Cluster oxalate complexes [M3(mu3-Q)(mu2-Q2)3(C2O4)3]2- and [Mo3(mu3-Q)(mu2-Q)3(C2O4)3(H2O)3]2- (M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se): mechanochemical synthesis and crystal structure

Mechanochemical reaction of cluster coordination polymers 1infinity[M3Q7Br4] (M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se) with solid K2C2O4 leads to cluster core excision with the formation of anionic complexes [M3Q7(C2O4)3]2-. Extraction of the reaction mixture with water followed by crystallization gives crystalline K2[M3Q7(C2O4)3].0.5KBr.nH2O (M = Mo, Q = S, n = 3 (1); M = Mo, Q = Se, n = 4 (2); M = W, Q = S, n = 5 (3)). Cs2[Mo3S7(C2O4)3].0.5CsCl.3.5H2O (4) and (Et4N)1.5H0.5K{[Mo3S7(C2O4)3]Br}.2H2O (5) were also prepared. Close Q...Br contacts result in the formation of ionic triples {[M3Q7(C2O4)3](2)Br}5- in 1-4 and the 1:1 adduct {[Mo3S7(C2O4)3]Br}3- in 5. Treatment of 1 or 2 with PPh(3) leads to chalcogen abstraction with the formation of [Mo3(mu3-Q)(mu2-Q)3(C2O4)3(H2O)3]2-, isolated as (Ph4P)2[Mo3(mu3-S)(mu2-S)3(C2O4)3(H2O)3].11H2O (6) and (Ph4P2[Mo3(mu3-Se)(mu2-Se)3(C2O4)3(H2O)3].8.5H2O.0.5C2H5OH (7). All compounds were characterized by X-ray structure analysis. IR, Raman, electronic, and 77Se NMR spectra are also reported. Thermal decomposition of 1-3 was studied by thermogravimetry.     

Polyoxoanions Derived from [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)](8-)-Containing Oxo-Centered Dinuclear Chromium(III) Carboxylato Complexes: Synthesis and Single-Crystal Structural Determination of [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)(OH)Cr(2)(OOCCH(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)](5-)

The previously unknown heteropolyoxometalates [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)(OH)Cr(2)(OOCR)(2)(OH(2))(2)](5-) (R = H, CH(3)) have been prepared by the reaction of [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)](8-) with [Cr(OH(2))(6)](3+) in formate or acetate buffer solution. Isolation of these new Cr(III)-substituted polyoxometalates was accomplished both as Cs(+) salts and as the Bu(4)N(+) salt for the acetate-containing anion. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, UV/vis, IR, and ESR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The single-crystal X-ray structural analysis of (Bu(4)N)(3)H(2)[gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)(OH)Cr(2)(OOCCH(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)].3H(2)O [P2(1)2(1)2(1); a = 17.608(12), b = 20.992(13), c = 24.464(11) ?; Z = 4; R = 0.057 for 6549 observed independent reflections] reveals that the two corner-linked CrO(6) octahedra are additionally bridged by two acetate groups, demonstrating the relationship to the well-studied oxo-centered trinuclear carboxylato complexes of Cr(III).     

Unsymmetrical linear pentanuclear nickel string complexes: [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(H(2)O)(BF(4))](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(SO(3)CF(3))(2)](SO(3)CF(3))

The one-electron oxidized linear pentanuclear nickel complexes [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(H(2)O)(BF(4))](BF(4))(2) (1) and [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(SO(3)CF(3))(2)](SO(3)CF(3)) (2) have been synthesized by reacting the neutral compound [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)Cl(2)] with the corresponding silver salts. These compounds have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 15.3022(1) A, b = 31.0705(3) A, c = 15.8109(2) A, beta = 92.2425(4) degrees, V = 7511.49(13) A(3), Z = 4, and compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 42.1894(7) A, b = 17.0770(3) A, c = 21.2117(4) A, beta = 102.5688(8) degrees, V = 14916.1(5) A(3), Z = 8. X-ray structural studies reveal an unsymmetrical Ni(5) unit for both compounds 1 and 2. Compounds 1 and 2 show stronger Ni-Ni interactions as compared to those of the neutral compounds.     

