A highly reduced v(2)(3+) unit with a metal-metal bond order of 3.5

We report the isolation and structural characterization of the first four-bladed paddlewheel complex having an M(2)(3+) core in K(THF)(3)[V(2)(DPhF)(4)], where DPhF is the anion of N,N'-diphenylformamidine. This dark green, paramagnetic compound was obtained by reduction of diamagnetic, triply bonded V(2)(DPhF)(4) with KC(8). The V-V bond distance in K(THF)(3)[V(2)(DPhF)(4)] is 1.9295(8) A, 0.05 A shorter than that found in the V(2)(4+) species. The shortening of the bond, combined with a 15-line hyperfine splitting pattern in the EPR spectrum of K(THF)(3)[V(2)(DPhF)(4)], indicates that the unpaired electron is delocalized over the two vanadium atoms, giving rise to a bond order of 3.5.     

The first open-paddlewheel structures in diruthenium chemistry: examples of intermediate magnetic behaviour between low and high spin in Ru2(5+) species

The reaction of [Ru(2)Cl(O(2)CMe)(DPhF)(3)] (DPhF=N,N'-diphenylformamidinate) with aqueous HCl leads to the substitution of the acetate ligand to give the complex [Ru(2)Cl(2)(DPhF)(3)] (1). Similar reaction of [Ru(2)(O(2)CMe)(DPhF)(3)(H(2)O)]BF(4) with aqueous HBr or HI produces [Ru(2)Br(2)(DPhF)(3)] (2), and [Ru(2)I(2)(DPhF)(3)] (3), respectively. The reaction of 1 with AgBF(4) to form the highly unsaturated unit [Ru(2)(DPhF)(3)](2+), which is isolated as [Ru(2)(BF(4))(DPhF)(3)(H(2)O)]BF(4) (4), and [Ru(2)(MeCN)(2)(DPhF)(3)](BF(4))(2) (5), is also reported. The use of AgNO(3) instead of AgBF(4) leads to [Ru(2)(NO(3))(2)(DPhF)(3)] (6). The magnetic behaviour of complexes 1-4 and 6 is intermediate between high- and low-spin configurations. A relationship between the magnetic behaviour and the visible-near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectra is apparent. In addition, the crystal structure determinations of 2, 4.THF, and 6, have been carried out. Complexes 1-3, 5 and 6 are the first examples of open-paddlewheel structures in diruthenium chemistry. The BF(4) (-) bridging the metal centres in 4THF is activated and forms very short Ru-F bonds.     

Magnetochemical Properties and Reactions of Vanadium(III) Thiolate Complexes: Preparation of (NEt(4))(3)[V(3)Cl(6)(edt)(3)] and Mixed-Valence (NEt(4))[V(2)(edt)(4)] (edt = Ethane-1,2-dithiolate)

Reactions of the previously reported dinuclear vanadium(III) thiolate anion [V(2)(edt)(4)](2)(-) (edtH(2) = ethane-1,2-dithiol) are described. Treatment of (NEt(4))(2)[V(2)(edt)(4)] (1) in MeCN with equimolar (C(12)H(8)S(2))BF(4) (C(12)H(8)S(2)(+) = the thianthrenium radical cation) results in a one-electron oxidation and isolation of the V(III),V(IV) complex (NEt(4))[V(2)(edt)(4)] (2). The same product can also be obtained by controlled-potential electrolysis of 1 at -0.20 V vs Ag/AgCl. Treatment of 1 in CH(2)Cl(2) with py gives no reaction, but addition of Me(3)SiCl leads to formation of the known V(2)OCl(4)(py)(6) (3). The latter is also formed by the reduction of a 1:1 mixture of VOCl(3) and VCl(3)(THF)(3) in CH(2)Cl(2)/py and by the reaction in CH(2)Cl(2) of VCl(3)(THF)(3) and py with edt(2)(-). Treatment of 1 in MeCN with bpy (2,2'-bipyridine) gives no reaction, but addition of Me(3)SiCl results in formation and isolation of [V(2)OCl(2)(bpy)(4)]Cl(2) (4) identified by spectroscopic comparison with literature data. The reaction of 1 in MeCN with equimolar VCl(3)(THF)(3) and NEt(4)Cl gives (NEt(4))(3)[V(3)Cl(6)(edt)(3)] (5). A more convenient procedure to 5 is the reaction in MeCN of VCl(3)(THF)(3), Na(2)edt, and NEt(4)Cl in a 1:1:1 molar ratio. Complex 5.MeCN crystallizes in triclinic space group P&onemacr; with (at -154 degrees C) a = 14.918(3) ?, b = 17.142(5) ?, c = 11.276(3) ?, alpha = 106.78(1) degrees, beta = 95.03(1) degrees, gamma = 106.18(1) degrees, and Z = 2. The anion contains a near-linear V(3) unit with a face-sharing trioctahedral structure: the three edt(2)(-) groups provide the six bridging S atoms; two edt(2)(-) groups are in a &mgr;-eta(2):eta(2) mode (as in 1), but the third is in a &mgr;(3)-eta(1):eta(2):eta(1) mode. The V.V separations (>3.1 ?) preclude V-V bonding. Variable-temperature solid-state magnetic susceptibility studies have been performed on complexes 1, 2, and 5 in a 1.0 kG field and 5.00-300 K temperature range. For 1, the effective magnetic moment (&mgr;(eff)) gradually decreases from 1.09 &mgr;(B) at 300 K to 0.26 &mgr;(B) at 5.00 K. The data were fit to the Bleaney-Bowers equation, and the fitting parameters were J = -419(11) cm(-)(1) and g = 2.05. The singlet-triplet gap is thus 838 cm(-)(1). For 2, &mgr;(eff) is essentially temperature-independent, slowly decreasing from 1.90 &mgr;(B) at 300 K to 1.86 &mgr;(B) at 55 K and then to 1.63 &mgr;(B) at 5.00 K. The complex thus is S = (1)/(2) with no thermally accessible S = (3)/(2) state. The combined data on 1 and 2, together with the results of EHT calculations, show that 1 and 2 contain a V-V single bond tying up two of the d electrons and that the remaining two d electrons in 1 are antiferromagnetically coupled to give an S = 0 ground state and S = 1 excited state; for 2, the one remaining d electron gives an S = (1)/(2) state. For 5, &mgr;(eff) increases from 5.17 &mgr;(B) at 320 K to a maximum of 6.14 &mgr;(B) at 30.0 K and then decreases slightly to 6.08 &mgr;(B) at 5.00 K. The data were fit to the appropriate theoretical expression to give J = +42.5(6) cm(-)(1), J' = -1.8(5) cm(-)(1), and g = 1.77, where J and J' gauge the interactions between adjacent and terminal V(III) atoms, respectively. The complex has an S = 3 ground state and represents a very rare example of ferromagnetic coupling between V(III) centers.     

