Molecular structure and vibrational spectra of spin-crossover complexes in solution and colloidal media: resonance Raman and time-resolved resonance Raman studies

The spin-crossover system [Fe(btpa)](PF(6))(2) (btpa = N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-6,6'-bis(aminomethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) and the predominantly low-spin species [Fe(b(bdpa))](PF(6))(2) ((b(bdpa) = N,N'-bis(benzyl)-N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-6,6'-bis(aminomethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction. The unit cell of [Fe(btpa)](PF(6))(2) contains two crystallographically independent molecules revealing octahedral low-spin and quasi-seven-coordinated high-spin structures. The unit cell of [Fe(b(bdpa))](PF(6))(2) contains two crystallographically independent molecules one of which corresponds to a low-spin structure, while the other reveals a disordering. On the basis of magnetic susceptibility and M?ssbauer measurements, it has been proposed that this disorder involves low-spin and high-spin six-coordinated molecules. The structures of [Zn(btpa)](PF(6))(2) and [Ru(btpa)](PF(6))(2) have been determined also. Pulsed laser photoperturbation, coupled here with time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy (TR(3)), has been used to investigate, for the first time by this technique, the relaxation dynamics in solution on nanosecond and picosecond time scales of low-spin, LS ((1)A) --> high-spin, HS ((5)T) electronic spin-state crossover in these Fe(II) complexes. For the nanosecond experiments, use of a probe wavelength at 321 nm, falling within the pi-pi transition of the polypyridyl backbone of the ligands, enabled the investigation of vibrational modes of both LS and HS isomers, through coupling to spin-state-dependent angle changes of the backbone. Supplementary investigations of the spin-crossover (SCO) equilibrium in homogeneous solution and in colloidal media assisted the assignment of prominent features in the Raman spectra of the LS and HS isomers. The relaxation data from the nanosecond studies confirm and extend earlier spectrophotometric findings, (Schenker, S.; Stein, P. C.; Wolny, J. A.; Brady, C.; McGarvey, J. J.; Toftlund, H.; Hauser, A. Inorg. Chem. 2001, 40, 134), pointing to biphasic spin-state relaxation in the case of [Fe(btpa)](PF(6))(2) but monophasic in the case of [Fe(b(bdpa))](PF(6))(2). The picosecond results suggest an early process complete in 20 ps or less, which is common to both complexes and possibly includes vibrational relaxation in the initially formed (5)T(2) state.     

Sub-picosecond time resolved infrared spectroscopy of high-spin state formation in Fe(ii) spin crossover complexes

The photoinduced low-spin (S = 0) to high-spin (S = 2) transition of the iron(ii) spin-crossover systems [Fe(btpa)](PF(6))(2) and [Fe(b(bdpa))](PF(6))(2) in solution have been studied for the first time by means of ultrafast transient infrared spectroscopy at room temperature. Negative and positive infrared difference bands between 1000 and 1065 cm(-1) that appear within the instrumental system response time of 350 fs after excitation at 387 nm display the formation of the vibrationally unrelaxed and hot high-spin (5)T(2) state. Vibrational relaxation is observed and characterized by the time constants 9.4 +/- 0.7 ps for [Fe(btpa)](PF(6))(2)/acetone and 12.7 +/- 0.7 ps for both [Fe(btpa)](PF(6))(2)/acetonitrile and [Fe(b(bdpa)](PF(6))(2)/acetonitrile. Vibrational analysis has been performed via DFT calculations of the low-spin and high-spin state normal modes of both compounds as well as their respective infrared absorption cross sections. The simulated infrared difference spectra are dominated by an increase of the absorption cross section upon high-spin state formation in accordance with the experimental infrared spectra.     

Photomagnetism of a sym-cis-dithiocyanato iron(II) complex with a tetradentate N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)1,2-ethanediamine ligand

A comprehensive study of the magnetic and photomagnetic behaviors of cis-[Fe(picen)(NCS)(2) ] (picen = N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)1,2-ethanediamine) was carried out. The spin-equilibration was extremely slow in the vicinity of the thermal spin-transition. When the cooling speed was slower than 0.1?K min(-1), this complex was characterized by an abrupt thermal spin-transition at about 70?K. Measurement of the kinetics in the range 60-70?K was performed to approach the quasi-static hysteresis loop. At low temperatures, the metastable HS state was quenched by a rapid freezing process and the critical T(TIESST) temperature, which was associated with the thermally induced excited spin-state-trapping (TIESST) effect, was measured. At 10?K, this complex also exhibited the well-known light-induced excited spin-state-trapping (LIESST) effect and the T(LIESST) temperature was determined. The kinetics of the metastable HS states, which were generated from the freezing effect and from the light-induced excitation, was studied. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction as a function of speed-cooling and light conditions at 30?K revealed the mechanism of the spin-crossover in this complex as well as some direct relationships between its structural properties and its spin state. This spin-crossover (SCO) material represents a fascinating example in which the metastability of the HS state is in close vicinity to the thermal spin-transition region. Moreover, it is a beautiful example of a complex in which the metastable HS states can be generated, and then compared, either by the freezing effect or by the LIESST effect.     

