Synthesis, Reactivity, and Structural Characterization of the Nonclassical [MTe(7)](n)()(-) Anions (M = Ag, Au, n = 3; M = Hg, n = 2)

Several tellurometalates of the general formula [MTe(7)](n)()(-) (n = 2, 3) have been isolated as salts of organic cations by reaction of suitable metal sources with polytelluride solutions in DMF. The [HgTe(7)](2)(-) anion has the same structure in both the NEt(4)(+) and the PPh(4)(+) salts except for a minor change in the ligand conformation. The [AgTe(7)](3)(-) and [HgTe(7)](2)(-) anions contain metal atoms coordinated in trigonal-planar fashion to eta(3)-Te(7)(4)(-) ligands. The central Te atom of an eta(3)-Te(7)(4)(-) ligand is coordinated to the metal atom and to two Te atoms in a "T"-shaped geometry consistent with a hypervalent 10 e(-) center. The planar [AuTe(7)](3)(-) anion may best be described as possessing a square-planar Au(III) atom coordinated to an eta(3)-Te(5)(4)(-) ligand and to an eta(1)-Te(2)(2)(-) ligand. The reaction of [NEt(4)](n)()[MTe(7)] (M = Hg, n = 2; M = Au, n = 3) with the activated acetylene dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) has yielded the products [NEt(4)](n)()[M(Te(2)C(2)(COOCH(3))(2))(2)] (M = Hg, n = 2; M = Au, n = 1). The metal atoms are coordinated to two Te(COOCH(3))C=C(COOCH(3))Te(2)(-) ligands, for M = Hg in a distorted tetrahedral fashion and for M = Au in a square-planar fashion.     

Preservation of solid mercuric dithizonate samples with polyvinyl chloride for determination of mercury(II) in environmental waters by photochromism-induced photoacoustic spectrometry

A novel sample preparation technique has been developed to preserve solid mercuric dithizonate [Hg(HDz)(2)] in a matrix of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for analysis by photochromism-induced photoacoustic spectrometry (PCPAS). This technique, which begins with the extraction of Hg(2+) from water with dithizone, allows for the determination of Hg(2+) in environmental samples. Inclusion of Hg(HDz)(2) within the polymer matrix enhances the PCPAS signal amplitude over that from the bare Hg(HDz)(2) film by almost sixfold. The standard calibration graph of PCPAS signal amplitude as a function of Hg(2+) concentration is linear in the concentration range of 5-100 mug/ml. A lower detection limit can be achieved by using a laser of higher power tuned to a wavelength closer to the maximum absorptivity of the excited Hg(HDz)(2) complex. A study, conducted to monitor the change in PCPAS signal amplitude obtained for the same sample over an extended storage period of 19 days, demonstrates that the PVC protects the integrity of the solid Hg(HDz)(2) sample. Hence, it is potentially feasible to collect environmental samples from a remote area for analysis at a later date.     

Structural studies and photochromism of mercury(II)-iodo complexes of (arylazo)imidazoles

Neat reaction between HgI2 and 1-methyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazole (Pai-Me) under microwave irradiation has isolated a novel compound whose structure shows intercalated HgI2 in the layers of Pai-Me. They exist independently in interpenetrated arrays. In a solution phase study, the same reaction has synthesized an iodo-bridged azoimidazole-Hg(II) complex, [Hg(RaaiR')(mu-I)(I)]2 (RaaiR' = 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole). The structures have been characterized by X-ray diffraction studies. Chloro-bridged Hg(II) complexes of azoimidazoles, [Hg(RaaiR')(mu-Cl)(Cl)]2, are also known. These complexes upon irradiation with UV light show trans-to-cis isomerization. The reverse transformation, cis-to-trans isomerization, is very slow with visible light irradiation. Quantum yields (phi t-->c) of trans-to-cis isomerization are calculated, and the free ligand shows higher phi than their Hg(II) complexes. The cis-to-trans isomerization is a thermally induced process. The activation energy (Ea) of cis-to-trans isomerization is calculated by controlled temperature reaction. The Ea's of free ligands are much higher than that of halo-bridged Hg(II)-azoimidazole complexes. Chloro-bridged Hg(II) complexes show lower Ea's than those of iodo-bridged complexes. DFT calculation has been adopted to rationalize the experimental results.     

