Electronic and structural variation among copper(II) complexes with substituted phenanthrolines

A series of copper(II) complexes with substituted phenanthroline ligands has been synthesized and characterized electronically and structurally. The compounds that have been prepared include the monosubstituted ligand complexes of the general formula [Cu(5-R-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), where R = NO(2), Cl, H, or Me, and the disubstituted ligand complex [Cu(5,6-Me(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2). The complexes [Cu(5-NO(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN](BF(4))(2) (1), [Cu(5-Cl-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (2), [Cu(o-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (3), and [Cu(5-Me-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (4) each crystallize in the space group C2/c with compounds 1, 2, and 4 comprising an isomorphous set. The disubstituted complex [Cu(5,6-Me(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (5) crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c. Each structure is characterized by a distorted trigonal bipyramidal arrangement of ligands around the central copper atom with approximate or exact C(2) symmetry. The progression from electron-withdrawing to electron-donating substituents on the phenanthroline ligands correlates with less accessible reduction potentials for the bis-chelate complexes.     

Architecture dependence on the steric constrains of the ligand in cyano-bridged copper(I) and copper(II)-copper(I) mixed-valence polymer compounds containing diamines: crystal structures and spectroscopic and magnetic properties

A family of cyano-bridged copper(II)-copper(I) mixed-valence polymers containing diamine ligands of formula [Cu(pn)(2)][Cu(2)(CN)(4)] (1, pn = 1,2-propanediamine), [Cu(2)(CN)(3)(dmen)] (2, dmen = N,N-dimethylethylenediamine), and [Cu(3)(CN)(4)(tmen)] (3, tmen = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) have been prepared with the aim of analyzing how their architecture may be affected by steric constraints imposed by the diamine ligands. In the absence of diamine and with use of the voluminous NEt(4)(+) cation, the copper(I) polymer [NEt(4)][Cu(2)(CN)(3)] (4) forms. The structure of 1 consists of a three-dimensional diamond-related anionic framework host, [Cu(2)(CN)(4)](2-), and enclathrated [Cu(pn)(2)](2+) cations. The structure of 2 is made of neutral corrugated sheets constructed from fused 18-member nonplanar rings, which contain three equivalent copper(I) and three equivalent copper(II) centers bridged by cyanide groups in an alternative form. The 3D structure of 3 consists of interconnected stair-like double chains built from fused 18-member rings, which adopt a chairlike conformation. Each ring is constructed from two distorted trigonal planar Cu(I) centers, two bent seemingly two-coordinated Cu(I) centers, and two pentacoordinated Cu(II) atoms. The structure 4 is made of planar anionic layers [Cu(2)(CN)(3)](n)(n-) lying on mirror planes and NEt(4)(+) cations intercalated between the anionic layers. From the X-ray structural results and calculations based upon DFT theory some conclusions are drawn on the structure-steric factors correlation in these compounds. Compound 1 exhibits very weak luminescence at 77 K with a maximum in the emission spectrum at 520 nm, whereas compound 4 shows an intense luminescence at room temperature with a maximum in the emission spectrum at 371 nm. Polymers 2 and 3 exhibit weak antiferromagnetic magnetic exchange interactions with J = -0.065(3) and -2.739(5) cm(-1), respectively. This behavior have been justified on the basis of the sum of two contributions: one arising from the pure ground-state configuration and the other one from the charge-transfer configuration Cu(I)-CN-Cu(II)-CN-Cu(II) that mixes with the ground-state configuration.     