Tuning of the critical temperature in iron(II) spin-crossover materials based on bridging polycyanidometallates: pentacyanidonitrosylferrate(II) and hexacyanidoplatinate(IV)

The reactions of iron(II) sulfate, 4-amino-3,5-di-2-pyridyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (abpt), and pentacyanidonitrosylferrate(II) or hexacyanidoplatinate(IV) resulted in the formation of one-dimensional iron(II) spin-crossover compounds [Fe(abpt)(2)(μ-Fe(CN)(5)(NO))](n) (1) and [Fe(abpt)(2)(μ-Pt(CN)(6))](n) (2) with the spin-transition critical temperature near or above room temperature accompanied by thermochromism. Furthermore, it has been proven that the critical temperature T(c) is influenced by the type of dianionic polycyanidometallate within the series of discussed systems, and it changes in the sequence of [Fe(CN)(5)(NO)](2-) < [Pt(CN)(6))](2-) < [Ni(CN)(4))](2-) ≈ [Pd(CN)(4))](2-) ≈ [Pt(CN)(4))](2-).     

Synthesis, structures, and properties of ruthenium(II) complexes of N-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidenes

Mononuclear ruthenium complexes [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2a), [RuCl(L2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2b), [Ru(L1)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4a), [Ru(L2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4b), [Ru(L2)(2)](PF(6))(2) (5), [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (6), [RuCl(L1)(CO)(2)](PF(6)) (7), and [RuCl(L1)(CO)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (8), and a tetranuclear complex [Ru(2)Ag(2)Cl(2)(L1)(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](PF(6))(4) (3) containing 3-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)imidazolylidene (L1) and 3-butyl-1-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidene (L2) have been prepared and fully characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Both L1 and L2 act as pincer NNC donors coordinated to ruthenium (II) ion. In 3, the Ru(II) and Ag(I) ions are linked by two bridging Cl(-) through a rhomboid Ag(2)Cl(2) ring with two Ru(II) extending to above and down the plane. Complexes 2-8 show absorption maximum over the 354-428 nm blueshifted compared to Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) due to strong σ-donating and weak π-acceptor properties of NHC ligands. Electrochemical studies show Ru(II)/Ru(III) couples over 0.578-1.274 V.     

Towards catenanes using π-stacking interactions and their influence on the spin-state of a bis(2,2':6',2"terpyridine)iron(II) domain

The ligand 6,6"bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2"terpyridine (2) has been prepared and characterized; deprotection using pyridinium chloride leads to the formation of 6,6"bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2"terpyridinium chloride ([H3]Cl). Treatment of the latter with 3-(2-(2-bromoethoxy)ethoxy)prop-1-ene under basic conditions yields ligand 4 containing pendant, alkene-terminated chains. Whereas direct complexation of 4 with ruthenium(II) proved problematical, the homoleptic complexes [Fe(2)(2)][PF(6)](2) and [Ru(2)(2)][PF(6)](2) were prepared in good to moderate yields. In the solid state, both complexes exhibit multiple face-to-face π-stacking of arene and pyridine rings which influences the coordination geometry about the metal ion. Consequential weakening of the ligand field results in [Fe(2)(2)][PF(6)](2) being high-spin. Variable temperature solution (1)H NMR spectroscopic studies confirm the iron(ii) centre remains high-spin between 200 and 295 K. The paramagnetically shifted (1)H NMR spectrum exhibits signals in the range δ 109.7 to -66.5 ppm and has been fully assigned. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) has been used to correlate the observed proton line-widths to the distances of the protons from the metal centre and these are in good agreement with the Fe···H separations observed in the solid state. The [Fe(2)(2)](2+) ion undergoes two dynamic processes (i) rotation of the pendant phenyl rings which is fast on the NMR timescale at 200 K, and (ii) twisting and sliding of the aromatic rings of the tpy and anisyl units which interconverts the two enantiomers of [Fe(2)(2)](2+) at 295 K.     