An unsymmetrical tripodal ligand with NOS2-donor set: coordination chemistry with nickel(II) and zinc(II)

The synthesis of the novel tripodal ligand [N(CH2CH2CH2OH)(CH2CH2SH)2] H3-4 is reported. The aliphatic tetradentate ligand is equipped with an unsymmetrical NOS2 donor set. It reacts with Ni(OAc)2 x 4H2O or Zn(BF4)2 x xH2O to give the complexes [Ni(H-4)]2 5 and [Zn(H-4)]4 6, respectively. The molecular structures of 5 and 6 have been determined by X-ray diffraction. In both cases multinuclear, mu-thiolato-bridged complexes, wherein the ligand coordinates with only three (NS2) of the four donor groups, had formed. The dinuclear complex 5 adopts a butterfly geometry and contains nickel(II) ions in a square-planar NS3 coordination environment. Cyclic voltammetry experiments indicate that the nickel centers in 5 are electron-rich but not overly sensitive toward oxidation. Complex 6 is tetranuclear and the four thiolato-bridged metal centers form a ring. It shows a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry for the zinc(II) ions in an NS3 coordination sphere. In both complexes the hydroxyl functionalized ligand arm of the tripodal ligand remains uncoordinated.     

Spectral characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of Schiff-base complexes derived from leucine and 2-acetylpyridine

Schiff-base complexes [ML·nH₂OAc]mH₂O (where L =?Schiff base derived from condensation of 2-acetylpyridine and leucine; M =?Cu(II), Ni(II) or Co(II); n =?0–2 and m =?3/2–2) and [ZnLOH]H₂O have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analyses, spectral analyses (UV-Vis, IR, ¹H NMR), conductance, thermal analyses, magnetic moments and QSAR analyses. The results showed that the ligand is mononegative tridentate coordinating the metal through pyridyl nitrogen, azomethine nitrogen, and carboxylate oxygen after deprotonation of the hydroxyl. Cu(II) forms square-planar and Ni(II) and Zn(II) form tetrahedral complexes, while Co(II) is octahedral. Prediction from quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) for anti-inflammatory activity in rats (% edema inhibition) has been made. The copper complex showed a significant analgesic and antirheumatic effect.     

Electrospray ionization studies of transition-metal complexes of 2-acetylbenzimidazolethiosemicarbazone using collision-induced dissociation and ion-molecule reactions

The complexes of transition-metal ions (M2+, where M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Hg) with 2-acetylbenzimidazolethiosemicarbazone (L) are studied under electrospray ionization (ESI) conditions. The ESI mass spectra of Fe and Co complexes showed the complex ions corresponding to [M+2L-2H]+, and those of Ni and Zn complexes showed [M+2L-H]+ ions, wherein the metal/ligand ratio is 1:2 and the oxidation state of the central metal ion is +3 in the case of Fe and Co and +2 in the case of Ni and Zn. The Cd and Cu complexes showed preferentially 1:1 complex ions, i.e., [M+L-H]+ or [M+L+Cl]+, whereas Hg formed both 1:1 and 1:2 complex ions. During formation of the above complex ions one or two ligands are deprotonated after keto-enol tautomerism, depending on the nature and oxidation state of central metal ion. The structures and coordination numbers of the metal ions in the complex ions were studied by their collision-induced dissociation spectra and ion-molecule reactions with acetonitrile or propylamine in the collision cell. Based on these results it is concluded that Fe, Co, Ni and Zn form stable octahedral complexes, whereas tetrahedral or square planar complexes are formed preferentially for other metals. In addition, the Cu complex showed a [2L+2Cu-3H]+ ion with a Cu-Cu bond.     

Design and self-assembly of ditopic and tetratopic cavitand complexes

The self-assembly of open ditopic and tetratopic cavitand complexes has been investigated by using monofunctionalized cavitand ligands and suitable metal precursors. In the case of ditopic complexes, self-assembly protocols, leading exclusively to the formation of both thermodynamically stable cis-Pt square-planar complexes 8 and 9 and the kinetically inert fac-Re octahedral complex 14, have been elaborated. The use of cis-[Pt(CH3)CN)2Cl2] as metal precursor led to the formation of monotopic trans-10 and ditopic trans-11 cavitand complexes, while cis-[Pt(dmso)2Cl2] afforded both cis-13 and trans-11 isomers. The self-assembly of tetratopic cavitand complexes has been achieved by using mononuclear [Pd(CH3CN)4(BF4)2] and dinuclear [M2(tppb)(OTf)4] (19: M = Pt; 20: M = Pd) metal precursors. Only the tetratopic dinuclear complexes 21 and 22 were stable. The ligand configuration with two phosphorus and two cavitand ligands at the metal centers is the most appropriate to build tetratopic cavitand complexes with sufficient kinetic stability.     