Metal-Metal Multiply Bonded Complexes of Technetium. 5.(1) Tris and Tetrakis(formamidinato) Complexes of Ditechnetium

Compounds of the type Tc(2)Cl(4)(PR(3))(4) (PR(3) = PEt(3), PMe(2)Ph, PMePh(2)) react with the molten formamidines HDPhF (HDPhF = diphenylformamidine) and HDTolF (HDTolF = di-p-tolylformamidine) to produce mixtures of tris- and tetrakis-bridged formamidinate complexes of ditechnetium. The displacement of chloride and phosphine by [DPhF](-) was accompanied by the oxidation of the dimetal core to produce the mixed-valent complexes Tc(2)(DPhF)(3)Cl(2) (1) and Tc(2)(DPhF)(4)Cl (2) in modest yield. The solid-state structures of the di-p-tolyl analog of 1, Tc(2)(DTolF)(3)Cl(2) (1a), and Tc(2)(DPhF)(4)Cl.C(7)H(8) (2.C(7)H(8)) have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and are described in detail. The structure of 1a consists of three formamidinate ligands spanning the two technetium atoms. The two chloride ligands, which complete the coordination sphere, are bound equatorially at distances of 2.357(1) and 2.346(2) ? from the metals. Though possessing no crystallographic symmetry, 1a approximates C(2)(v)() symmetry. The metal-metal bond length of 2.0937(6) ? ranks among the shortest reported for technetium and is indicative of a Tc-Tc multiple bond. Compound 2 crystallizes with the Tc atoms colinear with a crystallographic 4-fold axis. The four bridging formamidinate ligands are arranged in a lantern geometry about the dimetal unit. The chloride is bonded in an axial position at a distance of 2.450(4) ?. The Tc-Tc bond length of 2.119(2) ? is also consistent with the presence of a high order Tc-Tc bond. The electronic structures of 1 and 2 were investigated by means of SCF-Xalpha-SW molecular orbital calculations using the model compounds Tc(2)(HNCHNH)(3)Cl(2) and Tc(2)(HNCHNH)(4)Cl. The results support the presence of a sigma(2)pi(4)delta(2)delta ground state configuration giving rise to a formal bond order of 3.5. The LUMO in both cases is a low-lying pi orbital. The formamidinate complexes 1 and 2 have been further characterized by IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The crystallographic parameters for 1a and 2.C(7)H(8) are as follows: Tc(2)(DTolF)(3)Cl(2) (1a), monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (No. 14) with a = 16.185(2) ?, b = 15.637(2) ?, c = 17.812(1) ?, beta = 110.142(5) degrees, V = 4232.3(6) ?(3) and Z = 4; Tc(2)(DPhF)(4)Cl.C(7)H(8) (2.C(7)H(8)), tetragonal space group P4/ncc (No. 130) with a = 15.245(2) ?, c = 21.832(3) ?, V = 5074.1(9) ?(3) and Z = 4.     

