Oxidation reaction of [Ni(1,4,7-triazacyclononane)(2)](2+) by [Fe(o-phenanthroline)(3)](3+) in aqueous acidic solution at elevated pressures: determination of the activation and reaction volumes for the Ni(iii)/(ii) couple

The reaction volume corresponding to the self-exchange process of the [Ni(tacn)(2)](3+/2+) couple was determined in aqueous acidic solution. Theoretical equations on the basis of the Mean Spherical Approximation were proposed for the estimation of reaction volumes for M(n+/(n- 1)+) couples in solution, and the calculated reaction volumes were compared with the experimentally estimated values. The activation volume for the [Ni(tacn)(2)](3+/2+) couple was determined in the acidic condition from the cross reaction of [Ni(tacn)(2)](2+) and [Fe(o-phen)(3)](3+) at elevated pressures. The agreement of the experimentally estimated activation volume for the [Ni(tacn)(2)](3+/2+) couple, -8.2 +/- 2.4 cm(3) mol(-1), with the theoretically calculated value, -7.5 cm(3) mol(-1), within the allowed uncertainty (+/-1 cm(3) mol(-1)) indicates that the electron self-exchange reaction of this redox couple obeys the Marcusian behavior in aqueous acidic solution.     

Electronic and molecular structures of the members of the electron transfer series [Cr(tbpy)3]n (n = 3+, 2+, 1+, 0): an X-ray absorption spectroscopic and density functional theoretical study

The electron transfer series of complexes [Cr((t)bpy)(3)](n)(PF(6))(n) (n = 3+, 2+, 1+, 0 (1-4)) has been synthesized and the molecular structures of 1, 2, and 3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography; the structure of 4 has been investigated using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (4-300 K) established an S = 3/2 ground state for 1, an S = 1 ground state for 2, an S = 1/2 ground state for 3, and an S = 0 ground state for 4. The electrochemistry of this series in CH(3)CN solution exhibits three reversible one-electron transfer waves. UV-vis/NIR spectra and Cr K-edge X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) are reported. The same experimental techniques have been applied for [Cr(III)(tacn)(2)]Br(3)·5H(2)O (5) and [Cr(II)(tacn)(2)]Cl(2) (6), which possess an S = 3/2 and an S = 2 ground state, respectively (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane, a tridentate, pure σ-donor ligand). The Cr K-edge XAS spectra of the corresponding complexes K(4)[Cr(II)(CN)(6)]·10H(2)O (S = 1) (7) and K(3)[Cr(III)(CN)(6)] (S = 3/2) (8) have also been recorded. All complexes have been studied computationally with density functional theory (DFT) using the B3LYP functional. The molecular and electronic structures of the anionic members of the series [Cr(bpy)(3)](1-,2-,3-) have also been calculated. It is unequivocally shown that all members of the electron transfer series 1-4 and [Cr(bpy)(3)](n) (n = 3+, 2+, 1+, 0, 1-, 2, 3-) possess a central Cr(III) ion ((t(2g))(3), S = 3/2). The three N,N'-coordinated neutral (bpy(0)) ligands in the trication 1 and [Cr(III)(bpy)(3)](3+) are one-electron reduced in a stepwise fashion to localized one, two, and three π-radical anions (bpy(?))(1-) in the dicationic, monocationic, and neutral species, respectively. Complexes 2 and [Cr(bpy)(3)](2+) cannot be described as low-spin Cr(II) species; they are in fact best described as [Cr(III)((t)bpy(?))((t)bpy(0))(2)](2+) and [Cr(III)(bpy(?))(bpy(0))(2)](2+) species. Further one-electron reductions yield one, two, and three diamagnetic (bpy(2-))(2-) dianions in the mono-, di-, and trianion. Thus, [Cr(III)(bpy(2-))(3)](3-) is a normal Werner-type Cr(III) (!) species. In all complexes containing (bpy(?))(1-) ligands, the ligand spins are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled to the spins of the central Cr(III) ion (d(3), S(Cr) = 3/2) affording the observed ground states given above. Thus, all redox chemistry of [Cr(bpy)(3)](n) complexes is ligand-based and documents that the ligand 2,2'-bipyridine is a redox noninnocent ligand; it exists in three oxidation levels in these complexes: as N,N'-coordinated neutral (bpy(0)), monoanionic π-radical (bpy(?))(1-), and diamagnetic dianionic (bpy(2-))(2-).     

Electron and hydrogen-atom self-exchange reactions of iron and cobalt coordination complexes

