Self-assembly of electroactive thiacrown ruthenium(II) complexes into hydrogen-bonded chain and tape networks

A family of coordination complexes has been synthesized, each comprising a ruthenium(II) center ligated by a thiacrown macrocycle, [9]aneS(3), [12]aneS(4), or [14]aneS(4), and a pair of cis-coordinated ligands, niotinamide (nic), isonicotinamide (isonic), or p-cyanobenzamide (cbza), that provide the complexes with peripherally situated amide groups capable of hydrogen bond formation. The complexes [Ru([9]aneS(3))(nic)(2)Cl]PF(6), 1(PF(6)); [Ru([9]aneS(3)) (isonic)(2)Cl]PF(6), 2(PF(6)); [Ru([12]aneS(4))(nic)(2)](PF(6))(2), 3(PF(6))(2); [Ru([12]aneS(4))(isonic)(2)](PF(6))(2), 4(PF(6))(2); [Ru([12]aneS(4)) (cbza)(2)](PF(6))(2), 5(PF(6))(2); [Ru([14]aneS(4))(nic)(2)](PF(6))(2), 6(PF(6))(2); [Ru([14]aneS(4))(isonic)(2)](PF(6))(2), 7(PF(6))(2); and [Ru([14]aneS(4))(cbza)(2)](PF(6))(2), 8(PF(6))(2) have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. UV/visible spectroscopy shows that each complex exhibits an intense high-energy band (230-255 nm) assigned to a pi-pi* transition and a lower energy band (297-355 nm) assigned to metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transitions. Electrochemical studies indicate good reversibility for the oxidations of complexes with nic and isonic ligands (|I(a)/I(c)| = 1; DeltaEp < 100 mV), In contrast, complexes 5 and 8, which incorporate cbza ligands, display oxidations that are not fully electrochemically reversible (|I(a)/I(c)| = 1, DeltaEp > or = 100 mV). Metal-based oxidation couples between 1.32 and 1.93 V versus Ag/AgCl can be rationalized in term of the acceptor capabilities of the thiacrown ligands and the amide-bearing ligands, as well as the pi-donor capacity of the chloride ligands in compounds 1 and 2. The potential to use these electroactive metal complexes as building blocks for hydrogen-bonded crystalline materials has been explored. Crystal structures of compounds 1(PF(6)).H(2)O, 1(BF(4)).2H(2)O, 2(PF(6)), 3(PF(6))(2), 6(PF(6))(2)CH(3)NO(2), and 8(PF(6))(2) are reported. Four of the six form amide-amide N-H...O hydrogen bonds leading to networks constructed from amide C(4) chains or tapes containing R(2)(2) (8) hydrogen-bonded rings. The other two, 2(PF(6)) and 8(PF(6)), form networks linked through amide-anion N-H...F hydrogen bonds. The role of counterions and solvent in interrupting or augmenting direct amide-amide network propagation is explored, and the systematic relationship between the hydrogen-bonded networks formed across the series of structures is presented, showing the relationship between chain and tape arrangements and the progression from 1D to 2D networks. The scope for future systematic development of electroactive tectons into network materials is discussed.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic, and structural studies on transition metal complexes involving homoleptic tripodal selenoether and telluroether coordination

The reaction of [MCl2(NCMe)2] (M = Pd or Pt) with 2 molar equiv of MeC(CH2ER)3 (E = Se, R = Me; E = Te, R = Me or Ph) and 2 molar equiv of TlPF6 affords the bis ligand complexes [M(MeC(CH2ER)3)2][PF6]2. The crystal structure of [Pt(MeC(CH2SeMe)3)2][PF6]2 (C16H36F12P2PtSe6, a = 12.272(10) A, b = 18.563(9) A, c = 15.285(7) A, beta = 113.18(3) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4) confirms distorted square planar Se4 coordination at Pt(II), derived from two bidentate tripod selenoethers with the remaining arm not coordinated and directed away from the metal center. Solution NMR studies indicate that these species are fluxional and that the telluroether complexes are rather unstable in solution. The octahedral bis tripod complexes [Ru(MeC(CH2SMe)3)2][CF3-SO3]2 and [Ru(MeC(CH2TePh)3)2][CF3SO3]2 are obtained from [Ru(dmf)6][CF3SO3]3 and tripod ligand in EtOH solution. The thioether complex (C18H36F6O6RuS8, a = 8.658(3) A, b = 11.533(3) A, c = 8.659(2) A, alpha = 108.33(2) degrees, beta = 91.53(3) degrees, gamma = 106.01(2) degrees, triclinic, P1, Z = 1) is isostructural with its selenoether analogue, involving two facially coordinated trithioether ligands in the syn configuration. NMR spectroscopy confirms that this configuration is retained in solution for all of the bis tripod Ru(II) complexes. These low-spin d6 complexes show unusually high ligand field splittings. The hexaselenoether Rh(III) complex [Rh(MeC(CH2SeMe)3)2][PF6]3 was obtained by treatment of [Rh(H2O)6]3+ with 2 molar equiv of MeC(CH2SeMe)3 in aqueous MeOH in the presence of excess PF6- anion, while the iridium(III) analogue [Ir(MeC(CH2SeMe)3)2][PF6]3 was obtained via the reaction of the Ir(I) precursor [IrCl(C8H14)2]2 with the selenoether tripod in MeOH/aqueous HBF4. NMR studies reveal different invertomers in solution for both the Rh and Ir species. The Cu(I) complexes [Cu(MeC(CH2ER)3)2]PF6 were obtained from [Cu(NCMe)4]PF6 and tripod ligand in CH2Cl2 solution. The corresponding Ag(I) species [Ag(MeC(CH2TeR)3)2]CF3SO3 (R = Me or Ph) were obtained from Ag[CF3SO3] and tripod telluroether. In contrast, a similar reaction with 2 molar equiv of MeC(CH2SeMe)3 afforded only the 1:1 complex [Ag(MeC(CH2SeMe)3)]CF3SO3. The structure of this species (C9H18AgF3O3SSe3, a = 8.120(3) A, b = 15.374(3) A, c = 14.071(2) A, beta = 93.86(2) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4) reveals a distorted trigonal planar geometry at Ag(I) derived from one bidentate selenoether and one monodentate selenoether. These units are then linked to adjacent Ag(I) ions to give a one-dimensional linear chain cation.     

