Synthesis, structure, and solution dynamics of UO22+-hydroxy ketone compounds [UO2(ma)2(H2O)] and [UO2(dpp)(Hdpp)2(H2O)]ClO4 [ma = 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone, Hdpp = 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethyl-4(1H)-pyridone

Reaction of [UO(2)(NO(3))(2)] with the hydroxy ketones 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone (Hma) and 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethyl-4(1H)-pyridone (Hdpp) in aqueous acidic solutions (pH approximately 3) yields the compounds [UO(2)(ma)(2)(H(2)O)].H(2)O (1.H(2)O) and [UO(2)(dpp)(Hdpp)(2)(H(2)O)]ClO(4) (2), respectively. X-ray diffraction shows that the geometry around the metal ion in both complexes is pentagonal bipyramid. Uranium ion in the crystal structure of 1 were found to be ligated with two chelate ma(-) groups and one unidentate H(2)O molecule (C coordination mode) at the equatorial plane, while in 2 with two single-bonded Hdpp there were one chelate dpp(-) and one H(2)O molecule (P coordination mode). Crystal data (Mo Kalpha; 293(2) K) are as follows: (1) monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 14.561(7) A, b = 14.871(9) A, c = 7.250(4) A, beta = 95.40(4) degrees , Z = 4; (2) monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 19.080(2) A, b = 9.834(1) A, c = 15.156(2) A, beta = 104.62(1) degrees , Z = 4. (1)H NMR measurements indicate that complex 2 retains its structure in CD(3)CN solution; however, in DMSO-d(6) both complexes adopt the C structure. Line-shape analysis for the (1)H NMR peaks of 2 at various temperatures shows a fast intramolecular exchange process between the chelate dpp(-) and one of the single bonded Hdpp ligands and one slower exchange between all three ligands. The activation parameters and the decrease of the exchange rate by replacing unidentate ligand with DMSO indicate the dissociation of the unidentate ligand as the rate-determining step for the former exchange. Density functional calculations (DFT) support this mechanism and give a quantitative interpretation of the electronic structure of the two ligands and the geometries adopted by the complexes.     

Solid-state structures of zinc(II) benzoate complexes. Catalyst precursors for the coupling of carbon dioxide and epoxides

Zinc complexes derived from benzoic acids containing electron-withdrawing substituents have been synthesized from Zn(II)(bis-trimethylsilyl amide)(2) and the corresponding carboxylic acid (2,6-X(2)C(6)H(3)COOH, where X = F, Cl, or OMe) in THF and structurally characterized via X-ray crystallography. The 2,6-difluorobenzoate complex crystallizes from THF or CH(3)CN as a seven membered zinc aggregate, where the metal atoms are interconnected by a combination of 10 mu-benzoates and mu(4)-oxo ligands, that is, [(2,6-difluorobenzoate)(10)O(2)Zn(7)](solvent)(2), solvent = THF (1) and CH(3)CN (1a). On the other hand, the 2,6-dichlorobenzoate zinc derivative crystallizes from THF as a dimer, [(2,6-dichlorobenzoate)(4)Zn(2)](THF)(3) (2), where the two zinc centers are bridged by three benzoate ligand. One of the zinc centers possesses a tetrahedral ligand environment where the fourth ligand is a unidentate benzoate, and the other zinc center has an octahedral arrangement of ligands which is accomplished by the additional binding of three THF molecules. Upon dissolution of complex 1 or 2 in the strongly binding pyridine solvent, disruption of these zinc carboxylates occurs with concomitant formation of mononuclear zinc bis-benzoates with three pyridine ligands in the metal coordination sphere. Complexes 1 and 2 were found to be effective catalysts for the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide to afford polycarbonates devoid of polyether linkages, that is, completely alternating copolymers. Although these catalysts or catalyst precursors in the presence of CO(2)/propylene oxide afforded mostly propylene carbonate, they did serve as efficient catalysts for the terpolymerization of carbon dioxide/cyclohexene oxide/propylene oxide. The reactivities of these zinc carboxylates were very similar to those previously reported analogous complexes which have not been structurally characterized. Hence, it is suggested here that all of these zinc carboxylates provide similar catalytic sites for CO(2)/epoxide coupling processes.     

Logarithmic diagrams and gran-curves as an aid in potentiometric titrations in complexometry

A detailed exposition is given of the use of logarithmic diagrams and Gran plots to construct titration curves and to determine accurately the equivalence point in potentiometric complexometric titrations.     