Reported here are self-exchange reactions between iron 2,2'-bi(tetrahydro)pyrimidine (H(2)bip) complexes and between cobalt 2,2'-biimidazoline (H(2)bim) complexes. The (1)H NMR resonances of [Fe(II)(H(2)bip)(3)](2+) are broadened upon addition of [Fe(III)(H(2)bip)(3)](3+), indicating that electron self-exchange occurs with k(Fe,e)(-) = (1.1 +/- 0.2) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) at 298 K in CD(3)CN. Similar studies of [Fe(II)(H(2)bip)(3)](2+) plus [Fe(III)(Hbip)(H(2)bip)(2)](2+) indicate that hydrogen-atom self-exchange (proton-coupled electron transfer) occurs with k(Fe,H.) = (1.1 +/- 0.2) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) under the same conditions. Both self-exchange reactions are faster at lower temperatures, showing small negative enthalpies of activation: DeltaH++(e(-)) = -2.1 +/- 0.5 kcal mol(-1) (288-320 K) and DeltaH++(H.) = -1.5 +/- 0.5 kcal mol(-1) (260-300 K). This behavior is concluded to be due to the faster reaction of the low-spin states of the iron complexes, which are depopulated as the temperature is raised. Below about 290 K, rate constants for electron self-exchange show the more normal decrease with temperature. There is a modest kinetic isotope effect on H-atom self-exchange of 1.6 +/- 0.5 at 298 K that is close to that seen previously for the fully high-spin iron biimidazoline complexes.(12) The difference in the measured activation parameters, E(a)(D) - E(a)(H), is -1.2 +/- 0.8 kcal mol(-1), appears to be inconsistent with a semiclassical view of the isotope effect, and suggests extensive tunneling. Reactions of [Co(H(2)bim)(3)](2+)-d(24) with [Co(H(2)bim)(3)](3+) or [Co(Hbim)(H(2)bim)(2)](2+) occur with scrambling of ligands indicating inner-sphere processes. The self-exchange rate constant for outer-sphere electron transfer between [Co(H(2)bim)(3)](2+) and [Co(H(2)bim)(3)](3+) is estimated to be 10(-)(6) M(-1) s(-1) by application of the Marcus cross relation. Similar application of the cross relation to H-atom transfer reactions indicates that self-exchange between [Co(H(2)bim)(3)](2+) and [Co(Hbim)(H(2)bim)(2)](2+) is also slow, < or =10(-3) M(-1) s(-1). The slow self-exchange rates for the cobalt complexes are apparently due to their interconverting high-spin [Co(II)(H(2)bim)(3)](2+) with low-spin Co(III) derivatives.     

Blue copper model complexes with distorted tetragonal geometry acting as effective electron-transfer mediators in dye-sensitized solar cells

The electron self-exchange rate constants of blue copper model complexes, [(-)-sparteine-N,N'](maleonitriledithiolato-S,S')copper ([Cu(SP)(mmt)])(0/)(-), bis(2,9-dimethy-1,10-phenanthroline)copper ([Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+)), and bis(1,10-phenanthroline)copper ([Cu(phen)(2)](2+/+)) have been determined from the rate constants of electron transfer from a homologous series of ferrocene derivatives to the copper(II) complexes in light of the Marcus theory of electron transfer. The resulting electron self-exchange rate constant increases in the order: [Cu(phen)(2)](2+/+) < [Cu(SP)(mmt)](0/)(-) < [Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+), in agreement with the order of the smaller structural change between the copper(II) and copper(I) complexes due to the distorted tetragonal geometry. The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) were constructed using the copper complexes as redox couples to compare the photoelectrochemical responses with those using the conventional I(3)(-)/I(-) couple. The light energy conversion efficiency (eta) values under illumination of simulated solar light irradiation (100 mW/cm(2)) of DSSCs using [Cu(phen)(2)](2+/+), [Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+), and [Cu(SP)(mmt)](0/)(-) were recorded as 0.1%, 1.4%, and 1.3%, respectively. The maximum eta value (2.2%) was obtained for a DSSC using the [Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+) redox couple under the light irradiation of 20 mW/cm(2) intensity, where a higher open-circuit voltage of the cell was attained as compared to that of the conventional I(3)(-)/I(-) couple.     

Proton-promoted oxygen atom transfer vs proton-coupled electron transfer of a non-heme iron(IV)-oxo complex

Sulfoxidation of thioanisoles by a non-heme iron(IV)-oxo complex, [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) (N4Py = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine), was remarkably enhanced by perchloric acid (70% HClO(4)). The observed second-order rate constant (k(obs)) of sulfoxidation of thioaniosoles by [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) increases linearly with increasing concentration of HClO(4) (70%) in acetonitrile (MeCN)at 298 K. In contrast to sulfoxidation of thioanisoles by [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+), the observed second-order rate constant (k(et)) of electron transfer from one-electron reductants such as [Fe(II)(Me(2)bpy)(3)](2+) (Me(2)bpy = 4,4-dimehtyl-2,2'-bipyridine) to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) increases with increasing concentration of HClO(4), exhibiting second-order dependence on HClO(4) concentration. This indicates that the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) involves two protons associated with electron transfer from [Fe(II)(Me(2)bpy)(3)](2+) to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) to yield [Fe(III)(Me(2)bpy)(3)](3+) and [(N4Py)Fe(III)(OH(2))](3+). The one-electron reduction potential (E(red)) of [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) in the presence of 10 mM HClO(4) (70%) in MeCN is determined to be 1.43 V vs SCE. A plot of E(red) vs log[HClO(4)] also indicates involvement of two protons in the PCET reduction of [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+). The PCET driving force dependence of log k(et) is fitted in light of the Marcus theory of outer-sphere electron transfer to afford the reorganization of PCET (λ = 2.74 eV). The comparison of the k(obs) values of acid-promoted sulfoxidation of thioanisoles by [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) with the k(et) values of PCET from one-electron reductants to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) at the same PCET driving force reveals that the acid-promoted sulfoxidation proceeds by one-step oxygen atom transfer from [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) to thioanisoles rather than outer-sphere PCET.     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of low-dimensional heterometallic complexes based on the versatile building block [(Tp)Cr(CN)3]-

