of 2, 3, 4, and [Cu(2)(2,6-tpcd)(H(2)O)Cl](ClO(4))(2) (6) [2,6-tpcd = 2,6-bis[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-p-cresolate] show the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the copper(II) ions, the bis-terdentate 1,3-tpbd/2,6-tpcd, μ(4)-XO(4) (X = As and P) μ(1,2)-OPO and μ-O(phenolate) appearing as poor mediators of exchange interactions in this series of compounds. Simple orbital symmetry considerations based on the structural knowledge account for the small magnitude of the magnetic couplings found in these copper(II) compounds.     

Molecular assembly and magnetic dynamics of two novel Dy6 and Dy8 aggregates

Complexation of dysprosium(III) with the heterodonor chelating ligand o-vanillin picolinoylhydrazone (H(2)ovph) in the presence of a carbonato ligand affords two novel Dy(6) and Dy(8) clusters, namely, [Dy(6)(ovph)(4)(Hpvph)(2)Cl(4)(H(2)O)(2)(CO(3))(2)]·CH(3)OH·H(2)O·CH(3)CN (2) and [Dy(8)(ovph)(8)(CO(3))(4)(H(2)O)(8)]·12CH(3)CN·6H(2)O (3). Compound 2 is composed of three petals of the Dy(2) units linked by two carbonato ligands, forming a triangular prism arrangement, while compound 3 possesses an octanuclear core with an unprecedented tub conformation, in which Dy(ovph) fragments are attached to the sides of the carbonato core. The static and dynamic magnetic properties are reported and discussed. In the Dy(6) aggregate, three Dy(2) "skeletons", having been well preserved (see the scheme), contribute to the single-molecule-magnet behavior with a relatively slow tunneling rate, while the Dy(8) cluster only exhibits a rather small relaxation barrier.     

Self-assembly of unprecedented [8+12] Cu-metallamacrocycle-based 3D metal-organic frameworks

[8+12]-metallamacrocycle-based 3D frameworks {[Cu(4)(pbt)(2)(SO(4))(2)(DMF)(2)(CH(3)OH)]·7H(2)O·DMF}(n) (1) and [12]-macrocycle 3D {[Cu(2)(pbt)(SO(4))(DMSO)(CH(3)OH)(2)]·5H(2)O·CH(3)OH}(n) (2) have been obtained. Both complexes display antiferromagnetic couplings and high catalytic activity in the oxidative coupling reaction of 1-ethynylbenzene and oxazolidin-2-one.     

1,2,4-Triazole functionalized adamantanes: a new library of polydentate tectons for designing structures of coordination polymers

A series of functionalized adamantanes: 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)(tr(2)ad); 1,3,5-tris(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-(tr(3)ad); 1,3,5,7-tetrakis(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)adamantanes (tr(4)ad) and 3,5,7-tris(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-1-azaadamantane (tr(3)ada) were developed as a new family of geometrically rigid polydentate tectons for supramolecular synthesis of framework solids. The coordination compounds were prepared under hydrothermal conditions; their structures reveal a special potential of the triazolyl adamantanes for the generation of highly-connected and open frameworks as well as structures based upon polynuclear metal clusters assembled with short-distance N(1),N(2)-triazole bridges. Complexes [Cd{L}(2)]A·nH(2)O [L = tr(3)ad, A = 2NO(3)(-) (4), CdCl(4)(2-) (5); L = tr(3)ada, A = CdI(4)(2-) (7)] are isomorphous and adopt a layered 3,6-connected structure of CdI(2) type. [{Cu(3)(OH)}(2)(SO(4))(5)(H(2)O)(2){tr(3)ad}(3)]·26H(2)O (6) is a layered polymer based upon Cu(3)(μ(3)-OH) nodes and trigonal tr(3)ad links. In [Cu(3)(OH)(2){tr(3)ada}(2)(H(2)O)(4)](ClO(4))(4) (8), [Cu(2){tr(3)ada}(2)(H(2)O)(3)](SO(4))(2)·7H(2)O (9) and [Cd(2){tr(3)ada}(3)]Cl(4)·28H(2)O (10) (UCl(3)-type net) the organic tripodal ligands bridge polynuclear metal clusters. Complexes [Ag{tr(4)ad}]NO(3)·3.5H(2)O (11) and [Cu{tr(4)ad}(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2)·3H(2)O (12) have 3D SrAl(2)-type frameworks with the metal ions and adamantane tectons as topologically equivalent tetrahedral nodes, while in [Cd(3)Cl(6){tr(4)ad}(2)]·9H(2)O (13) the ligands bridge trinuclear six-connected Cd(3)Cl(6)(μ-tr)(4)(tr)(2) clusters. In the compounds [Cd(2){tr(2)ad}(4)(H(2)O)(4)](CdBr(4))(2)·2H(2)O (2) and [Cd{tr(2)ad}(4){CdI(3)}(2)]·4H(2)O (3) the bitopic ligands provide simple links between the metal ions, while in [Ag(2){tr(2)ad}(2)](NO(3))(2)·2H(2)O (1) the ligand is tetradentate and generates a 3D framework.     