Novel examples of high-dimensional mixed-valence copper cyanide complexes

The first examples of high-dimensional mixed-valence homometallic cyano-bridged copper complexes were synthesized and characterized: net-structured [Cu(CN)(4){Cu(cyclam)}(1.5)](2)(n)()(H(2)O)(5)(n) (1), ladder-type double-chain-structured [Cu(CN)(2){Cu(CN)(2)Cu(cyclam)}](n)()(H(2)O)(n) (2), layer-structured [{Cu(CN)(2)}(2)Cu(cycalm)](n) (3), and hydrogen-bond-based 2-D [Cu(CN)(3)Cu(cyclam)](n)()(CH(3)OH)(n) (4) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane). (1) Crystallizes in triclinic space group P with a = 8.3589(11) A, b = 13.478(2) A, c = 14.828(2) A, alpha = 66.895(2) degrees , beta = 77.916(3) degrees , gamma = 85.939(3) degrees , and Z = 1; (2) crystallizes in triclinic space group P with a = 8.2305(12) A, b = 9.8861(15) A, c = 13.219(2) A, alpha = 84.863(3) degrees , beta = 75.744(3) degrees , gamma = 89.818(3) degrees , and Z = 2; 3 crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 6.830(2) A, b = 8.482(2) A, c = 17.306(4) A, beta = 98.144(4) degrees , and Z = 2; 4 crystallizes in triclinic space group P with a = 9.470(1) A, b = 10.034(1) A, c = 12.064(1) A, alpha = 67.325(2), beta = 75.593(2), gamma = 70.672(2), and Z = 2. The coordination sphere of Cu(I) sites in the complexes shows diverse structures: tetrahedral [CuC(4)] for (1), tetrahedral [CuC(3)N] and triangular [CuC(2)N] for (2), triangular [CuC(2)N] for (3), and triangular [CuC(3)] for 4. In particular, (1) constitutes the first example of a structurally characterized system containing a bridging tetrahedral [Cu(CN)(4)](3)(-) unit. The diverse structural nature of these complexes is governed by the capping amines and the content of water in the reaction media. The magnetic interactions are negligible in these mixed-valence complexes.     

Ferromagnetic interaction in mu1,3-cyanamido-derived copper(II) cryptates

The reaction of dinuclear copper(II) cryptates with calcium cyanamide, CaNCN, and sodium dicyanamide, Na[N(CN)(2)] results in dinuclear compounds of formulae [Cu(2)(HNCN)(R3Bm)](ClO(4))(3) (1), [Cu(2)(dca)(R3Bm)](ClO(4))(3)4H(2)O (2), and [Cu(2)(NCNCONH(2))(R3Bm)](CF(3)SO(3))(3) (3), in which R3Bm=N[(CH(2))(2)NHCH(2)(C(6)H(4)-m)CH(2)NH(CH(2))(2)](3)N and dca=dicyanamido ligand (NCNCN(-)). The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals for both 1 and 3 a dinuclear entity in which the copper atoms are bridged by means of the -NCN- unit. The molar magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1-3 in the 2-300 K range indicate ferromagnetic coupling. The calculated J values, by using theoretical methods based on density functional theory (DFT) are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. Catalytic hydration of a nitrile to an amide functional group is assumed responsible for the formation of 3 from a mu(1,3)-dicyanamido ligand.     

Cyano-bridged homodinuclear copper(II) complexes

The synthesis and structural analysis (single crystal X-ray data) of two mononuclear ([Cu(L(1))(CN)]BF(4) and [Cu(L(3))(CN)](BF(4))) and three related, cyanide-bridged homodinuclear complexes ([{Cu(L(1))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3)·1.35 H(2)O, [{Cu(L(2))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3) and [{Ni(L(3))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3)) with a tetradentate (L(1)) and two isomeric pentadentate bispidine ligands (L(2), L(3); bispidines are 3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives) are reported, together with experimental magnetic, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and electronic spectroscopic data and a ligand-field-theory-based analysis. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibilities and EPR transitions of the dicopper(II) complexes, together with the simulation of the EPR spectra of the mono- and dinuclear complexes leads to an anisotropic set of g- and A-values, zero-field splitting (ZFS) and magnetic exchange parameters (Cu1: g(z) = 2.055, g(x) = 2.096, g(y) = 2.260, A(z) = 8, A(x) = 8, A(y) = 195 × 10(-4) cm(-1), Cu2: g and A as for Cu(1) but rotated by the Euler angles α = -6°, β = 100°, D(exc) = -0.07 cm(-1), E(exc)/D(exc) = 0.205 for [{Cu(L(1))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3)·1.35 H(2)O; Cu1,2: g(z) = 2.025, g(x) = 2.096, g(y) = 2.240, A(z) = 8, A(x) = 8, A(y) = 190 × 10(-4)cm(-1), D(exc) = -0.159 cm(-1), E(exc)/D(exc) = 0.080 for [{Cu(L(2))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3)). Thorough ligand-field-theory-based analyses, involving all micro states and all relevant interactions (Jahn-Teller and spin-orbit coupling) and DFT calculations of the magnetic exchange leads to good agreement between the experimental observations and theoretical predictions. The direction of the symmetric magnetic anisotropy tensor D(exc) in [{Cu(L(2))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3) is close to the Cu···Cu vector (22°), that is, nearly perpendicular to the Jahn-Teller axis of each of the two Cu(II) centers, and this reflects the crystallographically observed geometry. Antisymmetric exchange in [{Cu(L(1))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3)·1.35 H(2)O causes a mixing between the singlet ground state and the triplet excited state, and this also reflects the observed geometry with a rotation of the two Cu(II) sites around the Cu···Cu axis.     