Systematic preparation of Mo 2 4+ building blocks for supramolecular assemblies

The preparation of additional and useful building blocks for the construction of supramolecular entities with quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) units has been explored, and five new mixed-ligand complexes with three types of ligands and various basicities are reported. The ligands used were the DAniF (N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) anion, the acetate anion, and neutral acetonitrile molecules. The formamidinate ligands are the least labile, and the acetonitrile molecules are the most labile. This difference as well as a relatively strong trans directing influence by the formamidinate anions in ligand substitution reactions allows designed synthesis of various mixed-ligand building blocks, including rare pairs of cis and trans isomers. The new compounds are cis-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2) (1), trans-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2) (2), trans-[Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(CH(3)CN(eq)())(2)]BF(4) (3), trans-[Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(CH(3)CN(eq)())(4)](BF(4))(2) (4), and [Mo(2)(O(2)CH(3))(CH(3)CN(eq)())(6)(CH(3)CN(ax)())](BF(4))(3) (5), where eq and ax designate equatorial and axial ligands, respectively. A comparison with some previously synthesized complexes is given along with a discussion of the overall reactivity of all compounds.     

Isolation and molecular structure of hexacyanoruthenate(III)

The [Ru(CN)(6)](3-) ion is synthesized in aqueous solution and isolated as [Ph(4)As](3)[Ru(CN)(6)].2H(2)O (1). Compound 1 crystallizes as orange needles in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with cell parameters a = 11.346(2) A, b = 23.107(5) A, c = 25.015(5) A, beta = 99.55(3) degrees, V = 6467.1(22) A(3), Z = 4. The octahedral anion has Ru-C bond lengths in the range 2.023(6)-2.066(6) A. DFT calculations reproduce experimental geometries for [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Fe, Ru) equally well and yield significantly higher spin densities on the cyanide ligands in [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Ru, Os) than in [Fe(CN)(6)](3-).     

New class of oligonuclear platinum-thallium compounds with a direct metal-metal bond. 5. Structure determination of heterodimetallic cyano complexes in aqueous solution by EXAFS and vibrational spectroscopy

The structures of three closely related heterodimetallic cyano complexes, [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(n)()](n)()(-) (n = 1-3), formed in reactions between [Pt(II)(CN)(4)](2)(-) and Tl(III) cyano complexes, have been studied in aqueous solution. Multinuclear NMR data ((205)Tl, (195)Pt, and (13)C) were used for identification and quantitative analysis. X-ray absorption spectra were recorded at the Pt and Tl L(III) edges. The EXAFS data show, after developing a model describing the extensive multiple scattering within the linearly coordinated cyano ligands, short Pt-Tl bond distances in the [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(n)()](n)()(-) complexes: 2.60(1), 2.62(1), and 2.64(1) A for n = 1-3, respectively. Thus, the Pt-Tl bond distance increases with increasing number of cyano ligands on the thallium atom. In all three complexes the thallium atom and five cyano ligands, with a mean Pt-C distance of 2.00-2.01 A, octahedrally coordinate the platinum atom. In the hydrated [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(H(2)O)(4)](-) species the thallium atom coordinates one cyano ligand, probably as a linear Pt-Tl-CN entity with a Tl-C bond distance of 2.13(1) A, and possibly four loosely bound water molecules with a mean Tl-O bond distance of about 2.51 A. In the [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(2)](2)(-) species, the thallium atom probably coordinates the cyano ligands trigonally with two Tl-C bond distances at 2.20(2) A, and in [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(3)](3)(-) Tl coordinates tetrahedrally with three Tl-C distances at 2.22(2) A. EXAFS data were reevaluated for previously studied mononuclear thallium(III)-cyano complexes in aqueous solution, [Tl(CN)(2)(H(2)O)(4)](+), [Tl(CN)(3)(H(2)O)], and [Tl(CN)(4)](-), and also for the solid K[Tl(CN)(4)] compound. A comparison shows that the Tl-C bond distances are longer in the dinuclear complexes [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(n)()](n)()(-) (n = 1-3) for the same coordination number. Relative oxidation states of the metal atoms were estimated from their (195)Pt and (205)Tl chemical shifts, confirming that the [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(n)()](n)()(-) complexes can be considered as metastable intermediates in a two-electron-transfer redox reaction from platinum(II) to thallium(III). Vibrational spectra were recorded and force constants from normal-coordinate analyses are used for discussing the delocalized bonding in these species.     

