Mononuclear nickel(III) complexes [Ni(III)(OR)(P(C6H3-3-SiMe3-2-S)3)](-) (R = Me, Ph) containing the terminal alkoxide ligand: relevance to the nickel site of oxidized-form [NiFe] hydrogenases

The unprecedented nickel(III) thiolate [Ni (III)(OR)(P(C 6H 3-3-SiMe 3-2-S) 3)] (-) [R = Ph ( 1), Me ( 3)] containing the terminal Ni (III)-OR bond, characterized by UV-vis, electron paramagnetic resonance, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, were isolated from the reaction of [Ni (III)(Cl)(P(C 6H 3-3-SiMe 3-2-S) 3)] (-) with 3 equiv of [Na][OPh] in tetrahydrofuran (THF)-CH 3CN and the reaction of complex 1 with 1 equiv of [Bu 4N][OMe] in THF-CH 3OH, respectively. Interestingly, the addition of complex 1 into the THF-CH 3OH solution of [Me 4N][OH] also yielded complex 3. In contrast to the inertness of complex [Ni (III)(Cl)(P(C 6H 3-3-SiMe 3-2-S) 3)] (-) toward 1 equiv of [Na][OPh], the addition of 1 equiv of [Na][OMe] into a THF-CH 3CN solution of [Ni (III)(Cl)(P(C 6H 3-3-SiMe 3-2-S) 3)] (-) yielded the known [Ni (III)(CH 2CN)(P(C 6H 3-3-SiMe 3-2-S) 3)] (-) ( 4). At 77 K, complexes 1 and 3 exhibit a rhombic signal with g values of 2.31, 2.09, and 2.00 and of 2.28, 2.04, and 2.00, respectively, the characteristic g values of the known trigonal-bipyramidal Ni (III) [Ni (III)(L)(P(C 6H 3-3-SiMe 3-2-S) 3)] (-) (L = SePh, SEt, Cl) complexes. Compared to complexes [Ni (III)(EPh)(P(C 6H 3-3-SiMe 3-2-S) 3)] (-) [E = S ( 2), Se] dominated by one intense absorption band at 592 and 590 nm, respectively, the electronic spectrum of complex 1 coordinated by the less electron-donating phenoxide ligand displays a red shift to 603 nm. In a comparison of the Ni (III)-OMe bond length of 1.885(2) A found in complex 3, the longer Ni (III)-OPh bond distance of 1.910(3) A found in complex 1 may be attributed to the absence of sigma and pi donation from the [OPh]-coordinated ligand to the Ni (III) center.     

Coordination algorithms control molecular architecture: [CuI4(L2)4]4+ grid complex versus [MII2(L2)2X4]y+ side-by-side complexes (M=Mn,Co, Ni,Zn; X=solvent or anion) and [FeII(L2)3][Cl3FeIIIOFeIIICl3

The synthesis and characterisation of a pyridazine-containing two-armed grid ligand L2 (prepared from one equivalent of 3,6-diformylpyridazine and two equivalents of p-anisidine) and the resulting transition metal (Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) complexes (1-9) are reported. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed that the copper(I) complex had self-assembled as a [2 x 2] grid, [Cu(I) (4)(L2)(4)][PF(6)](4).(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25) (2.(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25)), whereas the [Zn(2)(L2)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O)(2)][ClO(4)](4).CH(3)CN (1.CH(3)CN), [Ni(II) (2)(L2)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)][BF(4)](4).(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25) (5 a.(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25)) and [Co(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][ClO(4)](4).(H(2)O)(CH(3)CN)(0.5) (6 a.(H(2)O)(CH(3)CN)(0.5)) complexes adopt a side-by-side architecture; iron(II) forms a monometallic cation binding three L2 ligands, [Fe(II)(L2)(3)][Fe(III)Cl(3)OCl(3)Fe(III)].CH(3)CN (7.CH(3)CN). A more soluble salt of the cation of 7, the diamagnetic complex [Fe(II)(L2)(3)][BF(4)](2).2 H(2)O (8), was prepared, as well as two derivatives of 2, [Cu(I) (2)(L2)(2)(NCS)(2)].H(2)O (3) and [Cu(I) (2)(L2)(NCS)(2)] (4). The manganese complex, [Mn(II) (2)(L2)(2)Cl(4)].3 H(2)O (9), was not structurally characterised, but is proposed to adopt a side-by-side architecture. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility studies yielded small negative J values for the side-by-side complexes: J=-21.6 cm(-1) and g=2.17 for S=1 dinickel(II) complex [Ni(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][BF(4)](4) (5 b) (fraction monomer 0.02); J=-7.6 cm(-1) and g=2.44 for S= 3/2 dicobalt(II) complex [Co(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][ClO(4)](4) (6 b) (fraction monomer 0.02); J=-3.2 cm(-1) and g=1.95 for S= 5/2 dimanganese(II) complex 9 (fraction monomer 0.02). The double salt, mixed valent iron complex 7.H(2)O gave J=-75 cm(-1) and g=1.81 for the S= 5/2 diiron(III) anion (fraction monomer=0.025). These parameters are lower than normal for Fe(III)OFe(III) species because of fitting of superimposed monomer and dimer susceptibilities arising from trace impurities. The iron(II) centre in 7.H(2)O is low spin and hence diamagnetic, a fact confirmed by the preparation and characterisation of the simple diamagnetic iron(II) complex 8. M?ssbauer measurements at 77 K confirmed that there are two iron sites in 7.H(2)O, a low-spin iron(II) site and a high-spin diiron(III) site. A full electrochemical investigation was undertaken for complexes 1, 2, 5 b, 6 b and 8 and this showed that multiple redox processes are a feature of all of them.     

