Visualizing diastereomeric interactions of chiral amine-chiral copper salen adducts by EPR spectroscopy and DFT

Single enantiomers of R/S-methylbenzylamine (MBA) were found to selectively form adducts with two chiral Cu-salen complexes, [Cu(II)(1)] (H(2)1 = N,N'-bis(3,5-ditert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane) and [Cu(II)(2)] (H(2)2 = N,N'-bis-salicylidene-1,2-cyclohexanediamino). The axial g/A spin Hamiltonian parameters of the Cu-MBA adducts were typical of 5-coordinate species. Enantiomer discrimination in the MBA binding was directly evidenced by W-band CW EPR, revealing an 86 ± 5% preference for formation of the R,R-[Cu(1)] + S-MBA adducts compared to R,R-[Cu(1)] + R-MBA; this was reduced to a 57 ± 5% preference for R,R-[Cu(2)] + S-MBA following removal of the tert-butyl groups. The structure of these diastereomeric adducts was further probed by different hyperfine techniques (ENDOR and HYSCORE), although no structural differences were detected between these adducts using these techniques. The diastereomeric adducts were found to possess lower symmetry, as evidenced by rhombic g tensors and inequivalent H(imine) couplings. This was caused by the selective binding mode of MBA onto one side of the chiral Cu(II) complex. DFT calculations were performed on the R,R-[Cu(1)] + S-MBA and R,R-[Cu(1)] + R-MBA adducts. A distinct difference in orientation and binding mode of the MBA was identified in both adducts, confirming the experimental results. The preferred heterochiral R,R-[Cu(1)] + S-MBA adduct was found to be 5 kJ mol(-1) lower in energy compared to the homochiral adduct. A delicate balance of steric repulsion between the α-proton (attached to the asymmetric carbon atom) of MBA and the methine proton (attached to the asymmetric carbon atom) of [Cu(1)] was crucial in the stereoselective binding.     

Interactions of an asymmetric amine with a non-C2 symmetric Cu-salen complex: an EPR/ENDOR and HYSCORE investigation

Single enantiomers of R-/S-methylbenzylamine (MBA) were found to selectively form adducts with the chiral non-C(2) symmetric Cu-salen complex N-(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-N'-(salicylidene)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine copper(II), hereafter labelled [Cu(3)]. The g/A spin Hamiltonian parameters of this Cu(II) complex showed a decrease in symmetry from axial to rhombic upon formation of the [Cu(3)] + MBA adducts. The selectivity in enantiomeric discrimination was found to be only 59 ± 5% in favour of the heterochiral R,R'-[Cu(3)] + S-MBA and S,S'-[Cu(3)] + R-MBA adducts. This was directly evidenced by W-band EPR spectroscopy. The observed low selectivity for enantiomer discrimination is primarily attributed to the loss of the bulky tert-butyl groups from the 3,5 positions of [Cu(3)] compared to the parent N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine copper(II) ligand (labelled [Cu(1)]). The structure of the [Cu(3)] complex in the presence and absence of coordinating amine was further investigated by analysis of the ligand hyperfine interactions, as revealed through Q-band CW-ENDOR, X-band Davies ENDOR and HYSCORE. (1)H couplings from the -NH(2) group of the amine, observed by ENDOR and HYSCORE, provided direct evidence of amine coordination.     

Chiral recognition and conglomerate crystallization induced by self-organization of cobalt(III) complexes of a tripodal ligand containing three imidazole groups

The effect of a counteranion on chiral recognition inducing conglomerate crystallization of a cobalt(III) complex is reported. An achiral tripodal ligand involving three imidazole groups, tris{[2-{(imidazol-4-yl)methylidene}amino]ethyl}amine (H3L), was prepared by condensation of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine and 4-formylimidazole in a 1:3 mole ratio. The reaction of H3L and trans-[CoIIICl2(py)4]+ afforded the chiral (Delta or Lambda) [CoIII(H3L)]3+ complex. The formally hemideprotonated complexes [CoIII(H(1.5)L)]X(1.5).nH2O (where X = Cl, Br, I, BF4, ClO4, or PF6) were synthesized by controlled deprotonation of the uncoordinated imidazole NH groups of [Co(H3L)]3+. In crystals of the hemideprotonated complex, two components, [Co(H3L)]3+ and [Co(L)], with the same absolute configuration are linked by imidazole-imidazolate hydrogen bonds to form an extended homochiral 2D sheet structure, which is composed of a hexanuclear unit with a trigonal void. There are two ways of stacking the sheets: One is via homochiral stacking, and the other is via heterochiral stacking. When the size of the counterion is small (i.e., X = Cl, Br, I, or BF4), adjacent homochiral sheets with the same chirality are stacked to form a homochiral crystal (conglomerate). With large anions (i.e., ClO4- and PF6-), a homochiral sheet consisting of Delta enantiomers and a sheet consisting of Lambda enantiomers are stacked alternately to give a heterochiral crystal (a racemic crystal). Optically active Lambda-[Co(H(1.5)L)](ClO4)(1.5).H2O was synthesized from Lambda-[Co(H3L)]3+, and the crystal structure was compared to that of the racemic complex. There are two conflicting factors governing the crystal structure: the skeletal density; the size of the channels. The 2D sheets are more closely packed in the homochiral crystal than in the heterochiral crystal. However, the channels, where the counterions are accommodated, are smaller in the homochiral crystal, and the steric congestion between the anions increases with increasing anion size. The heterochiral crystal has a flexible, zigzag channel structure, and the size of the channels can increase to accommodate larger anions. Thus, complexes with large anions (i.e., ClO4- and PF6-) preferentially form heterochiral crystals rather than homochiral crystals.     

