Synthesis of cationic complexes [(C<Subscript>4</Subscript>Me<Subscript>4</Subscript>)CoL]<Superscript>+</Superscript> (L is naphthalene,phenanthrene, and anthracene)

Cationic arene complexes [Cb*Co(naphthalene)]⁺ (2, Cb* = C₄Me₄) and [Cb*Co(phenanthrene)]⁺ were synthesized by the reactions of [Cb*Co(MeCN)₃]⁺ with arenes. The [Cb*Co(anthracene)]⁺ complex was synthesized by the abstraction of the iodide ion from [Cb*CoI]₂ by TIBF₄ in the presence of anthracene. Complex 2 exchanges the naphthalene ligand for other arenes at room temperature. Dedicated to Academician G. A. Abakumov on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1861–1863, September, 2007.     

Photochemical substitution of benzene in the iron cyclohexadienyl complex [(η<Superscript>5</Superscript>-C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>7</Subscript>)Fe(η-C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>6</Subscript>)]<Superscript>+</Superscript>

The visible light irradiation of the [(η⁵-C₆H₇)Fe(η-C₆H₆)]⁺ cation (1) in acetonitrile resulted in the substitution of the benzene ligand to form the labile acetonitrile species [(η⁵-C₆H₇)Fe(MeCN)₃]⁺ (2). The reaction of 1 with Bu^tNC in MeCN produced the stable isonitrile complex [(η⁵-C₆H₇)Fe(Bu^tNC)₃]⁺ (3). The photochemical reaction of cation 1 with pentaphosphaferrocene Cp*Fe(η-cyclo-P₅) afforded the triple-decker cation with the bridging pentaphospholyl ligand, [(η⁵-C₆H₇)Fe(μ-η:η-cyclo-P₅)FeCp*]⁺ (4). The latter complex was also synthesized by the reaction of cation 2 with Cp*Fe(η-cyclo-P₅). The structure of the complex [3]PF₆ was established by X-ray diffraction. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 11, pp. 2088–2091, November, 2007.     

Functionalization of one or two methyl groups in the [Cp*<Subscript>2</Subscript>RuBr]<Superscript>+</Superscript>Br<Superscript>−</Superscript> complex in the reaction with bromine

The reaction of [Cp*₂RuBr]⁺Br⁻ with bromine in CH₂Cl₂ (CD₂Cl₂) in an inert atmosphere at room temperature produces the complexes [Cp*Ru(Br)C₅Me₄CH₂Br]⁺Br₃ ⁻ (syn conformer), [Cp*Ru(Br)C₅Me₃(CH₂Br)₂]⁺ (syn and anti conformers), and [Ru(Br)(C₅Me₄CH₂Br)₂]⁺ (syn conformer). All complexes were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy; the former complex, by elemental analysis. These complexes were also prepared by the reaction of [Cp*RuC₅Me₄CH₂]⁺BF₄ ⁻ with bromine in CH₂Cl₂. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 12, pp. 2712–2718, December, 2005.     

Synthesis,structure, and electrochemistry of <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-[Co<Superscript>III</Superscript>{(BA)<Subscript>2</Subscript>pn}(L)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]ClO<Subscript>4</Subscript> complexes

The structure, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties of [Co{(BA)₂pn}(L)₂]ClO₄ complexes, where (BA)₂pn = N,N′-bis(benzoylacetone)-1,3-propylenediimine dianion and the two ancillary ligands (L) are pyridine, py (1), and 4-methylpyridine, 4-Mepy (2), have been investigated. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–Vis and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of [Co{(BA)₂pn}(py)₂]ClO₄ (1) has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The coordination geometry around cobalt(III) is best described as a distorted octahedron. The electrochemical reduction of these complexes at a glassy carbon electrode in acetonitrile solution indicates that the first reduction process corresponding to Co^III–Co^II is electrochemically irreversible, which is accompanied by the dissociation of the axial N(py)–cobalt bonds. This process becomes quasi-reversible upon the addition of excess py ligands. The second reduction step of Co^II/I shows reversible behavior and is not influenced by the nature of the axial ligands. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Reactions of [Cp*Ru(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)(NBD)]<Superscript>+</Superscript> with diynes