From simple to complex: topological evolution and luminescence variation in a copper(I) pyridylpyrazolate system tuned via second ligating spacers

By systematically varying the geometric length and electronic properties of the second ligating ligands of halogen (Cl(-), Br(-), and I(-)) and pseudohalogen (CN(-), SCN(-), and N(3)(-)) anions, we synthesized 11 isomeric/isostructural copper(I) complexes: [Cu(2)(L3-3)I](n) (1), [Cu(2)(L4-4)Br](n) (2-Br), [Cu(2)(L4-4)Cl](n) (2-Cl), [Cu(2)(L3-4)(CN)](n) (3), [Cu(2)(L3-3)(CN)](n) (4), [Cu(3)(L4-4)(CN)(2)](n) (5), {[Cu(2)(L4-4)Br](2)·CuBr}(n) (6-Br), {[Cu(2)(L4-4)Cl](2)·CuCl}(n) (6-Cl), [Cu(2)(L4-4)(SCN)](n) (7α-SCN), [Cu(2)(L4-4)(SCN)](n) (7β-SCN), and [Cu(2)(L4-4)(N(3))](n) (7α-N(3)). These structures are based on a series of isomeric pyridylpyrazole ligands, namely, 3,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazole (HL3-3), 3-(3-pyridyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazole (HL3-4), and 3,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazole (HL4-4), and their structural features range from 1-D (1), 2-D (2), and 3-D noninterpenetration (3), to 3-D 2-fold interpenetration (4 and 5), to 3-D self-catenation (6 and 7), exhibiting a trend from simple to complex with dimension expansion and an interpenetrating degree increase. The five most complex structures (6 and 7) with self-catenated networks are based on 2-fold interpenetrated networks linked via appropriate second ligating spacers (Cl(-), Br(-), SCN(-), and N(3)(-)), representing a strategy to construct self-catenated coordination polymers through cross-linking interpenetrated frameworks. Moreover, these complexes exhibit strong photoluminescence, which is mainly ascribed to Cu(I)-related charge transfers (MLCT, MC, and MMLCT) regulated by the electronic properties of halogen or pseudohalogen. The topological evolution and luminescence variation presented in this work open an avenue to understanding the luminescence origin and the structure-property relationship of luminescent coordination polymers.     

Heterobimetallic coordination polymers incorporating [M(CN)(2)](-) (M = Cu,Ag) and [Ag(2)(CN)(3)](-) units: increasing structural dimensionality via M-M' and M...NC interactions