Chiral recognition between 1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethanol and 2-butanol: higher binding energy of homochiral complexes in the gas phase

Diastereomeric adducts between (S)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-ethanol and R and S 2-butanol, formed by supersonic expansion, have been investigated by means of a combination of mass selected resonant two-photon ionization-spectroscopy and infrared depletion spectroscopy. Chiral recognition is evidenced by the specific spectroscopic signatures of the S(1)← S(0) electronic transition as well as different frequencies and intensities of the OH stretch vibrational mode in the ground state. D-DFT calculations have been performed to assist in the analysis of the spectra and the determination of the structures. The homochiral and heterochiral complexes show slight structural differences, in particular in the interaction of the alkyl groups of 2-butanol with the aromatic ring. The experimental results show that the homochiral [FE(S)·B(S)] complex is more stable than the heterochiral [FE(S)·B(R)] diastereomer in both the ground and excited states. The binding energy difference has been evaluated to be greater than 0.60 kcal mol(-1).     

Sulfur-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complexes with mixed aliphatic and aromatic thiolate ligands: effect of nonbridging ligands on the homochiral linkage of cobalt(III) octahedrons by platinum(II)

The reaction of [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(pyt)](2)](2+) (aet = 2-aminoethanethiolate, pyt = 2-pyridinethiolate) with [PtCl(4)](2)(-) gave an S-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complex composed of two [Co(aet)(2)(pyt)] units, [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(pyt)](2)](2+) ([1](2+)). When a 1:1 mixture of [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(pyt)](2)](2+) and [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(en)](2)](4+) was reacted with [PtCl(4)](2)(-), a mixed-type S-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) complex composed of one [Co(aet)(2)(pyt)] and one [Co(aet)(2)(en)](+) units, [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)][Co(aet)(2)(pyt)]](3+) ([2](3+)), was produced, together with [1](2+) and [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)](2)](4+). The corresponding Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complexes containing pymt (2-pyrimidinethiolate), [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(pymt)](2)](2+) ([3](2+)) and [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)][Co(aet)(2)(pymt)]](3+) ([4](3+)), were also obtained by similar reactions, using [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(pymt)](2)](2+) instead of [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(pyt)](2)](2+). While [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)](2)](4+) formed both the deltalambda (meso) and deltadelta/lambdalambda (racemic) forms in a ratio of ca. 1:1, the preferential formation of the deltadelta/lambdalambda form was observed for [1](2+) (ca. deltalambda:deltadelta/lambdalambda = 1:3) and [2](3+) (ca. delta(en)lambda(pyt)/lambda(en)delta(pyt):deltadelta/lambdalambda = 1:2). Furthermore, [3](2+) and [4](3+) predominantly formed the deltadelta/lambdalambda form. These results indicate that the homochiral selectivity for the S-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complexes composed of two octahedral [Co(aet)(2)(L)](0 or +) units is enhanced in the order L = en < pyt < pymt. The isomers produced were separated and optically resolved, and the crystal structures of the meso-type deltalambda-[1]Cl(2).4H(2)O and the spontaneously resolved deltadelta-[4](ClO(4))(3).H(2)O were determined by X-ray analyses. In deltalambda-[1](2+), the delta and Lambda configurational mer(S).trans(N(aet))-[Co(aet)(2)(pyt)] units are linked by a square-planar Pt(II) ion through four aet S atoms to form a linear-type S-bridged trinuclear structure. In deltadelta-[4](3+), a similar linear-type trinuclear structure is constructed from the delta-mer(S).trans(N(aet))-[Co(aet)(2)(pymt)] and delta-C(2)-cis(S)-[Co(aet)(2)(en)](+) units that are bound by a Pt(II) ion with a slightly distorted square-planar geometry through four aet S atoms.     

Spontaneous resolution of a racemic nickel(II) complex and helicity induction via hydrogen bonding: the effect of chiral building blocks on the helicity of one-dimensional chains

