Visible‐Light‐Driven Water Oxidation by a Molecular Manganese Vanadium Oxide Cluster

Photosynthetic water oxidation in plants occurs at an inorganic calcium manganese oxo cluster, which is known as the oxygen evolving complex (OEC), in photosystem II. Herein, we report a synthetic OEC model based on a molecular manganese vanadium oxide cluster, [Mn₄V₄O₁₇(OAc)₃]^3?. The compound is based on a [Mn₄O₄]⁶⁺ cubane core, which catalyzes the homogeneous, visible‐light‐driven oxidation of water to molecular oxygen and is stabilized by a tripodal [V₄O₁₃]^6? polyoxovanadate and three acetate ligands. When combined with the photosensitizer [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and the oxidant persulfate, visible‐light‐driven water oxidation with turnover numbers of approximately 1150 and turnover frequencies of about 1.75 s^?1 is observed. Electrochemical, mass‐spectrometric, and spectroscopic studies provide insight into the cluster stability and reactivity. This compound could serve as a model for the molecular structure and reactivity of the OEC and for heterogeneous metal oxide water‐oxidation catalysts.     

Robust and efficient amide-based nonheme manganese(III) hydrocarbon oxidation catalysts: substrate and solvent effects on involvement and partition of multiple active oxidants

Two new mononuclear nonheme manganese(III) complexes of tetradentate ligands containing two deprotonated amide moieties, [Mn(bpc)Cl(H₂O)] ( 1 ) and [Mn(Me₂bpb)Cl(H₂O)] ? CH₃OH ( 2 ), were prepared and characterized. Complex 2 has also been characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Magnetic measurements revealed that the complexes are high spin (S=5/2) Mn^III species with typical magnetic moments of 4.76 and 4.95 μ_B, respectively. These nonheme Mn^III complexes efficiently catalyzed olefin epoxidation and alcohol oxidation upon treatment with MCPBA under mild experimental conditions. Olefin epoxidation by these catalysts is proposed to involve the multiple active oxidants Mn^V?O, Mn^IV?O, and Mn^III? OO(O)CR. Evidence for this approach was derived from reactivity and Hammett studies, KIE (k_H/k_D) values, H₂¹⁸O‐exchange experiments, and the use of peroxyphenylacetic acid as a mechanistic probe. In addition, it has been proposed that the participation of Mn^V?O, Mn^IV?O, and Mn^III? OOR could be controlled by changing the substrate concentration, and that partitioning between heterolysis and homolysis of the O? O bond of a Mn‐acylperoxo intermediate (Mn? OOC(O)R) might be significantly affected by the nature of solvent, and that the O? O bond of the Mn? OOC(O)R might proceed predominantly by heterolytic cleavage in protic solvent. Therefore, a discrete Mn^V?O intermediate appeared to be the dominant reactive species in protic solvents. Furthermore, we have observed close similarities between these nonheme Mn^III complex systems and Mn(saloph) catalysts previously reported, suggesting that this simultaneous operation of the three active oxidants might prevail in all the manganese‐catalyzed olefin epoxidations, including Mn(salen), Mn(nonheme), and even Mn(porphyrin) complexes. This mechanism provides the greatest congruity with related oxidation reactions by using certain Mn complexes as catalysts.     

Desulfuration and Cyclization of (Z)‐2‐[Amino(pyridine‐2‐yl)methylene]‐ hydrazonecarbothioamide in the Presence of Manganese(II)

