Quadridentate bridging EO(4)(2-) (E = S, Mo, W) ligands and their role as electronic bridges

Three compounds containing two quadruply bonded Mo(2)(DAniF)(3) (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) units linked by tetrahedral EO(4)(2-) anions (E = S, Mo, W) have been prepared and characterized by crystallography and NMR. The linkers in these [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](2)(mu-EO(4)) compounds hold the Mo(2) units in an approximately perpendicular orientation and mediate strong electrochemical communication between them. Each of the three compounds shows two quasireversible (mu-SO(4)) or fully reversible (mu-MoO(4), mu-WO(4)) features in its cyclic voltammogram corresponding to successive oxidation of each of its Mo(2) units. The DeltaE(1/2) values are the largest thus far measured for Mo(2)-X-Mo(2) bridged complexes and may be sufficiently large to permit isolation of the singly oxidized species.     

An isomeric pair of fluoride-bridged cyclic dimolybdenum triads

A pair of isomeric cyclic triads containing three quadruply bonded [Mo2] units, [Mo2(cis-DAniF)2]2+ (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate), bridged by six fluoride anions, has been synthesized and crystallographically characterized. For the alpha isomer, the three [Mo2] units are oriented in two orthogonal directions. Two of them are structurally equivalent and parallel to each other, but oriented perpendicular to the third one. The beta isomer is a triangle with three geometrically identical [Mo2] units, parallel to each other, as the vertices. Thus, the beta isomer possesses idealized D3h symmetry while the alpha isomer only has C2v symmetry. These two isomers do not interconvert in boiling THF or toluene or under irradiation with ultraviolet light, but oxidation of the alpha isomer first generates an alpha+ species that changes to beta+. The two isomers have very similar electrochemical behavior, both showing three reversible one-electron redox processes for the [Mo2] centers and similar potential separations (DeltaE(1/2)). The first and second redox couples are well separated (ca. 390-410 mV), while the second and third ones are separated by only about 150 mV.     

Strong electronic coupling between dimolybdenum units linked by the N,N'-dimethyloxamidate anion in a molecule having a heteronaphthalene-like structure

Very strong electronic communication, manifested in a K(C) value of ca. 10(9), has been found in a system of three compounds separated by one electron oxidation where each compound contains two metal-metal bonded Mo(2)(n+) units linked by a dimethyloxamidate anion, CH(3)N(O)C-C(O)NCH(3)(2)(-). The Mo-Mo distances increase as the oxidation state increases and the bond order decreases, while the diamagnetic, doubly oxidized species becomes essentially planar and resembles a naphthalene molecule. Calculations at the DFT level indicate that a strong transition in the near-IR region, shown by the singly oxidized and paramagnetic species, is best described as a HOMO-1 --> SOMO transition.     

Abnormally long-range diamagnetic anisotropy induced by cyclic d(δ)-p(π) π conjugation within a six-membered dimolybdenum/chalcogen ring

Incorporating two quadruply bonded dimolybdenum units [Mo(2)(DAniF)((3))](+) (ancillary ligand DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) with two hydroselenides (SeH(-)) gave rise to [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](2)(μ-SeH)(2) (1). With the molecular scaffold remaining unchanged, aerobic oxidation of 1, followed by autodeprotonation, generated [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](2)(μ-Se)(2) (2). The two complexes share a common cyclic six-membered Mo(2)/Se core, but compound 2 is distinct from 1 by having structural, electronic, and magnetic properties that correspond with aromaticity. Importantly, the aromatic behaviors for this non-carbon system are ascribable to the bonding analogy between the δ component in a Mo-Mo quadruple bond and the π component in a C-C double bond. Cyclic π delocalization via d(δ)-p(π) conjugation within the central unit, which involves six π electrons with one electron from each of the Mo(2) units and two electrons from each of the bridging atoms, has been confirmed in a previous work on the oxygen- and sulfur-bridged analogues (Fang, W.; et al. Chem.-Eur. J.2011, 17, 10288). Of the three members in this family, compound 2 exhibits an enhanced aromaticity because of the selenium bridges. The remote in-plane and out-of-plane methine (ArNCHNAr) protons resonate at chemical shifts (δ) 9.42 and 7.84 ppm, respectively. This NMR displacement, Δδ = 1.58 ppm, is larger than that for the oxygen-bridged (1.30 ppm) and sulfur-bridged (1.49 ppm) derivatives. The abnormally long-range shielding effects and the large diamagnetic anisotropy for this complex system can be rationalized by the induced ring currents circulating the Mo(2)/chalcogen core. By employment of the McConnell equation {Δσ = Δχ[(l - 3 cos 2θ)/3R(3)N]}, the magnetic anisotropy (Δχ = χ(⊥) - χ(||)) is estimated to be -414 ppm cgs, which is dramatically larger than -62.9 ppm cgs for benzene, the paradigm of aromaticity. In addition, it is found that the magnitude of Δχ is linearly related to the radius of the bridging atoms, with the selenium analogue having the largest value. This aromaticity sequence is in agreement with that for the chalcogen-containing aromatic family, e.g., furan < thiophene < selenophene.     

