Nickel pivalate complexes: structural variations and magnetic susceptibility and inelastic neutron scattering studies

The synthesis and structural characterisation of three small nickel(II) cages are reported, all stabilised by pivalate ligands. The magnetic properties of the cages have been studied by a combination of susceptibility measurements and inelastic neutron scattering. For a dinuclear cage, [Ni2(mu-OH2)(O2CCMe3)4(HO2CCMe3)4] 1 the ground state is S=2, with a ferromagnetic exchange interaction between the Ni(II) centres of J=0.32 meV and D(S=2)=-0.09 meV in the ground state. For a tetranuclear heterocubane cage, [Ni4(mu(3)-OMe)4(O2CCMe3)4(MeOH)4] 2, two ferromagnetic exchange interactions are found and an S=4 ground state observed. While the zero-field splitting of this state cannot be determined unambigiously the most likely value is DS=4=-0.035 meV. For a tetranuclear nickel butterfly, [Ni4(mu3-OH)2(O2CCMe3)6(EtOH)6] 3, three exchange interactions are required, two anti-ferromagnetic and one weakly ferromagnetic; the resulting ground state is S=0. The data enable us to estimate the zero-field splitting of single Ni(II) ions involved in the cage as Di=+1.0 meV. Both and are therefore expected to be new single molecule magnets.     

Recognition of topological isomerism: synthesis,structure, and magnetic properties of two pentanuclear high-spin molecules of the type [NiI(N-N)2]3[FeIII(CN)6]2

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of two pentanuclear cyanide-bridged compounds are reported. The trigonal bipyramidal molecule [[Ni(tmphen)(2)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2)].14H(2)O, (1).14H(2)O (tmphen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c (No. 14) with unit cell parameters a = 19.531(4) A, b = 24.895(5) A, c = 24.522(5) A, beta = 98.68(3) degrees, V = 11787(4) A(3), and Z = 4. The pi-pi interactions between the tmphen ligands provide the closest intermolecular contacts of 3.37 A leading to large intermolecular M...M distances (> 8.68 A). The dc magnetic susceptibility of 1 indicates a ferromagnetically coupled S = 4 ground state best fit to the parameters g = 2.23, J = +4.3 cm(-1), and D(Ni) = +8.8 cm(-1) for the Hamiltonian H = -2J [(S(Fe(1)) + S(Fe(2))).(S(Ni(1)) + S(Ni(2)) + S(Ni(3)))] + D[S(Ni(1))(z)(2) + S(Ni(2))(z)(2) + S(Ni(3))(z)(2)]. The extended square molecule [Ni(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)][[Ni(bpy)(2)](2)[Fe(CN)(6)](2)].12H(2)O, (2).12H(2)O (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) crystallizes in the space group P1 (No. 2) with unit cell parameters a = 13.264(3) A, b = 17.607(4) A, c = 18.057(4) A, alpha = 94.58(3) degrees, beta = 103.29(3) degrees, gamma = 95.18(3) degrees, V = 4065(2) A(3), and Z = 2. The pi-pi interactions of 3.29 A between the bpy ligands are the closest intermolecular contacts, and the intermolecular M...M separations are greater than 7.76 A. The dc magnetic susceptibility data for 2 are also in accord with an S = 4 ground state arising from intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling. The data were best fit to the parameters g = 2.25, J = J' = +3.3 cm(-1), and D(Ni) = +5.8 cm(-1) for the Hamiltonian H = -2J[(S(Fe(1)) + S(Fe(2))).(S(Ni(1)) + S(Ni(2)))] - 2J'[(S(Fe(2)).S(Ni(3)))] + D[S(Ni(1))(z)(2) + S(Ni(2))(z)(2) + S(Ni(3))(z)(2)]. No evidence for long-range magnetic ordering was observed for crystalline samples of 1 or 2.     

