Redox Behaviour of Cymantrene Fischer Carbene Complexes in Designing Organometallic Multi‐tags

A series of Group 7 Fischer carbene complexes, [Cp(CO)₂Mn^I=C(OEt)Ar] (Cp=cyclopentadienyl, Ar=Th=thienyl ( 1 a ), Ar=Fu=furyl ( 2 a ), Ar=Fc=ferrocenyl ( 3 a )) and biscarbene complexes, [Cp(CO)₂Mn?C(OEt)?Ar′?(OEt)C?Mn(CO)₂Cp] (Ar′=Th′=2,5‐thienylene ( 1 b ), Ar′=Fu′=2,5‐furylene ( 2 b ), Ar′=Fc′=1,1′‐ferrocendiyl ( 3 b )) was synthesized and characterized. Chemical oxidation of [Cp(CO)₂Mn?C(OEt)Fc] ( 3 a ) and isolation of the oxidised species [3 a][PF₆] possessing a Mn^II centre proved possible below ?30 °C in dichloromethane solution. The ESR spectrum of the transiently stable radical cation, [3 a][PF₆] , confirmed the presence of a low‐spin Mn^II centre characterized by a rhombic g tensor (g_x=1.975, g_y=2.007 and g_z=2.130) in frozen dichloromethane at 77 K with ⁵⁵ Mn hyperfine coupling constants A₁, A₂ and A₃ of 115, 33 and 43 G, respectively. Electrochemical studies demonstrated the influence of the Ar substituent on the oxidation potential. All complexes showed that the redox potentials of carbene double bond reduction and Mn^I oxidation were dependent on the type of Ar group, but only 3 b showed resolved oxidations for the two Mn^I centres. Surprisingly, Mn^I oxidation occurs at lower potentials than ferrocenyl oxidation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to delineate the nature of the species involved in the oxidation and reduction processes and clearly confirm that oxidation of Mn^I is favoured over that of ferrocene.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) of a Cubic Metal Cluster with Multicentered MnIMnI Bonds

MOFs with both multicentered metal–metal bonds and low‐oxidation‐state (LOS) metal ions have been underexplored hitherto. Here we report the first cubic [Mn^I₈] cluster‐based MOF ( 1 ) with multicentered Mn^I? Mn^I bonds and +1 oxidation state of manganese (Mn^I or Mn(I)), as is supported by single‐crystal structure determination, XPS analyses, and quantum chemical studies. Compound 1 possesses the shortest Mn^I? Mn^I bond of 2.372 Å. Theoretical studies with density functional theory (DFT) reveal extensive electron delocalization over the [Mn^I₈] cube. The 48 electrons in the [Mn^I₈] cube fully occupy half of the 3d‐based and the lowest 4s‐based bonding orbitals, with six electrons lying at the nonbonding 3d‐orbitals. This bonding feature renders so‐called cubic aromaticity. Magnetic properties measurements show that 1 is an antiferromagnet. This work is expected to inspire further investigation of cubic metal–metal bonding, MOF materials with LOS metals, and metalloaromatic theory.     

Homoleptic Two‐Coordinate Silylamido Complexes of Chromium(I), Manganese(I), and Cobalt(I)

Anionic two‐coordinate complexes of first‐row transition‐metal(I) centres are rare molecules that are expected to reveal new magnetic properties and reactivity. Recently, we demonstrated that a N(SiMe₃)₂^? ligand set, which is unable to prevent dimerisation or extraneous ligand coordination at the +2 oxidation state of iron, was nonetheless able to stabilise anionic two‐coordinate Fe^I complexes even in the presence of a Lewis base. We now report analogous Cr^I and Co^I complexes with exclusively this amido ligand and the isolation of a [Mn^I{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂]₂^2? dimer that features a Mn?Mn bond. Additionally, by increasing the steric hindrance of the ligand set, the two‐coordinate complex [Mn^I{N(Dipp)(SiMe₃)}₂]^? was isolated (Dipp=2,6‐iPr₂‐C₆H₃). Characterisation of these compounds by using X‐ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements is provided along with ligand‐field analysis based on CASSCF/NEVPT2 ab initio calculations.     