Using the tricyano precursor (Bu(4)N)[(Tp)Cr(CN)(3)] (Bu(4)N(+) = tetrabutylammonium cation; Tp = tris(pyrazolyl)hydroborate), a pentanuclear heterometallic cluster [(Tp)(2)Cr(2)(CN)(6)Cu(3)(Me(3)tacn)(3)][(Tp)Cr(CN)(3)](ClO(4))(3)·5H(2)O (1, Me(3)tacn = N,N',N'-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane), three tetranuclear heterometallic clusters [(Tp)(2)Cr(2)(CN)(6)Cu(2)(L(OEt))(2)]·2.5CH(3)CN (2, L(OEt) = [(Cp)Co(P(O)(OEt)(2))(3)], Cp = cyclopentadiene), [(Tp)(2)Cr(2)(CN)(6)Mn(2)(L(OEt))(2)]·4H(2)O (3), and [(Tp)(2)Cr(2)(CN)(6)Mn(2)(phen)(4)](ClO(4))(2) (4, phen = phenanthroline), and a one-dimensional (1D) chain polymer [(Tp)(2)Cr(2)(CN)(6)Mn(bpy)](n) (5, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 1 shows a trigonal bipyramidal geometry in which [(Tp)Cr(CN)(3)](-) units occupy the apical positions and are linked through cyanide to [Cu(Me(3)tacn)](2+) units situated in the equatorial plane. Complexes 2-4 show similar square structures, where Cr(III) and M(II) (M = Cu(II) or Mn(II)) ions are alternatively located on the rectangle corners. Complex 5 consists of a 4,2-ribbon-like bimetallic chain. Ferromagnetic interactions between Cr(III) and Cu(II) ions bridged by cyanides are observed in complexes 1 and 2. Antiferromagnetic interactions are presented between Cr(III) and Mn(II) ions bridged by cyanides in complexes 3-5. Complex 5 shows metamagnetic behavior with a critical field of about 22.5 kOe at 1.8 K.     

Scrutinizing low-spin Cr(II) complexes

The oxidation state of the chromium center in the following compounds has been probed using a combination of chromium K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory: [Cr(phen)(3)][PF(6)](2) (1), [Cr(phen)(3)][PF(6)](3) (2), [CrCl(2)((t)bpy)(2)] (3), [CrCl(2)(bpy)(2)]Cl(0.38)[PF(6)](0.62) (4), [Cr(TPP)(py)(2)] (5), [Cr((t)BuNC)(6)][PF(6)](2) (6), [CrCl(2)(dmpe)(2)] (7), and [Cr(Cp)(2)] (8), where phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, (t)bpy is 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine, and TPP(2-) is doubly deprotonated 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin. The X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1, [Cr(phen)(3)][OTf](2) (1'), and 3 are reported. The X-ray absorption and computational data reveal that complexes 1-5 all contain a central Cr(III) ion (S(Cr) = (3)/(2)), whereas complexes 6-8 contain a central low-spin (S = 1) Cr(II) ion. Therefore, the electronic structures of 1-8 are best described as [Cr(III)(phen(?))(phen(0))(2)][PF(6)](2), [Cr(III)(phen(0))(3)][PF(6)](3), [Cr(III)Cl(2)((t)bpy(?))((t)bpy(0))], [Cr(III)Cl(2)(bpy(0))(2)]Cl(0.38)[PF(6)](0.62), [Cr(III)(TPP(3?-))(py)(2)], [Cr(II)((t)BuNC)(6)][PF(6)](2), [Cr(II)Cl(2)(dmpe)(2)], and [Cr(II)(Cp)(2)], respectively, where (L(0)) and (L(?))(-) (L = phen, (t)bpy, or bpy) are the diamagnetic neutral and one-electron-reduced radical monoanionic forms of L, and TPP(3?-) is the one-electron-reduced doublet form of diamagnetic TPP(2-). Following our previous results that have shown [Cr((t)bpy)(3)](2+) and [Cr(tpy)(2)](2+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) to contain a central Cr(III) ion, the current results further refine the scope of compounds that may be described as low-spin Cr(II) and reveal that this is a very rare oxidation state accessible only with ligands in the strong-field extreme of the spectrochemical series.     

Electrochemiluminescent peptide nucleic acid-like monomers containing Ru(II)-dipyridoquinoxaline and Ru(II)-dipyridophenazine complexes

