Hybrid Molecular Systems Containing Tetrathiafulvalene and Iron‐Alkynyl Electrophores: Five‐Component Functional Molecules Obtained from C?H Bond Activation

Treatment of [Cp*(dppe)Fe? C?C‐TTFMe₃] ( 1 ) with Ag[PF₆] (3 equiv) in DMF provides the binuclear complex [Cp*(dppe)Fe?C?C?TTFMe₂?CH? CH?TTFMe₂?C?C=Fe(dppe)Cp*][PF₆]₂ ( 2 [PF₆]₂) isolated as a deep‐blue powder in 69 % yield. EPR monitoring of the reaction and comparison of the experimental and calculated EPR spectra allowed the identification of the radical salt [Cp*(dppe)Fe?C?C?TTFMe₂?CH][PF₆]₂ ([ 1‐CH ][PF₆]) an intermediate of the reaction, which results from the activation of the methyl group attached in vicinal position with respect to the alkynyl–iron on the TTF ligand by the triple oxidation of 1 leading to its deprotonation by the solvent. The dimerization of [ 1‐CH ][PF₆] through carbon–carbon bond formation provides 2 [PF₆]₂. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments show that 2 [PF₆]₂ is subject to two sequential well‐reversible one‐electron reductions yielding the complexes 2 [PF₆] and 2 . The CV also shows that further oxidation of 2 [PF₆]₂ generates 2 [PF₆]_n (n=3–6) at the electrode. Treatment of 2 [PF₆]₂ with KOtBu provides 2 [PF₆] and 2 as stable powders. The salts 2 [PF₆] and 2 [PF₆]₂ were characterized by XRD. The electronic structures of 2 ⁿ⁺ (n=0–2) were computed. The new complexes were also characterized by NMR, IR, Mössbauer, EPR, UV/Vis and NIR spectroscopies. The data show that the three complexes 2 [PF₆]_n are iron(II) derivatives in the ground state. In the solid state, the dication 2 ²⁺ is diamagnetic and has a bis(allenylidene‐iron) structure with one positive charge on each iron building block. In solution, as a result of the thermal motion of the metal–carbon backbone, the triplet excited state becomes thermally accessible and equilibrium takes place between singlet and triplet states. In 2 [PF₆], the charge and the spin are both symmetrically distributed on the carbon bridge and only moderately on the iron and TTFMe₂ electroactive centers.     

Molecular Recognition Properties of Biphen[4]arene

Biphen[n]arenes (n=3, 4) are a new family of macrocyclic hosts. Here, we describe the molecular recognition behavior of hydroxylated biphen[4]arene (OHBP4) for the first time. A series of cationic guests with different sizes and shapes, including quaternary ammonium salts ( 1? PF₆ and 2? PF₆), pyridinium‐based guests ( 3? 2 PF₆– 6? 2 PF₆), and cobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate ( 7? PF₆), were chosen as model guest molecules. OHBP4 exhibits good selectivity towards the 2,7‐dibutyldiazapyrenium bis(hexafluorophosphate) ( 4? 2 PF₆) axle to form a [2]pseudorotaxane‐type complex. In contrast, hydroxylated biphen[3]arene (OHBP3) cannot bind with this big guest. In addition, OHBP4 strongly interacts with adamantane derivative 2? PF₆ and cobaltocenium 7? PF₆, which have tridimensional shape and relatively large size. The association constant of the 7 ⁺?OHBP4 complex in 1:1 (v/v) [D₆]acetone/CD₂Cl₂ solution is up to 3100±300 m ^?1.     