Molecular and electronic structures of iron(II)/(III) complexes containing N,S-coordinated,closed-shell o-aminothiophenolato(1-) and o-iminothiophenolato(2-) ligands

The coordination chemistry of the ligands o-aminothiophenol, H(abt), 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2-aminothiophenol, H[L(AP)], and 1,2-ethanediamine-N,N'-bis(2-benzenethiol), H(4)('N(2)S(2')), with FeCl(2) under strictly anaerobic and increasingly aerobic conditions has been systematically investigated. Using strictly anaerobic conditions, the neutral, air-sensitive, yellow complexes (mu-S,S)[Fe(II)(abt)(2)](2) (1), (mu-S,S)[Fe(II)(L(AP))(2)](2).8CH(3)OH (2), and (mu-S,S)[Fe(II)('H(2)N(2)S(2'))](2).CH(3)CN (3) containing high spin ferrous ions have been isolated where (abt)(1-), (L(AP))(1-), and ('H(2)N(2)S(2'))(2-) represent the respective N,S-coordinated, aromatic o-aminothiophenolate derivative of these ligands. When the described reaction was carried out in the presence of trace amounts of O(2) and [PPh(4)]Br, light-green crystals of [PPh(4)][Fe(II)(abt)(2)(itbs)].[PPh(4)]Br (4) were isolated. The anion [Fe(II)(abt)(2)(itbs)](-) contains a high spin ferrous ion, two N,S-coordinated o-aminophenolate(1-) ligands, and an S-bound, monoanionic o-iminothionebenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radical, (itbs)(-). Complex 4 possesses an S(t) = 3/2 ground state. In the absence of [PPh(4)]Br and presence of a base NEt(3) and a little O(2), the ferric dimer (mu-NH,NH)[Fe(III)(L(AP))(L(IP))](2) (5a) and its isomer (mu-S,S)[Fe(III)(L(AP))(L(IP))](2) (5b) formed. (L(IP))(2-) represents the aromatic o-iminothiophenolate(2-) dianion of H[L(AP)]. The structures of compounds 2, 4, and 5a have been determined by X-ray crystallography at 100(2) K. Zero-field M?ssbauer spectroscopy of 1, 2, 3, and 4 unambiguously shows the presence of high spin ferrous ions: The isomer shift at 80 K is in the narrow range 0.85-0.92 mm s(-1), and a large quadrupole splitting, |DeltaE(Q)|, in the range 3.24-4.10 mm s(-1), is observed. In contrast, 5a and 5b comprise both intermediate spin ferric ions (S(Fe) = 3/2) which couple antiferromagnetically in the dinuclear molecules yielding an S(t) = 0 ground state.     

Remarkable steric effects and influence of monodentate axial ligands l on the spin-crossover properties of trans-[FeII(N4 ligand)L] complexes

Iron(II) complexes obtained from tetradentate, rigid, linear N4 ligands have been investigated to appraise the influence of steric effects and the impact of trans-coordinated anions on the spin-transition behavior. As expected, the well-designed ligands embrace the metal center, resulting in octahedral iron(II) complexes where the basal plane is fully occupied by the pyridine/pyrazole N4 ligand, while anions or solvent molecules are exclusively axially coordinated. Precursor complexes, namely, [Fe(bpzbpy)(MeOH)2](BF4)2 (where bpzbpy symbolizes the ligand 6,6'-bis(N-pyrazolylmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) and [Fe(mbpzbpy)(MeOH)2](BF4)2 (where mbpzbpy symbolizes the ligand 6,6'-bis(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine), have been used for the in situ preparation of a series of structural analogues via the exchange of the weakly coordinated trans methanol molecules by various anions, such as thiocyanate, selenocyanate, or dicyanamide. The magnetic properties of all seven iron(II) compounds thus obtained have been investigated. Two iron(II) complexes, i.e., [Fe(bpzbpy)(NCS)2] and [Fe(bpzbpy)(NCSe)2], exhibit gradual spin-crossover (SCO) properties typical of isolated mononuclear species with weak cooperative interaction. These two SCO materials have been studied by M?ssbauer spectroscopy, and the light-induced excited spin state trapping effect has been investigated, revealing the possibility to induce the spin-transition both by temperature variation and by light irradiation. A correlation between steric/anion effect and SCO behavior is suggested.     