Abstract  Formal [2 + 2 + 2] addition reaction of [Cp*Ru(H₂O)(NBD)][BF₄] (NBD = norbornadiene) with 4,4′-Diethynylbiphenyl generates [C₉H₉-η⁶-C₆H₄(RuCp*)–C₆H₄(RuCp*)-η⁶-C₉H₉][BF₄]₂. The reaction of [Cp*Ru(H₂O)(NBD)][BF₄] with 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne generates the unusual [2 + 2 + 2] additional organic compound Ph–C≡C–C₉H₈–Ph in addition to the organometallic compound [Cp*Ru(η⁶-C₆H₅–C≡C–C≡C–Ph)][BF₄]. [C₉H₉-η⁶-C₆H₄(RuCp*)–C₆H₄(RuCp*)-η⁶-C₉H₉][BPh₄]₂ is generated after the reaction of compound [C₉H₉-η⁶-C₆H₄(RuCp*)–C₆H₄(RuCp*)-η⁶-C₉H₉][BF₄]₂ with Na[BPh₄]. The structure of this compound was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. A possible approach to form Ph–C≡C–C₉H₈–Ph and [Cp*Ru(η⁶-C₆H₅–C≡C–C≡C–Ph)][BF₄] is suggested. Graphical Abstract  Formal [2 + 2 + 2] addition reaction of [Cp*Ru(H₂O)(NBD)]BF₄ (NBD = norbornadiene) with 4,4′-Diethynylbiphenyl generates [C₉H₉-η⁶-C₆H₄(RuCp*)–C₆H₄(RuCp*)-η⁶-C₉H₉][BF₄]₂. The reaction of [Cp*Ru(H₂O)(NBD)][BF₄] with 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne simply generates unusual [2 + 2 + 2] additional organic compound Ph–C≡C–C₉H₈–Ph in addition to the organometallic compound [Cp*Ru(η⁶-C₆H₅–C≡C–C≡C–Ph)][BF₄]. [C₉H₉-η⁶-C₆H₄(RuCp*)–C₆H₄(RuCp*)-η⁶-C₉H₉][BPh₄]₂ is generated after the reaction of compound [C₉H₉-η⁶-C₆H₄(RuCp*)–C₆H₄(RuCp*)-η⁶-C₉H₉][BF₄]₂ with Na[BPh₄]. The structure of this compound was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. And the possible approach to form Ph–C≡C–C₉H₈–Ph and [Cp*Ru(η⁶-C₆H₅–C≡C–C≡C–Ph)][BF₄] was suggested. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Electrochemical properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-sulfonatothiacalyx[4]arene complexes with Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and [Co(dipy)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions

The electrochemical properties of n-sulfonatothiacalyx[4]arene (H₄XNa₄) complexes with [Co(dipy)₃]³⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions were studied by means of cyclic voltammetry in aqueous solution at pH 2.5. The observed single-electron reduction of [Co(dipy)₃]³⁺ bound extraspherically to the upper rim and Fe³⁺ ion bound intraspherically to the lower rim of n-sulfonatothiacalyx[4]arene in binary [Co(dipy)₃]³⁺ · H₃X^5?, H₃X^5? · Fe³⁺, and ternary [Co(dipy)₃]³⁺ · H₃X^5? · Fe³⁺ heterometal complexes was more difficult than in the free state. The reversible single-electron transfer to the metal ion results in lower binding energy ([Co(dipy)₃]³⁺, ΔΔG ₀ = 3.9 kJ/mol) or in full fast dissociation of the complex (Fe³⁺). The ternary complex in the solution forms the aggregates, in which inner encapsulated Fe(III) and Co(III) ions are not reduced on the electrode. Their quantitative reduction takes place by the relay mechanism of intra- and intermolecular electron transfer through electrochemically generated [Co(dipy)₃]²⁺ outer ions.     