A series of Ru(II)-peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-like monomers, [Ru(bpy)(2)(dpq-L-PNA-OH)](2+) (M1), [Ru(phen)(2)(dpq-L-PNA-OH)](2+) (M2), [Ru(bpy)(2)(dppz-L-PNA-OH)](2+) (M3), and [Ru(phen)(2)(dppz-L-PNA-OH)](2+) (M4) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, dpq-L-PNA-OH = 2-(N-(2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)ethyl)-6-(dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine-11-carboxamido)hexanamido)acetic acid, dppz-L-PNA-OH = 2-(N-(2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl) methoxy)carbonylamino)ethyl)-6-(dipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline-2-carboxamido)acetic acid) have been synthesized and characterized by IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. As is typical for Ru(II)-tris(diimine) complexes, acetonitrile solutions of these complexes (M1-M4) show MLCT transitions in the 443-455 nm region and emission maxima at 618, 613, 658, and 660 nm, respectively, upon photoexcitation at 450 nm. Changes in the ligand environment around the Ru(II) center are reflected in the luminescence and electrochemical response obtained from these monomers. The emission intensity and quantum yield for M1 and M2 were found to be higher than for M3 and M4. Electrochemical studies in acetonitrile show the Ru(II)-PNA monomers to undergo a one-electron redox process associated with Ru(II) to Ru(III) oxidation. A positive shift was observed in the reversible redox potentials for M1-M4 (962, 951, 936, and 938 mV, respectively, vs Fc(0/+) (Fc = ferrocene)) in comparison with [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) (888 mV vs Fc(0/+)). The ability of the Ru(II)-PNA monomers to generate electrochemiluminescence (ECL) was assessed in acetonitrile solutions containing tripropylamine (TPA) as a coreactant. Intense ECL signals were observed with emission maxima for M1-M4 at 622, 616, 673, and 675 nm, respectively. At an applied potential sufficiently positive to oxidize the ruthenium center, the integrated intensity for ECL from the PNA monomers was found to vary in the order M1 (62%) > M3 (60%) > M4 (46%) > M2 (44%) with respect to [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) (100%). These findings indicate that such Ru(II)-PNA bioconjugates could be investigated as multimodal labels for biosensing applications.     

Dioxygen activation of a trinuclear Cu(I)Cu(I)Cu(I) cluster capable of mediating facile oxidation of organic substrates: competition between O-atom transfer and abortive intercomplex reduction

The dioxygen activation of a series of Cu(I)Cu(I)Cu(I) complexes based on the ligands (L) 3,3'-(1,4-diazepane- 1,4-diyl)bis(1-{[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl](methyl)amino}propan-2-ol)(7-Me) or 3,3'-(1,4-diazepane-1,4-diyl)bis(1-{[2-(diethylamino)ethyl](ethyl)amino}propan-2-ol)(7-Et) forms an intermediate capable of mediating facile O-atom transfer to simple organic substrates at room temperature. To elucidate the dioxygen chemistry, we have examined the reactions of 7-Me, 7-Et, and 3,3'-(1,4-diazepane-1,4-diyl)bis[1-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)propan-2-ol] (7-N-Meppz) with dioxygen at -80, -55, and -35?°C in propionitrile (EtCN) by UV-visible, 77?K EPR, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and 7-N-Meppz and 7-Me with dioxygen at room temperature in acetonitrile (MeCN) by diode array spectrophotometry. At both -80 and -55?°C, the mixing of the starting [Cu(I)Cu(I)Cu(I)(L)](1+) complex (1) with O(2)-saturated propionitrile (EtCN) led to a bright green solution consisting of two paramagnetic species: the green dioxygen adduct [Cu(II)Cu(II)(μ-η(2):η(2)-peroxo)Cu(II)(L)](2+) (2) and the blue [Cu(II)Cu(II)(μ-O)Cu(II)(L)](2+) species (3). These observations are consistent with the initial formation of [Cu(II)Cu(II)(μ-O)(2)Cu(III)(L)](1+)(4), followed by rapid abortion of this highly reactive species by intercluster electron transfer from a second molecule of complex 1 to give the blue species 3 and subsequent oxygenation of the partially oxidized [Cu(II)Cu(I)Cu(I)(L)](2+)(5) to form the green dioxygen adduct 2. Assignment of 2 to [Cu(II)Cu(II)(μ-η(2):η(2)-peroxo)Cu(II)(L)](2+) is consistent with its reactivity with water to give H(2)O(2) and the blue species 3, as well as its propensity to be photoreduced in the X-ray beam during X-ray absorption experiments at room temperature. In light of these observations, the development of an oxidation catalyst based on the tricopper system requires consideration of the following design criteria: 1)?rapid dioxygen chemistry; 2)?facile O-atom transfer from the activated cluster to substrate; and 3)?a suitable reductant to rapidly regenerate complex 1 to accomplish efficient catalytic turnover.     

Structural characterization and formation kinetics of sitting-atop (SAT) complexes of some porphyrins with copper(II) ion in aqueous acetonitrile relevant to porphyrin metalation mechanism. Structures of aquacopper(II) and cu(II)-SAT complexes as determined by XAFS spectroscopy