Equatorially connected diruthenium(II,III) units toward paramagnetic supramolecular structures with singular magnetic properties

The reaction of Ru2Cl(O2CMe)(DPhF)3 (DPhF = N,N'-diphenylformamidinate) with mono- and polycarboxylic acids gives a clean substitution of the acetate ligand, leading to the formation of complexes Ru2Cl(O2CC6H5)(DPhF)3 (1), Ru2Cl(O2CC6H4-p-CN)(DPhF)3 (2), [Ru2Cl(DPhF)3(H2O)]2(O2C)2 (3), [Ru2Cl(DPhF)3]2[C6H4-p-(CO2)2] (4), and [Ru2Cl(DPhF)3]3[C6H3-1,3,5-(CO2)3] (5). The preparation of [Ru2(NCS)(DPhF)3]3[C6H3-1,3,5-(CO2)3] (6) and {[Ru2(DPhF)3(H2O)]3[C6H3-1,3,5-(CO2)3]}(SO3CF3)3 (7) from 5 is also described. All complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, IR and electronic spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, and variable-temperature magnetic measurements. The crystal structure determinations of complexes 2.0.5THF and 3.THF.4H2O (THF = tetrahydrofuran) are reported. The reactions carried out demonstrate the high chemical stability of the fragment [Ru2(DPhF)3]2+, which is preserved in all tested experimental conditions. The stability of this fragment is also corroborated by the mass spectra. Electrochemical measurements reveal in all complexes one redox process due to the equilibrium Ru2(5+) <--> Ru2(6+). In the polynuclear complex 7, some additional oxidation processes are also observed that have been ascribed to the presence of two types of dimetallic units rather than two consecutive reversible oxidations. The magnetic behavior toward temperature for complexes 1-7 from 300 to 2 K is analyzed. Complexes 1-7 show low values of antiferromagnetic coupling in accordance with the molecular nature in 1 and 2 and the absence of important antiferromagnetic interaction through the carboxylate bridging ligands in 3-7, respectively. In addition, the magnetic properties of complex 7 do not correspond to any magnetic behavior described for diruthenium(II,III) complexes. The experimental data of compound 7 are simulated considering a physical mixture of S = 1/2 and 3/2 spin states. This magnetic study demonstrates the high sensitivity of the electronic configuration of the unit [Ru2(DPhF)3]2+ to small changes in the nature of the axial ligands. Finally, the energy gap between the pi and delta orbitals in these types of compounds allows the tentative assignment of the transition pi --> delta.     

Ag(I)/V(V) Heterobimetallic Frameworks Generated from Novel-Type {Ag(2)(VO(2)F(2))(2)(triazole)(4)} Secondary Building Blocks: A New Aspect in the Design of SVOF Hybrids

A series of new silver(I)-containing MOFs [Ag(2)(tr(2)ad)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (1), [Ag(2)(VO(2)F(2))(2)(tr(2)ad)(2)]·H(2)O (2), [Ag(2)(VO(2)F(2))(2)(tr(2)eth)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (3), and [Ag(2)(VO(2)F(2))(2)(tr(2)cy)(2)]·4H(2)O (4) supported by 4-substituted bifunctional 1,2,4-triazole ligands (tr(2)ad = 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)adamantane, tr(2)eth = 1,2-bis(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)ethane, tr(2)cy = trans-1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)cyclohexane) were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. In these complexes, the triazole heterocycle as an N(1),N(2)-bridge links either two adjacent Ag-Ag or Ag-V centers at short distances forming polynuclear clusters. The crystal structure of compound 1 is based on cationic {Ag(2)(tr)(4)}(2+) fragments connected in a 2D rhombohedral grid network with (4,4) topology. The neighboring layers are tightly packed into a 3D array by means of argentophilic interactions (Ag···Ag 3.28 ?). Bridging between different metal atoms through the triazole groups assists formation of heterobimetallic Ag(I)/V(V) secondary building blocks in a linear V-Ag-Ag-V sequence that is observed in complexes 2-4. These unprecedented tetranuclear {Ag(2)(VO(2)F(2))(2)(tr)(4)} units (the intermetal Ag-Ag and Ag-V distances are 4.24-4.36 and 3.74-3.81 ?, respectively), in which vanadium(V) oxofluoride units possess distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment {VO(2)F(2)N}ˉ, are incorporated into 1D ribbon (2) or 2D square nets (3, 4) using bitopic μ(4)-triazole ligands. The valence bond calculation for vanadium atoms shows +V oxidation state in the corresponding compounds. Thermal stability and photoluminescence properties were studied for all reported coordination polymers.     

