Linear trichromium complexes with direct Cr to Cr contacts. 1. Compounds with Cr3(dipyridylamide)4(2+) cores

The preparation and structures of seven compounds that contain the Cr3(dpa)4(2+) core (dpa = the anion di(2-pyridyl)amide) are reported. The magnetic properties of several have been measured. In each case there are anionic ligands at each end of the Cr3(6+) chain, sometimes identical (2Cl-, 2CCPh-), sometimes different (Cl-, BF4-; Cl-, PF6-). Several of these compounds have a symmetrical arrangement of the three Cr atoms, with the two Cr-Cr distances equal at ca. 2.36 A, while others have an unsymmetrical arrangement. In the most extreme case the two Cr-Cr distances are 2.00 and 2.64 A. The electronic structures and the remarkable flexibility of the Cr3 arrangement are discussed.     

Linear trichromium complexes with the anion of 2,6-di(phenylimino)piperidine

The anion of 2,6-di(phenylimino)piperidine (DPhIP) has been found to support linear chains of three metal atoms. Three new compounds, [Cr3(DPhIP)4Cl]Cl.(1).5CH2Cl2.0.5H2O (1.1.5CH2Cl2.0.5H2O), [Cr3(DPhIP)4(CH3CN)]- (PF6)2.H2O.4CH3CN (2.H2O.4CH3CN), and [Cr3(DPhIP)4(F)(CH3CN)](BF4)2.5CH3CN (3.5CH3CN), have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 has a linear chain of three chromium atoms arranged in an unsymmetrical fashion, with two of them forming a quadruply bonded unit (Cr-Cr distance 1.932(2) A) and the third being a non-metal-metal-bound 5-coordinate unit (Cr...Cr distance 2.659(2) A). The fifth coordination site is occupied by a chloride ion, and another chloride ion is located in the interstices of the crystal. The trimetal unit in compound 2 is structurally similar to that in compound 1 except that the axial ligand in 2 is a CH3CN molecule. Compound 3 is an oxidation product prepared by reaction of 1 with AgBF4. Here, a square pyramidal CrIII unit, FCrN4, and a Cr-Cr quadruply bonded (Cr-Cr distance 1.968(2) A) unit, with an axially coordinated acetonitrile molecule, form the trichromium chain. The CrIII...CrII separation of 2.594(2) A in 3 is too long to be considered a bonding interaction.     

Oxidation of linear trinuclear ruthenium complexes [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)] and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)]: synthesis, structures, electrochemical and magnetic properties

The neutral, monocationic, and dicationic linear trinuclear ruthenium compounds [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)][BF(4)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)], and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)](2) (dpa=the anion of dipyridylamine) have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies on the neutral and oxidized compounds are reported. These compounds undergo three successive metal-centered one-electron-transfer processes. X-ray structural studies reveal a symmetrical Ru(3) unit for these compounds. While the metal--metal bond lengths change only slightly, the metal--axial ligand lengths exhibit a significant decrease upon oxidation of the neutral complex. The electronic configuration of the Ru(3) unit changes as the axial chloride ligands are replaced by the stronger "pi-acid" cyanide axial ligands. Magnetic measurements and (1)H NMR spectra indicate that [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)] and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)](2) are in a spin state of S=0 and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)], and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)][BF(4)] are in spin states of S=1/2, 1, and 3/2, respectively. These results are consistent with molecular orbital (MO) calculations.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and reactivity of osmium(II) and -(IV) complexes containing a dithioimidodiphosphinate ligand