Electronic localization versus delocalization determined by the binding of the linker in an isomer pair

By using stoichiometric amounts of (C5H5)2FePF6, the isomeric neutral diamidate-bridged molecules, alpha- and beta-(DAniF)3Mo2(ArN(O)CC(O)NAr)Mo2(DAniF)3, with Ar = p-MeOC6H4, have been oxidized to give the PF6 salts of the four cations alpha1+, alpha2+, beta1+, and beta2+. All four structures have been accurately determined and, together with supporting evidence from near-IR, EPR, NMR and magnetic susceptibility measurements, it clearly establishes that in the mixed-valent alpha+ species the unpaired electron is localized over only one of the Mo2 units while the alpha2+ cation behaves as a diradical having two Mo25+ units that are essentially uncoupled. However, the beta+ species is fully delocalized, in the time scale of the experiments, with the unpaired electron being equally shared by the two Mo2 units. It displays a HOMO-1 --> SOMO transition at 4700 cm-1 (Deltanu1/2 = 2300 cm-1). Because of strong coupling, the beta2+ species is diamagnetic.     

Polyunsaturated dicarboxylate tethers connecting dimolybdenum redox and chromophoric centers: syntheses,structures, and electrochemistry

Compounds with two quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) units, Mo(2)(DAniF)(3) (DAniF = N,N '-di-p-anisylformamidinate), linked by unsaturated dicarboxylate dianions of various lengths have been prepared and their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties studied. As identified by the dicarboxylate linkers, these compounds are maleate (7), allene-1,3-dicarboxylate (10), cis,cis-muconate (11), trans,trans-muconate (12), octa-2,4,6-trans,trans,trans-hexatriene-1,8-dioate (tamuate, 13), and deca-2,4,6,8-trans,trans,trans,trans-octatetraene-1,10-dioate (texate, 14). The latter three molecules complete the five-membered (all trans) series [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](O(2)C(CH=CH)(n)CO(2))[Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)] (n = 0-4). Several unsymmetrical paddlewheel compounds of the type Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)(O(2)CX) (X = C triple bond CH (3), CH=CH(2) (4), (E)-CH=CH-CH=CH(2) (5)) have also been prepared for comparison to the molecules in which there are linked Mo(2) units. The precursors [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)(MeCN)(2)](BPh(4)), [1]BPh(4), and Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)Cl(MeCN) (2) have also been isolated and characterized. The structures of all new molecules have been established by X-ray crystallography, including the methyl esters of various carboxylates used as ligands. All of the linked molecules have been examined by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry, and deltaE(1/2) values, the separation between successive Mo(2)(4+)/Mo(2)(5+) oxidations, have been determined. Those compounds with highly unsaturated, fully conjugated linkers demonstrate electrochemical communication from end-to-end that is more persistent over distance than is accounted for by an electrostatic interaction alone, implying that the pi system of these dicarboxylate linkers is mediating communication. In the series [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](O(2)C(CH=CH)(n)CO(2))[Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)] (n = 0-4), the first oxidation potential shifts progressively to less positive values due to an increasing contribution of the polyolefinic alpha,omega-dicarboxylate to the molecular orbital undergoing oxidation. This first oxidation potential approaches a limiting value of 63 mV (vs Ag/AgCl) as n becomes infinitely long. Compound 11 can be photoisomerized to 12 in a process that is affected by the presence of the Mo(2)(4+) units, as the analogous rearrangement of dimethyl cis,cis-muconate is faster.     