New Cu(II) complexes based on the hydroxo-bridged dinuclear [Cu(OH)2Cu] units: step-like di- and trimerizations of [Cu(OH)2Cu] units

Four new Cu(II) complexes {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(NO(3))(2)(C(7)H(5)O(2))(2)·6H(2)O 1, {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(NO(3))(2)(C(5)H(6)O(4))·8H(2)O 2, {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(C(5)H(6)O(4))(2)·16H(2)O 3 and {[Cu(6)(bpy)(6)(OH)(6)(H(2)O)(2)]}(C(8)H(7)O(2))(6)·12H(2)O 4 were synthesized (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, H(2)(C(5)H(6)O(4)) = glutaric acid, H(C(7)H(5)O(2)) = benzoic acid, H(C(8)H(7)O(2)) = phenyl acetic acid). The building units in 1-3 are the tetranuclear [Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(H(2)O)(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)](4+) complex cations, and in 4 the hexanuclear [Cu(6)(bpy)(6)(H(2)O)(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)](6+) complex cations, respectively. The tetra- and hexanuclear cluster cores [Cu(4)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)] and [Cu(6)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)] in the complex cations could be viewed as from step-like di- and trimerization of the well-known hydroxo-bridged dinuclear [Cu(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)] entities via the out-of-plane Cu-O(H) bonds. The complex cations are supramolecularly assembled into (4,4) topological networks via intercationic ππ stacking interactions. The counteranions and lattice H(2)O molecules are sandwiched between the 2D cationic networks to form hydrogen-bonded networks in 1-3, while the phenyl acetate anions and the lattice H(2)O molecules generate 3D hydrogen-bonded anionic framework to interpenetrate with the (4,4) topological cationic networks with the hexanuclear complex cations in the channels. The ferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) ions in the [Cu(4)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)] cores of 1-3 is significantly stronger via equatorial-equatorial OH(-) bridges than via equatorial-apical ones. The outer and the central [Cu(2)(OH)(2)] unit within the [Cu(6)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)] cluster cores in 4 exhibit weak ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions, respectively. Results about i.r. spectra, thermal and elemental analyses are presented.     