Synthesis and structures of photoactive manganese–carbonyl complexes derived from 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole and 2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole

PhotoCORMs (photo‐active CO‐releasing molecules) have emerged as a class of CO donors where the CO release process can be triggered upon illumination with light of appropriate wavelength. We have recently reported an Mn‐based photoCORM, namely [MnBr(pbt)(CO)₃] [pbt is 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole], where the CO release event can be tracked within cellular milieu by virtue of the emergence of strong blue fluorescence. In pursuit of developing more such trackable photoCORMs, we report herein the syntheses and structural characterization of two Mn^I–carbonyl complexes, namely fac‐tricarbonylchlorido[2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole‐κ²N ,N ′]manganese(I), [MnCl(C₁₂H₈N₂S)(CO)₃], (1), and fac‐tricarbonylchlorido[2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole‐κ²N ,N ′]manganese(I), [MnCl(C₁₆H₁₀N₂S)(CO)₃], (2). In both complexes, the Mn^I center resides in a distorted octahedral coordination environment. Weak intermolecular C—H…Cl contacts in complex (1) and Cl…S contacts in complex (2) consolidate their extended structures. These complexes also exhibit CO release upon exposure to low‐power broadband visible light. The apparent CO release rates for the two complexes have been measured to compare their CO donating capacity. The fluorogenic 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole and 2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole ligands provide a convenient way to track the CO release event through the `turn‐ON' fluorescence which results upon de‐ligation of the ligands from their respective metal centers following CO photorelease.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic Characterisation of Mono‐ and Dinuclear 5,5‐Diethylbarbiturato Complexes of Chromium(0) and Rhenium(I)

Addition of 5,5‐diethylbarbituric acid (H₂debarb, 1 ) to [CpCr(NO)₂Cl], [Re(CO)₅Br] or [(PPh₃)Re(CO)₄Br] in the presence of triethylamine and AgO₃SCF₃ (= AgOTf) resulted in the mono‐barbiturato complexes [CpCr(NO)₂(Hdebarb)] ( 2 ), [PPh₃Re(CO)₄(Hdebarb)] ( 3 ) and [Re(CO)₅(Hdebarb)] ( 4 ), respectively. Bis‐barbiturato complex [{(CO)₅Re}₂(debarb)] ( 5 ) with a doubly deprotonated barbiturate dianion formed when a molar ratio of metal complex to ligand of 2:1 was used. In the case of the rhenium complexes, AgO₃SCF₃ must be used additionally to cleave off bromide. All of the complexes were fully characterised by means of IR, mass and ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectra and elemental analysis. In addition, their solid‐state structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The complexes exhibit distorted pseudo‐tetrahedral ( 2 ) or pseudo‐octahedral ( 3 – 5 ) configuration around the metal atom. In all complexes the ring system of the Hdebarb ligand is essentially planar.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) of a Cubic Metal Cluster with Multicentered MnI?MnI Bonds

MOFs with both multicentered metal–metal bonds and low‐oxidation‐state (LOS) metal ions have been underexplored hitherto. Here we report the first cubic [Mn^I₈] cluster‐based MOF ( 1 ) with multicentered Mn^I Mn^I bonds and +1 oxidation state of manganese (Mn^I or Mn(I)), as is supported by single‐crystal structure determination, XPS analyses, and quantum chemical studies. Compound 1 possesses the shortest Mn^I Mn^I bond of 2.372 Å. Theoretical studies with density functional theory (DFT) reveal extensive electron delocalization over the [Mn^I₈] cube. The 48 electrons in the [Mn^I₈] cube fully occupy half of the 3d‐based and the lowest 4s‐based bonding orbitals, with six electrons lying at the nonbonding 3d‐orbitals. This bonding feature renders so‐called cubic aromaticity. Magnetic properties measurements show that 1 is an antiferromagnet. This work is expected to inspire further investigation of cubic metal–metal bonding, MOF materials with LOS metals, and metalloaromatic theory.     