Preparation and characterization of the argentates: [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-) (M = Cr, W), and [Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)](-): X-ray crystal structure of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)

The first example of a mononuclear diphosphanidoargentate, bis[bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphanido]argentate, [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), is obtained via the reaction of HP(CF(3))(2) with [Ag(CN)(2)](-) and isolated as its [K(18-crown-6)] salt. When the cyclic phosphane (PCF(3))(4) is reacted with a slight excess of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)], selective insertion of one PCF(3) unit into each silver phosphorus bond is observed, which on the basis of NMR spectroscopic evidence suggests the [Ag[P(CF(3))P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-) ion. On treatment of the phosphane complexes [M(CO)(5)PH(CF(3))(2)] (M = Cr, W) with [K(18-crown-6)][Ag(CN)(2)], the analogous trinuclear argentates, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-), are formed. The chromium compound [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)] crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric space group Fdd2 (No. 43), a = 2970.2(6) pm, b = 1584.5(3) pm, c = 1787.0(4), V = 8.410(3) nm(3), Z = 8. The C(2) symmetric anion, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)](-), shows a nearly linear arrangement of the P-Ag-P unit. Although the bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphanido compound [Ag[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)](-) has not been obtained so far, the synthesis of its trinuclear counterpart, [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)], was successful.     

The selenite-capped polyoxo-4-aurate(iii), [Au(III)(4)O(4)(Se(IV)O(3))(4)](4-)

The discrete heteropolyaurate [Au(III)(4)O(4)(Se(IV)O(3))(4)](4-) () represents only the second member of this class ever reported, and was synthesized via one-pot room temperature condensation in aqueous medium. was structurally characterized in the solid state and in solution by single-crystal XRD, TGA, FT-IR, (77)Se NMR, mass spectrometry and electrochemistry.     

Bridging nitrate groups in [Mn(4)O(3)(NO(3))(O(2)CMe)(3)(R(2)dbm)(3)] (R = H, Et) and [Mn(4)O(2)(NO(3))(O(2)CEt)(6)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4)): acidolysis routes to tetranuclear manganese carboxylate complexes

New synthesis procedures are described to tetranuclear manganese carboxylate complexes containing the [Mn(4)O(2)](8+) or [Mn(4)O(3)X](6+) (X(-) = MeCO(2)(-), F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-)) core. These involve acidolysis reactions of [Mn(4)O(3)(O(2)CMe)(4)(dbm)(3)] (1; dbm is the anion of dibenzoylmethane) or [Mn(4)O(2)(O(2)CEt)(6)(dbm)(2)] (8) with HX (X(-) = F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-)); high-yield routes to 1 and 8 are also described. The X(-) = NO(3)(-) complexes [Mn(4)O(3)(NO(3))(O(2)CR)(3)(R'(2)dbm)(3)] (R = Me, R' = H (6); R = Me, R' = Et (7); R = Et, R' = H (12)) represent the first synthesis of the [Mn(4)O(3)(NO(3))](6+) core, which contains an unusual eta(1):mu(3)-NO(3)(-) group. Treatment of known [Mn(4)O(2)(O(2)CEt)(7)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4)) with HNO(3) gives [Mn(4)O(2)(NO(3))(O(2)CEt)(6)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4)) (15) containing a eta(1):eta(1):mu-NO(3)(-) group bridging the two body Mn(III) ions of the [Mn(4)O(2)](8+) butterfly core. Complex 7 x 4CH(2)Cl(2) crystallizes in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with (at -168 degrees C) a = 21.110(3) A, b = 22.183(3) A, c = 15.958(2) A, Z = 4, and V = 7472.4(3) A(3). Complex 15 x (3)/(2)CH(2)Cl(2) crystallizes in space group P2(1)/c with (at -165 degrees C) a = 26.025(4) A, b = 13.488(2) A, c = 32.102(6) A, beta = 97.27(1) degrees, Z = 8, and V = 11178(5) A(3). Complex 7 contains a [Mn(4)(mu(3)-O)(3)(mu(3)-NO(3))](6+) core (3Mn(III), Mn(IV)) as seen for previous [Mn(4)O(3)X](6+) complexes. Complex 15 contains a butterfly [Mn(4)(mu(3)-O)(2)](8+) core. (1)H NMR spectra have been recorded for all complexes reported in this work and the various resonances assigned. All complexes retain their structural integrity on dissolution in chloroform and dichloromethane. Magnetic susceptibility (chi(M)) data were collected on 12 in the 5-300 K range in a 10.0 kG (1 T) field. Fitting of the data to the theoretical chi(M) vs T expression appropriate for a [Mn(4)O(3)X](6+) complex of C(3)(v)() symmetry gave J(34) = -23.9 cm(-)(1), J(33) = 4.9 cm(-)(1), and g = 1.98, where J(34) and J(33) refer to the Mn(III)Mn(IV) and Mn(III)Mn(III) pairwise exchange interactions, respectively. The ground state of the molecule is S = 9/2, as found previously for other [Mn(4)O(3)X](6+) complexes. This was confirmed by magnetization data collected at various fields and temperatures. Fitting of the data gave S = 9/2, D = -0.45 cm(-1), and g = 1.96, where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter.     

