Dinuclear nickel complexes with a Ni(2)O(2) core: a structural and magnetic study

The acetylacetonate complexes [Ni(2)L(1)(acac)(MeOH)] x H(2)O, 1 x H(2)O and [Ni(2)L(3)(acac)(MeOH)] x 1.5H(2)O, 2 x 1.5H(2)O (H(3)L(1) = (2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine and H(3)L(3) = (2-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine) were prepared and fully characterised. Their crystal structures show that they are dinuclear complexes, extended into chains by hydrogen bond interactions. These compounds were used as starting materials for the isolation of the corresponding [Ni(2)HL(x)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x n MeOH and [Ni(2)HL(x)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)]x nH(2)O dicarboxylate complexes (x = 1, 3; n = 1-3). The crystal structures of [Ni(2)HL(1)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x MeOH, 3 x MeOH, [Ni(2)HL(3)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x 3 MeOH, 4 x 3 MeOH and [Ni(2)HL(1)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x 2.5H(2)O x 0.25 MeOH x MeCN, 5 x 2.5H(2)O x 0.25 MeOH x MeCN, were solved. Complexes 3-5 show dinuclear [Ni(2)HL(x)(dicarboxylate)(H(2)O)] units, expanded through hydrogen bonds that involve carboxylate and water ligands, as well as solvate molecules. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibilities of all the complexes show an intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the Ni(II) ions, which is attempted to be rationalized by comparison with previous results and in the light of molecular orbital treatment. Magnetisation measurements are in accord with a S = 2 ground state in all cases.     

New [LNiII2]+ complexes incorporating 2-formyl or 2,6-diformyl-4-methyl phenol as inhibitors of the hydrolysis of the ligand L3-: Ni...Ni ferromagnetic coupling and S=2 ground states

Reaction of the dinucleating ligand H3L (2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine) with Ni(NO3)(2).6H2O produces the dimer of monomers [Ni(HL1)]2(NO3)(2).4H2O (1.4H2O) following the hydrolysis of H3L. If the reaction occurs in the presence of 2-formylphenol (Hfp) or 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol (Hdfp), this hydrolysis is prevented by incorporation of these co-ligands into the structure and stabilization of the new complexes [Ni2L(fp)(H2O)].3H2O (2.3H2O) and [Ni2L(dfp)].4.5H2O (3.4.5H2O), respectively. Complexes 2 and 3 may be considered to be structural models of the active site of urease, where coordination of the carbonyl ligand mimics binding of urea. In complex 2, coordination of terminal water reproduces the binding of this substrate of the enzyme to the active site. In both dinuclear complexes, the NiII ions are coupled ferromagnetically to yield S=2 ground states, whereas complex 1 exhibits weak intradimer antiferromagnetic exchange through hydrogen bonds. The magnetic data can be modeled by using the Van Vleck equation, incorporating intermolecular interactions, or by diagonalization of a spin Hamiltonian that includes single-ion anisotropy.     

Ferromagnetic exchange in a dinuclear copper(II) complex mediated by a methanolate bridging ligand

The copper(II) complex Cu(2)L(OMe)(H(2)O)(3), [middle dot]3H(2)O [H(3)L = 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine] was obtained and recrystallised in methanol to yield crystals of [[Cu(2)L(OMe)]](2).2.5MeOH.4H(2)O, 1.2.5MeOH.4H(2)O. Its single X-ray study shows that it contains two crystallographically different but chemically equivalent dinuclear [Cu(2)L(OMe)] 1 molecules in the asymmetric unit cell. The copper atoms of each dinuclear moiety are in distorted square-pyramidal environments, with both pyramids sharing an apical phenolate and a basal methanolate oxygen atom. Magnetic characterisation of 1.3H(2)O shows a quite strong intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between both metal atoms. Extended Huckel calculations reveal that the intradinuclear magnetic interaction seems to be mediated by the exogenous methanolate bridging ligand.     

One pot-synthesis of chiral Ni6 clusters involving Ni3 subunits: a combined structural, magnetic and DFT study