Cyanide-bridged [Fe8M6] clusters displaying single-molecule magnetism (M=Ni) and electron-transfer-coupled spin transitions (M=Co)

Cyanide‐bridged metal complexes of [Fe₈M₆(μ‐CN)₁₄(CN)₁₀ (tp)₈(HL)₁₀(CH₃CN)₂][PF₆]₄?n CH₃CN?m H₂O (HL=3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐[4‐(diphenylamino)phenyl]‐1H‐pyrazole), tp^?=hydrotris(pyrazolylborate), 1 : M=Ni with n=11 and m=7, and 2 : M=Co with n=14 and m=5) were prepared. Complexes 1 and 2 are isomorphous, and crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n. They have tetradecanuclear cores composed of eight low‐spin (LS) Fe^III and six high‐spin (HS) M^II ions (M=Ni and Co), all of which are bridged by cyanide ions, to form a crown‐like core structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that intramolecular ferro‐ and antiferromagnetic interactions are operative in 1 and in a fresh sample of 2 , respectively. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 showed frequency‐dependent in‐ and out‐of‐phase signals, characteristic of single‐molecule magnetism (SMM), while desolvated samples of 2 showed thermal‐ and photoinduced intramolecular electron‐transfer‐coupled spin transition (ETCST) between the [(LS‐Fe^II)₃(LS‐Fe^III)₅(HS‐Co^II)₃(LS‐Co^III)₃] and the [(LS‐Fe^III)₈(HS‐Co^II)₆] states.     

Tetracyanido(difluorido)phosphates M+[PF2(CN)4]−

The systematic study of the reaction of M[PF₆] salts and Me₃SiCN led to a synthetic method for the synthesis and isolation of a series of salts containing the unprecedented [PF₂(CN)₄]^? ion in good yields. The reaction temperature, pressure, and stoichiometry were optimized. The crystal structures of M[PF₂(CN)₄] (M=[nBu₄N]⁺, Ag⁺, K⁺, Li⁺, H₅O₂⁺) were determined. X‐ray crystallography showed the exclusive formation of the cis isomer in accord with ³¹P and ¹⁹F solution NMR spectroscopy data. Starting with the K[PF₂(CN)₄] the room temperature ionic liquid EMIm[PF₂(CN)₄] was prepared exhibiting a rather low viscosity.     

Heterotrimetallic Coordination Polymers: {CuIILnIIIFeIII} Chains and {NiIILnIIIFeIII} Layers: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Magnetic Properties

The use of the [Fe^III(AA)(CN)₄]^? complex anion as metalloligand towards the preformed [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ or [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ heterometallic complex cations (AA=2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10‐phenathroline (phen); H₂valpn=1,3‐propanediyl‐bis(2‐iminomethylene‐6‐methoxyphenol)) allowed the preparation of two families of heterotrimetallic complexes: three isostructural 1D coordination polymers of general formula {[Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III(H₂O)₃(μ‐NC)₂Fe^III(phen)(CN)₂ {(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃}]NO₃ ? 7 H₂O}_n (Ln=Gd ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), and Dy ( 3 )) and the trinuclear complex [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃] ? NO₃ ? H₂O ? CH₃CN ( 4 ) were obtained with the [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ assembling unit, whereas three isostructural heterotrimetallic 2D networks, {[Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III(ONO₂)₂(H₂O)(μ‐NC)₃Fe^III(bipy)(CN)] ? 2 H₂O ? 2 CH₃CN}_n (Ln=Gd ( 5 ), Tb ( 6 ), and Dy ( 7 )) resulted with the related [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ precursor. The crystal structure of compound 4 consists of discrete heterotrimetallic complex cations, [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃]⁺, nitrate counterions, and non‐coordinate water and acetonitrile molecules. The heteroleptic {Fe^III(bipy)(CN)₄} moiety in 5 – 7 acts as a tris‐monodentate ligand towards three {Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III} binuclear nodes leading to heterotrimetallic 2D networks. The ferromagnetic interaction through the diphenoxo bridge in the Cu^II?Ln^III ( 1 – 3 ) and Ni^II?Ln^III ( 5 – 7 ) units, as well as through the single cyanide bridge between the Fe^III and either Ni^II ( 5 – 7 ) or Cu^II ( 4 ) account for the overall ferromagnetic behavior observed in 1 – 7 . DFT‐type calculations were performed to substantiate the magnetic interactions in 1 , 4 , and 5 . Interestingly, compound 6 exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization with maxima of the out‐of‐phase ac signals below 4.0 K in the lack of a dc field, the values of the pre‐exponential factor (τ_o) and energy barrier (E_a) through the Arrhenius equation being 2.0×10^?12 s and 29.1 cm^?1, respectively. In the case of 7 , the ferromagnetic interactions through the double phenoxo (Ni^II–Dy^III) and single cyanide (Fe^III–Ni^II) pathways are masked by the depopulation of the Stark levels of the Dy^III ion, this feature most likely accounting for the continuous decrease of χ_M T upon cooling observed for this last compound.     