Structures,Unimolecular Fragmentations,and Reactivities of the Self‐Assembled Multimetallic/Peptide Complexes [Mnn(GlyGly‐H)2n−1]+ and [Mnn+1(GlyGly‐H)2n]2+

Complexes of Mn²⁺ with deprotonated GlyGly are investigated by sustained off‐resonance irradiation collision‐induced dissociation (SORI‐CID), infrared multiple‐photon dissociation spectroscopy, ion–molecule reactions, and computational methods. Singly [Mn_n(GlyGly‐H)_2n?1]⁺ and doubly [Mn_n+1(GlyGly‐H)_2n]²⁺ charged clusters are formed from aqueous solutions of MnCl₂ and GlyGly by electrospray ionization. The most intense ion produced was the singly charged [M₂(GlyGly‐H)₃]⁺ cluster. Singly charged clusters show extensive fragmentations of small neutral molecules such as water and carbon dioxide as well as dissociation pathways related to the loss of NH₂CHCO and GlyGly. For the doubly charged clusters, however, loss of GlyGly is observed as the main dissociation pathway. Structure elucidation of [Mn₃(GlyGly‐H)₄]²⁺ clusters has also been done by IRMPD spectroscopy as well as DFT calculations. It is shown that the lowest energy structure of the [Mn₃(GlyGly‐H)₄]²⁺ cluster is deprotonated at all carboxylic acid groups and metal ions are coordinated with carbonyl oxygen atoms, and that all amine nitrogen atoms are hydrogen bonded to the amide hydrogen. A comparison of the calculated high‐spin (sextet) and low‐spin (quartet) state structures of [Mn₃(GlyGly‐H)₄]²⁺ is provided. IRMPD spectroscopic results are in agreement with the lowest energy high‐spin structure computed. Also, the gas‐phase reactivity of these complexes towards neutral CO and water was investigated. The parent complexes did not add any water or CO, presumably due to saturation at the metal cation. However, once some of the ligand was removed via CO₂ laser IRMPD, water was seen to add to the complex. These results are consistent with high‐spin Mn²⁺ complexes.     

Systematische Studie zu den Koordinationseigenschaften des Guanidin‐Liganden Bis(tetramethylguanidino)propan mit den Metallen Mangan,Cobalt, Nickel,Zink, Cadmium,Quecksilber und Silber

The transition metal complexes with the ligand 1,3‐bis(N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylguanidino)propane (btmgp), [Mn(btmgp)Br₂] ( 1 ), [Co(btmgp)Cl₂] ( 2 ), [Ni(btmgp)I₂] ( 3 ), [Zn(btmgp)Cl₂] ( 4 ), [Zn(btmgp)(O₂CCH₃)₂] ( 5 ), [Cd(btmgp)Cl₂] ( 6 ), [Hg(btmgp)Cl₂] ( 7 ) and [Ag₂(btmgp)₂][ClO₄]₂·2MeCN ( 8 ), were prepared and characterised for the first time. The stoichiometric reaction of the corresponding water‐free metal salts with the ligand btmgp in dry MeCN or THF resulted in the straightforward formation of the mononuclear complexes 1 – 7 and the binuclear complex 8 . In complexes with M^II the metal ion shows a distorted tetrahedral coordination whereas in 8 , the coordination of the M^I ion is almost linear. The coordination behavior of btmgp and resulting structural parameters of the corresponding complexes were discussed in an comparative approach together with already described complexes of btmgp and the bisguanidine ligand N¹,N²‐bis(1,3‐dimethylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)‐ethane‐1,2‐diamine (DMEG₂e), respectively.     