Two sandwich arsenomolybdates based on the new building block As(iii)Mo(7)O(27)(9-): [Cr(2)(AsMo(7)O(27))(2)](12-) and [Cu(2)(AsMo(7)O(27))(2)](14-)

The polyanions [Cr(2)(AsMo(7)O(27))(2)](12-) () or [Cu(2)(AsMo(7)O(27))(2)](14-) () have sandwich-like structures wrapping two transition metals between two [As(iii)Mo(7)O(27)](9-) fragments, and the fragment is unprecedented and can be viewed as a mono-capped hexavacant B-alpha-Keggin subunit with a central AsO(3) group.     

Combination of lacunary polyoxometalates and high-nuclear transition-metal clusters under hydrothermal conditions. 5. A novel tetrameric cluster of [{Fe(II)Fe(III)(12)(mu(3)-OH)(12)(mu(4)-PO(4))(4)}(B-alpha-PW(9)O(34))(4)](22)(-)

A novel tetrameric cluster, (enH2)3.5H15[{FeIIFeIII12(mu3-OH)12(mu4-PO4)4}(B-alpha-PW9O34)4].83H2O (1; en = ethylenediamine), has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR, optical diffuse reflectance, thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The skeleton of 1 is composed of four tri-FeIII-substituted [FeIII3(mu3-OH)3(B-alpha-PW9O34)]3- Keggin moieties fused together through a FeII2O2 unit and four mu4-PO4 bridges, resulting in a unique tetramer with C2 symmetry. Magnetic measurements indicate that 1 reveals the antiferromagnetic interactions between FeII and FeIII centers.     

The mechanism for water exchange in [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+) and [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2-), as studied by quantum chemical methods.

The mechanisms for the exchange of water between [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+), [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2)(-)(,) and water solvent along dissociative (D), associative (A) and interchange (I) pathways have been investigated with quantum chemical methods. The choice of exchange mechanism is based on the computed activation energy and the geometry of the identified transition states and intermediates. These quantities were calculated both in the gas phase and with a polarizable continuum model for the solvent. There is a significant and predictable difference between the activation energy of the gas phase and solvent models: the energy barrier for the D-mechanism increases in the solvent as compared to the gas phase, while it decreases for the A- and I-mechanisms. The calculated activation energy, Delta U(++), for the water exchange in [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+) is 74, 19, and 21 kJ/mol, respectively, for the D-, A-, and I-mechanisms in the solvent, as compared to the experimental value Delta H(++) = 26 +/- 1 kJ/mol. This indicates that the D-mechanism for this system can be ruled out. The energy barrier between the intermediates and the transition states is small, indicating a lifetime for the intermediate approximately 10(-10) s, making it very difficult to distinguish between the A- and I-mechanisms experimentally. There is no direct experimental information on the rate and mechanism of water exchange in [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2-) containing two bidentate oxalate ions. The activation energy and the geometry of transition states and intermediates along the D-, A-, and I-pathways were calculated both in the gas phase and in a water solvent model, using a single-point MP2 calculation with the gas phase geometry. The activation energy, Delta U(++), in the solvent for the D-, A-, and I-mechanisms is 56, 12, and 53 kJ/mol, respectively. This indicates that the water exchange follows an associative reaction mechanism. The geometry of the A- and I-transition states for both [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+) and [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2-) indicates that the entering/leaving water molecules are located outside the plane formed by the spectator ligands.     