Mononuclear Ni(II)-thiolate complexes with pendant thiol and dinuclear Ni(III/II)-thiolate complexes with Ni...Ni interaction regulated by the oxidation levels of nickels and the coordinated ligands

Compared to [Ni(II)(SePh)(P(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-S)(2)(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-SH))]- (1a) and [Ni(II)(Cl)(P(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-S)(2)(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-SH))]- (3a) with a combination of the intramolecular [Ni...H-S] and [Ni-S...H-S] interactions, complexes [NiII(SePh)(P(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-S)(2)(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-SH))]- (1b) and [Ni(II)(Cl)(P (o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-S)(2)(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-SH))]- (3b) with intramolecular [Ni...H-S] interaction exhibit lower nu(S-H) stretching frequencies (2137 and 2235 cm(-1) for 1b and 3b vs 2250 and 2287 cm(-1) for 1a and 3a, respectively) and smaller torsion angles (27.2 degrees for 3b vs 58.9 and 59.1 degrees for 1a and 3a, respectively). The pendant thiol interaction modes of 1a, 3a, and 3b in the solid state are controlled by the solvent pairs of crystallization. Oxygen oxidation of dinuclear [Ni(II)(P(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-S)(2)(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-SH))](2) (4) yielded thermally stable dinuclear [Ni(III)(P(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-S)(2)(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-mu-S))](2) (5). The two paramagnetic d(7) Ni(III) cores (S = 1/2) with antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -3.13 cm(-1)) rationalize the diamagnetic property of 5. The fully delocalized mixed-valence [Ni(II)-Ni(III)] complexes [Ni2(P(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-S)(3))(2)]- (6) and [Ni(2)(P(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-S)(3))(P(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-S)(2)(o-C(6)H(3)-3-SiMe(3)-2-SCH(3)))] (7) were isolated upon the reduction of 5 and the methylation of 6, respectively. The electronic perturbation from the sulfur methylation of 6 triggers the stronger Ni...Ni interaction and the geometrical rearrangement from the diamond shape of the [NiS(2)Ni] core to the butterfly structure of [Ni(mu-S)(2)Ni] to yield 7 with Ni...Ni distances of 2.6088(1) A. The distinctly different Ni...Ni distances (2.6026(7) for 5 and 2.8289(15) A for 6) and the coordination number of the nickels indicate a balance of geometrical requirements for different oxidation levels of [PS(3)Ni-NiPS(3)] cores of 5 and 6.     

(NEt(4))(2)[Fe(CN)(2)(CO)('S(3)')]: an iron thiolate complex modeling the [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(S-Cys)(2)] site of [NiFe] hydrogenase centers

In the search for complexes modeling the [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(cysteinate)(2)] cores of the active centers of [NiFe] hydrogenases, the complex (NEt(4))(2)[Fe(CN)(2)(CO)('S(3)')] (4) was found ('S(3)'(2-)=bis(2-mercaptophenyl)sulfide(2-)). Starting complex for the synthesis of 4 was [Fe(CO)(2)('S(3)')](2) (1). Complex 1 formed from [Fe(CO)(3)(PhCH=CHCOMe)] and neutral 'S(3)'-H(2). Reactions of 1 with PCy(3) or DPPE (1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) yielded diastereoselectively [Fe(CO)(2)(PCy(3))('S(3)')] (2) and [Fe(CO)(dppe)('S(3)')] (3). The diastereoselective formation of 2 and 3 is rationalized by the trans influence of the 'S(3)'(2-) thiolate and thioether S atoms which act as pi donors and pi acceptors, respectively. The trans influence of the 'S(3)'(2-) sulfur donors also rationalizes the diastereoselective formation of the C(1) symmetrical anion of 4, when 1 is treated with four equivalents of NEt(4)CN. The molecular structures of 1, 3 x 0.5 C(7)H(8), and (AsPh(4))(2)[Fe(CN)(2)(CO)('S(3)')] x acetone (4 a x C(3)H(6)O) were determined by X-ray structure analyses. Complex 4 is the first complex that models the unusual 2:1 cyano/carbonyl and dithiolate coordination of the [NiFe] hydrogenase iron site. Complex 4 can be reversibly oxidized electrochemically; chemical oxidation of 4 by [Fe(Cp)(2)PF(6)], however, led to loss of the CO ligand and yielded only products, which could not be characterized. When dissolved in solvents of increasing proton activity (from CH(3)CN to buffered H(2)O), complex 4 exhibits drastic nu(CO) blue shifts of up to 44 cm(-1), and relatively small nu(CN) red shifts of approximately 10 cm(-1). The nu(CO) frequency of 4 in H(2)O (1973 cm(-1)) is higher than that of any hydrogenase state (1952 cm(-1)). In addition, the nu(CO) frequency shift of 4 in various solvents is larger than that of [NiFe] hydrogenase in its most reduced or oxidized state. These results demonstrate that complexes modeling properly the nu(CO) frequencies of [NiFe] hydrogenase probably need a [Ni(thiolate)(2)] unit. The results also demonstrate that the nu(CO) frequency of [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(thiolate)(2)] complexes is more significantly shifted by changing the solvent than the nu(CO) frequency of [NiFe] hydrogenases by coupled-proton and electron-transfer reactions. The "iron-wheel" complex [Fe(6)[Fe('S(3)')(2)](6)] (6) resulting as a minor by-product from the recrystallization of 2 in boiling toluene could be characterized by X-ray structure analysis.     