The reactions of a racemic four-coordinated nickel(II) complex [Ni(alpha-rac-L)](ClO4)2 (containing equal amount of SS and RR enantiomers) with l- and d-phenylalanine in acetonitrile/water gave two less-soluble six-coordinated enantiomers of {[Ni( f-SS-L)(l-Phe)](ClO4)}n (Delta-1) and {[Ni(f- RR-L)(d-Phe)](ClO4)}n (Lambda-1), respectively. Evaporation the remaining solutions gave two six-coordinated diastereomers of {[Ni 3(f- RR-L)3(l-Phe)2(H 2O)](ClO4)4}n (a-2) and {[Ni3(f- SS-L)3(d-Phe)2(H2O)](ClO4)4}n (b-2), respectively (L = 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, Phe(-) = phenylalanine anion). The reaction of [Ni(alpha-rac-L)](ClO4)2 with dl-Phe(-) gave a conglomerate of c-1; in which, the SS and RR enantiomers preferentially coordinate to l- and d-Phe(-) respectively to give a racemic mixture of Delta-1 and Lambda-1, and the spontaneous resolution occurs during the reaction, in which each crystal crystallizes to become enantiopure. Removing Phe(-) from Delta-1 and Lambda-1 using perchloric acid gave two enantiomers of [Ni(alpha-SS-L)](ClO4)2 (S-3) and [Ni(alpha-RR-L)](ClO4)2 (R-3). Dissolving S-3 and R-3 in acetonitrile gave two six-coordinated enantiomers of [Ni( f-SS-L)(CH3CN)2](ClO4)2 (S-4) and [Ni( f- RR-L)(CH3CN)2](ClO4)2 (R-4), while dissolving [Ni(alpha-rac-L)](ClO4)2 in acetonitrile gave a racemic twining complex [Ni(f-rac-L)(CH3CN)2](ClO4)2 (rac-4). Delta-1 and Lambda-1 belong to supramolecular stereoisomers, which are constructed via hydrogen bond linking of [Ni( f-SS-L)(l-Phe)](+) and [Ni(f-RR-L)(d-Phe)](+) monomers to form 1D homochiral right-handed and left-handed helical chains, respectively. The reaction of S-3 with d-Phe(-) gave {[Ni(f-SS-L)(d-Phe)](ClO4)}n (5), which shows a motif of a 1D hydrogen bonded zigzag chain instead of a 1D helical chain. Compound a-2/ b-2 contains dimers of [{Ni(f-RR-L)}2(l-Phe)(H2O)](3+)/[{Ni( f- SS-L)}2(d-Phe)(H2O)](3+) and 1D zigzag chains of {[Ni(f-RR-L)(l-Phe)](+)}n /{[Ni(f-SS-L)(d-Phe)](+) n . The homochiral nature of Delta-1/Lambda-1, a-2/b-2, S-3/R-3, and S-4/R-4 are confirmed by the results of circular dichroism (CD) spectra measurements.     

Characterization of an O2 adduct of an active cobalt-substituted extradiol-cleaving catechol dioxygenase

The first example of an O(2) adduct of an active Co-substituted oxygenase has been observed in the extradiol ring cleavage of the electron-poor substrate 4-nitrocatechol (4NC) by Co(II)-homoprotocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (Co-HPCD). Upon O(2) binding to the high-spin Co(II) (S = (3)/(2)) enzyme-substrate complex, an S = (1)/(2) EPR signal exhibiting (59)Co hyperfine splitting (A = 24 G) typical of a low-spin Co(III)-superoxide complex was observed. Both the formation and decay of the new intermediate are very slow in comparison to the analogous steps for turnover of 4NC by native high-spin Fe(II)-HPCD, which is likely to remain high-spin upon O(2) binding. A similar but effectively stable S = (1)/(2) intermediate was formed by the inactive [H200N-Co-HPCD(4NC)] variant. The observations presented shed light on the key roles played by the substrate, the second-sphere His200 residue, and the spin state of the metal center in facilitating O(2) binding and activation.     

Observation of an Organic Acid Mediated Spin State Transition in a Co(II)-Schiff Base Complex: An EPR, HYSCORE, and DFT Study

The interactions of a weak organic acid (acetic acid, HOAc) with a toluene solution of the Co(II)-Schiff base type complex, (R,R')-N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexane-diamino Co(II) (labeled [Co(1)]), was investigated using EPR, HYSCORE, and DFT computations. This activated [Co(II)(1)] system is extremely important within the context of asymmetric catalysts (notably the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of epoxides) despite the lack of detailed structural information about the nature of the paramagnetic species present. Under anaerobic conditions, the LS [Co(II)(1)] complex with a |yz, (2)A(2)? ground state is converted into a low-spin (LS) and a high-spin (HS) complex in the presence of the acid. The newly formed LS state is assigned to the coordinated [Co(II)(1)]-(HOAc) complex, possessing a |z(2), (2)A(1)? ground state (species A; g(x) = 2.42, g(y) = 2.28, g(z) = 2.02, A(x) = 100, A(y) = 120, A(z) = 310 MHz). The newly formed HS state is assigned to an acetate coordinated [Co(II)(1)]-(OAc(-)) complex, possessing an S = (3)/(2) spin ground state (species B, responsible for a broad EPR signal with g ≈ 4.6). These spin ground states were confirmed with DFT calculations using the hybrid BP86 and B3LYP functionals. Under aerobic conditions, the LS and HS complexes (species A and B) are not observed; instead, a new HS complex (species C) is formed. This complex is tentatively assigned to a paramagnetic superoxo bridged dimer (AcO(-))[Co(II)(1)···O(2)(-)Co(III)(1)](HOAc), as distinct from the more common diamagnetic peroxo bridged dimers. Species C is characterized by a very broad HS EPR signal (g(x) = 5.1, g(y) = 3.9, g(z) = 2.1) and is reversibly formed by oxygenation of the LS [Co(II)(1)]-(HOAc) complex to the superoxo complex [Co(III)(1)O(2)(-)](HOAc), which subsequently forms the association complex C by interaction with the HS [Co(II)(1)](OAc(-)) species. The LS and HS complexes were also identified using other organic acids (benzoic and propanoic acid). Thermal annealing-quenching experiments revealed the additional presence of [Co(III)(1)O(2)(-)](HOAc) adducts, corroborating the presence of species C and the presence of diamagnetic dimer complexes in the solution, such as the EPR silent (HOAc)[Co(III)(1)(O(2)(2-))Co(III)(1)](HOAc). Overall, it appears that a facile interconversion of the [Co(1)] complex, possessing a LS ground state, occurs in the presence of acetic acid, producing both HS and LS Co(II) states, prior to formation of the oxidized active form of the catalyst, [Co(III)(1)](OAc(-)).     