A series of new heterometallic coordination polymers has been prepared from the reaction of metal-ligand cations and KAg(CN)(2) units. Many of these contain silver-silver (argentophilic) interactions, analogous to gold-gold interactions, which serve to increase supramolecular structural dimensionality. Compared to [Au(CN)(2)](-) analogues, these polymers display new trends specific to [Ag(CN)(2)](-), including the formation of [Ag(2)(CN)(3)](-) and the presence of Ag...N interactions. [Cu(en)(2)][Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)] (1, en = ethylenediamine) forms 1-D chains of alternating [Ag(CN)(2)](-) and [Ag(2)(CN)(3)](-) units via argentophilic interactions of 3.102(1) A. These chains are connected into a 2-D array by strong cyano(N)-Ag interactions of 2.572(3) A. [Cu(dien)Ag(CN)(2)](2)[Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)] (2, dien = diethylenetriamine) forms a 1-D chain of alternating [Cu(dien)](2+) and [Ag(CN)(2)](-) ions with the Cu(II) atoms connected in an apical/equatorial fashion. These chains are cross-linked by [Ag(2)(CN)(3)](-) units via argentophilic interactions of 3.1718(8) A and held weakly in a 3-D array by argentophilic interactions of 3.2889(5) A between the [Ag(CN)(2)](-) in the 2-D array and the remaining free [Ag(CN)(2)](-). [Ni(en)][Ni(CN)(4)].2.5H(2)O (4) was identified as a byproduct in the reaction to prepare the previously reported [Ni(en)(2)Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)] (3). In [Ni(tren)Ag(CN)(2)][Ag(CN)(2)] (5, tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine), [Ni(tren)](2+) cations are linked in a cis fashion by [Ag(CN)(2)](-) anions to form a 1-D chain similar to the [Au(CN)(2)](-) analogue. [Cu(en)Cu(CN)(2)Ag(CN)(2)] (6) is a trimetallic polymer consisting of interpenetrating (6,3) nets stabilized by d(10)-d(10) interactions between Cu(I)-Ag(I) (3.1000(4) A). Weak antiferromagnetic coupling has been observed in 2, and a slightly stronger exchange has been observed in 6. The Ni(II) complexes, 4 and 5, display weak antiferromagnetic interactions as indicated by their relatively larger D values compared to that of 3. Magnetic measurements on isostructural [Ni(tren)M(CN)(2)][M(CN)(2)] (M = Ag, Au) show that Ag(I) is a more efficient mediator of magnetic exchange as compared to Au(I). The formation of [Ni(CN)(4)](2)(-), [Ag(2)(CN)(3)](-), and [Cu(CN)(2)](-) are all attributed to secondary reactions of the dissociation products of the labile KAg(CN)(2).     

The use of phenylfluorone in the presence of cetylpyridinium chloride and Triton X-100 for the spectrophotometric determination of copper(II) in blood serum

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method for determination of copper(II) is based on the formation of a blue coloured complex of Cu(II) with 9-phenyl-2,3,7-trihydroxy-6-fluorone (PF) in the presence of cetylpyridinium chloride (CP) and Triton X-100, has been developed. Optimum concentrations of PF, CP, Triton X-100 and pH ensuring maximum absorbance were defined. The complex Cu(II)-PF-CP-Triton X-100 shows maximum absorbance at 595 nm with a molar absorptivity value of 9.67x10(4) l mol(-1) cm(-1). The detection limit of the method is 0.028 mug ml(-1). Beer's law is obeyed for copper concentrations in the range 0.04-0.4 mug ml(-1). The studies of the effect of foreign ions on determination of copper, show that the selectivity of the method is poor. The cations of alkali metals and anions Br(-), Cl(-), I(-), F(-), NO(2)(-), NO(3)(-), CH(3)COO(-), SO(4)(2-), S(2)O(3)(2-), PO(4)(3-), citrates (examined in 1000-fold molar excess over copper) do not affect the determination. All cations forming complexes with PF have an interfering effect. The statistical evaluation of the method was carried out for six determinations using 10 mug of Cu and the following results were obtained: the standard deviation, SD=0.042, the confidence interval mu(95)=10.1+/-0.1 mug Cu. The method has been applied for determination of copper in blood serum.     

Binuclear copper(II) oxidation products from copper(I) complexes with tridentate ligands. Magnetostructural characterization

The bis-pyridine tridentate ligands (6-R-2-pyridylmethyl)-(2-pyridylmethyl) benzylamine (RDPMA, where R = CH(3), CF(3)), (6-R-2-pyridylmethyl)-(2-pyridylethyl) benzylamine (RPMPEA, where R = CH(3), CF(3)), and the bidentate ligand di-benzyl-(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (BiBzMePMA) have been synthesized and their copper(I) complexes oxidized in a methanol solution to afford self-assembled bis-micro-methoxo-binuclear copper(II) complexes (1, 2, 4, 6) or hydroxo- binuclear copper(II) complexes (3). Oxidation of the nonsubstituted DPMA (R = H) in dichloromethane gives a chloride-bridged complex (5). The crystal structures for [Cu(MeDPMA)(MeO)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (1), [Cu(RPMPEA)(MeO)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (for 2, R= Me, and for 4, R = CF(3)), [Cu(BiBzMePMA)(MeO)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (6), [Cu(FDPMA)(OH)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (3), and [Cu(DPMA)(Cl)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (5) have been determined, and their variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility has been measured in the temperature range of 10-300 K. The copper coordination geometries are best described as square pyramidal, except for 6, which is square planar, because of the lack of one pyridine ring in the bidentate ligand. In 1-4 and 6, the basal plane is formed by two pyridine N atoms and two O atoms from the bridging methoxo or hydroxo groups, whereas in 5, the bridging Cl atoms occupy axial-equatorial sites. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that the Cu atoms are strongly coupled antiferromagnetically in the bis-methoxo complexes 1, 2, 4, and 6, with -2J > 600 cm(-)(1), whereas for the hydroxo complex 3, -2J = 195 cm(-)(1) and the chloride-bridged complex 5 shows a weak ferromagnetic coupling, with 2J = 21 cm(-)(1) (2J is an indicator of the magnetic interaction between the Cu centers).     