Mononuclear [NiII(L)(P-(o-C6H4S)2(o-C6H4SH))]0/1- (L = thiolate, selenolate, PPh3, and Cl) complexes with intramolecular [Ni...S...H...S]/[Ni...H...S] interactions modulated by the coordinated ligand L: relevance to the [NiFe] hydrogenases

The shift of the IR nu(S)(-)(H) frequency to lower wavenumbers for the series of complexes [Ni(II)(L)(P-(o-C6H4S)2(o-C6H4SH))]0/1- (L = PPh3 (1), Cl (6), Se-p-C6H4-Cl (5), S-C4H3S (7), SePh (4)) indicates that a trend of increasing electronic donation of the L ligands coordinated to the Ni(II) center promotes intramolecular [Ni-S...H-S] interactions. Compared to the Ni...S(H) distance, in the range of 3.609-3.802 A in complexes 1 and 4-7, the Ni...S(CH3) distances of 2.540 and 2.914 A observed in the [Ni(II)(PPh3)(P(o-C6H4S)2(o-C6H4-SCH3))] complexes (8a and 8b, two conformational isomers with the chemical shift of the thioether methyl group at delta 1.820 (-60 degrees C) and 2.109 ppm (60 degrees C) (C4D8O)) and the Ni...S(CH3) distances of 3.258 and 3.229 A found in the [Ni(II)(L)(P(o-C6H4S)2(o-C6H4-SCH3))]1- complexes (L = SPh (9), SePh (10)) also support the idea that the pendant thiol protons of the Ni(II)-thiol complexes 1/4-7 were attracted by both the sulfur of thiolate and the nickel. The increased basicity (electronic density) of the nickel center regulated by the monodentate ligand attracted the proton of the pendant thiol effectively and caused the weaker S...H bond. In addition, the pendant thiol interaction modes in the solid state (complexes 1a and 1b, Scheme 1) may be controlled by the solvent of crystallization. Compared to complex 1a, the stronger intramolecular [Ni-S...H-S] interaction (or a combination of [Ni-S...H-S]/[Ni...H-S] interactions) found in complexes 4-7 led to the weaker S-H bond strength and accelerated the oxidation (by O2) of complexes 4-7 to produce the [Ni(Y)(L)(P(o-C6H4S)3)]1- (L = Se-p-C6H4-Cl (11), SePh (12), S-C4H3S (13)) complexes.     

mer-[Fe(pcq)(CN)3]-: a novel cyanide-containing building block and its application to assembling cyanide-bridged trinuclear FeIII2MnII complexes [pcq- = 8-(pyridine-2-carboxamido)quinoline anion

A new cyanide-containing building block K[Fe(pcq)(CN)(3)] [1; pcq(-) = 8-(pyridine-2-carboxamido)quinoline anion] containing a low-spin Fe(III) center with three cyanide groups in a meridional arrangement has been successfully designed and synthesized. Three cyanide-bridged trinuclear Fe(III)(2)Mn(II) complexes, [Fe(pcq)(CN)(3)](2)[Mn(CH(3)OH)(2)(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O (2), [Fe(pcq)(CN)(3)](2)[Mn(bipy)(2)].CH(3)OH.2H(2)O (3), and [Fe(pcq)(CN)(3)](2)[Mn(phen)(2)].CH(3)OH.2H(2)O (4), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The magnetic susceptibilities of the three heterometallic complexes have been investigated.     

Synthesis and reactions of group 6 metal half-sandwich complexes of 2,2-dicyanoethylene-1,1-dichalcogenolates [(Cp*)M[E(2)C=C(CN)(2)](2)]-(M = Mo,W; E = S,Se)

A series of group 6 transition metal half-sandwich complexes with 1,1-dichalcogenide ligands have been prepared by the reactions of Cp*MCl(4)(Cp* = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5); M = Mo, W) with the potassium salt of 2,2-dicyanoethylene-1,1-dithiolate, (KS)(2)C=C(CN)(2) (K(2)-i-mnt), or the analogous seleno compound, (KSe)(2)C=C(CN)(2) (K(2)-i-mns). The reaction of Cp*MCl(4) with (KS)(2)C=C(CN)(2) in a 1:3 molar ratio in CH(3)CN gave rise to K[Cp*M(S(2)C=C(CN)(2))(2)] (M = Mo, 1a, 74%; M = W, 2a, 46%). Under the same conditions, the reaction of Cp*MoCl(4) with 3 equiv of (KSe)(2)C=C(CN)(2) afforded K[Cp*Mo(Se(2)C=C(CN)(2))(2)] (3a) and K[Cp*Mo(Se(2)C=C(CN)(2))(Se(Se(2))C=C(CN)(2))] (4) in respective yields of 45% and 25%. Cation exchange reactions of 1a, 2a, and 3a with Et(4)NBr resulted in isolation of (Et(4)N)[Cp*Mo(S(2)C=C(CN)(2))(2)] (1b), (Et(4)N)[Cp*W(S(2)C=C(CN)(2))(2)] (2b), and (Et(4)N)[Cp*Mo(Se(2)C=C(CN)(2))(2)] (3b), respectively. Complex 4 crystallized with one THF and one CH(3)CN molecule as a three-dimensional network structure. Inspection of the reaction of Cp*WCl(4) with (KSe)(2)C=C(CN)(2) by ESI-MS revealed the existence of three species in CH(3)CN, [Cp*W(Se(2)C=C(CN)(2))(2)]-, [Cp*W(Se(2)C=C(CN)(2))(Se(Se(2))C=C(CN)(2))]-, and [Cp*W(Se(Se(2))C=C(CN)(2))(2)]-, of which [Cp*W(Se(2)C=C(CN)(2))(Se(Se(2))C=C(CN)(2))]-(5) was isolated as the main product. Treatment of 2a with 1/4 equiv of S(8) in refluxing THF resulted in sulfur insertion and gave rise to K[Cp*W(S(2)C=C(CN)(2))(S(S(2))C=C(CN)(2))](6), which crystallized with two THF molecules forming a three-dimensional network structure. 6 can also be prepared by refluxing 2a with 1/4 equiv of S(8) in THF. 3a readily added one Se atom upon treatment with 1 mol of Se powder in THF to give 4 in high yield, while the treatment of 3a or 4 with 2 equiv of Na(2)Se in THF led to formation of a dinuclear complex [(Cp*Mo)(2)(mu-Se)(mu-Se(Se(3))C=C(CN)(2))] (7). The structure of 7 consists of two Cp*Mo units bridged by a Se(2-) and a [Se(Se(3))C=C(CN)(2)](2-) ligand in which the triselenido group is arranged in a nearly linear way (163 degrees). The reaction of 2a with 2 equiv of CuBr in CH(3)CN yielded a trinuclear complex [Cp*WCu(2)(mu-Br)(mu(3)-S(2)C=C(CN)(2))(2)] (8), which crystallized with one CH(3)CN and generated a one-dimensional chain polymer through bonding of Cu to the N of the cyano groups.     