Speciation of ternary cobalt(II) phenanthroline-silica surface complexes as a function of pH and ligand steric bulk

Co(II) solution species containing 1 equiv of phenanthroline (phen), 2-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline (MMP), or 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (DMP) ligand formed inner-sphere surface complexes when grafted on silica. The speciation on the silica surface depended on both the pH of the grafting solution and the steric bulk of the ligand. [Co(DMP)](2+) formed tetrahedral surface adducts exclusively, with a 1:1 ligand-Co ratio. These surface adducts were first detectable at pH values above 5.1. [Co(MMP)](2+) and [Co(phen)](2+) formed exclusively octahedral adducts on the surface with a 1:1 ligand-Co ratio at pH values below 5. The [Co(MMP)](2+) complex formed a tetrahedral adduct initially at pH 6 and increasingly as the pH was raised. The [Co(phen)](2+) complex did not produce a comparable tetrahedral surface species under any conditions. Instead, mixtures of octahedral surface species with both 1:1 and 2:1 ligand-Co ratios began to form at pH values above 6. Taken together, the results indicated that the development of tetrahedral stereochemistry was strongly influenced by steric factors in the presence of a nitrogen-donating ligand. All three phenanthroline derivatives promoted surface binding of the Co(II) ion adducts, so that maximal binding occurred at lower pH values than for binding of [Co(H(2)O)(6)](2+), which formed exclusively tetrahedral adducts.     

Synthesis, characterization, and stereochemistry of S-bridged Co(III)MCo(III)(M = Pd(II), Pt(II)) trinuclear complexes containing two non-bridging thiolato groups: building blocks for the construction of chiral heterometallic aggregates

The reaction of fac(S)-[Co(aet)(3)](aet = aminoethanethiolate) with [PdCl(4)](2-) in a 2:1 ratio in water gave an S-bridged Co(III)Pd(II)Co(III) trinuclear complex composed of two mer(S)-[Co(aet)(3)] units, [Pd[Co(aet)(3)](2)](2+)([1](2+)). In [1](2+), each of the two mer(S)-[Co(aet)(3)] units is bound to a square-planar Pd(II) ion through two of three thiolato groups, leaving two non-bridging thiolato groups at the terminal. Of two geometrical forms, syn and anti, possible for [Pd[Co(aet)(3)](2)](2+), which arise from the difference in arrangement of two terminal non-bridging thiolato groups, [1](2+) afforded only the syn form. A similar reaction of fac(S)-[Co(aet)(3)] with [PtCl(4)](2-) or trans-[PtCl(2)(NH(3))(2)] produced an analogous Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complex, [Pt[Co(aet)(3)](2)](2+)([2](2+)), but both the syn and anti forms were formed for [2](2+). Complexes [1](2+) and syn- and anti-[2](2+), which exclusively exist as a racemic(DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda) form, were successfully optically resolved with use of [Sb(2)(R,R-tartrato)(2)](2-) as the resolving agent. The reaction of syn-[2](2+) with [AuCl[S(CH(2)CH(2)OH)(2)]] led to the formation of an S-bridged Co(III)(4)Pt(II)(2)Au(I)(2) octanuclear metallacycle, [Au(2)[Pt[Co(aet)(3)](2)](2)](6+)([3](6+)), while the corresponding reaction of anti-[2](2+) afforded a different product ([[4](3+)](n)) that is assumed to have a polymeric structure in [[Au[Pt[Co(aet)(3)](2)]](3+)](n).     

Structural characterization of metallopeptides designed as scaffolds for the stabilization of nickel(II)-Fe(4)S(4) bridged assemblies by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