Two New Antiferromagnetic Nickel(II) Complexes Bridged by Azido Ligands in the Cis Position. Effect of the Counteranion on the Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties

Two new nickel(II) end-to-end azido-bridged compounds, cis-catena-[NiL(2)(&mgr;-N(3))](n)()(ClO(4))(n)().nH(2)O (1) and [Ni(2)L(4)(&mgr;-N(3))(2)](PF(6))(2) (2), were synthesized and characterized; L is 2-(aminoethyl)pyridine. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were solved. Complex 1: monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/a, a = 8.637(2) ?, b = 18.9995(7) ?, c = 12.3093(7) ?, beta = 105.92(2) degrees, Z = 4. Complex 2: triclinic system, space group P&onemacr;, a = 9.139(7) ?, b = 10.124(3) ?, c = 12.024(2) ?, alpha = 70.407(14) degrees, beta = 84.19(2) degrees, gamma = 67.67(4) degrees, Z = 1. In the two complexes the nickel atom is situated in a similarly distorted octahedral environment. The two complexes are different; 1 is a one-dimensional helicoidal complex with the two L ligands and the two end-to-end azido bridges in a cis arrangement while complex 2 is a dinuclear system with two end-to-end azido bridges, indicating the extreme importance of the counteranion present (ClO(4)(-) for 1 and PF(6)(-) for 2). The magnetic properties of the two compounds were studied by susceptibility measurements vs temperature. The chi(M) vs T plot for 1 shows the shape for a weakly antiferromagnetically coupled nickel(II) one-dimensional complex without a maximum until 4 K. In contrast, for complex 2 the shape of the chi(M) vs T curve shows a maximum near 40 K, indicating medium antiferromagnetic coupling. From the spin Hamiltonian -J(ij)()S(i)()S(j)(), J values for 1 and 2 were less than -1 and -29.1 cm(-)(1), respectively. The magnetic behavior for 1 and 2 may be explained in terms of the overlap between magnetic orbitals, taking into account the torsion of the Ni(II) atoms and azido-bridging ligands in the two structures.     

Syntheses, structures, and physical properties of nickel bis(dithiolene) complexes containing tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) units

To contribute to the development of single-component molecular metals, several nickel complexes with cyclohexeno-condensed or ethylenedioxy-substituted TTF (tetrathiafulvalene) dithiolate ligands, (R(4)N)(n)[Ni(chdt)(2)] [R = Me, n = 2 (1); R = (n)Bu, n = 1 (2); n = 0 (3)] and (R(4)N)(n)[Ni(eodt)(2)] [R = Me, n = 2 (4); R = (n)Bu, n = 1 (5); n = 0 (6)], were prepared. X-ray structures were determined on the monoanionic species 2 and 5. The tetra-n-butylammonium complex of the monoanionic [Ni(chdt)(2)] (2) with a 1:1 composition revealed that its magnetic susceptibility gave a good agreement with the Bonner-Fisher model (J/k(B) = -28 K), which was derived from the one-dimensional chains of anions with a regular interval. On the other hand, the magnetic susceptibility of the tetra-n-butylammonium complex of the monoanionic [Ni(eodt)(2)] (5) showed the Curie-Weiss behavior (C = 0.376 K.emu.mol(-1) and Theta = -4.6 K). Both of the monoanionic species 2 and 5 indicate that they belong to the S = 1/2 magnetic system and have relatively large and anisotropic g-values, suggesting the contribution of the nickel 3d orbital. Electrical resistivity measurements were performed on the compressed pellets of the neutral species 3 and 6. Fairly large conductivities were obtained (sigma(rt) = 1-10 S.cm(-1)). In addition, despite the measurements on the compressed pellets of powder samples, the neutral species 6 showed metallic behavior down to ca. 120 K and retained high conductivity even at 0.6 K [sigma(0.6 K)/sigma(rt) approximately 1/30], suggesting the crystal to be essentially metallic down to very low temperature. The electrical behavior and Pauli paramagnetism of 6 indicate the system to be a new single-component metal.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of the low-symmetry tetranuclear cubane-like nickel complex [Ni4(pypentO)(pym)(mu 3-OH)2(mu- Oac)2(NCS)2(OH2)