Influence of Central Metalloligand Geometry on Electronic Communication between Metals: Syntheses,Crystal Structures,MMCT Properties of Isomeric Cyanido‐Bridged Fe2Ru Complexes,and TDDFT Calculations

To investigate how the central metalloligand geometry influences distant or vicinal metal‐to‐metal charge‐transfer (MMCT) properties of polynuclear complexes, cis‐ and trans‐isomeric heterotrimetallic complexes, and their one‐ and two‐electron oxidation products, cis/trans‐ [Cp(dppe)Fe^IINCRu^II(phen)₂CN‐Fe^II(dppe)Cp][PF₆]₂ (cis/trans‐ 1 [PF₆]₂), cis/trans‐[Cp(dppe)Fe^IINCRu^II(phen)₂CNFe^III‐(dppe)Cp][PF₆]₃ (cis/trans‐ 1 [PF₆]₃) and cis/trans‐[Cp(dppe)Fe^IIINCRu^II(phen)₂CN‐Fe^III(dppe)Cp][PF₆]₄ (cis/trans‐ 1 [PF₆]₄) have been synthesized and characterized. Electrochemical measurements show the presence of electronic interactions between the two external Fe^II atoms of the cis‐ and trans‐isomeric complexes cis/trans‐ 1 [PF₆]₂. The electronic properties of all these complexes were studied and compared by spectroscopic techniques and TDDFT//DFT calculations. As expected, both mixed valence complexes cis/trans‐ 1 [PF₆]₃ exhibited different strong absorption signals in the NIR region, which should mainly be attributed to a transition from an MO that is delocalized over the Ru^II‐CN‐Fe^II subunit to a Fe^III d orbital with some contributions from the co‐ligands. Moreover, the NIR transition energy in trans‐ 1 [PF₆]₃ is lower than that in cis‐ 1 [PF₆]₃, which is related to the symmetry of their molecular orbitals on the basis of the molecular orbital analysis. Also, the electronic spectra of the two‐electron oxidized complexes show that trans‐ 1 [PF₆]₄ possesses lower vicinal Ru^II→Fe^III MMCT transition energy than cis‐ 1 [PF₆]₄. Moreover, the assignment of MMCT transition of the oxidized products and the differences of the electronic properties between the cis and trans complexes can be well rationalized using TDDFT//DFT calculations.     

Tetrazine Chromophore‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks with Unusual Configurations: Synthetic,Structural, Theoretical,Fluorescent, and Nonlinear Optical Studies