Characterization of three members of the electron-transfer series [Fe(pda)2]n (n=2-, 1-, 0) by spectroscopy and density functional theoretical calculations [pda=redox non-innocent derivatives of N,N'-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-o-phenylenediamide(2-, 1.-, 0)

The four-coordinate iron complexes, [Fe(III)(pda(2-))(pda(.-))] (1) and [AsPh(4)](2)[Fe(II)(pda(2-))(2)] (2) were synthesized and fully characterized; pda(2-) is the closed-shell ligand N,N'-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-o-phenylenediamido(2-), and pda(.-) represents its one-electron-oxidized pi-radical anion. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1 and 2 performed at 100(2) K reveal a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment at the iron centers, as a result of the intramolecular pi-pi interactions between C(6)F(5) rings. The electronic structures of 1 and 2 were unambiguously determined by a combination of (57)Fe M?ssbauer and electronic spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, X-ray crystallography, and DFT calculations. Compound 1 contains an intermediate-spin Fe(III) ion (S(Fe)=3/2) strongly antiferromagnetically coupled to a pi-ligand radical (S(R)=1/2) yielding an S(t)=1 ground state. Complex 2 possesses a high-spin Fe(II) center (S(Fe)=2) with two closed-shell dianionic ligands. Complexes 1 and 2 are members of the redox series [Fe(pda)(2)](n) with n=0 for 1 and n=2- for 2. The anion n=1- has been reported previously in the coordination salt [Fe(dad)(3)][Fe(pda)(2)] (3; dad=N,N'-bis(phenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene). A complicated temperature-dependent electronic structure has been observed for this salt. Here, DFT calculations performed on 3 confirm the previous assignments of spin- and oxidation-states. Thus, [Fe(pda)(2)](n) (n=0, 1-, 2-) constitutes an electron-transfer series, which has also been established by cyclic voltammetry; the mono- and dications (n=1+ and 2+) are also accessible in solution, but have not been further investigated. The (57)Fe M?ssbauer spectra of [Fe(pda)(2)](n) species in 1 and 3 show extremely large quadrupole splitting constants due to addition of the valence and covalence contributions that have been confirmed by DFT calculations.     

N,N,N ',N '-Tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine and its analogues as hypodentate ligands. Synthesis and characterization of the rhodium(III), ruthenium(II), and palladium(II) complexes

New complexes of Rh(III), Ru(II), and Pd(II) with N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (tpen) and its analogues have been prepared. The reaction of RhCl(3).nH(2)O with tpen is slow and allows one to isolate the products of three consecutive substitution steps: Rh(2)Cl(6)(tpen) (1), cis-[RhCl(2)(eta(4)-tpen)](+) (2), and [RhCl(eta(5)-tpen)](2+) (3). In acetonitrile the reaction stops at the step of the formation of cis-[RhCl(2)(eta(4)-tpen)](+), whereas [RhCl(eta(5)-tpen)](2+) is the final product of the further reaction in ethanol. Fully chelated [Rh(tpen)](3+) could not be obtained. Bis(acetylacetonato)palladium(II), Pd(acac)(2), reacts with tpen and its analogues, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-propanediamine (tptn) and N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-(R)-1,2-propylenediamine (R-tppn), to give [Pd(eta(4)-tpen)](2+) (4), [Pd(eta(4)-tppn)](2+) (5), and [Pd(eta(4)-tptn)](2+) (6), respectively. Two pyridyl arms remain uncoordinated in these cases. The formation of unstable Pd(III) complexes from these Pd(II) complexes in solution was suggested on the basis of electrochemical measurements. Ruthenium(III) trichloride, RuCl(3).nH(2)O, is reduced to give a Ru(II) complex with fully coordinated tpen, [Ru(tpen)](2+) (7). The same product was obtained in a more straightforward reaction of Ru(II)Cl(2)(dimethyl sulfoxide)(4) with tpen. Electrochemical studies showed a quasi-reversible [Ru(tpen)](2+/3+) couple for [7](ClO(4))(2) (E(1/2) = 1.05 V vs Ag/AgCl). Crystal structures of [2](PF(6)).2CH(3)CN, [3](PF(6))(2).CH(3)CN, [6](ClO(4))(2), and [7](ClO(4))(2).0.5H(2)O were determined. Crystal data: [2](PF(6)).2CH(3)CN, monoclinic, C2, a = 16.974(4) A, b = 8.064(3) A, c = 13.247(3) A, beta = 106.37(2) degrees, V = 1739.9(8) A(3), Z = 2; [3](PF(6))(2).CH(3)CN, triclinic, P1, a = 11.430(1) A, b = 19.234(3) A, c = 8.101(1) A, alpha = 99.43(1) degrees, beta = 93.89(1) degrees, gamma = 80.10(1) degrees, V = 1729.3(4) A(3), Z = 2; [6](ClO(4))(2), orthorhombic, Pnna, a = 8.147(1) A, b = 25.57(1) A, c = 14.770(4) A, V = 3076(3) A(3), Z = 4; [7](ClO(4))(2).0.5H(2)O, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.046(7) A, b = 19.049(2) A, c = 15.696(3) A, beta = 101.46(3) degrees, V = 2943(2) A(3), Z = 4.     