Formation of the Salt‐like Complexes [Co{S2CC(PPh3)2}3][Co(CO)4]3 and [(CO)4Mn{S2CC(PPh3)2}][Mn(CO)5] from the Reaction of the Related Carbonyl Compounds with S2CC(PPh3)2

The betain‐like compound S₂CC(PPh₃)₂ ( 1 ), which is obtained from CS₂ and the double ylide C(PPh₃)₂, reacts with [Co₂(CO)₈] and [Mn₂(CO)₁₀] in THF to afford the salt‐like complexes [Co{S₂CC(PPh₃)₂}₃][Co(CO)₄]₃ ( 2 ) and [(CO)₄Mn{S₂CC(PPh₃)₂}][Mn(CO)₅] ( 3 ), respectively, in good yields. At both d⁶ cations 1 acts as a chelating ligand. Disproportionation reactions from formal Co⁰ into Co^III and Co^?I and from Mn⁰ into Mn^I and Mn^?I occurred with the removal of four or one carbonyl groups, respectively. The crystal structures of 2· 5.5THF and 3· 2THF are reported, which show a shortening of the C–C bond in the ligand upon complex formation. The compounds are further characterized by ³¹P NMR and IR spectroscopy.     

Neutrale Bis‐Aziridin‐Komplexe des Typs [M(CO)3XAz2] (M = Mn,Re; X = Cl,Br; Az = N(H)C2H2Me2)

The pentacarbonylhalogene complexes [XM(CO)₅] (M = Mn, Re; X = Cl, Br) ( 1a – 2b ) react with 2,2‐dimethylaziridine by thermally induced substitution reaction to give the neutral bis‐aziridine complexes [M(X)(CO)₃Az₂] (Az = N(H)C₂H₂Me₂) ( 3a – 4b ). As a result of the X‐ray structure analyses, the metal atoms are octahedrally configurated in the facial arrangement; the intact three‐membered rings coordinate through their distorted tetrahedrally configurated N atoms. All compounds 3a – 4b are stable with respect to the directed thermal alkene elimination to give the corresponding nitrene complexes (CO)₄(X)M=NH; their IR, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR, and MS spectra are reported and discussed.     

Quinobis(imidazolylidene): Synthesis and Study of an Electron‐Configurable Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) and Its Bimetallic Complexes

Reaction of bromanil with N,N′‐dimesitylformamidine followed by deprotonation with NaN(SiMe₃)₂ afforded 1,1′,3,3′‐tetramesitylquinobis(imidazolylidene) ( 1 ), a bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) (NHC) with two NHC moieties connected by a redox active p‐quinone residue, in 72 % yield of isolated compound. Bimetallic complexes of 1 were prepared by coupling to FcN₃ ( 2 ) or FcNCS ( 3 ; Fc=ferrocenyl) or coordination to [M(cod)Cl] ( 4 a or 4 b , where M=Rh or Ir, respectively; cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene). Treatment of 4 a and 4 b with excess CO(g) afforded the corresponding [M(CO)₂Cl] complexes 5 a and 5 b , respectively. Analysis of 2 – 5 by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction indicated that the electron‐deficient quinone did not significantly affect the inherent spectral properties or coordination chemistry of the flanking imidazolylidene units, as compared to analogous NHCs. Infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry revealed that decreasing the electron density at ML_n afforded an increase in the stretching energy and a decrease in the reduction potential of the quinone, indicative of metal–quinone electronic interaction. Differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry of the metal‐centered oxidations in 2 – 4 revealed two single, one‐electron peaks. Thus, the metal atoms bound to 1 are oxidized at indistinguishable potentials and do not appear electronically coupled. However, the metal–quinone interaction was used to increase the electron density at coordinated metal atoms. Infrared spectroelectrochemistry revealed that the average ν_CO values for 5 a and 5 b decreased by 14 and 15 cm^?1, respectively, upon reduction of the quinone embedded within 1 . These shifts correspond to 10 and 12 cm^?1 decreases in the Tolman electronic parameter of this ditopic ligand.     

