Optically active mixed phthalocyaninato-porphyrinato rare-earth double-decker complexes: synthesis, spectroscopy, and solvent-dependent molecular conformations

Reaction between the optically active metal-free phthalocyanine with a pi system with noncentrosymmetrical C(2) [corrected] symmetry ((S)- and (R)-H(2){Pc(OBNP)(2)}; OBNP=binaphthylphthalocyanine) and half-sandwich complexes [M(III)(acac)(TClPP)] (M=Y, Eu; TClPP=meso-tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrinate; acac=acetylacetonate), which were generated in situ from [M(acac)(3)].n H(2)O and H(2)(TClPP) in n-octanol at reflux, provided the first optically active protonated mixed phthalocyaninato-porphyrinato rare-earth double-decker complexes [M(III)H{Pc(OBNP)(2)}(TClPP)] (M=Y, Eu) in good yield. In addition to electronic absorption spectroscopy and magnetic circular dichroism results, circular dichroism shows different spectroscopic features of these mixed-ring rare-earth double-decker compounds in different solvents, such as DMF and CHCl(3), which was well-reproduced on the basis of time-dependent density functional theory calculation results for the yttrium species (S)-[Y(III){Pc(OBNP)(2)}(Por)](-) (Por=porphyrinate, which is obtained by removing the four chlorophenyl groups from the TClPP ligand) in terms of the change in the rotation angle between the two macrocyclic ligands in the double-decker molecules. These results revealed the solvent-dependent nature of the molecular conformation of mixed-ring rare-earth double-decker complexes, which suggests a new way of tuning the optical and the electrochemical properties of sandwich-type bis(tetrapyrrole)-metal double-decker complexes in solution by changing the solvent.     

Ferrocene-decorated (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) double- and triple-decker rare earth complexes: synthesis, structure, and electrochemical properties

A series of four mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) rare earth double-decker complexes (Pc)M[Por(Fc)(2)] [Pc = phthalocyaninate; Por(Fc)(2) = 5,15-di(ferrocenyl)-porphyrinate; M = Eu (1), Y (2), Ho (3), Lu (4)] and their europium(III) triple-decker counterpart (Pc)Eu(Pc)Eu[Por(Fc)(2)] (5), each with two ferrocenyl units at the meso-positions of their porphyrin ligands, have been designed and prepared. The double- and triple-decker complexes 1-5 were characterized by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic methods. The molecular structures of two double-deckers 1 and 4 were also determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Electrochemical studies of these novel sandwich complexes revealed two consecutive ferrocene-based one-electron oxidation waves, suggesting the effective electronic coupling between the two ferrocenyl units. Nevertheless, the separation between the two consecutive ferrocene-based oxidation waves increases from 1 to 4, along with the decrease of rare earth ionic radius, indicating the effect of rare earth size on tuning the coupling between the two ferrocenyl units. Furthermore, the splitting between the two ferrocene-based one-electron oxidations for triple-decker 5 is even smaller than that for 1, showing that the electronic interaction between the two ferrocene centers can also be tuned through changing the linking sandwich framework from double-decker to triple-decker. For further understanding of the electronic coupling between ferrocenyl groups, DFT calculation is carried out to clarify the electronic delocalization and the molecular orbital distribution in these double-decker complexes.     

Location of the hole and acid proton in neutral nonprotonated and protonated mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) yttrium double-decker complexes: density functional theory calculations