Kinetics and mechanism of platinum-thallium bond formation: the binuclear [(CN)5Pt-Tl(CN)](-) and the trinuclear [(CN)5Pt-Tl-Pt(CN)5](3-) complex

Formation kinetics of the metal-metal bonded binuclear [(CN)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)](-) (1) and the trinuclear [(CN)(5)Pt-Tl-Pt(CN)(5)](3-) (2) complexes is studied, using the standard mix-and-measure spectrophotometric method. The overall reactions are Pt(CN)(4)(2-) + Tl(CN)(2)(+) <==> 1 and Pt(CN)(4)(2-) + [(CN)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)](-) <==> 2. The corresponding expressions for the pseudo-first-order rate constants are k(obs) = (k(1)[Tl(CN)(2)(+)] + k(-1))[Tl(CN)(2)(+)] (at Tl(CN)(2)(+) excess) and k(obs) = (k(2b)[Pt(CN)(4)(2-)] + k(-2b))[HCN] (at Pt(CN)(4)(2-) excess), and the computed parameters are k(1) = 1.04 +/- 0.02 M(-2) s(-1), k(-1) = k(1)/K(1) = 7 x 10(-5) M(-1) s(-1) and k(2b) = 0.45 +/- 0.04 M(-2) s(-1), K(2b) = 26 +/- 6 M(-1), k(-2b) = k(2b)/K(2b) = 0.017 M(-1) s(-1), respectively. Detailed kinetic models are proposed to rationalize the rate laws. Two important steps need to occur during the complex formation in both cases: (i) metal-metal bond formation and (ii) the coordination of the fifth cyanide to the platinum site in a nucleophilic addition. The main difference in the formation kinetics of the complexes is the nature of the cyanide donor in step ii. In the formation of [(CN)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)](-), Tl(CN)(2)(+) is the source of the cyanide ligand, while HCN is the cyanide donating agent in the formation of the trinuclear species. The combination of the results with previous data predict the following reactivity order for the nucleophilic agents: CN(-) > Tl(CN)(2)(+) > HCN.     

Thermoanalytical and IR-spectral Investigation of Mg(II) Complexes with Heterocyclic Ligands

Thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and other analytical methods have been applied to the investigation of the thermal behaviour and structure of the complexes Mg(pc)(na)₃⋅3H₂O (I), Mg(pc)(py)₂⋅2H₂O (II),Mg(pc)(pic)₂⋅2H₂O (III) and Mg(pc)(caf)₂⋅4H₂O (IV), where pc=2,6- pyridinedicarboxylate, na=nicotinamide,py=pyridine, pic=γ-picoline and caf=caffeine. The thermal decomposition of these compounds is multi-stage processes. The chemical composition of the complexes, the solid intermediates and the resultant products of thermolysis have been identified by means of elemental analysis and complexometric titration. Schemes of destruction of these complexes are suggested. Heating of these compounds first resulted in a release of water molecules. In complexes I, II and IV the loss of the molecular ligands (na, py and caf) occur (on the TG curves) in one step (-2na, -2py and -2caf) and in complex III in two steps (-pic, -pic). The final product of the thermal decomposition was MgO. The thermalstability of the complexes can be ordered in the sequence: IV<I<III<II. Nicotinamide, pyridine, γ-picoline and caffeine were co-ordinated to Mg(II) through the N atom of the respective heterocyclic ring. IR data suggested a unidentate co-ordination of carboxylates to Mg(II) in complexes I–IV. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Logarithmic diagrams as an aid in complexometric titrations where 1:2 or 2:1 as well as 1:1 metal-ligand complexes are regarded as principal species

Logarithmic diagrams have earlier been used for theoretical treatment of complexometric titrations where only the 1:1 complex is formed in the main reaction between a metal ion M and a ligand L. This approach has now been extended to include titrations where 1:2 and 2:1 complexes are also formed. Four different types of diagram can be drawn. These diagrams can be used to determine pM (or pL) at the equivalence point, the titration ratio at different pM (or pL) values and the titration error. One of these diagrams is easy to construct and use. The method also has the advantage that it can directly indicate whether the titration is best performed with 1:1 or 2:1 (1:2) stoichiometry. Two typical examples, namely the titration of a manganese solution with triethylenetetraminehexa-acetic acid and of a copper solution with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, are discussed. The two titrations proceed with the formation of the complexes Mn(2)L (2: 1) and CuL(2) (1:2) respectively, in addition to the 1:1 complex in each instance.     