Half-sandwich RuII-[9]aneS3 complexes with dicarboxylate ligands: synthesis, characterization and chemical behavior

With the aim of further developing the structure-activity relationship in biologically active half-sandwich Ru(ii)-[9]aneS(3) complexes ([9]aneS(3)=1,4,7-trithiacyclononane), a series of new mono- and dinuclear complexes bearing the chelating dicarboxylate ligands oxalate (ox), malonate (mal) and methylmalonate (mmal), have been synthesized and studied. Treatment of the precursor [Ru([9]aneS(3))(dmso)(3)][CF(3)SO(3)](2) (7) with equivalent amounts of K(2)(dicarb) afforded the corresponding neutral complexes with the general formula [Ru([9]aneS(3))(dmso-S)(eta(2)-dicarb)] (where dicarb=ox (1), mal (2) and mmal (3)), while using half an equivalent of K(2)(ox), the symmetric dimer [{Ru([9]aneS(3))(dmso-S)}(2)(mu-eta(4)-ox)][CF(3)SO(3)](2) (4) was isolated. The reaction of with the oxalato complex fac-[Ru(dmso-S)(3)(dmso-O)(eta(2)-ox)] (9) yielded two asymmetric dimers, namely [{Ru([9]aneS(3))(dmso-S)}(mu-eta(4)-ox){fac-Ru(dmso-S)(3)(CF(3)SO(3))}][CF(3)SO(3)] (5) and [{Ru([9]aneS(3))(dmso-S)}(mu-eta(4)-ox){fac-Ru(dmso-S)(3)(dmso-O)}][CF(3)SO(3)](2) (6), depending on the reaction conditions. All new complexes were structurally characterized, both in solution (by NMR spectroscopy) and in the solid state (by X-ray crystallography). The chemical behavior of the complexes in aqueous solution was studied by UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopy in view of their potential antitumor activity: the monomers partially release a dmso ligand to yield the monofunctional aqua adduct [Ru([9]aneS(3))(eta(2)-dicarb)(H(2)O)], while the dimers rapidly open up the oxalato bridge to give two mononuclear fragments. Splitting of the asymmetric dimers 5 and 6 occurs selectively and the ox moiety remains bonded to the fac-Ru(dmso-S)(3) fragment. A detailed comparison of the structural and chemical features of 1-6 with those of similar dicarboxylate complexes possessing the fac-Ru(dmso-S)(3) fragment in place of Ru([9]aneS(3)) allows us to draw a number of general conclusions on the binding preferences of dicarb ligands on the octahedral Ru(II) center.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Water-Soluble 1,2-Bis(bis(hydroxyalkyl)phosphino)ethane Ligands and Their Nickel(II), Ruthenium(III), and Rhodium(I) Complexes

The syntheses of the water-soluble, chelating phosphines 1,2-bis(bis(hydroxybutyl)phosphino)ethane (1, n = 3; DHBuPE) and 1,2-bis(bis(hydroxypentyl)phosphino)ethane (1, n = 4; DHPePE) are reported. These ligands (and, in general, other 1,2-bis(bis(hydroxyalkyl)phosphino)ethane ligands) can be used to impart water solubility to metal complexes. As examples of this, the [Ni(DHPrPE)(2)Cl]Cl (2), [Rh(DHPrPE)(2)][Cl] (3), and [Ru(DHBuPE)(2)Cl(2)][Cl] (4) complexes were synthesized; they are indeed soluble in water (>0.5 M). Crystals of DHPrPE (1, n = 2) are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 9.5935(8) ?, b = 9.353(2) ?, c = 10.655(2) ?, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 100.03(1) degrees, gamma = 90, V = 941.5(5) ?(3), R = 0.051, and Z = 2. Crystals of [Ni(DHPrPE)(2)Cl]Cl (2) are monoclinic, space group I2, with a = 15.951(3) ?, b = 11.454(2) ?, c = 20.843(3) ?, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 91.24(2) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees, V = 3807(2) ?(3), R = 0.062, and Z = 4. Crystals of [Rh(DHPrPE)(2)][Cl] (3) are triclinic, space group P&onemacr;, with a = 13.900(2) ?, b = 15.378(2) ?, c = 18.058(2) ?, alpha = 87.71(1) degrees, beta = 75.03(1) degrees, gamma = 85.24(1), V = 3715(2) ?(3), R = 0.044, and Z = 4. Crystals of [Ru(DHBuPE)(2)Cl(2)][Cl] (4) are monoclinic, space group C2/c, with a = 14.310(2) ?, b = 21.630(2) ?, c = 15.459(3) ?, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 99.83(1) degrees, gamma = 90, V = 4715(1) ?(3), R = 0.056, and Z = 4.     