Cl(3)V(mu-S(CH(3))(2))(3)VCl(3)(2)(-): a first-row,face-shared bioctahedral complex with multiple metal-metal bonding

Density functional theory calculations have been used to investigate the structure and bonding of the d(3)d(3) bioctahedral complexes X(3)V(mu-S(CH(3))(2))(3)VX(3)(2)(-) (X = F(-), Cl(-), OH(-), SH(-), NH(2)(-)). According to geometry optimizations using the broken-symmetry approach and the VWN+B-LYP combination of density functionals, the halide-terminated complexes have a V-V bond order of approximately 2, while complexes featuring OH(-), SH(-), or NH(2)(-) as terminal ligands exhibit full triple bonding between the vanadium atoms. The tendency toward triple bonding in the latter complexes is consistent with an increased covalency of the vanadium-ligand bonds, and the influence of bond covalency is apparent also in the tendency for V-V bond elongation in the complexes with OH(-) and NH(2)(-) terminal ligands. Detailed examination of the composition of molecular orbitals in all of the thioether-bridged V(II) complexes substantiates the conclusion that the strong antiferromagnetic coupling which we have determined for these complexes (-J > 250 cm(-)(1)) is due to direct bonding between metal atoms rather than superexchange through the bridging ligands. As such, these V(II) complexes comprise the first apparent examples of multiple metal-metal bonding in first-transition-row, face-shared dinuclear complexes and are therefore of considerable structural and synthetic interest.     

Structural aspects of the metal-insulator transitions in V0.985Al0.015O2

The crystal structure of V_0.985Al_0.015O₂ has been refined from single-crystal X-ray data at four temperatures. At 373°K it has the tetragonal rutile structure. At 323°K, which is below the first metal-insulator transition, it has the monoclinic M₂ structure, where half of the vanadium atoms are paired with alternating short (2.540 Å) and long (3.261 Å) V-V separations. The other half of the vanadium atoms form equally spaced (2.935 Å) zigzag V chains. At 298°K, which is below the second electric and magnetic transition, V_0.985Al_0.015O₂ has the triclinic T structure where both vanadium chains contain V-V bonds, V(1)-V(1) = 2.547 Å and V(2)-V(2) = 2.819 Å. At 173°K the pairing of the V(1) chain remains constant: V(1)-V(1) = 2.545 Å, whereas that of the V(2) chain decreases: V(2)-V(2) = 2.747 Å. From the variation of the lattice parameters as a function of temperature it seems that these two short V-V distances will not become equal at lower temperatures. The effective charges as calculated from the bond strengths at 298 and 173°K show that a cation disproportionation has taken place between these two temperatures. About 20% of the V⁴⁺ cations of the V(1) chains have become V³⁺ and correspondingly 20% of the V⁴⁺ cations of the V(2) chains have become V⁵⁺. This disproportionation process would explain the difference between the two short V-V distances. Also it would explain why the T → M₁ transition does not take at lower temperatures.     

Structural studies on the stepwise chelating processes of bidentate 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine and tridentate bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine toward an acetate-bridged dirhodium(II) center

Several intermediates and final products of the reactions of [Rh(2)(mu-CH(3)COO)(4)(CH(3)OH)(2)] with a tridentate ligand bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (bpa) and bidentate 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine (amp) have been isolated, and the chelation processes of these ligands to the dirhodium(II) center are discussed. The reaction of a 2 equiv amount of bpa in chloroform afforded three products, [Rh(2)(mu-CH(3)COO)(2)(eta(1)-CH(3)COO)(bpa)(2)](+) ([1]+), C(2)-[Rh(2)(mu-CH(3)COO)(2)(bpa)(2)](2+) ([2a](2+)), and C(s)-[Rh(2)(mu-CH(3)COO)(2)(bpa)(2)](2+) ([2b](2+)), where C(2) and C(s) denote the molecular symmetry of the two geometrical isomers. X-ray crystallography revealed that [1](+) contains ax-eq chelated bidentate and ax-eq-eq tridentate bpa and that [2a](2+) and [2b](2+) have two ax-eq-eq tridentate bpa ligands (ax denotes the site trans to the Rh-Rh bond, and eq, the site perpendicular to it). The reaction is initiated by almost instantaneous monodentate or inter-Rh(2)-unit bridging coordination of bpa at the ax sites, which is followed by very slow ax-eq chelate formation and then ultimate ax-eq-eq tridentate coordination. The reaction of [Rh(2)(mu-CH(3)COO)(4)(CH(3)OH)(2)] with amp in 1:2 ratio in chloroform initially gives an insoluble polymer in which amp interconnects the ax sites of the dirhodium(II) units. Further reactions afforded [Rh(2)(mu-CH(3)COO)(2)(eta(1)-CH(3)COO)(amp)(2)](+) ([4](+)) and [Rh(2)(mu-CH(3)COO)(2)(amp)(2)](2+) ([5](2)(+)). The X-ray structural studies show that [4](+) has one ax-eq and one eq-eq chelate and [5](2)(+) two eq-eq chelates. More rigid tridentate ligands 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (tpy) and 4'-chloro-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (Cl-tpy) have been introduced at ax sites in a monodentate mode ([Rh(2)(mu-CH(3)COO)(4)(tpy)(2)] (8) and [Rh(2)(mu-CH(3)COO)(4)(Cl-tpy)(2)] (9)). While the Rh-Rh distances of these complexes and [Rh(2)(mu-CH(3)COO)(2)(2,2'-bipyridine)(2)(py)(2)](2+) ([7](2)(+)) are practically unchanged (2.56-2.60 A) except for 8 and 9 (2.4 A), the Rh-N(ax) distances range from 2.11 to 2.35 A. Relatively short distances are found for the compounds with ax-eq or ax-eq-eq chelates (<2.22 A). Longest distances (2.32-2.35 A) found for 8 and 9 may be due to the steric effect. The distances of other complexes fall in the normal region. The visible band of the pi*(Rh-Rh) --> sigma*(Rh-Rh) transition in solid-state reflectance spectra shows a red-shift as the Rh[bond]N(ax) distances becomes longer.     