Photomagnetic studies on spin-crossover solid solutions containing two different metal complexes, [Fe(1-bpp)(2)](x)[M(terpy)2](1-x)[BF4]2 (M = Ru or Co)

The photomagnetic properties of two series of spin-crossover solid solutions, [Fe(1-bpp)(2)](x)[Ru(terpy)(2)](1-x)(BF(4))(2) and [Fe(1-bpp)(2)](x)[Co(terpy)(2)](1-x)(BF(4))(2) (1-bpp = 2,6-bis[pyrazol-1-yl]pyridine), have been investigated. For all the materials, the evolution of the T(LIESST) value, the high-spin → low-spin relaxation parameters and the LITH loops were thoroughly studied. Interestingly in the Fe:Co series, along the photo-excitation, cobalt ions are concomitantly converted from low-spin to high-spin states with the iron centres, and also fully relax after light excitation.     

Molecular and electronic structures of iron complexes containing N,S-coordinated,open-shell o-iminothionebenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radicals

The reaction of the dinuclear species (mu-NH,NH)[Fe(III)(L(IP))(L(AP))](2) dissolved in CH(2)Cl(2) with dioxygen affords black microcrystals of diamagnetic (mu-S,S)[Fe(III)(L(IP))(L(ISQ))](2).n-hexane (6) upon the addition of n-hexane, where (L(IP))(2)(-) represents the dianion of 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2-aminothiophenol, (L(AP))(-) is the corresponding monoanion, and (L(ISQ))(-) is the corresponding o-iminothionebenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radical monoanion; similarly, the dianion ('H(2)N(2)S(2)')(2)(-) is derived from 1,2-ethanediamine-N,N'-bis(2-benzenethiol), and ('N(2)S(2)(*)')(3)(-) is its monoradical trianion. The above reaction in a CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH (1:1) mixture yields the diamagnetic isomer (mu-NH,NH)[Fe(III)(L(IP))(L(ISQ))](2).5CH(3)OH (7), whereas air oxidation of (mu-S,S)[Fe(II)('H(2)N(2)S(2)')](2) in CH(3)CN yields diamagnetic (mu-S,S)[Fe(III)('N(2)S(2)(*)')](2) (8). Complexes 6 and 8 were shown to undergo addition reactions with phosphines, phosphites, or cyanide affording the following complexes: trans-[Fe(II)(L(ISQ))(2)(P(OPh)(3))] (9; S(t) = 0) and [N(n-Bu)(4)][Fe(II)(L(ISQ))(2)(CN)] (S(t) = 0). Oxidation of 6 in CH(2)Cl(2) with iodine, bromine, and chlorine respectively yields black microcrystals of [Fe(III)(L(ISQ))(2)X] (X = I, Br, or Cl) with S(t) = (1)/(2). The structures of complexes 6-9 have been determined by X-ray crystallography at 100 K. The oxidation level of the ligands and iron ions in all complexes has been unequivocally established, as indicated by crystallography; electron paramagnetic resonance, UV-vis, and M?ssbauer spectroscopies; and magnetic-susceptibility measurements. The N,S-coordinated o-iminothionebenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radicals have been identified in all new complexes. The electronic structures of the new complexes have been determined, and it is shown that no evidence for iron oxidation states >III is found in this chemistry.     

Tuning and switching MLCT phosphorescence of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complexes with triarylboranes and anions

Four new Ru(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)(2)(4,4'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (1), [Ru(t-Bu-bpy)(2)(4,4'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (2), [Ru(bpy)(2)(5,5'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (3), and [Ru(t-Bu-bpy)(2)(5,5'-BP2bpy)][PF(6)](2) (4) have been synthesized (where 4,4'-BP2bpy = 4,4'-bis(BMes(2)phenyl)-2,2'-bpy; 5,5'-BP2bpy = 5,5'-bis(BMes(2)phenyl)-2,2'-bpy (4,4'-BP2bpy); and t-Bu-bpy = 4,4'-bis(t-butyl)-2,2'-bipyridine). These new complexes have been fully characterized. The crystal structures of 3 and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All four complexes display distinct metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) phosphorescence that has a similar quantum efficiency as that of [Ru(bpy)(3)][PF(6)](2) under air, but is at a much lower energy. The MLCT phosphorescence of these complexes has been found to be highly sensitive toward anions such as fluoride and cyanide, which switch the MLCT band to higher energy when added. The triarylboron groups in these compounds not only introduce this color switching mechanism, but also play a key role in the phosphorescence color of the complexes.     