Reduction of trans-[OsL2(O)2] (1) (L-=[N(i-Pr2PS)2]-) with hydrazine hydrate afforded a dinitrogen complex 2, possibly "[OsL2(N2)(solv)]" (solv=H2O or THF), which reacted with RCN, R'NC, and SO2 to give trans-[OsL2(RCN)2] (R=Ph (3), 4-tolyl (4), 4-t-BuC6H4 (5)), trans-[OsL2(R'NC)2] (R'=2,6-Me2C6H3 (xyl) (6), t-Bu (7)), and [Os(L)2(SO2)(H2O)] (8) complexes, respectively. Protonation of compounds 2, 3, and 6 with HBF4 led to formation of dicationic trans-[Os(LH)2(N2)(H2O)][BF4]2 (9), trans-[Os(LH)2(PhCN)2][BF4]2 (10), and trans-[Os(LH)2(xylNC)2][BF4]2 (11), respectively. Treatment of 1 with phenylhydrazine and SnCl2 afforded trans-[OsL2(N2Ph)2] (12) and trans-[OsL2Cl2] (13), respectively. Air oxidation of compound 2 in hexane/MeOH gave the dimethoxy complex trans-[OsL2(OMe)2] (14), which in CH2Cl2 solution was readily air oxidized to 1. Compound 1 is capable of catalyzing aerobic oxidation of PPh3, possibly via an Os(IV) intermediate. The formal potentials for the Os-L complexes have been determined by cyclic voltammetry. The solid-state structures of compounds 4, 6, cis-8, 13, and 14 have been established by X-ray crystallography.     

Cr(N)Cl4]2-: a simple nitrido complex synthesized by nitrogen-atom transfer

A new general route to nitrido complexes of Cr(V) based on nitrogen-atom transfer from Mn(N)(salen) to labile CrCl3(THF)3 is presented. By this approach, the simplest nitrido complex of a first row transition metal, [Cr(N)Cl4]2-, has been synthesized and isolated. [[N(CH3)4]2[Cr(N)Cl4].H2O crystallizes in the cubic space group Fm-3m with disordered anions. Cr-N is 1.555(19) A, Cr-Cl is 2.2912(16) A, and N-Cr-Cl is 101.24(4) degrees . The orbital splitting scheme of [Cr(N)Cl4]2- is extreme with the dx2-y2 orbital 10 000 cm-1 lower in energy than the degenerate {dzx, dyz} set of orbitals destabilized by pi-bonding with the nitrido ligand. Hydrolysis of [Cr(N)Cl4]2 preserves the {CrN}2+ moiety.     

Synthesis,characterization, and solution redox properties of (trimpsi)M(CO)(2)(NO) complexes [M = V,Nb, Ta; trimpsi = (t)BuSi(CH(2)PMe(2))(3)

Treatment of [Et(4)N][M(CO)(6)] (M = Nb, Ta) with I(2) in DME at -78 degrees C produces solutions of the bimetallic anions [M(2micro-I)(3)(CO)(8)](-). Addition of the tripodal phosphine (t)BuSi(CH(2)PMe(2))(3) (trimpsi) followed by refluxing affords (trimpsi)M(CO)(3)I [M = Nb (1), Ta (2)], which are isolable in good yields as air-stable, orange-red microcrystalline solids. Reduction of these complexes with 2 equiv of Na/Hg, followed by treatment with Diazald in THF, results in the formation of (trimpsi)M(CO)(2)(NO) [M = Nb (3), Ta (4)] in high isolated yields. The congeneric vanadium complex, (trimpsi)V(CO)(2)(NO) (5), can be prepared by reacting [Et(4)N][V(CO)(6)] with [NO][BF(4)] in CH(2)Cl(2) to form V(CO)(5)(NO). These solutions are treated with 1 equiv of trimpsi to obtain (eta(2)-trimpsi)V(CO)(3)(NO). Refluxing orange THF solutions of this material affords 5 in moderate yields. Reaction of (trimpsi)VCl(3)(THF) (6) with 4 equiv of sodium naphthalenide in THF in the presence of excess CO provides [Et(4)N][(trimpsi)V(CO)(3)] (7), (trimpsi)V(CO)(3)H, and [(trimpsi)V(micro-Cl)(3)V(trimpsi)][(eta(2)-trimpsi)V(CO)(4)].3THF ([8][9].3THF). All new complexes have been characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods, and the solid-state molecular structures of 2.(1)/(2)THF, 3-5, and [8][9].3THF have been established by X-ray diffraction analyses. The solution redox properties of 3-5 have also been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammograms of 3 and 4 both exhibit an irreversible oxidation feature in CH(2)Cl(2) (E(p,a) = -0.71 V at 0.5 V/s for 3, while E(p,a) = -0.55 V at 0.5 V/s for 4), while cyclic voltammograms of 5 in CH(2)Cl(2) show a reversible oxidation feature (E(1/2) = -0.74 V) followed by an irreversible feature (0.61 V at 0.5 V/s). The reversible feature corresponds to the formation of the 17e cation [(trimpsi)V(CO)(2)(NO)](+) ([5](+)()), and the irreversible feature likely involves the oxidation of [5](+)() to an unstable 16e dication. Treatment of 5 with [Cp(2)Fe][BF(4)] in CH(2)Cl(2) generates [5][BF(4)], which slowly decomposes once formed. Nevertheless, [5][BF(4)] has been characterized by IR and ESR spectroscopies.     