Three new mononuclear group 12 complexes with benzimidazole

Three iso-structural Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) complexes with 1-benzyl-2-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole (BPB), ZnBPB, CdBPB, and HgBPB, respectively, were synthesized by reaction of the ligand with the corresponding metal chlorides in methanolic solutions. The complexes [MCl₂(BPB)₂], where M?=?Zn(II), Cd(II), or Hg(II), were characterized by elemental analysis, ¹³C, ¹H, and [¹H–¹⁵N] heteronuclear multiple bond coherence NMR measurements, and Raman spectroscopy. The structures of the cadmium and mercury complexes were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, while the structure of the zinc complex was determined by X-ray powder diffraction. The three compounds crystallize in the triclinic system in P-1 space group with the metal ions lying in a distorted tetrahedral environment. The zinc complex shows high luminescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

Ligational and molecular modeling of 3-(N-phenylthiocarbamyl)pentan-2,4-dione

Pentan-2,4-dione reacts with phenylisothiocyanate to give 3-(N-phenylthiocarbamyl)pentan-2,4-dione (HPTPD) containing N, O and S donor atoms. HPTPD has been characterized by elemental analysis, i.r., ¹H-n.m.r. and electronic spectral studies and its structure is confirmed by molecular modeling using a molecular mechanics program. Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Pd^II complexes have been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The Cu^II complex has also been studied by e.s.r. spectroscopy. Upon formation of these complexes, except for Pd^II, loss of methine hydrogen occurs and HPTPD coordinates to the metal centers as a monoanionic bidentate ligand. Co^II acetate forms two types of complexes according to the ratio of reactants. The first is brown–green having the formula [Co(PTPD)₂] and is characterized as square-planar and the other is blue with [Co(PTPD)(OAc)] formula and has a tetrahedral geometry; their thermal decompositions have been studied by t.g analysis. The other metal(II) complexes have square-planar structures based on magnetic and electronic spectral data.     

Synthesis and spectral feature of benzophenone-substituted thiosemicarbazones and their Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes

The ligational behavior of 2-hydroxybenzophenone and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone N-substituted thiosemicarbazones towards Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions has been investigated. The isolated complexes were identified by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic moment, IR, UV-vis and ESR spectral studies. The IR spectra indicated that the investigated thiosemicarbazones lost the N(2) proton or the N(2) and OH protons and act as mononegative or binegative tridentate ligands. The ligands containing methoxy group facilitate the deprotonation of OH by resonance more than the SH. Most of the Ni(II) complexes measured subnormal magnetic moments due to square-planar+tetrahedral configuration and supported by the electronic spectra. The percentage of square-planar to tetrahedral was calculated and found in agreement with the ligand splitting energy (10Dq). Also, Cu(II) complexes measured subnormal values due to the interaction between copper centers; the lower the value the higher the interaction. It was found that the substitutent has a noticeable effect on the distortion of the complex. The ESR spectra of some solid Cu(II) complexes at room temperature exhibit g(parallel)>g( perpendicular)>2.0023 confirming a square-planar structure.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic, electrochemical and structural characterization of Cu(II) complexes with asymmetric NN′OS coordination spheres

A set of four Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(cdnapen)], [Cu(cdnappd)], [Cu(cdMenappd)] and [Cu(cdMeMeOsalpd)], derived from Schiff base ligands with an asymmetric NN′OS coordination sphere have been synthesized. The molecular and the crystal structures have been determined by X-ray diffractometry. The structural results confirm that the complexes are tetra coordinated. The copper (II) ion coordinates to two nitrogen atoms from the imine moiety of the ligand, a sulfur atom from the methyl dithiocarboxylate moiety and a phenolic oxygen atom. The complexes show an unusual tetrahedral distortion to the square-planar geometry around the metal centre in spite of the pseudomacrocyclic skeleton of the ligand. The complexes were further characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The degree of tetrahedral distortion of the complexes appears to be dependent on the number of carbon atoms of the aliphatic bridge and the nature of the coordinating atoms.     