The location of the hole and acid proton in neutral nonprotonated and protonated mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) yttrium double-decker complexes, respectively, is studied on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the molecular structures, molecular orbitals, atomic charges, and electronic absorption and infrared spectra of the neutral, reduced, and two possible protonated species of a mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) yttrium compound: [(Pc)Y(Por)], [(Pc)Y(Por)]-, [(HPc)Y(Por)], and [(Pc)Y(HPor)], respectively. When the neutral [(Pc)Y(Por)] is reduced to [(Pc)Y(Por)]-, the calculated results on the molecular structure, atomic charge, and electronic absorption and infrared spectra show that the added electron has more influence on the Pc ring than on its Por counterpart, suggesting that the location of the hole is on the Pc ring in neutral [(Pc)Y(Por)]. Nevertheless, comparison of the calculation results on the structure, orbital composition, charge distribution, and electronic absorption and infrared spectra between [(HPc)Y(Por)] and [(Pc)Y(HPor)] leads to the conclusion that the acid proton in the protonated mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) yttrium compound should be localized on the Por ring rather than the Pc ring, despite the localization of the hole on the Pc ring in [(Pc)Y(Por)]. This result is in line with the trend revealed by comparative studies of the X-ray single-crystal molecular structures between [MIII{Pc(alpha-OC5H11)4}(TClPP)] and [M(III)H{Pc(alpha-OC5H11)4}(TClPP)] (H2TClPP=5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrin; M=Sm, Eu). The present work not only represents the first systemic DFT study on the structures and properties of mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) yttrium double-decker complexes, but more importantly sheds further light on the nature of protonated bis(tetrapyrrole) rare-earth complexes.     

Vibrational spectra of mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) yttrium(III) double-decker complexes: Density functional theory calculations

The vibrational (IR and Raman) spectra of neutral and reduced mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) yttrium(III) double-decker complexes Y(Pc)(Por) and [Y(Pc)(Por)]⁻ [the simplified models of mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) rare earth(III) complexes] are studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The simulated IR and Raman spectra of Y(Pc)(Por) are compared with the experimental IR spectrum of Tb(Pc)(TClPP) and Raman spectrum of Y(Pc)(TClPP), respectively, and many bands can acceptably fit in spite of the different species. On the basis of comparison with the simulated spectra of PbPc and PbPor together with the assistance of normal coordinate analysis, the calculated frequencies in their IR and Raman spectra are identified in terms of the vibrational mode of different ligand for the first time. The calculated frequency at 1048 cm⁻¹ in the IR spectrum of [Y(Pc)(Por)]⁻ with contribution from both Pc and Por vibrational modes is the characteristic IR vibrational mode of the reduced double-decker, while the characteristic IR vibrational mode of Y(Pc)(Por) attributed from the vibration of phthalocyanine monoanion radical Pc⁻ appears at 1257 cm⁻¹. In line with our previous experimental findings that the Raman spectra of M(Pc)(TPP) and M(Pc)(TClPP) are dominated by the Pc vibrational modes, theoretical calculations indicate that most of the Raman vibrational modes contributed from Por ring are covered up by those of Pc ring and thus are hard to be recognized in the Raman spectra of [Y(Pc)(Por)]⁻ and Y(Pc)(Por) due to their much weaker intensity in comparison with that of Pc ligand. Comparison in the IR and Raman spectra between [Y(Pc)(Por)]⁻ and Y(Pc)(Por) also suggests the localization of hole on the Pc ring in the neutral double-decker Y(Pc)(Por). The present work, representing the first detailed DFT study on the vibrational spectra of mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) rare earth(III) double-decker complexes, is useful in helping to understand the vibrational spectroscopic properties of this series of mixed tetrapyrrole ring complexes.     

Investigation of rational syntheses of heteroleptic porphyrinic lanthanide (europium, cerium) triple-decker sandwich complexes