Factors that influence the antiproliferative activity of half sandwich Ru(II)-[9]aneS3 coordination compounds: activation kinetics and interaction with guanine derivatives

Half sandwich Ru(ii)-[9]aneS3 complexes ([9]aneS3 = 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane) are being studied for their antiproliferative activity. We investigated here the activation kinetics of three such complexes, namely [Ru([9]aneS3)(en)Cl](PF(6)) (1), [Ru([9]aneS3)(bpy)Cl](PF(6)) (2) and [Ru([9]aneS3)(pic)Cl] (3) (en = 1,2-diaminoethane, pic = picolinate), and their interaction with DNA model bases. The aim of the study was to assess how they are affected by the nature and charge of the chelating ligand. The model reactions of 1-3 with the guanine derivatives 9-methylguanine (9MeG), guanosine (Guo), and guanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP) were studied by NMR spectroscopy. All reactions lead, although with different rates and to different extents, to the formation of monofunctional adducts with the guanine derivatives N7-bonded to the Ru center. Two products, the complexes [Ru([9]aneS3)(en)(9MeG-N7)](PF(6))(2) (4) and [Ru([9]aneS3)(pic)(9MeG-N7)](PF(6)) (10), were structurally characterized also by X-ray crystallography. The structure of 4 is stabilized by strong intramolecular H-bonding between an NH of en and the carbonyl O6 of 9MeG. The kinetics of aquation and anation of complexes 2 and 3, as well as the kinetics and the mechanism of the reaction of complexes 1-3 with the biologically more relevant 5'-GMP ligand were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The rate of the reaction of 1-3 with 5'-GMP depends on the nature of the chelating ligand rather than on the charge of the complex, decreasing in the order 3≈2 > 1. The measured enthalpies and entropies of activation (ΔH(≠) > 0, ΔS(≠) < 0) support an associative mechanism for the substitution process.     

Supramolecular assembly and solution properties of bis(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) coordination complexes of aryl(2-pyridyl)methanones

A series of mono- and bis(2-pyridyl)-arylmethanone ligands were prepared by utilizing the reaction between either bromobenzonitrile or dicyanobenzene and 2-lithiopyridine in either a 1:1 or a 2:1 mol ratio, respectively. They react with [Ru(bpy)2(EtOH)2][PF6]2 to yield the new complexes [N,O-PhC(O)(2-py)Ru(bpy)2][PF6]2 (6), [p-N,O-BrC6H4C-(O)(2-py)Ru(bpy)2][PF6]2 (7), [m-N,O-BrC6H4C(O)(2-py)Ru(bpy)2][PF6]2 (8), [p-[N,O-C(O)(2-py)2Ru(bpy)2]2(C6H4)]-[PF6]4 (9), and [m-[N,O-C(O)(2-py)2Ru(bpy)2]2(C6H4)][PF6]4 (10). The solid state structures of 6 and 7 show that the octahedral cations are arranged in sinusoidal chains by pi-pi stacking and CH-pi interactions between bipyridyl groups. Substitution of bromine for hydrogen at the para position of the aryl group in 7 causes the aryl group to become involved in pi-pi stacking interactions that organize the chains into a sheet structure. The complicated 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the complexes have been fully assigned using 2D methods. The optical spectra show two absorption maxima near 434 and 564 nm due to MLCT transitions. The compounds were found to be nonluminescent. Electrochemical data acquired for CH3CN solutions of the bimetallic derivatives indicate that there is no electronic communication between metal centers mediated either through space or through ligand orbitals. Crystallographic information: 6.0.5CH3CN is monoclinic, C2/c, a = 24.3474(11) A, b = 13.7721(6) A, c = 21.3184(10) A, beta = 103.9920(10) degrees, Z = 8; 7 is monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.6639(11) A, b = 23.690(3) A, c = 13.7634(14) A, beta = 91.440(2) degrees, Z = 4.     

Transition metal complexes of the chelating phosphine borane ligand Ph2PCH2Ph2P.BH3

Chromium and ruthenium complexes of the chelating phosphine borane H(3)B.dppm are reported. Addition of H(3)B.dppm to [Cr(CO)(4)(nbd)](nbd = norbornadiene) affords [Cr(CO)(4)(eta1-H(3)B.dppm)] in which the borane is linked to the metal through a single B-H-Cr interaction. Addition of H(3)B.dppm to [CpRu(PR(3))(NCMe)(2)](+)(Cp =eta5)-C(5)H(5)) results in [CpRu(PR(3))(eta1-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)](R = Me, OMe) which also show a single B-H-Ru interaction. Reaction with [CpRu(NCMe)(3)](+) only resulted in a mixture of products. In contrast, with [Cp*Ru(NCMe)(3)](+)(Cp*=eta5)-C(5)Me(5)) a single product is isolated in high yield: [Cp*Ru(eta2-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)]. This complex shows two B-H-Ru interactions. Reaction with L = PMe(3) or CO breaks one of these and the complexes [Cp*Ru(L)(eta1-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)] are formed in good yield. With L = MeCN an equilibrium is established between [Cp*Ru(eta2-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)] and the acetonitrile adduct. [Cp*Ru (eta2-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)] can be considered as being "operationally unsaturated", effectively acting as a source of 16-electron [Cp*Ru (eta1-H(3)B.dppm)][PF(6)]. All the new compounds (apart from the CO and MeCN adducts) have been characterised by X-ray crystallography. The solid-state structure of H(3)B.dppm is also reported.     