Tetranuclear and Pentanuclear Vanadium(IV/V) Carboxylate Complexes: [V(4)O(8)(NO(3))(O(2)CR)(4)](2-) and [V(5)O(9)X(O(2)CR)(4)](2-) (X = Cl(-), Br(-)) Salts

The syntheses and properties of tetra- and pentanuclear vanadium(IV,V) carboxylate complexes are reported. Reaction of (NBzEt(3))(2)[VOCl(4)] (1a) with NaO(2)CPh and atmospheric H(2)O/O(2) in MeCN leads to formation of (NBzEt(3))(2)[V(5)O(9)Cl(O(2)CPh)(4)] 4a; a similar reaction employing (NEt(4))(2)[VOCl(4)] (1b) gives (NEt(4))(2)[V(5)O(9)Cl(O(2)CPh)(4)] (4b). Complex 4a.MeCN crystallizes in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with the following unit cell dimensions at -148 degrees C: a = 13.863(13) ?, b = 34.009(43) ?, c = 12.773(11) ?, and Z = 4. The reaction between (NEt(4))(2)[VOBr(4)] (2a) and NaO(2)CPh under similar conditions gives (NEt(4))(2)[V(5)O(9)Br(O(2)CPh)(4)] (6a), and the use of (PPh(4))(2)[VOBr(4)] (2b) likewise gives (PPh(4))(2)[V(5)O(9)Br(O(2)CPh)(4)] (6b). Complex 6b crystallizes in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with the following unit cell dimensions at -139 degrees C: a = 18.638(3) ?, b = 23.557(4) ?, c = 12.731(2) ?, and Z = 4. The anions of 4a and 6b consist of a V(5) square pyramid with each vertical face bridged by a &mgr;(3)-O(2)(-) ion, the basal face bridged by a &mgr;(4)-X(-) (X = Cl, Br) ion, and a terminal, multiply-bonded O(2)(-) ion on each metal. The RCO(2)(-) groups bridge each basal edge to give C(4)(v)() virtual symmetry. The apical and basal metals are V(V) and V(IV), respectively (i.e., the anions are trapped-valence). The reaction of 1b with AgNO(3) and Na(tca) (tca = thiophene-2-carboxylate) in MeCN under anaerobic conditions gives (NEt(4))(2)[V(4)O(8)(NO(3))(tca)(4)] (7). Complex 7.H(2)O crystallizes in space group C2/c with the following unit cell dimensions at -170 degrees C: a = 23.606(4) ?, b = 15.211(3) ?, c = 23.999(5) ?, and Z = 4. The anion of 7 is similar to those of 4a and 6b except that the apical [VO] unit is absent, leaving a V(4) square unit, and the &mgr;(4)-X(-) ion is replaced with a &mgr;(4),eta(1)-NO(3)(-) ion. The four metal centers are now at the V(IV), 3V(V) oxidation level, but the structure indicates four equivalent V centers, suggesting an electronically delocalized system. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data were collected on powdered samples of 4b, 6a, and 7 in the 2.00-300 K range in a 10 kG applied field. 4b and 6a both show a slow increase in effective magnetic moment (&mgr;(eff)) from approximately 3.6-3.7 &mgr;(B) at 320 K to approximately 4.5-4.6 &mgr;(B) at 11.0 K and then a slight decrease to approximately 4.2 &mgr;(B) at 2.00 K. The data were fit to the theoretical expression for a V(IV)(4) square with two exchange parameters J = J(cis)() and J' = J(trans)() (H = -2JS(i)()S(j)()): fitting of the data gave, in the format 4b/6a, J= +39.7/+46.4 cm(-)(1), J' = -11.1/-18.2 cm(-)(1) and g = 1.83/1.90, with the complexes possessing S(T) = 2 ground states. The latter were confirmed by magnetization vs field studies in the 2.00-30.0 K and 0.500-50.0 kG ranges: fitting of the data gave S(T) = 2 and D = 0.00 cm(-)(1) for both complexes, where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. Complex 7 shows a nearly temperature-independent &mgr;(eff) (1.6-2.0 &mgr;(B)) consistent with a single d electron per V(4) unit. The (1)H NMR spectra of 4b and 6a in CD(3)CN are consistent with retention of their pentanuclear structure on dissolution. The EPR spectrum of 7 in a toluene/MeCN (1:2) solution at approximately 25 degrees C yields an isotropic signal with a 29-line hyperfine pattern assignable to hyperfine interactions with four equivalent I = (7)/(2) (51)V nuclei.     