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(-)).     

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.     

Cooperative ligation,back-bonding,and possible pyridine-pyridine interactions in tetrapyridine-vanadium(II): a visible and X-ray spectroscopic study

The binding of pyridine by V(II) in aqueous solution shows evidence for the late onset of cooperativity. The K(1) governing formation of [V(py)](2+) (lambda(max) = 404 nm, epsilon(max) = 1.43 +/- 0.3 M(-1) cm(-1)) was determined spectrophotometrically to be 11.0 +/- 0.3 M(-)(1), while K(1) for isonicotinamide was found to be 5.0 +/- 0.1 M(-1). These values are in the low range for 3d M(2+) ions and indicate that V(II).py back-bonding is not significant in the formation of the 1:1 complex. Titration of 10.5 mM V(II) with pyridine in aqueous solution showed an absorption plateau at about 1 M added pyridine, indicating a reaction terminus. Vanadium K-edge EXAFS analysis of 63 mM V(II) in 2 M pyridine solution revealed six first-shell N/O ligands at 2.14 A and 4 +/- 1 pyridine ligands per V(II). UV/vis absorption spectroscopy indicated that the same terminal V(II) species was present in both experiments. Model calculations showed that in the absence of back-bonding only 2.0 +/- 0.2 and 2.4 +/- 0.2 pyridine ligands would be present, respectively. Cooperativity in multistage binding of pyridine by [V(aq)](2+) is thus indicated. XAS K-edge spectroscopy of crystalline [V(O(3)SCF(3))(2)(py)(4)] and of V(II) in 2 M pyridine solution each exhibited the analogous 1s --> (5)E(g) and 1s --> (5)T(2g) transitions, at 5465.5 and 5467.5 eV, and 5465.2 and 5467.4 eV, respectively, consistent with the EXAFS analysis. In contrast, [V(py)(6)](PF(6))(2) and [V(H(2)O)(6)]SO(4) show four 1s --> 3d XAS transitions suggestive of a Jahn-Teller distorted excited state. Comparison of the M(II)[bond]N(py) bond lengths in V(II) and Fe(II) tetrapyridines shows that the V(II)[bond]N(py) distances are about 0.06 A shorter than predicted from ionic radii. For [VX(2)(R-py)(4)] (X = Cl(-), CF(3)SO(3)(-); R = 4-Et, H, 3-EtOOC), the E(1/2) values of the V(II)/V(III) couples correlate linearly with the Hammett sigma values of the R group. These findings indicate that pi back-bonding is important in [V(py)(4)](2+) even though absent in [V(py)](2+). The paramagnetism of [V(O(3)SCF(3))(2)(py)(4)] in CHCl(3), 3.8 +/- 0.2 mu(B), revealed that the onset of back-bonding is not accompanied by a spin change. Analysis of the geometries of V(II) and Fe(II) tetrapyridines indicates that the ubiquitous propeller motif accompanying tetrapyridine ligation may be due to eight dipole interactions arising from the juxtaposed C-H edges and pi clouds of adjoining ligands, worth about -6 kJ each. However, this is not the source of the cooperativity in the binding of multiple pyridines by V(II) because the same interactions are present in the Fe(II)-tetrapyridines, which do not show cooperative ligand binding. Cooperativity in the binding of pyridine by V(II) is then assigned by default to V(II)-pyridine back-bonding, which emerges only after the first pyridine is bound.     

Amido-based potassium-alkaline earth metallates--synthesis and structures of heterobimetallic complexes of heavy s-block elements

The metathesis reaction of potassium N-isopropylanilide with alkaline earth metal diiodides of calcium, strontium and barium in a molar ratio of 4:1 yields the corresponding alkaline earth metalates of the type [(THF)(n)K(μ-NPhiPr)(2)Ae(μ-NPhiPr)(2)K(THF)(n)] (1: Ae = Ca, n = 2). Stabilization and crystallization of such derivatives succeeds after exchange of the THF ligands by multidentate amino bases such as tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) or pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA). The influence of the size and hardness of the alkaline earth metal center on the molecular structures is studied with [(L)K(μ-NPhiPr)(2)Ae(μ-NPhiPr)(2)K(L)] (2: Ae = Ca, L = TMEDA; 3: Ae = Sr, L = TMEDA; 4: Ae = Sr, L = PMDETA; and 5: Ae = Ba, L = PMDETA). The molecular structures are dominated by (attractive and repulsive) electrostatic and steric factors leading to a shortening of the non-bonding AeK distances from calcium to barium.     