Spectroscopic and DFT studies of photoactivatable Mn(I) tricarbonyl complexes

A combined experimental study and density functional theory calculations of fac‐[MnBr (CO)₃L] complexes (L = 2‐(2′‐pyridyl)benzimidazole ligand, furnished with either morpholine (L^morph) or phthalimido (L^phth) side‐chain) were performed using different spectral and analytical tools. The synthesized complexes released carbon monoxide upon the exposure to LED source light at 468 nm. Illumination of fac‐[MnBr (CO)₃L] (10 μM) in the myoglobin solution (Mb) produced about 25 μM MbCO. The plateau of the CO release process is attained within 25 min. With the aid of time‐dependent density functional theory calculations, the observed lowest energy absorption transition at ~ 400 nm has a ground‐state composed of d (Mn)/π (pyridyl) and excited‐state of ligand π*‐orbitals forming MLCT/π‐π^*. Natural population analyses of fac‐[MnBr (CO)₃L] were carried out to get information about the strength of Mn–CO bonds, electronic arrangment and natural charge of manganese ion.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Di‐ and Tricarbonylhydridomanganese(I) Complexes

Hydrido complexes [MnH(CO)₃L^1–3] [L¹ = 1,2‐bis‐(diphenylphosphanoxy)‐ethane ( 1 ); L² = 1,2‐bis‐(diisopropylphosphanoxy)ethane ( 2 ); L³ = 1,3‐bis‐(diphenylphosphanoxy)‐propane ( 3 )] were prepared by treating [MnH(CO)₅] with the appropriate bidentate ligand by heating to reflux. Photoirradiation of a toluene solution of complexes 1 and 2 in the presence of PPh_n(OR)_3–n (n = 0, 1; R = Me, Et) leads to the replacement of a CO ligand by the corresponding monodentate phosphite or phosphonite ligand to give new hydrido compounds of formula [MnH(CO)₂(L^1–2)(L)] [L = P(OMe)₃ ( 1a – 2a ); P(OEt)₃ ( 1b – 2b ); PPh(OMe)₂ ( 1c – 2c ); PPh(OEt)₂ ( 1d – 2d )]. All complexes were characterized by IR, ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. In case of compounds 2 and 3 , suitable crystals for X‐ray diffraction studies were isolated.     

Porphyrins Fused to N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs): Modulation of the Electronic and Catalytic Properties of NHCs by the Central Metal of the Porphyrin

We report herein a detailed study of the use of porphyrins fused to imidazolium salts as precursors of N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands 1 M . Rhodium(I) complexes 6 M – 9 M were prepared by using 1 M ligands with different metal cations in the inner core of the porphyrin (M=Ni^II, Zn^II, Mn^III, Al^III, 2H). The electronic properties of the corresponding N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands were investigated by monitoring the spectroscopic changes occurring in the cod and CO ancillary ligands of [( 1 M )Rh(cod)Cl] and [( 1 M )Rh(CO)₂Cl] complexes (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene). Porphyrin–NHC ligands 1 M with a trivalent metal cation such as Mn^III and Al^III are overall poorer electron donors than porphyrin–NHC ligands with no metal cation or incorporating a divalent metal cation such as Ni^II and Zn^II. Imidazolium salts 3 M (M=Ni, Zn, Mn, 2H) have also been used as NHC precursors to catalyze the ring‐opening polymerization of L ‐lactide. The results clearly show that the inner metal of the porphyrin has an important effect on the reactivity of the outer carbene.     

Radical CpNi(dithiolene) and CpNi(diselenolene) complexes: Synthetic routes and molecular properties

The formally Ni(III) d⁷ radical organometallic complexes formulated as [CpNi(dithiolene)] can be prepared by different routes involving different CpNi sources such as the Ni^(I) [CpNi(CO)]₂, the Ni^(II) [Cp₂Ni] or [CpNi(cod)]⁺ or the Ni^(III) [Cp₂Ni]⁺ complexes. As dithiolene precursors, the naked dithiolate, the mono- as well as bis-(dithiolene) metal complexes were investigated. The highest yields are generally associated with an appropriate redox match, that is a CpNi^(II) precursor with a formally Ni^(IV) [Ni(dithiolene)₂]⁰ complex, or a CpNi^(III) precursor with a formally Ni^(III) [Ni(dithiolene)₂]^? complex. The structural, electrochemical and spectroscopic (UV–vis–NIR, EPR) properties of more than twenty complexes are described and compared, with the help of DFT calculations. They all exhibit a small optical gap with a low-energy absorption band in the Near Infra-Red region, between 700 and 1000 nm. The smaller electrochemical and optical gap found in the [CpNi(dmit)] and [CpNi(dddt)] complexes is correlated with an extensive delocalisation of the spin density in these complexes, while the other members of the series are characterized with a larger and sizeable spin density on the cyclopentadienyl ring.     