Rapid energy transfer in bichromophoric tris-bipyridyl/cyclometallated ruthenium(II) complexes

The synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of the N6-N5C bichromophoric [(bpy)2Ru(I)Ru(ttpy)][PF6]3 (bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine and ttpy is 4'-p-tolyl-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) and [(bpy)2Ru(II)Ru(ttpy)][PF6]3 (I and II are bpy-dipyridylbenzene ditopic ligands bridged by an ethynyl and phenyl unit, respectively) complexes are reported together with the model mononuclear complexes [(bpy)2Ru(I)][PF6]2, [(bpy)2Ru(II)][PF6]2, [Ru(VI)(ttpy)][PF6] (VI is 3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-biphenyl) and [Ru(dpb)(ttpy)][PF(6)] (Hdpb is 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)-benzene). The electrochemical data show that there is little ground state electronic communication between the metal centers in the bimetallic complexes. Selective excitation of the N(5)C unit in the bichromophoric systems leads to luminescence typical for a bis-tridentate cyclometallated ruthenium complex and is similar to the [Ru(VI)(ttpy)][PF6] model complex. In contrast, the luminescence from the tris-bidentate N6 unit is efficiently quenched by energy transfer to the N5C unit. The energy transfer rate has been determined by femtosecond pump-probe measurements to 0.7 ps in the ethynyl-linked [(bpy)2Ru(I)Ru(ttpy)][PF6]3 and to 1.5 ps in the phenyl-linked [(bpy)2Ru(II)Ru(ttpy)][PF6]3 (in acetonitrile solution at 298 K), and is inferred to occur via a Dexter mechanism.     

1-(2-Picolyl)-substituted 1,2,3-triazole as novel chelating ligand for the preparation of ruthenium complexes with potential anticancer activity

The 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole ligand prepared by click chemistry 1-(2-picolyl)-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole (ppt) was investigated as novel chelating ligand for Ru(II) complexes with potential antitumor activity. The preparation and structural characterization, mainly by NMR spectroscopy in solution and by X-ray crystallography in the solid state, of four new Ru(II) complexes is reported: two isomeric Ru-dmso compounds, trans,cis-[RuCl(2)(dmso-S)(2)(ppt)] (1) and cis,cis-[RuCl(2)(dmso-S)(2)(ppt)] (2), and two half-sandwich Ru-[9]aneS(3) coordination compounds, [Ru([9]aneS(3))(dmso-S)(ppt)][CF(3)SO(3)](2) (3) and [Ru([9]aneS(3))Cl(ppt)][CF(3)SO(3)] (4). In all compounds ppt firmly binds to ruthenium in a bidentate fashion through the pyridyl nitrogen atom and the triazole N2, thus forming a puckered six-membered ring. The chemical behavior in aqueous solution of the water-soluble complexes 3 and 4 was studied by UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopy and compared to that of the previously described organometallic analogue [Ru(η(6)-p-cymene)Cl(ppt)][Cl] (5) in view of their potential antitumor activity. Compounds 3-5 were tested also in vitro for cytotoxic activity against two human cancer cell lines, one sensitive and one resistant to cisplatin, in comparison with cisplatin. Compound 4, the one that aquates faster, was found to be more cytotoxic than cisplatin against human lung squamose carcinoma cell line (A-549).     

Cyclometallated Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes with a trithiacrown ligand

We report the synthesis and full characterization for a series of cyclometallated complexes of Pt(II) and Pd(II) incorporating the fluxional trithiacrown ligand 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane ([9]aneS3). Reaction of [M(C insertion mark N)(micro-Cl)]2 (M = Pt(II), Pd(II); C insertion mark N = 2-phenylpyridinate (ppy) or 7,8-benzoquinolinate (bzq)) with [9]aneS3 followed by metathesis with NH4PF6 yields [M(C insertion mark N)([9]aneS3)](PF6). The complexes [M(C insertion mark P)([9]aneS3)](PF6) (M = Pt(II), Pd(II); Cinsertion markP = [CH2C6H4P(o-tolyl)2-C,P]-) were synthesized from their respective [Pt(C insertion mark P)(micro-Cl)]2 or [Pd(C insertion mark P)(micro-O2CCH3)]2 (C insertion mark P) starting materials. All five new complexes have been fully characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopies in addition to elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal structural determinations. As expected, the coordinated [9]aneS3 ligand shows fluxional behavior in its NMR spectra, resulting in a single 13C NMR resonance despite the asymmetric coordination environment of the cyclometallating ligand. Electrochemical studies reveal irreversible one-electron metal-centered oxidations for all Pt(II) complexes, but unusual two-electron reversible oxidations for the Pd(II) complexes of ppy and bzq. The X-ray crystal structures of each complex indicate an axial M-S interaction formed by the endodentate conformation of the [9]aneS3 ligand. The structure of [Pd(bzq)([9]aneS3)](PF6) exhibits disorder in the [9]aneS3 conformation indicating a rare exodentate conformation as the major contributor in the solid-state structure. DFT calculations on [Pt([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6) and [Pd([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6) indicate the HOMO for both complexes is primarily dz2 in character with a significant contribution from the phenyl ring of the ppy ligand and p orbital of the axial sulfur donor. In contrast, the calculated LUMO is primarily ppy pi* in character for [Pt([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6), but dx2-y2 in character for [Pd([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6).     