Experimental fingerprints for redox-active terpyridine in [Cr(tpy)2](PF6)n (n = 3-0), and the remarkable electronic structure of [Cr(tpy)2]1-

The molecular and electronic structures of the four members, [Cr(tpy)(2)](PF(6))(n) (n = 3-0; complexes 1-4; tpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine), of the electron transfer series [Cr(tpy)(2)](n+) have been determined experimentally by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, by their electro- and magnetochemistry, and by the following spectroscopies: electronic absorption, X-ray absorption (XAS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The monoanion of this series, [Cr(tpy)(2)](1-), has been prepared in situ by reduction with KC(8) and its EPR spectrum recorded. The structures of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, where the latter two compounds are the Mo and W analogues of neutral 4, have been determined at 100(2) K. The optimized geometries of 1-6 have been obtained from density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP functional. The XAS and low-energy region of the electronic spectra have also been calculated using time-dependent (TD)-DFT. A consistent picture of the electronic structures of these octahedral complexes has been established. All one-electron transfer processes on going from 1 to 4 are ligand-based: 1 is [Cr(III)(tpy(0))(2)](PF(6))(3) (S = (3)/(2)), 2 is [Cr(III)(tpy(?))(tpy(0))](PF(6))(2) (S = 1), 3 is [Cr(III)(tpy(?))(2)](PF(6)) (S = (1)/(2)), and 4 is [Cr(III)(tpy(??))(tpy(?))](0) (S = 0), where (tpy(0)) is the neutral parent ligand, (tpy(?))(1-) represents its one-electron-reduced π radical monoanion, (tpy(2-))(2-) or (tpy(??))(2-) is the corresponding singlet or triplet dianion, and (tpy(3-))(3-) (S = (1)/(2)) is the trianion. The electronic structure of 2 cannot be described as [Cr(II)(tpy(0))(2)](PF(6))(2) (a low-spin Cr(II) (d(4); S = 1) complex). The geometrical features (C-C and C-N bond lengths) of these coordinated ligands have been elucidated computationally in the following hypothetical species: [Zn(II)Cl(2)(tpy(0))](0) (S = 0) (A), [Zn(II)(tpy(?))Cl(NH(3))](0) (S = (1)/(2)) (B), [Zn(II)(tpy(2-))(NH(3))(2)](0) (S = 0 or 1) (C), and [Al(III)(tpy(3-))(NH(3))(3)](0) (S = (1)/(2) and (3)/(2)) (D). The remarkable electronic structure of the monoanion has been calculated and experimentally verified by EPR spectroscopy to be [Cr(III)(tpy(2-))(tpy(??))](1-) (S = (1)/(2)), a complex in which the two dianionic tpy ligands differ only in the spin state. It has been clearly established that coordinated tpy ligands are redox-active and can exist in at least four oxidation levels.     

High spin d5 complexes of tris(6-hydroxymethyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (H3L): hepta-coordinated [Mn(H3L)]Cl2 and linear trinuclear [Fe3L2](ClO4)3

Reaction of MnCl(2).4H(2)O with H(3)L (H(3)L = tris(6-hydroxymethyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine) in methanol gives hepta-coordinated [Mn(H(3)L)]Cl(2) involving attachment of Mn(II) to all four nitrogens and three hydroxymethyl arms. Reaction of H(3)L with Fe(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O in CH(3)CN in the presence of NaO(2)CC(6)H(5) in an attempt to make [Fe(III)OH(H(3)L)(O(2)CC(6)H(5))](ClO(4)), a putative model for soybean lipoxygenase-1, instead gave rise to the linear triiron(III) complex [Fe(3)L(2)](ClO(4))(3) with all three hydroxymethyl arms deprotonated and forming three alkoxide bridges between each Fe(III) centre. The central Fe(III) is hexa-coordinated to only the alkoxide bridges and flanked by two hepta-coordinated iron(III) centres analogous to the Mn(ii) complex. [Fe(3)L(2)](ClO(4))(3) exhibits two reversible 1e(-) reductions to mixed-valence [Fe(3)L(2)](2+) and [Fe(3)L(2)](+) forms. Structure data and magnetochemistry on [Fe(3)L(2)](ClO(4))(3) reveals the tightest Fe-O-Fe angle (87.4 degrees ) and shortest Fe...Fe distance (2.834 A) yet found for any weakly antiferromagnetically-coupled high spin alkoxide-bridged di- or triiron(iii) system and challenges current theories involved in correlating the extent/nature of magnetic interactions in such systems based on Fe-O(bridge) distances and Fe-O-Fe angles. The central hexa-alkoxide coordinated Fe(III) is novel and shows a remarkable resistance towards reduction to Fe(II).     