Synthesis, characterization, and stereochemistry of oxorhenium(V) complexes with 2-aminoethanethiolate

A series of oxorhenium(V) complexes with 2-aminoethanethiolate (aet), [ReO(aet-N,S)(D-pen-N,O,S)] (2), [[ReO(aet-N,S)(2)](2)O] (3), [ReO(Cl)(aet-N,S)(2)] (4), and [ReO(aet-N,S)(Haet-S)(2)]Cl(2) ([5]Cl(2)) was newly prepared starting from ReO(4)(-). The reaction of NH(4)ReO(4) with a 1:1 mixture of Haet.HCl and D-H(2)pen (D-penicillamine) in the presence of SnCl(2).2H(2)O in water gave 2, 3, and the known complex [ReO(D-Hpen-N,S)(D-pen-N,O,S)] (1). These complexes were fractionally precipitated by controlling the pH of the reaction solution. The complex 2 was also prepared in a higher yield by a similar reaction using methanol as a solvent. The crystal structure of 2 was determined by X-ray crystallography; 2 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4(3) with a = 9.621(1), c = 12.911(1) A, V = 1195.0(3) A(3), and Z = 4. The oxorhenium(V) core in 2 is coordinated by a bidentate-N,S aet ligand and a tridentate-N,O,S D-pen ligand, having a distorted octahedral geometry with a cis-N cis-S configuration in the equatorial plane perpendicular to the O-Re-O axis. The 1:2 reaction of NH(4)ReO(4) with Haet.HCl in the presence of SnCl(2).2H(2)O in methanol produced 4, which is interconvertible with 3, while the corresponding 1:3 reaction resulted in the isolation of [5]Cl(2). The complexes 4 and 5 were also structurally characterized; 4 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 6.839(1), b = 10.0704(6), c = 14.1075(8) A, beta = 91.729(8) degrees, V = 971.2(2) A(3), and Z = 4, while [5]Cl(2) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 11.938(3), b = 12.366(3), c = 5.819(1) A, alpha = 102.71(2), beta = 101.28(2), gamma = 75.41(2) degrees, V = 802.0(3) A(3), and Z = 2. In 4, the oxorhenium(V) core is octahedrally coordinated by two bidentate-N,S aet ligands, which form a cis-N cis-S configurational equatorial plane with a Cl(-) ion trans to the oxo ligand. On the other hand, the oxorhenium(V) core in [5](2+) is coordinated by one bidenate-N,S aet and two monodentate-S Haet ligands, having a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry with S and N donors at the apical positions.     

(N2)3- radical chemistry via trivalent lanthanide salt/alkali metal reduction of dinitrogen: new syntheses and examples of (N2)2- and (N2)3- complexes and density functional theory comparisons of closed shell Sc3+, Y3+, and Lu3+ versus 4f(9) Dy3+

New syntheses of complexes containing the recently discovered (N(2))(3-) radical trianion have been developed by examining variations on the LnA(3)/M reductive system that delivers "LnA(2)" reactivity when Ln = scandium, yttrium, or a lanthanide, M = an alkali metal, and A = N(SiMe(3))(2) and C(5)R(5). The first examples of LnA(3)/M reduction of dinitrogen with aryloxide ligands (A = OC(6)R(5)) are reported: the combination of Dy(OAr)(3) (OAr = OC(6)H(3)(t)Bu(2)-2,6) with KC(8) under dinitrogen was found to produce both (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(3-) products, [(ArO)(2)Dy(THF)(2)](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 1, and [(ArO)(2)Dy(THF)](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)], 2a, respectively. The range of metals that form (N(2))(3-) complexes with [N(SiMe(3))(2)](-) ancillary ligands has been expanded from Y to Lu, Er, and La. Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/M reactions with M = Na as well as KC(8) are reported. Reduction of the isolated (N(2))(2-) complex {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 3, with KC(8) forms the (N(2))(3-) complex, {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)], 4a, in high yield. The reverse transformation, the conversion of 4a to 3 can be accomplished cleanly with elemental Hg. The crown ether derivative {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y(THF)}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(2)] was isolated from reduction of 3 with KC(8) in the presence of 18-crown-6 and found to be much less soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF) than the [K(THF)(6)](+) salt, which facilitates its separation from 3. Evidence for ligand metalation in the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reaction was obtained through the crystal structure of the metallacyclic complex {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)Y[CH(2)Si(Me(2))NSiMe(3)]}[K(18-crown-6)(THF)(toluene)]. Density functional theory previously used only with reduced dinitrogen complexes of closed shell Sc(3+) and Y(3+) was extended to Lu(3+) as well as to open shell 4f(9) Dy(3+) complexes to allow the first comparison of bonding between these four metals.     