Pivalates with the M<Superscript>II</Superscript><Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> cubane core (M = Co,Ni): synthesis,structure, magnetic properties,and solid-state thermolysis

Methods were developed for the controlled thermal synthesis of high-spin cubane-like pivalates {M^II ₄(μ₃−OR)₄} (M = Co or Ni; R = H or Me) starting from mono-and polynuclear complexes. The solid-state thermal decomposition of the known pivalate clusters [M^II ₄(μ₃−OMe)₄−(μ₂−OOCBu^t)₂(η²−OOCBu^t)₂(MeOH)₄] and the new clusters [M₄^II(μ₃)−OH₄(η¹−OOCBu^t)₃−(μ−(NH₂)₂C₆H₂Me₂)₃(η¹−(NH₂)₂C₆H₂Me₂)₃]⁺(OOCBu^t)− (M = Co or Ni) was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The thermolysis of cubane-like CoII and NiII pivalates is a destructive process. The phase composition of the decomposition products is determined by the nature of coordinated ligands and the structural features of the metal core.     

Arene complexes [(η-C<Subscript>5</Subscript>H<Subscript>5</Subscript>)M(η-C<Subscript>6</Subscript>R<Subscript>6</Subscript>)]<Superscript>2+</Superscript> (M = Rh,Ir)

The dicationic arene complexes [CpM(arene)](BF₄)₂ (arene = C₆H₆, 1,3,5-C₆H₃Me₃, or C₆Me₆) were synthesized by the reactions of the solvated complexes [CpM(MeNO₂)₃](BF₄)₂ (M = Rh, Ir) with benzene and its derivatives. The solvated complexes were generated in situ by abstraction of I^– from [CpMI₂]₂ with AgBF₄. A procedure was developed for the synthesis of the iodide [CpRhI₂]₂ based on the reaction of the cyclooctadiene derivative CpRh(1,5-C₈H₁₂) with I₂. The structure of the [CpRh(C₆Me₆)](BF₄)₂ complex was established by X-ray diffraction analysis.Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1871–1874, September, 2004.     

Triple-decker complexes with a central borole ligand C<Subscript>4</Subscript>H<Subscript>4</Subscript>BR

The review summarizes the results of the recent author’s research on the synthesis of triple-decker complexes with bridging borole ligand. Electrophilic stacking of sandwich compounds with [(ring)M] ⁿ⁺ (n = 1, (ring)M = (C₅R₅)Ru, (C₄Me₄)Co; n = 2, (ring)M = Cp*Co, Cp*Rh, etc.) cationic fragments were used as a general method of synthesis of the complexes. The influence of the substituent at the boron atom on the course of stacking reactions is discussed. The spectral, structural, and electrochemical properties of the complexes synthesized are also considered. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 1, pp. 1–7, January, 2008.     

Electroswitchable binding of [Co(dipy)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and [Fe(dipy)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]<Superscript>2+</Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-sulfonato(thia)calix[4]arenas

The methods of cyclic voltammetry, electrolysis, and spectrophotometry were used to study electrochemical properties of (TCAS + Fe³⁺ + dipy), (CCAS + Fe³⁺ + dipy), and (CCAS + Fe³⁺ + [Co(dipy)₃]³⁺) triple systems (where TCAS is n-sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene, CCAS is tetracarboxylate n-sulfonatocalix[4]arene, and dipy = α,α′-dipyridyl) in an aqueous solution. One-electron reduction of Fe(III) in the (TCAS + Fe³⁺ + dipy) system at pH 2.5 results in electroswitching of iron ions from the lower TCAS ring to the upper ([Fe(dipy)₃]²⁺). Reverse electrochemical switching of the system is impossible due to mediator ([Fe(dipy)₃]^2+/3+) oxidation of TCAS. Reverse electroswitching of Fe(III) ions from unbound to bound state as ([Fe(dipy)₃]²⁺) with CCAS has been revealed in the system (CCAS + Fe³⁺ + dipy) (pH 1.7) upon single-electron transfer, whereas reversible electroswitching by the upper rim of CCAS from one complex ion ([Co(dipy)₃]³⁺) to another ([Fe(dipy)₃]²⁺) has been demonstrated in the system ([Co(dipy)₃]³⁺ + CCAS + Fe³⁺ upon double-electron transfer. In all systems, electric switching was accompanied by synchronous color switching.     