The tetranuclear [Ni4(pypentO)(pym)(mu 3-OH)2(mu-Oac)2(NCS)2(OH2)] cubane-like complex has been prepared, and its structure and magnetic properties have been studied (pypentO and pym are the deprotonated forms of 1,5-bis[(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]pentane-3-ol and 2-pyridylmethanol, respectively). The X-ray diffraction analysis of this novel nickel complex (C61H74N14O25.5S4Ni8, monoclinic, P2(1), a = 13.9375(14) A, b = 20.6604(18) A, c = 16.6684(19) A, beta = 110.619(12) degrees, Z = 2) showed a Ni4O4 cubane arrangement of four nickel atoms, four mu 3-O bridging ligands (one pypentO, one pym, and two OH-), two syn-syn bridging acetates, and three terminal monodentate ligands (two NCS- and one OH2). In this low-symmetry elongated cubane, the four Ni-Ni long distances (3.18 A) correspond to the faces of the cube including two mu 3-OR bridges, and the two Ni-Ni short distances (2.94 A) correspond to the faces including two mu 3-OR and one acetate bridges. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility was fitted with J1 = -3.09 cm-1, J2 = 15.0 cm-1, J3 = 6.72 cm-1, and g = 2.27. The differences in sign among the J1, J2, and J3 superexchange interactions is in good agreement with the different types of faces present in this Ni4O4 cubane core. The two faces of the cube, including two mu 3-OR bridges associated with one acetate bridge, exhibit ferromagnetic interactions, while the four faces which include only mu 3-OR bridges exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions. The very small zero field splitting may be attributed to the fact that the ground state is diamagnetic. The nature of the ground state is confirmed by the good simulation of the magnetization curves at 2 and 5 K (diagonalization of the full matrix taking into account all energy levels obtained with the parameter set resulting from the fit of the susceptibility curve). The large differences in J values resulting from small differences in Ni-O-Ni angles in this Ni4O4 core of very low symmetry reflect a quite strong magnetostructural correlation.     

Nickel(II) macrocyclic complexes with long alkyl pendant chain: synthesis,x-ray structure,and anion exchange property in the solid state

A nickel(II) pentaaza macrocyclic complex containing a 1-hexadecyl pendant chain, [Ni(C(25)H(55)N(5))](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (1), was synthesized by a one-pot metal-template condensation reaction. Crystal data for 1: triclinic, Ponemacr;, a = 8.333(4) A, b = 8.356(3) A, c = 28.374(9) A, alpha = 81.865(19) degrees, beta = 86.242(18) degrees, gamma = 63.871(17) degrees, Z = 2. Solid 1 forms hydrophobic layers that are constructed by the long alkyl chains of the macrocycles. Solid 1 exchanges ClO(4)(-) with NCS(-), PF(6)(-), C(2)O(4)(2-), NO(3)(-), and CF(3)SO(3)(-) that are dissolved in water. From the reaction of [Ni(C(25)H(55)N(5))Cl(2)] with Et(3)NH(TCNQ)(2) in EtOH/DMF/acetone solution, [Ni(C(25)H(55)N(5))(TCNQ)(2)](TCNQ).(CH(3)COCH(3)) (2) (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane) was prepared. Crystal data for 2: triclinic, Ponemacr;, a = 8.459(0) A, b = 13.945 (1) A, c = 26.833(2) A, alpha = 88.744(2) degrees, beta = 84.536(2) degrees, gamma = 80.089(4) degrees, Z = 2. In 2, TCNQ anions coordinate nickel(II) at the axial sites, which form pi-stacked TCNQ(-) dimers to give rise to 1-D chains. The neutral TCNQ molecules are included between the dimerized TCNQ(-) species, which construct a pi-stacked group of six TCNQ units as blocked by the long alkyl chains. Compound 2 is an electric insulator. It shows a weak signal in the EPR spectrum. The magnetic susceptibility data of 2 measured at 5-300 K exhibit a simple paramagnetism at low temperatures (<100 K) but an increase in the magnetic moment at higher temperatures due to the contribution of a thermally accessible triplet state for the antiferromagnetically coupled [TCNQ](2)(2-).     

Syntheses, properties and structures of copper and nickel complexes of 6,7-dihydro-5H-1,4-dithiepin-2,3-dithiolate