New and versatile routes to zirconium imido dichloride compounds

Reactions of zirconium dialkyl- or bis(amido)-dichloride complexes "[Zr(CH2SiMe3)2Cl2(Et2O)2]" or [Zr(NMe2)2Cl2(THF)2] with primary alkyl and aryl amines are described. Reaction of "[Zr(CH2SiMe3)2Cl2(Et2O)2]" with RNH2 in THF afforded dimeric [Zr2(mu-NR)2Cl4(THF)4](R=2,6-C6H3iPr2 (1), 2,6-C6H3Me2 (2) or Ph (3)), [Zr2(mu-NR)2Cl4(THF)3](R=tBu (5), iPr (6), CH2Ph (7)), or the "ate" complex [Zr2(mu-NC6F5)2Cl6(THF)2{Li(THF)3}2](4, the LiCl coming from the in situ prepared "[Zr(CH2SiMe3)2Cl2(Et2O)2]"). With [Zr(NMe2)2Cl2(THF)2] the compounds [Zr2(mu-NR)2Cl4(L)x(L')y](R=2,6-C6H3iPr2 (8), 2,6-C6H3Me2 (9), Ph (10) or C6F5 (11); (L)x(L')y=(NHMe2)3(THF), (NHMe2)2(THF)2 or undefined), [Zr2(mu-NtBu)2Cl4(NHMe2)3] (12) and insoluble [Zr(NR)Cl2(NHMe2)]x(R=iPr (13) or CH2Ph (14)) were obtained. Attempts to form monomeric terminal imido compounds by reaction of or with an excess of pyridine led, respectively, to the corresponding dimeric adducts [Zr2(mu-2,6-C6H3Me2)2Cl4(py)4] (15) and [Zr2(mu-NtBu)2Cl4(py)3] (16). The X-ray structures of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 15 have been determined.     

Metal aminocarboxylate coordination polymers with chain and layered structures

The synthesis and structures of metal aminocarboxylates prepared in acidic, neutral, or alkaline media have been explored with the purpose of isolating coordination polymers with linear chain and two-dimensional layered structures. Metal glycinates of the formulae [CoCl2(H2O)2(CO2CH2NH3)] (I), [MnCl2(CO2CH2NH3)2] (II), and [Cd3Cl6(CO2CH2NH3)4] (III) with one-dimensional chain structures have been obtained by the reaction of the metal salts with glycine in an acidic medium under hydro/solvothermal conditions. These chain compounds contain glycine in the zwitterionic form. 4-Aminobutyric acid transforms to a cyclic amide under such reaction conditions, and the amide forms a chain compound of the formula [CdBr2(C4H7NO)2] (IV). Glycine in the zwitterionic form also forms a two-dimensional layered compound of the formula [Mn(H2O)2(CO2CH2NH3)2]Br2 (V). 6-Aminocaproic acid under alkaline conditions forms layered compounds with metals at room temperature, the metal being coordinated both by the amino nitrogen and the carboxyl oxygen atoms. Of the two layered compounds [Cd{CO2(CH2)5NH2}2]2 H2O (VI) and [Cu{CO2(CH2)5NH2}2]2 H2O (VII), the latter has voids in which water molecules reside.     