Reactivity of triangular oxalate cluster complexes [M<Subscript>3</Subscript>Q<Subscript>7</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]<Superscript>2−</Superscript> (M = Mo or W; Q = S or Se)

The reactions of the oxalate complexes [M₃Q₇(C₂O₄)₃]²⁻ (M = Mo or W; Q = S or Se) with Mn^II, Co^II, Ni^II, and Cu^II aqua and ethylenediamine complexes in aqueous and aqueous ethanolic solutions were studied. The previously unknown heterometallic complexes [Mo₃Se₇(C₂O₄)₃Ni(H₂O)₅]·3.5H₂O (1) and K₃{[Cu(en)₂H₂O]([Mo₃S₇(ox)₃]₂Br)}·5.5H₂O (2) were synthesized. In these complexes, the oxalate clusters serve as monodentate ligands. The K(H₂en)₂[W₃S₇(C₂O₄)₃]₂Br·4H₂O salt (3) was isolated from solutions containing Co^II, Ni^II, or Cu^II aqua complexes and ethylenediamine. The reaction of [Mo₃Se₇(C₂O₄)₃]²⁻ with HBr produced the bromide complex [Mo₃Se₇Br₆]²⁻, which was isolated as (Bu₄N)₂[Mo₃Se₇Br₆] (4). Complexes 1–3 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, and elemental analysis. The formation of 4 was detected by electrospray mass spectrometry. Dedicated to Academician G. A. Abakumov on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1645–1649, September, 2007.     

The outer-sphere association of p-sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene with some Co(III) complexes: the effect on their redox activity in aqueous solutions

The effect of the ion-pairing of Co(III) complexes with p-sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene (STCA) on Fe(II)–Co(III) electron transfer rate was evaluated from the analysis and comparison of kinetic data in double Co(III)–Fe(II) and triple Co(III)–Fe(II)—STCA systems at various concentration conditions. Complexes [Co(en)₃]³⁺(1), [Co(en)₂ox]⁺(2), [Co(dipy)₃]³⁺ (3), [Co(His)₂]⁺(4) and [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ were chosen as Co(III) and Fe(II) compounds. The effect of STCA was found to correlate with the association mode. The outer-sphere association with STCA was found to exhibit the insignificant effect on Fe(II)–Co(III) electron transfer k _et constants for complexes 3 and 4 with bulky and rigid chelate rings, while more sufficient inclusion of flexible ethylendiaminate rings of 1 and 2 into the cavity of STCA results in the unusual increase of k _et.     

Gas phase structure of micro-hydrated [Mn(ClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)]<Superscript>+</Superscript> and [Mn<Subscript>2</Subscript>(ClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]<Superscript>+</Superscript> ions probed by infrared spectroscopy

Gas-phase infrared photodissociation spectroscopy is reported for the microsolvated [Mn(ClO₄)(H₂O) _n ]⁺ and [Mn₂(ClO₄)₃(H₂O) _n ]⁺ complexes from n = 2 to 5. Electrosprayed ions are isolated in an ion-trap where they are photodissociated. The 2600–3800 cm⁻¹ spectral region associated with the OH stretching mode is scanned with a relatively low-power infrared table-top laser, which is used in combination with a CO₂ laser to enhance the photofragmentation yield of these strongly bound ions. Hydrogen bonding is evidenced by a relatively broad band red-shifted from the free OH region. Band assignment based on quantum chemical calculations suggest that there is formation of water—perchlorate hydrogen bond within the first coordination shell of high-spin Mn(II). Although the observed spectral features are also compatible with the formation of structures with double-acceptor water in the second shell, these structures are found relatively high in energy compared with structures with all water directly bound to manganese. Using the highly intense IR beam of the free electron laser CLIO in the 800–1700 cm⁻¹, we were also able to characterize the coordination mode (η²) of perchlorate for two clusters. The comparison of experimental and calculated spectra suggests that the perchlorate Cl—O stretches are unexpectedly underestimated at the B3LYP level, while they are correctly described at the MP2 level allowing for spectral assignment.     