Anion binding by metallo-receptors of 5,5'-dicarbamate-2,2'-bipyridine ligands

Three 5,5'-dicarbamate-2,2'-bipyridine ligands (L = L(1)-L(3)) bearing ethyl, isopropyl or tert-butyl terminals, respectively, on the carbamate substituents were synthesized. Reaction of the ligands L with the transition metal ions M = Fe(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+) or Ru(2+) gave the complexes ML(n)X(2)·xG (1-12, n = 1-3; X = Cl, NO(3), ClO(4), BF(4), PF(6), ?SO(4); G = Et(2)O, DMSO, CH(3)OH, H(2)O), of which [Fe(L(2))(3)???SO(4)]·8.5H(2)O (2), [Fe(L(1))(3)???(BF(4))(2)]·2CH(3)OH (7), [Fe(L(2))(3)???(Et(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (8), [ZnCl(2)(L(1))][ZnCl(2)(L(1))(DMSO)]·2DMSO (9), [Zn(L(1))(3)???(NO(3))(2)]·2H(2)O (10), [Zn(L(2))(3)???(ClO(4))(Et(2)O)]ClO(4)·Et(2)O·2CH(3)OH·1.5H(2)O (11), and [Cu(L(1))(2)(DMSO)](ClO(4))(2)·2DMSO (12) were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In the complexes ML(n)X(2)·xG the metal ion is coordinated by n = 1, 2 or 3 chelating bipyridine moieties (with other anionic or solvent ligands for n = 1 and 2) depending on the transition metal and reaction conditions. Interestingly, the carbamate functionalities are involved in hydrogen bonding with various guests (anions or solvents), especially in the tris(chelate) complexes which feature the well-organized C(3)-clefts for effective guest inclusion. Moreover, the anion binding behavior of the pre-organized tris(chelate) complexes was investigated in solution by fluorescence titration using the emissive [RuL(3)](2+) moiety as a probe. The results show that fluorescent recognition of anion in solution can be achieved by the Ru(II) complexes which exhibit good selectivities for SO(4)(2-).     

Unprecedented lanthanide-containing coordination polymers constructed from hexanuclear molecular building blocks: {[Ln6O(OH)8](NO3)2(bdc)(Hbdc)2·2NO3·H)bdc}∞

Reactions in acetonitrile between 1,4-benzene-dicarboxylic acid (C(8)H(6)O(4)) and a hexanuclear complex of lanthanide [Ln(6)O(OH)(8)(NO(3))(6)·2NO(3)] with Ln = Y or Tb lead to 1D-coordination polymers with the general chemical formula {[Ln(6)O(OH)(8)](NO(3))(2)(bdc)(Hbdc)(2)·2NO(3)·H(2)bdc}(∞) where H(2)bdc stands for 1,4-benzene-dicarboxylic acid (or terephthalic acid). These two compounds are isostructural. The crystal structure has been solved on the basis of the X-ray powder diffraction diagram of the Y-containing compound. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1 (no. 2) with a = 10.4956(6) ?, b = 11.529(2) ?, c = 12.357(2) ?, α = 86.869(9)°, β = 114.272(6)°, γ = 71.624(7)°, V = 1264.02 ?(3), and Z = 2. The crystal structure can be described as the juxtaposition of linear chains of hexanuclear entities linked to each other by terephthalate ligands. Two additional partially protonated terephthalate ligands spreading laterally to the chain are bound to each hexanuclear entity. Another diprotonated terephthalic ligand and two nitrate ions ensuring the electroneutrality of the crystal structure lie in the interchain space. These two compounds are thermally stable until 200 °C. Thanks to a so-called antenna effect, the Tb-containing compound, despite short intermetallic distances, exhibits a strong luminescence under UV irradiation.     

Nanospheric [M20(OH)12(maleate)12(Me2NH)12]4+ clusters (M = Co, Ni) with O(h) symmetry

Nanospheric hydroxo-bridged clusters of [M(20)(OH)(12)(maleate)(12)(Me(2)NH)(12)](BF(4))(3)(OH)·nH(2)O (M = Co (1), Ni (2)) with O(h) symmetry were afforded under hydrothermal condition with Co(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O/Ni(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O and fumaric acid in a DMF/EtOH mixed solvent. They are characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and X-ray diffraction. X-ray single crystal diffraction analyses show that these two complexes are isostructural containing an ideally cubic M(8) core in that each two M atoms are doubly bridged at the edges by one OH(-) and one maleate, while these OH(-) and maleate groups are coordinated further by exterior identical 12 M atoms which construct a perfect M(12) icosahedron to encapsulate the cubic core. To our knowledge, such large clusters with O(h) symmetry are seldom. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies reveal that these two isostructures exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Manganese(II)-carboxylate-pseudohalide systems derived from 1,4-bis(4-carboxylatopyridinium-1-methylene)benzene: structures and magnetism