Preparative and structural studies on iron(II)-thiolate cyanocarbonyls: relevance to the [NiFe]/[Fe]-hydrogenases

A number of thermally stable iron(II)-thiolate cyanocarbonyl complexes, cis,cis-[Fe(CN)2(CO)2(CS3-S,S)]2-(1), mer-[Fe(CO)2(CN)3(NCCH3)]-(2)mer-[Fe(CO)3(CN)(CS3-S,S)]-(3), cis-[Fe(CO)2(CN)(S(CH2)2S(CH2)2S-S,S,S)]-(4), [Fe(CO)2(CN)3Br]2-(5), mer-[Fe(CO)2(CN)3(m-SC6H4Br)]2-(6) and mer-[Fe(CO)2(CN)3(SPh)]2-(7) were isolated and characterized by IR and X-ray diffraction analysis. The extrusion of one strong sigma-donor CN- ligand instead of CO from the iron(II) center of the thermally stable complexes [FeII(CO)2(CN)3Br]2-(5) containing less electron-donating bromide reflects the electron-rich character of the mononuclear [FeII(CN)2(CO)2(CS3-S,S)]2-(1) when ligated by by the bidentate thiolate, and the combination of one cyanide, two carbonyls and a tridentate thiolate provides the stable complex 4 as a result of the reaction of complex 5 and chelating ligand [S(CH2)2S(CH2)2S]2-. The preference of the sixth ligand coordinated to the unsaturated [FeII(CO)(CN)2(CS3-S,S)]2- Fe(II) center, the iron-site architecture of the bimetallic Ni-Fe active-site of [NiFe] hydrogenases, is a strong pi-acceptor CO group. Scrutiny of the coordination chemistry of iron(II)-thiolate cyanocarbonyl species [FeII(CO)x(CN)y(SR)z]n- reveals that certain combinations of thiolate, cyanide and carbonyl ligands (3 < or = y+z > or = 4) bound to Fe(II) are stable and this could point the way to understand the reasons for Nature's choice of combinations of these ligands in hydrogenases.     

Heterospin systems constructed from [Cu2Ln]3+ and [Ni(mnt)2]1-,2- Tectons: First 3p-3d-4f complexes (mnt = maleonitriledithiolato)

New heterospin complexes have been obtained by combining the binuclear complexes [{Cu(H(2)O)L(1)}Ln(O(2)NO)(3)] or [{CuL(2)}Ln(O(2)NO)(3)] (L(1) = N,N'-propylene-di(3-methoxysalicylideneiminato); L(2) = N,N'-ethylene-di(3-methoxysalicylideneiminato); Ln = Gd(3+), Sm(3+), Tb(3+)), with the mononuclear [CuL(1)(2)] and the nickel dithiolene complexes [Ni(mnt)(2)](q)- (q = 1, 2; mnt = maleonitriledithiolate), as follows: (1)infinity[{CuL(1)}(2)Ln(O(2)NO){Ni(mnt)(2)}].Solv.CH(3)CN (Ln = Gd(3+), Solv = CH(3)OH (1), Ln = Sm(3+), Solv = CH(3)CN (2)) and [{(CH(3)OH)CuL(2)}(2)Sm(O(2)NO)][Ni(mnt)(2)] (3) with [Ni(mnt)2]2-, [{(CH(3)CN)CuL(1)}(2)Ln(H(2)O)][Ni(mnt)(2)]3.2CH(3)CN (Ln = Gd(3+) (4), Sm(3+) (5), Tb(3+) (6)), and [{(CH(3)OH)CuL(2)}{CuL(2)}Gd(O(2)NO){Ni(mnt)(2)}][Ni(mnt)(2)].CH(2)Cl(2) (7) with [Ni(mnt))(2]*-. Trinuclear, almost linear, [CuLnCu] motifs are found in all the compounds. In the isostructural 1 and 2, two trans cyano groups from a [Ni(mnt)2]2- unit bridge two trimetallic nodes through axial coordination to the Cu centers, thus leading to the establishment of infinite chains. 3 is an ionic compound, containing discrete [{(CH(3)OH)CuL(2)}(2)Sm(O(2)NO)](2+) cations and [Ni(mnt)(2)](2-) anions. Within the series 4-6, layers of discrete [CuLnCu](3+) motifs alternate with stacks of interacting [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anions, for which two overlap modes, providing two different types of stacks, can be disclosed. The strength of the intermolecular interactions between the open-shell species is estimated through extended Hückel calculations. In compound 7, [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anions coordinate group one of the Cu centers of a trinuclear [Cu(2)Gd] motif through a CN, while discrete [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) units are also present, overlapping in between, but also with the coordinated ones. Furthermore, the [Cu(2)Gd] moieties dimerize each other upon linkage by two nitrato groups, both acting as chelate toward the gadolinium ion from one unit and monodentate toward a Cu ion from the other unit. The magnetic properties of the gadolinium-containing complexes have been determined. Ferromagnetic exchange interactions within the trinuclear [Cu(2)Gd] motifs occur. In the compounds 4 and 7, the [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anions contribution to the magnetization is clearly observed in the high-temperature regime, and most of it vanishes upon temperature decrease, very likely because of the rather strong antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the open-shell species. The extent of the exchange interaction in the compound 7, which was found to be antiferromagnetic, between the coordinated Cu center and the corresponding [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anion, bearing mostly a 3p spin type, was estimated through CASSCF/CASPT2 calculations. Compound 6 exhibits a slow relaxation of the magnetization.     