Strong electronic interaction between two dimolybdenum units linked by a tetraazatetracene

The large rigid dianion fluoflavinate, C(14)H(8)N(4)(2)(-), consisting of four fused and planar six-membered rings with four nitrogen donor atoms, has been used to link two metal-to-metal bonded and redox-active Mo(2)(n)()(+) units which are each locally bridged by three additional groups, collectively denoted [Mo(2)]. In 1, the [Mo(2)] units are Mo(2)(DAniF)(3) (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate), and in 5, they are trans-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3)) groups. These [Mo(2)](fluoflavinate)[Mo(2)] compounds show three reversible one-electron oxidation steps, one more than all other [Mo(2)](linker)[Mo(2)] species known to date. The first two redox processes are metal-based, and the third one has been assigned to a ligand oxidation by comparison to that of paddlewheel compound 4 which contains only one dimolybdenum unit with a monoanionic fluoflavinate ligand. Chemical oxidations of 1 produce the singly- and doubly-oxidized species 2 and 3, respectively. All compounds have been characterized by X-ray crystallography and, as appropriate, by various techniques such as NMR, EPR, near-IR, and UV-vis. The fluoflavinate ligand strongly mediates electronic communication between the dimetal units, and the mixed valence species 2 can be described as electronically delocalized. Calculations at the DFT level using a variety of functionals support such an assignment and indicate that a strong transition in the NIR for the singly oxidized species can be assigned to the HOMO-1 to SOMO transition.     

The first designed syntheses of bis-dimetal molecules in which the bridges are diamidate ligands

The first deliberate syntheses of molecules in which pairs of quadruply bonded Mo2 units are bridged by N,N'-diarylterephthaloyldiamidate (aryl = Ph, m-CF3Ph) ligands are described. The addition of neutral N,N'-diarylterephthaloyldiamide to 2 equiv of [Mo2(DAniF)3(MeCN)2]+ (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) followed by the introduction of excess H3CO- in MeCN results in the formation of (DAniF)3Mo2[(C6H5)NC(O)C6H4(O)CN(C6H5)]Mo2(DAniF)3 (1) and (DAniF)3Mo2[[(m-CF3)C6H5]NC(O)C6H4(O)CN[(m-CF3)C6H5]]Mo2(DAniF)3 (2). The DeltaE1/2 for the oxidation of each Mo2 unit is greater for these terephthaloyldiamidate-bridged molecules (approximately 100 mV) than for the analogous terephthalate-bridged compound (approximately 60 mV). Variation in the nature of the substituents on the diamidate nitrogen atoms offers a means to fine-tune the oxidation potentials of the Mo2 units.     

Modulating Electronic Coupling Using O- and S-donor Linkers

Structures of compounds having two dimolybdenum units Mo2(DAniF)3+ (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) connected by unsubstituted oxamidate (1) and dithiooxamidate (2) linkers are isomorphous, and the cores of the molecules are planar because of two intramolecular hydrogen bonds within the linkers. Molecular mechanics calculations show a barrier of rotation along the C-C bond of approximately 10 kcal x mol(-1), which suggests that planar conformations are also expected in solution. Changing the two oxygen atoms in the linker of 1 to sulfur atoms results in a significant enhancement of the electronic coupling between the dimetal units (Delta(E1/2) = 204 mV for 1 and 407 mV for 2). The electronic spectrum of 2 shows an intense low energy (600 nm) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band, whereas that for 1 shows only a weak absorption band at 460 nm. DFT calculations on models 1' and 2', in which the anisyl groups were replaced by hydrogen atoms, show that the energy of the pi* orbital of the linker is much lower for 2'. This allows dpi-ddelta interactions from the electrons in the delta orbitals of the Mo2 unit to the sulfur atom that in turn facilitates an electron hopping pathway.     

Fully localized mixed-valence oxidation products of molecules containing two linked dimolybdenum units: an effective structural criterion

Two previously reported compounds [Mo(2)](CH(3)O)(2)M(CH(3)O)(2)[Mo(2)] (Cotton, F. A.; Liu, C. Y.; Murillo, C. A.; Wang, X. Inorg. Chem. 2003, 42, 4619), in which [Mo(2)] is an abbreviation for the quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) unit embraced by three (p-anisyl)NC(H)N(p-anisyl) anions and M = Zn (1) or Co (2), have been chemically oxidized. One-electron oxidation products [Mo(2)](CH(3)O)(2)M(CH(3)O)(2)[Mo(2)](PF(6)) (3, M = Zn; 4, M = Co) and the two-electron oxidation product [Mo(2)](CH(3)O)(2)Zn(CH(3)O)(OH)[Mo(2)](PF(6))(2) (5) have been isolated and structurally characterized. As expected, oxidations occur at the dimolybdenum units. The mono-charged cations in 3 and 4 have asymmetric molecular structures with two distinct [Mo(2)] units. In each case, one of the [Mo(2)] units has a lengthened Mo-Mo bond distance of 2.151[1] A, as expected for one-electron oxidation, whereas the other remains unchanged at 2.115[1] A. These correspond to bond orders of 3.5 (sigma(2)pi(4)delta(1)) and 4.0 (sigma(2)pi(4)delta(2)), respectively. The crystallographic results thus show unambiguously that in the crystalline state, the mixed-valence compounds (3 and 4) are electronically localized and the unpaired electron is trapped on one [Mo(2)] unit. These results are supported by the EPR spectra. The doubly oxidized compound 5 has two equivalent [Mo(2)] units, both with a Mo-Mo bond distance of 2.149[1] A. EPR and magnetic susceptibility measurements for 5 indicate that there is no significant ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic spin coupling and the species is valence-trapped.     