Ni(6) clusters of the general formula [{Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(X)(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)] (n = 1, 2; X = Cl(-) or N(3)(-), (L(n))(3-) = hexadentate tritopic ligands) can be isolated by spontaneous self-assembly, from mixtures of Ni(OAc)(2), H(3)L(n), NMe(4)OH·5H(2)O and NaX in adequate molar ratios. Thus, four new hexanuclear complexes [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·7.5H(2)O (1·7.5H(2)O), [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH (2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH), [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·6H(2)O (3·6H(2)O) and [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·4H(2)O (4·4H(2)O) were obtained and fully characterised. 1·7.5H(2)O and 2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH were isolated in the form of single crystals, the latter losing solvate on drying, to yield 2·2H(2)O. Recrystallisation of 3·6H(2)O in MeCN/MeOH also generates single crystals of 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN. Their X-ray characterisation shows that these Ni(6) clusters can be considered to be built from two triangular trinuclear [Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)](+) subunits with different connectors. In addition, these studies demonstrate that the (L(n))(3-) ligands behave as trinucleating, adopting such a conformation that induces chirality in the isolated compounds. In this way, 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN appears particularly interesting, since it emerges as homochiral after undergoing spontaneous resolution upon crystallisation. The magnetic characterisation of 1·7.5H(2)O to 3·6H(2)O reveals that the three compounds present an overall antiferromagnetic coupling. The intricate magnetic behaviour of these clusters, mediated by a total of 14 bridges of different kinds, was analysed and satisfactorily interpreted in light of DFT calculations.     

Synthesis, molecular structure and properties of the [H6-nNi30C4(CO)34(CdCl)2]n- (n=3-6) bimetallic carbide carbonyl cluster: a model for the growth of noncompact interstitial metal carbides

Reaction of the [Ni(9)C(CO)(17)](2-) dianion with CdCl(2)2.5 H(2)O in THF affords the novel bimetallic Ni--Cd carbide carbonyl clusters [H(6-n)Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(micro(5)-CdCl)(2)](n-) (n=3-6), which undergo several protonation-deprotonation equilibria in solution depending on the basicity of the solvent or upon addition of acids or bases. Although the occurrence in solution of these equilibria complicates the pertinent electrochemical studies on their electron-transfer activity, they clearly indicate that the clusters [H(6-n)Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(micro(5)-CdCl)(2)](n-) (n=3-6), as well as the structurally related [H(6-n)Ni(34)C(4)(CO)(38)](n-) (n=4-6), undergo reversible or partially reversible redox processes and provide circumstantial and unambiguous evidence for the presence of hydrides for n=3, 4 and 5. Three of the [H(6-n)Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(micro(5)-CdCl)(2)](n-) anions (n=4-6) have been structurally characterized in their [NMe(3)(CH(2)Ph)](4)[H(2)Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(CdCl)(2)]2 COMe(2), [NEt(4)](5)[HNi(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(CdCl)(2)]2 MeCN and [NMe(4)](6)[Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(CdCl)(2)]6 MeCN salts, respectively. All three anions display almost identical geometries and bonding parameters, probably because charge effects are minimized by delocalization over such a large metal carbonyl anion. Moreover, the Ni(30)C(4) core in these Ni-Cd carbide clusters is identical within experimental error to those present in the [HNi(34)C(4)(CO)(38)](5-) and [Ni(35)C(4)(CO)(39)](6-) species, suggesting that the stepwise assembly of their nickel carbide cores may represent a general pathway of growth of nickel polycarbide clusters. The fact that the [H(6-n)Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(micro(5)-CdCl)(2)](n-)(n=4-6) anions display two valence electrons more than the structurally related [H(6-n)Ni(34)C(4)(CO)(38)](n-) (n=4-6) species has been rationalized by extended Hückel molecular orbital (EHMO) analysis.     

Unexpected ferromagnetic interaction in a new tetranuclear copper(II) complex: synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic properties, and theoretical studies

The new tetranuclear carbonate complex [Cu2L)2(CO3)] x 8H2O (1 x 8H2O) (H3L = (2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine) has been obtained by two different synthetic routes and fully characterized. Recrystallization of 1 x 8H2O in methanol yields single crystals of {[(Cu2L)2(CO3)]}2 x 12H2O (1 x 6H2O), suitable for X-ray diffraction studies. The crystal structure of 1 x 6H2O shows two crystallographically different tetranuclear molecules in the asymmetric unit, 1a and 1b. Both molecules can be understood as self-assembled from two dinuclear [Cu2L]+ cations, joined by a mu4-eta(2):eta(1):eta(1) carbonate ligand. The copper atoms of each crystallographically different [(Cu2L)2(CO3)] molecule present miscellaneous coordination polyhedra: in both 1a and 1b, two metal centers are in square pyramidal environments, one displays a square planar chromophore and the other one has a geometry that can be considered as an intermediate between square pyramid and trigonal bipyramid. Magnetic studies reveal net intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the metal atoms. Density functional calculations allow the assignment of the different magnetic coupling constants and explain the unexpected ferromagnetic behavior, because of the presence of an unusual NCN bridging moiety and countercomplementarity of the phenoxo (or carbonate) and NCN bridges.     