Redox-switched complexation/decomplexation of K(+) and Cs(+) by molecular cyanometalate boxes

The reaction of [N(PPh(3))(2)][CpCo(CN)(3)] and [Cb*Co(NCMe)(3)]PF(6) (Cb* = C(4)Me(4)) in the presence of K(+) afforded {K subset[CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[Cb*Co](4)}PF(6), [KCo(8)]PF(6). IR, NMR, ESI-MS indicate that [KCo(8)]PF(6) is a high-symmetry molecular box containing a potassium ion at its interior. The analogous heterometallic cage {K subset[Cp*Rh(CN)(3)](4)[Cb*Co](4)}PF(6) ([KRh(4)Co(4)]PF(6)) was prepared similarly via the condensation of K[Cp*Rh(CN)(3)] and [Cb*Co(NCMe)(3)]PF(6). Crystallographic analysis confirmed the structure of [KCo(8)]PF(6). The cyanide ligands are ordered, implying that no Co-CN bonds are broken upon cage formation and ion complexation. Eight Co-CN-Co edges of the box bow inward toward the encapsulated K(+), and the remaining four mu-CN ligands bow outward. MeCN solutions of [KCo(8)](+) and [KRh(4)Co(4)](+) were found to undergo ion exchange with Cs(+) to give [CsCo(8)](+) and [CsRh(4)Co(4)](+), both in quantitative yields. Labeling experiments involving [(MeC5H4)Co(CN)(3)]- demonstrated that Cs(+)-for-K(+) ion exchange is accompanied by significant fragmentation. Ion exchange of NH(4+) with [KCo(8)](+) proceeds to completion in THF solution, but in MeCN solution, the exclusive products were [Cb*Co(NCMe)(3)]PF(6) and the poorly soluble salt NH(4)CpCo(CN)(3). The lability of the NH(4+)-containing cage was also indicated by the rapid exchange of the acidic protons in [NH(4)Co(8)](+). Oxidation of [MCo(8)](+) with 4 equiv of FcPF(6) produced paramagnetic (S = 4/2) [Co(8)](4+), releasing Cs(+) or K(+). The oxidation-induced dissociation of M(+) from the cages is chemically reversed by treatment of [Co(8)](4+) and CsOTf with 4 equiv of Cp(2)Co. Cation recognition by [Co(8)] and [Rh(4)Co(4)] cages was investigated. Electrochemical measurements indicated that E(1/2)(Cs(+))--E(1/2)(K(+)) approximately 0.08 V for [MCo(8)](+).     

Tetra- and dinuclear nickel(II)-vanadium(IV/V) heterometal complexes of a phenol-based N2O2 ligand: synthesis, structures, and magnetic and redox properties

The tetra- and binuclear heterometallic complexes of nickel(II)-vanadium(IV/V) combinations involving a phenol-based primary ligand, viz., N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)ethylenediamine (H2L1), are reported in this work. Carboxylates and beta-diketonates have been used as ancillary ligands to obtain the tetranuclear complexes [Ni(II)(2)V(V)(2)(RCOO)(2)(L(1))(2)O(4)] (R = Ph, 1; R = Me(3)C, 2) and the binuclear types [(beta-diket)Ni(II)L(1)V(IV)O(beta-diket)] (3 and 4), respectively. X-ray crystallography shows that the tetranuclear complexes are constructed about an unprecedented heterometallic eight-membered Ni(2)V(2)O(4) core in which the (L(1))(2)- ligands are bound to the Ni center in a N(2)O(2) mode and simultaneously bridge a V atom via the phenoxide O atoms. The cis-N(2)O(4) coordination geometry for Ni is completed by an O atom derived from the bridging carboxylate ligand and an oxo O atom. The latter two atoms, along with a terminal oxide group, complete the O5 square-pyramidal coordination geometry for V. Each of the dinuclear compounds, [(acac)Ni(II)L(1)V(IV)O(acac)] (3) and [(dbm)Ni(II)L(1)V(IV)O(dbm)] (4) [Hdbm = dibenzoylmethane], also features a tetradentate (L(1))(2)- ligand, Ni in an octahedral cis-N(2)O(4) coordination geometry, and V in an O(5) square-pyramidal geometry. In 3 and 4, the bridges between the Ni and V atoms are provided by the (L(1))(2)- ligand. The Ni...V separations in the structures lie in the narrow range of 2.9222(4) A (3) to 2.9637(5) A (4). The paramagnetic Ni centers (S = 1) in 1 and 2 are widely separated (Ni...Ni separations are 5.423 and 5.403 A) by the double V(V)O(4) bridge that leads to weak antiferromagnetic interactions (J = -3.6 and -3.9 cm-1) and thus an ST = 0 ground state for these systems. In 3 and 4, the interactions between paramagnetic centers (Ni(II) and V(IV)) are also antiferromagnetic (J = -8.9 and -10.0 cm-1), leading to an S(T) = 1/2 ground state. Compound 4 undergoes two one-electron redox processes at E(1/2) = +0.66 and -1.34 V vs Ag/AgCl reference due to a V(IV/V) oxidation and a Ni(II)/I reduction, respectively, as indicated by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry.     