Three unusual three‐dimensional (3D) tetrazine chromophore‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) {(Et₄N)[WS₄Cu₃(CN)₂(4,4′‐pytz)_0.5]}_n ( 1 ), {[MoS₄Cu₄(CN)₂(4,4′‐pytz)₂] ? CH₂Cl₂}_n ( 2 ), and {[WS₄Cu₃(4,4′‐pytz)₃] ? [N(CN)₂]}_n ( 3 ; 4,4′‐pytz=3,6‐bis(4‐pyridyl)tetrazine) have been synthesized and characterized by using FTIR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, gel permeation chromatography, steady‐state fluorescence, and thermogravimetric analysis; their identities were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. MOF 1 possesses the first five‐connected M/S/Cu (M=Mo, W) framework with an unusual 3D (4⁴?6⁶) topology constructed from T‐shaped [WS₄Cu₃]⁺ clusters as nodes and single CN^?/4,4′‐pytz bridges as linkers. MOF 2 features a novel 3D MOF structure with (4²⁰?6⁸) topology, in which the bridging 4,4′‐pytz ligands exhibit unique distorted arch structures. MOF 3 displays the first 3D MOF structure based on flywheel‐shaped [WS₄Cu₃]⁺ clusters with a non‐interpenetrating honeycomb‐like framework and a heavily distorted “ACS” topology. Steady‐state fluorescence studies of 1 – 3 reveal significant fluorescence emissions. The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of 1 – 3 were investigated by using a Z‐scan technique with 5 ns pulses at λ=532 nm. The Z‐scan experimental results show that the π‐delocalizable tetrazine‐based 4,4′‐pytz ligands contribute to the strong third‐order NLO properties exhibited by 1 – 3 . Time‐dependent density functional theory studies afforded insight into the electronic transitions and spectral characterization of these functionalized NLO molecular materials.     

Synthesis,structure, and photoluminescence of a (4,6)-connected Cu(I)–CN–triazolate framework built with a unique heptanuclear hybrid cluster

A 3-D Cu(I)–CN–triazolate hybrid coordination polymer, {Cu₉(NH₂-BPT)₂(BPT)₂(CN)₇}_n (1) (NH₂-BPT = 4-amino-3,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole, BPT = 3,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole), has been synthesized via self-assembly of NH₂-BPT, CuCN, and K₃Fe(CN)₆ under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data show that four of the five independent copper centers in 1 have a three-coordinated trigonal coordination geometry, and the remaining copper center has a two-coordinated linear geometry. Three Cu ions are linked by one cisoid-BPT and two CN^? to form a 16-membered ring subunit, which is joined by the two-coordinate copper center via the triazole N(4)-position to generate an unprecedented [Cu₇(BPT)₂(CN)₄] hybrid heptanuclear cluster. Each heptanuclear motif is linked to two adjacent [Cu₇] clusters through four CN^? anions, and further to four [Cu–CN–Cu] binuclear clusters through two transoid-NH₂-BPT ligands. Each of these [Cu–CN–Cu] units is linked to four neighboring heptanuclear motifs. The overall geometry is a 3-D (4,6)-connected topological framework with Schläfli symbol of (4^4?×?6²)(4^4?×?6^10?×?8). Compound 1 also exhibits high thermal stability and strong green fluorescence emission at 536?nm in the solid state.     

Homo‐ and Heterodinuclear Ir and Rh Imine‐functionalized Protic NHC Complexes: Synthetic,Structural Studies,and Tautomerization/Metallotropism Insights

The influence of the potentially chelating imino group of imine‐functionalized Ir and Rh imidazole complexes on the formation of functionalized protic N‐heterocyclic carbene (pNHC) complexes by tautomerization/metallotropism sequences was investigated. Chloride abstraction in [Ir(cod)Cl{C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}] ( 1 a ) (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) with TlPF₆ gave [Ir(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^?). Plausible mechanisms for the tautomerization of complex 1 a to 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^? involving C2?H bond activation either in 1 a or in [Ir(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}₂]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 6 a ⁺[PF₆]^?) were postulated. Addition of PR₃ to complex 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^? afforded the eighteen‐valence‐electron complexes [Ir(cod)(PR₃){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 7 a ⁺[PF₆]^? (R=Ph) and 7 b ⁺[PF₆]^? (R=Me)). In contrast to Ir, chloride abstraction from [Rh(cod)Cl{C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}] ( 1 b ) at room temperature afforded [Rh(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}₂]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 6 b ⁺[PF₆]^?) and [Rh(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 3 b ⁺[PF₆]^?) (minor); the reaction yielded exclusively the latter product in toluene at 110 °C. Double metallation of the azole ring (at both the C2 and the N3 atom) was also achieved: [Ir₂(cod)₂Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 10 ) and the heterodinuclear complex [IrRh(cod)₂Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 12 ) were fully characterized. The structures of complexes 1 b , 3 b ⁺[PF₆]^?, 6 a ⁺[PF₆]^?, 7 a ⁺[PF₆]^?, [Ir(cod){C₃HN₂(DippN=CMe)(DippN=CH)(Me)‐κ²(N3,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 9 ⁺[PF₆]^?), 10? Et₂O ? toluene, [Ir₂(CO)₄Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 11 ), and 12? 2 THF were determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