Cadmium(II) and mercury(II) complexes of an NO2S2-donor macrocycle and its ditopic xylyl-bridged analogue

The NO2S2-donor macrocycle (L1) was synthesised from the ring closure reaction between Boc-N-protected 2,2'-iminobis(ethanethiol) (3) and 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)bis(benzyl chloride) (4) followed by deprotection of the Boc-group. alpha,alpha'-Dibromo-p-xylene was employed as a dialkylating agent to bridge two L1 to yield the corresponding N-linked product (L2). The X-ray structure of L2 (as its HBr salt) is described. A range of Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes of L1 (6-9) and L2 (10-12) were prepared and characterised. Reaction of HgX2 (X = Br or I) with L1 afforded [Hg(L1)Br]2[Hg2Br6].2CH2Cl2 6 and [Hg(L1)I(2)] 7, respectively. For 6, the Hg(II) ion in the complex cation has a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment composed of S2N donor atoms from L1 and a bromo ligand. In 7 the coordination geometry is highly distorted tetrahedral, with the macrocycle coordinating in an exodentate manner via one S and one N atom. The remaining two coordination sites are occupied by iodide ions. [Hg(L1)(ClO4)]ClO4 8 was isolated from the reaction of Hg(ClO4)2 and L1. The X-ray structure reveals that all macrocyclic ring donors bind to the central mercury ion in this case, with the latter exhibiting a highly distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The O2S2-donors from the macrocyclic ring define the equatorial plane while the axial positions are occupied by the ring nitrogen as well as by an oxygen from a monodentate perchlorato ion. Reaction of Cd(NO3)(2).4H2O with L1 afforded [Cd(L1)(NO3)2](.)0.5CH2Cl2 9 in which L1 acts as a tridentate ligand, binding exo-fashion via its S2N donors. The remaining coordination positions are filled by two bidentate nitrate ions such that, overall, the cadmium is seven-coordinate. Reactions of HgX2(X = Br or I) with L2 yielded the isostructural 2 : 1 (metal : ligand) complexes, [Hg2(L2)Br4] 10 and [Hg2(L2)I(4)] 11. Each mercury ion has a distorted tetrahedral environment made up of S and N donors from an exodentate L2 and two coordinated halides. Contrasting with this, the reaction of L2 with Cd(NO3)(2).4H2O yielded a 1-D coordination network, {[Cd2(L2)(NO3)4].2CH2Cl2}n 12 in which each ring of L2 is exo-coordinated via two S atoms and one N atom to a cadmium ion which is also bound to one monodentate and one bidentate nitrate anion. The latter also has one of its oxygen atom attached to a neighboring cadmium via a nitroso (mu2-O) bridge such that the overall coordination geometry about each cadmium is seven-coordinate. The [Cd(L2)0.5(NO3)2] units are linked by an inversion to yield the polymeric arrangement.     

Graphite rod atomization and atomic fluorescence for the simultaneous determination of silver and copper in jet engine oils

S-Methyldithizone(5-methylmercapto-1,5-diphenylformazan) reacts with the chlorides of copper(II), mercury(II) and phenylmercury(II) to give the 1:1 chelates [CuCl(MeDz), HgCl(MeDz) and C₆H₅Hg(MeDz)] and with nickel(II) and palladium(II) to give the 1:2 chelates, M(MeDz)₂. All these complexes are intensely coloured in chloroform solution. No complexes are formed from cobalt(II), manganese(II) or zinc(II) or from the nitrates or acetates of copper and mercury. Coordination increases the reactivity of the sulphur atom in dithizone. Whereas dithizone is unaffected by methyl iodide, nickel dithizonate, Ni(HDz)₂, gives Ni-(MeDz)₂ when heated with methyl iodide in ethanol in the presence of sodium acetate; palladium dithizonate behaves similarly. The 1:1 adduct of nickel dithizonate with 2,2'-bipyridyl gave only Ni(MeDz)₂ on treatment with methyl iodide, and this complex would not form an adduct with bipyridyl. On standing in the light, Ni(MeDz)₂ reacted photochemically to give the yellow isomer of S-methyl-dithizone.     