Kinetics and mechanism of formation of the platinum-thallium bond: the [(CN)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(3)](3)(-) complex

Formation kinetics of the metal-metal bonded [(CN)(5)PtTl(CN)(3)](3)(-) complex from Pt(CN)(4)(2)(-) and Tl(CN)(4)(-) has been studied in the pH range of 5-10, using standard mix-and-measure spectrophotometric technique at pH 5-8 and stopped-flow method at pH > 8. The overall order of the reaction, Pt(CN)(4)(2)(-) + Tl(CN)(4)(-) right harpoon over left harpoon [(CN)(5)PtTl(CN)(3)](3)(-), is 2 in the slightly acidic region and 3 in the alkaline region, which means first order for the two reactants in both cases and also for CN(-) at high pH. The two-term rate law corresponds to two different pathways via the Tl(CN)(3) and Tl(CN)(4)(-) complexes in acidic and alkaline solution, respectively. The two complexes are in fast equilibrium, and their actual concentration ratio is controlled by the concentration of free cyanide ion. The following expression was derived for the pseudo-first-order rate constant of the overall reaction: k(obs) = (k(1)(a)[Tl(CN)(4)(-) + (k(1)(a)/K(f)))(1/(1 + K(p)[H(+)]))[CN(-)](free) + k(1)(b)[Tl(CN)(4)(-)] + (k(1)(b)/K(f)), where k(1)(a) and k(1)(b) are the forward rate constants for the alkaline and slightly acidic paths, K(f) is the stability constant of [(CN)(5)PtTl(CN)(3)](3)(-), and K(p) is the protonation constant of cyanide ion. k(1)(a) = 143 +/- 13 M(-)(2) s(-)(1), k(1)(b) = 0.056 +/- 0.004 M(-)(1) s(-)(1), K(f) = 250 +/- 54 M(-)(1), and log K(p) = 9.15 +/- 0.05 (I = 1 M NaClO(4), T = 298 K). Two possible mechanisms were postulated for the overall reaction in both pH regions, which include a metal-metal bond formation step and the coordination of the axial cyanide ion to the platinum center. The alternative mechanisms are different in the sequence of these steps.     

Six-coordinate and five-coordinate Fe(II)(CN)(2)(CO)(x) thiolate complexes (x = 1, 2): synthetic advances for iron sites of [NiFe] hydrogenases

The dicyanodicarbonyliron(II) thiolate complexes trans,cis-[(CN)(2)(CO)(2)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) (R = OEt (2), N(Et)(2) (3)) were prepared by the reaction of [Na][S-C(S)-R] and [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(3)(Br)](-) (1). Complex 1 was obtained from oxidative addition of cyanogen bromide to [Fe(CN)(CO)(4)](-). In a similar fashion, reaction of complex 1 with [Na][S,O-C(5)H(4)N], and [Na][S,N-C(5)H(4)] produced the six-coordinate trans,cis-[(CN)(2)(CO)(2)Fe(S,O-C(5)H(4)N)](-) (6) and trans,cis-[(CN)(2)(CO)(2)Fe(S,N-C(5)H(4))](-) (7) individually. Photolysis of tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of complexes 2, 3, and 7 under CO led to formation of the coordinatively unsaturated iron(II) dicyanocarbonyl thiolate compounds [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) (R = OEt (4), N(Et)(2) (5)) and [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,N-C(5)H(4))](-) (8), respectively. The IR v(CN) stretching frequencies and patterns of complexes 4, 5, and 8 have unambiguously identified two CN(-) ligands occupying cis positions. In addition, density functional theory calculations suggest that the architecture of five-coordinate complexes 4, 5, and 8 with a vacant site trans to the CO ligand and two CN(-) ligands occupying cis positions serves as a conformational preference. Complexes 2, 3, and 7 were reobtained when the THF solution of complexes 4, 5, and 8 were exposed to CO atmosphere at 25 degrees C individually. Obviously, CO ligand can be reversibly bound to the Fe(II) site in these model compounds. Isotopic shift experiments demonstrated the lability of carbonyl ligands of complexes 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Complexes [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) and NiA/NiC states [NiFe] hydrogenases from D. gigas exhibit a similar one-band pattern in the v(CO) region and two-band pattern in the v(CN) region individually, but in different positions, which may be accounted for by the distinct electronic effects between [S,S-C-R](-) and cysteine ligands. Also, the facile formations of five-coordinate complexes 4, 5, and 8 imply that the strong sigma-donor, weak pi-acceptor CN(-) ligands play a key role in creating/stabilizing five-coordinate iron(II) [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) complexes with a vacant coordination site trans to the CO ligand.     