The use of lanthanide triple-decker sandwich molecules containing porphyrins and phthalocyanines in molecular information storage applications requires the ability to attach monomeric triple deckers or arrays of triple deckers to electroactive surfaces. Such applications are limited by existing methods for preparing triple deckers. The reaction of a lanthanide porphyrin half-sandwich complex ((Por)M(acac)) with a dilithium phthalocyanine (PcLi2) in refluxing 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (bp 214 degrees C) affords a mixture of triple deckers of composition (Pc)M(Pc)M(Por), (Por)M(Pc)M(Por), and (Pc)M(Por)M(Pc). We have investigated more directed methods for preparing triple deckers of a given type with distinct metals in each layer. Application of the method of Weiss, which employs reaction of a (Por)M(acac) species with a lanthanide double decker in refluxing 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, afforded the desired triple decker in some cases but a mixture of triple deckers in others. The approach we developed employs in situ formation of the lanthanide reagent EuCl[N(SiMe3)2]2 or CeI[N(SiMe3)2]2, which upon reaction with a porphyrin affords the half-sandwich complex (Por)EuX or (Por)CeX' (X = Cl, N(SiMe3)2; X' = I, N(SiMe3)2). Subsequent reaction with PcLi2 gives the double decker (Por)M(Pc). The (Por(1))EuX half-sandwich complex gave the desired triple decker upon reaction with (Pc)Eu(Pc) but little of the desired product upon reaction with (Por(2))Eu(Pc). The (Por(1))CeX' half-sandwich complex reacted with europium double deckers (e.g., (tBPc)Eu(Por(2)), (tBPc)2Eu) to give the triple deckers (Por(1))Ce(tBPc)Eu(Por(2)) and (Por(1))Ce(tBPc)Eu(tBPc) in a rational manner (tB = tetra-tert-butyl). The reactions yielding the half-sandwich, double-decker, and triple-decker complexes were performed in refluxing bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether (bp 162 degrees C). The porphyrins incorporated in the various triple deckers include meso-tetrapentylporphyrin, meso-tetra-p-tolylporphyrin, octaethylporphyrin, and meso-tetraarylporphyrins bearing iodo, ethynyl, or iodo and ethynyl substituents. The triple deckers bearing iodo and/or ethynyl substituents constitute useful building blocks for information storage applications.     

Constructing sandwich-type rare Earth double-decker complexes with N-confused porphyrinato and phthalocyaninato ligands

Reaction of the half-sandwich complexes M(III)(Pc)(acac) (M = La, Eu, Y, Lu; Pc = phthalocyaninate; acac = acetylacetonate) with the metal-free N-confused 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[(4-tert-butyl)phenyl]porphyrin (H(2)NTBPP) or its N2-position methylated analogue H(CH(3))NTBPP in refluxing 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) led to the isolation of M(III)(Pc)(HNTBPP) (M = La, Eu, Y, Lu) or Y(III)(Pc)[(CH(3))NTBPP] in 8-15% yield. These represent the first examples of sandwich-type rare earth complexes with N-confused porphyrinato ligands. The complexes were characterized with various spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of four of these double-decker complexes were also determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In each of these complexes, the metal center is octa-coordinated by four isoindole nitrogen atoms of the Pc ligand, three pyrrole nitrogen atoms, and the inverted pyrrole carbon atom of the HNTBPP or (CH(3))NTBPP ligand, forming a distorted coordination square antiprism. For Eu(III)(Pc)(HNTBPP), the two macrocyclic rings are further bound to a CH(3)OH molecule through two hydrogen bonds formed between the hydroxyl group of CH(3)OH and an aza nitrogen atom of the Pc ring or the inverted pyrrole nitrogen atom of the HNTBPP ring, respectively. The location of the acidic proton at the inverted pyrrole nitrogen atom (N2) of the protonated double-deckers was revealed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy.     

Heteroleptic bis(phthalocyaninato) europium(III) complexes fused with different numbers of 15-crown-5 moieties. Synthesis, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and supramolecular structure

A series of heteroleptic bis(phthalocyaninato) europium(III) complexes, namely, Eu(Pc)[Pc(15C5)] (2), Eu(Pc)[Pc(opp-15C5)2] (3), Eu(Pc)[Pc(adj-15C5)2] (4), Eu(Pc)[Pc(15C5)3] (5), and Eu(Pc)[Pc(15C5)4] (6) [Pc = unsubstituted phthalocyaninate; Pc(15C5) = 2,3-(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate; Pc(opp-15C5)2 = 2,3,16,17-bis(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate; Pc(adj-15C5)2 = 2,3,9,10-bis(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate; Pc(15C5)3 = 2,3,9,10,16,17-tris(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate, Pc(15C5)4 = 2,3,9,10,16,17,24,25-tetrakis(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate], with one, two, three, and four 15-crown-5 voids attached at different positions of one of the two phthalocyaninato ligands in the double-decker molecules, have been devised and prepared by Eu(Pc)(acac)-induced (Hacac = acetylacetone) mixed cyclization of the two corresponding phthalonitriles in the presence of organic base 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) in n-pentanol. For the purpose of comparative studies, homoleptic counterparts Eu(Pc)2 (1) and Eu[Pc(15C5)4]2 (7) have also been prepared. These sandwich double-decker complexes have been characterized by a wide range of spectroscopic methods in addition to elemental analysis. Their electrochemistry has also been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The molecular structure of Eu(Pc)[Pc(15C5)4] (6) has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Their supramolecular structure-formation properties, in particular for compounds 5 and 6 in the presence of potassium ions, have also been comparatively studied for the purpose of future functional investigation.     