Diamond‐ and Graphite‐Like Octacyanometalate‐Based Polymers Induced by Metal Ions

By using cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine (chxn), Ni(ClO₄)₂ ? 6H₂O and Na₃[Mo(CN)₈] ? 4H₂O, a 3D diamond‐like polymer {[Ni^II(chxn)₂]₂[Mo^IV(CN)₈] ? 8H₂O}_n ( 1 ) was synthesised, whereas the reaction of chxn and Cu(ClO₄)₂ ? 6H₂O with Na₃[M^V(CN)₈] ? 4H₂O (M=Mo, W) afforded two isomorphous graphite‐like complexes {[Cu^II(chxn)₂]₃[Mo^V(CN)₈]₂ ? 2H₂O}_n ( 2 ) and {[Cu^II(chxn)₂]₃[W^V(CN)₈]₂ ? 2H₂O}_n ( 3 ). When the same synthetic procedure was employed, but replacing Na₃[Mo(CN)₈] ? 4H₂O by (Bu₃NH)₃[Mo(CN)₈] ? 4H₂O (Bu₃N=tributylamine), {[Cu^II(chxn)₂Mo^IV(CN)₈][Cu^II(chxn)₂] ? 2H₂O}_n ( 4 ) was obtained. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses showed that the framework of 4 is similar to 2 and 3 , except that a discrete [Cu(chxn)₂]²⁺ moiety in 4 possesses large channels of parallel adjacent layers. The experimental results showed that in this system, the diamond‐ or graphite‐like framework was strongly influenced by the inducement of metal ions. The magnetic properties illustrate that the diamagnetic [Mo^IV(CN)₈] bridges mediate very weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the Ni^II ions in 1 , but lead to the paramagnetic behaviour in 4 because [Mo^IV(CN)₈] weakly coordinates to the Cu^II ions. The magnetic investigations of 2 and 3 indicate the presence of ferromagnetic coupling between the Cu^II and W^V/Mo^V ions, and the more diffuse 5d orbitals lead to a stronger magnetic coupling interaction between the W^V and Cu^II ions than between the Mo^V and Cu^II ions.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and non-linear optical properties of a new cyanide-containing compound

Reaction of K₃[Fe(CN)₆], NiCl₂ and diethylenetriamine (dien) resulted in the formation of a cyanide-containing heterometallic compound [Ni(dien)₂]₂[Fe(CN)₆]·4H₂O 1. The structure consists of two octahedral [Ni(dien)₂]²⁺ cations, one octahedral [Fe(CN)₆]^4? anion and four crystallization water molecules, which are held together by hydrogen-bonding interactions. Its TG curve exhibits two stages of mass loss. Compound 1 in DMF solutions has a very strong third-order non-linear optical (NLO) behavior with an absorption coefficient and refractive index α₂?=?1.10?×?10^?11?m?w^?1, n ₂?=??3.05?×?10^?19?m²?w^?1, respectively, and third-order NLO susceptibility χ⁽³⁾ 4.34?×?10^?13?esu.     

