Linking Tribridged Dicopper Complexes with Neutral Dipyridyl Compounds to Coordination Oligomers and Polymers

The stable tribridged dicopper(I) carboxylate complexes [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐O₂CR)]BF₄ (RCO₂ ⁻ = formate (OFc⁻), m1 ; acetate (OAc⁻), m2 ; benzoate (OBAc⁻), m3 ; o‐toluate (O2TAc⁻), m4 ; p‐toluate (O4TAc⁻), m5 ; 4‐phenylbutyrate (O4PBAc⁻), m6 ; 2‐nitrobenzoate (O2NBAc⁻), m7 ), abbreviated as MM, and neutral dipyridyl compounds (NN; NN = 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy), 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane (bpa), trans ‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (bpe), 4,4′‐trimethylenedipyridine (tmp)) can form dynamic equilibria in CH₂Cl₂. From the equilibrium mixtures containing MM and NN with MM/NN = 1:1, nine 2:1 oligomers ([( m1 )₂(μ‐bpy)](BF₄)₂ ( o1a (BF₄)₂), [( m3 )₂(μ‐bpe)](BF₄)₂ ( o3c (BF₄)₂), [( m3 )₂(μ‐tmp)](BF₄)₂ ( o3d (BF₄)₂), [( m4 )₂(μ‐bpe)](BF₄)₂ ( o4c (BF₄)₂), [( m5 )₂(μ‐bpy)](BF₄)₂ ( o5a (BF₄)₂), [( m5 )₂(μ‐tmp)](BF₄)₂ ( o5d (BF₄)₂), [( m6 )₂(μ‐bpa)](BF₄)₂ ( o6b (BF₄)₂), [( m7 )₂(μ‐bpy)](BF₄)₂ ( o7a (BF₄)₂), [( m7 )₂(μ‐bpa)](BF₄)₂ ( o7b (BF₄)₂)), one 2:3 oligomer ([{( m2 )(bpy)}₂(μ‐bpy)](BF₄)₂ ( o2a (BF₄)₂)), and five 1:1 polymers ([( m2 )(μ‐bpe)] _n (BF₄ ) _n ( p2c (BF₄ ) _n ), [( m2 )(μ‐tmp)] _n (BF₄ ) _n ( p2d (BF₄ ) _n ), [( m3 )(μ‐bpy)] _n (BF₄ ) _n ( p3a (BF₄ ) _n ), [( m3 )(μ‐tmp)] _n (BF₄ ) _n ( p3d (BF₄ ) _n ), [( m7 )(μ‐tmp)] _n (BF₄ ) _n ( p7d (BF₄ ) _n )) were obtained as single crystals, and their structures were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Both experimental and theoretical results support the presence of two oligomeric species, [{Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐O₂CR)}₂(μ‐NN)]²⁺ and [{Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐O₂CR)(NN)}₂(μ‐NN)]²⁺), in dynamic equilibrium. The oligomers (such as o3d (BF₄)₂) can serve as seeds to induce the formation of soluble coordination polymers as crystals (such as p3d (BF₄)_n ).     

Synthesis and Structures of d10–d10 M2(μ‐dppm)2 Complexes with Sensitive Metal–Metal Distances in Response to the Binding of Sigma Donors

Diphosphine‐bridged dicopper(I) acetate complexes [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)]X ( 2 X; X^? = , ) and [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)(MeCN)]X ( 4 X) were prepared and the structures of 2 (PF₆ ) and 4 (PF₆ ) determined by X‐ray crystallography. The ground‐state geometries of [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)]⁺ and [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)(L)]⁺ (L = py, MeCN, THF, acetone, MeOH) were also obtained using density functional theory (DFT). The increased Cu – Cu distances found experimentally and theoretically by comparing the structures of cation [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)]⁺ and its derivatives [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)(L)]⁺ reflect the binding of various sigma donors (L). When using [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)]⁺ as a structure sensor, the electron‐donating strength of a sigma donor can be quantitatively expressed as a DFT‐calculated Cu – Cu distance with the relative strength in the order py > MeCN > THF > acetone > MeOH, as determined.     