Encapsulation of cyanometalates by a tris-macrocyclic ligand tricopper(II) complex: syntheses, structural variation, and magnetic exchange coupling pathways

The reaction of [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Cr(3+), Mn(3+), Fe(3+), Co(3+)) and [M(CN)(8)](4-/3-) (M = Mo(4+/5+), W(4+/5+)) with the trinuclear copper(II) complex of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltris[3-(1,3,5,8,12-pentaazacyclotetradecane)] ([Cu(3)(L)](6+)) leads to partially encapsulated cyanometalates. With hexacyanometalate(III) complexes, [Cu(3)(L)](6+) forms the isostructural host-guest complexes [[[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))(2)][M(CN)(6)](2)][M(CN)(6)]][M(CN)(6)]30 H(2)O with one bridging, two partially encapsulated, and one isolated [M(CN)(6)](3-) unit. The octacyanometalates of Mo(4+/5+) and W(4+/5+) are encapsulated by two tris-macrocyclic host units. Due to the stability of the +IV oxidation state of Mo and W, only assemblies with [M(CN)(8)](4-) were obtained. The Mo(4+) and W(4+) complexes were crystallized in two different structural forms: [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[Mo(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(8)15 H(2)O with a structural motif that involves isolated spherical [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[M(CN)(8)]](8+) ions and a "string-of-pearls" type of structure [[[Cu(3)(L)](2)[M(CN)(8)]][M(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(4) 20 H(2)O, with [M(CN)(8)](4-) ions that bridge the encapsulated octacyanometalates in a two-dimensional network. The magnetic exchange coupling between the various paramagnetic centers is characterized by temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization data. Exchange between the CuCu pairs in the [Cu(3)(L)](6+) "ligand" is weakly antiferromagnetic. Ferromagnetic interactions are observed in the cyanometalate assemblies with Cr(3+), exchange coupling of Mn(3+) and Fe(3+) is very small, and the octacoordinate Mo(4+) and W(4+) systems have a closed-shell ground state.     

H2O2-reactivity of copper(II) complexes supported by tris[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine ligands with 6-phenyl substituents

The structure and H(2)O(2)-reactivity of a series of copper(II) complexes supported by tris[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine (TPA) derivatives having a phenyl group at the 6-position of pyridine donor group(s) [(6-phenylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine (Ph(1)TPA), bis[(6-phenylpyridin-2-yl)methyl][(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine (Ph(2)TPA), and tris[(6-phenylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine (Ph(3)TPA) have systematically been examined to get insights into the aromatic substituent (6-Ph) effects on the coordination chemistry of TPA ligand system. The X-ray crystallographic analyses have revealed that [Cu(II)(TPA)(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (CuTPA) and [Cu(II)(Ph(3)TPA)(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (3) exhibit a trigonal bipyramidal structure, whereas [Cu(II)(Ph(1)TPA)(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (1) shows a slightly distorted square pyramidal structure and [Cu(II)(Ph(2)TPA)(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (2) has an intermediate structure between trigonal bipyramidal and square pyramidal. On the other hand, the UV-vis and ESR data have suggested that all the copper(II) complexes have a similar trigonal bipyramidal structure in solution. The redox potentials of CuTPA, 1, 2, and 3 have been determined as E(1/2) = -0.34, -0.28, -0.16, and -0.04 mV vs Ag/AgNO(3), respectively, demonstrating that introduction of each 6-Ph group causes positive shift of E(1/2) about 0.1 V. Notable difference in H(2)O(2)-reactivity has been found among the copper(II) complexes. Namely, CuTPA and 1 afforded mononuclear copper(II)-hydroperoxo complexes CuTPA-OOH and 1-OOH, respectively, whereas complex 2 provided bis(mu-oxo)dicopper(III) complex 2-oxo. On the other hand, copper(II) complex 3 was reduced to the corresponding copper(I) complex 3(red). On the basis of the H(2)O(2)-reactivity together with the X-ray structures and the redox potentials of the copper(II) complexes, the substituent effects of 6-Ph are discussed in detail.     