Selective one-step synthesis of triple-decker (porphyrinato)(phthalocyaninato) early lanthanides: the balance of concurrent processes

An effective one-step approach for the preparation of (porphyrinato)(phthalocyaninato) early lanthanides of type [Br(4)TPP]Ln[(15C5)(4)Pc]Ln[Br(4)TPP], where Br(4)TPP = 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-bromophenyl)-porphyrinato-ligand, (15C5)(4)Pc = tetrakis-(15-crown-5)-phthalocyaninato-ligand and Ln = La, Pr, Nd or Eu, is developed. The influence of various factors on the reaction pathway and yields of the complexes is investigated in detail. The developed protocol is found to be general for the early lanthanide subgroup. Variation of the synthetic conditions allowed the determination and isolation of possible side-products, namely heteroleptic double-deckers [Br(4)TPP]Ln[(15C5)(4)Pc] (Ln = Nd, Eu) and triple-decker [Br(4)TPP]Nd[(15C5)(4)Pc]Nd[(15C5)(4)Pc]. The peculiarities of the NMR lanthanide-induced shifts (LIS) of resonances of the synthesized triple-decker complexes are precisely investigated. The isostructurality of the synthesized complexes within the series as well as isostructurality with previously synthesized compounds is demonstrated in terms of two-nuclei analysis of LIS.     

Nature of the near‐IR band in the electronic absorption spectra of neutral bis(tetrapyrrole) rare earth(III) complexes: Time‐dependent density functional theory calculations

The nature of the near‐IR band in the electronic absorption spectra of bis(tetrapyrrole) rare earth(III) complexes Y(Pc)₂ (1), La(Pc)₂ (2), Y(Pc)(Por) (3), Y(Pc)[Pc(α‐OCH₃)₄] (4), Y(Pc)[Pc(α‐OCH₃)₈] (5), and Y(Pc)[Pc(β‐OCH₃)₈] (6) was studied on the basis of time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations. The electronic dipole moment along the z‐axis in the electronic transition of the near‐IR band in all the studied neutral bis(tetrapyrrole) yttrium(III) and lanthanum(III) double‐deckers is well explained on the basis of the composition analysis of the orbitals involved. The electronic transition in the near‐IR band causes the reversion of the orbital orientation of one tetrapyrrole ring in both homoleptic and heteroleptic bis(tetrapyrrole) rare earth complexes and induces electron transfer from the tetrapyrrole ring with lower orbital energy to the other ring in the heteroleptic bis(tetrapyrrole) rare earth(III) complexes. The near‐IR band can work as an ideal characteristic absorption band to reflect the π–π interaction between the two tetrapyrrole rings in bis(tetrapyrrole) rare earth(III) double‐decker complexes because of its peculiar electronic transition nature. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010     

Sandwich-type (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) europium triple-decker nanotubes. Effects of the phthalocyanine peripheral substituents on the molecular packing

Three sandwich-type (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) europium triple-decker complexes, namely Eu(2)(Pc)(2)(TClPP) (1), Eu(2)[Pc(β-OC(4)H(9))(8)](2)(TClPP) (2), and Eu(2)[Pc(β-OC(8)H(17))(8)](2)(TClPP) (3), have been designed, synthesized, and fabricated into nanotubes using nanoporous anodized aluminium oxide (AAO) membrane as the template. In particular, the effects of peripheral-substituents at the two phthalocyanine ligands in the triple-decker molecule on the molecular stacking relative to the alumina surface and the molecular packing mode in the nanotubes were clarified on the basis of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectroscopic, and X-ray diffraction results. High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) images, in combination with the electronic absorption and XRD results, indicate that the discotic molecules of 1 without peripheral substituent on the phthalocyanine ligands form columnar structures on the alumina surface with homeotropic molecular stacking depending on the intermolecular π-π interactions in a head-to-tail manner. In good contrast, introduction of eight long octyloxy substituents at the peripheral-positions of the phthalocyanine ligands of 3 induces an increase in the interaction of the triple-decker molecules with the alumina surface, resulting in the formation of nanotubes with discotic molecules of 3 parallel stacking relative to the alumina surface depending on the intermolecular π-π interactions in a face-to-face manner. Most interestingly, introduction of eight shorter length butyloxy substituents at the peripheral-positions of the phthalocyanine ligands of 2 leads to the formation of nanotubes with discotic molecules of 2 parallel stacking relative to the alumina surface but depending on the intermolecular π-π interactions in a head-to-tail manner. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) data confirm the above-mentioned results.     