Spectral, magnetic and thermal characterisation of new Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with Schiff base 5-bromo-N,N′-bis-(salicylidene)-o-tolidine

Starting from 5-bromo-N,N′-bis-(salicylidene)-o-tolidine (H₂L) new complexes with Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) were synthesised and characterised. The features of complexes have been assigned from microanalytical, IR, UV–Vis–NIR and EPR spectra, magnetic data at room temperature as well as thermal analysis. IR data are in accordance with bischelate nature of the deprotonated ligand that coordinates through azomethinic nitrogen and phenolic oxygen. The electronic spectra display the characteristic pattern of tetrahedral stereochemistry for [CoL]·H₂O complex and octahedral one for [NiL(OH₂)₂]·H₂O complex. The electronic spectra correlated with magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a square-planar surrounding for [ML] (M:Ni, Cu) species, while the EPR spectrum of copper complex sustains the proposed stereochemistry. The thermal analysis evidenced that thermal transformations are complex processes according to TG, DTA and DTG curves including (crystallization or coordination) water elimination, thermolyses and oxidative degradation of Schiff base. All these processes lead to the most stable metallic oxides as final product.     

A monometallic Rh(III) tetraphosphine complex: reductive activation of CH2Cl2 and selective meso to racemic tetraphosphine ligand isomerization

The first Rh complex with an eta(4)-coordinated rac-et,ph-P4 ligand [et,ph-P4 = (Et2PCH2CH2)(Ph)PCH2P(Ph)(CH2CH2PEt2)] has been synthesized by reacting [Rh(nbd)2]BF4 with meso- or rac-et,ph-P4 in dichloromethane. The reaction occurs fairly rapidly at room temperature to form [rac-RhCl2(eta(4)-et,ph-P4)](+) in high yields, regardless of whether one starts with mixed or even pure meso-et,ph-P4 ligand. This unusual and highly selective metal assisted isomerization of the meso-et,ph-P4 ligand to its rac-et,ph-P4 disastereomer will be discussed.     

Some transition metal complexes of new terdentate ligands: Bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]benzylamine and bis[2-(diphenylarsino)ethyl)benzylamine

Complexes of the terdentate ligands bis[2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl]benzylamine (DPBA) and bis[2-(diphenylarsino)ethyl]benzylamine (DABA) with Co(II), Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), Rh(III), Ir(III), Rh(I) and Ir(I) are reported. The ligand DPBA reacts with Co(II) ion to form two types of complexes: a high-spin, paramagnetic, tetrahedral Co(II) complex of composition [CoCl(DPBA)]Cl and a low-spin, paramagnetic, square-planar complex of composition [CoBr(DPBA)]B(C₆H₅)₄. The reaction of DPBA with Ni(II) ion in methanol yields low-spin, diamagnetic, square-planar complexes of type [NiX(DPBA)]Y [X = Cl, Br or I; Y = Cl or B(C₆H₅)₄]. Four-coordinate, square-planar, cationic complexes of type [MY(L⁺[M = Pd(II), Pt(II), Rh(I) or Ir(I); Y = Cl or P(C₆H₅)₃; L = DPBA or DABA], were obtained on reaction of L with various starting materials containing these metal ions. Reaction of DPBA and DABA with rhodium and iridium trichlorides gave octahedral, neutral complexes of general formula [MCl₃(L)] (M = Rh or Ir, L = DPBA or DABA). All the complexes were characterized on the basis of their elemental analysis, molarconductance data, magnetic susceptibilities, electronic spectra, IR spectral measurements, and¹H and³¹P-{¹H} NMR spectral data.     

Synthesis,characterization and bio-activity of a bidentate NS Schiff base of S-allyldithiocarbazate and its divalent metal complexes: X-ray crystal structures of the free ligand and its nickel(II) complex

Transition metal complexes ML₂ (2–6) [where M = Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Pd(II) and HL = allyl-2-(4-benzyloxyphenylmethylene)hydrazine carbodithioate (1)] have been prepared by the reaction of the ligand with metal ions in 2:1 molar ratio and characterized by physicochemical techniques and spectroscopic methods. The crystal structures of the free ligand and its nickel(II) complex 2 have been determined by X-ray diffractometry. The ligand exists in its thione tautomeric form both in solution and in the solid state. In complex 2, square-planar coordination of nickel(II) was achieved by two chelating ligand moieties coordinating through the azomethine nitrogen and the deprotonated thione sulphur atom. Based on the crystal structures of analogous dithiocarbazate species, a square-planar geometry was assumed for the copper(II) and palladium(II) complexes, and a tetrahedral coordination sphere for the zinc(II) and cadmium(II) derivatives. The in vitro bactericidal activity suggests that the palladium(II) complex is strongly active against two bacteria. The cadmium(II) complex is moderately cytotoxic with an LC₅₀ value of 409 μg/ml, but less active than gallic acid, LC₅₀ = 78 μg/ml.     