A high-pressure iron K-edge x-ray absorption spectral study of the spin-state crossover in (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))I(2) and (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))(BF(4))(2)

The room temperature iron K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure spectra of (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))I(2) and (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))(BF(4))(2) have been measured between ambient and 88 and 94 kbar, respectively, in an opposed diamond anvil cell. The iron(II) in (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))I(2)undergoes the expected gradual spin-state crossover from the high-spin state to the low-spin state with increasing pressure. In contrast, the iron(II) in (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))(BF(4))(2) remains high-spin between ambient and 78 kbar and is only transformed to the low-spin state at an applied pressure of between 78 and 94 kbar. No visible change is observed in the preedge peak in the spectra of (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))I(2) with increasing pressure, whereas the preedge peak in the spectra of ((e[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))(BF(4))(2) changes as expected for a high-spin to low-spin crossover with increasing pressure. The difference in the spin-state crossover behavior of these two complexes is likely related to the unusual behavior of (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))(BF(4))(2) upon cooling.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic studies of oxo-centered trinuclear chromium(III) complexes: [Cr(3)(mu(3)-O)(mu(2)-PhCOO)(6)(H(2)O)(3)]NO(3). 4H(2)O.2CH(3)OH, a case of spin-frustrated system, and [Cr(3)(mu(3)-O)- (mu(2)-PhCOO)(2)(mu(2)-OCH(2)CH(3))(2)(bpy)(2)(NCS )(3)], a new type of [Cr(3)O] core

The synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of two trinuclear oxo-centered carboxylate complexes are reported and discussed: [Cr3(mu3-O)(mu2-PhCOO)6(H2O)3]NO3.4H2O.2CH3OH (1) and [Cr3(mu3-O)(mu2-PhCOO)2(mu2-OCH2CH3)2(bpy)2(NCS)3] (2). For both complexes the crystal system is monoclinic, with space group C2/c for 1 and P1/n for 2. The structure of complex 1 consists of discrete trinuclear cations, associated NO3- anions, and lattice methanol and water molecules. The structure of complex 2 is built only by neutral discrete trinuclear entities. The most important feature of 2 is the unusual skeleton of the [Cr3O] core due to the lack of peripheral bridging ligands along one side of the triangular core, which is unique among the structurally characterized (mu3-oxo)trichromium(III) complexes. Magnetic measurements were performed in the 2-300 K temperature range. For complex 1, in the high-temperature region (T > 8 K), experimental data could be satisfactorily reproduced by using an isotropic exchange model, H = -2J12S1S2 - 2J13S1S3 - 2J23S2S3 (J12 = J13 = J23) with Jij = -10.1 cm(-1), g = 1.97, and TIP = 550 x 10(-6) emu mol(-1). The antisymmetric exchange interaction plays an important role in the magnetic behavior of the system, so in order to fit the experimental magnetic data at low temperature, a new magnetic model was used where this kind of interaction was also considered. The resulting fitting parameters are the following: Gzz = 0.25 cm(-1), delta = 2.5 cm(-1), and TIP = 550 x 10(-6) emu mol(-1). For complex 2, the experimental data could be satisfactorily reproduced by using an isotropic exchange model, H = -2J1(S1S2 + S1S3) - 2J2(S2S3) with J1 = -7.44 cm(-1), J2 = -51.98 cm(-1), and g = 1.99. The magnetization data allows us to deduce the ground term of S = 1/2, characteristic of equilateral triangular chromium(III) for complex 1 and S = 3/2 for complex 2, which is confirmed by EPR measurements.     