The first observation of four-electron reduction in [60]fullerene-metal cluster self-assembled monolayers (SAMs)

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of a mu 3-eta 2:eta 2:eta 2-C60 triosmium cluster complex Os3(CO)8(CN(CH2)3Si(OEt)3)(mu 3-eta 2:eta 2:eta 2-C60) (2) on ITO or Au surface exhibit ideal, well-defined electrochemical responses and remarkable electrochemical stability being reducible up to tetranionic species in their cyclic voltammograms.     

Characterization of self-assembled monolayers of porphyrins bearing multiple thiol-derivatized rigid-rod tethers

A series of multithiol-functionalized zinc porphyrins has been prepared and characterized as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au. The molecules, designated ZnPS(n) (n = 1-4), contain from one to four [(S-acetylthio)methyl]phenylethynylphenyl groups appended to the meso-position of the porphyrin; the other meso-substituents are phenyl groups. For the dithiol-functionalized molecules, both the cis- and the trans-appended structures were examined. The ZnPS(n) SAMs were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and various electrochemical methods. The studies reveal the following characteristics of the ZnPS(n) SAMs. (1) The ZnPS(n) molecules bind to the Au surface via a single thiol regardless of the number of thiol appendages that are available per molecular unit. (2) The porphyrins in the ZnPS(3) and ZnPS(4) SAMs bind to the surface in a more upright orientation than the porphyrins in the ZnPS(1), cis-ZnPS(2), and trans-ZnPS(2) SAMs. The porphyrins in the ZnPS(3) and ZnPS(4) SAMs are also more densely packed than those in the cis-ZnPS(2) and trans-ZnPS(2) SAMs. The packing density of the ZnPS(3) and ZnPS(4) SAMs is similar to that of the ZnPS(1) SAMs, despite the larger size of the molecules in the former SAMs. (3) The thermodynamics and kinetics of electron transfer are generally similar for all of the ZnPS(n) SAMs. The general similarities in the electron-transfer characteristics for all of the SAMs are attributed to the similar binding motif.     

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance studies of lanthanide(III) porphyrin-phthalocyanine heteroleptic sandwich complexes by using electrospray ionization

A number of neutral Ianthanide(III) porphyrin-phthalocyanine heteroleptic sandwich complexes have been studied by using positive-ion electrospray ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The investigated compounds are represented as Ln^III(TPP)(Pc), Ln ₂ ^III (TPP)(Pc)₂, and Ln ₂ ^III (TPP)₂(Pc), where Ln = Sm, Eu, or Gd, TPP is 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinate, and Pc is phthalocyaninate. In all cases, intense signals corresponding to the singly charged molecular radical cations are observed. The formation of these molecular radical cations in electrospray ionization is attributed to electrochemical oxidation at the electrospray needle. Multiply charged molecular ions up to +5 are also observed. They are tentatively assigned to be formed from successive oxidation of the ligand(s). Apart from the molecular weight information, tandem mass spectrometry offers additional structural information on these complexes. From the fragmentation pattern of the europium complexes under collision-induced dissociation conditions, the configurations of the triple-decker complexes are assigned mass spectrometrically to be (TPP)Eu(Pc)Eu(Pc) and (TPP)Eu(Pc)Eu(TPP). In comparison with the previous spectroscopic findings that the positive “hole” is localized in the ligands of the complexes, there is evidence to suggest that intramolecular charge transfer or hole delocalization does occur within the macrocycles or between the metal centers and the macrocycles before fragmentation. The occurrence of this charge-transfer process is tentatively attributed to the result of collisional activation.     