A gold(I) mononuclear complex and its association into binuclear and cluster compounds by hydrogen bonding or metal ion coordination

The mononuclear Au(I) complex, Au(Spy)(PPh2py) (1), has been synthesized and characterized structurally. The complex possesses the expected linear coordination geometry with a S-Au-P bond angle of 176.03(6) degrees and no evidence of aurophilic interactions between nearest neighbor Au(I) ions in the solid state. Protonation of the pendant pyridyl groups of 1 leads to the formation of the H-bonded dimer [(Au(SpyH)(PPh2py))2](PF6)2 (2), which has also been structurally characterized. A linear coordination geometry at the Au(I) ions in 2 with a S-Au-P bond angle of 173.7(2) degrees is augmented by evidence of a strong aurophilic interaction with a Au...Au distance of 2.979(1) A. The pendant pyridyl groups of 1 have also been used to bind Cu(I) by reactions with [Cu(NCMe)4](PF6) and Cu(P(p-tolyl)3)2(NO3) leading to the formation of the heterobimetallic complexes [(AuCu(mu-Spy)(mu-PPh2py))2](PF6)2 (3) and [AuCu(P(p-tolyl)3)2(mu-Spy)(mu-PPh2py)](NO3) (4), respectively. A structure determination of 3 reveals a tetranuclear complex composed of two AuCu(mu-Spy)(mu-PPh2py)+ units held together by bridging thiolate ligands. A strong metal-metal interaction is noted between the two different d10 ions with nearest Au-Cu distances averaging 2.6395 A. The S-Au-P bond angles in 3 deviate slightly from linearity due to the Au...Cu interactions, while the coordination geometries at Cu(I) are distorted tetrahedral consisting of the two pyridyl nitrogen atoms, a bridging thiolate sulfur, and the interacting Au(I) ion. While mononuclear complex 1 is only weakly emissive in the solid state and in fluid solution, complexes 2-4 show stronger photoluminescence in the solid state and rigid media at 77 K, and in fluid solution. The emission maxima for 2-4 in ambient temperature fluid solution are 470, 635, and 510 nm, respectively. A tentative assignment of the emitting state as a S(p pi)-->Au LMCT transition is made on the basis of previous studies of Au(I) thiolate phosphine complexes. Shifts of lambda em result from the influence of H bonding or Cu(I) coordination on the filled thiolate orbital energy, or on the effect of metal-metal interaction on the Au(I) acceptor orbital energy. Crystal data for Au(Spy)(PPh2py) (1): triclinic, space group P1 (No. 2), with a = 8.3975(4) A, b = 11.0237(5) A, c = 12.4105(6) A, alpha = 98.6740(10) degrees, beta = 105.3540(10) degrees, gamma = 110.9620(10) degrees, V = 995.33(8) A3, Z = 2, R1 = 3.66% (I > 2 sigma(I)), wR2 = 9.04% (I > 2 sigma(I)) for 2617 unique reflections. Crystal data for [(Au(SpyH)(PPh2py))2](PF6)2 (2): triclinic, space group P1 (No. 2), with a = 14.0284(3) A, b = 14.1093(3) A, c = 15.7027(2) A, alpha = 97.1870(10) degrees, beta = 96.5310(10) degrees, gamma = 117.1420(10) degrees, V = 2692.21(9) A3, Z = 2, R1 = 7.72% (I > 2 sigma(I)), wR2 = 15.34% (I > 2 sigma(I)) for 5596 unique reflections. Crystal data for [(AuCu(mu-Spy)(mu-PPh2py))2](PF6)2 (3): monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c (No. 14), with a = 19.6388(6) A, b = 16.3788(4) A, c = 17.2294(5) A, beta = 91.48 degrees, V = 5540.2(3) A3, Z = 4, R1 = 3.99% (I > 2 sigma(I)), wR2 = 8.38% (I > 2 sigma(I)) for 10,597 unique reflections.     

A donor--acceptor--donor bridging ligand in a class III mixed-valence complex

The novel mononuclear and dinuclear complexes [Ru(trpy)(bpy)(apc)][PF(6)] and [(Ru(trpy)(bpy))(2)(mu-adpc)][PF(6)](2) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, trpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine, apc(-) = 4-azo(phenylcyanamido)benzene, and adpc(2)(-) = 4,4'-azodi(phenylcyanamido)) were synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, UV-vis, and cyclic voltammetry. Crystallography showed that the dinuclear Ru(II) complex crystallizes from diethyl ether/acetonitrile solution as [(Ru(trpy)(bpy))(2)(mu-adpc)][PF(6)](2).2(acetonitrile).2(diethyl ether). Crystal structure data are as follows: crystal system triclinic, space group P1, with a, b, and c = 12.480(2), 13.090(3) and 14.147(3) A, respectively, alpha, beta, and gamma = 79.792(3), 68.027(3), and 64.447(3) degrees, respectively, V = 1933.3(6) A(3), and Z = 1. The structure was refined to a final R factor of 0.0421. The mixed-valence complex with metal ions, separated by a through-space distance of 19.5 A, is a class III system, having the comproportionation constant K(c) = 1.3 x 10(13) and an intervalence band at 1920 nm (epsilon(max) = 10 000 M(-1) cm(-1)), in dimethylformamide solution. The results of this study strongly suggest that the bridging ligand adpc(2-) can mediate metal-metal coupling through both hole-transfer and electron-transfer superexchange mechanisms.     