The reaction of (Z)‐2‐[amino(pyridine‐2‐yl)methylene]hydrazonecarbothioamide (HAm4DH) with Mn(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O afforded different mononuclear or polynuclear manganese(II) complexes, the nature of which apparently depended on the solvent used. For example, in ethanol a compound of formula [Mn(HAm4DH)₂](ClO₄)₂ ( 1 ) was obtained, where HAm4DH coordinates as a common tridentate NNS donor, but the [Mn(bpy)₂(NCS)₂] complex ( 2 ) (bpy = 2,2'‐bipyridine) has also been obtained – probably due to C–N bond cleavage of the thiosemicarbazone. Nevertheless, in a basic aqueous medium [Mn(bpy)₃](ClO₄)₂·0.5bpy ( 3 ) is formed and there is structural evidence for chemical transformations of the thiosemicarbazone promoted by Mn^II. Thus, the sulfate in {[Mn(py)₄Mn(py)₂(H₂O)₂(μ‐SO₄)₂]·4H₂O}_n ( 4 ) or sulfate and cyclooctasulfur in [Mn(pta)₂(pdo)]₄(SO₄)₂·4H₂O·S₈] ( 5 ), where pta is 3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐amine and pdo is (2R,4R/2S,4S)‐pentane‐2,4‐diolato, arise from the desulfuration and oxidation of the thiosemicarbazone ligand. The structures of complexes 2 to 5 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The formation of pta is the result of the oxidative cyclization of HAm4DH. In the polynuclear complex 4 , the sulfate acts as an (O,O') bridge between alternating Mn(py)₂(H₂O)₂ and Mn(py)₄ centers. In the tetranuclear complex 5 , pta acts as a bischelating ligand through the N‐pyridine and N‐triazole, and pdo act as a bridge between two manganese atoms. It is also noteworthy that in complexes 4 and 5 hydrogen bonds give rise to different self‐assembly behaviour that leads to complicated supramolecular structures.     

Activation by oxidation and ligand exchange in a molecular manganese vanadium oxide water oxidation catalyst

Despite their technological importance for water splitting, the reaction mechanisms of most water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) are poorly understood. This paper combines theoretical and experimental methods to reveal mechanistic insights into the reactivity of the highly active molecular manganese vanadium oxide WOC [Mn₄V₄O₁₇(OAc)₃]³⁻ in aqueous acetonitrile solutions. Using density functional theory together with electrochemistry and IR-spectroscopy, we propose a sequential three-step activation mechanism including a one-electron oxidation of the catalyst from [Mn₂³⁺Mn₂⁴⁺] to [Mn³⁺Mn₃⁴⁺], acetate-to-water ligand exchange, and a second one-electron oxidation from [Mn³⁺Mn₃⁴⁺] to [Mn₄⁴⁺]. Analysis of several plausible ligand exchange pathways shows that nucleophilic attack of water molecules along the Jahn–Teller axis of the Mn³⁺ centers leads to significantly lower activation barriers compared with attack at Mn⁴⁺ centers. Deprotonation of one water ligand by the leaving acetate group leads to the formation of the activated species [Mn₄V₄O₁₇(OAc)₂(H₂O)(OH)]⁻ featuring one H₂O and one OH ligand. Redox potentials based on the computed intermediates are in excellent agreement with electrochemical measurements at various solvent compositions. This intricate interplay between redox chemistry and ligand exchange controls the formation of the catalytically active species. These results provide key reactivity information essential to further study bio-inspired molecular WOCs and solid-state manganese oxide catalysts.

Combined theoretical and experimental studies shed light on the initial steps of redox-activation of a molecular manganese vanadium oxide water oxidation catalyst.     

Cyclic Voltammetry Study of the Mn‐Substituted Polyoxoanions [MnII4(H2O)2(H4AsW15O56)2]18− and [((MnIIOH2)MnII2PW9O34)2(PW6O26)]17−: Electrodeposition of Manganese Oxides Electrocatalysts for Dioxygen Reduction

The electrochemical behavior of two manganese (Mn)‐substituted polyoxoanions, the dissymmetrical Dawson sandwich‐type [Mn^II₄(H₂O)₂(H₄AsW₁₅O₅₆)₂]^18? and the Keggin sandwich banana‐shaped [((Mn^IIOH₂)Mn^II₂PW₉O₃₄)₂(PW₆O₂₆)]^17? is investigated. At pH 5, the oxidation of the Mn^II‐centers results in one oxidation wave for [Mn^II₄(H₂O)₂(H₄AsW₁₅O₅₆)₂]^18? and two oxidation waves for [((Mn^IIOH₂)Mn^II₂PW₉O₃₄)₂(PW₆O₂₆)]^17?. To the best of our knowledge, presence of the second Mn‐based wave is rarely observed in the electrochemistry of Mn‐containing polyoxometalates. Deposition of Mn‐oxides electrocatalysts for dioxygen reduction is noticed by cyclic voltammetry, which can be distinguished by the significant positive shift in potentials of the dioxygen reduction reaction.     