Electronic characteristics of sandwich-type lanthanide octaethylporphyrins

The electronic behavior of sandwich-type rare earth octaethylporphyrinates Ln(oep)2 and Ln2(oep)3 (Ln=Ce, Pr and Eu) was characterized by measurements of the UV-vis or near infrared spectra and D.C. conductivity. However, the conductivity values measured at room temperature were distributed in an order of 10-7 to 10-8 S.cm-1 even after the partial oxidation of complex with the complexes with iodine and no remarkable change was observed among the complexes such as LnIV(Por2-)2 (Ln=Ce) and LnIV(Por2-)(Por.-) (Ln=Ce) or Ln2III(Por2-)3 and LnIII2(Por2-)2(Por-).     

Thiol with an unusual adsorption-desorption behavior: 6-mercaptopurine on Au(111)

A multitechnique study of 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) adsorption on Au(111) is presented. The molecule adsorbs on Au(111), originating short-range ordered domains and irregular nanosized aggregates with a total surface coverage by chemisorbed species smaller than those found for alkanethiol SAMs, as derived from scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and electrochemical results. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show the presence of a thiolate bond, whereas density functional theory (DFT) data indicate strong chemisorption via a S-Au bond and additional binding to the surface via a N-Au bond. From DFT data, the positive charge on the Au topmost surface atoms is markedly smaller than that found for Au atoms in alkanethiolate SAMs. The adsorption of 6MP originates Au atom removal from step edges but no vacancy island formation at (111) terraces. The small coverage of Au islands after 6MP desorption strongly suggests the presence of only a small population of Au adatom-thiolate complexes. We propose that the absence of the Au-S interface reconstruction results from the lack of significant repulsive forces acting at the Au surface atoms.     

Self‐Assembled Monolayers of Cobalt and Iron Phthalocyanine Complexes on Gold Electrodes: Comparative Surface Electrochemistry and Electrocatalytic Interaction with Thiols and Thiocyanate

The self‐assembling of the octa(hydroxyethylthio)‐metallophthalocyanine {MOHETPc (M=Co and Fe)} complexes and their similar analogues, octabutylthiometallophthalocyanine {MOBTPc (M=Co and Fe)} complexes on gold electrodes are investigated. Comparative surface voltammetric insights into their distinct self‐assembling properties with respect to the passivation of Faradaic processes and surface coverages, including their solution electrochemistry, suggest different orientations and non‐cleavage of their C? S bonds. In the pH 2?9 range, the reversible [M^(III)Pc(?2)]⁺ / [M^(II)Pc(?2)] redox couples show potential shifts close to ?59 mV / pH. The gold electrodes modified with the SAMs of these species show electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of thiols (L ‐cysteine, homocysteine and penicillamine) and thiocyanate in acidic media with detection limits in the region of 10^?7–10^?6 mol dm^?3. These monolayers are stable and easily reproducible.     

Comparative electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy study of nonionic fluorosurfactant zonyl FSN self-assembled monolayers on Au(111) and Au(100): a potential-induced structural transition

We investigate the structure of nonionic fluorosurfactant zonyl FSN self-assembled monolayers on Au(111) and Au(100) in 0.05 M H(2)SO(4) as a function of the electrode potential by electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (ECSTM). On Au(111), a (3(1/2) × 3(1/2))R30° arrangement of the FSN SAMs is observed, which remains unchanged in the potential range where the redox reaction of FSN molecules does not occur. On Au(100), some parallel corrugations of the FSN SAMs are observed, which originate from the smaller distance and the repulsive interaction between FSN molecules to make the FSN molecules deviate from the bridging sites, and ECSTM reveals a potential-induced structural transition of the FSN SAMs. The experimental observations are rationalized by the effect of the intermolecular interaction. The smaller distance between molecules on Au(100) results in the repulsive force, which increases the probability of structural change induced by external factors (i.e., the electrode potential). The appropriate distance and interactions of FSN molecules account for the stable structure of FSN SAMs on Au(111). Surface crystallography may influence the intermolecular interaction through changing the molecular arrangements of the SAMs. The results benefit the molecular-scale understanding of the behavior of the FSN SAMs under electrochemical potential control.     

