Zero-Field Splittings and Redox Potentials in an Isostructural Series of Dinuclear FeIITiIV,FeIIITiIV, and MnIITiIV Complexes with a Face-Sharing Bridging Motive

The ligand H₆ioan has been used to synthesize the three dinuclear complexes [(ioan)Mn^IITi^IV], [(ioan)Fe^IITi^IV], and [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺. The face-sharing bridging mode of the three phenolates provides short M-Ti^IV distances of ≈3.0 Å. Mössbauer spectra of [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺ show a magnetically split six-line spectrum at 3 K in zero magnetic field demonstrating a slow magnetic relaxation. Magnetic measurements provide a zero-field splitting of |D|=5 cm⁻¹ in [(ioan)Fe^IITi^IV]. EPR spectroscopy demonstrates sizable zero-field splittings of the S=5/2 spin systems of [(ioan)Mn^IITi^IV] (D=0.246 cm⁻¹) and [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺ (D<−1 cm⁻¹) that can be related to enforced covalency of the M-O^ph bonds. [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺ exhibits a reversible reduction at −0.26 V vs. Fc⁺/Fc demonstrating the facile accessibility of Fe^III and Fe^II. In contrast to an irreversible oxidation in [(ioan)Ni^IITi^IV] at 0.78 V vs. Fc⁺/Fc, the reversible oxidation at 0.25 V vs. Fc⁺/Fc in [(ioan)Mn^IITi^IV] indicates even the access of Mn^III. These results indicate that pentanuclear complexes [(ioan)FeM¹M²M¹Fe(ioan)]ⁿ⁺ are meaningful targets to access electron delocalization in mixed-valence systems over five ions due to the facile accessibility of both Fe^II and Fe^III in the terminal positions. This study provides important local spin-Hamiltonian and Mössbauer parameters that will be essential for the understanding of the potentially complicated electronic structure in the anticipated pentanuclear complexes.     

Synthesis of new 14- and 16-membered macrocycles and their transition metal complexes

Summary Benzoylacetic acid (1 mol) interacts with ethylenediamine or with propanediamine (2 mol) to yield new N₄ macrocycles 1,5,8,12-tetraazacyclotetradeca-2,4,9,11-tetraphenyl-3, 10-dicarboxylic-4,11-diacetic acid- 1,8-diene (L¹) and 1,5,9,13-tetraazacyclohexadeca-2,4,10,12-tetraphenyl-3, 11-dicarboxylic-4,12-diacetic acid-1,9-diene (L²), respectively. These macrocycles have been successfully complexed with Cr^III, Fe^III, Mn^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II and Zn^II. The complexes of the divalent metal ions are non-electrolytes, while those of Fe^III and Cr^III are 1:1 electrolytes in DMSO. On the basis of ligand field spectra and magnetic moments an octahedral geometry has been proposed for all the complexes.     

Electron Transfer in the Cs⊂{Mn4Fe4} Cubic Switch: A Soluble Molecular Model of the MnFe Prussian-Blue Analogues

A mixed-valence {Mn^II₃Mn^IIIFe^II₂Fe^III₂} cyanide-bridged molecular cube hosting a caesium cation, Cs⊂{Mn₄Fe₄}, was synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Cyclic-voltammetry measurements show that its electronic state can be switched between five different redox states, which results in a remarkable electrochromic effect. Magnetic measurements on fresh samples point to the occurrence of a spin-state change near room temperature, which could be ascribed to a metal-to-metal electron transfer converting the {Fe^II−CN−Mn^III} pair into a {Fe^III−CN−Mn^II} pair. This feature was only previously observed in the polymeric MnFe Prussian-blue analogues (PBAs). Moreover, this novel switchable molecule proved to be soluble and stable in organic solvents, paving the way for its integration into advanced materials.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties of a two-dimensional mixed-valence assembly [Fe(salen)]2[Fe(CN)5NO]

A cyanide-bridged Fe^III–Fe^II mixed-valence assembly, [Fe^III(salen)]₂[Fe^II(CN)₅NO] [salen = N,N-ethylenebis(salicylideneiminato)dianion], prepared by slow diffusion of an aqueous solution of Na₂[Fe(CN)₅NO] · 2H₂O and a MeOH solution of [Fe(salen)NO₃] in an H tube, has been characterized by X-ray structure analysis, i.r. spectra and magnetic measurements. The product assumes a two-dimensional network structure consisting of pillow-like octanuclear [—Fe^II—CN—Fe^III—NC—]₄ units with dimensions: Fe^II—C = 1.942(7) Å, C—N = 1.139(9) Å, Fe^III—N = 2.173(6) Å, Fe^II—C—N = 178.0(6)°, Fe^III—N—C = 163.4(6)°. The Fe^II—N—O bond angle is linear (180.0°). The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility, measured in the 4.8–300 K range, indicates the presence of a weak intralayer antiferromagnetic interaction and gives an Fe^III–Fe^III exchange integral of –0.033 cm^–1.     