Syntheses and reactivity studies of solvated dirhenium acetonitrile complexes

Fully and partially solvated triply-bonded [Re2]4+ complexes have been synthesized and their X-ray structures are described. A fully solvated dirhenium salt with BArf [tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate] as the counter anion [Re2(CH3CN)10][BArf]4 () has been characterized. The solubility of the complex in CH2Cl2 and THF in addition to CH3CN offers the possibility of improved reactivity. The structure of [Re2(micro-O)(CH3CN)10][BF4]4 () that possesses a linear [Re(III)-O-Re(III)]4+ unit is reported. Protonation reactions of cis-Re2Cl2(dppm)2(O2CCH3)2 and trans-Re2Cl4(dppm)2 with HBF4.Et2O in acetonitrile afforded cis and trans [Re2(dppm)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]4 ( and ), respectively. Prolonging the reaction time, however, does not lead to fully solvated complex [Re2(CH3CN)10][BF4]4. The neutral nitrogen donor ligands pynp (2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) and tznp (2-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) react readily with [Re2(CH3CN)10][BF4]4 to provide trans-[Re2(pynp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4 and trans-[Re2(tznp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4. The X-ray structures trans-[Re2(pynp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4 () and trans-[Re2(tznp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]3[PF6] () have been determined.     

Monomeric oxovanadium(IV) compounds of the general formula cis-[V(IV)(=O)(X)(L(NN))(2)](+/0) [X = OH(-), Cl(-), SO(4)(2)(-) and L(NN) = 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) or 4,4'-disubstituted bipy

Reaction of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)] in aqueous solution with 2 equiv of AgBF(4) or AgSbF(6) and then with 2 equiv of 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-dtbipy), or 4,4'-di-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-dmbipy) affords compounds of the general formula cis-[V(IV)O(OH)(L(NN))(2)]Y [where L(NN) = bipy, Y = BF(4)(-) (1), L(NN) = 4,4'-dtbipy, Y = BF(4)(-) (2.1.2H(2)O), L(NN) = 4,4'-dmbipy, Y = BF(4)(-) (3.2H(2)O), and L(NN) = 4,4'-dtbipy, Y = SbF(6)(-) (4)]. Sequential addition of 1 equiv of Ba(ClO(4))(2) and then of 2 equiv of bipy to an aqueous solution containing 1 equiv of V(IV)OSO(4).5H(2)O yields cis-[V(IV)O(OH)(bipy)(2)]ClO(4) (5). The monomeric compounds 1-5 contain the cis-[V(IV)O(OH)](+) structural unit. Reaction of 1 equiv of V(IV)OSO(4).5H(2)O in water and of 1 equiv of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)] in ethanol with 2 equiv of bipy gives the compounds cis-[V(IV)O(OSO(3))(bipy)(2)].CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O (6.CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O) and cis-[V(IV)OCl(bipy)(2)]Cl (7), respectively, while reaction of 1 equiv of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)] in CH(2)Cl(2) with 2 equiv of 4,4'-dtbipy gives the compound cis-[V(IV)OCl(4,4'-dtbipy)(2)]Cl.0.5CH(2)Cl(2) (8.0.5CH(2)Cl(2)). Compounds cis-[V(IV)O(BF(4))(4,4'-dtbipy)(2)]BF(4) (9), cis-[V(IV)O(BF(4))(4,4'-dmbipy)(2)]BF(4) (10), and cis-[V(IV)O(SbF(6))(4,4'-dtbipy)(2)]SbF(6) (11) were synthesized by sequential addition of 2 equiv of 4,4'-dtbipy or 4,4'-dmbipy and 2 equiv of AgBF(4) or AgSbF(6) to a dichloromethane solution containing 1 equiv of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)]. The crystal structures of 2.1.2H(2)O, 6.CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O, and 8.0.5CH(2)Cl(2) were demonstrated by X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystal data are as follows: Compound 2.1.2H(2)O crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with (at 298 K) a = 21.62(1) A, b = 13.33(1) A, c = 27.25(2) A, V = 7851(2) A(3), Z = 8. Compound 6.CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/a with (at 298 K) a = 12.581(4) A, b = 14.204(5) A, c = 14.613(6) A, beta = 114.88(1) degrees, V = 2369(1), Z = 4. Compound 8.0.5CH(2)Cl(2) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pca2(1) with (at 298 K) a = 23.072(2) A, b = 24.176(2) A, c = 13.676(1) A, V = 7628(2) A(3), Z = 8 with two crystallographically independent molecules per asymmetric unit. In addition to the synthesis and crystallographic studies, we report the optical, infrared, magnetic, conductivity, and CW EPR properties of these oxovanadium(IV) compounds as well as theoretical studies on [V(IV)O(bipy)(2)](2+) and [V(IV)OX(bipy)(2)](+/0) species (X = OH(-), SO(4)(2)(-), Cl(-)).     