Routes to metallodendrimers of the [Re(6)(mu(3)-Se)(8)](2+) core-containing clusters

The reaction of [Re6(mu3-Se)8(PEt3)5(MeCN)](SbF6)2 with an excess of 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (L1) and (E)-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene (L2) produced [Re6(mu3-Se)8(PEt3)5(L1)](SbF6)2 and [Re6(mu3-Se)8(PEt3)5(L2)](SbF6)2, respectively, each bearing an accessible pyridyl N atom capable of further metal coordination. Reacting these cluster complex-based ligands with [Re6(mu3-Se)8(MeCN)6](SbF6)2 afforded two heptacluster metallodendrimers, each featuring a central [Re6(mu3-Se)8]2+ cluster core surrounded by six units of [Re6(mu3-Se)8(PEt3)5]2+ via the bridging interactions of its respective dipyridyl-based ligands. Their identity and stereochemistry have been established, with the most convincing evidence furnished by a unique 77Se NMR spectroscopic study. Electrochemical studies suggest very interesting electronic properties of these novel metallodendrimers.     

X-ray Crystallographic Study of the Ruthenium Blue Complexes [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O, [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, and [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2): Steric Interactions and the Ru-Ru "Bond Length"

X-ray crystal structures are reported for the following complexes: [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane), monoclinic P2(1)/n, Z = 4, a = 14.418(8) ?, b = 11.577(3) ?, c = 18.471(1) ?, beta = 91.08(5) degrees, V = 3082 ?(3), R(R(w)) = 0.039 (0.043) using 4067 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K; [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, monoclinic P2(1)/a, Z = 4, a = 13.638(4) ?, b = 12.283(4) ?, c = 18.679(6) ?, beta = 109.19(2) degrees, V = 3069.5 ?(3), R(R(w)) = 0.052 (0.054) using 3668 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K; [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2), cubic P2(1)/3, Z = 3, a = 14.03(4) ?, beta = 90.0 degrees, V = 2763.1(1) ?(3), R (R(w)) = 0.022 (0.025) using 896 unique data with I > 2.5sigma(I) at 293 K. All of the cations have cofacial bioctahedral geometries, although [Ru(2)Cl(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).4H(2)O, [Ru(2)Br(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2).2H(2)O, and [Ru(2)I(3)(tacn)(2)](PF(6))(2) are not isomorphous. Average bond lengths and angles for the cofacial bioctahedral cores, [N(3)Ru(&mgr;-X)(3)RuN(3)](2+), are compared to those for the analogous ammine complexes [Ru(2)Cl(3)(NH(3))(6)](BPh(4))(2) and [Ru(2)Br(3)(NH(3))(6)](ZnBr(4)). The Ru-Ru distances in the tacn complexes are longer than those in the equivalent ammine complexes, probably as a result of steric interactions.     

Novel rectangular [Fe4(mu4-OHO)(mu-OH)(2)](7+) versus "butterfly" [Fe4(mu3-O2](8+) core topology in the Fe(III)/RCO2(-)/phen reaction systems (R = Me,Ph; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline): preparation and properties of [Fe4(OHO)(OH)(2)(O2CMe)(4)(phen)(4)](ClO4)(3), [Fe4O2(O2CPh)(7)(phen)(2)](ClO4), and [Fe4O2(O2CPh)(8)(phen)(2)