New nickel(II) and iron(II) helicates and tetrahedra derived from expanded quaterpyridines

As an extension of prior studies involving the linear quaterpyridine ligand, 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2':5',5':2',2'-quaterpyridine 1, the synthesis of the related expanded quaterpyridine derivatives 2 and 3 incorporating dimethoxy-substituted 1,4-phenylene and tetramethoxy-substituted 4,4'-biphenylene bridges between pairs of 2,2'-bipyridyl groups has been carried out via double-Suzuki coupling reactions between 5-bromo-5'-methyl-2'-bipyridine and the appropriate di-pinacol-diboronic esters using microwave heating. Reaction of 2 and 3 with selected Fe(II) or Ni(II) salts yields a mixture of both [M(2)L(3)](4+) triple helicates and [M(4)L(6)](8+) tetrahedra, in particular cases the ratio of the products formed was shown to be dependent on the reaction conditions; the respective products are all sufficiently inert to allow their chromatographic separation and isolation. Longer reaction times and higher concentrations were found to favour tetrahedron formation. The X-ray structures of solvated [Ni(2)(2)(3)](PF(6))(4), [(PF(6)) ? Fe(4)(2)(6)](PF(6))(7), [Fe(4)(3)(6)](PF(6))(8) and [Ni(4)(3)(6)](PF(6))(8) have been determined, while the structure of the parent Fe(II) cage in the series, [(PF(6)) ? Fe(4)(1)(6)](PF(6))(7), was reported previously. The internal volumes of the Fe(II) tetrahedral cages have been calculated and increase from 102 ?(3) for [Fe(4)(1)(6)](8+) to 227 ?(3) for [Fe(4)(2)(6)](8+) to 417 ?(3) for [Fe(4)(3)(6)](8+) and to an impressive 839 ?(3) for [Ni(4)(3)(6)](8+). The corresponding void volume in the triple helicate [Ni(2)(2)(3)](4+) is 29 ?(3).     

Spectroelectrochemical studies on mixed-valence states in a cyanide-bridged molecular square, [Ru(II)(2)Fe(II)(2)(mu-CN)(4)(bpy)(8)](PF6)(4).CHCl(3).H(2)O

A cyanide-bridged molecular square of [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II) (2)(mu-CN)(4)(bpy)(8)](PF(6))(4).CHCl(3).H(2)O, abbreviated as [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II) (2)](PF(6))(4), has been synthesised and electrochemically generated mixed-valence states have been studied by spectroelectrochemical methods. The complex cation of [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II) (2)](4+) is nearly a square and is composed of alternate Ru(II) and Fe(II) ions bridged by four cyanide ions. The cyclic voltammogram (CV) of [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II) (2)](PF(6))(4) in acetonitrile showed four quasireversible waves at 0.69, 0.94, 1.42 and 1.70 V (vs. SSCE), which correspond to the four one-electron redox processes of [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II) (2)](4+) right arrow over left arrow [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II)Fe(III)] (5+) right arrow over left arrow [Ru(II) (2)Fe(III) (2)](6+) right arrow over left arrow [Ru(II)Ru(III)Fe(III) (2)](7+) right arrow over left arrow [Ru(III) (2)Fe(III) (2)](8+). Electrochemically generated [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II)Fe(III)](5+) and [Ru(II) (2)Fe(III) (2)](6+) showed new absorption bands at 2350 nm (epsilon =5500 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 1560 nm (epsilon =10 500 M(-1) cm(-1)), respectively, which were assigned to the intramolecular IT (intervalence transfer) bands from Fe(II) to Fe(III) and from Ru(II) to Fe(III) ions, respectively. The electronic interaction matrix elements (H(AB)) and the degrees of electronic delocalisation (alpha(2)) were estimated to be 1090 cm(-1) and 0.065 for the [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II)Fe(III) (2)](5+) state and 1990 cm(-1) and 0.065 for the [Ru(II) (2)Fe(III) (2)](6+) states.     

One- and two-step spin-crossover behavior of [Fe(II)(isoxazole)(6)](2+) and the structure and magnetic properties of triangular [Fe(III)(3)O(OAc)(6)(isoxazole)(3)][ClO(4)