Systematic preparation of Mo 2 4+ building blocks for supramolecular assemblies

The preparation of additional and useful building blocks for the construction of supramolecular entities with quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) units has been explored, and five new mixed-ligand complexes with three types of ligands and various basicities are reported. The ligands used were the DAniF (N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) anion, the acetate anion, and neutral acetonitrile molecules. The formamidinate ligands are the least labile, and the acetonitrile molecules are the most labile. This difference as well as a relatively strong trans directing influence by the formamidinate anions in ligand substitution reactions allows designed synthesis of various mixed-ligand building blocks, including rare pairs of cis and trans isomers. The new compounds are cis-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2) (1), trans-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2) (2), trans-[Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(CH(3)CN(eq)())(2)]BF(4) (3), trans-[Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(CH(3)CN(eq)())(4)](BF(4))(2) (4), and [Mo(2)(O(2)CH(3))(CH(3)CN(eq)())(6)(CH(3)CN(ax)())](BF(4))(3) (5), where eq and ax designate equatorial and axial ligands, respectively. A comparison with some previously synthesized complexes is given along with a discussion of the overall reactivity of all compounds.     

Molecular pairs and a propeller containing quadruply bonded dimolybdenum units linked by polyamidate ligands

Two molecular pairs [Mo2(DAniF)3]2[N,N'-diethylterephthalamidate] (1) and [Mo2(DAniF)3]2{1,3-C6H4[C(O)NP]} (2) where DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) and the propeller ([Mo2(DAniF)3]3{1,3,5-C6H3[C(O)NPh]3} (3)) have been prepared in good yield and high purity by directly combining Mo2(DAniF)3(O2CCH3) with the corresponding polyamidates. Electrochemical measurements of these complexes show unresolved redox waves, which indicate that the dimetal centers are only electronically weakly coupled. Compound 1 was chemically oxidized by ferrocenium tetrafluoroborate to the two-electron oxidation product 4, where one electron was removed from each of the [Mo2] units. The hyperfine coupling in the EPR spectrum (A = 22 x 10-4 cm-1 ) suggests that 4 is an electron-trapped species with one electron residing on each of the two dimolybdenum units, as suggested also by electrochemical measurements.     

An infinite zigzag chain of alternating Cl-Pd-Pd-Cl and Mo-Mo units

Treatment of Pd(2)Cl(2)(CNC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6)(4) (1) with Mo(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) (2) in dichloromethane afforded an infinite zigzag chain [[Pd(2)Cl(2)(CNC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6)(4)][Mo(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]](n) (3), where two metal-metal bonded dinuclear Pd-Pd and Mo-Mo units were bridged by chloro atoms. The Mo-Mo distance (2.1312(3) A) of 3 is significantly elongated compared to that of 2 (2.090(4) A) and lies in the range of that of the quadruple Mo-Mo bonded complexes. Such elongation might be attributed to the axial donation of the chloro atoms of the Pd-Pd unit to the Mo-Mo moiety.     

An unusual trigonal D3 assembly composed of molybdate anions and multiply bonded dimolybdenum units

Oxidation of the molybdate-linked pair having two quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) units, [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](2)(micro(2)-MoO(4)), (DAniF = N,N'-di-(p-anisyl)formamidinate) leads to the formation of a species consisting of three oxidized Mo(2)(5+) units connected by two micro(3)-MoO(4)(2-) dianions, {[Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](3)(micro(3)-MoO(4))(2)}(2+). This cation displays overall D(3) point group symmetry due to a slight twisting of the three Mo(2)(5+) units about the threefold symmetry axis. This distortion removes all mirror symmetry but preserves all C(2) axes orthogonal to the unique C(3) axis. Cyclic voltammetry of {[Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](3)(micro(3)-MoO(4))(2)}(2+) in CH(2)Cl(2) reveals three reversible one-electron redox processes, corresponding to successive reduction of each of the three Mo(2)(5+) units, with DeltaE(1/2) separations of 0.36 V and 0.41 V.     