In earlier work, de novo designed peptides with a helix-loop-helix motif and 63 residues have been synthesized as potential scaffolds for stabilization of the [Ni(II)-X-Fe(4)S(4)] bridged assembly that is the spectroscopically deduced structure of the A-Cluster in clostridial carbon monoxide dehydrogenase. The 63mers contain a consensus tricysteinyl ferredoxin domain in the loop for binding an Fe(4)S(4) cluster and Cys and His residues proximate to the loop for binding Ni(II), with one Cys residue designed as the bridge X. The metallopeptides HC(4)H(2)-[Fe(4)S(4)]-Ni and HC(5)H-[Fe(4)S(4)]-M, containing three His and one Cys residue for Ni(II) coordination and two His and two Cys residues for binding M = Ni(II) and Co(II), have been examined by Fe-, Ni-, and Co-K edge spectroscopy and EXAFS. All peptides bind an [Fe(4)S(4)](2+) cubane-type cluster. Interpretation of the Ni and Co data is complicated by the presence of a minority population of six-coordinate species with low Z ligands, designated for simplicity as [M(OH(2))(6)](2+). Best fits of the data were obtained with ca. 20% [M(OH(2))(6)](2+) and ca. 80% M(II) with mixed N/S coordination. The collective XAS results for HC(4)H(2)-[Fe(4)S(4)]-Ni and HC(5)H-[Fe(4)S(4)]-M demonstrate the presence of an Fe(4)S(4) cluster and support the existence of the distorted square-planar coordination units [Ni(II)(S.Cys)(N.His)(3)] and [Ni(II)(S.Cys)(2)(N.His)(2)] in the HC(4)H(2) and HC(5)H metallopeptides, respectively. In the HC(5)H metallopeptide, tetrahedral [Co(II)(S.Cys)(2)(N.His)(2)] is present. We conclude that the designed scaffolded binding sites, including Ni-(mu(2)-S.Cys)-Fe bridges, have been achieved. This is the first XAS study of a de novo designed metallopeptide intended to stabilize a bridged biological assembly, and one of a few XAS analyses of metal derivatives of designed peptides. The scaffolding concept should be extendable to other bridged metal assemblies.     

Molecular and electronic structure of four- and five-coordinate cobalt complexes containing two o-phenylenediamine- or two o-aminophenol-type ligands at various oxidation levels: an experimental, density functional, and correlated ab initio study

The bidentate ligands N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine, H(2)((2)L(N)IP), or its analogue 2-(2-trifluoromethyl)anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, ((4)L(N)IP), react with [Co(II)(CH(3)CO(2))(2)]4H(2)O and triethylamine in acetonitrile in the presence of air yielding the square-planar, four-coordinate species [Co((2)L(N))(2)] (1) and [Co((4)L(O))(2)] (4) with an S=1/2 ground state. The corresponding nickel complexes [Ni((4)L(O))(2)] (8) and its cobaltocene reduced form [Co(III)(Cp)(2)][Ni((4)L(O))(2)] (9) have also been synthesized. The five-coordinate species [Co((2)L(N))(2)(tBu-py)] (2) (S=1/2) and its one-electron oxidized forms [Co((2)L(N))(2)(tBu-py)](O(2)CCH(3)) (2 a) or [Co((2)L(N))(2)I] (3) with diamagnetic ground states (S=0) have been prepared, as has the species [Co((4)L(O))(2)(CH(2)CN)] (7). The one-electron reduced form of 4, namely [Co(Cp)(2)][Co((4)L(O))(2)] (5) has been generated through the reduction of 4 with [Co(Cp)(2)]. Complexes 1, 2, 2 a, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography (100 K). The ligands are non-innocent and may exist as catecholate-like dianions ((2)L(N)IP)(2-), ((4)L(N)IP)(2-) or pi-radical semiquinonate monoanions ((2)L(N)ISQ)(*) (-), ((4)L(N)ISQ)(*) (-) or as neutral benzoquinones ((2) L(N)IBQ)(0), ((4) L(N)IBQ)(0); the spectroscopic oxidation states of the central metal ions vary accordingly. Electronic absorption, magnetic circular dichroism, and EPR spectroscopy, as well as variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements have been used to experimentally determine the electronic structures of these complexes. Density functional theoretical (DFT) and correlated ab initio calculation have been performed on the neutral and monoanionic species [Co((1)L(N))(2)](0,-) in order to understand the structural and spectroscopic properties of complexes. It is shown that the corresponding nickel complexes 8 and 9 contain a low-spin nickel(II) ion regardless of the oxidation level of the ligand, whereas for the corresponding cobalt complexes the situation is more complicated. Spectroscopic oxidation states describing a d(6) (Co(III)) or d(7) (Co(II)) electron configuration cannot be unambiguously assigned.     

Chiral monomeric and homochiral dimeric copper(II) complexes of a new chiral ligand, N-(1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethyl)pyridine-2-carboxamide: an example of molecular self-recognition

Reaction of Cu(ClO(4))(2) x 6H(2)O with a racemic mixture of the novel chiral ligand N-(1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethyl)pyridine-2-carboxamide (PEAH) affords only the homochiral dimeric copper(II) complexes [Cu(2)((R)()PEA)(2)](ClO(4))(2) and [Cu(2)((S)()PEA)(2)](ClO(4))(2) in a 1:1 ratio. The phenomenon of molecular self-recognition is also observed when a racemic mixture of the monomeric copper(II) complex [Cu((R(S))()PEA)(Cl)(H(2)O)] is converted into the homochiral dimeric species [Cu(2)((R(S))()PEA)(2)](ClO(4))(2) via reaction with Ag(+) ion. This is the first report of direct conversion of a racemic mixture of a chiral monomeric copper(II) complex to a mixture of the homochiral dimers.     