Interpenetrating three-dimensional diamondoid lattices and antiferromagnetic ordering (T(c) = 73 K) of Mn(II)(CN)2

Thermolysis of either the 3-D, bridged-layered [NEt(4)]Mn(II)(3)(CN)(7) or 2-D, layered [NEt(4)](2)Mn(II)(3)(CN)(8) forms Mn(II)(CN)(2). Rietveld analysis of the high-resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data determined that Mn(II)(CN)(2) is cubic [a = 6.1488(3) ?] (space group = Pn3m) consisting of two independent, interpenetrating networks having the topology of the diamond lattice. Each tetrahedrally coordinated Mn(II) is bonded to four orientationally disordered cyanide ligands. Mn(II)(CN)(2) magnetically orders as an antiferromagnet with a T(c) = 73 K determined from the peak in d(χT)/dT. Exchange coupling estimated via the mean field Heisenberg model from the transition temperature (J/k(B) = -4.4 K) and low temperature magnetic susceptibility of the ordered phase (J/k(B) = -7.2 K) indicate that Mn(II)(CN)(2) experiences weak antiferromagnetic coupling. The discrepancy between those estimates is presumably due to local anisotropy at the Mn(II) sites arising from the CN orientational disorder or interactions between the interpenetrating lattices.     

Preparative and structural studies on the carbonyl cyanides of iron, manganese, and ruthenium: fundamentals relevant to the hydrogenases

The reaction of cyanide, carbon monoxide, and ferrous derivatives led to the isolation of three products, trans- and cis-[Fe(CN)(4)(CO)(2)](2)(-) and [Fe(CN)(5)(CO)](3)(-), the first two of which were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The new compounds show self-consistent IR, (13)C NMR, and mass spectroscopic properties. The reaction of trans-[Fe(CN)(4)(CO)(2)](2)(-) with Et(4)NCN gives [Fe(CN)(5)(CO)](3)(-) via a first-order (dissociative) pathway. The corresponding cyanation of cis-[Fe(CN)(4)(CO)(2)](2)(-), which is a minor product of the Fe(II)/CN(-)/CO reaction, does not proceed at measurable rates. Methylation of [Fe(CN)(5)(CO)](3)(-) gave exclusively cis-[Fe(CN)(4)(CNMe)(CO)](2)(-), demonstrating the enhanced nucleophilicity of CN(-) trans to CN(-) vs. CN(-) trans to CO. Methylation has an electronic effect similar to that of protonation as determined electrochemically. We also characterized [M(CN)(3)(CO)(3)](n)(-) for Ru (n = 1) and Mn (n = 2) derivatives. The Ru complex, which is new, was prepared by cyanation of a [RuCl(2)(CO)(3)](2) solution.     

Metal-hydride bond activation and metal-metal interaction in dinuclear iron complexes with linking dinitriles: a synthetic,electrochemical, and theoretical study

The dinuclear iron(II)-hydride complexes [[FeH(dppe)(2)](2)(mu-LL)][BF(4)](2) (LL = NCCH=CHCN (1a), NCC(6)H(4)CN (1b), NCCH(2)CH(2)CN (1c); dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)) and the corresponding mononuclear ones, trans-[FeH(LL)(dppe)(2)][BF(4)] (2a-c) were prepared by treatment of trans-[FeHCl(dppe)(2)], in tetrahydrofuran (thf) and in the presence of Tl[BF(4)], with the appropriate dinitrile (in molar deficiency or excess, respectively). Metal-metal interaction was detected by cyclic voltammetry for 1a, which, upon single-electron reversible oxidation, forms the mixed valent Fe(II)/Fe(III) 1a(+) complex. The latter either undergoes heterolytic Fe-H bond cleavage (loss of H(+)) or further oxidation, at a higher potential, also followed by hydride-proton evolution, according to ECECE or EECECEC mechanistic processes, respectively, which were established by digital simulation. Anodically induced Fe-H bond rupture was also observed for the other complexes and the detailed electrochemical behavior, as well as the metal-metal interaction (for 1a), were rationalized by ab initio calculations for model compounds and oxidized derivatives. These calculations were used to generate the structural parameters (full geometry optimization), the most stable isomeric forms, the ionization potentials, the effective atomic charges, and the molecular orbital diagrams, as well as to predict the nature of the other electron-transfer induced chemical steps, i.e. geometric isomerization and nucleophilic addition, by BF(4)(-), to the unsaturated iron center resulting from hydride-proton loss. From the values of the oxidation potential of the complexes, the electrochemical P(L) and E(L) ligand parameters were also estimated for the dinitrile ligands (LL) and for their mononuclear complexes 2 considered as ligands toward a second binding metal center.     