The formation of the sitting-atop (SAT) complexes of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (H(2)tpp), 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrin (H(2)t(4-Clp)p), 5,10,15,20-tetramesitylporphyrin (H(2)tmp), and 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrin (H(2)oep) with the Cu(II) ion was spectrophotometrically confirmed in aqueous acetonitrile (AN), and the formation rates were determined as a function of the water concentration (C(W)). The decrease in the conditional first-order rate constants with the increasing C(W) was reproduced by taking into consideration the contribution of [Cu(H(2)O)(an)(5)](2+) in addition to [Cu(an)(6)](2+) to form the Cu(II)-SAT complexes. The second-order rate constants for the reaction of [Cu(an)(6)](2+) and [Cu(H(2)O)(an)(5)](2+) at 298 K were respectively determined as follows: (4.1 +/- 0.2) x 10(5) and (3.6 +/- 0.2) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) for H(2)tpp, (1.15 +/- 0.06) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) and negligible for H(2)t(4-Clp)p, and (4.8 +/- 0.3) x 10(3) and (1.3 +/- 0.3) x 10(2) M(-1) s(-1) for H(2)tmp. Since the reaction of H(2)oep was too fast to observe the reaction trace due to the dead time of 2 ms for the present stopped-flow technique, the rate constant was estimated to be greater than 1.5 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). According to the structure of the Cu(II)-SAT complexes determined by the fluorescent XAFS measurements, two pyrrolenine nitrogens of the meso-substituted porphyrins (H(2)tpp and H(2)tmp) bind to the Cu(II) ion with a Cu-N(pyr) distance of ca. 2.04 A, while those of the beta-pyrrole-substituted porphyrin (H(2)oep) coordinate with the corresponding bond distance of 1.97 A. The shorter distance of H(2)oep is ascribed to the flexibility of the porphyrin ring, and the much greater rate for the formation of the Cu(II)-SAT complex of H(2)oep than those for the meso-substituted porphyrins is interpreted as due to a small energetic loss at the porphyrin deformation step during the formation of the Cu(II)-SAT complex. The overall formation constants, beta(n), of [Cu(H(2)O)(n)()(an)(6)(-)(n)](2+) for the water addition in aqueous AN were spectrophotometrically determined at 298 K as follows: log(beta(1)/M(-1)) = 1.19 +/- 0.18, log(beta(2)/M(-2)) = 1.86 +/- 0.35, and log(beta(3)/M(-3)) = 2.12 +/- 0.57. The structure parameters around the Cu(II) ion in [Cu(H(2)O)(n)(an)(6-n)](2+) were determined using XAFS spectroscopy.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes with the mixed ligands 2,2'-bipyridine and 4,4'-dialkyl ester-2,2'-bipyridine as pure red dopants for a single-layer electrophosphorescent device

The mixed-ligand polypyridine ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)(2)(dmeb)](2+)(PF(6)(-))(2) (Ru(dmeb)(2+)) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(dbeb)](2+)(PF(6)(-))(2) (Ru(dbeb)(2+)), where bpy is bipyridine, dmeb is 4,4'-dimethyl ester-2,2'-bipyridine, and dbeb is 4,4'-dibutyl ester-2,2'-bipyridine, are synthesized and characterized, and their spectroscopic, electrochemical, and electroluminescent properties are reported. Both Ru(II) complexes showed strong emission from the triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer excited state, red-shifted emission spectra (lambda(max) = 642 nm), and good solubility in organic solvents compared to the frequently used tris(bipyridine) Ru(II) complexes. The electrochemical measurements for these Ru complexes showed reversible and quasi-reversible redox processes, implying a potential improvement in the stability of the electroluminescent device. The electrophosphorescent devices were fabricated by doping them in a polymer host using a simple solution spin-coating technique. For a single-layer device with the 1.0 wt % Ru(dbeb)(2+)-doped polymer blends of poly(vinylcarbazole) (PVK) and 2-tert-butylphenyl-5-biphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol (PBD) as the emitting layer and with the metal Ba as the cathode, an external quantum efficiency of 3.0%, a luminous efficiency of 2.4 cd/A, and a maximum brightness of 935 cd/m(2) are reached with an electroluminescence (EL) spectral peak at 640 nm and Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates of x = 0.64 and y = 0.33, which were comparable with standard red color.     

Syntheses, structural analyses and redox kinetics of four-coordinate [CuL2]2+ and five-coordinate [CuL2(solvent)]2+ complexes (L = 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine or 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline): completely gated reduction reaction of [Cu(dmp)2]2+ in nitromethane

[Cu(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)(2)](2+) and [Cu(6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)(2)](2+/+) complexes with no coordinated solvent molecule were synthesized and the crystal structures were analyzed: the coordination geometry around the Cu(i) center was in the D(2d) symmetry while a D(2) structure was observed for the four-coordinate Cu(ii) complexes. Coordination of a water or an acetonitrile molecule was found in the trigonal plane of the five-coordinate Cu(ii) complex in the Tbp(trigonal bipyramidal) structure. Spectrophotometric analyses revealed that the D(2) structure of the Cu(ii) complex was retained in nitromethane, although a five-coordinate Tbp species (green in color), was readily formed upon dissolution of the solid (reddish brown) in acetonitrile. The electron self-exchange reaction between D(2d)-Cu(I) and D(2)-Cu(II), observed by the NMR method, was very rapid with k(ex)=(1.1 +/- 0.2) x 10(5) kg mol(-1) s(-1) at 25 degrees C (DeltaH*= 15.6 +/- 1.3 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS*=-96 +/- 4 J mol(-1) K(-1)), which was more than 10 times larger than that reported for the self-exchange reaction between D(2d)-Cu(I) and Tbp-Cu(II) in acetonitrile. The cross reduction reactions of D(2)-Cu(ii) by ferrocene and decamethylferrocene in nitromethane exhibited a completely gated behavior, while the oxidation reaction of D(2d)-Cu(i) by [Ni(1,4,7-triazacyclononane)(2)](3+) in nitromethane estimated an identically large self-exchange rate constant to that directly obtained by the NMR method. The electron self-exchange rate constant estimated from the oxidation cross reaction in 50% v/v acetonitrile-nitromethane mixture was 10 times smaller than that observed in pure nitromethane. On the basis of the Principle of the Least Motion (PLM) and the Symmetry Rules, it was concluded that gated behaviors observed for the reduction reactions of the five-coordinate Cu(ii)-polypyridine complexes are related to the high-energy C(2v)--> D(2d) conformational change around Cu(ii), and that the electron self-exchange reactions of the Cu(ii)/(i) couples are always adiabatic through the C(2v) structures for both Cu(ii) and Cu(i) since the conformational changes between D(2d), D(2) and C(2v) structures for Cu(i) as well as the conformational change between Tbp and C(2v) structures for Cu(ii) are symmetry-allowed. The completely gated behavior observed for the reduction reactions of D(2)-Cu(ii) species in nitromethane was attributed to the very slow conformational change from the ground-state D(2) to the entatic D(2d) structure that is symmetry-forbidden for d(9) metal complexes: the very slow back reaction, the forbidden conformational change from entatic D(2d) to the ground-state D(2) structure, ensures that the rate of the reduction reaction is independent of the concentration of the reducing reagent.     