Studies of a series of [Ni(P(R)2N(Ph)2)2(CH3CN)]2+ complexes as electrocatalysts for H2 production: substituent variation at the phosphorus atom of the P2N2 ligand

A series of [Ni(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) complexes containing the cyclic diphosphine ligands [P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2) = 1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; R = benzyl (Bn), n-butyl (n-Bu), 2-phenylethyl (PE), 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl (TP), and cyclohexyl (Cy)] have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the cations of [Ni(P(Bn)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(P(n-Bu)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) have distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometries. The Ni(0) complex [Ni(P(Bn)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)] was also synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction studies and shown to have a distorted tetrahedral structure. These complexes, with the exception of [Ni(P(Cy)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), all exhibit reversible electron transfer processes for both the Ni(II/I) and Ni(I/0) couples and are electrocatalysts for the production of H(2) in acidic acetonitrile solutions. The heterolytic cleavage of H(2) by [Ni(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) complexes in the presence of p-anisidine or p-bromoaniline was used to determine the hydride donor abilities of the corresponding [HNi(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)](BF(4)) complexes. However, for the catalysts with the most bulky R groups, the turnover frequencies do not parallel the driving force for elimination of H(2), suggesting that steric interactions between the alkyl substituents on phosphorus and the nitrogen atom of the pendant amines play an important role in determining the overall catalytic rate.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of a new family of heterometallic cyanide-bridged Fe(III)2M(II)2 (M=Mn, Ni, and Co) square complexes

New heterobimetallic tetranuclear complexes of formula [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Mn(II)(bpy)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·CH(3)CN (1), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2a), [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2b), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3a), and [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3b), [HB(pz)(3)(-) = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate, B(Pz)(4)(-) = tetrakis(1-pyrazolyl)borate, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine] have been synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized. Complexes 1-3b have been prepared by following a rational route based on the self-assembly of the tricyanometalate precursor fac-[Fe(III)(L)(CN)(3)](-) (L = tridentate anionic ligand) and cationic preformed complexes [M(II)(L')(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (L' = bidentate α-diimine type ligand), this last species having four blocked coordination sites and two labile ones located in cis positions. The structures of 1-3b consist of cationic tetranuclear Fe(III)(2)M(II)(2) square complexes [M = Mn (1), Ni (2a and 2b), Co (3a and 3b)] where corners are defined by the metal ions and the edges by the Fe-CN-M units. The charge is balanced by free perchlorate anions. The [Fe(L)(CN)(3)](-) complex in 1-3b acts as a ligand through two cyanide groups toward two divalent metal complexes. The magnetic properties of 1-3b have been investigated in the temperature range 2-300 K. A moderately strong antiferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Mn(II) (S = 5/2) ions has been found for 1 leading to an S = 4 ground state (J(1) = -6.2 and J(2) = -2.7 cm(-1)), whereas a moderately strong ferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Ni(II) (S = 1) and Co(II) (S = 3/2) ions has been found for complexes 2a-3b with S = 3 (2a and 2b) and S = 4 (3a and 3b) ground spin states [J(1) = +21.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +19.4 cm(-1) (2a); J(1) = +17.0 cm(-1) and J(2) = +12.5 cm(-1) (2b); J(1) = +5.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.1 cm(-1) (3a); J(1) = +8.1 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.0 cm(-1) (3b)] [the exchange Hamiltonian being of the type H? = -J(S?(i)·S?(j))]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to substantiate the nature and magnitude of the exchange magnetic coupling observed in 1-3b and also to analyze the dependence of the exchange magnetic coupling on the structural parameters of the Fe-C-N-M skeleton.     