An Unusually Delocalized Mixed‐Valence State of a Cyanidometal‐Bridged Compound Induced by Thermal Electron Transfer

The heterometallic complexes trans ‐[Cp(dppe)FeNCRu(o ‐bpy)CNFe(dppe)Cp][PF₆]_n ( 1 [PF₆]_n , n =2, 3, 4; o ‐bpy=1,2‐bis(2,2′‐bipyridyl‐6‐yl)ethane, dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, Cp=1,3‐cyclopentadiene) in three distinct states have been synthesized and fully characterized. 1 ³⁺[PF₆]₃ and 1 ⁴⁺[PF₆]₄ are the one‐ and two‐electron oxidation products of 1 ²⁺[PF₆]₂, respectively. The investigated results suggest that 1 [PF₆]₃ is a Class II mixed valence compound. 1 [PF₆]₄ after a thermal treatment at 400 K shows an unusually delocalized mixed valence state of [Fe^III‐NC‐Ru^III‐CN‐Fe^II], which is induced by electron transfer from the central Ru^II to the terminal Fe^III in 1 [PF₆]₄, which was confirmed by IR spectroscopy, magnetic data, and EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopy.     

Controlled Synthesis of Heterotrimetallic Single‐Chain Magnets from Anisotropic High‐Spin 3 d–4 f Nodes and Paramagnetic Spacers

By using the node‐and‐spacer approach in suitable solvents, four new heterotrimetallic 1D chain‐like compounds (that is, containing 3d–3d′–4f metal ions), {[Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)Fe(Tp*)(CN)₃] ? 2 CH₃CN ? CH₃OH}_n (H₂L=N,N′‐bis(3‐methoxysalicylidene)‐1,3‐diaminopropane, Tp*=hydridotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)borate; Ln=Gd ( 1 ), Dy ( 2 ), Tb ( 3 ), Nd ( 4 )), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. All of these compounds are made up of a neutral cyanide‐ and phenolate‐bridged heterotrimetallic chain, with a {? Fe? C?N? Ni(? O? Ln)? N?C? }_n repeat unit. Within these chains, each [(Tp*)Fe(CN)₃]^? entity binds to the Ni^II ion of the [Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]⁺ motif through two of its three cyanide groups in a cis mode, whereas each [Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]⁺ unit is linked to two [(Tp*)Fe(CN)₃]^? ions through the Ni^II ion in a trans mode. In the [Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]⁺ unit, the Ni^II and Ln^III ions are bridged to one other through two phenolic oxygen atoms of the ligand (L). Compounds 1 – 4 are rare examples of 1D cyanide‐ and phenolate‐bridged 3d–3d′–4f helical chain compounds. As expected, strong ferromagnetic interactions are observed between neighboring Fe^III and Ni^II ions through a cyanide bridge and between neighboring Ni^II and Ln^III (except for Nd^III) ions through two phenolate bridges. Further magnetic studies show that all of these compounds exhibit single‐chain magnetic behavior. Compound 2 exhibits the highest effective energy barrier (58.2 K) for the reversal of magnetization in 3d/4d/5d–4f heterotrimetallic single‐chain magnets.     

Guest‐, Light‐ and Thermally‐Modulated Spin Crossover in [FeII2] Supramolecular Helicates

A new bis(pyrazolylpyridine) ligand (H₂L) has been prepared to form functional [Fe₂(H₂L)₃]⁴⁺ metallohelicates. Changes to the synthesis yield six derivatives, X@[Fe₂(H₂L)₃]X(PF₆)₂?xCH₃OH ( 1 , x=5.7 and X=Cl; 2 , x=4 and X=Br), X@[Fe₂(H₂L)₃]X(PF₆)₂?yCH₃OH?H₂O ( 1 a , y=3 and X=Cl; 2 a , y=1 and X=Br) and X@[Fe₂(H₂L)₃](I₃)₂?3 Et₂O ( 1 b , X=Cl; 2 b , X=Br). Their structure and functional properties are described in detail by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments at several temperatures. Helicates 1 a and 2 a are obtained from 1 and 2 , respectively, by a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal mechanism. The three possible magnetic states, [LS–LS], [LS–HS], and [HS–HS] can be accessed over large temperature ranges as a result of the structural nonequivalence of the Fe^II centers. The nature of the guest (Cl^? vs. Br^?) shifts the spin crossover (SCO) temperature by roughly 40 K. Also, metastable [LS–HS] or [HS–HS] states are generated through irradiation. All helicates (X@[Fe₂(H₂L)₃])³⁺ persist in solution.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and magnetic properties of a series of new cyano-bridged complexes derived from templates [Ni(CN)4]2− and [Co(III)(CN)6]3−