Electronic and structural variation among copper(II) complexes with substituted phenanthrolines

A series of copper(II) complexes with substituted phenanthroline ligands has been synthesized and characterized electronically and structurally. The compounds that have been prepared include the monosubstituted ligand complexes of the general formula [Cu(5-R-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), where R = NO(2), Cl, H, or Me, and the disubstituted ligand complex [Cu(5,6-Me(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2). The complexes [Cu(5-NO(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN](BF(4))(2) (1), [Cu(5-Cl-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (2), [Cu(o-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (3), and [Cu(5-Me-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (4) each crystallize in the space group C2/c with compounds 1, 2, and 4 comprising an isomorphous set. The disubstituted complex [Cu(5,6-Me(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (5) crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c. Each structure is characterized by a distorted trigonal bipyramidal arrangement of ligands around the central copper atom with approximate or exact C(2) symmetry. The progression from electron-withdrawing to electron-donating substituents on the phenanthroline ligands correlates with less accessible reduction potentials for the bis-chelate complexes.     

Thermally triggered reductive elimination of bromine from Au(III) as a path to Au(I)-based coordination polymers

Four new [AuBr(2)(CN)(2)](-)-based coordination polymers, Zn(pyz)(NCMe)(2)[AuBr(2)(CN)(2)](2) (1; pyz = pyrazine), Co(pyz)[AuBr(2)(CN)(2)](2)·H(2)O (2) and [M(bipy)(2)(AuBr(2)(CN)(2))][(n)Bu(4)N][AuBr(2)(CN)(2)](2) (bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine), where M = Co (5) and Zn (6), were synthesized and three of them structurally characterized. 1 forms 1-D chains connected by pyz ligands while isostructural 5 and 6 form 3-D frameworks via [AuBr(2)(CN)(2)](-) and bipy linkers. Aqueous suspensions of 2, 5 and 6 or their precursors in situ (preferred) were heated hydrothermally to 125 °C, triggering the reductive elimination of bromine from the Au(III) centres, which yielded the [Au(CN)(2)](-)-based coordination polymers M(pyz)[Au(CN)(2)](2), where M = Zn (3) or Co (4) and Zn(bipy)[Au(CN)(2)][Au{Br(0.68)(CN)(0.32)}CN] (7), or a mixture of cyanoaurate(I)-containing products in the case of 5 and 6. The structural characterization of 3 revealed a [Au(CN)(2)](-)/pyz-based framework similar to previously reported Cu(pyz)[Au(CN)(2)](2), whereas 7 formed an intricate network consisting of individual 2-D networks held together by AuAu interactions and featuring the rare [AuBrCN](-) unit. The kinetics of the thermally-induced reductive elimination of Br(2) from K[AuBr(2)(CN)(2)] in 1-BuOH yielded a t(?) of approx. 10 min to 4 h from 98 to 68 °C, and activation parameters of ΔH(?) = 131(15) kJ mol(-1) and ΔS(?) = 14.97(4) kJ K(-1)mol(-1), indicating that the elimination of the halogen provides the highest barrier to activation.     