Enhancing the stability of trinickel molecular wires and switches: Ni(3)(6+)/Ni(3)(7+)

This paper describes in detail four new compounds that contain extended metal atom chains (EMACs) of three nickel atoms wrapped by either di(2-pyridyl)amide (dpa) or the new homologous ligand with an ethyl group at the para position of each pyridyl group, depa, and compares them to the precursor Ni(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (1) and the oxidized and rather unstable Ni(3)(dpa)(4)(PF(6))(3) (2). The new molecules are Ni(3)(depa)(4)Cl(2) (3), Ni(3)(depa)(4)(PF(6))(3) (4), [Ni(3)(dpa)(4)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2) (5), and [Ni(3)(depa)(4)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2) (6). These compounds are fully described as to preparation, elemental composition, structure, infrared spectra, (1)H NMR spectra (where possible), electrochemistry, magnetic susceptibility, and an EPR spectrum for 4. The effects of (a) introducing the ethyl substituents on the ligands, (b) replacing axial anions by neutral axial ligands, and (c) oxidizing the Ni(3) chains are reported and discussed. The point of major interest is how oxidation profoundly alters the electronic structure of the EMAC.     

Synthesis and properties of Rh(I) and Ir(I) distibine complexes with organometallic co-ligands

The first series of Rh(I) distibine complexes with organometallic co-ligands is described, including the five-coordinate [Rh(cod)(distibine)Cl], the 16-electron planar cations [Rh(cod)(distibine)]BF4 and [Rh{Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}2]BF4 and the five-coordinate [Rh(CO)(distibine)2][Rh(CO)2Cl2] (distibine=R2Sb(CH2)3SbR2, R=Ph or Me, and o-C6H4(CH2SbMe2)2). The corresponding Ir(I) species [Ir(cod)(distibine)]BF4 and [Ir{Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}2]BF4 have also been prepared. The complexes have been characterised by 1H and 13C{1H} NMR and IR spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry and microanalysis. The crystal structure of the anion exchanged [Rh(CO){Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}2]PF(6).3/4CH2Cl2 is also described. The methyl-substituted distibine complexes are less stable than the complexes of Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2, with C-Sb fission occurring in some of the complexes of the former. The salts [Rh(CO){Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}2]PF6 and [Rh{Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}2]BF4 undergo oxidative addition with Br2 to give the known [RhBr2{Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}2]+, while using HCl gives the same hydride complex from both precursors, which is tentatively assigned as [RhHCl2{Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}]. An unexpected further Rh(III) product from this reaction, trans-[RhCl2{Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}{PhClSb(CH2)3SbClPh}]Cl, was identified by a crystal structure analysis and represents the first structurally characterised example of a chlorostibine coordinated to a metal. [Rh{Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}2]BF4 reacts with CO to give [Rh(CO){Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}2]BF4 initially, and upon further exposure this species undergoes further reversible carbonylation to give a cis-dicarbonyl species thought to be [Rh(CO)2{Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}{kappa1Sb-Ph2Sb(CH2)3SbPh2}]BF4 which converts back to the monocarbonyl complex when the CO atmosphere is replaced with N2.     

Synthesis of [(HIPTNCH2CH2)3N]Cr Compounds (HIPT = 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3) and an evaluation of chromium for the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia

Red-black [HIPTN3N]Cr (1) ([HIPTN3N]3- = [(HIPTNCH2CH2)3N]3- where HIPT = 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3 = HexaIsoPropylTerphenyl) can be prepared from CrCl3, while green-black [HIPTN3N]Cr(THF) (2) can be prepared from CrCl3(THF)3. Reduction of {1|2} (which means either 1 or 2) with potassium graphite in ether at room temperature yields [HIPTN3N]CrK (3) as a yellow-orange powder. There is no evidence that dinitrogen is incorporated into 1, 2, or 3. Compounds that can be prepared readily from {1|2} include red [HIPTN3N]CrCO (4), blood-red [HIPTN3N]CrNO (6), and purple [HIPTN3N]CrCl (7, upon oxidation of {1|2} with AgCl). The dichroic (purple/green) Cr(VI) nitride, [HIPTN3N]CrN (8) was prepared from Bu4NN3 and 7. X-ray studies have been carried out on 4, 6, and 7, and on two co-crystallized compounds, 7 and [HIPTN3N]CrN3 (65:35) and [HIPTN3N]CrN3 and 8 (50:50). Exposure of a degassed solution of {1|2} to an atmosphere of ammonia does not yield "Cr(NH3)" as a stable and well-behaved species analogous to Mo(NH3). An attempt to reduce dinitrogen under conditions described for the catalytic reduction of dinitrogen by [HIPTN3N]Mo compounds with 8 yielded a substoichiometric amount (0.8 equiv) of ammonia, which suggests that some ammonia is formed from the nitride but none is formed from dinitrogen.     