Efficient Olefin Epoxidation by Robust Re4 Cluster‐Supported MnIII Complexes with Peracids: Evidence of Simultaneous Operation of Multiple Active Oxidant Species,MnVO,MnIVO,and MnIII?OOC(O)R

Two new tetranuclear chalcocyanide cluster complexes, [{Mn(saloph)H₂O}₄Re₄Q₄(CN)₁₂]?4 CH₃OH? 8 H₂O (saloph=N,N′‐o‐phenylenebis(salicylidenaminato), Q=Se ( 1 ‐Se), Te ( 2 ‐Te)), have been synthesized by the diffusion of a methanolic solution of [PPh₄]₄[Re₄Q₄(CN)₁₂] into a methanolic solution of [Mn(saloph)]⁺. The structure of 2 ‐Te has been determined by X‐ray crystallography. These rhenium cluster‐supported [Mn^III(saloph)] complexes have been found to efficiently catalyze a wide range of olefin epoxidations under mild experimental conditions in the presence of meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA). Olefin epoxidation by these catalysts is proposed to involve the multiple active oxidants Mn^V?O, Mn^IV?O, and Mn^III? OOC(O)R. Evidence in support of this interpretation has been derived from reactivity and Hammett studies, H₂¹⁸O‐exchange experiments, and the use of peroxyphenylacetic acid as a mechanistic probe. Moreover, it has been observed that the participation of Mn^V?O, Mn^IV?O, and Mn^III? OOC(O)R can be controlled by changing the substrate concentration. This mechanism provides the greatest congruity with related oxidation reactions that employ certain Mn complexes as catalysts.     

Catalytic Water Oxidation by Ruthenium(II) Quaterpyridine (qpy) Complexes: Evidence for Ruthenium(III) qpy‐N,N′′′‐dioxide as the Real Catalysts

Polypyridyl and related ligands have been widely used for the development of water oxidation catalysts. Supposedly these ligands are oxidation‐resistant and can stabilize high‐oxidation‐state intermediates. In this work a series of ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(qpy)(L)₂]²⁺ (qpy=2,2′:6′,2′′:6′′,2′′′‐quaterpyridine; L=substituted pyridine) have been synthesized and found to catalyze Ce^IV‐driven water oxidation, with turnover numbers of up to 2100. However, these ruthenium complexes are found to function only as precatalysts; first, they have to be oxidized to the qpy‐N,N′′′‐dioxide (ONNO) complexes [Ru(ONNO)(L)₂]³⁺ which are the real catalysts for water oxidation.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) of a Cubic Metal Cluster with Multicentered MnIMnI Bonds

MOFs with both multicentered metal–metal bonds and low‐oxidation‐state (LOS) metal ions have been underexplored hitherto. Here we report the first cubic [Mn^I₈] cluster‐based MOF ( 1 ) with multicentered Mn^I? Mn^I bonds and +1 oxidation state of manganese (Mn^I or Mn(I)), as is supported by single‐crystal structure determination, XPS analyses, and quantum chemical studies. Compound 1 possesses the shortest Mn^I? Mn^I bond of 2.372 Å. Theoretical studies with density functional theory (DFT) reveal extensive electron delocalization over the [Mn^I₈] cube. The 48 electrons in the [Mn^I₈] cube fully occupy half of the 3d‐based and the lowest 4s‐based bonding orbitals, with six electrons lying at the nonbonding 3d‐orbitals. This bonding feature renders so‐called cubic aromaticity. Magnetic properties measurements show that 1 is an antiferromagnet. This work is expected to inspire further investigation of cubic metal–metal bonding, MOF materials with LOS metals, and metalloaromatic theory.     