Structural and Electronic Influences on Rates of Tertpyridine−Amine CoIII−H Formation During Catalytic H2 Evolution in an Aqueous Environment

In this work, the differences in catalytic performance for a series of Co hydrogen evolution catalysts with different pentadentate polypyridyl ligands (L), have been rationalized by examining elementary steps of the catalytic cycle using a combination of electrochemical and transient pulse radiolysis (PR) studies in aqueous solution. Solvolysis of the [Co^II−Cl]⁺ species results in the formation of [Co^II(κ⁴-L)(OH₂)]²⁺. Further reduction produces [Co^I(κ⁴-L)(OH₂)]⁺, which undergoes a rate-limiting structural rearrangement to [Co^I(κ⁵-L)]⁺ before being protonated to form [Co^III−H]²⁺. The rate of [Co^III−H]²⁺ formation is similar for all complexes in the series. Using E_1/2 values of various Co species and pK_a values of [Co^III−H]²⁺ estimated from PR experiments, we found that while the protonation of [Co^III−H]²⁺ is unfavorable, [Co^II−H]⁺ reacts with protons to produce H₂. The catalytic activity for H₂ evolution tracks the hydricity of the [Co^II−H]⁺ intermediate.     

A Black Phosphorus–Graphite Composite Anode for Li-/Na-/K-Ion Batteries

Black phosphorus (BP) is a desirable anode material for alkali metal ion storage owing to its high electronic/ionic conductivity and theoretical capacity. In-depth understanding of the redox reactions between BP and the alkali metal ions is key to reveal the potential and limitations of BP, and thus to guide the design of BP-based composites for high-performance alkali metal ion batteries. Comparative studies of the electrochemical reactions of Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ with BP were performed. Ex situ X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculation reveal the lowest utilization of BP for K⁺ storage than for Na⁺ and Li⁺, which is ascribed to the highest formation energy and the lowest ion diffusion coefficient of the final potassiation product K₃P, compared with Li₃P and Na₃P. As a result, restricting the formation of K₃P by limiting the discharge voltage achieves a gravimetric capacity of 1300 mAh g⁻¹ which retains at 600 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles at 0.25 A g⁻¹.     

FeIII and FeII Phosphasalen Complexes: Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Application for 2-Naphthol Oxidative Coupling

We report on the synthesis and characterization of three iron(III) phosphasalen complexes, [Fe^III(Psalen)(X)] differing in the nature of the counter-anion/exogenous ligand (X⁻=Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, OTf⁻), as well as the neutral iron(II) analogue, [Fe^II(Psalen)] . Phosphasalen (Psalen) differs from salen by the presence of iminophosphorane (P=N) functions in place of the imines. All the complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, UV/Vis, EPR, and cyclic voltammetry. The [Fe^II(Psalen)] complex was shown to remain tetracoordinated even in coordinating solvent but surprisingly exhibits a magnetic moment in line with a Fe^II high-spin ground state. For the Fe^III complexes, the higher lability of triflate anion compared to nitrate was demonstrated. As they exhibit lower reduction potentials compared to their salen analogues, these complexes were tested for the coupling of 2-naphthol using O₂ from air as oxidant. In order to shed light on this reaction, the interaction between 2-naphthol and the Fe^III(Psalen) complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry as well as UV/Vis spectroscopy.     

Lability‐Controlled Syntheses of Heterometallic Clusters

A bulky bidentate ligand was used to stabilize a macrocyclic [Fe^III₈Co^II₆] cluster. Tuning the basicity of the ligand by derivatization with one or two methoxy groups led to the isolation of a homologous [Fe^III₈Co^II₆] species and a [Fe^III₆Fe^II₂Co^III₂Co^II₂] complex, respectively. Lowering the reaction temperatures allowed isolation of [Fe^III₆Fe^II₂Co^III₂Co^II₂] clusters with all three ligands. Temperature‐dependent absorption data and corresponding experiments with iron/nickel systems indicated that the iron/cobalt self‐assembly process was directed by the occurrence of solution‐state electron‐transfer‐coupled spin transition (ETCST) and its influence on reaction intermediate lability.     