The preparations, X-ray structures, and detailed physical characterizations are presented for three new tetranuclear Fe(III)/RCO(2)(-)/phen complexes, where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline: [Fe(4)(OHO)(OH)(2)(O(2)CMe)(4)(phen)(4)](ClO(4))(3).4.4MeCN.H(2)O (1.4.4MeCN.H(2)O); [Fe(4)O(2)(O(2)CPh)(7)(phen)(2)](ClO(4)).2MeCN (2.2MeCN); [Fe(4)O(2)(O(2)CPh)(8)(phen)(2)].2H(2)O (3.2H(2)O). Complex 1.4.4MeCN.H(2)O crystallizes in space group P2(1)/n, with a = 18.162(9) A, b = 39.016(19) A, c = 13.054(7) A, beta = 104.29(2) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 8963.7 A(3). Complex 2.2MeCN crystallizes in space group P2(1)/n, with a = 18.532(2) A, b = 35.908(3) A, c = 11.591(1) A, beta = 96.42(1) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 7665(1) A(3). Complex 3.2H(2)O crystallizes in space group I2/a, with a = 18.79(1) A, b = 22.80(1) A, c = 20.74(1) A, beta = 113.21(2) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 8166(1) A(3). The cation of 1 contains the novel [Fe(4)(mu(4)-OHO)(mu-OH)(2)](7+) core. The core structure of 2 and 3 consists of a tetranuclear bis(mu(3)-O) cluster disposed in a "butterfly" arrangement. Magnetic susceptibility data were collected on 1-3 in the 2-300 K range. For the rectangular complex 1, fitting the data to the appropriate theoretical chi(M) vs T expression gave J(1) = -75.4 cm(-1), J(2) = -21.4 cm(-1), and g = 2.0(1), where J(1) and J(2) refer to the Fe(III)O(O(2)CMe)(2)Fe(III) and Fe(III)(OH)Fe(III) pairwise exchange interactions, respectively. The S = 0 ground state of 1 was confirmed by 2 K magnetization data. The data for 2 and 3 reveal a diamagnetic ground state with antiferromagnetic exchange interactions among the four high-spin Fe(III) ions. The exchange coupling constant J(bb) ("body-body" interaction) is indeterminate due to prevailing spin frustration, but the "wing-body" antiferromagnetic interaction (J(wb)) was evaluated to be -77.6 and -65.7 cm(-1) for 2 and 3, respectively, using the appropriate spin Hamiltonian approach. M?ssbauer spectra of 1-3 are consistent with high-spin Fe(III) ions. The data indicated asymmetry of the Fe(4) core of 1 at 80 K, which is not detected at room temperature due to thermal motion of the core. The spectra of 2 and 3 analyze as two quadrupole-split doublets which were assigned to the body and wing-tip pairs of metal ions. (1)H NMR spectra are reported for 1-3 with assignment of the main resonances.     

Unprecedented gold-tellurolate clusters [Au(8)(mu-TeR)(8)(PR'(3))(4)

The reaction of [AuCl(PR'3)] with KTeR, prepared from RTeTeR and K-selectride, gives the gold-tellurolate clusters [Au8(mu-TeR)8(PR'3)4] (R = Ph, Tol; PR'3 = PPh3, PPh2py) in high yield. This result contrasts with the one obtained from the reaction with thiolates or selenolates, from which mononuclear complexes are synthesized. The structures of these species have been determined and consist on three layers of gold and tellurium atoms in the ratio Au3Te2:Au2Te4:Au3Te2. There are short gold...gold interactions ranging from 2.9463(7) to 3.31132(7) A, and the clusters are composed of di- and tri-coordinated gold centers. The result is unprecedented in gold-chalcogenolate chemistry from which mononuclear species are expected and represents one of the few examples of gold-tellurolate derivatives. These species show an interesting luminescent behavior in the solid state (at 77 K) and in solution (both at 298 and 77 K).     