Novel repaglinide complexes with manganese(II), iron(III), copper(II) and zinc(II): Spectroscopic,DFT characterization and electrochemical behaviour

Novel transition metal complexes with the repaglinide ligand [2-ethoxy-4-[N-[1-(2piperidinophenyl)-3-methyl-1-1butyl] aminocarbonylmethyl]benzoic acid] (HL) are prepared from chloride salts of manganese(II), iron(III), copper(II), and zinc(II) ions in water-alcoholic media. The mononuclear and non-electrolyte [M(L)₂(H₂O)₂]?nH₂O (M = Mn²⁺, n = 2, M = Cu²⁺, n = 5 and M = Zn²⁺, n = 1) and [M(L)₂(H₂O)(OH)]?H₂O (M = Fe³⁺) complexes are obtained with the metal:ligand ratio of 1:2 and the L-deprotonated form of repaglinide. They are characterized using the elemental and molar conductance. The infrared, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra show the coordination mode of the metal ions to the repaglinide ligand. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and electronic spectra confirm the octahedral geometry around the metal center. The experimental values of FT-IR, ¹H, NMR, and electronic spectra are compared with theoretical data obtained by the density functional theory (DFT) using the B3LYP method with the LANL2DZ basis set. Analytical and spectral results suggest that the HL ligand is coordinated to the metal ions via two oxygen atoms of the ethoxy and carboxyl groups. The structural parameters of the optimized geometries of the ligand and the studied complexes are evaluated by theoretical calculations. The order of complexation energies for the obtained structures is as follows:

$$Fe(III) complex < Cu(II) complex < Zn(II) complex < Mn(II) complex.$$

The redox behavior of repaglinide and metal complexes are studied by cyclic voltammetry revealing irreversible redox processes. The presence of repaglinide in the complexes shifts the reduction potentials of the metal ions towards more negative values.

     

Molybdenum(0) and Tungsten(0) Complexes with P,S and P,Se Monooxidized Bis(phosphanyl)amine Ligands

Reactions of monooxidized thioyl and selenoyl bis(phosphanyl)amine ligands C₁₀H₇‐1‐N(P(E)Ph₂)(PPh₂) [E = S ( 1 ), Se ( 2 )] with Mo(CO)₄(pip)₂ and W(CO)₄(cod) afforded the complexes [M(CO)₄{ 1 ‐κ²P,S}] [M = Mo ( 3 ), W ( 4 )] and [M(CO)₄{ 2 ‐κ²P,Se}] [M = Mo ( 5 ), W ( 6 )]. Complexes 3 – 6 were characterized by multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, and ⁷⁷Se NMR) and IR spectroscopy. Crystal‐structure determinations were carried out on 3 , 5 , and 6 , which represent the first examples of structurally characterized complexes of such ligands with group‐6 metal carbonyls.     

Binuclear Iron(I) Complex Containing Bridging Phenanthrene‐4,5‐dithiolate Ligand: Preparation,Spectroscopy, Crystal Structure,and Electrochemistry