Electron transfer in uranyl(VI)-uranyl(V) complexes in solution

The rates and mechanisms of the electron self-exchange between U(V) and U(VI) in solution have been studied with quantum chemical methods. Both outer-sphere and inner-sphere mechanisms have been investigated; the former for the aqua ions, the latter for binuclear complexes containing hydroxide, fluoride, and carbonate as bridging ligand. The calculated rate constant for the self-exchange reaction UO(2)(+)(aq) + UO(2)(2+)(aq) <=>UO(2)(2+)(aq) + UO(2)(+)(aq), at 25 degrees C, is k = 26 M(-1) s(-1). The lower limit of the rate of electron transfer in the inner-sphere complexes is estimated to be in the range 2 x 10(4) to 4 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1), indicating that the rate for the overall exchange reaction may be determined by the rate of formation and dissociation of the binuclear complex. The activation energy for the outer-sphere model calculated from the Marcus model is nearly the same as that obtained by a direct calculation of the precursor- and transition-state energy. A simple model with one water ligand is shown to recover 60% of the reorganization energy. This finding is important because it indicates the possibility to carry out theoretical studies of electron-transfer reactions involving M(3+) and M(4+) actinide species that have eight or nine water ligands in the first coordination sphere.     

Redox-driven intramolecular anion translocation between a metal centre and a hydrogen-bond-donating compartment

Dicationic ligands incorporating two 2,2'-bipyridine units and two imidazolium moieties, [1](2+) and [2](2+), form stable chelate complexes with Cu(II) and Cu(I) in acetonitrile solution. Each Cu(II) complex binds two X(-) ions according to two stepwise equilibria, the first involving the Cu(II) centre and the second involving the bis-imidazolium compartment. Cu(I) complexes are able to host only one NO(3)(-) ion in the bis-imidazolium cavity, while other anions induce demetallation. Thus, in the presence of one equivalent of NO(3)(-), the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox change makes the anion translocate quickly and reversibly from one binding site to the other within the [Cu(II,I)(1)](4+/3+) system, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis experiments.     

Study of the ligand substitution reactions of cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)(L)RuORu(L')(bpy)(2)](n+) (L,L' = H(2)O,OH(-), NH(3)) using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and (1)H NMR

We have successfully applied electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and (1)H NMR analyses to study ligand substitution reactions of mu-oxo ruthenium bipyridine dimers cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)(L)RuORu(L')(bpy)(2)](n+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; L and L' = NH(3), H(2)O, and HO(-)) with solvent molecules, that is, acetonitrile, methanol, and acetone. The results clearly show that the ammine ligand is very stable and was not substituted by any solvents, while the aqua ligand was rapidly substituted by all the solvents. In acetonitrile and acetone solutions, the substitution reaction of the aqua ligand(s) competed with a deprotonation reaction from the ligand. The hydroxyl ligand was not substituted by acetonitrile or acetone, but it exchanged slowly with CH(3)O(-) in methanol. The substitution reaction of the aqua ligands in [(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)Ru(III)ORu(III)(H(2)O)(bpy)(2)](4+) was more rapid than that of the hydroxyl ligand in [(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)Ru(III)ORu(IV)(OH)(bpy)(2)](4+). In methanol, slow reduction of Ru(III) to Ru(II) was observed in all the mu-oxo dimers, and the Ru-O-Ru bridge was then cleaved to give mononuclear Ru(II) complexes.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear complexes of dibenzoeilatin: synthesis, structure, and electrochemical and photophysical properties