Alkylation reactions of [WS(4)](2)(-) and [(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))WS(3)](-) with 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine: the first isolation of bisalkylated tetrathiometalate WS(2)[2,6-(SCH(2))(2)(C(5)H(3)N)

The trithio and tetrathio complexes of tungsten (PPh(4))[CpWS(3)] (Cp = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) and (PPh(4))(2)[WS(4)] undergo alkylation reactions with 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine to yield [(CpWS(2))(2)[2,6-(SCH(2))(2)(C(5)H(3)N)]].CH(3)CN (1.CH3CN) (73.1% yield) and WS(2)[2,6-(SCH(2))(2)(C(5)H(3)N)] (2) (76.0% yield), respectively. In the dinuclear complex 1, two CpWS(3) units are linked by a 2,6-dimethylenepyridine bridge, and the pyridine nitrogen is not coordinated at tungsten. Complex 2 is the first example of bisalkylated tetrathiometalates, the mononuclear structure of which is stabilized by coordination of the pyridine nitrogen.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of dinuclear nickel amino-thiophenolate complexes bearing bridging VO2(OH)2- and VO2(OR)2- coligands

A series of novel mixed ligand dinickel complexes of the type [Ni(II)(2)L(μ-L')](+), where L' is a tetrahedral oxo-alkoxo vanadate (L' = [O(2)V(V)(OR)(2)](-), R = H or alkyl) and L a macrocyclic N(6)S(2) supporting ligand, have been prepared, and their esterification reactivity has been studied. The orthovanadate complex [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OH)(2))](+) (2), prepared by reaction between [Ni(2)L(μ-Cl)]ClO(4) with Na(3)VO(4) and a phase transfer reagent in CH(3)CN, reacts smoothly with MeOH and EtOH forming the vanadate diesters [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OMe)(2))](+) (3) and [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OEt)(2))](+) (4). The dialkyl orthovanadate esters in 3 and 4 are readily transesterified with mono- and difunctional alcohols. Complex 3 can also be generated from 4 by transesterification with MeOH. Complexes 3 and 4 react with diols (ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and diethylene glycol) as well to afford the complexes [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OH)(OCH(2)CH(2)OH))](+) (5), [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OCH(2))(2)CH(2))](+) (6), and [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OCH(2)CH(2))(2)O)] (7). The crystal structures of the tetraphenylborate salts of complexes 3-7 reveal in each case four-coordinate O(2)V(V)(OR)(2)(-) groups bonded in a μ(1,3)-bridging mode to generate trinuclear complexes with a central N(3)Ni(μ-S)(2)(μ(1,3)-O(2)V(OR)(2))NiN(3) core. The stabilization of the four-coordinate V(V)O(2)(OR)(2)(-) moieties is a consequence of both the two-point coordinative fixation to and the steric protection of the bowl-shape binding pocket of the [Ni(2)L](2+) fragment. Cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal that the encapsulated vanadate esters are not reduced in a potential window of -2.0 to +2.5 V vs SCE. The spins of the nickel(II) (S(i) = 1 ions) in 3 are weakly ferromagnetically coupled (J = +23 cm(-1), (H = -2JS(1)S(2))) to produce an S = 2 ground state.     

Heterometallic MIIRuIII2 compounds constructed from trans-[Ru(Salen)(CN)2]- and trans-[Ru(Acac)2(CN)2]-. Synthesis, structures, magnetic properties, and density functional theoretical study

The synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of four cyano-bridged M(II)Ru(III)2 compounds prepared from the paramagnetic Ru(III) building blocks, trans-[Ru(salen)(CN)2]- 1 [H2salen = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylideneimine)] and trans-[Ru(acac)2(CN)2]- (Hacac = acetylacetone), are described. Compound 2, {Mn(CH3OH)4[Ru(salen)(CN)2]2}.6CH3OH.2H2O, is a trinuclear complex that exhibits antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn(II) and Ru(III) centers. Compound 3, {Mn(H2O)2[Ru(salen)(CN)2]2.H2O}n, has a 2-D sheetlike structure that exhibits antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn and Ru, leading to ferrimagnetic-like behavior. Compound 4, {Ni(cyclam)[Ru(acac)2(CN)2]2}.2CH3OH.2H2O (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), is a trinuclear complex that exhibits ferromagnetic coupling. Compound 5, {Co[Ru(acac)2(CN)2]2}n, has a 3-D diamond-like interpenetrating network that exhibits ferromagnetic ordering below 4.6 K. The density functional theory (DFT) method was used to calculate the molecular magnetic orbitals and the magnetic exchange interaction between Ru(III) and M(II) (Mn(II), Ni(II)) ions.     

Unusual coordination modes of arylthiolates in Mo(eta(5)-SC(6)H(3)-2,6-(SiMe(3))(2))(eta(7)-SC(6)H(3)-2,6-(SiMe(3))(2))

Treatment of MoCl(3)(thf)(3) with LiSC(6)H(3)-2,6-(SiMe(3))(2) (LiSAr) resulted in formation of the pi-sandwiched bis-arylthiolato complex, Mo(eta(5)-SC(6)H(3)-2,6-(SiMe(3))(2))(eta(7)-SC(6)H(3)-2,6-(SiMe(3))(2)) (1), while the analogous reaction with LiSC(6)H(3)-2-Ph-6-SiMe(3) afforded the trithiolate complex Mo(SC(6)H(3)-2-Ph-6-SiMe(3))(3) (3). The acetonitrile adduct Mo(SAr)(2)(CH(3)CN)(3) (2) was isolated from the CH(3)CN solution of 1, in which one acetonitrile is coordinated to the metal center in an eta(2)-fashion. Structures of 1, 2, and 3 have been determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Unique {H(SiR(3))(2)}, (H(2)SiR(3)), H(HSiR(3)), and (H(2))SiR(3) ligand sets supported by the {Fe(Cp)(L)} platform (L=CO, PR(3))