Oxidation of Ni3(dpa)4Cl2 and Cu3(dpa)4Cl2: nickel-nickel bonding interaction,but no copper-copper bonds

Of the known trinuclear dipyridylamido complexes of the first-row transition metals, M(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (dpa is the anion of di(2-pyridyl)amine, M = Cr, Co, Ni, Cu), the one-electron-oxidation products of only Cr(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2) and Co(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2) have been isolated previously. Here we report one-electron-oxidation products of Ni(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (1) and Cu(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (3): Ni(3)(dpa)(4)(PF(6))(3) (2) and [Cu(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)]SbCl(6) (4). While there are no Ni-Ni bonds in 1, the Ni-Ni distances in 2 are 0.15 A shorter than those in 1, very suggestive of metal-metal bonding interactions. In contrast, the oxidation of 3 to 4 is accompanied by a lengthening of the Cu-Cu distances, as expected for an increase in electrostatic charge between positively charged nonbonded metal ions, which is further evidence against Cu-Cu bonding in either 3 or 4. A qualitative model of the electronic structures of all [M(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)](n+) (n = 0, 1) compounds is presented and discussed.     

New linear tricobalt complex of di(2-pyridyl)amide (dpa), [Co3(dpa)4(CH3CN)2][PF6]2

Reaction of the linear tricobalt compound Co3(dpa)4Cl2 (1) (dpa = di(2-pyridyl)amide) with silver hexafluorophosphate in acetonitrile yields [Co3(dpa)4(CH3CN)2][PF6]2 (2). Two crystalline forms are obtained from the same solution, namely, a monoclinic (P2(1)) form 2xCH3CNx2Et2O and a triclinic (P1) form, 2x3CH3CN. The tricobalt units in both crystals are essentially symmetrical, though this is not required by crystal symmetry, with Co-Co distances in the range 2298-2304 A. Each of the two terminal Co atoms is coordinated to an acetonitrile molecule with Co-N distances in the range 2068-2111 A at 213 K. The spiral arrangement of ligands gives an overall idealized D4 point group symmetry for the cation [Co3(dpa)4(CH3CN)2]2+ . Chiral crystals of both delta and lambda configurations in the P2(1) form have been isolated. The absolute configurations were determined by X-ray crystallography and their mirror-image circular dichroism spectra measured. The D4 symmetry of the cation appears to be preserved in solution as judged by the presence of only five proton resonance signals in the 1H NMR spectrum. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the solid state indicates that 2 has a doublet ground state and exhibits an increase of the effective moment at high temperature (approximately 160 K) due to a spin crossover process.     

Design and crystal structures of triple helicates with crystallographic idealized D3 symmetry: the role of side chain effect on crystal packing