The reaction of CuCl2-2H2O or NiCl2.6H2O with K2(C5H6S4) [potassium salt of 6,7-dihydro-5H-1,4-dithiepin-2,3-dithiolate] under nitrogen atmosphere resulted in the isolation of [Cu(C5H6S4)2]- or [Ni(C5H6S4)2]- as the tetrabutylammonium salt. Both complexes show characteristic IR and UV-Vis absorptions of transition metal dithiolenes. Cyclic voltammograms contain two waves indicating a two step electrochemical procedure [M(C5H6S4)2]0 = [M(C5H6S4)2]1-= [M(C5H6S4)2]2-. Single crystal structure study has been carried out on the nickel complex. Crystal of [Bu4N][Ni(C5H6S4)2] belongs to monoclinic space group P21/c with a=17.576(5), 6=10.883(2), c=17.773(4) A,B=91.07(2)0, Z=4, and o(calcd.)=1.348 g/cm3. Final result is R=0.059 for 2959 reflections. The NiS4 core exhibits square planar coordination with average Ni-S bond length of 2.134(5) A. There are not anion pairs in crystal. The anions stack along a and c axes while the cations intercalate in them. The nearest S-S contact is 4.429 A. The solid powder ESR s     

Even-numbered metal chain complexes: synthesis, characterization, and DFT analysis of [Ni4(mu4-Tsdpda)4(H2O)2] (Tsdpda2- = N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)dipyridyldiamido), [Ni4(mu4-Tsdpda)4]+, and related Ni4 string complexes

The synthesis and the X-ray structure of two complexes exhibiting a linear chain of four nickel atoms is reported, following Ni4(mu4-phdpda)4 (1), which had been characterized previously. [Ni4(mu4-Tsdpda)4(H2O)2], where H2Tsdpda is N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)dipyridyldiamine (2), is axially coordinated to two water molecules, at variance with 1. One-electron oxidation of 2 resulted in the loss of the axial ligands, yielding [Ni4(mu4-Tsdpda)4]+, [3]+, which was also structurally characterized. Finally, we report the structure of Ni4(mu4-DAniDANy)4 (4), a complex synthesized starting from the new ligand N,N'-bis-p-anisyl-2,7-diamino-1,8-naphthyridine. Magnetic measurements concluded that 4 is diamagnetic, like 1, whereas 2 is antiferromagnetic (-2J(14) = 80 cm(-)(1), using the Heisenberg Hamiltonian H = -2J(14) S(1).S(4)), as are other axially coordinated chains with an odd number of nickel atoms. DFT calculations are reported on these complexes in order to rationalize their electronic structure and their magnetic behavior. The magnetic properties of the [Ni4]8+ complexes are governed by the electronic state of the Ni(II) atoms, which may be either low-spin (S = 0), or high-spin (S = 1). DFT calculations show that the promotion to high spin of two Ni atoms in the chain, either external or internal, depends on the interplay between axial and equatorial coordination. The synergy between axial coordination and the presence of electron-withdrawing toluenesulfonyl substituents in 2 favors the promotion to the high-spin state of the terminal Ni atoms, thus yielding an antiferromagnetic ground state for the complex. This is at variance with complexes 1 and 4, for which the lowest quintet state results from the promotion to high spin of the internal nickel atoms, together with an important ligand participation, and is destabilized by 9 to 16 kcal mol(-1) with respect to the diamagnetic ground state.     

High-spin molecules: synthesis,X-ray characterization,and magnetic behavior of two new cyano-bridged Ni(II)(9)Mo(V)(6) and Ni(II)(9)W(V)(6) clusters with a S = 12 ground state

The preparations, X-ray structures, and magnetic characterizations are presented for two new pentadecanuclear cluster compounds: [Ni(II)(Ni(II)(MeOH)(3))(8)(mu-CN)(30)(M(V)(CN)(3))(6)].xMeOH.yH(2)O (M(V) = Mo(V) (1) with x = 17, y = 1; M(V) = W(V) (2) with x = 15, y = 0). Both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with cell dimensions of a = 28.4957(18) A, b = 19.2583(10) A, c = 32.4279(17) A, beta = 113.155(6) degrees, and Z = 4 for 1 and a = 28.5278(16) A, b = 19.2008(18) A, c = 32.4072(17) A, beta = 113.727(6) degrees, and Z = 4 for 2. The structures of 1 and 2 consist of neutral cluster complexes comprising 15 metal ions, 9 Ni(II) and 6 M(V), all linked by mu-cyano ligands. Magnetic susceptibilities and magnetization measurements of compounds 1 and 2 in the crystalline and dissolved state indicate that these clusters have a S = 12 ground state, originating from intracluster ferromagnetic exchange interactions between the mu-cyano-bridged metal ions of the type Ni(II)-NC-M(V). Indeed, these data show clearly that the cluster molecules stay intact in solution. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that the cluster compounds exhibit magnetic susceptibility relaxation phenomena at low temperatures since, with nonzero dc fields, chi"(M) has a nonzero value that is frequency dependent. However, there appears no out-of-phase (chi"(M)) signal in zero dc field down to 1.8 K, which excludes the expected signature for a single molecule magnet. This finding is confirmed with the small uniaxial magnetic anisotropy value for D of 0.015 cm(-1), deduced from the high-field, high-frequency EPR measurement, which distinctly reveals a positive sign in D. Obviously, the overall magnetic anisotropy of the compounds is too low, and this may be a consequence of a small single ion magnetic anisotropy combined with the highly symmetric arrangement of the metal ions in the cluster molecule.     