This work deals with the type and incidence of nonclassical Si--H and H--H interactions in a family of silylhydride complexes [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))H(X)] (X=SiMe(n)Cl(3-n), H, Me, n=0-3) and [Fe(Cp)(Me(3)P)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))(2)H] (n=0-3). DFT calculations complemented by atom-in-molecule analysis and calculations of NMR hydrogen-silicon coupling constants revealed a surprising diversity of nonclassical Si--H and H--H interligand interactions. The compounds [Fe(Cp)(L)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))(2)H] (L=CO, PMe(3); n=0-3) exhibit an unusual distortion from the ideal piano-stool geometry in that the silyl ligands are strongly shifted toward the hydride and there is a strong trend towards flattening of the {FeSi(2)H} fragment. Such a distortion leads to short Si--H contacts (range 2.030-2.075 A) and large Mayer bond orders. A novel feature of these extended Si--H interactions is that they are rather insensitive towards the substitution at the silicon atom and the orientation of the silyl ligand relatively the Fe--H bond. NMR spectroscopy and bonding features of the related complexes [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))H(Me)] (n=0-3) allow for their rationalization as usual eta(2)-Si--H silane sigma-complexes. The series of "dihydride" complexes [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(n)Cl(3-n))H(2)] (n=0-3) is different from the previous two families in that the type of interligand interactions strongly depends on the substitution on silicon. They can be classified either as usual dihydrogen complexes, for example, [Fe(Cp)(OC)(SiMe(2)Cl)(eta(2)-H(2))], or as compounds with nonclassical H--Si interactions, for example, [Fe(Cp)(OC)(H)(2)(SiMe(3))] (16). These nonclassical interligand interactions are characterized by increased negative J(H,Si) (e.g. -27.5 Hz) and increased J(H,H) (e.g. 67.7 Hz).     

High-nuclearity metal-cyanide clusters: synthesis,magnetic properties,and inclusion behavior of open-cage species incorporating [(tach)M(CN)3] (M = Cr,Fe, Co) complexes

The use of 1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane (tach) as a capping ligand in generating metal-cyanide cage clusters with accessible cavities is demonstrated. The precursor complexes [(tach)M(CN)(3)] (M = Cr, Fe, Co) are synthesized by methods similar to those employed in preparing the analogous 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) complexes. Along with [(tach)Fe(CN)(3)](1)(-), the latter two species are found to adopt low-spin electron configurations. Assembly reactions between [(tach)M(CN)(3)] (M = Fe, Co) and [M'(H(2)O)(6)](2+) (M' = Ni, Co) in aqueous solution afford the clusters [(tach)(4)(H(2)O)(12)Ni(4)Co(4)(CN)(12)](8+), [(tach)(4)(H(2)O)(12)Co(8)(CN)(12)](8+), and [(tach)(4)(H(2)O)(12)Ni(4)Fe(4)(CN)(12)](8+), each possessing a cubic arrangement of eight metal ions linked through edge-spanning cyanide bridges. This geometry is stabilized by hydrogen-bonding interactions between tach and water ligands through an intervening solvate water molecule or bromide counteranion. The magnetic behavior of the Ni(4)Fe(4) cluster indicates weak ferromagnetic coupling (J = 5.5 cm(-)(1)) between the Ni(II) and Fe(III) centers, leading to an S = 6 ground state. Solutions containing [(tach)Fe(CN)(3)] and a large excess of [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) instead yield a trigonal pyramidal [(tach)(H(2)O)(15)Ni(3)Fe(CN)(3)](6+) cluster, in which even weaker ferromagnetic coupling (J = 1.2 cm(-)(1)) gives rise to an S = (7)/(2) ground state. Paralleling reactions previously performed with [(Me(3)tacn)Cr(CN)(3)], [(tach)Cr(CN)(3)] reacts with [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) in aqueous solution to produce [(tach)(8)Cr(8)Ni(6)(CN)(24)](12+), featuring a structure based on a cube of Cr(III) ions with each face centered by a square planar [Ni(CN)(4)](2)(-) unit. The metal-cyanide cage differs somewhat from that of the analogous Me(3)tacn-ligated cluster, however, in that it is distorted via compression along a body diagonal of the cube. Additionally, the compact tach capping ligands do not hinder access to the sizable interior cavity of the molecule, permitting host-guest chemistry. Mass spectrometry experiments indicate a 1:1 association of the intact cluster with tetrahydrofuran (THF) in aqueous solution, and a crystal structure shows the THF molecule to be suspended in the middle of the cluster cavity. Addition of THF to an aqueous solution containing [(tach)Co(CN)(3)] and [Cu(H(2)O)(6)](2+) templates the formation of a closely related cluster, [(tach)(8)(H(2)O)(6)Cu(6)Co(8)(CN)(24) superset THF](12+), in which paramagnetic Cu(II) ions with square pyramidal coordination are situated on the face-centering sites. Reactions intended to produce the cubic [(tach)(4)(H(2)O)(12)Co(8)(CN)(12)](8+) cluster frequently led to an isomeric two-dimensional framework, [(tach)(H(2)O)(3)Co(2)(CN)(3)](2+), exhibiting mer rather than fac stereochemistry at the [Co(H(2)O)(3)](2+) subunits. Attempts to assemble larger edge-bridged cubic clusters by reacting [(tach)Cr(CN)(3)] with [Ni(cyclam)](2+) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) complexes instead generated extended one- or two-dimensional solids. The magnetic properties of one of these solids, two-dimensional [(tach)(2)(cyclam)(3)Ni(3)Cr(2)(CN)(6)]I(2), suggest metamagnetic behavior, with ferromagnetic intralayer coupling and weak antiferromagnetic interactions between layers.     