Synthesis, characterization, and chiral behavior of S-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complexes composed of bis(thiolato)-type octahedral units cis(S)-[Co(aet)(2)(en)](+) and/or trans(N)-[Co(D-pen- N,O,S)(2)](-) (aet = 2-aminoethanethiolate, D-pen = D-penicillaminate)

A series of linear-type Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complexes composed of C(2)-cis(S)-[Co(aet)(2)(en)](+) (aet = 2-aminoethanethiolate) and/or Lambda(D)-trans(N)-[Co(D-pen-N,O,S)(2)](-) (D-pen = D-penicillaminate) were newly prepared, and their chiral behavior, which is markedly different from that of the corresponding Co(III)Pd(II)Co(III) complexes, is reported. The 1:1 reaction of an S-bridged Co(III)Ni(II)Co(III) trinuclear complex, [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(en)](2)]Cl(4), with K(2)[PtCl(4)] in water gave an S-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complex, [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)](2)]Cl(4) ([1]Cl(4)), while the corresponding 1:2 reaction produced an S-bridged Co(III)Pt(II) dinuclear complex, [PtCl(2)[Co(aet)(2)(en)]]Cl ([2]Cl). Complex [1](4+) formed both racemic (DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda) and meso (DeltaLambda) forms, which were separated and optically resolved by cation-exchange column chromatography. An optically active S-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complex having the pseudo LambdaLambda configuration, Lambda(D)Lambda(D)-[Pt[Co(D-pen-N,O,S)(2)](2)](0) (Lambda(D)Lambda(D)-[3]), was also prepared by reacting Lambda(D)-trans(N)-K[Co(D-pen-N,O,S)(2)] with K(2)[PtCl(4)] in a ratio of 2:1 in water. Treatment of the racemic Delta/Lambda-[2]Cl with Lambda(D)-trans(N)-K[Co(D-pen-N,O,S)(2)] in a ratio of 1:1 in water led to the formation of LambdaLambda(D)- and DeltaLambda(D)-[Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)][Co(D-pen-N,O,S)(2)]](2+) (LambdaLambda(D)- and DeltaLambda(D)-[4](2+)) and DeltaDelta(D)-[Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)][Co(D-pen-N,S)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]](2+) (DeltaDelta(D)-[4'](2+)), besides trace amounts of Lambda(D)Lambda(D)-[3] and DeltaDelta- and DeltaLambda-[1](4+). These Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) complexes were characterized on the basis of electronic absorption, CD, and NMR spectra, along with single-crystal X-ray analyses for DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda-[1]Cl(4), DeltaLambda-[1]Cl(4), and DeltaLambda(D)-[4]Cl(2). Crystal data: DeltaDelta/LambdaLambda-[1]Cl(4).6H(2)O, monoclinic, space group C2/c with a = 14.983(3) A, b = 19.857(4) A, c = 12.949(3) A, beta = 113.51(2) degrees, V = 3532(1) A(3), Z = 4; DeltaLambda-[1]Cl(4).3H(2)O, orthorhombic, space group Pbca with a = 14.872(3) A, b = 14.533(3) A, c = 14.347(2) A, V = 3100(1) A(3), Z = 4; DeltaLambda(D)-[4]Cl(2).6H(2)O, monoclinic, space group P2(1) with a = 7.3836(2) A, b = 20.214(1) A, c = 10.622(2) A, beta = 91.45(1) degrees V = 1682.0(4) A(3), Z = 2.     

Shaping and enforcing coordination spheres: the implications of C3 and C1 chirality in the coordination chemistry of 1,1,1-tris(oxazolinyl)ethane ("trisox")

A key feature of tris(oxazolinyl)ethane ("trisox") ligands, which have shown broad scope in asymmetric catalysis, is the orientation and steric demand of their oxazoline substituents. This, along with the modularity of their synthesis determines their coordination chemistry. The possibility to combine oxazolines, in which the stereogenic centers adjacent to the N-donor atoms have different absolute configuration, whilst retaining their ability to coordinate as tripodal ligands, has been demonstrated by the synthesis of the enantiomerically pure C3-symmetric iPr-trisox(S,S,S) and C1-symmetric iPr-trisox(S,S,R) and their reaction with [Mo(CO)3(NCMe)3] yielding [Mo{iPr-trisox(S,S,S)}(CO)3] (1 a) and [Mo{iPr-trisox(S,S,R)}(CO)3] (1 b), respectively. The non-autocomplementarity of two homochiral trisox ligands at one metal center has been demonstrated by reaction of rac-C3 iPr-trisox with one equivalent of [Co(ClO4)2].6 H2O, giving the centrosymmetric heterochiral complex [Co(iPr-trisox)2](ClO4)2 (3), whereas an analogous reaction with the enantiopure ligand yielded a mixture of Co(II) complexes, which is characterized by the total absence of a [(trisox)2Co](+/2+) ion. The scope of the trisox ligand in terms of facial coordination to both early and late transition metals was demonstrated by the synthesis and structural characterization of the mononuclear complexes [ScCl3(iPr-trisox)] (4), [Fe(tBu-trisox)(NCMe)3](BF4)2 (5), and [Ru(eta6-p-cymene)(iPr-trisox)](PF6)2 (6). The facial coordination of their three ligating atoms to a metal center may be impeded if the transition-metal center stereoelectronically strongly favors a non-deltahedral coordination sphere, which is generally the case for the heavier d8-transition-metal atoms/ions. Reaction of iPr-trisox with [Rh(cod)2]BF4 led to the formation of the 16-electron d8-configured complex [Rh(iPr-trisox)(cod)](BF4) (7), which is oxidized by CsBr3 to give the Rh(III) complex [RhBr3(iPr-trisox)] (8) possessing a C3-symmetric structure with a kappa3-N-trisox ligand. The crystalline salts [M2(mu-Cl3)(iPr-trisox)2](PF6) (M=Fe(II): 9, Co(II): 10, Ni(II): 11), were prepared by addition of one molar equivalent of iPr-trisox and an excess of KPF6 to solutions of the anhydrous (FeCl2) or hydrated metal halides (CoCl2.6 H2O, NiCl2.6 H2O). All dinuclear complexes display weak magnetic coupling. For the mononuclear species [CuCl2(iPr-trisox)] (12) the removal of a chloride anion and thus the generation of a dinuclear chloro-bridged structure failed due to Jahn-Teller destabilization of a potential octahedral coordination sphere.     