Anion‐aided Dynamic One‐pot Self‐assembly of Rectangular Metallacycles

The tetracopper(I) complex [{Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂}₂(μ‐1,4‐O₂CC₆H₄ (CO₂ )₂)](BF₄ )₂ ( 1 (BF₄ )₂) and 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane (bpa) can establish a dynamic equilibrium in CH₂Cl₂ . From the equilibrium mixture containing 1 (BF₄ )₂ and bpa with the molar ratio 1 (BF₄ )₂/bpa of 1:1, a supramolecular compound [{Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂}₂(μ‐1,4‐C₆H₄ (CO₂ )₂)(μ‐bpa)]₂(BF₄ )₄ ( 2 (BF₄ )₄) was obtained as single crystals. The crystal structure was determined by X‐ray crystallography to reveal presence of one anion inside a cationic rectangular metallacycle { 2 ⊂ BF₄ }³⁺. Both structural evidence and DFT ‐calculated results indicate that the F atoms of the anion exert weak electrostatic attraction with hydrogen atoms of the bound bpa as the framework of the cationic metallacycle. The attractive interactions apparently play an important role in stabilizing some dynamically self‐assembled precursors so as to form the final anion‐included metallacycle. Without the electrostatic help from the anion, the self‐assembly of the empty metallacycle may be hindered by a rather large endothermic free energy. The favorable electrostatic stabilization is present not only for a anion but also for other anions such as , , and even when the flexible bpa is replaced by rigid 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy). Based on the DFT results, the metallacycle 2 (BF₄ )₄ can be easily prepared in a one‐pot reaction of [Cu(MeCN )₄](BF₄ ) with three ligands.     

Long-Range N→Si Interactions in Organosilicon Compounds with Hepta- and Octacoordinate Silicon Centers

Coulomb-dominated donor–acceptor interactions are, according to results of density functional calculations, the rationale for the extremely long Si–N distances (about 300 pm) in unusual hypercoordinate organosilicon compounds with seven- and eight-coordinate Si centers. The picture shows an example with sevenfold coordination.     

Windmill-Like Porphyrin Arrays as Potent Light-Harvesting Antenna Complexes

Up to 14 porphyrin rings are present in the title compounds 1 , which are readily available with high regioselectivity from linear nickel–zinc porphyrins. Upon irradiation with light a rapid energy transfer from the peripheral porphyrin rings to the diporphyrin core takes place.     

A Water- and Base-Stable Iminopyridine-Based Cage That Can Bind Larger Organic Anions

Catalysis inside molecular cages and capsules has attracted an increasing amount of attention over the last decade. While many examples of the catalysis of reactions with cationic intermediates and transition states are known, those with anionic counterparts are scarce. One limiting factor is access to suitably sized cationic iminopyridine-based cages that are stable towards water and anionic/nucleophilic guest molecules. This study aimed at identifying such suitable cages. In this full paper, we describe the journey that finally led to the synthesis of a novel iminopyridine-based tetrahedron that can bind larger organic anions with binding constants of up to 850 M⁻¹ in MeCN−d₃/H₂O=9 : 1. Importantly, it also displays stability in basic aqueous acetonitrile. Surprisingly, investigations towards catalysis of reactions with anionic transition states did not indicate rate accelerations in the presence of the cage.     

Metallogels from Coordination Complexes,Organometallic, and Coordination Polymers

A supramolecular gel results from the immobilization of solvent molecules on a 3D network of gelator molecules stabilized by various supramolecular interactions that include hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, van der Waals interactions, and halogen bonding. In a metallogel, a metal is a part of the gel network as a coordinated metal ion (in a discrete coordination complex), as a cross‐linking metal node with a multitopic ligand (in coordination polymer), and as metal nanoparticles adhered to the gel network. Although the field is relatively new, research into metallogels has experienced a considerable upsurge owing to its fundamental importance in supramolecular chemistry and various potential applications. This focus review aims to provide an insight into the development of designing metallogelators. Because of the limited scope, discussions are confined to examples pertaining to metallogelators derived from discrete coordination complexes, organometallic gelators, and coordination polymers. This review is expected to enlighten readers on the current development of designing metallogelators of the abovementioned class of molecules.     