Three new cyano-bridged complexes 1 [Ni(tn)₂Ni(CN)₄] (tn?=?1,3-diaminopropane), 2 [Cu^II(dipn)Ni^II(CN)₄], and 3 [Cu(dipn)]₆[Co(CN)₆]₄?·?4H₂O (dipn?=?dipropylenetriamine) have been assembled by the templates [Ni(CN)₄]^2? and [Co(CN)₆]^3?. 1 consists of a one-dimensional linear chain–Ni(tn)₂–NC–Ni(CN)₂–CN–Ni(tn)_2? in which the Ni(II) centers are linked by two CN groups. One 1-D zigzag chain of 2 is formed with–Ni(2)–C–N–Cu(1)–N–C–linkages. A 2D structure of 3 is formed by an alternate array of [Co(CN)₆]^3? and [Co][Cu₆] units. For 1, there is an overall weak antiferromagnetic interaction between Ni(II) ions through the–NC–Ni–CN–bridges of the diamagnetic [Ni(CN)₄]^2? anions. 2 exhibits a weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between copper(II) ions mediated by [Ni(CN)₄]^2? diamagnetic bridges. Complex 3 exhibits a weak ferromagnetic interaction between nearest Cu^II and Cu^II atoms through–NC–Co–CN–bridges.     

White Light Emissive DyIII Single‐Molecule Magnets Sensitized by Diamagnetic [CoIII(CN)6]3− Linkers

The self‐assembly of Dy^III–3‐hydroxypyridine (3‐OHpy) complexes with hexacyanidocobaltate(III) anions in water produces cyanido‐bridged {[Dy^III(3‐OHpy)₂(H₂O)₄] [Co^III(CN)₆]}?H₂O ( 1 ) chains. They reveal a single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior with a large zero direct current (dc) field energy barrier, ΔE=266(12) cm^?1 (≈385 K), originating from the single‐ion property of eight‐coordinated Dy^III of an elongated dodecahedral geometry, which are embedded with diamagnetic [Co^III(CN)₆]^3? ions into zig‐zag coordination chains. The SMM character is enhanced by the external dc magnetic field, which results in the ΔE of 320(23) cm^?1 (≈460 K) at H_dc=1 kOe, and the opening of a butterfly hysteresis loop below 6 K. Complex 1 exhibits white Dy^III‐based emission realized by energy transfer from Co^III and 3‐OHpy to Dy^III. Low temperature emission spectra were correlated with SMM property giving the estimation of the zero field ΔE. 1 is a unique example of bifunctional magneto‐luminescent material combining white emission and slow magnetic relaxation with a large energy barrier, both controlled by rich structural and electronic interplay between Dy^III, 3‐OHpy, and [Co^III(CN)₆]^3?.     

Gadolinium(III)‐Hydroxy Ladders Trapped in Succinate Frameworks with Optimized Magnetocaloric Effect

Two kinds of inorganic gadolinium(III)‐hydroxy “ladders”, [2×n] and [3×n], were successfully trapped in succinate (suc) coordination polymers, [Gd₂(OH)₂(suc)₂(H₂O)]_n ? 2n H₂O ( 1 ) and [Gd₆(OH)₈(suc)₅(H₂O)₂]_n ? 4n H₂O ( 2 ), respectively. Such coordination polymers could be regarded as alternating inorganic–organic hybrid materials with relatively high density. Magnetic and heat capacity studies reveal a large cryogenic magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in both compounds, namely (ΔH=70 kG) 42.8 J kg^?1 K^?1 for complex 1 and 48.0 J kg^?1 K^?1 for complex 2 . The effect of the high density is evident, which gives very large volumetric MCEs up to 120 and 144 mJ cm^?3 K^?1 for complexes 1 and 2 , respectively.     