A diiron hexacarbonyl complex containing bridging phenanthrene‐4,5‐dithiolate ligand is prepared by oxidative addition of Phenanthro[4,5‐cde][1,2]dithiin to Fe₂(CO)₉. The complex is investigated as a model for the active site of the [Fe–Fe] hydrogenase enzyme. The compound, [(μ‐PNT)Fe₂(CO)₆]; (PNT = phenanthrene‐4,5‐dithiolate), was characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, UV/Vis and NMR) and X‐ray crystallography. The IR and proton NMR spectra of [(μ‐PNT)Fe₂(CO)₆] ( 4 ) are in agreement with a PNT ligand attached to a Fe₂(CO)₆ core. The infrared spectrum of 4 recorded in dichloromethane contains three peaks at 2001, 2040, and 2075 cm^–1 corresponding to the stretching frequency of terminal metal carbonyls. X‐ray crystallographic study unequivocally confirms the structure of the complex having a butterfly shape with an Fe–Fe bond length of 2.5365 Å close to that of the enzyme (2.6 Å). Electrochemical properties of [(μ‐PNT)Fe₂(CO)₆] have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The cyclic voltammogram of [(μ‐PNT)Fe₂(CO)₆] recorded in acetonitrile contains one quasi‐irreversible reduction (E_1/2 = –0.84 V vs. Ag/AgCl, I_pc/I_pa = 0.6, ΔE_p = 131 V at 0.1 V · s^–1) and one irreversible oxidation (E_pa = 0.86 V vs. Ag/AgCl). The redox of [(μ‐PNT)Fe₂(CO)₆] at E_1/2 = –0.84 V can be assigned to the one‐electron transfer processes; [Fe^I–Fe^I] → [Fe^I–Fe⁰] and [Fe^I–Fe⁰] → [Fe^I–Fe^I].     

Phosphine‐NHC Manganese Hydrogenation Catalyst Exhibiting a Non‐Classical Metal‐Ligand Cooperative H2 Activation Mode

Deprotonation of the Mn^I NHC‐phosphine complex fac‐[MnBr(CO)₃(κ²P,C‐Ph₂PCH₂NHC)] ( 2 ) under a H₂ atmosphere readily gives the hydride fac‐[MnH(CO)₃(κ²P,C‐Ph₂PCH₂NHC)] ( 3 ) via the intermediacy of the highly reactive 18‐e NHC‐phosphinomethanide complex fac‐[Mn(CO)₃(κ³P,C,C‐Ph₂PCHNHC)] ( 6 a ). DFT calculations revealed that the preferred reaction mechanism involves the unsaturated 16‐e mangana‐substituted phosphonium ylide complex fac‐[Mn(CO)₃(κ²P,C‐Ph₂P=CHNHC)] ( 6 b ) as key intermediate able to activate H₂ via a non‐classical mode of metal‐ligand cooperation implying a formal λ⁵‐P–λ³‐P phosphorus valence change. Complex 2 is shown to be one of the most efficient pre‐catalysts for ketone hydrogenation in the Mn^I series reported to date (TON up to 6200).     

Coordination Complexes of a Neutral 1,2,4‐Benzotriazinyl Radical Ligand: Synthesis,Molecular and Electronic Structures,and Magnetic Properties

A series of d‐block metal complexes of the recently reported coordinating neutral radical ligand 1‐phenyl‐3‐(pyrid‐2‐yl)‐1,4‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐benzotriazin‐4‐yl ( 1 ) was synthesized. The investigated systems contain the benzotriazinyl radical 1 coordinated to a divalent metal cation, Mn^II, Fe^II, Co^II, or Ni^II, with 1,1,1,5,5,5‐hexafluoroacetylacetonato (hfac) as the auxiliary ligand of choice. The synthesized complexes were fully characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and electronic structure calculations. The complexes [Mn( 1 )(hfac)₂] and [Fe( 1 )(hfac)₂] displayed antiferromagnetic coupling between the unpaired electrons of the ligand and the metal cation, whereas the interaction was found to be ferromagnetic in the analogous Ni^II complex [Ni( 1 )(hfac)₂]. The magnetic properties of the complex [Co( 1 )(hfac)₂] were difficult to interpret owing to significant spin–orbit coupling inherent to octahedral high‐spin Co^II metal ion. As a whole, the reported data clearly demonstrated the favorable coordinating properties of the radical 1 , which, together with its stability and structural tunability, make it an excellent new building block for establishing more complex metal–radical architectures with interesting magnetic properties.