Cyano-bridged bimetallic assemblies from hexacyanometalate, [M(CN)6](3-) (M = Mn(III) and Fe(III)), and [M(N4-macrocycle)]2+ (M=Fe(III), Ni(II) and Zn(II)) building blocks. Syntheses, multidimensional structures, and magnetic properties

Reactions between [M(N(4)-macrocycle)](2+) (M = Zn(II) and Ni(II); macrocycle ligands are either CTH = d,l-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane or cyclam = 1,4, 8, 11-tetrazaazaciclotetradecane) and [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Fe(III) and Mn(III)) give rise to cyano-bridged assemblies with 1D linear chain and 2D honeycomblike structures. The magnetic measurements on the 1D linear chain complex [Fe(cyclam)][Fe(CN)(6)].6H(2)O 1 points out its metamagnetic behavior, where the ferromagnetic interaction operates within the chain and the antiferromagnetic one between chains. The Neel temperature, T(N), is 5.5 K and the critical field at 2 K is 1 T. The unexpected ferromagnetic intrachain interaction can be rationalized on the basis of the axially elongated octahedral geometry of the low spin Fe(III) ion of the [Fe(cyclam)](3+) unit. The isostructural substitution of [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) by [Mn(CN)(6)](3-) in the previously reported complex [Ni(cyclam)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).12H(2)O 2 leads to [Ni(cyclam)](3)[Mn(CN)(6)](2).16 H(2)O 3, which exhibits a corrugated 2D honeycomblike structure and a metamagnetic behavior with T(N) = 16 K and a critical field of 1 T. In the ferromagnetic phase (H > 1 T) this compound shows a very important coercitive field of 2900 G at 2 K. Compound [Ni(CTH)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).13H(2)O 4, C(60)H(116)Fe(2)N(24)Ni(3)O(13), monoclinic, A 2/n, a = 20.462(7), b = 16.292(4), c = 27.262(7) A, beta = 101.29(4) degrees, Z = 4, also has a corrugated 2D honeycomblike structure and a ferromagnetic intralayer interaction, but, in contrast to 2 and 3, does not exhibit any magnetic ordering. This fact is likely due to the increase of the interlayer separation in this compound. ([Zn(cyclam)Fe(CN)(6)Zn(cyclam)] [Zn(cyclam)Fe(CN)(6)].22H(2)O.EtOH) 5, C(44)H(122)Fe(2)N(24)O(23)Zn(3), monoclinic, A 2/n, a = 14.5474(11), b = 37.056(2), c = 14.7173(13) A, beta = 93.94(1) degrees, Z = 4, presents an unique structure made of anionic linear chains containing alternating [Zn(cyclam)](2+) and [Fe(CN)(6)](3)(-) units and cationic trinuclear units [Zn(cyclam)Fe(CN)(6)Zn(cyclam)](+). Their magnetic properties agree well with those expected for two [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) units with spin-orbit coupling effect of the low spin iron(III) ions.     

Expanded Prussian blue analogues incorporating [Re6Se8(CN)6](3-/4-) clusters: adjusting porosity via charge balance

Face-capped octahedral [Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)](3-/4-) clusters are used in place of octahedral [M(CN)(6)](3-/4-) complexes for the synthesis of microporous Prussian blue type solids with adjustable porosity. The reaction between [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) and [Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)](4-) in aqueous solution yields, upon heating, Fe(4)[Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)](3).36H(2)O (4). A single-crystal X-ray analysis confirms the structure of 4 to be a direct expansion of Prussian blue (Fe(4)[Fe(CN)(6)](3).14H(2)O), with [Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)](4-) clusters connected through octahedral Fe(3+) ions in a cubic three-dimensional framework. As in Prussian blue, one out of every four hexacyanide units is missing from the structure, creating sizable, water-filled cavities within the neutral framework. Oxidation of (Bu(4)N)(4)[Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)] (1) with iodine in methanol produces (Bu(4)N)(3)[Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)] (2), which is then metathesized to give the water-soluble salt Na(3)[Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)] (3). Reaction of [Co(H(2)O)(6)](2+) or [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) with 3 in aqueous solution affords Co(3)[Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2).25H(2)O (5) or Ni(3)[Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2).33H(2)O (6). Powder X-ray diffraction data show these compounds to adopt structures based on the same cubic framework present in 4, but with one out of every three cluster hexacyanide units missing as a consequence of charge balance. In contrast, reaction of [Ga(H(2)O)(6)](3+) with 3 gives Ga[Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)].6H(2)O (7), wherein charge balance dictates a fully occupied cubic framework enclosing much smaller cavities. The expanded Prussian blue analogues 4-7 can be fully dehydrated, and retain their crystallinity with extended heating at 250 degrees C. Consistent with the trend in the frequency of framework vacancies, dinitrogen sorption isotherms show porosity to increase along the series of representative compounds 7, Ga(4)[Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)](3).38H(2)O, and 6. Furthermore, all of these phases display a significantly higher sorption capacity and surface area than observed in dehydrated Prussian blue. Despite incorporating paramagnetic [Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)](3-) clusters, no evidence for magnetic ordering in compound 6 is apparent at temperatures down to 5 K. Reactions related to those employed in preparing compounds 4-6, but carried out at lower pH, produce the isostructural phases H[cis-M(H(2)O)(2)][Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)].2H(2)O (M = Fe (8), Co (9), Ni (10)). The crystal structure of 8 reveals a densely packed three-dimensional framework in which [Re(6)Se(8)(CN)(6)](4-) clusters are interlinked through a combination of protons and Fe(3+) ions.