Ferromagnetism in dinuclear copper(II)-phenolate complexes with exogenous O-donor bridges: a comparative study

The copper(II) complex Cu2L(OAc)(H2O)3.5, 1 x 3.5H2O was obtained and its reactivity in a basic medium investigated. Complex 1 x 3.5H2O shows different reaction patterns in air and in an inert atmosphere. Accordingly, interaction of 1 x 3.5H2O with Me4NOH x 5H2O in methanol-acetonitrile in air yields the hydroxide complex Cu2L(OH)(H2O)1.125, 2 x 1.125H2O while Cu2L(OMe)(MeOH)0.5(H2O), 3 x 0.5MeOH x H2O is isolated under an argon atmosphere. The products 1-3 were fully characterised and single crystals of {[Cu2L(OAc)] x MeCN x 3.5H2O}2, 1 x MeCN x 3.5H2O, {[Cu2L(OH)] x MeCN x 1.125H2O}2, 2 x MeCN x 1.125H2O and [Cu2L(OMe)] x 0.5MeOH x H2O, 3 x 0.5MeOH x H2O solved. The single X-ray study shows that 1-3 are dinuclear complexes with an endogenous phenol oxygen and an exogenous O-bridge. Magnetic characterisation of the three dinuclear complexes was performed, showing an apparent anomalous intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the metal atoms in all cases.     

Insights into the absorption of carbon dioxide by zinc substrates: isolation and reactivity of di- and tetranuclear zinc complexes

The heptadentate Schiff base H(3)L can react with zinc acetate to form the discrete dinuclear complex Zn(2)L(OAc)(H(2)O), 1.H(2)O. The reaction of 1.H(2)O with NMe(4)OH.5H(2)O both in air and under an argon stream has been investigated. On one hand, this reaction in air yields the tetranuclear complex (Zn(2)L)(2)(CO(3))(H(2)O)(6), 2.5H(2)O, by spontaneous absorption of adventitious carbon dioxide. This process can be reverted in an acetic acid medium, whereas the treatment of 2.5H(2)O with methanoic acid yields crystals of [Zn(2)L(HCOO)].0.5MeCN.1.25MeOH.2H(2)O, 3.0.5MeCN.1.25MeOH.2H(2)O. On the other hand, the interaction under an argon atmosphere of 1.H(2)O with NMe(4)OH.5H(2)O in methanol allows the isolation of the dinuclear complex Zn(2)L(OMe)(H(2)O)(4), 4.4H(2)O. Recrystallisations of 1.H(2)O, 2.5H(2)O and 4.4H(2)O, in different solvents, yielded single crystals of 1.MeCN.2.5H(2)O, 2.4MeOH and 4.3MeOH.H(2)O, respectively. The crystal structure of 2.4MeOH can be understood as resulting from an unusual asymmetric tetranuclear self-assembly from two dinuclear units, and shows three different geometries around the four zinc atoms.     

Cyano-bridged hexanuclear Fe4M2 (M = Ni, Co, Mn) clusters: spin-canted antiferromagnetic ordering of Fe4Ni2 cluster

Heterobimetallic hexanuclear cyano-bridged complexes, [{Fe(Tp)(CN)3}4{M(MeCN)(H2O)2}(2)].10H2O.2MeCN [M = Ni (1), Co (2), Mn (3); Tp = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate], have been synthesized in H2O-MeCN solution. Complexes 1-3 are isostructural and hexanuclear with [{Fe(Tp)(CN)3}4{M(MeCN)(H2O)2}2] units linked by hydrogen bonds to form a 2D-structure in the solid state. Complex 1 is a canted antiferromagnet that undergoes a field-induced spin-flop-like transition at approximately 1 T and 2 K. At 4.45 K 1 has a transition to paramagnetic state of noninteracting S = 4 magnetic clusters. However, 2 and 3 show antiferromagnetic intracluster coupling. Facile loss of solvent from 2 alters the local symmetry resulting in changing the intracluster interaction from antiferro- to ferromagnetic.     

Bis-tris propane as a new multidentate ligand for nickel- and cobalt-based spin clusters

We describe the first use of Bis-tris propane {2,2'-(propane-1,3-diyldiimino)bis[2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol], H(6)L}, in nickel and cobalt chemistry and report the synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of [Ni(4)(H(4)L)(H(3)L)(acac)(2)](+) (1) and [Co(II)(3)Co(III)(2)(H(2)L)(2)(acac)(3)(MeOH)](+) (2).     