Novel crystallographic D3-symmetric binuclear triple molecular helices [Co2L(1)3][BF4]4 (1), [Zn2L(1)3][BF4]4 (2), [Mn2L(1)3][BF4]4 (3), [Co2L(2)3][BF4]4 (4), [Zn2L(2)3][BF4]4 (5), and [Mn2L(2)3][BF4]4 (6) have been achieved to establish the side chain effect on molecular packing, where L1 is [(C5H4N)C(CH3)=N-(C6H4)-]2CH2 and L2 is [(C5H4N)C(CH3)=N-(C6H4)-]2O, respectively. Crystal structure analyses show that each helix crystallizes in a hexagonal crystal system with space group Pc1 and the general axis of the helix occupies the crystallographic 3-fold axial position with the other three crystallographic 2-fold symmetries perpendicular to it. Each metal center is bound to three pyridylimine units to attain C3 pseudooctahedral coordination geometry with respective equivalent metal-N (CH=N) and metal-N (pyridyl) bonds. It is speculated that the existence of the methyl group might minimize the potential intermolecular interactions, which would be the essential factor controlling the helices formed in idealized crystallographic D3 symmetry. Moreover, crystallographic idealized C3-symmetric helicates [Co2L(3)3][BF4]4 (7), [Zn2L(3)3][BF4]4 (8), [Ni2L(3)3][BF4]4 (9), and [Cu2L(3)3][BF4]4 (10) were also structurally characterized for comparison, where L3 is [(C5H4N)C(CH3)=N-]2. All the results indicate that the existence of the methyl group in the side chain of aromatic ligands could effectively reduce the potential - intermolecular interactions and the side chain effect of the methyl group in crystal packing is robust enough to be exchanged from one network structure to another, which ensures the generality and predictability of the crystallographic idealized symmetry formation to a certain extent.     

Syntheses and characterization of oxygen/sulfur-bridged incomplete cubane-type clusters, [Mo3S4Tp3]+ and [Mo3OS3Tp3]+, and a mixed-metal cubane-type cluster, [Mo3FeS4ClTp3]. X-ray structures of [Mo3S4Tp3]Cl, [Mo3OS3Tp3]PF6, and [Mo3FeS4ClTp3

The reaction of [Mo3S4(H2O)9]4+ (1) with hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp) ligands produced [Mo3S4Tp3]Cl x 4 H2O ([3]Cl x 4 H2O) in an excellent yield. An X-ray structure analysis of [3]Cl x 4 H2O revealed that each molybdenum atom bonded to the Tp ligand. We report four salts of 3, [3]Cl x 4 H2O, [3]tof x 2 H2O, [3]PF6 x H2O, and [3]BF4 x 2 H2O in this paper. The solubility and stability of the chloride salt in organic solvents differ completely from those of the other salts. We have also prepared a new compound, [Mo3OS3Tp3]PF6 x H2O ([4]PF6 x H2O), via the reaction of [Mo3OS3(H2O)9]4+ (2) with KTp in the presence of NH4PF6. All the molybdenum atoms bonded to Tp ligand. 1H NMR signals corresponding to nine protons bonded to three pyrazole rings in one Tp were observed in a spectrum (at 253 K) of [3]BF4 x 2 H2O. It shows that cluster 3 has a 3-fold rotation axis in CD2Cl2 solution. Twenty-one 1H NMR signals corresponding to twenty-seven protons bonded to nine pyrazole rings in three Tp ligands were observed in a spectrum (at 233 K) of [4]PF6 x H2O; obviously, 4 has no 3-fold rotation axis, in contrast to 3. The short CH...mu3S distance caused large upfield chemical shifts in the 1H NMR spectra of 3 and 4. The reaction of 3 with metallic iron in CH2Cl2 produced [Mo3FeS4XTp3] (X = Cl (5), Br (6)). X-ray structure analysis of 5 has revealed the existence of a cubane-type core Mo3FeS4. Complex 3 functions as a metal-complex ligand for preparing a novel mixed-metal complex even in nonaqueous solvents. The cyclic voltammogram of 5 shows two reversible one-electron couples (E(1/2) = -1.40 and 0.52 V vs SCE) and two irreversible one-electron oxidation processes (E(pc) = 1.54 and 1.66 V vs SCE).     

Chiral cyanide-bridged Cr(III)-Mn(III) heterobimetallic chains based on [(Tp)Cr(CN)3]-: synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties

By the reactions of Mn(III) Schiff-base complexes with the tricyanometalate building block, [(Tp)Cr(CN)(3)](-) (Tp = Tris(pyrazolyl) hydroborate), two couples of enantiomerically pure chiral cyano-bridged heterobimetallic one-dimensional (1D) chain complexes, [Mn((R,R)-Salcy)Cr(Tp)(CN)(3)·1/4H(2)O·1/2CH(2)Cl(2)](n) (1) and [Mn((S,S)-Salcy)Cr(Tp)(CN)(3)·1/4H(2)O·1/2CH(2)Cl(2)](n) (2) (Salcy = N,N'-(1,2-cyclohexanediylethylene)bis(salicylideneiminato) dianion), [Mn((R,R)-Salphen)Cr(Tp)(CN)(3)](n) (3) and [Mn((S,S)-Salphen)Cr(Tp)(CN)(3)](n) (4) (Salphen = N,N'-1,2-diphenylethylene-bis(salicylideneiminato) dianion), have been successfully synthesized. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra confirm the enantiomeric nature of the optically active complexes. Structural analyses reveal the formation of neutral cyano-bridged zigzag single chains in 1 and 2, and neutral cyano-bridged zigzag double chains in 3 and 4. Magnetic studies show that antiferromagnetic couplings are operative between Cr(III) and Mn(III) centers bridged by cyanide. Complexes 1 and 2 are the rare examples of chiral ferrimagnets; while complexes 3 and 4 exhibit a coexistence of chirality and spin-glass behavior in a 1D chain.     

Chiral organometallic triangles with Rh-Rh bonds. 2. Compounds prepared from enantiopure cis-Rh2(C6H4PPh2)2(OAc)2(HOAc)2 and their catalytic potentials

Enantiomers of the orthometalated dirhodium compound cis-Rh2(C6H4PPh2)2(OAc)2(HOAc)2 (R-1 and S-1) were prepared from carboxylate exchange reactions of the resolved diasteroisomers of cis-Rh2(C6H4PPh2)2(protos)2(H2O)2 (protos = N-4-methylphenylsulfonyl-l-proline anion) and acetic acid. These compounds react with excess Me3OBF4 in CH3CN, producing the enantiomers of [cis-Rh2(C6H4PPh2)2(CH3CN)6](BF4)2 (R-2 and S-2) which have six labile and replaceable CH3CN ligands in equatorial and axial positions. Reactions of R-2 and S-2 with tetraethylammonium salts of the linear dicarboxylic acids, terephthalic acid (HO2CC6H4CO2H), oxalic acid (HO2CCO2H), and 4,4'-diphenyl-dicarboxylic acid (HO2CC6H4C6H4CO2H) afford the enantiopure triangular supramolecules [cis-Rh2(C6H4PPh2)2(O2CC6H4CO2)(py)2]3, RRR-3 and SSS-3, Rh6(cis-C6H4PPh2)6(O2CCO2)3(py)5(CH2Cl2), RRR-4 and SSS-4, and Rh6(cis-C6H4PPh2)6(O2CC6H4C6H4CO2)3(py)4(CH2Cl2)2, RRR-5 and SSS-5, respectively. The absolute structures of each of the enantiomers of 1, 3, 4, and 5 were determined by X-ray diffraction analyses. The enantiomers of 3, 4, and 5 were found to be enantiomorphically isostructural, whereas R-1 and S-1 crystallized in different space groups. In 4 and 5, CH2Cl2 molecules coordinate to rhodium atoms in the axial positions. The 1H and 31P[1H] NMR spectra of all compounds are reported. The triangular compounds are redox-active, and their electrochemistry is also discussed. An assay of the catalytic activity/selectivity performance of the triangles for typical metal carbene transformation, using the model intermolecular cyclopropanation of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate in both homogeneous and heterogeneous phases, show that these chiral triangles are very active and have remarkable selectivity when compared with simple Rh2 paddle-wheel catalysts with chiral amidate ligands.     

Structural and magnetic properties of iron(II) complexes with 1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene (HAT)

Reactions of Fe(II) salts with the ligand 1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene (HAT) led to the isolation and characterization of four new compounds: [Fe3(HAT)(H2O)12](SO4)3.3.3H2O (1), [Fe2(HAT)(SO4)(H2O)5](SO4).2H2O.CH3OH (2), [Fe2(HAT)(SO4)(H2O)5](SO4).3H2O (3), and [Fe3Cl5(HAT)(CH3OH)4(H2O)]Cl (4). Compound 1 crystallizes as a trinuclear cluster in which HAT acts as a tris-chelating ligand. Compounds 2 and 3 are two polymorphs of an infinite one-dimensional structure in which the Fe atoms are coordinated to HAT and then connected into the chain through bridging sulfate anions. Compound 4 exhibits a similar chain structure, but with bridging chloride ligands. The magnetic behavior of the new compounds is indicative of weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the Fe(II) centers through the HAT ligand.