New dioxadiaza-, trioxadiaza- and hexaaza-macrocycles containing dibenzofuran units

New dioxadiaza-, trioxadiaza-, and hexaaza-macrocycles containing rigid dibenzofuran groups (DBF) were prepared by a convenient synthetic route in high yields. The structures of the macrocycles were unequivocally established by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESIMS) studies together with NMR spectroscopy, with the exception of [14](DBF)N₃. The structures of the copper complex of [14](DBF)N₃ and of the diprotonated form of [22](DBF)N₂O₃ were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Conformational analyses on the free macrocycles [14](DBF)N₃ and [22](DBF)N₂O₃ as well as on their larger counterparts containing two DBF units were undertaken in order to understand the synthetic findings.     

Synthesis and characterisation of macrocycles containing both tetrazole and pyridine functionalities

The syntheses of tetra-tetrazole macrocycles containing at least one 2,6-bis(tetrazole)pyridine unit, linked by a variety of n-alkyl (n=3, 5, 7 or 9 carbon atoms) chain lengths, are described. There has been no previous incorporation of the pyridine moiety into a tetra-tetrazolophane macrocycle. The crystal structure of one such tetra-tetrazole macrocycle has also been structurally characterised and revealed a bowl-shaped conformation.     

Photochemical- and pH-switching Properties of a New Photoelastic Ligand Based Upon Azobenzene. Basicity and Anion Binding

Abstract

The synthesis of a new cylindrical macrotricyclic ligand (L) based upon two 1,4,7,13-tetramethyl-1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclooctadecane rings connected via two azobenzene pillars is described. The ligands displays photoelastic properties: light absorption at 366 nm produces trans→cis isomerization of the azobenzene moieties with formation of trans-cis (L _E-Z ) and cis-cis (L _Z-Z ) isomers. Recovery of the thermodynamically more stable trans-trans (L _E-E ) isomer can be obtained by thermal back-isomerization or visible light (430 nm) absorption. The isomeric composition of L solution depends upon pH: for pH < 5.5 the L _E-E form is the unique species in solution, while increasing amounts of Z species are formed at increasing pH. The protonation constants of L _E-E have been determined in 0.1 mol dm^?3 Me₄NNO₃ solution at 298.1 ± 0.1 K. The protonated species of L form stable inclusion complexes with anionic species such as [Co(CN)₆]^3?.     

The Weak-Link Approach to the Synthesis of Inorganic Macrocycles

Homobimetallic macrocycles are prepared from flexible ligands in high yield by means of a new and general synthetic strategy called the “weak-link approach” [Eq. (a)]. Small aromatic molecules can be aligned inside the cage based on their interactions with the two Rh centers of the macrocycle.     

From terpyridine-based assemblies to metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes (MEPEs)

Introducing metal ion coordination as bonding motive into polymer architectures provides new structures and properties for polymeric materials. The metal ions can be part of the backbone or of the side-chains. In the case of linear metallo-polymers the repeat unit bears at least two metal ion receptors in order to facilitate metal-ion induced self-assembly. If the binding constants are sufficiently high, macromolecular assemblies will form in a solution. Likewise, polymeric networks can be formed by metal ion induced crosslinking. The metal ion coordination sites introduce dynamic features, e.g. for self-healing or responsive materials, as well as additional functional properties including spin-crossover, electro-chromism, and reactivity. Terpyridines have attracted attention as receptors in metallo-polymers due to their favorable properties. It is well suited to assemble linear rigid-rod like metallo-polymers in case of rigid ditopic ligands. Terpyridine binds a large number of metal ions and are readily functionalized giving rise to a plethora of available ligands as components in metallo-polymers. By the judicious choice of the metal ions, the design of the ligands, the counter ions and the boundary conditions of self-assembly, the final structure and properties of the resulting metallo-polymers can be tailored at all length scales. Here, we review recent activities in the area of metallo-polymers based on terpyridines as central metal ion receptors.     

Azomacrocyclic derivatives of imidazole: synthesis, structure, and metal ion complexation properties

New azocrown ethers comprising imidazoles in the macrocycle have been synthesized. Imidazole, 2-methyl-, 4-methyl-, and 4-phenylimidazole were incorporated to form macrocyclic units by coupling with the appropriate bis-diazonium salts. The syntheses were performed under high dilution conditions. The X-ray structure of a water adduct of the 21-membered crown ether derivative of 4-methylimidazole 8 has been solved. Metal cation binding was investigated with the use of UV-vis spectroscopy in acetonitrile, methanol, and methanol-water mixtures. The obtained chromoionophores were tested as ion-carriers in ion-selective membrane electrodes.     