This work describes a study of Ru(II) and Os(II) polypyridyl complexes of the symmetrical, fused-aromatic bridging ligand dibenzoeilatin (1). The synthesis, purification, and structural characterization by NMR of the mononuclear complexes [Ru(bpy)(2)(dbneil)](2+) (2), [Ru(tmbpy)(2)(dbneil)](2+) (3), and [Os(bpy)(2)(dbneil)](2+) (4), the homodinuclear complexes [[Ru(bpy)(2)](2)[micro-dbneil]](4+) (5), [[Ru(tmbpy)(2)](2)[micro-dbneil]](4+) (6), and [[Os(bpy)(2)](2)[micro-dbneil]](4+) (7), and the heterodinuclear complex [[Ru(bpy)(2)][micro-dbneil][Os(bpy)(2)]](4+) (8) are described, along with the crystal structures of 4, 6, and 7. Absorption spectra of the mononuclear complexes feature a low-lying MLCT band around 600 nm. The coordination of a second metal fragment results in a dramatic red shift of the MLCT band to beyond 700 nm. Cyclic and square wave voltammograms of the mononuclear complexes exhibit one reversible metal-based oxidation, as well as several ligand-based reduction waves. The first two reductions, attributed to reduction of the dibenzoeilatin ligand, are substantially anodically shifted compared to [M(bpy)(3)](2+) (M = Ru, Os), consistent with the low-lying pi orbital of dibenzoeilatin. The dinuclear complexes exhibit two reversible, well-resolved, metal-centered oxidation waves, despite the chemical equivalence of the two metal centers, indicating a significant metal-metal interaction mediated by the conjugated dibenzoeilatin ligand. Luminescence spectra, quantum yield, and lifetime measurements at room temperature in argon-purged acetonitrile have shown that the complexes exhibit (3)MLCT emission, which occurs in the IR-region between 950 and 1300 nm. The heterodinuclear complex 8 exhibits luminescence only from the Ru-based fragment, the intensity of which is less than 1% of that observed in the corresponding homodinuclear complex 5; no emission from the Os-based unit is observed, and an intramolecular quenching constant of k(q) > or = 3 x10(9) s(-)(1) is evaluated. The nature of the quenching process is briefly discussed.     

Ultrafast excited state dynamics controlling photochemical isomerization of N-methyl-4-[trans-2-(4-pyridyl)ethenyl]pyridinium coordinated to a {Re I(CO)3(2,2'-bipyridine)} chromophore

Two multifunctional photoactive complexes [Re(Cl)(CO)(3)(MeDpe(+))(2)](2+) and [Re(MeDpe(+))(CO)(3)(bpy)](2+) (MeDpe(+)=N-methyl-4-[trans-2-(4-pyridyl)ethenyl]pyridinium, bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) were synthesized, characterized, and their redox and photonic properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry; ultraviolet-visible-infrared (UV/Vis/IR) spectroelectrochemistry, stationary UV/Vis and resonance Raman spectroscopy; photolysis; picosecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopy in the visible and infrared regions; and time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy. The first reduction step of either complex occurs at about -1.1 V versus Fc/Fc(+) and is localized at MeDpe(+). Reduction alone does not induce a trans-->cis isomerization of MeDpe(+). [Re(Cl)(CO)(3)(MeDpe(+))(2)](2+) is photostable, while [Re(MeDpe(+))(CO)(3)(bpy)](2+) and free MeDpe(+) isomerize under near-UV irradiation. The lowest excited state of [Re(Cl)(CO)(3)(MeDpe(+))(2)](2+) has been identified as the Re(Cl)(CO)(3)-->MeDpe(+ 3)MLCT (MLCT=metal-to-ligand charge transfer), decaying directly to the ground state with lifetimes of approximately 42 (73 %) and approximately 430 ps (27 %). Optical excitation of [Re(MeDpe(+))(CO)(3)(bpy)](2+) leads to population of Re(CO)(3)-->MeDpe(+) and Re(CO)(3)-->bpy (3)MLCT states, from which a MeDpe(+) localized intraligand (3)pipi* excited state ((3)IL) is populated with lifetimes of approximately 0.6 and approximately 10 ps, respectively. The (3)IL state undergoes a approximately 21 ps internal rotation, which eventually produces the cis isomer on a much longer timescale. The different excited-state behavior of the two complexes and the absence of thermodynamically favorable interligand electron transfer in excited [Re(MeDpe(+))(CO)(3)(bpy)](2+) reflect the fine energetic balance between excited states of different orbital origin, which can be tuned by subtle structural variations. The complex [Re(MeDpe(+))(CO)(3)(bpy)](2+) emerges as a prototypical, multifunctional species with complementary redox and photonic behavior.     

Phosphodiester cleavage properties of copper(II) complexes of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ligands bearing single alkyl guanidine pendants

Three new metal-coordinating ligands, L(1)·4HCl [1-(2-guanidinoethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane tetrahydrochloride], L(2)·4HCl [1-(3-guanidinopropyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane tetrahydrochloride], and L(3)·4HCl [1-(4-guanidinobutyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane tetrahydrochloride], have been prepared via the selective N-functionalization of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) with ethylguanidine, propylguanidine, and butylguanidine pendants, respectively. Reaction of L(1)·4HCl with Cu(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O in basic aqueous solution led to the crystallization of a monohydroxo-bridged binuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu(2)L(1)(2)(μ-OH)](ClO(4))(3)·H(2)O (C1), while for L(2) and L(3), mononuclear complexes of composition [Cu(L(2)H)Cl(2)]Cl·(MeOH)(0.5)·(H(2)O)(0.5) (C2) and [Cu(L(3)H)Cl(2)]Cl·(DMF)(0.5)·(H(2)O)(0.5) (C3) were crystallized from methanol and DMF solutions, respectively. X-ray crystallography revealed that in addition to a tacn ring from L(1) ligand, each copper(II) center in C1 is coordinated to a neutral guanidine pendant. In contrast, the guanidinium pendants in C2 and C3 are protonated and extend away from the Cu(II)-tacn units. Complex C1 features a single μ-hydroxo bridge between the two copper(II) centers, which mediates strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the metal centers. Complexes C2 and C3 cleave two model phosphodiesters, bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) and 2-hydroxypropyl-p-nitrophenylphosphate (HPNPP), more rapidly than C1, which displays similar reactivity to [Cu(tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+). All three complexes cleave supercoiled plasmid DNA (pBR 322) at significantly faster rates than the corresponding bis(alkylguanidine) complexes and [Cu(tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+). The high DNA cleavage rate for C1 {k(obs) = 1.30 (±0.01) × 10(-4) s(-1) vs 1.23 (±0.37) × 10(-5) s(-1) for [Cu(tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+) and 1.58 (±0.05) × 10(-5) s(-1) for the corresponding bis(ethylguanidine) analogue} indicates that the coordinated guanidine group in C1 may be displaced to allow for substrate binding/activation. Comparison of the phosphate ester cleavage properties of complexes C1-C3 with those of related complexes suggests some degree of cooperativity between the Cu(II) centers and the guanidinium groups.     