Condensation of a nickel tetranuclear cubane into a heptanuclear single-molecule magnet

A tetranuclear complex, [Ni(4)], with a cubane-like structure synthesized from hexafluoroacetylacetone gives, after drying at high temperature and treatment with pyridine, a heptanuclear nickel(II) complex, [Ni(7)]. The crystal structures of both compounds have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their magnetic properties have been studied by SQUID and μ-SQUID magnetometry as well as by high-frequency EPR spectroscopy (HF-EPR). For [Ni(4)], the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility can be fitted by taking into account strong Ni···Ni ferromagnetic interactions which lead to an S = 4 ground-state spin, in good agreement with the HF-EPR study. For [Ni(7)], the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility shows that the Ni···Ni ferromagnetic interactions are kept within the metal core. However, it was not possible to fit this with a clear set of parameters, and the ground-state spin was undetermined. The field dependence of the magnetization indicates an S = 7 ground-state spin at high field. In contrast, the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility indicates a ground-state spin of S = 6 or even S = 5. These results agree with complicated high-frequency EPR spectra which have been ascribed to the superposition of signals from the ground spin multiplet and from an excited spin multiplet very close in energy, with the excited state having a larger S value than the ground state. Very low temperature studies show that only the heptanuclear complex behaves as a single-molecule magnet.     

Weak antiferromagnetic coupling for novel linear hexanuclear nickel(II) string complexes (Ni6 12+) and partial metal-metal bonds in their one-electron reduction products (Ni6 11+)

The preparation, crystal structures, magnetic properties and electrochemistry of novel linear hexanuclear nickel string complexes (Ni6(12+)) and their corresponding 1-e(-) reduction products (Ni6(11+)) are reported. In these complexes, the hexanickel chain is in a symmetrical arrangement (approximately D(4) symmetry) and is helically supported by four bpyany(2-) ligands [bpyany(2-) = the dianion of 2,7-bis(alpha-pyridylamino)-1,8-naphthyridine]. The Ni6(12+) complexes show that the two terminal nickel ions have high-spin states (S = 1) and the four inner ones have low-spin states (S = 0). The two terminal nickel ions exhibit weak antiferromagnetic coupling of ca.-5 cm(-1). All of Ni6(12+) complexes display three reversible redox couples at about -0.70, -0.20 and +1.10 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The first reduction wave at about -0.20 V suggests facility of 1-e(-) reduction for the Ni(6)(12+) compounds. The reaction of Ni(6)(12+) complexes with hydrazine afforded the 1-e(-) reduction products (Ni6(11+)). As far as we are aware, the shortest bond distance of 2.202 A with a partial metal-metal bond was observed in Ni6(11+) compounds. The magnetic results of these Ni6(11+) compounds are in agreement with a localized model, in which the two terminal nickel ions are in a spin state of S = 1 whereas the central Ni3-Ni4 pair in a spin state of S = 1/2. The N6(11+) compounds show relatively strong antiferromagnetic coupling of about 60 cm(-1) between the terminal and the central dinickel ions.     