Reporting a unique example of electronic bistability observed in the form of valence tautomerism with a copper(II) helicate of a redox-active nitrogenous heterocyclic ligand

Valence tautomeric compounds involving nondixolene-type ligands are rare. The triple-helicate copper(II) complex [Cu(II)(2)(L)(3)](ClO(4))(4)·3CH(3)CN (1) containing a redox-active N-heterocyclic ligand (L) has been prepared and displays VT equilibrium in solution, as established by electronic spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry carried out at variable temperatures. The process involves intramolecular transfer of an electron from one of the L ligands to a copper(II) center, leading to the oxidation of L to an L(?+) radical with concomitant reduction of the Cu(II) center to Cu(I), as shown by the equilibrium [Cu(II)Cu(I)L(?+)L(2)](4+) ? [Cu(II)(2)L(3)](4+).     

Bending, twisting, and breaking CuCN chains to produce framework materials: the reactions of CuCN with alkali-metal halides

The reactions of the low-temperature polymorph of copper(I) cyanide (LT-CuCN) with concentrated aqueous alkali-metal halide solutions have been investigated. At room temperature, KX (X = Br and I) and CsX (X = Cl, Br, and I) produce the addition products K[Cu(2)(CN)(2)Br].H(2)O (I), K(3)[Cu(6)(CN)(6)I(3)].2H(2)O (II), Cs[Cu(3)(CN)(3)Cl] (III), Cs[Cu(3)(CN)(3)Br] (IV), and Cs(2)[Cu(4)(CN)(4)I(2)].H(2)O (V), with 3-D frameworks in which the -(CuCN)- chains present in CuCN persist. No reaction occurs, however, with NaX (X = Cl, Br, I) or KCl. The addition compounds, I-V, reconvert to CuCN when washed. Both low- and high-temperature polymorphs of CuCN (LT- and HT-CuCN) are produced, except in the case of Cs[Cu(3)(CN)(3)Cl] (III), which converts only to LT-CuCN. Heating similar AX-CuCN reaction mixtures under hydrothermal conditions at 453 K for 1 day produces single crystals of I-V suitable for structure determination. Under these more forcing conditions, reactions also occur with NaX (X = Cl, Br, I) and KCl. NaBr and KCl cause some conversion of LT-CuCN into HT-CuCN, while NaCl and NaI, respectively, react to form the mixed-valence Cu(I)/Cu(II) compounds [Cu(II)(OH(2))(4)][Cu(I)(4)(CN)(6)], a known phase, and [Cu(II)(OH(2))(4)][Cu(I)(4)(CN)(4)I(2)] (VI), a 3-D framework, which contains infinite -(CuCN)- chains. After 3 days of heating under hydrothermal conditions, the reaction between KI and CuCN produces [Cu(II)(OH(2))(4)][Cu(I)(2)(CN)I(2)](2) (VII), in which the CuCN chains are broken into single Cu-CN-Cu units, which in turn are linked into chains via iodine atoms and then into layers via long Cu-C and Cu-Cu interactions.     