Experimental and theoretical investigations of the sulfite-based polyoxometalate cluster redox series: alpha- and beta-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](4-/5-/6-)

The synthesis, isolation and structural characterization of the sulfite polyoxomolybdate clusters alpha-(D(3h))(C(20)H(44)N)(4){alpha-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)]}CH(3)CN and beta-(D(3d))(C(20)H(44)N)(4){beta-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)]}CH(3)CN is presented. Voltammetric studies in acetonitrile (0.1 M Hx(4)NClO(4), Hx(4)N=tetra-n-hexylammonium) reveal the presence of an extensive series of six one-electron reduction processes for both isomers. Under conditions of bulk electrolysis, the initial [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](4-/5-) and [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](5-/6-) processes produce stable [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](5-) and [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](6-) species, respectively, and the same reduced species may be produced by photochemical reduction. Spectroelectrochemical data imply that retention of structural form results upon reduction, so that both alpha and beta isomers are available at each of the 4-, 5-, and 6-redox levels. However, the alpha isomer is the thermodynamically favored species in both the one- and two-electron-reduced states, with beta-->alpha isomerization being detected in both cases on long time scales (days). EPR spectra also imply that increasing localization of the unpaired electron occurs over the alpha- and beta-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](5-) frameworks as the temperature approaches 2 K where the EPR spectra show orthorhombic symmetry with different g and hyperfine values for the alpha and beta isomers. Theoretical studies support the observation that it is easier to reduce the alpha cluster than the beta form and also provide insight into the driving force for beta-->alpha isomerization in the reduced state. Data are compared with that obtained for the well studied alpha-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(4))(2))](4-) sulfate cluster.     

A calix[4]arene carceplex with four Rh2 4+ fasteners

It is shown that a spheroidal carceplex can be assembled by linking two bowl-shaped calix[4]arenes via four dimetal units, (DAniF)(2)Rh(2) (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate), with a molecule (diethyl ether) or a cation (tetraethylammonium ion) trapped inside. The tetraethylammonium carceplex, 1b, has been characterized by X-ray crystallography, (1)H NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry. The tetraethylammonium ion fits snugly in the interior of the spheroidal carceplex. A two-fold axis of the tetrahedral cation coincides with the idealized four-fold axis of the cage, and the cation is disordered over two rotational orientations. Only one axial position on each dirhodium unit is occupied by a ligand, CH(3)CN or H(2)O. The carceplex is very stable, and the axial ligands can be exchanged in single crystals without disrupting the crystallinity of the samples. In this way, a red crystal of the complex with all axial positions occupied by acetonitrile can be transformed to a green crystal of the complex with two axial positions having acetonitrile and the other two having water by simply putting the crystal in contact with distilled water. The calix[4]arene used to make the carciplex structure is 25,26,27,28-tetra-n-propoxycalix[4]arene-5,11,17,23-tetracarboxylic acid. By employing 25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxy-5,17-dibromo-calix[4]arene-11,23-dicarboxylic acid, two 1:1 dimetal:calixarene compounds have also been made and characterized: 2, cis-Rh(2)(DAniF)(2)(calix)(CH(3)OH), and 3, cis-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(calix). The Rh-Rh distances in 1b are in the range of 2.410(2)-2.428(2) A, that in 2 is 2.4383(4) A, and the Mo-Mo distance in 3 is 2.0931(4) A.     

Cyclic polyamidato dianions as bridges between Mo(2)(4+) units: synthesis,crystal structures,electrochemistry, absorption spectra,and electronic structures