A novel chainlike As-V-O polymer based on a transition metal complex and a dimeric polyoxoanion

The novel polyoxometalate ([As(8)V(13)NiClO(41)][Ni(en)(2)(H(2)O)][Ni(en)(2)])([Ni(en)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](0.5)).4H(2)O (1), which is the first example of a chainlike inorganic-organic hybrid polymer based on dimeric polyoxoanions linked by nickel complex fragments, has been synthesized in the system of As(2)O(3)-V(2)O(5)-H(2)C(2)O(4)-en-NiCl(2).6H(2)O-H(2)O under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by IR, TGA, elemental analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction, XPS, and magnetic susceptibility studies, respectively. This compound crystallized in the triclinic space group P with a = 13.358(3) angstroms, b = 14.198(3) angstroms, c = 19.723(4) angstroms, alpha = 83.88(3) degrees, beta = 86.04(3) degrees, gamma = 64.66(3) degrees, V = 3360.2(2) angstroms(3), and Z = 2. Interestingly, the dimeric polyoxoanion contains two ([Ni(en)(2)(H(2)O)][As(8)V(13)NiClO(41)]) cluster units linked by Ni-O-As bonds and is a Ni-substituted [As(8)V(13)NiClO(41)] cluster supported by [Ni(en)(2)(H(2)O)] coordination fragment. The chainlike structure consists of ([Ni(en)(2)(H(2)O)][As(8)V(13)NiClO(41)])(2) dimeric polyoxoanions and [Ni(en)(2)] groups which are linked together through vertexes forming a unique one-dimensional polymer. The study of the magnetic susceptibility of 1 demonstrates the presence of antiferromagnetic interaction in 1.     

Synthesis, magnetic properties, and STM spectroscopy of an unprecedented octanuclear chloro-bridged nickel(II) double cubane

Reaction of nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate with N-n-butyldiethanolamine H(2)L (3) in the presence of LiH in anhydrous THF leads to the formation of the unique octanuclear chloro-bridged nickel(II) double cubane [({Ni(II)(4)(μ(3)-OH)Cl(3)(HL)(3)}μ(2)-Cl)(2)] (4) in 57% yield. According to single crystal X-ray structure analysis, complex 4·4CH(2)Cl(2) possesses a [({Ni(4)(μ(3)-OH)(μ(3)-O)(3)(OH)(3)(N)(3)(Cl)(3)}μ(2)-Cl)(2)] core and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 18.292(2), b = 19.8972(5), c = 23.295(2) ?, β = 98.408(6)°, V = 8387.3(8) ?(3), and four molecules in the unit cell. The analysis of the SQUID magnetic susceptibility data identified 4 as a weakly coupled dimer (J(1) = 14.5 K, J(2) = -0.6 K) with a ground state of S = 0, resulting from two S = 4 states of each {Ni(4)} subunits. Although complex 4 does not show an ac out-of-phase signal in a zero dc field at temperatures of 1.8 K and higher, low-temperature magnetization measurements revealed that complex 4 is a single-molecule magnet and shows hysteretic magnetization characteristics with typical temperature and sweep-rate dependencies. The eye-catching feature of complex 4 is the presence of two different blocking temperatures (0.9 K around zero field and 1.3 K at higher fields). The origin of this highly unusual behavior can be assigned to the dimer-nature of the interaction between the two S = 4 units. Furthermore STM and current imaging tunnelling spectroscopy (CITS) were performed on aggregates of 4 drop-coated on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces. CITS measurements show a strong contrast in the area of the nickel centers and a HOMO-LUMO gap of approximately 0.8 V.     

Synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of heterodimetal bis(mu-hydroxo)chromium(III)nickel(II) complexes with Tpa derivatives having sterically bulky substituents