Compositions and structures of copper hexacyanoferrates(II) and (III): experimental results

The preparation, composition and structure of copper hexacyanoferrates have been investigated. Three methods were used: precipitation, local growth in an aqueous solution, and growth in a gel. Four compounds were obtained, either in powdered form or as single crystals: Cu(II)(2)Fe(II)(CN)(6) . xH(2)O, Cu(II)(3)[Fe(III)(CN)(6)](2) . xH(2)O, Na(2)Cu(II)Fe(II)(CN)(6) . 10H(2)O and K(2)Cu(II)Fe(II)(CN)(6). Powders of Cu(II)(2)Fe(II)(CN)(6) . xH(2)O and Cu(II)(3)[Fe(III) (CN)(6)](2) . xH(2)O are easily prepared by precipitation and can also be obtained by local growth. They crystallise generally with cubic symmetry, in space group Fm3m, and are structurally disordered. The mixed copper hexacyanoferrates of general formulae M(1)(2)Cu(II)Fe(II)(CN)(6) or M(I)Cu(II)Fe(III)(CN)(6) (here M(I) is Na, K) were not obtained by precipitation. The appropriate method was local growth for the preparation of powders of K(2)Cu(II)Fe(II)(CN)(6). Single crystals of Na(2)Cu(II)Fe(II)(CN)(6) were obtained by growth in a gel, and their study using single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed a new monoclinic structure.     

Redox-adaptable copper hosts. Pyridazine-linked cryptands accommodate copper in a range of redox States

A series of structurally characterized copper complexes of two pyridazine-spaced cryptands in redox states + (I,I), (II,I), (II), (II,II) are reported. The hexaimine cryptand L(I) [formed by the 2 + 3 condensation of 3,6-diformylpyridazine with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren)] is able to accommodate two non-stereochemically demanding copper(I) ions, resulting in [Cu(I)(2)L(I)](BF(4))(2) 1, or one stereochemically demanding copper(II) ion, resulting in [Cu(II)L(I)()](BF(4))(2) 3. Complex 3 crystallizes in two forms, 3a and 3b, with differing copper(II) ion coordination geometries. Addition of copper(I) to the monometallic complex 3 results in the mixed-valence complex [Cu(I)Cu(II)L(I)](X)(3) (X = PF(6)(-), 2a; X = BF(4)(-), 2b) which is well stabilized within this cryptand as indicated by electrochemical studies (K(com) = 2.1 x 10(11)). The structurally characterized, octaamine cryptand L(A), prepared by sodium borohydride reduction of L(I), is more flexible than L(I) and can accommodate two stereochemically demanding copper(II) ions, generating the dicopper(II) cryptate [Cu(II)(2)L(A)](BF(4))(4) 4. Electrochemical studies indicate that L(A) stabilizes the copper(II) oxidation state more effectively than L(I); no copper redox state lower than II,II has been isolated in the solid state using this ligand.     

Syntheses, characterization, and magnetic studies of copper(II) complexes with the ligand N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-benzenediamine (1,3-tpbd) and its phenol derivative 2,6-bis[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-p-cresol] (2,6-Htpcd)

The copper(II) complexes [Cu(4)(1,3-tpbd)(2)(H(2)O)(4)(NO(3))(4)](n)(NO(3))(4n)·13nH(2)O (1), [Cu(4)(1,3-tpbd)(2)(AsO(4))(ClO(4))(3)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2)·2H(2)O·0.5CH(3)OH (2), [Cu(4)(1,3-tpbd)(2)(PO(4))(ClO(4))(3)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2)·2H(2)O·0.5CH(3)OH (3), [Cu(2)(1,3-tpbd){(PhO)(2)PO(2)}(2)](2)(ClO(4))(4) (4), and [Cu(2)(1,3-tpbd){(PhO)PO(3)}(2)(H(2)O)(0.69)(CH(3)CN)(0.31)](2)(BPh(4))(4)·Et(2)O·CH(3)CN (5) [1,3-tpbd = N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-benzenediamine, BPh(4)(-) = tetraphenylborate] were prepared and structurally characterized. Analyses of the magnetic data of 2, 3, 4, and [Cu(2)(2,6-tpcd)(H(2)O)Cl](ClO(4))(2) (6) [2,6-tpcd = 2,6-bis[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-p-cresolate] show the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the copper(II) ions, the bis-terdentate 1,3-tpbd/2,6-tpcd, μ(4)-XO(4) (X = As and P) μ(1,2)-OPO and μ-O(phenolate) appearing as poor mediators of exchange interactions in this series of compounds. Simple orbital symmetry considerations based on the structural knowledge account for the small magnitude of the magnetic couplings found in these copper(II) compounds.     