The reactions of manganese(II) acetate or perchlorate, sodium azide or sodium cyanate, and the zwitterionic dicarboxylate ligand 1,4-bis(4-carboxylatopyridinium-1-methylene)benzene (L) under different conditions yielded three different Mn(II) coordination polymers with mixed carboxylate and azide (or cyanate) bridges: {[Mn (L(1))(0.5)(N(3))(OAc)]·3H(2)O}(n) (1), {[Mn(4)(L(1))(N(3))(8)(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)OH)(2)]·[L(1)]}(n) (2), and {[Mn(3)(L(1))(NCO)(6)(H(2)O)(4)]·[L(1)]·[H(2)O](2)}(n) (3). The compounds exhibit diverse structures and magnetic properties. In 1, the 1D uniform anionic [Mn(N(3))(COO)(2)](n) chains with the (μ-EO-N(3))(μ-COO)(2) triple bridges (EO = end-on) are interlinked by the dipyridinium L ligands into highly undulated 2D layers. Magnetic studies on 1 reveal that the mixed triple bridges induce antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn(II) ions. Compounds 2 and 3 consist of 1D neutral polymeric chains and co-crystallized zwitterions, and the chains are formed by the L ligands interlinking linear polynuclear units. The polynuclear unit in 2 is tetranuclear with (μ-EO-N(3))(2) as central bridges and (μ-EO-N(3))(2)(μ-COO) as peripheral bridges, while that in 3 is trinuclear with (μ-NCO)(2)(μ-COO) bridges. Magnetic studies demonstrate that the magnetic coupling through the mixed azide/isocyanate and carboxylate bridges in 2 and 3 is antiferromagnetic. An expression of magnetic susceptibility based on a 2-J model for linear tetranuclear systems of classical spins has been deduced and applied to 2.     

Polynuclear lanthanide hydroxo complexes: new chemical precursors for coordination polymers

The synthesis of hexanuclear lanthanide hydroxo complexes by controlled hydrolysis led to polymorphic compounds. The hexanuclear entities crystallize in four different ways that depend on the extent of their hydration. The four structures can be described as hexanuclear lanthanide entities with formula [Ln(6)(mu(6)-O)(mu(3)-OH)(8)(NO(3))(6)(H(2)O)(12)](2+). Two additional NO(3)(-) ions intercalate between the hexanuclear entities in order to ensure the electroneutrality of the crystal structure. Some crystallization water molecules fill the intermolecular space. The three first families of compounds (1-3) exhibit crystal structures that have previously been reported. The fourth family of compounds (4) is described here for the first time. Its chemical formula is [Ln(6)(mu(6)-O)(mu(3)-OH)(8)(NO(3))(6)(H(2)O)(12)](NO(3))(2).2H(2)O (Ln = Gd, Er, and Y). In this paper, the chemical and thermal stabilities of the hexanuclear lanthanide compounds are reported together with the magnetic properties of the Gd(III)-containing species. To use these entities as precursors for new materials, the substitution of the nitrato groups by chloride ions has been studied. Two byproduct compounds have so been obtained: The first (compound 5) is a nitrato/chloride hexanuclear compound of chemical formula [Er(6)(mu(6)-O)(mu(3)-OH)(8)(NO(3))(6)(H(2)O)(12)](NO(3))Cl.2H(2)O. The second one (compound 6) is a polymeric compound in which the hexanuclear entities are linked by an unexpected and original N(2)O(4) bridge. Its chemical formula is [Er(6)(mu(6)-O)(mu(3)-OH)(8)(NO(3))(4)(H(2)O)(11)(OH)(ONONO(2))]Cl(3).2H(2)O. Its crystal structure can be described as the juxtaposition of chainlike molecular motifs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a coordination polymer synthesized from an isolated polylanthanide hydroxo complex.     