Dinuclear complexes of chiral tetradentate pyridylimine ligands: diastereoselectivity, positive cooperativity, anion selectivity, ligand self-sorting based on chirality, and magnetism

The synthesis and coordination chemistry of two chiral tetradentate pyridylimine Schiff base ligands are reported. The ligands were prepared by the nucleophilic displacement of both bromides of 1,3-bis(bromomethyl)benzene (2) or 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluene (3) by the anion of (S)-valinol, followed by capping of both amine groups with pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde. Both ligands react with CoCl(2) and NiCl(2) to give [M(2)L(2)Cl(2)](2+) complexes. Remarkably, neither fluoride nor bromide ions can act as bridging ligands. The formation of [Co(2)((S)-3)(2)Cl(2)](2+) is highly diastereoselective, and X-ray crystallography shows that both metal centers in the [Co(2)((S)-3)(2)Cl(2)](CoCl(4)) complex adopt the lambda configuration (crystal data: [Co(2)(C(31)H(40)N(4)O(2))(2)Cl(2)](CoCl(4)).(CH(3)CN)(3), monoclinic, P2(1), a = 11.595(2) A, b = 22.246(4) A, c = 15.350(2) A, V = 3705(1) A(3), beta = 110.643(3) degrees, Z = 2). Structurally, the dinuclear complex can be viewed as a helicate with the helical axis running perpendicular to the [Co(2)Cl(2)] plane. The reaction of racemic 2 with CoCl(2) was shown by (1)H NMR spectroscopy to yield a racemic mixture of Lambda,Lambda-[Co(2)((S)-2)(2)Cl(2)](2+) and delta,delta-[Co(2)((R)-2)(2)Cl(2)](2+) complexes; that is, a homochiral recognition process takes place. Spectrophotometric titrations were performed by titrating (S)-3 with Co(ClO(4))(2) followed by Bu(4)NCl, and the global stability constants of [Co((S)-3)](2+) (log beta(110) = 5.7), [Co((S)-3)(2)](2+) (log beta(120) = 11.6), and [Co(2)((S)-3)(2)Cl(2)](2+) (log beta(110) = 23.8) were calculated. The results revealed a strong positive cooperativity in the formation of [Co(2)((S)-3)(2)Cl(2)](2+). Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility curves for [Co(2)((S)-2)(2)Cl(2)](BPh(4))(2) and [Co(2)((S)-3)(2)Cl(2)](BPh(4))(2) are very similar and indicate that there are no significant magnetic interactions between the cobalt(II) centers.     

Electrochemical behavior of nickeladithiolene S,S'-dialkyl adducts: evidence for the formation of a metalladithiolene radical by electrochemical redox reactions

The electrochemical behavior of nickeladithiolene S,S'-dialkyl adducts (alkyl = benzyl, methyl, tert-butyl) was investigated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), visible, near-IR, and ESR spectroscopies and bulk electrolyses. The redox potentials of the S,S'-dialkyl adducts were influenced by the electron-donating effect of the functional group on the sulfur atoms. The nickeladithiolene S,S'-dibenzyl adduct [Ni[S(SCH(2)Ph)C(2)Ph(2)](2)] (2) eliminated one benzyl radical by one-electron reduction, and then the monobenzyl adduct anion [Ni(S(2)C(2)Ph(2))[S(2)(CH(2)Ph)C(2)Ph(2)]](-) (3(-)) was formed. Anion 3(-) was also formed by the reaction of nickeladithiolene dianion [Ni(S(2)C(2)Ph(2))(2)](2)(-) (1(2-)) with 1 equiv of benzyl cation. When anion 3(-) was oxidized, the long-lived nickeladithiolene radical [Ni(S(2)C(2)Ph(2))[S(2)(CH(2)Ph)C(2)Ph(2)]] (3) was formed. The visible, near-IR, and ESR spectra of radical 3 could be measured and assigned. When radical 3 was further oxidized, the oxidant 3(+) eliminated one benzyl cation, and then free nickeladithiolene (1) was generated.     