Synthesis, structures, and properties of ruthenium(II) complexes of N-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidenes

Mononuclear ruthenium complexes [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2a), [RuCl(L2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2b), [Ru(L1)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4a), [Ru(L2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4b), [Ru(L2)(2)](PF(6))(2) (5), [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (6), [RuCl(L1)(CO)(2)](PF(6)) (7), and [RuCl(L1)(CO)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (8), and a tetranuclear complex [Ru(2)Ag(2)Cl(2)(L1)(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](PF(6))(4) (3) containing 3-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)imidazolylidene (L1) and 3-butyl-1-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidene (L2) have been prepared and fully characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Both L1 and L2 act as pincer NNC donors coordinated to ruthenium (II) ion. In 3, the Ru(II) and Ag(I) ions are linked by two bridging Cl(-) through a rhomboid Ag(2)Cl(2) ring with two Ru(II) extending to above and down the plane. Complexes 2-8 show absorption maximum over the 354-428 nm blueshifted compared to Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) due to strong σ-donating and weak π-acceptor properties of NHC ligands. Electrochemical studies show Ru(II)/Ru(III) couples over 0.578-1.274 V.     

Syntheses and structural characterizations of sheet- and column-like lanthanide-transition metal arrays: the effect of hydrogen bonding on the structure when K(+) is replaced by [NH4]+

Sheet- and column-like cyanide bridged lanthanide-transition metal arrays were synthesized through metathesis reactions between anhydrous LnCl(3) (Ln = Eu, Yb) and A(2)[M(CN)(4)] (A = K(+), NH(4)(+); M = Ni, Pt) in a 1:2 molar ratio in DMF (DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) solution. Single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed that complexes of formula [K(DMF)(7)Ln[M(CN)(4)](2)](infinity) (Ln = Eu, M = Ni, 1; Ln = Yb, M = Pt, 2) consist of infinite layers of neutral, puckered sheets that contain hexagonal rings of composition [(DMF)(10)Ln(2)[M(CN)(4)](3)](6) with interstitial (DMF)(4)K(2)[M(CN)(4)] units located between the layers. The sheet structure is generated through the repeating (DMF)(10)Ln(2)[M(CN)(4)](3) unit with trans cyanide ligands in [M(CN)(4)](2)(-) serving as bridges. The column-like complex [(NH(4))(DMF)(4)Yb[Pt(CN)(4)](2)](infinity), 3, is formed when NH(4)(+) replaces K(+). It consists of infinite, negatively charged, square, parallel columns bundled through N-H...NC hydrogen bonds between NH(4)(+) and terminal CN from the columns. Cis cyanide ligands in [Pt(CN)(4)](2)(-) units serve as bridges. Complex 3 is the first known example where Ln(III) centers are coordinated to four [M(CN)(4)](2)(-) units. Bicapped (square face) trigonal prismatic coordination geometries were observed for Ln(III) centers in 1 and 2. Square antiprismatic geometry for Yb(III) centers are observed in 3. Crystal data for 1: triclinic space group P1, a = 8.797(2) A, b = 15.621(3) A, c = 17.973(6) A, alpha = 105.48(2) degrees, beta = 98.60(2) degrees, gamma = 98.15(2) degrees, Z = 2. Crystal data for 2: triclinic space group P1, a = 8.825(1) A, b = 15.673(1) A, c = 17.946(1) A, alpha = 105.46(2) degrees, beta = 99.10(1) degrees, gamma = 98.59(1) degrees, Z = 2. Crystal data for 3: monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 9.032(1) A, b = 29.062(1) A, c = 15.316(1) A, beta = 94.51(1) degrees, Z = 2.     

Fused pyridazines: rigid multidentates for designing and fine-tuning the structure of hybrid organic/inorganic frameworks

Fused pyridazines (1,2,3,6,7,8-hexahydro-cinnolino[5,4,3-cde]cinnoline, L and its 2,2,7,7-tetramethyl derivative, Me4L) are designed as rigid multidentate ligands for the construction of framework solids. In combination with copper(I) bromide (iodide) they provide excellent structural examples for predictive engineering and the possibilities for further fine-tuning of the framework architectures facilitated by the tetradentate function of the ligands and effective cooperation of organic and inorganic bridges. This study features control over helical structures for (CuX)n chains and homo/heterochiral combination of the helices in the lattice, the design of a range of channelled and tubular CuX networks and the structural significance of ligand shape complementarity. 3D tetragonal Cu2X2(L) frameworks exist either as chiral or achiral supramolecular isomers Cu2I2(Me4L) and Cu12I12[Cu(CH3CN)]3(L)(6-)Cu3I6.CH3CN illustrate 3D hexagonal channelled and tubular arrays; Cu2I2(Me4L)(CH3CN) and Cu4I4(L)(CH3CN)2 complexes are 1D polymers.