Synthesis and coordination chemistry of phosphine oxide decorated dibenzofuran platforms

A four-step synthesis for 4,6-bis(diphenylphosphinoylmethyl)dibenzofuran (4) from dibenzofuran and a two-step synthesis for 4,6-bis(diphenylphosphinoyl)dibenzofuran (5) are reported along with coordination chemistry of 4 with In(III), La(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Er(III), and Pu(IV) and of 5 with Er(III). Crystal structure determinations for the ligands, 4·CH(3)OH and 5, the 1:1 complexes [In(4)(NO(3))(3)], [Pr(4)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)CN)]·0.5CH(3)CN, [Er(4)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)CN)]·CH(3)CN, [Pu(4)Cl(4)]·THF and the 2:1 complex [Nd(4)(2)(NO(3))(2)](2)(NO(3))(2)·(H(2)O)·4(CH(3)OH) are described. In these complexes, ligand 4 coordinates in a bidentate POP'O' mode via the two phosphine oxide O-atoms. The dibenzofuran ring O-atom points toward the central metal cations, but in every case it is more than 4 ? from the metal. A similar bidentate POP'O' chelate structure is formed between 5 and Er(III) in the complex, {[Er(5)(2)(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))·4(CH(3)OH)}(0.5), although the nonbonded Er···O(furan) distance is reduced to ～3.6 ?. The observed bidentate chelation modes for 4 and 5 are consistent with results from molecular mechanics computations. The solvent extraction performance of 4 and 5 in 1,2-dichloroethane for Eu(III) and Am(III) in nitric acid solutions is described and compared against the extraction behavior of n-octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide (OΦDiBCMPO) measured under identical conditions.     

Linking [M(III)3] triangles with "double-headed" phenolic oximes

Strapping two salicylaldoxime units together with aliphatic α,Ω-aminomethyl links in the 3-position gives ligands which allow the assembly of the polynuclear complexes [Fe(7)O(2)(OH)(6)(H(2)L1)(3)(py)(6)](BF(4))(5)·6H(2)O·14MeOH (1·6H(2)O·14MeOH), [Fe(6)O(OH)(7)(H(2)L2)(3)](BF(4))(3)·4H(2)O·9MeOH (2·4H(2)O·9MeOH) and [Mn(6)O(2)(OH)(2)(H(2)L1)(3)(py)(4)(MeCN)(2)](BF(4))(5)(NO(3))·3MeCN·H(2)O·5py (3·3MeCN·H(2)O·5py). In each case the metallic skeleton of the cluster is based on a trigonal prism in which two [M(III)(3)O] triangles are tethered together via three helically twisted double-headed oximes. The latter are present as H(2)L(2-) in which the oximic and phenolic O-atoms are deprotonated and the amino N-atoms protonated, with the oxime moieties bridging across the edges of the metal triangles. Both the identity of the metal ion and the length of the straps connecting the salicylaldoxime units have a major impact on the nuclearity and topology of the resultant cluster, with, perhaps counter-intuitively, the longer straps producing the "smallest" molecules.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of a series of non-heme alkoxide-Fe(III) complexes of a benzimidazolyl-rich ligand as models for lipoxygenase

The treatment of Fe(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O or Fe(ClO(4))(3)·9H(2)O with a benzimidazolyl-rich ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis[(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2-ethanediamine (medtb) in alcohol/MeCN gives a mononuclear ferrous complex, [Fe(II)(medtb)](ClO(4))(2)·?CH(3)CN·?CH(3)OH (1), and four non-heme alkoxide-iron(III) complexes, [Fe(III)(OMe)(medtb)](ClO(4))(2)·H(2)O (2, alcohol = MeOH), [Fe(III)(OEt)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·CH(3)CN (3, alcohol = EtOH), [Fe(III)(O(n)Pr)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·(n)PrOH·2CH(3)CN (4, alcohol = n-PrOH), and [Fe(III)(O(n)Bu)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·3CH(3)CN·H(2)O (5, alcohol = n-BuOH), respectively. The alkoxide-iron(III) complexes all show 1) a Fe(III)-OR center (R = Me, 2; Et, 3; (n)Pr, 4; (n)Bu, 5) with the Fe-O bond distances in the range of 1.781-1.816 ?, and 2) a yellow color and an intense electronic transition around 370 nm. The alkoxide-iron(III) complexes can be reduced by organic compounds with a cis,cis-1,4-diene moiety via the hydrogen atom abstraction reaction.