Water Oxidation by In Situ Generated [RuII(OH2)(NCNHCO)(pic)2]+

A dinuclear ruthenium complex [Ru^II(NC^NHC O)(pic)₂]₂²⁺ ( 2 ) was firstly prepared and characterized spectroscopically and electrochemically. Instead of the conventional ligand exchange, complex 2 dissociates in situ to afford two single‐site Ru aqua complexes, [Ru^II(OH₂)(NC^NHC O)(pic)₂]⁺, which mediates water oxidation through proton‐coupled electron transfer events. In electrokinetic studies, complex 2 demonstrated a TOF of 150.3 s⁻¹ comparable to those state‐of‐the‐art catalysts at neutral conditions. TONs of 2173 and 217 were attained in chemical and photochemical water oxidation when 2 was used as a catalyst, exhibiting good stability. Notably, a TOF of 1.3 s⁻¹ was achieved at CAN‐driven water oxidation, which outperformed most of the reported single‐site Ru complexes, indicating that complex 2 is one of most active water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) to date. The unique coordination configuration and outstanding catalytic performance of complex 2 might shed light on the design of novel molecular WOCs.     

Syntheses,Structures and Electrochemistry Properties of Two Dicyanamide Manganese(III) Complexes [Mn(5‐Brsalen)(dca)]·CH3OH and [Mn(3‐Meosalphen)(dca)(H2O)]

Two manganese(III)‐dicyanamide compounds, [Mn(5‐Brsalen)(dca)] · CH₃OH ( 1 ) and [Mn(3‐Meosalphen)(dca)(H₂O)] ( 2 ) (dca = dicyanamide anion, [N(CN)₂]^–), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis, and cyclic voltammetry. The structure of complex 1 is an infinite zigzag chain of hexacoordinate Mn^III ions, in which the adjacent manganese atoms are connected by dca in μ_1,5‐bridging mode. The molecular structure of complex 2 consists of a hexacoordinate Mn^III atom, which generates a slightly distorted octahedral arrangement, and a dimer structure is formed by intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The electrochemical properties of the two complexes were measured by cyclic voltammetry.     

Aquachloro[N,N′‐ethylenebis(salicylideneiminato)]manganese(III)

The title compound, aqua­chloro{2,2′‐[1,2‐ethanediyl­bis­(nitrilo­methyl­idyne)]­diphenolato‐κ⁴O,N,N′,O′}manganese(III),[MnCl(C₁₆H₁₄N₂O₂)(H₂O)], is a neutral manganese(III) complex with a pseudo‐octahedral metal centre. The equatorial plane comprises the four donor atoms of the tetradentate Schiff base ligand [Mn—O 1.886 (4) and 1.893 (4) Å, and Mn—N 1.978 (5) and 1.982 (5) Å], with a water mol­ecule [Mn—O 2.383 (4) Å] and a Cl^? ligand [Mn—Cl 2.4680 (16) Å] completing the coordination sphere. The distorted geometry is highlighted by the marked displacement of the Mn^III ion out of the least‐squares plane of the four Schiff base donor atoms by 0.165 (2) Å. These monomeric Mn^III centres are then linked into a polymeric array via hydrogen bonds between the coordinated water mol­ecule and the phenolic O‐atom donors of an adjacent Mn^III centre [O—H?O 2.789 (5) and 2.881 (5) Å].     