A New CoII Complex as a Bulge-Specific Probe for DNA

Bulge cleavage of two or three bases occurs when a DNA substrate is specifically cleaved oxidatively by [Co^II(tfa)₂(happ)] (see picture). Hydrogen peroxide is necessary for the activation of this octahedral complex, which suggests that hydroxyl radicals are the reactive species. The complex has no significant reactivity towards the corresponding sequence in a single-stranded DNA region, and it exhibits only a low affinity towards double-stranded DNA. happ=macrocyclic ligand based on 1,10-phenanthroline, tfa=trifluoroacetate.     

Polynuclear metal complexes of ligands containing phenolic units

The coordination properties of a selected series of acyclic and macrocyclic ligands containing one or more phenolic groups are explored. The formation of polynuclear metal complexes was only considered highlighting the key role played by the phenoxide oxygen atom in binding two metal centres in a bridge disposition. This arrangement allows two metal ions to stay close each other and consequently these dinuclear centres are able to mimic many biological sites, especially those where the two metals can cooperate to form an active centre. Catalytic properties of these polynuclear complexes, when studied, have been reported. Also some of the numerous heterodinuclear metal complexes that have been synthesized are here reviewed, included several crystal structures.     

Synthesis, properties and crystal structures of ferrocene derivatives containing pyrazinium and quinoxalinium units

The pyrazinium salt [FcCH₂pyz][BF₄] (1) and the quinoxalinium salt [FcCH₂quin][BF₄] (2) were prepared by the reaction of [FcCH₂][BF₄] with pyrazine and quinoxaline, respectively and characterised by spectroscopic methods, cyclic voltammetry and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which revealed the absence of any π-π-stacking motifs in the crystal structures.     

Geometry and Spin Change at the Heart of a Cobalt(II) Complex: A Special Case of Solvatomorphism

Structural analysis and spectroscopic methods revealed a special case of solvatomorphism: hydrogen‐bonding‐induced geometry and spin change within a same N,O‐(bis)chelate of cobalt(II). Solid‐state structures are presented for both the tetrahedral and the solvated square‐planar forms of the complex. Magnetic‐moment measurements and ESR spectroscopy confirmed the high‐spin state of the tetrahedral form (μ_eff=4.7 μ_B) and the low‐spin state of the square‐planar solvatomorph. Specific hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the solvent molecules and the complex chelate ring (O1 ??? H?CHCl₂ (d=2.26 Å, D=3.24 Å, θ=173°); O2 ??? H?CHCl₂ (d=2.22 Å, D=3.19 Å, θ=165°)) play a pivotal role in biasing the system toward the low‐spin ground state.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a germanium(II) calix[6]arene containing unusual diamidosilyl ether groups

The reaction of Ge[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ with calix[6]arene furnishes a novel macrocyclic product having two divalent germanium atoms incorporated into a Ge₂NO rhombus which contains a μ₂-oxygen atom and a μ₂-NH₂ group. The crystal structure of the product indicates the presence of a conformationally rigid molecule where three of the six oxygen atoms of the calix[6]arene are bound to the germanium atoms while the remaining three have been converted into –OSiMe₃ or unusual –OSi(H)(NH₂)₂ groups. Spectral (¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si NMR) data in solution are consistent with the solid-state structure and indicate the germanium calix[6]arene retains its structure in solution.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of neutral higher-coordinate silicon(IV) complexes with tridentate dianionic chelate ligands

The neutral pentacoordinate silicon(IV) complexes 8 and 9 with an SiO2N3 skeleton and the neutral hexacoordinate silicon(IV) complex 10.1/2 CH3CN with an SiO4N2 skeleton were synthesized, starting from tetra(cyanato-N)silane or tetra(thiocyanato-N)silane. Compounds 8 and 9 contain one tridentate dianionic ligand derived from 4-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)amino]pent-3-en-2-one and two monodentate singly charged cyanato-N or thiocyanato-N ligands bound to the silicon(IV) coordination center, whereas the silicon(IV) center of 10 is coordinated by two of these tridentate dianionic ligands. All compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and solid-state and solution NMR spectroscopy. To get more information about the stereochemistry of the compounds studied, the experimental investigations were complemented by computational studies.     

From mononuclear to multinuclear complexes of palladium containing unsaturated hydrocarbon ligands

This review summarizes the author’s contributions to the field of chemistry of group 10 metal complexes containing unsaturated hydrocarbon ligands, with a brief introduction showing how his research subject has shifted from mononuclear type to multinuclear type complexes. New structure and reactivity trends in the multipalladium complexes with bridging allyl and allenyl/propargyl ligands, as well as bridging conjugated polyene molecules are discussed in terms of some unique bonding features of these complexes.