A series of heterodinuclear bis(mu-hydroxo)chromium(III)nickel(II) complexes was newly prepared: [(phen)(2)Cr(mu-OH)(2)Ni(tpa)](ClO(4))(3) x 0.5H(2)O (1), [(phen)(2)Cr(mu-OH)(2)Ni(Me-tpa)](ClO(4))(3) x 2H(2)O (2), [(phen)(2)Cr(mu-OH)(2)Ni(Me(2)-tpa)](ClO(4))(3) x 2H(2)O (3), and [(phen)(2)Cr(mu-OH)(2)Ni(Me(3)-tpa)](ClO(4))(3) x 3H(2)O (4), where phen is 1,10-phenanthroline and tpa, Me-tpa, Me(2)-tpa, and Me(3)-tpa are tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, [(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl]bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, bis[(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl](2-pyridylmethyl)amine, and tris[(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl]amine, respectively. X-ray crystallography revealed that the structures of 1-4 resemble one another having an edge-shared bioctahedral structure with a Cr(mu -OH)(2)Ni unit (crystal data: 1 x C(2)H(5)OH, triclinic, P1, a = 13.179(4) A, b = 13.685(4) A, c = 14.260(4) A, alpha = 84.95(2) degrees, beta = 77.65(1) degrees, gamma = 90.21(2) degrees, V = 2502(1) A(3), Z = 2, R = 0.103, R(w) = 0.097; 2 x C(2)H(5)OH, triclinic, P1, a = 13.214(2) A, b = 13.657(2) A, c = 14.417(3) A, alpha = 95.205(5) degrees, beta = 102.583(4) degrees, gamma =90.720(3) degrees, V = 2527.3(8) A(3), Z = 2, R = 0.090, R(w) = 0.122; 3 x C(2)H(5)OH, triclinic, P1, a = 13.276(2) A, b =13.696(2) A, c = 14.454(2) A, alpha = 95.640(3) degrees, beta = 102.821(4) degrees, gamma = 90.174(3) degrees, V = 2549.5(6) A(3), Z = 2, R= 0.087, R(w)= 0.119; 4, triclinic, P1, a = 10.8916(9) A, b = 14.268(2) A, c = 17.522(2) A, alpha = 84.498(9) degrees, beta = 74.313(7) degrees, gamma = 72.402(7) degrees, V = 2498.6(5) A(3), Z = 2, R = 0.060, R(w)= 0.088). Chromium and nickel ions are coordinated by two phen's and Me(n)-tpa, respectively, to complete a distorted octahedral coordination sphere. Introduction of the 6-methyl group(s) onto the pyridyl group(s) results in the elongation of the Ni-N bond distances due to an unfavorable steric interaction between the methyl group and the bridging hydroxide group: systematic elongation of the Ni-N bond distances and the Cr ...Ni separations accompanied by an increase in the Cr-O-Ni angles was observed as the number of the methyl groups increases. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1-4 (4.2-300 K) indicated that magnetic interactions between Cr(III) and Ni(II) ions are systematically modulated from a very weak antiferromagnetic interaction to a ferromagnetic interaction as the number of the methyl groups increases; the exchange integrals J's for 1-4 are estimated to be -1.4, +0.0, +4.1, and +7.4 cm(-1), respectively. The magneto-structural relationship is discussed in terms of the change in the magnetic orbital energies of nickel(II) centers arising from the change in the Ni-N bond distances.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of dithiooxamide-bridged nickel(II) complexes

Two novel nickel(II) dinuclear complexes [Ni2(cyclam)2- (DTA)](ClO4)2 (1) and [Ni2(TAA)2(DTA)] (ClO4)2 (2) (TAA=N(CH2CH2NH2)3 , cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, DTA=dithiooxamide) have been prepared and studied by elemental analyses, i.r. and electronic spectra and magnetic measurements. The magnetic susceptibility temperature dependence was measured over the 77–300K range and the observed data were successfully simulated by an equation based on the spin Hamiltonian operator (H=–2JS1S2) giving the exchange integral J=–23.09cm–1 for (1) and J= –26.0cm–1 for (2).     

New members in the Ni(n+1)(QO3)nX2 family: unusual 3D network based on Ni4ClO3 cubane-like clusters in Ni7(TeO3)6Cl2

Three new members in the family of nickel(II) tellurium(IV)/selenium(IV) oxyhalides generally formulated as Ni(n+1)(QO3)nX2 (Q = Te, X = Cl, n = 6, 10; Q = Se, X = Br, n = 4) have been synthesized by solid-state reactions of NiX2, QO2, and NiO (or Ni2O3) at high temperature. The structure of Ni7(TeO3)6Cl2 features a novel 3D network based on Ni4ClO3 cubane-like clusters with Te atoms located at the cavities of the network. Ni4ClO3 clusters are interconnected into a hexagonal layer through additional O...O edges. The neighboring two layers are further interconnected, via sharing of common Ni(II) atoms, into a novel 3D network. The 3D open framework of Ni5(SeO3)4Br2 is built from 2D nickel(II) oxybromide layers bridged by Se and additional Ni atoms. The structure of Ni11(TeO3)10Cl2 features a condensed 3D network based on NiO5Cl, NiO6, and NiO5 polyhedra interconnected via corner and edge sharing, as well as O-Te-O bridges. The results of magnetic property measurements indicate that all three compounds display antiferromagnetic interactions between nickel(II) centers.     