Ligand Modification Transforms a Catalase Mimic into a Water Oxidation Catalyst

The catalytic reactivity of the high‐spin Mn^II pyridinophane complexes [(Py₂NR₂)Mn(H₂O)₂]²⁺ (R=H, Me, tBu) toward O₂ formation is reported. With small macrocycle N‐substituents (R=H, Me), the complexes catalytically disproportionate H₂O₂ in aqueous solution; with a bulky substituent (R=tBu), this catalytic reaction is shut down, but the complex becomes active for aqueous electrocatalytic H₂O oxidation. Control experiments are in support of a homogeneous molecular catalyst and preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the catalyst is mononuclear. This ligand‐controlled switch in catalytic reactivity has implications for the design of new manganese‐based water oxidation catalysts.     

The Mixed-Valent (μ-Nitrido)dimanganese Complex Anion [(CN)5MnV(μ-N)MnII(CN)5]6−

Localized valencies are displayed by the Mn^V–Mn^II complex ion 1 . This is the key finding from X-ray structure analysis, as well as vibrational and EPR spectroscopic invesigations on 1 obtained by the reaction of manganese(II ) and [Mn^v(N)(CN)₅]³⁻ salts in aqueous 1 M NaCN solution. Remarkably, the asymmetry is induced by the nitrogen atom bridge.     

Hydrogen‐Atom Abstraction Reactions by Manganese(V)– and Manganese(IV)–Oxo Porphyrin Complexes in Aqueous Solution

High‐valent manganese(IV or V)–oxo porphyrins are considered as reactive intermediates in the oxidation of organic substrates by manganese porphyrin catalysts. We have generated Mn^V– and Mn^IV–oxo porphyrins in basic aqueous solution and investigated their reactivities in C? H bond activation of hydrocarbons. We now report that Mn^V– and Mn^IV–oxo porphyrins are capable of activating C? H bonds of alkylaromatics, with the reactivity order of Mn^V–oxo>Mn^IV–oxo; the reactivity of a Mn^V–oxo complex is 150 times greater than that of a Mn^IV–oxo complex in the oxidation of xanthene. The C? H bond activation of alkylaromatics by the Mn^V– and Mn^IV–oxo porphyrins is proposed to occur through a hydrogen‐atom abstraction, based on the observations of a good linear correlation between the reaction rates and the C? H bond dissociation energy (BDE) of substrates and high kinetic isotope effect (KIE) values in the oxidation of xanthene and dihydroanthracene (DHA). We have demonstrated that the disproportionation of Mn^IV–oxo porphyrins to Mn^V–oxo and Mn^III porphyrins is not a feasible pathway in basic aqueous solution and that Mn^IV–oxo porphyrins are able to abstract hydrogen atoms from alkylaromatics. The C? H bond activation of alkylaromatics by Mn^V– and Mn^IV–oxo species proceeds through a one‐electron process, in which a Mn^IV–‐oxo porphyrin is formed as a product in the C? H bond activation by a Mn^V–oxo porphyrin, followed by a further reaction of the Mn^IV–oxo porphyrin with substrates that results in the formation of a Mn^III porphyrin complex. This result is in contrast to the oxidation of sulfides by the Mn^V–oxo porphyrin, in which the oxidation of thioanisole by the Mn^V–oxo complex produces the starting Mn^III porphyrin and thioanisole oxide. This result indicates that the oxidation of sulfides by the Mn^V–oxo species occurs by means of a two‐electron oxidation process. In contrast, a Mn^IV–oxo porphyrin complex is not capable of oxidizing sulfides due to a low oxidizing power in basic aqueous solution.     

Electronic Structure of Manganese Complexes of the Redox‐Non‐innocent Tetrazene Ligand and Evidence for the Metal‐Azide/Imido Cycloaddition Intermediate