Activation and amplification of the third-order NLO and luminescent responses of a precursor cluster by a supramolecular approach

Solvothermal reactions of [Et(4)N][Tp*WS(3)(CuCl)(3)] (1) (Tp* = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate) with CuCN and KCu(CN)(2) afforded two [Tp*WS(3)Cu(3)]-based coordination polymers [Tp*WS(3)Cu(3)(μ(3)-DMF){Cu(CN)(3)}](2) (2) and K[Tp*WS(3)Cu(3)(μ(3)-DMF){Cu(2)(CN)(4.5)}](2) (3). The third-order NLO and PL responses of 1 were activated and greatly amplified through its assembly via the [Cu(CN)(3)](2-) and [Cu(4)(CN)(9)](5-) species in 2 and 3.     

Reduction of octacyanomolybdate(V) by thioglycolic acid in aqueous media

In aqueous media at 25 degrees C [Mo(CN)(8)](3-) is reduced by thioglycolic acid (HSCH(2)COOH, TGA), and the reaction is strongly accelerated by the presence of trace amounts of copper ions. Dipicolinic acid (dipic) is an effective inhibitor of the copper catalysis. Both with and without dipic the reaction has the stoichiometry 2[Mo(CN)(8)](3-) + 2TGA --> 2[Mo(CN)(8)](4-) + RSSR, where RSSR is the disulfide derived from formal oxidative dimerization of TGA. In the presence of dipic, PBN (N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenyl-nitrone), and with a large excess of TGA the rate law for consumption of [Mo(CN)(8)](3-) is first order in both [TGA] and [Mo(CN)(8)(3-)]. The complex pH dependence is consistent with (-)SCH(2)CO(2)(-) being highly reactive (k = 1.8 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1)), the monoanion being less reactive, and HSCH(2)CO(2)H being unreactive. A mechanism is proposed in which the dianion undergoes electron transfer to [Mo(CN)(8)](3-), thus generating the thiyl radical. Analysis of the electron-transfer rate constant in terms of Marcus theory yields an effective self-exchange rate constant for the thiolate/thiyl redox couple that is in reasonable agreement with the value derived previously from the reaction of TGA with [IrCl(6)](2-). When copper catalysis is inhibited, the two reactions differ substantially in that the yield of (-)O(3)SCH(2)CO(2)(-) is significant for [IrCl(6)](2-) but undetectable for [Mo(CN)(8)](3-).     

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.     

Au(CN)4]- as a supramolecular building block for heterobimetallic coordination polymers

A series of the first coordination polymers using the [Au(CN)(4)](-) anion as a building block has been prepared. The planar tetracyanoaurate anion uses one, two, or four cyano groups to bridge to Ni(II) or Cu(II) centers and exhibits weak Au(III)-N(cyano) interactions between anions. Ni(en)(2)[Au(CN)(4)](2).H(2)O (1, en = ethylenediamine) is a molecular compound with the two [Au(CN)(4)](-) anions coordinating in a trans orientation to Ni(II) without further cyanide coordination. Cu(dien)[Au(CN)(4)](2) (2, dien = diethylenetriamine) forms a similar molecular complex; however, the dimensionality is increased through weak intermolecular Au-N(cyano) interactions of 3.002(14) A to form a 1-D zigzag chain. Cu(en)(2)[Au(CN)(4)](2) (3) also forms a molecular complex similar to 1, but with elongated axial bonds. The complex further aggregates through Au-N(cyano) interactions of 3.035(8) A to form a 2-D array. In [Cu(dmeda)(2)Au(CN)(4)][Au(CN)(4)] (4, dmeda = N,N-dimethylethylenediamine) one [Au(CN)(4)](-) anion coordinates via two cis-N(cyano) donors to the axial sites of two Cu(II) centers to form a 1-D zigzag chain of alternating [Cu(dmeda)(2)](2+) and [Au(CN)(2)](-) units; the other [Au(CN)(4)](-) anion forms a 1-D chain via Au-N(cyano) interactions. In [Cu(bipy)(H(2)O)(2)(Au(CN)(4))(0.5)][Au(CN)(4)](1.5) (5, bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) one [Au(CN)(4)](-) anion uses all four cyano moieties to bridge four different Cu(II) centers, creating a 1-D chain.