Preparation and Structures of the 2.2.2-Cryptand(1+) Salts of the [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-), [As(2)S(4)](2)(-), [As(10)S(3)](2)(-), and [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) Anions

2.2.2-Cryptand(1+) salts of the [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-), [As(2)S(4)](2)(-), [As(10)S(3)](2)(-), and [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) anions have been synthesized from the reduction of binary chalcogenide compounds by K in NH(3)(l) in the presence of the alkali-metal-encapsulating ligand 2.2.2-cryptand (4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane), followed by recrystallization from CH(3)CN. The [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-) anion, which has crystallographically imposed symmetry 2, consists of two discrete edge-sharing SbSe(3) pyramids with terminal Se atoms cis to each other. The Sb-Se(t) bond distance is 2.443(1) ?, whereas the Sb-Se(b) distance is 2.615(1) ? (t = terminal; b = bridge). The Se(b)-Sb-Se(t) angles range from 104.78(4) to 105.18(5) degrees, whereas the Se(b)-Sb-Se(b) angles are 88.09(4) and 88.99(4) degrees. The (77)Se NMR data for this anion in solution are consistent with its X-ray structure (delta 337 and 124 ppm, 1:1 intensity, -30 degrees C, CH(3)CN/CD(3)CN). Similar to this [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-) anion, the [As(2)S(4)](2)(-) anion consists of two discrete edge-sharing AsS(3) pyramidal units. The As-S(t) bond distances are 2.136(7) and 2.120(7) ?, whereas the As-S(b) distances range from 2.306(7) to 2.325(7) ?. The S(b)-As-S(t) angles range from 106.2(3) to 108.2(3) degrees, and the S(b)-As-S(b) angles are 88.3(2) and 88.9(2) degrees. The [As(10)S(3)](2)(-) anion has an 11-atom As(10)S center composed of six five-membered edge-sharing rings. One of the three waist positions is occupied by a S atom, and the other two waist positions feature As atoms with exocyclic S atoms attached, making each As atom in the structure three-coordinate. The As-As bond distances range from 2.388(3) to 2.474(3) ?. The As-S(t) bond distances are 2.181(5) and 2.175(4) ?, and the As-S(b) bond distance is 2.284(6) ?. The [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) anion features two AsSe(3) units joined by Se-Se bonds with the two exocyclic Se atoms trans to each other. The average As-Se(t) bond distance is 2.273(2) ?, whereas the As-Se(b) bond distances range from 2.357(3) to 2.462(2) ?. The Se(b)-As-Se(t) angles range from 101.52(8) to 105.95(9) degrees, and the Se(b)-As-Se(b) angles range from 91.82(7) to 102.97(9) degrees. The (77)Se NMR data for this anion in solution are consistent with its X-ray structure (delta 564 and 317 ppm, 3:1 intensity, 25 degrees C, DMF/CD(3)CN).     

Synthesis and Structural Investigations of [Mn(3)O(4)(phen)(4)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(4).2.5H(2)O: A Water-Bound Complex Obtained by Cerium(IV) Oxidation

The trinuclear manganese complex [Mn(3)O(4)(phen)(4)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(4).2.5H(2)O, 1 (where, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), has been synthesized by the Ce(IV) oxidation of a concentrated solution of manganese(II) acetate and phen in 1.6 N nitric acid. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 10.700(2) ?, b = 12.643(3) ?, c = 20.509(4) ?, alpha = 78.37(3) degrees, beta = 83.12(3) degrees, gamma = 82.50(3) degrees, and Z = 2. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by least-squares techniques to the conventional R (R(w)) factors of 0.055 (0.076) based on 4609 unique reflections with F(o) >/= 6.0sigma(F(o)). The structure of the cation consists of an oxo-bridged Mn(3)O(4)(4+) core, with the geometry of the manganese atoms being octahedral. The coordination polyhedron of one of the manganese atoms (Mn(1)) consists of two &mgr; oxo ligands and two pairs of nitrogen atoms of two phen moieties, whereas that of each of the remaining two manganese atoms consists of three &mgr;-oxo ligands, two nitrogen atoms of a phen moiety, and the oxygen atom of a water molecule. The complex represents the second example for water coordination to manganese(IV) centers in complexes with a Mn(3)O(4)(4+) core. Optical spectra in ligand buffer (pH 4.5) reveal complete conversion of the complex into a Mn(III)Mn(IV) species. The observed room-temperature (298 K) magnetic moment of 3.75 &mgr;(B) indicates the presence of strong antiferromagnetic coupling in the complex.