Structure and properties of Dinuclear [RuII([n]aneS4)] complexes of 3,6-Bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine

The synthesis of dinuclear [Ru(II)([n]aneS(4))] (where n = 12, 14) complexes of the bridging ligand 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine are reported. The X-ray structures of both of the new complexes are compared to a newly obtained structure for a dinuclear [Ru(II)([9]aneS(3))]-based analogue, whose synthesis has previously been reported. A comparison of the electrochemistry of the three complexes reveals that the first oxidation of the [Ru(II)([n]aneS(4))]-based systems is a ligand-based couple, indicating that the formation of the radical anion form of the bridging ligand is stabilized by metal center coordination. Spectroelectrochemistry studies on the mixed-valence form of the new complexes suggest that they are Robin and Day Class II systems. The electrochemical and electronic properties of these complexes is rationalized by a consideration of the pi-bonding properties of thiacrown ligands.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of ruthenium carboxylato and 2-oxocarboxylato complexes bearing the bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato ligand

A series of ruthenium(II) acetonitrile, pyridine (py), carbonyl, SO2, and nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(L)(PPh3)] (L = NCMe, py, CO, SO2) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(L)(PPh3)]BF4 (L = NO) containing the bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato (bdmpza) ligand, a N,N,O heteroscorpionate ligand, have been prepared. Starting from ruthenium chlorido, carboxylato, or 2-oxocarboxylato complexes, a variety of acetonitrile complexes [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(NCMe)(PPh3)] (4) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(NCMe)(PPh3)] (R = Me (5a), R = Ph (5b)), as well as the pyridine complexes [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(PPh3)(py)] (6) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(PPh3)(py)] (R = Me (7a), R = Ph (7b), R = (CO)Me (8a), R = (CO)Et (8b), R = (CO)Ph) (8c)), have been synthesized. Treatment of various carboxylato complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(PPh3)2] (R = Me (2a), Ph (2b)) with CO afforded carbonyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(CO)(PPh3)] (9a, 9b). In the same way, the corresponding sulfur dioxide complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10a) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b) were formed in a reaction of the carboxylato complexes with gaseous SO2. None of the 2-oxocarboxylato complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)R)(PPh3)2] (R = Me (3a), Et (3b), Ph (3c)) showed any reactivity toward CO or SO2, whereas the nitrosyl complex cations [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(NO)(PPh3)](+) (11) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)Ph)(NO)(PPh3)](+) (12) were formed in a reaction of the acetato 2a or the benzoylformato complex 3c with an excess of nitric oxide. Similar cationic carboxylato nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CR)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (R = Me (13a), R = Ph (13b)) and 2-oxocarboxylato nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)R)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (R = Me (14a), R = Et (14b), R = Ph (14c)) are also accessible via a reaction with NO[BF4]. X-ray crystal structures of the chlorido acetonitrile complex [Ru(bdmpza)Cl(NCMe)(PPh3)] (4), the pyridine complexes [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CMe)(PPh3)(py)] (7a) and [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CC(O)Et)(PPh3)(py)] (8b), the carbonyl complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(CO)(PPh3)] (9b), the sulfur dioxide complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b), as well as the nitrosyl complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2C(CO)Me)(NO)(PPh3)]BF4 (14a), are reported. The molecular structure of the sulfur dioxide complex [Ru(bdmpza)(O2CPh)(PPh3)(SO2)] (10b) revealed a rather unusual intramolecular SO2-O2CPh Lewis acid-base adduct.     

2,2':6',2'-terpyridine substituted in the 4'-position by the solubilizing and sterically demanding tert-butyl group: a surprisingly new ligand

We describe the synthesis and characterization of 4'-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine (4'-(t)Butpy, 1), a convergent tpy ligand that exhibits both a sterically demanding and solubilizing 4'-substituent. In the solid state, molecules of 1 pack with alternating tpy and tert-butyl domains, and the bulky alkyl substituents prevent the molecules from engaging in the face-to-face π-interactions which are typical of simple tpy ligands. Instead, the predominant packing forces involve CH···N hydrogen bonds and weak CH···π contacts. The syntheses of the homoleptic complexes [M(1)(2)][PF(6)](2) (M = Fe, Co, Zn and Ru) and the heteroleptic [Ru(tpy)(1)][PF(6)](2) are described. The complexes have been fully characterized in solution, including the (1)H NMR spectroscopic characterization of the paramagnetic [Co(1)(2)][PF(6)](2). Cyclic voltammetric data are consistent with the tert-butyl substituent being slightly electron releasing. The single crystal structures of [Zn(1)(2)][PF(6)](2) and [Ru(1)(2)][PF(6)](2) have been determined; the compounds are essentially isomorphous. The packing of the cations is such that the tert-butyl substituents are accommodated in pockets between the tpy domains of adjacent cations, and as a consequence, the {M(tpy)(2)}-embrace that is a ubiquitous feature of many related structures is not observed.     

Organometallic ruthenium(II) diamine anticancer complexes: arene-nucleobase stacking and stereospecific hydrogen-bonding in guanine adducts