Compounds in which quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) units, Mo(2)(DAniF)(3) (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate), are linked by cyclic diamidate anions have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic methods. As identified by the diamidate linker, these compounds are 4,6-dioxypyrimidinate (2), 2,3-dioxypyrazinate (3), 2,3-dioxyquinoxalinate (4), 2,3-dioxy-5,6-dicyanopyrazinate (5), and cyanurate (6). With uracilate, a dinuclear unlinked 1:1 adduct is formed, Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)(uracilate) (1). The cyclic voltammograms of 3-5 reveal significantly larger DeltaE(1/2) values (258 mV-308 mV) than that of the oxalate linked analogue (212 mV), which is indicative of greater charge delocalization in the mixed valent Mo(2)(4+)/Mo(2)(5+) species and hence greater communication between the two Mo(2) units. DeltaE(1/2) for 2 is substantially lower than those for 3-5. This difference is attributed to the meta disposition of the two amidate groups in 4,6-dioxypyrimidinate as compared to their ortho arrangement in the pyrazinate-type linkers. The absorption spectra of the linked compounds 3-5 are more complex than those of the analogous polyunsaturated dicarboxylate linked compounds and reveal at least two significant absorption bands within the region 420-550 nm. Compound 2 also has two bands but with significantly lower intensity. Time dependent DFT calculations upon 2 and 3 indicate rather different electronic structures for these two structural isomers. The two bands for 3 have delta --> pi character, and the pi type orbitals have substantial contributions from the Mo(2) units as well as from the diamidate linker. The excitations observed in 2 are mainly metal based. The differences between the electronic spectra of 2 and 3 are consistent with the electrochemistry in underscoring the profound physical effect of changing the symmetry of the diamidate linker.     

Polyunsaturated dicarboxylate tethers connecting dimolybdenum redox and chromophoric centers: absorption spectra and electronic structures

The absorption spectra of a series of compounds of the type [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](O(2)CXCO(2))[Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)] (DAniF = N,N '-di-p-anisylformamidinate) have been measured and revealed a strong dependence of the electronic transitions and, therefore, the colors upon the chemical nature of the dicarboxylate linker. The more intense colors and lower energy absorptions are observed with those compounds having unsaturated dicarboxylate linkers. Static and time-dependent DFT calculations were undertaken to identify the electronic excitations responsible for the observed colors. For those compounds with chemically unsaturated and fully conjugated dicarboxylate linkers (oxalate, 6; fumarate, 8; acetylene dicarboxylate, 9; cis,cis-muconate, 11; trans,trans-muconate, 12; tamuate, 13; texate, 14; terephthalate, 15), the lowest energy absorptions are Mo(2)(4+) delta --> dicarboxylate pi metal-to-ligand charge transfer transitions. Those compounds with chemically saturated linkers (succinate, 20) have delta --> delta transitions as their lowest energy absorptions with essentially independent and noninteracting Mo(2)(4+) chromophores.     

A mixed-valence compound with one unpaired electron delocalized over four molybdenum atoms in a cyclic tetranuclear ion

The first oxidation of a species derived from a compound having two linked, quadruply-bonded Mo2 units has been performed and [[cis-Mo2(DAniF)2]2(mu-Cl)4]PF6, 2, has been isolated and characterized in many ways; it has one unpaired electron and a fully delocalized structure where the Mo-Mo distances increase from 2.1191(4) A in the reduced species to 2.1453(3) A in 2 and the Kc of 1.3 x 10(9) is three orders of magnitude larger than that of the Creutz-Taube ion.     

A novel ligand modification and diamond-core molybdenum(IV) 2,6-bis(2,2-diphenyl-2-thioethyl)pyridinate(2-) complex

The reaction of Mo(VI)O(2)(L-NS(2)) [L-NS(2) = 2,6-bis(2,2-diphenyl-2-thioethyl)pyridinate(2-)] or Mo(V)(2)O(3)(L-NS(2))(2) with excess PPh(3) in N,N-dimethylformamide at 70 degrees C results in the formation of gray-green (L-NOS)Mo(IV)(mu-O)(mu-S)Mo(IV)(L-NS(2)) [L-NOS = 2-(2,2-diphenyl-2-thioethyl)-6-(2,2-diphenyl-2-oxoethyl)pyridinate(2-)] (1). The crystal structure of 1 revealed a dinuclear complex comprised of two trigonal bipyramidal Mo centers bridged along an axial-equatorial edge (the mu-O-mu-S vector) such that the Mo-N bonds are trans to the bridging atoms and are anti with respect to the Mo-Mo bond (d(Mo-Mo) = 2.5535(5) A); the remaining coordination sites are occupied by the S- and O-donor atoms of the L-NOS and L-NS(2) ligands. The diamond core is asymmetric, with Mo(1/2)-O(1) distances of 1.845(2) and 2.009(2) A and Mo(1/2)-S(1) distances of 2.374(1) and 2.230(1) A. Compound 1 is unique in possessing a planar, diamond-core unit devoid of terminal oxo ligation and a new tridentate L-NOS ligand formed via a novel intramolecular modification of the original L-NS(2) ligand.