The cell model of the electrolyte transport mechanisms for cultured human colonocytes. Electromotive forces of the cellular pathways

The purpose of this work was to explain the chloride secretory model of the human colonocytes in terms of the equivalent electromotive forces and the relative apical ionic permeabilities using a conventional micro-electrode technique and different ion-substitution experiments. Both equivalent electromotive forces (for apical and basolateral membranes: E_a=−47.7±5.1 mV and E_b=−65.2±2.9 mV, respectively) depend strongly on the external K⁺ concentration. The most important conclusion is that both cell membrane potentials are largely dominated by a K⁺ permeability. The apical membrane has low Na⁺ and Cl⁻ permeabilities in non-stimulated conditions (P_Na/P_K=0.06±0.01 and P_Cl/P_K=0.23±0.09). An interesting response was found for the basolateral Na⁺ substitutions. Lowering the basolateral Na⁺ concentration at 1 mM we have seen a slow, but large depolarisation of the cell membrane potential of about 30 mV. We think that this is mostly caused by the presence of the basolateral Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger mechanism for the intracellular pH regulation. The Na⁺/K⁺ pump has a significant contribution to the basolateral electromotive force. The basolateral membrane has also a Cl⁻ permeability in non-stimulated conditions, but the basolateral Na⁺ permeability is undetectable.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of the one-dimensional linear chain structure cyano-bridged complex [Cu(teta)(H2O)2][Cu(teta) Fe(CN)6]ClO4·2H2O (teta=5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacylotetradecane)

Reaction of either K₃[Fe(CN)₆] or K₄[Fe(CN)₆] with a macrocyclic Cu^II complex, [Cu(teta)](ClO₄)₂ (teta = 5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacylotetradecane), in aqueous solution gave the same product as shown by spectroscopic and physicochemical characterisation. The crystal structure of the complex shows that it is a one-dimensional linear chain type heterobinuclear Fe^III–Cu^II polymer. The unit is composed of a [Cu(teta)(H₂O)₂]²⁺ cationic complex, a Fe^III–Cu^II alternate linear chain unit, a ClO ₄ ^– ion and four water molecules. The Cu atom is coordinated in a distorted octahedral arrangement by four nitrogen atoms from one teta ligand and two nitrogen atoms of the bridging cyanide groups. The Cu—N bond distances involving the cyanide bridges, 2.522(7) and 2.608(7)Å, respectively, indicate weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Fe^III and Cu^II atoms.     

Electrochemistry of ferric ruthenocyanide (Ruthenium Purple), and its electrocatalysis for proton reduction

Electrochemistry of ferric ruthenocyanide (Ruthenium Purple, RP) was studied in acidic solutions containing a sodium salt (NaH₂PO₄ or NaCl). Two kinds of redox peaks for the Fe^III/II couple were clearly seen in a Na⁺ solution, originating from a composite structure of both Fe₄^III[Ru^II(CN)₆]₃ (insoluble) and Fe^III[Ru^II(CN)₆]⁻ (soluble). In repeated CV scans in a NaCl solution, it was found that only the couple of the redox peak assigned to the insoluble form remains unchanged under the steady state. The ratio of the insoluble form was estimated by coulometry as ca. 40% of the initial coated unit cells of the RP. Efficient electrocatalytic H₂ formation was found to take place with the aid of the RP although this electrocatalysis was dependent on the type of sodium salt employed. In order to investigate the dominant factor affecting the overall kinetics in the H⁺ reduction catalysis, the dependences of both the catalytic activity and the electron transfer rate in the RP film were studied in a NaH₂PO₄ solution as a function of the coated amount. It was found that the overall kinetics are not dominated by electron transfer in the RP film.     

Polarographic analysis. I

Summary Reduction of Cu^II in 0.5 M NaOH containing triethanolamine proceeds irreversibly. A similar behaviour is observed in acetate buffer of p_H 6. A reversible wave is obtained in (NH₄)₂CO₃ containing EDTA. The diffusion current measured at the proper voltage is proportional to the Cu^II concentration within a wide range. The waves in 0.5 M NaOH are not well developed being better in acetate buffer and in the presence of EDTA. Ammoniacal solutions containing EDTA can be utilised for the simultaneous estimation of Fe^III and Cu^II. A mixture of Fe^III, Cu^II and U^VI can be fairly well analysed in a medium of (NH₄)₂CO₃ containing EDTA.     