Organometallic ruthenium(II) arene anticancer complexes of the type [(eta(6)-arene)Ru(II)(en)Cl][PF(6)] (en = ethylenediamine) specifically target guanine bases of DNA oligomers and form monofunctional adducts (Morris, R., et al. J. Med. Chem. 2001). We have determined the structures of monofunctional adducts of the "piano-stool" complexes [(eta(6)-Bip)Ru(II)(en)Cl][PF(6)] (1, Bip = biphenyl), [(eta(6)-THA)Ru(II)(en)Cl][PF(6)] (2, THA = 5,8,9,10-tetrahydroanthracene), and [(eta(6)-DHA)Ru(II)(en)Cl][PF(6)] (3, DHA = 9,10-dihydroanthracene) with guanine derivatives, in the solid state by X-ray crystallography, and in solution using 2D [(1)H,(1)H] NOESY and [(1)H,(15)N] HSQC NMR methods. Strong pi-pi arene-nucleobase stacking is present in the crystal structures of [(eta(6)-C(14)H(14))Ru(en)(9EtG-N7)][PF(6)](2).(MeOH) (6) and [(eta(6)-C(14)H(12))Ru(en)(9EtG-N7)][PF(6)](2).2(MeOH) (7) (9EtG = 9-ethylguanine). The anthracene outer ring (C) stacks over the purine base at distances of 3.45 A for 6 and 3.31 A for 7, with dihedral angles of 3.3 degrees and 3.1 degrees, respectively. In the crystal structure of [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Ru(en)(9EtG-N7)][PF(6)](2).(MeOH) (4), there is intermolecular stacking between the pendant phenyl ring and the purine six-membered ring at a distance of 4.0 A (dihedral angle 4.5 degrees). This stacking stabilizes a cyclic tetramer structure in the unit cell. The guanosine (Guo) adduct [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Ru(en)(Guo-N7)][PF(6)](2).3.75(H(2)O) (5) exhibits intramolecular stacking of the pendant phenyl ring with the purine five-membered ring (3.8 A, 23.8 degrees) and intermolecular stacking of the purine six-membered ring with an adjacent pendant phenyl ring (4.2 A, 23.0 degrees). These occur alternately giving a columnar-type structure. A syn orientation of arene and purine is present in the crystal structures 5, 6, and 7, while the orientation is anti for 4. However, in solution, a syn orientation predominates for all the biphenyl adducts 4, 5, and the guanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP) adduct 8 [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Ru(II)(en)(5'-GMP-N7)], as revealed by NMR NOE studies. The predominance of the syn orientation both in the solid state and in solution can be attributed to hydrophobic interactions between the arene and purine rings. There are significant reorientations and conformational changes of the arene ligands in [(eta(6)-arene)Ru(II)(en)(G-N7)] complexes in the solid state, with respect to those of the parent chloro-complexes [(eta(6)-arene)Ru(II)(en)Cl](+). The arene ligands have flexibility through rotation around the arene-Ru pi-bonds, propeller twisting for Bip, and hinge-bending for THA and DHA. Thus propeller twisting of Bip decreases by ca. 10 degrees so as to maximize intra- or intermolecular stacking with the purine ring, and stacking of THA and DHA with the purine is optimized when their tricyclic ring systems are bent by ca. 30 degrees, which involves increased bending of THA and a flattening of DHA. This flexibility makes simultaneous arene-base stacking and N7-covalent binding compatible. Strong stereospecific intramolecular H-bonding between an en NH proton oriented away from the arene (en NH(d)) and the C6 carbonyl of G (G O6) is present in the crystal structures of 4, 5, 6, and 7 (average N...O distance 2.8 A, N-H...O angle 163 degrees ). NMR studies of the 5'-GMP adduct 8 provided evidence that en NH(d) protons are involved in strong H-bonding with the 5'-phosphate and O6 of 5'-GMP. The strong H-bonding from G O6 to en NH(d) protons partly accounts for the high preference for binding of [(eta(6)-arene)Ru(II)en](2+) to G versus A (adenine). These studies suggest that simultaneous covalent coordination, intercalation, and stereospecific H-bonding can be incorporated into Ru(II) arene complexes to optimize their DNA recognition behavior, and as potential drug design features.     

Synthesis, structure, and substitution mechanism of new Ru(II) complexes containing 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands

Two new Ru complexes containing the 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane ([9]aneS3, SCH2CH2SCH2CH2SCH2CH2) ligands of general formula [Ru(phen)(L)([9]aneS3)]2+ (L = MeCN, 3; L = pyridine (py), 4) have been prepared and thoroughly characterized. Structural characterization in the solid state has been performed by means of X-ray diffraction analyses, which show a distorted octahedral environment for a diamagnetic d6 Ru(II), as expected. 1H NMR spectroscopy provides evidence that the same structural arrangement is maintained in solution. Further spectroscopic characterization has been carried out by UV-vis spectroscopy where the higher acceptor capability of MeCN versus the py ligand is manifested in a 9-15-nm blue shift in its MLCT bands. The E1/2 redox potential of the Ru(III)/Ru(II) couple for 3 is anodically shifted with respect to its Ru-py analogue, 4, by 60 mV, which is also in agreement with a higher electron-withdrawing capacity of the former. The mechanism for the reaction Ru-py + MeCN--> Ru-MeCN + py has also been investigated at different temperatures with and without irradiation. In the absence of irradiation at 326 K, the thermal process gives kinetic constants of k2 = 1.4 x 10(-5) s(-1) (DeltaH(++) = 108 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS(++) = -8 +/- 9 J K(-1) mol(-1)) and k-2 = 2.9 x 10(-6) s(-1) (DeltaH(++) = 121 +/- 1 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS(++) = 18 +/- 3 J K(-1) mol(-1)). The phototriggered process is faster and consists of preequilibrium formation of an intermediate that thermally decays to the final Ru-MeCN complex with an apparent rate constant of (k1Khnu)app = 1.8 x 10(-4) s(-1) at 304 K, under the continuous irradiation experimental conditions used.     