The first synthetic manganese tetrazene complexes are described as a redox pair comprising anionic [Mn(N₄Ad₂)₂]^? ( 1 ) and neutral Mn(N₄Ad₂)₂ ( 2 ) complexes (N₄Ad₂=[Ad‐N?N=N?N‐Ad]^2?). Compound 1 is obtained in two forms as lithium salts, one as a cationic Li₂Mn cluster, and one as a Mn–Li 1D ionic polymer. Compound 1 is electronically described as a Mn^III center with two [N₄Ad₂]^2? ligands. The one‐electron oxidized 2 is crystalized in two morphologies, one as pure 2 and one as an acetonitrile adduct. Despite similar composition, the behavior of 2 differs in the two morphologies. Compound 2 ‐ MeCN is relatively air and temperature stable. Crystalline 2 , on the other hand, exhibits a compositional, dynamic disorder wherein the tetrazene metallacycle ring‐opens into a metal imide/azide complex detectable by X‐ray crystallography and FTIR spectroscopy. Electronic structure of 2 was examined by EPR and XPS spectroscopies and DFT calculations, which indicate 2 is best described as a Mn^III ion with an anion radical delocalized across the two ligands through spin‐polarization effects.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Manganese(II) Bipyridine Carboxylato Complexes: [(bipy)2MnII(μ‐C2H5CO2)2MnII(bipy)2](ClO4)2 and [MnII(ClCH2CO2)(H2O)(bipy)2]ClO4 · H2O (bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine)

Two manganese(II) bipyridine carboxylate complexes, [(bipy)₂Mn^II(μ‐C₂H₅CO₂)₂Mn^II(bipy)₂}₂](ClO₄)₂ ( 1 ), and [Mn^II(ClCH₂CO₂)(H₂O)(bipy)₂]ClO₄ · H₂O ( 2 ) were prepared. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with a = 8.604(3), b = 12.062(3), c = 13.471(3) Å, α = 112.47(2), β = 93.86(2), γ = 92.87(3)°, V = 1211.1(6) ų and Z = 1. In the dimeric, cationic complex with a crystallographic center of symmetry two 2,2′‐bipyridine molecules chelate each manganese atom. These two metal fragments are then bridged by two propionato groups in a syn‐anti conformation. The Mn…Mn distance is 4.653 Å. 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 9.042(1), b = 13.891(1), c = 21.022(3) Å, β = 102.00(1)°, V = 2569.3(5) ų and Z = 4. 2  is a monomeric cationic complex in which two bipyridine ligands chelate the manganese atom in a cis fashion. A chloroacetato and an aqua ligand complete the six‐coordination. Only in 2 is the intermolecular packing controlled by weak π‐stacking besides C–H…π contacts between the bipyridine ligands.     

Delocalization and Valence Tautomerism in Vanadium Tris(iminosemiquinone) Complexes

To survey the noninnocence of bis(arylimino) acenaphthene (BIAN) ligands (L) in complexes with early metals, the homoleptic vanadium complex, [V(L)₃] ( 1 ), and its monocation, [V(L)₃]PF₆ ( 2 ), were synthesized. These complexes were found to have a very rich electronic behavior, whereby 1 displays strong electronic delocalization and 2 can be observed in unprecedented valence tautomeric forms. The oxidation states of the metal and ligand components in these complexes were assigned by using spectroscopic, crystallographic, and magnetic analyses. Complex 1 was identified as [V^IV(L^red)(L^.)₂] (L^red=N,N′‐bis(3,5‐dimethylphenylamido)acenaphthylene; L^.=N,N′‐bis(3,5‐dimethylphenylimino)acenaphthenesemiquinonate). Complex 2 was determined to be [V^V(L^red)(L^.)₂]⁺ at T<150 K and [V^IV(L^.)₃]⁺ at T>150 K. Cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal six quasi‐reversible processes, thus indicating the potential of this metal–ligand combination in catalysis or materials applications.     

Poly[[bis(pyridin‐3‐ol)manganese(II)]‐di‐μ‐pyridin‐3‐olato]

In the title complex, [Mn(C₅H₄NO)₂(C₅H₅NO)₂]_n or [Mn(μ‐3‐PyO)₂(3‐PyOH)₂]_n (3‐PyO⁻ is the pyridin‐3‐olate anion and 3‐PyOH is pyridin‐3‐ol), the Mn^II atom lies on an inversion centre and has octahedral geometry, defined by two N atoms and two deprotonated exocyclic O atoms of symmetry‐related pyridin‐3‐olate ligands [Mn—N = 2.3559 (14) Å and Mn—O = 2.1703 (11) Å], as well as two N atoms of terminal 3‐PyOH ligands [Mn—N = 2.3482 (13) Å]. The Mn^II atoms are bridged by the deprotonated pyridin‐3‐olate anion into a layer structure, generating sheets in the (01) plane. These sheets are linked by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. There are also π–π and C—H⋯π interactions in the crystal structure.     