Methyl‐, Ethenyl‐, and Ethynyl‐Bridged Cationic Digold Complexes Stabilized by Coordination to a Bulky Terphenylphosphine Ligand

Reactions of the gold(I) triflimide complex [Au(NTf₂)(PMe₂Ar )] ( 1 ) with the gold(I) hydrocarbyl species [AuR(PMe₂Ar )] ( 2 a – 2 c ) enable the isolation of hydrocarbyl‐bridged cationic digold complexes with the general composition [Au₂(μ‐R)(PMe₂Ar )₂][NTf₂], where Ar =C₆H₃‐2,6‐(C₆H₃‐2,6‐iPr₂)₂ and R=Me ( 3 ), CH?CH₂ ( 4 ), or C?CH ( 5 ). Compound 3 is the first alkyl‐bridged digold complex to be reported and features a symmetric [Au(μ‐CH₃)Au]⁺ core. Complexes 4 and 5 are the first species of their kind that contain simple, unsubstituted vinyl and acetylide units, respectively. In the series of complexes 3 – 5 , the bridging carbon atom systematically changes its hybridization from sp³ to sp² and sp. Concomitant with this change, and owing to variations in the nature of the bonding within the [Au(μ‐R)Au]⁺ unit, there is a gradual decrease in aurophilicity, that is, the strength of the Au???Au bonding interaction decreases. This change is illustrated by a monotonic increase in the Au–Au distance by approximately 0.3 Å from R=CH₃ (2.71 Å) to CH?CH₂ (3.07 Å) and C?CH (3.31 Å).     

Carbodicarbenes and Related Divalent Carbon(0) Compounds

Quantum‐chemical calculations using DFT and ab initio methods have been carried out for fourteen divalent carbon(0) compounds (carbones), in which the bonding situation at the two‐coordinate carbon atom can be described in terms of donor–acceptor interactions L→C←L. The charge‐ and energy‐decomposition analysis of the electronic structure of compounds 1 – 10 reveals divalent carbon(0) character in different degrees for all molecules. Carbone‐type bonding L→C←L is particularly strong for the carbodicarbenes 1 and 2 , for the “bent allenes” 3 a , 3 b , 4 a , and 4 b , and for the carbocarbenephosphoranes 7 a , 7 b , and 7 c . The last‐named molecules have very large first and large second proton affinities. They also bind two BH₃ ligands with very high bond energies, which are large enough that the bis‐adducts should be isolable in a condensed phase. The second proton affinities of the complexes 5 , 6 , and 8 – 10 bearing CO or N₂ as ligand are significantly lower than those of the other molecules. However, they give stable complexes with two BH₃ ligands and thus are twofold Lewis bases. The calculated data thus identify 1 – 10 as carbones L→C←L in which the carbon atom has two electron pairs. The chemistry of carbones is different from that of carbenes because divalent carbon(0) compounds CL₂ are π donors and thus may serve as double Lewis bases, while divalent carbon(II) compounds are π acceptors. The theoretical results point toward new directions for experimental research in the field of low‐coordinate carbon compounds.     

Electronic Coupling between Two Amine Redox Sites through the 5,5′‐Positions of Metal‐Chelating 2,2′‐Bipyridines

Electron delocalization of new mixed‐valent (MV) systems with the aid of lateral metal chelation is reported. 2,2′‐Bipyridine (bpy) derivatives with one or two appended di‐p‐anisylamino groups on the 5,5′‐positions and a coordinated [Ru(bpy)₂] (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine), [Re(CO)₃Cl], or [Ir(ppy)₂] (ppy=2‐phenylpyridine) component were prepared. The single‐crystal molecular structure of the bis‐amine ligand without metal chelation is presented. The electronic properties of these complexes were studied and compared by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques and DFT/TDDFT calculations. Compounds with two di‐p‐anisylamino groups were oxidized by a chemical or electrochemical method and monitored by near‐infrared (NIR) absorption spectral changes. Marcus–Hush analysis of the resulting intervalence charge‐transfer transitions indicated that electron coupling of these mixed‐valent systems is enhanced by metal chelation and that the iridium complex has the largest coupling. TDDFT calculations were employed to interpret the NIR transitions of these MV systems.     

The Fate of NHC‐Stabilized Dicarbon

The attempted synthesis of NHC‐stabilized dicarbon (NHC?C?C?NHC) through deprotonation of a doubly protonated precursor ([NHC?CH?CH?NHC]²⁺) is reported. Rather than deprotonation, a clean reduction to NHC?CH?CH?NHC is observed with a variety of bases. The apparent resistance towards deprotonation to the target compound led to a reinvestigation of the electronic structure of NHC→C?C←NHC, which showed that the highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO/LUMO) gap is likely too small to allow for isolation of this species. This is in contrast to the recent isolation of the cyclic alkylaminocarbene analogue (cAAC?C?C?cAAC), which has a large HOMO–LUMO gap. A detailed theoretical study illuminates the differences in electronic structures between these molecules, highlighting another case of the potential advantages of using cAAC rather than NHC as a ligand. The bonding analysis suggests that the dicarbon compounds are well represented in terms of donor–acceptor interactions L→C₂←L (L=NHC, cAAC).     