Electron tunneling in single crystals of Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurins.

Rates of reduction of Os(III), Ru(III), and Re(I) by Cu(I) in His83-modified Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurins (M-Cu distance approximately 17 A) have been measured in single crystals, where protein conformation and surface solvation are precisely defined by high-resolution X-ray structure determinations: 1.7(8) x 10(6) s(-1) (298 K), 1.8(8) x 10(6) s(-1) (140 K), [Ru(bpy)2(im)(3+)-]; 3.0(15) x 10(6) s(-1) (298 K), [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(3+)-]; 3.0(15) x 10(6) s(-1) (298 K), [Ru(tpy)(phen)(3+)-]; 9.0(50) x 10(2) s(-1) (298 K), [Os(bpy)2(im)(3+)-]; 4.4(20) x 10(6) s(-1) (298 K), [Re(CO)3(phen)(+)] (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; im = imidazole; tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The time constants for electron tunneling in crystals are roughly the same as those measured in solution, indicating very similar protein structures in the two states. High-resolution structures of the oxidized (1.5 A) and reduced (1.4 A) states of Ru(II)(tpy)(phen)(His83)Az establish that very small changes in copper coordination accompany reduction but reveal a shorter axial interaction between copper and the Gly45 peptide carbonyl oxygen [2.6 A for Cu(II)] than had been recognized previously. Although Ru(bpy)2(im)(His83)Az is less solvated in the crystal, the reorganization energy for Cu(I) --> Ru(III) electron transfer falls in the range (0.6-0.8 eV) determined experimentally for the reaction in solution. Our work suggests that outer-sphere protein reorganization is the dominant activation component required for electron tunneling.     

Bis(amido)ruthenium(IV) Complexes with 2,3-Diamino-2,3-dimethylbutane. Crystal Structure and Reversible Ru(IV)-Amide/Ru(III)-Amine and Ru(IV)-Amide/Ru(II)- Amine Redox Couples in Aqueous Solution

Two bis(amido)ruthenium(IV) complexes, [Ru(IV)(bpy)(L-H)(2)](2+) and [Ru(IV)(L)(L-H)(2)](2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, L = 2,3-diamino-2,3-dimethylbutane, L-H = (H(2)NCMe(2)CMe(2)NH)(-)), were prepared by chemical oxidation of [Ru(II)(bpy)(L)(2)](2+) and the reaction of [(n-Bu)(4)N][Ru(VI)NCl(4)] with L, respectively. The structures of [Ru(bpy)(L-H)(2)][ZnBr(4)].CH(3)CN and [Ru(L)(L-H)(2)]Cl(2).2H(2)O were determined by X-ray crystal analysis. [Ru(bpy)(L-H)(2)][ZnBr(4)].CH(3)CN crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 12.597(2) ?, b = 15.909(2) ?, c = 16.785(2) ?, beta = 91.74(1) degrees, and Z = 4. [Ru(L)(L-H)(2)]Cl(2).2H(2)O crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4(1)/a with a = 31.892(6) ?, c = 10.819(3) ?, and Z = 16. In both complexes, the two Ru-N(amide) bonds are cis to each other with bond distances ranging from 1.835(7) to 1.856(7) ?. The N(amide)-Ru-N(amide) angles are about 110 degrees. The two Ru(IV) complexes are diamagnetic, and the chemical shifts of the amide protons occur at around 13 ppm. Both complexes display reversible metal-amide/metal-amine redox couples in aqueous solution with a pyrolytic graphite electrode. Depending on the pH of the media, reversible/quasireversible 1e(-)-2H(+) Ru(IV)-amide/Ru(III)-amine and 2e(-)-2H(+) Ru(IV)-amide/Ru(II)-amine redox couples have been observed. At pH = 1.0, the E degrees is 0.46 V for [Ru(IV)(bpy)(L-H)(2)](2+)/[Ru(III)(bpy)(L)(2)](3+) and 0.29 V vs SCE for [Ru(IV)(L)(L-H)(2)](2+)/[Ru(III)(L)(3)](3+). The difference in the E degrees values for the two Ru(IV)-amide complexes has been attributed to the fact that the chelating saturated diamine ligand is a better sigma-donor than 2,2'-bipyridine.