Direct evidence from electron paramagnetic resonance for additional configurations in uncommon paddlewheel Re2(7+) units surrounded by an unsymmetrical bicyclic guanidinate

Three rare compounds have been synthesized and structurally characterized; these species have paddlewheel structures and Re(2)(7+) cores surrounded by four bicyclic guanidinates and two axial ligands along the Re-Re axis. Each possesses a formal bond order of 3.5 and a σ(2)π(4)δ(1) electronic configuration that entails the presence of one unpaired electron for each compound. The guanidinate ligands characterized by having CH(2) entities and a central C(N)(3) unit that joins two cyclic units--one having two fused 6-membered rings (hpp) and the other having a 5- and a 6-membered ring fused together (tbn)--allowed the isolation of [Re(2)(tbn)(4)Cl(2)]PF(6), 1, [Re(2)(tbn)(4)Cl(2)]Cl, 2, and [Re(2)(hpp)(4)(O(3)SCF(3))(2)](O(3)SCF(3)), 3. Because of the larger bite angle of the tbn relative to the hpp ligand, the Re-Re bond distances in 1 and 2 (2.2691(14) and 2.2589(14) ?, respectively) are much longer than that in 3 (2.1804(8) ?). Importantly, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies at both X-band (~9.4 GHz) and W-band (112 GHz) in the solid and in frozen solution show unusually low g-values (~1.75) and the absence of zero-field splitting, providing direct evidence for the presence of one metal-based unpaired electron for both 1 and 3. These spectroscopic data suggest that the unsymmetrical 5-/6-membered ligand leads to the formation of isomers, as shown by significantly broader EPR signals for 1 than for 3, even though both compounds possess what appears to be similar ideal crystallographic axial symmetry on the X-ray time scale.     

A mixed-valence polyoxovanadate(III,IV) cluster with a calixarene cap exhibiting ferromagnetic V(III)-V(IV) interactions

A series of compounds (cat)[V6O6(OCH3)8(calix)(CH3OH)] was obtained under anaerobic conditions and solvothermal reaction of VOSO4 with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (calix) in methanol using different types of bases (Et4NOH, NH4OH, pyridine, Et3N). All compounds contain the same polyoxo(alkoxo)hexavanadate anion [V6O6(OCH3)8(calix)(CH3OH)]- (1) exhibiting a mixed valence {VIIIVIV5O19} core with the so-called Lindqvist structure coordinated to a calix[4]arene macrocycle and cocrystallizing with the conjugated acid of the base (cat = Et4N+, NH4(+), pyridinium, Et3NH+) involved in the synthesis process. The structures have been fully established from X-ray diffraction on single crystals and the mixed valence state has been confirmed by bond valence sum calculations. The magnetic behavior of all compounds are the same because of the polyalkoxohexavanadate anion [V6O6(OCH3)8(calix)(CH3OH)]- (1) and have been interpreted by DFT calculations. Thus the V(III)...V(IV) interactions are found to be weakly ferromagnetic (<5.5 cm(-1)) while the V(IV)...V(IV) are antiferromagnetic (-17.6; -67.6 cm(-1)). The set of the coupling exchange parameters allows a good agreement with the magnetic experimental data.     

M-M bond-stretching energy landscapes for M2(dimen)4(2+) (M = Rh, Ir; dimen = 1,8-diisocyanomenthane) complexes

Isomers of Ir(2)(dimen)(4)(2+) (dimen = 1,8-diisocyanomenthane) exhibit different Ir-Ir bond distances in a 2:1 MTHF/EtCN solution (MTHF = 2-methyltetrahydrofuran). Variable-temperature absorption data suggest that the isomer with the shorter Ir-Ir distance is favored at room temperature [K = ～8; ΔH° = -0.8 kcal/mol; ΔS° = 1.44 cal mol(-1) K(-1)]. We report calculations that shed light on M(2)(dimen)(4)(2+) (M = Rh, Ir) structural differences: (1) metal-metal interaction favors short distances; (2) ligand deformational-strain energy favors long distances; (3) out-of-plane (A(2u)) distortion promotes twisting of the ligand backbone at short metal-metal separations. Calculated potential-energy surfaces reveal a double minimum for Ir(2)(dimen)(4)(2+) (～4.1 ? Ir-Ir with 0° twist angle and ～3.6 ? Ir-Ir with ±12° twist angle) but not for the rhodium analogue (～4.5 ? Rh-Rh with no twisting). Because both the ligand strain and A(2u) distortional energy are virtually identical for the two complexes, the strength of the metal-metal interaction is the determining factor. On the basis of the magnitude of this interaction, we obtain the following results: (1) a single-minimum (along the Ir-Ir coordinate), harmonic potential-energy surface for the triplet electronic excited state of Ir(2)(dimen)(4)(2+) (R(e,Ir-Ir) = 2.87 ?; F(Ir-Ir) = 0.99 mdyn ?(-1)); (2) a single-minimum, anharmonic surface for the ground state of Rh(2)(dimen)(4)(2+) (R(e,Rh-Rh) = 3.23 ?; F(Rh-Rh) = 0.09 mdyn ?(-1)); (3) a double-minimum (along the Ir-Ir coordinate) surface for the ground state of Ir(2)(dimen)(4)(2+) (R(e,Ir-Ir) = 3.23 ?; F(Ir-Ir) = 0.16 mdyn ?(-1)).