The supramolecular isomerism based on argentophilic interactions: the construction of helical chains with defined right-handed and left-handed helicity

The reactions of racemic and enantiopure macrocyclic compounds [Ni(alpha-rac-L)](ClO(4))(2) (containing equal amounts of SS and RR enantiomers), [Ni(alpha-SS-L)](ClO(4))(2), and [Ni(alpha-RR-L)](ClO(4))(2) with K[Ag(CN)(2)] in acetonitrile/water afford three 1D helical chains of {[Ni(f-rac-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2)}(n) (1), {[Ni(f-SS-L)](2)[Ag(CN)(2)](4)}(n) (Delta-2), and {[Ni(f-RR-L)](2)[Ag(CN)(2)](4)}(n) (Lambda-2); one dimer of [Ni(f-rac-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) (3); and one trimer of [Ni(f-rac-L)Ag(CN)(2)](3).(ClO(4))(3) (4) (L = 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane). Compounds 1, Delta-2, Lambda-2, and 3, which are supramolecular isomers, are constructed via argentophilic interactions. In 1, [Ni(f-RR-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) enantiomers alternately connect with [Ni(f-SS-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) enantiomers through intermolecular argentophilic interactions to form a 1D meso-helical chain, and the 1D chains are further connected through the interchain hydrogen bonds to generate a 2D network. When chiral [Ni(alpha-SS-L)](ClO(4))(2) and [Ni(alpha-RR-L)](ClO(4))(2) were used as building blocks, two supramolecular stereoisomers of Delta-2 and Lambda-2 were obtained, which show the motif of homochiral right-handed and left-handed helical chains, respectively, and the 1D homochiral helical chains are linked by the interchain hydrogen bonds to form a 3D structure. In 3, a pair of enantiomers of [Ni(f-RR-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) and [Ni(f-SS-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) connect with each other through intermolecular argentophilic interactions to form a dimer. The reaction of [Ni(alpha-rac-L)](ClO(4))(2) with K[Ag(CN)(2)] in acetonitrile gives a trimer of 4; each trimer is chiral with unsymmetrical RR, RR, and SS, or RR, SS, and SS configurations. The homochiral nature of Delta-2 and Lambda-2 was confirmed by the results of solid circular dichroism spectra measurements. The solid samples of 1-4 show strong fluorescent emissions at room temperature.     

Homochiral column structure of rac- and lambda-tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) cyclotriphosphate dihydrate in crystal structures and cation-anion association in aqueous solution

rac- and Lambda-tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) cyclotriphosphate dihydrate with the chemical formulas rac-[Co(en)(3)]P(3)O(9).2H(2)O (1) and Lambda-[Co(en)(3)]P(3)O(9).2H(2)O (2) were synthesized, and their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. In 1, the cationic complex molecule [Co(en)(3)](3+) with the Delta or Lambda enantiomer and cyclotriphosphate anion are alternately arrayed and connected by multiple hydrogen bonds to form a homochiral column structure. Adjacent homochiral columns with different chirality for 1 are connected by intercolumn hydrogen bonds through P(3)O(9)(3)(-) anions, as the bridging groups, to form a tetrameric cyclic cylindrical structure, while the adjacent columns with the same chirality are connected for 2 to form the cyclic cylindrical structure. All 6 amino groups per [Co(en)(3)](3+) participate in the formation of 12 hydrogen bonds, in which 8 hydrogen bonds contribute to the construction of a homochiral column and the remaining 4 hydrogen bonds contribute to the intercolumn interactions. The circular dichroism spectrum of the aqueous solution of Lambda-[Co(en)(3)](3+) changes drastically when excess P(3)O(9)(3)(-) is added, and this change is explained by ion-pair formation. The thermodynamic association constant of [Co(en)(3)](3+) with P(3)O(9)(3)(-), calculated from the conductivity data, was log K = 4.26 at 25 degrees C.     

Dinuclear cyano-bridged CoIII-FeII complexes as precursors for molecular mixed-valence complexes of higher nuclearity

The preparation and characterization of a series of trinuclear mixed-valence cyano-bridged Co(III)-Fe(II)-Co(III) compounds derived from known dinuclear [[L(n)Co(III)(mu-NC)]Fe(II)(CN)(5)](-) complexes (L(n)() = N(5) or N(3)S(2) n-membered pendant amine macrocycle) are presented. All of the new trinuclear complexes were fully characterized spectroscopically (UV-vis, IR, and (13)C NMR). Complexes exhibiting a trans and cis arrangement of the Co-Fe-Co units around the [Fe(CN)(6)](4-) center are described (i.e., cis/trans-[{L(n)Co(III)(mu-NC)](2)Fe(II)(CN)(4)](2+)), and some of their structures are determined by X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical experiments revealed an expected anodic shift of the Fe(III/II) redox potential upon addition of a tripositively charged [Co(III)L(n)] moiety. The Co(III/II) redox potentials do not change greatly from the di- to the trinuclear complex, but rather behave in a fully independent and noncooperative way. In this respect, the energies and extinction coefficients of the MMCT bands agree with the formal existence of two mixed-valence Fe(II)-CN-Co(III) units per molecule. Solvatochromic experiments also indicated that the MMCT band of these compounds behaves as expected for a class II mixed-valence complex. Nevertheless, its extinction coefficient is dramatically increased upon increasing the solvent donor number.