Linear Pyrazole‐bridged Tetra(N‐heterocyclic carbene) Ligands and Their Hexanuclear Silver(I) Complexes

New hybrid ligands are reported that combine two types of popular donor groups within a single linear scaffold, viz., a central pyrazolate bridge and two appended bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) units; the ligand strands thus provide two potentially tridentate {NCC} compartments. The pyrazole/tetraimidazolium proligands, [H₅L¹](PF₆)₄ and [H₅L²](PF₆)₄ , were synthesized via multi‐step protocols, and the NH prototropy of [H₅L¹](PF₆)₄ was examined by variable temperature (VT) NMR spectroscopy, giving solvent dependent activation parameters (ΔH^? = 27.6 kJ · mol^–1, ΔS^? = –125 J · mol^–1 · K^–1 in [D₃]MeCN; ΔH^? = 40.4 kJ · mol^–1, ΔS^? = –86.9 J · mol^–1 · K^–1 in [D₆]DMSO) that are in the range typical for pyrazoles. Reaction of the proligands with Ag₂O gave hexametallic complexes [Ag₆(L¹)₂](PF₆)₄ and [Ag₆(L²)₂](PF₆)₄ that involve all six potential donor atoms of the ligands, viz. the four C^NHC and two N^pz donors, in metal coordination. X‐ray crystallography revealed a chair‐like central {Ag₆} deck in both complexes but different arrangements of the ligand strands, which goes along with significantly different Ag^I ··· Ag^I distances that indicate more pronounced argentophilic interactions in case of [Ag₆(L¹)₂]^{4 +}.     

Cu2(dien)2Ag5(CN)9 containing the one‐dimensional polymeric cation [Cu(dien)Ag(CN)2]nn+ and the unusual [Ag2(CN)3]− anion (dien is diethylenetriamine)

From the 1:1 system of [Cu(dien)₂](NO₃)₂ and K[Ag(CN)₂] in water (dien is diethyl­enetri­amine, C₄H₁₃N₃), the novel compound catena‐poly­[bis­[[μ‐cyano‐1:2κ²C:N‐diethyl­enetri­amine‐2κ³N‐copper(II)silver(I)]‐μ‐cyano‐1:2′κ²C:N] di­cyano­silver(I) tri­cyanodisilver(I)], [CuAg(CN)₂(dien)]₂[Ag(CN)₂][Ag₂(CN)₃], has been isolated. The structure is formed from positively charged [–Cu(dien)–NC–Ag–CN–]_nⁿ⁺ chains and two isolated centrosymmetric [Ag(CN)₂]^? and [Ag₂(CN)₃]^? anions. In the cationic chains, the Cu atoms are linked by bridging di­cyano­argentate groups, and the deformed square‐pyramidal coordination polyhedron of the Cu^II cation is formed from a tridentate chelate‐like bonded dien ligand and two N‐bonded bridging cyano groups. One of the bridging cyano groups occupies the apical (ap) position [mean Cu—­N_eq = 2.02 (2) Å, and Cu—N_ap = 2.170 (3) Å; eq is equatorial]. Short argentophilic interactions in the range 3.16–­3.30 Å are present in the crystal structure.     

Cyanidosilicates—Synthesis and Structure

Starting from fluoridosilicate precursors in neat cyanotrimethylsilane, Me₃Si?CN, a series of different ammonium salts [R₃NMe]⁺ (R=Et, ⁿPr, ⁿBu) with the novel [SiF(CN)₅]^2? and [Si(CN)₆]^2? dianions was synthesized in facile, temperature controlled F^?/CN^? exchange reactions. Utilizing decomposable, non‐innocent cations, such as [R₃NH]⁺, it was possible to generate metal salts of the type M₂[Si(CN)₆] (M⁺=Li⁺, K⁺) via neutralization reactions with the corresponding metal hydroxides. The ionic liquid [BMIm]₂[Si(CN)₆] (m.p.=72 °C, BMIm=1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) was obtained by a salt metathesis reaction. All the synthesized salts could be isolated in good yields and were fully characterized.