Synthesis of pyridyl derivatives for the future functionalization of biomolecules labeled with the fac-[<Superscript>188</Superscript>Re(CO)<Subscript>3</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]<Superscript>+</Superscript> precursor

In this paper, we investigated three ligand systems, symmetric and asymmetric pyridyl-containing tridentate ligands (L¹NH₂ = (bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino)-ethylamine, L²H = (bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino)-acetic acid, L³NH₂ = [(6-amino-hexyl)-pyridyl-2-methyl-amino]-acetic acid) as bifunctional chelating agents for labeling biomolecules. These ligands reacted with the precursor fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ and yielded the radioactive complexes fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃L] (L = three ligands), which were identified by RP-HPLC. The corresponding stable rhenium tricarbonyl complexes (1–3) were allowed for macroscopic identification of the radiochemical compounds. ¹⁸⁸Re tricarbonyl complexes, with log P _o/w values ranging from −1.36 to −0.32, were obtained with yields of ≥90% using ligand concentrations within the 10⁻⁶−10⁻⁴M range. Challenge studies with cysteine and histidine revealed the high stability properties of these radioactive complexes, and biodistribution studies in normal mice indicated a fast rate of blood clearance and high rate of total radioactivity excretion, primarily through the renal-urinary pathway. In summary, these asymmetric and symmetric pyridyl-containing tridentate ligands are potent bifunctional chelators for the future biomolecules labeling of fac-[¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺.     

First cobalt (borole)arene complexes [(η-C4H4BOH)Co(arene)]+

Heating of (η-C₄H₄BCy)Co(CO)₂I (Cy is cyclohexyl) with arene ligands in the presence of AlCl₃ at 80 °C followed by hydrolysis afforded the [(η-C₄H₄BOH)Co(arene)]⁺ complexes (arene = C₆H₆ (2a), C₆H₅Me (2b), and 1,3-C₆H₄Me₂ (2c)). The starting iodide complex was synthesized by the reaction of [(η-C₄H₄BCy)Co(CO)₂]₂ with I₂. The structure of [2a]BPh₄ was established by X-ray diffraction. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 8, pp. 1620–1622, August, 2008.     

Structures and bonding of the complexes [M(η<Superscript>5</Superscript>-E<Subscript>5</Subscript>)] and [M(η<Superscript>5</Superscript>-E<Subscript>5</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>] (M = Sc,Y, E = N,P): a DFT study

The mono- and bisligands complexes formed by rare earth cation (Sc, Y) with pentazolato anion or cyclo-P₅⁻ anion, the all-nitrogen counterparts of metallocenes or the all-phosphorus counterparts of metallocenes, have been studied at hybrid basis sets level with the DFT method. The geometric parameters, binding energy and the charge distributions of these complexes were characterized. And their stable orders were obtained. Monoligand complexes incline to become bisligands complexes due to their destabilization. The charge transferring between ligand and metallic cation has affinity with the stability of complex. The possibility of forming stable [M(η ⁵-E₅)₂] (M = Sc, Y, E = N, P) complexes is predicted and they are viable synthetic targets theoretically, especially Sc(η ⁵-N₅)₂.     

Influence of the intermolecular interaction on photo-induced spin-transition of [Fe(R-pap)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]X

Summary Iron(III) spin-crossover complexes [Fe(pap)₂]ClO₄^. H₂O (1), [Fe(pap)₂]BF₄^. H₂O (2), [Fe(pap)₂]PF₆^. CH₃OH (3), [Fe(CH₃-pap)₂]ClO₄^. H₂O (4), [Fe_0.5Al_0.5(pap)₂]ClO₄^. CH₃OH (5) and [Fe_0.25Al_0.75(pap)₂] ClO₄^. CH₃OH (6)were prepared andthe spin transition behaviors of the complexes have been studied from magnetic susceptibility and M?ssbauer spectroscopy measurements. The magnetic properties of light-induced metastable state are measured using Hg-Xe light source. T_1/2is temperature at which the populations of the high-spin and low-spin species are fifty-fifty. Metastable HS is produced by light irradiation at 5 K. T(LIESST) is the temperature at which the populations of the metastable high-spin species decrease to one half and cooperativity factor Cis defined as the parameter which presents the strength of cooperativity. The value of T(LIESST) decreases as T_1/2increases and the plots of T(LIESST) vs. Cshow linear correlation. The effect of cooperativity of the complexes on the relaxations in solid was confirmed for the iron(III) complexes.     