The intramolecular aryl embrace: from light emission to light absorption

6-(1-Methylpyrrol-2-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine, 3, and 6-(selenophene-2-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine, 4, have been prepared and characterized in solution and by structural determinations. Copper(I) complexes [CuL(2)][PF(6)] in which L is 2,2'-bipyridine substituted in the 6-position by furyl, thienyl, N-methylpyrrolyl, selenopheneyl, methyl or phenyl, (L = 1-6) have been synthesized. The complexes have been characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry, and solution NMR and UV-VIS spectroscopies. The single crystal structures of [Cu(1)(2)][PF(6)], [Cu(2)(2)][PF(6)], [Cu(3)(2)][PF(6)], [Cu(5)(2)][PF(6)] and [Cu(6)(2)][PF(6)] have been determined. In those compounds containing an aromatic substituent attached to the bpy unit, the substituent is twisted with respect to the latter. In [Cu(3)(2)][PF(6)] and [Cu(5)(2)][PF(6)], this results in intra-cation π-stacking between ligands which is very efficient in [Cu(3)(2)](+) despite the steric requirements of the N-methyl substituents. Face-to-face stacking between the ligands in the [Cu(2)(2)](+) ion is achieved by complementary substituent twisting and elongation of one Cu-N bond, but there is no analogous intra-cation π-stacking in [Cu(1)(2)](+). Ligand exchange reactions between [CuL(2)][PF(6)] (L = 1-6) and TiO(2)-anchored ligands 7-10 (L' = 2,2'-bipyridine-based ligands with CO(2)H or PO(OH)(2) anchoring groups) have been applied to produce 24 surface-anchored heteroleptic copper(i) complexes, the formation of which has been evidenced by using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and thin layer solid state diffuse reflectance electronic absorption spectroscopy. The efficiencies of the complexes as dyes in DSCs have been measured, and the best efficiencies are observed for [CuLL'] with L' = 10 which contains phosphonate anchoring groups.     

Electrochemical properties of dinuclear [Ru([n]aneS4)] complexes of 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine

The syntheses of three new dinuclear [Ru([n]aneS(4))] complexes, where n = 12, 14, 16, bridged by the ligand 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, (dpp) are reported. The absorption spectra of the complexes show changes in the energy of the MLCT bands within the series, indicating that the thiacrown ligands stabilise the Ru(II) oxidation state to different degrees. Electrochemical studies are also consistent with these observations, and reveal that the pi-acceptor properties of [n]aneS(4) ligands lead to metal based oxidation couples occurring at potentials that are more anodic than those observed in the analogous dinuclear [Ru(bpy)(2)](2+) complex. Despite the back-bonding properties of the thiacrown ligands leading to a reduction in ligand-bridge mediated metal-metal coupling, electrochemical interactions between the metals are still considerable.     

Structural Chemistry of Poly(ethylene glycol) Complexes of Lead(II) Nitrate and Lead(II) Bromide

The reaction of 1:1 stoichiometries (1:1.5 for the nitrate/tetraethylene glycol (EO4) and pentaethylene glycol (EO5) complexes) of PbX(2) (X = NO(3), Br) with five- to eight-donor poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) in 3:1 CH(3)CN/CH(3)OH (CH(3)CN only for the nitrate/EO5 complex) followed by solvent evaporation resulted in six crystalline materials upon which X-ray structural analyses were carried out: [Pb(NO(3))(2)(EO4)](n)(), [Pb(NO(3))(2)(EO5)], [Pb(NO(3))(2)(EO6)], [PbBr(EO5)(&mgr;-Br)PbBr(2)].H(2)O, [PbBr(NCMe)(EO6)](2)[PbBr(2)(EO6)][PbBr(3)](2), and [PbBr(EO7)][PbBr(3)]. The nitrates crystallize as tight ion pairs with the PEG ligands coordinating in an equatorial plane around the Pb(2+) ions. Because EO4 has only five oxygen donors, this complex exhibits steric unsaturation which is overcome by a monodentate interaction with a third nitrate anion that is also coordinated to a neighboring Pb(2+) ion. The six donors of EO5 coordinate in an equatorial plane resulting in a 10-coordinate complex with trans, twisted, bidentate nitrate anions. The seven-donor hexaethylene glycol (EO6) only uses six of its oxygen donors to coordinate Pb(2+). [Pb(NO(3))(2)(EO4)](n)() is monoclinic, P2(1)/c, with a = 7.902(3) ?, b = 22.136(6) ?, c = 8.910(2) ?, beta = 90.96(3) degrees, and Z = 4. [Pb(NO(3))(2)(EO5)] is triclinic P&onemacr;, with a = 9.332(3) ?, b = 10.025(3) ?, c = 11.688(4) ?, alpha = 68.41(3) degrees, beta = 68.39(3) degrees, gamma = 68.58(3) degrees, and Z = 2. [Pb(NO(3))(2)(EO6)] is monoclinic P2(1)/c, with a = 16.289(4) ?, b = 10.773(4) ?, c = 12.329(4) ?, beta = 106.77(2) degrees, and Z = 4. Lead(II) bromide complexes with PEGs tend to crystallize as PEG complexed cations with polymeric lead(II) bromide anions. In the EO5 complex, bromide anions in the polymer also coordinate to the PEG-wrapped Pb(2+) cations. The hexa- and heptaethylene glycol (EO6 and EO7, respectively) complexes contain discreet ions. In these halide complexes, EO7 is the only PEG to expand the Pb(2+) coordination number from eight to nine. [PbBr(EO5)(&mgr;-Br)PbBr(2)].H(2)O is triclinic P&onemacr;, with a = 7.922(6) ?,b = 15.802(9) ?, c = 19.001(9) ?, alpha = 73.19(8) degrees, beta = 88.91(9) degrees, gamma = 87.22(9) degrees, and Z = 4. [PbBr(NCMe)(EO6)](2)[PbBr(2)(EO6)][PbBr(3)](2) is monoclinic P2(1)/c, with a = 14.389(4) ?, b = 31.931(9) ?, c = 8.029(2) ?, beta = 97.76(3) degrees, and Z = 2. [PbBr(EO7)][PbBr(3)] is monoclinic Cc, with a = 13.165(3) ?, b = 24.732(5) ?, c = 8.007(1) ?, beta = 94.58(2) degrees, and Z = 4.