Iron(III)‐Complexes Engaged in the Biochemical Processes in Seawater. II. Voltammetry of Fe(III)‐Malate Complexes in Model Aqueous Solution

Characteristics of iron(III) complexes with malic acid in 0.55 mol L^?1 NaCl were investigated by voltammetric techniques. Three iron(III)‐malate redox processes were detected in the pH range from 4.5 to 11: first one at ?0.11 V, second at ?0.35 V and third at ?0.60 V. First process was reversible, so stability constants of iron(III) and iron(II) complexes were calculated: log K₁(Fe^III(mal))=12.66±0.33, log β₂(Fe^III(mal)₂)=15.21±0.25, log K₁(Fe^II(mal))=2.25±0.36, and log β₂(Fe^II(mal)₂)=3.18±0.32. In the case of second and third reduction process, conditional cumulative stability constants of the involved complexes were determined using the competition method: log β(Fe(mal)₂(OH)_x)=15.28±0.10 and log β(Fe(mal)₂(OH)_y)=27.20±0.09.     

ChemInform Abstract: Local Structure in Americium and Californium Hexacyanoferrates — Comparison with Their Lanthanide Analogues.

The actinide(III) hexacyanoferrates Am^III/Fe^II(CN)₆ and Cf^III/Fe^II(CN)₆ are structurally characterized by IR and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy.     

Heat-induced changes in microstructure and magnetic properties of Co0.75Ni0.75[Fe(CN)6] · XH2O

Polycrystalline Co_0.75Ni_0.75[Fe(CN)₆]?·?XH₂O was prepared by coprecipitation. The coprecipitated powder was annealed in vacuum at 80°C, 100°C, and 130°C. Variation of microstructural and magnetic properties with different annealed temperatures was studied by Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and magnetization measurements. The differences in magnetic phase transition temperature, coercivity, remanence, and effective magnetization were studied in detail. The magnetic contribution mainly results from Fe^III–CN–Co^II/Ni^II and Fe^III–NC–Co^II/Ni^II because Fe^II–CN–Co^III/Ni^II carries no net spin. After annealing at 130°C, the microstructures Fe^III–CN–Co^II/Ni^II and Fe^III–NC–Co^II/Ni^II convert to Fe^II–CN–Co^III/Ni^II. Differences in magnetic properties may be attributed to heat-induced microstructural changes.     

Fluorimetric Detection of Phosphates in Water Using a Disassembly Approach: A Comparison of FeIII-, ZnII-, MnII- and MnIII-salen Complexes

Details of the reaction sequence used for the fluorimetric detection of phosphates by disassembly of transition metal Schiff base complexes were investigated for [Fe^III(salen)(H₂O)]⁺, [Zn^II(salen)], [Mn^II(salen)(H₂O)₂], and [Mn^III(salen)(H₂O)]⁺. The reactivity of these compounds towards phosphorus oxoanions of differing charge, number of donor atoms and steric hindrance was detected by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in both aprotic organic and aqueous media. Selectivity of [Fe^III(salen)(H₂O)]⁺ towards pyrophosphate over all other tested phosphorus-containing analytes was strongly supported. [Zn^II(salen)] showed a faster reactivity but was much less selective. In contrast, [Mn^III(salen)(H₂O)]⁺ proved to be more stable than the iron complex but generally showed little reactivity towards phosphorus oxoanions. The influence of the charge of the central atom was investigated using the Mn^II analogue [Mn^II(salen)(H₂O)₂]. As expected, the reduced charge resulted in a reactivity comparable to the Zn^II complex in organic solution but lead to hydrolysis of the complex in water. Finally, the reaction products of [Fe^III(salen)(H₂O)]⁺ with phosphates were characterized by IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, providing further insights into the reaction mechanism of the disassembly process.     