Efficient scrambling-free synthesis of heteroleptic terbium triple-decker (porphyrinato)(crown-phthalocyaninates)

New heteroleptic triple-decker terbium complexes of general structure [Br(4)TPP]Tb[(15C5)(4)Pc]Tb[Br(4)TPP] (Tb-TD) and [Br(4)TPP]Tb[(15C5)(4)Pc]Tb[(15C5)(4)Pc] (Tb-TD*) (Br(4)TPP = tetrakis-meso-(4-bromophenyl)-porphyrin, (15C5)(4)Pc = tetra-(15-crown-5)-phthalocyanine) are synthesized with 48% and 57% yields, respectively. The triple-decker complexes were prepared by interaction of generated in situ terbium monoporphyrinate [Br(4)TPP]Tb(acac) and corresponding double-decker precursors. The heteroleptic double-decker precursor [Br(4)TPP]Tb[(15C5)(4)Pc] was prepared for the first time in a two step one-pot synthesis. No ligand scrambling was observed in the synthesis of Tb-TD, while 4% scrambling was determined in the case of Tb-TD*. High yields of target triple-decker complexes were achieved despite the presence of electron-donating crown-ether fragments with low thermal stability at the phthalocyanine deck. Analysis of lanthanide-induced paramagnetic shifts of protons of Tb-TD together with data of previously reported La, Pr, Nd and Eu analogues allowed precise separation of contributions of contact and dipolar lanthanide terms as well as verification of isostructurality of complexes within the series.     

In-situ characterization of self-assembled monolayers of water-soluble oligo(ethylene oxide) compounds

In-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) was utilized to examine the formation of the self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of the water-soluble oligo(ethylene oxide) [OEO] disulfide [S(CH(2)CH(2)O)(6)CH(3)](2) {[S(EO)(6)](2)} and two analogous thiols - HS(CH(2)CH(2)O)(6)CH(3) {(EO)(6)} and HS(CH(2))(3)O(CH(2)CH(2)O)(5)CH(3) {C(3)(EO)(5)} - on Au from aqueous solutions. Kinetic data for all compounds follow simple Langmuirian models with the disulfide reaching a self-limiting final state (d=1.2nm) more rapidly than the full coverage final states of the thiol analogs (d=2.0nm). The in-situ ellipsometric thicknesses of all compounds were found to be nearly identical to earlier ex-situ ellipsometric measurements suggesting similar surface coverages and structural models in air and under water. Exposure to bovine serum albumin (BSA) shows the self-limiting (d=1.2nm) [S(EO)(6)](2) SAMs to be the most highly protein resistant surfaces relative to bare Au and completely-formed SAMs of the two analogous thiols and octadecanethiol (ODT). When challenged with up to near physiological levels of BSA (2.5mg/mL), protein adsorption on the final state [S(EO)(6)](2) SAM was only 3% of that which adsorbed to the bare Au and ODT SAMs.     

NMR investigation of intramolecular dynamics of heteroleptic triple-decker (porphyrinato)(phthalocyaninato) lanthanides

Intramolecular dynamics of meso-aryl substituents of porphyrin deck in the triple-decker lanthanide (porphyrinato)(phthalocyaninates) of symmetrical type [Br(4)TPP]Ln[(15C5)(4)Pc]Ln[Br(4)TPP] (Ln = La, Nd, Eu; [Br(4)TPP] = tetrakis-5,10,15,20-(4-bromophenyl)-porphyrinato-ligand; [(15C5)(4)Pc] = tetrakis-(15-crown-5)-phthalocyaninato-ligand) are investigated. Attempts to achieve coalescence were not successful, although the trend of exchanging protons to coalescence point was observed in the case of Nd and Eu complexes. The analysis of NOESY cross-peaks between exchanging protons allowed to evaluate the rotation rate constants at different temperatures. The activation barrier of the meso-aryl substituent rotation was calculated with Arrhenius equation based on determined rate constants. The rate constants are lower and activation barriers are higher than ones found previously for related compounds.