Transition metal bisdithiolene complexes based on extended ligands with fused tetrathiafulvalene and thiophene moieties: new single-component molecular metals

The gold and nickel bisdithiolene complexes based on new highly extended ligands incorporating fused tetrathiafulvalene and thiophene moieties (alpha-tdt=thiophenetetrathiafulvalenedithiolate and dtdt=dihydro- thiophenetetrathiafulvalenedithiolate), were prepared and characterised by using cyclic voltammetry, single crystal X-ray diffraction, EPR, magnetic susceptibility and electrical transport measurements. These complexes, initially obtained under anaerobic conditions as diamagnetic gold monoanic [nBu(4)N][Au(alpha-tdt)(2)] (4), [nBu(4)N][Au(dtdt)(2)] (3) and nickel dianionic species [(nBu(4)N)(2)][Ni(alpha-tdt)(2)] (8), [(nBu(4)N)(2)][Ni(dtdt)(2)] (7), can be easily oxidised to the stable neutral state just by air or iodine exposure. The monoanionic complexes crystallise in at least two polymorphs, all of which have good cation and anion segregation in alternated layers, the anion layers making a dense 2D network of short SS contacts. All of the neutral complexes, obtained as microcrystalline or quasi amorphous fine powder, present relatively large magnetic susceptibilities that correspond to effective magnetic moments in the range 1-3 mu(B) indicative of high spin states and very high electrical conductivity that in case of the Ni compound can reach sigma(RT) approximately 250 S cm(-1) with a clear metallic behaviour. These compounds are new examples of the still rare single-component molecular metals.     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of the face-centered cubic clusters [Tp(8)(H(2)O)(12)M(6)Fe(8)(CN)(24)](4+) (M = Co, Ni)

Reactions between K[TpFe(CN)3] (Tp- = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate) and M(ClO4)2 x 6H2O (M = Co or Ni) in a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol afford, upon crystallization via THF vapor diffusion, [Tp8(H2O)12Co6Fe8(CN)24](ClO4)4.12THF x 7H2O (1) and [Tp8(H2O)12Ni6Fe8(CN)24](ClO4)4.12THF x 7H2O (2). Both compounds contain cyano-bridged clusters with a face-centered cubic geometry, wherein octahedral CoII or NiII centers are situated at the face-centering sites. The results of variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the presence of ferromagnetic exchange coupling within both molecules to give ground states of S = 7 and 10, respectively. Low-temperature magnetization data reveal significant zero-field splitting, with the best fits for the Co6Fe8 and Ni6Fe8 clusters yielding D = -0.54 and 0.21 cm-1, respectively; ac magnetic susceptibility measurements performed on both samples showed no evidence of the slow relaxation effects associated with single-molecule magnet behavior.     

Acetate/di-2-pyridyl ketone oximate "blend" as a source of high-nuclearity nickel(II) clusters: dependence of the nuclearity on the nature of the inorganic anion present

The use of di-2-pyridyl ketone oxime [(py)2CNOH] in reactions with Ni(O2CMe)2.4H2O, in the presence or absence of extra inorganic anions (N3- and SCN-) has led to Ni4, Ni5, and Ni7 clusters; the magnetic study of the heptanuclear nickel(II) complex reveals an S = 3 ground state.     

Effect of hydrothermal treatment conditions on formation of nickel hydrogermanate with platy morphology

Study of the phase composition and morphology of products formed in a hydrothermal treatment of the Ni(OH)₂–GeO₂–H₂O system with Ni/Ge cation molar ratios of 1, 1.5, and 2 in water and in aqueous solutions of HCl and NaOH demonstrated that the hydrothermal treatment products are composed of particles with plate-like morphology and average plate thickness of 40 nm and width of 500 nm. In this case, the phase composition of the products depends both on the molar ratio between the Ni and Ge cations and on the composition of the hydrothermal medium. Single-phase samples with structure similar to that of lizardite were obtained by treatment of a mixture with Ni/Ge = 1 in an alkaline medium or in a mixture with Ni/Ge = 1.5, irrespective of the composition of the medium. With the excess of GeO₂, a talc-like phase is formed, whereas with the excess of Ni(OH)₂, the samples contain crystalline nickel hydroxide in addition to the lizardite-like phase. Possessing magnetic and semiconductor properties, the single-phase nanopowders obtained in the study are promising as functional nanodispersed fillers of composite materials.