Stereochemistry of new nitrogen containing heterocyclic aldehyde. Part XI. Novel ligational behaviour of quinoline as chelate ligand toward transition metal ions

Novel complexes of Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and UO2(II) with a new Schiff base derived from 8-hydroxy-7-quinolinecarboxaldehyde and 2-aminoethanethiol (LH2) (system name: 2-(8-hydroxy-7-carboxalimino)ethanethiol.) have been prepared and characterized on the basis of analytical, thermal, magnetic moment, infrared, electronic, NMR and EPR spectral data. From the analytical, NMR and thermal data and stoichiometry of the complexes indicate that LH2 act as a dibasic tridentate ligand with ONS donors towards all the metal ions. The magnetic moment, electronic and EPR spectral data commensurate that the Mn(II), Fe(II), Ni(II) and UO2(II) complexes are dimeric with octahedral configuration while the Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes are monomeric with square-planar and tetrahedral geometries, respectively. Various ligand field parameters Dq, B and beta for complex 5 was calculated. The complexes 3+4 have lower symmetries and the amount of distortion in terms of DT/DQ applying NSH "Hamiltonian Theory" has been evaluated which indicate that the complexes are moderately distorted.     

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure determination of zinc (II) and mercury (II) complexes with 2,2′-dimethyl-4,4′-bithiazole

The 2,2′-dimethyl-4,4′-bithiazole ligand (1), (dm4bt), and its Zn and Hg complexes have been prepared. A conformational property calculation at the DFT level for the ligand shows the anti conformation is energetically more stable by about 22.83 kJ/mol and the rotational barrier is about 32.01 kJ/mol for the anti → syn conversion, a phenomena happening during complex formation. The complexes [Zn(dm4bt)Cl₂] (2) and [Hg(dm4bt)Cl₂] (3) have spectral properties typical for d¹⁰ metal diimine systems. The structures of the ligand and the two complexes have been determined by the single crystal diffraction method. The X-ray structure determinations show that both complexes are four coordinated by two chloride atoms and one bidentate dm4bt. In the Hg complex one of the two chlorides is set at a semi-bridging position.     

Complexes of Ag(I), Hg(I) and Hg(II) with multidentate pyrazolyl-pyridine ligands: From mononuclear complexes to coordination polymers via helicates, a mesocate, a cage and a catenate

The coordination chemistry of a series of di- and tri-nucleating ligands with Ag(I), Hg(I) and Hg(II) has been investigated. Most of the ligands contain two or three N,N'-bidentate chelating pyrazolyl-pyridine units pendant from a central aromatic spacer; one contains three binding sites (2 + 3 + 2-dentate) in a linear sequence. A series of thirteen complexes has been structurally characterised displaying a wide range of structural types. Bis-bidentate bridging ligands react with Ag(I) to give complexes in which Ag(I) is four-coordinate from two bidentate donors, but the complexes can take the form of one-dimensional coordination polymers, or dinuclear complexes (mesocate or helicate). A tris-bidentate triangular ligand forms a complicated two-dimensional coordination network with Ag(I) in which Ag...Ag contacts, as well as metal-ligand coordination bonds, play a significant role. Three dinuclear Hg(I) complexes were isolated which contain an {Hg2}2+ metal-metal bonded core bound to a single bis-bidentate ligand which can span both metal ions. Also characterised were a series of Hg(II) complexes comprising a simple mononuclear four-coordinate Hg(II) complex, a tetrahedral Hg(II)4 cage which incorporates a counter-ion in its central cavity, a trinuclear double helicate, and a trinuclear catenated structure in which two long ligands have spontaneously formed interlocked metallomacrocyclic rings thanks to cyclometallation of two of the Hg(II) centres.