A Mixed-Valence {Fe13} Cluster Exhibiting Metal-to-Metal Charge-Transfer-Switched Spin Crossover

It is promising and challenging to manipulate the electronic structures and functions of materials utilizing both metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) and spin-crossover (SCO) to tune the valence and spin states of metal ions. Herein, a metallocyanate building block is used to link with a Fe^II-triazole moiety and generates a mixed-valence complex {[(Tp^4-Me)Fe^III(CN)₃]₉[Fe^II₄(trz-ph)₆]}⋅[Ph₃PMe]₂⋅[(Tp^4-Me)Fe^III(CN)₃] ( 1 ; trz-ph=4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole). Moreover, MMCT occurs between Fe^III and one of the Fe^II sites after heat treatment, resulting in the generation of a new phase, {[(Tp^4-Me)Fe^II(CN)₃][(Tp^4-Me)Fe^III(CN)₃]₈ [Fe^IIIFe^II₃(trz-ph)₆]}⋅ [Ph₃PMe]₂⋅[(Tp^4-Me)Fe^III(CN)₃] ( 1 a ). Structural and magnetic studies reveal that MMCT can tune the two-step SCO behavior of 1 into one-step SCO behavior of 1 a . Our work demonstrates that the integration of MMCT and SCO can provide a new alternative for manipulating functional spin-transition materials with accessible multi-electronic states.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and magnetic properties of two honeycomb-layered bimetallic assemblies,K2[NiII(cyclam)]3[FeII(CN)6]2 · 12H2O and [NiII(cyclam)]3[FeIII(CN)6]2 · 16H2O

Two bimetallic assemblies, K₂[Ni^II(cyclam)]₃[Fe^II(CN)₆]₂ · 12H₂O (1) and [Ni^II(cyclam)]₃[Fe^III(CN)₆]₂ · 16H₂O (2) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), were obtained by reaction of K₄[Fe(CN)₆] and [Ni(cyclam)](ClO₄)₂ in aqueous media at different temperatures. Their crystals were structurally determined and magnetic properties were studied. Both of the compounds have honeycomb-layered structures, which are formed by Fe₆Ni₆ units linked through the cyanide bridges. Structure (1) consists of polyanions containing Ni^II–NC–Fe^II linkages and K⁺ cations, while structure (2) is a two-dimensional neutral layer containing Ni^II–NC–Fe^III linkages. The magnetic properties of (1) and (2) have been investigated in the 5–300 K range. Compound (1) exhibits a weak antiferromagnetic interaction with Weiss constant = –0.35 K; compound (2) shows ferromagnetic intralayer and antiferromagnetic interlayer interactions.     

Electrochemistry and Spectroscopy of Sulfate Complexes of (Tetraphenylporphyrinato)manganese

The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of [Mn₂(tpp)₂(SO₄)] (H₂tpp=tetraphenylporphyrin=5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐21H,23H‐porphine) were studied to characterize the stability of this compound as a function of solvent, redox state, and sulfate concentration. In non‐coordinating solvents such as 1,2‐dichloroethane, the dimer was stable, and two cyclic voltammetric waves were observed in the region for Mn^III reduction. These waves correspond to reduction of the dimer to [Mn^II(tpp)] and [Mn^III(tpp)(OSO₃)]^?, and reduction of [Mn^III(tpp)(OSO₃)]^? to [Mn^II(tpp)(OSO₃)]^2?, respectively. In the coordinating solvent DMSO, [Mn₂(tpp)₂(SO₄)] was unstable and dissociated to form [Mn^III(tpp)(DMSO)₂]⁺. A single voltammetric wave was observed for Mn^III reduction in this solvent, corresponding to formation of [Mn^II(tpp)(DMSO)]. In non‐coordinating solvent systems, addition of sulfate (as the bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium (PPN⁺) salt) resulted in dimer dissociation, yielding [Mn^III(tpp)(OSO₃)]^?. Reduction of this monomer produced [Mn^II(tpp)(OSO₃)]^2?. In DMSO, addition of SO led to displacement of solvent molecules forming [Mn^III(tpp)(OSO₃)]^?. Reduction of this species in DMSO led to [Mn^II(tpp)(DMSO)].     

Crystal Engineering of Organometallic Compounds through Cooperative Strong and Weak Hydrogen Bonds: A Simple Route to Mixed-Metal Systems

Cooperative strong negatively charged and neutral O–H⋅⋅⋅O as well as weak charge-assisted C–H^δ+⋅⋅⋅O^δ− hydrogen-bonding interactions have been utilized for the crystal engineering of organometallic Fe^II/Co^III and Fe^II/Cr^I sandwich complexes. A section of the structure of [(η⁶-C₆H₆)₂Cr]⁺{[(η⁵-C₅H₄COOH)(η⁵-C₅H₄COO)Fe][(η⁵-C₅H₄COOH)₂Fe]_0.5}⁻ is shown in the picture.