The structure and spin-crossover magnetic behavior of [Fe(II)1(6)][BF(4)](2) (1 = isoxazole) and [Fe(II)1(6)][ClO(4)](2) have been studied. [Fe(II)1(6)][BF(4)](2) undergoes two reversible spin-crossover transitions at 91 and 192 K, and is the first two-step spin transition to undergo a simultaneous crystallographic phase transition, but does not exhibit thermal hysteresis. The single-crystal structure determinations at 260 [space group P3, a = 17.4387(4) A, c = 7.6847(2) A] and at 130 K [space group P1, a = 17.0901(2) A, b = 16.7481(2) A, c = 7.5413(1) A, alpha = 90.5309(6) degrees, beta = 91.5231(6) degrees, gamma = 117.8195(8) degrees ] reveal two different iron sites, Fe1 and Fe2, in a 1:2 ratio. The room-temperature magnetic moment of 5.0 mu(B) is consistent with high-spin Fe(II). A plateau in mu(T) having a moment of 3.3 mu(B) centered at 130 K suggests a mixed spin system of some high-spin and some low-spin Fe(II) molecules. On the basis of the Fe-N bond distances at the two temperatures, and the molar fraction of high-spin molecules at the transition plateau, Fe1 and Fe2 can be assigned to the 91 and 192 K transitions, respectively. [Fe(II)1(6)][ClO(4)](2) [space group P3, a = 17.5829(3) A, c = 7.8043(2) A, beta = 109.820 (3) degrees, T = 295 K] also possesses Fe1:Fe2 in a 1:2 ratio, and magnetic measurements show a single spin transition at 213 K, indicating that both Fe1 and Fe2 undergo a simultaneous spin transition. [Fe(II)1(6)][ClO(4)](2) slowly decomposes in solutions containing acetic anhydride to form [Fe(III)(3)O(OAc)(6)1(3)][ClO(4)] [space group I2, a = 10.1547(7) A, b = 16.5497(11) A, c = 10.3205(9) A, beta = 109.820 (3) degrees, T = 200 K]. The isosceles Fe(3) unit contains two Fe.Fe distances of 3.2844(1) A and a third Fe.Fe distance of 3.2857(1) A. The magnetic data can be fit to a trinuclear model with H = -2J(S(1)xS(2) + S(2)xS(3)) - 2J(13)(S(1)xS(3)), where J = -27.1 and J(13) = -32.5 cm(-1).     

Bis(alpha-diimine)nickel complexes: molecular and electronic structure of three members of the electron-transfer series [Ni(L)(2)](z)() (z = 0, 1+, 2+) (L = 2-Phenyl-1,4-bis(isopropyl)-1,4-diazabutadiene). A combined experimental and theoretical study

From the reaction of Ni(COD)(2) (COD = cyclooctadiene) in dry diethylether with 2 equiv of 2-phenyl-1,4-bis(isopropyl)-1,4-diazabutadiene (L(Ox))(0) under an Ar atmosphere, dark red, diamagnetic microcrystals of [Ni(II)(L*)(2)] (1) were obtained where (L*)(1-) represents the pi radical anion of neutral (L(Ox))(0) and (L(Red))(2-) is the closed shell, doubly reduced form of (L(Ox))(0). Oxidation of 1 with 1 equiv of ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate in CH(2)Cl(2) yields a paramagnetic (S = 1/2), dark violet precipitate of [Ni(I)(L(Ox))(2)](PF(6)) (2) which represents an oxidatively induced reduction of the central nickel ion. From the same reaction but with 2 equiv of [Fc](PF(6)) in CH(2)Cl(2), light green crystals of [Ni(II)(L(Ox))(2)(FPF(5))](PF(6)) (3) (S = 1) were obtained. If the same reaction was carried out in tetrahydrofuran, crystals of [Ni(II)(L(Ox))(2)(THF)(FPF(5))](PF(6)) x THF (4) (S = 1) were obtained. Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 were structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography: 1 and 2 contain a tetrahedral neutral complex and a tetrahedral monocation, respectively, whereas 3 contains the five-coordinate cation [Ni(II)(L(Ox))(2)(FPF(5))](+) with a weakly coordinated PF(6)(-) anion and in 4 the six-coordinate monocation [Ni(II)(L(Ox))(2)(THF)(FPF(5))](+) is present. The electro- and magnetochemistry of 1-4 has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and SQUID measurements. UV-vis and EPR spectroscopic data for all compounds are reported. The experimental results have been confirmed by broken symmetry DFT calculations of [Ni(II)(L*)(2)](0), [Ni(I)(L(Ox))(2)](+), and [Ni(II)(L(Ox))(2)](2+) in comparison with calculations of the corresponding Zn complexes: [Zn(II)((t)L(Ox))(2)](2+), [Zn(II)((t)L(Ox))((t)L*)](+), [Zn(II)((t)L*)(2)](0), and [Zn(II)((t)L*)((t)L(Red))](-) where ((t)L(Ox))(0) represents the neutral ligand 1,4-di-tert-butyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene and ((t)L*)(1-) and ((t)L(Red))(2-) are the corresponding one- and two-electron reduced forms. It is clearly established that the electronic structures of both paramagnetic monocations [Ni(I)(L(Ox))(2)](+) (S = 1/2) and [Zn(II)((t)L(Ox))((t)(L*)](+) (S = 1/2) are different.