Synthesis and structures of photoactive manganese–carbonyl complexes derived from 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole and 2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole

PhotoCORMs (photo‐active CO‐releasing molecules) have emerged as a class of CO donors where the CO release process can be triggered upon illumination with light of appropriate wavelength. We have recently reported an Mn‐based photoCORM, namely [MnBr(pbt)(CO)₃] [pbt is 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole], where the CO release event can be tracked within cellular milieu by virtue of the emergence of strong blue fluorescence. In pursuit of developing more such trackable photoCORMs, we report herein the syntheses and structural characterization of two Mn^I–carbonyl complexes, namely fac‐tricarbonylchlorido[2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole‐κ²N ,N ′]manganese(I), [MnCl(C₁₂H₈N₂S)(CO)₃], (1), and fac‐tricarbonylchlorido[2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole‐κ²N ,N ′]manganese(I), [MnCl(C₁₆H₁₀N₂S)(CO)₃], (2). In both complexes, the Mn^I center resides in a distorted octahedral coordination environment. Weak intermolecular C—H…Cl contacts in complex (1) and Cl…S contacts in complex (2) consolidate their extended structures. These complexes also exhibit CO release upon exposure to low‐power broadband visible light. The apparent CO release rates for the two complexes have been measured to compare their CO donating capacity. The fluorogenic 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole and 2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole ligands provide a convenient way to track the CO release event through the `turn‐ON' fluorescence which results upon de‐ligation of the ligands from their respective metal centers following CO photorelease.     

Mononuclear manganese(II) and manganese(III) complexes of N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O donors involving amine and phenolate ligands: absorption spectra,electrochemistry and crystal structure of [Mn(L<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>](ClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)

A number of mononuclear manganese(II) and manganese(III) complexes have been synthesized from tridentate N₂O aminophenol ligands (HL₁–HL₅) formed by reduction of corresponding Schiff bases with NaBH₄. Three types of tridentate N₂O aminophenols have been prepared by reducing with NaBH₄which are (a) Schiff bases obtained by bromo salicylaldehyde reaction with N,N-dimethyl/N,N-diethyl ethylene diamine (HL₁, HL₂), (b) Schiff bases obtained by condensing salicylaldehyde/bromo salicylaldehyde and picolyl amine (HL₃, HL₄), (c) pyridine-2-aldehyde and 2-aminophenol (HL₅). All the manganese complexes have been prepared by direct addition of manganese perchlorate to the corresponding ligands and were characterized by the combination of i.r., u.v.–vis spectroscopy, magnetic moments and electrochemical studies. The u.v.–vis spectra of all of the manganese(III) complexes show two weak d–d transitions in the 630–520 nm region, which support a distorted octahedral geometry. The electron transfer properties of all of the manganese(III) complexes (1–4 and 6) exhibit mostly similar characteristics consisting two redox couples corresponding to the Mn^III → Mn^II reductions and Mn^III → Mn^IV oxidations. The electronic effect on the potential has also been studied by changing different substituents in the ligands. In all cases, an electron-donating group stabilizes the higher oxidation state and electron withdrawing group prefers the lower oxidation state. The cyclic voltammogram of [Mn^II(L₅)₂] shows an irreversible oxidation Mn^II → Mn^III at −0.88 V, followed by another quasi-reversible oxidation Mn^III → Mn^IV at +0.48 V. The manganese(III) complex (3) [Mn(L₃)₂]ClO₄has been characterized by X-ray crystallography.