Density Functional Theory and Low-Temperature Matrix Investigations of CO-Loss Photochemistry from [(C<Subscript>5</Subscript>R<Subscript>5</Subscript>)Ru(CO)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript> (R = H,Me) Complexes

The photochemical CO-loss products of the diruthenium complexes [CpRu(CO) ₂]₂ (5; Cp = ⁵-C₅H₅), [Cp*Ru(CO)₂]₂ (5*; Cp* = ⁵-C₅(CH₃)₅) and CpCp*[Ru(CO)₂]₂ (5) have been studied experimentally in low-temperature (96 K) matrices in 3-methylpentane by using IR spectroscopy. It is proposed that all three complexes undergo single-CO-loss chemistry but that the products have different structures. The single-CO-loss product from 5 is proposed to have one bridging and two terminal carbonyl ligands, whereas 5* and 5 generate triply bridged CO-loss products similar to that observed from [CpFe(CO)₂]₂ and [Cp*Fe(CO)₂]₂. Double-CO-loss from 5* and 5* 9 is also apparently observed. Relativistic DFT calculations have been carried out on various isomers of the starting materials and on potential CO-loss products from 5. The calculations suggest that the triply bridged product Cp₂Ru₂(-CO)₃ (6) might have a singlet ground state in contrast to the corresponding diiron complex Cp₂Fe₂(-CO)₃ (3), which has a triplet ground state.     

Replacement of Fe atoms by Ru in a carbidocarbonyl cluster [Fe<Subscript>6</Subscript>C(CO)<Subscript>16</Subscript>]<Superscript>2−</Superscript>. Structures of reaction products

The reaction of the carbidocarbonyl cluster [Fe₆C(CO)₁₆]²⁻ with ruthenium(IV) hydroxochloride Ru(OH)Cl₃ was studied. At 90–100 °C, the reaction gave products of replacement of Fe atoms by Ru in the [Fe₆C(CO)₁₆]²⁻ cluster along with degradation products. Treatment of the replacement products with FeCl₃ afforded the [Fe_2.96Ru_3.04C(CO)₁₇] compound (1), which was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals of cluster 1 are composed of two types of octahedral molecules (1a and 1b) in a ratio of 2 : 1. Molecules 1a are in general positions, and molecules 1b are located on twofold axes. In both molecules, the Fe and Ru atoms are disordered over four of six positions. __________ Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 8, pp. 1761–1766, August, 2005.     

Synthesis,DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of cobalt(III) complexes [Co(bpy)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(dpta)]<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and [Co(bpy)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(amtp)]<Superscript>3+</Superscript>

Two novel cobalt(III) mixed-polypyridyl complexes [Co(bpy)₂(dpta)]³⁺ and [Co(bpy)₂(amtp)]³⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, dpta = dipyrido-[3,2-a;2′,3′-c]-thien-[3,4-c]azine, amtp = 3-amino-1,2,4-triazino[5,6-f]-1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. The interaction of Co^III complexes with calf thymus DNA was investigated by spectroscopic and viscosity measurements. Results suggest that the two complexes bind to DNA via an intercalative mode. Moreover, Co^III complexes have been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid DNA pBR322 under irradiation at 365 nm. The mechanism studies reveal that hydroxyl radical (OH^•) is likely to be the reactive species responsible for the cleavage of plasmid DNA by [Co(bpy)₂(dpta)]³⁺ and superoxide anion radical (O ₂ ^•− ) acts as the key role in the cleavage reaction of plasmid DNA by [Co(bpy)₂(amtp)]³⁺.