Tetrathiafulvalene‐Fused Porphyrins via Quinoxaline Linkers: Symmetric and Asymmetric Donor–Acceptor Systems

A tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) donor is annulated to porphyrins (P) via quinoxaline linkers to form novel symmetric P–TTF–P triads 1 a – c and asymmetric P–TTF dyads 2 a , b in good yields. These planar and extended π‐conjugated molecules absorb light over a wide region of the UV/Vis spectrum as a result of additional charge‐transfer excitations within the donor–acceptor assemblies. Quantum‐chemical calculations elucidate the nature of the electronically excited states. The compounds are electrochemically amphoteric and primarily exhibit low oxidation potentials. Cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies allow differentiation between the TTF and porphyrin sites with respect to the multiple redox processes occurring within these molecular assemblies. Transient absorption measurements give insight into the excited‐state events and deliver corresponding kinetic data. Femtosecond transient absorption spectra in benzonitrile may suggest the occurrence of fast charge separation from TTF to porphyrin in dyads 2 a , b but not in triads 1 a – c . Clear evidence for a photoinduced and relatively long lived charge‐separated state (385 ps lifetime) is obtained for a supramolecular coordination compound built from the ZnP–TTF dyad and a pyridine‐functionalized C₆₀ acceptor unit. This specific excited state results in a (ZnP–TTF)^?+ ??? (C₆₀py)^?? state. The binding constant of Zn^II ??? py is evaluated by constructing a Benesi–Hildebrand plot based on fluorescence data. This plot yields a binding constant K of 7.20×10⁴ M ^?1, which is remarkably high for bonding of pyridine to ZnP.     

Covalent versus Dative Bonds to Main Group Metals,a Useful Distinction

Textbooks of inorganic chemistry describe the formation of adducts by coordination of an electron donor to an electron acceptor, often using the amine-boranes, X₃N → BY₃, as examples. In the Lewis (electron dot) formulas of the compounds, the dative bond in H 3 N → BH₃ and the covalent bond in H₃C?CH₃ are both represented by a shared electron pair. In the simple molecular orbital or valence bond models the wave functions of both electron pairs would be constructed in the same manner from the appropriate sp³ type atomic orbitals on the bonded atoms; the difference between the covalent and the dative bond becomes apparent only after the orbital coefficients have been analyzed. This may be the reason why many structural chemists seem reluctant to distinguish between the two types of bonds. The object of this article is to remind the reader that the physiocochemical properties of covalent and dative bonds may be – and often are – quite different, and to show that a distinction between the two provides a basis for understanding the structures of a wide range of main group metal compounds.     

Flexible Structural Features of Pentafulvene Titanium Derivatives: Isolation and Characterization of NHC Complexes

The reaction of η⁵,η¹‐pentafulvene titanium complexes with the strong N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) donor 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazole‐2‐ylidene, leads to the formation of isolable NHC titanium adducts, featuring a haptotropic shift of the pentafulvene ligand, proved by single crystal X‐ray diffraction as well as NMR spectroscopy studies.     

Solution‐Processable Donor–Acceptor Polymers with Modular Electronic Properties and Very Narrow Bandgaps

Bridgehead imine‐substituted cyclopentadithiophene structural units, in combination with highly electronegative acceptors that exhibit progressively delocalized π‐systems, afford donor–acceptor (DA) conjugated polymers with broad absorption profiles that span technologically relevant wavelength (λ) ranges from 0.7 < λ < 3.2 μm. A joint theoretical and experimental study demonstrates that the presence of the cross‐conjugated substituent at the donor bridgehead position results in the capability to fine‐tune structural and electronic properties so as to achieve very narrow optical bandgaps (E_g^opt < 0.5 eV). This strategy affords modular DA copolymers with broad‐ and long‐wavelength light absorption in the infrared and materials with some of the narrowest bandgaps reported to date.