An unsymmetrical tripodal ligand with an N2OS donor set: coordination chemistry with nickel(II)ions and aerial oxidation to the sulfinate complex

The synthesis of the previously unknown tripodal ligand H4-1 is reported. The tetradentate ligand is equipped with a completely unsymmetrical N2OS donor set. It reacts with Ni(OAc)2. 4H2O or Ni(ClO4)2.6H2O to give the multinuclear nickel(II) complexes [Ni(H-1-Imin)(OAc)]2 (2) (which contains a coordinated Schiff base obtained by reation of the primary amine with the acetone solvent) and [Ni3(H3-1)(H2-1)2]-ClO4.H2O.3 MeCN (3), respectively. A solution of 3 in DMF is readily oxidized upon exposure to air or by aqueous H2O2 to yield [Ni(H2-1-sulfinate)]2. 2MeOH (4). The molecular structures of 2-4 have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Complex 2 exhibits a strongly distorted, octahedral coordination geometry around each nickel(II)ion. The primary amino group of the ligand in this case reacted with the solvent acetone to yield a Schiff base which is coordinated to the metal center. The molecular structure of the trinuclear complex cation in 3 consists of two subunits: a nickel atom with a square-planar N2S2 coordination geometry and two other nickel atoms with a trigonal-bipyramidal N2O2S coordination environment. The dinuclear complex 4 shows distorted octahedral geometry around each nickel(II) ion. The thiolato groups of the ligands are oxidized to sulfinato groups which are O,O-bound to the nickel center. This coordination mode is unusual for nickel sulfinate complexes.     

Dinuclear Co(III)/Co(III) and Co(II)/Co(III) mixed-valent complexes: synthetic control of the cobalt oxidation level

The reactivity of cobalt(II) salts towards H(3)L (2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine) was studied in different reaction conditions. Accordingly, the interaction of cobalt(II) acetate with H(3)L in methanol gives rise to the discrete complex [Co(III)(2)L(OAc)(2)(OMe)]*1.5H(2)O.MeOH, 1. Reaction of cobalt(II) acetylacetonate with H(3)L in the presence of dicarboxylic acids was also investigated. Thus, when cobalt(II) acetylacetonate and H(3)L are mixed with terephthalic or malonic acid in 4 : 2 : 1 molar ratios, the mixed valent [Co(II/III)(2)L(acac)(p-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2)H)][Co(II/III)(2)L(acac)(OH)]*2H(2)O*2MeOH, 2 and [Co(II/III)(2)L(acac)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2)H)][Co(II/III)(2)L(acac)(OH)]*7H(2)O, complexes are isolated. Decreasing the pH of the medium, by addition of a second mol of dicarboxylic acid, leads to [Co(II/III)(2)L(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(MeOH)]*2MeOH, 4, while the reaction with terephthalic acid does not proceed. 1, 2 and 4 were crystallographically characterised and all the complexes are dinuclear, with hydrogen bonds that expand the initial nodes. The magnetic characterisation, as well as the NMR spectroscopy, indicates a diamagnetic nature for 1, in agreement with the presence of Co(III), showing the aerial oxidation suffered by the cobalt(II) ions. Nevertheless, are paramagnetic. Temperature variable magnetic measurements were recorded for the crystallographically characterised complexes 2 and 4 and these studies confirm the mixed valence Co(II)/Co(III) nature of the compounds. The best fits of the magnetic data give an axial distortion parameter Delta = 628.7 cm(-1) for 2 and 698.8 cm(-1) for 4, and spin-orbit coupling constant lambda = -117.8 cm(-1) for 2 and -107.0 cm(-1) for 4. Therefore, this study shows that the oxidation degree of the initial cobalt(ii) salt by atmospheric oxygen can be controlled according to the pH of the medium.     

Linking [M(III)3] triangles with "double-headed" phenolic oximes

Strapping two salicylaldoxime units together with aliphatic α,Ω-aminomethyl links in the 3-position gives ligands which allow the assembly of the polynuclear complexes [Fe(7)O(2)(OH)(6)(H(2)L1)(3)(py)(6)](BF(4))(5)·6H(2)O·14MeOH (1·6H(2)O·14MeOH), [Fe(6)O(OH)(7)(H(2)L2)(3)](BF(4))(3)·4H(2)O·9MeOH (2·4H(2)O·9MeOH) and [Mn(6)O(2)(OH)(2)(H(2)L1)(3)(py)(4)(MeCN)(2)](BF(4))(5)(NO(3))·3MeCN·H(2)O·5py (3·3MeCN·H(2)O·5py). In each case the metallic skeleton of the cluster is based on a trigonal prism in which two [M(III)(3)O] triangles are tethered together via three helically twisted double-headed oximes. The latter are present as H(2)L(2-) in which the oximic and phenolic O-atoms are deprotonated and the amino N-atoms protonated, with the oxime moieties bridging across the edges of the metal triangles. Both the identity of the metal ion and the length of the straps connecting the salicylaldoxime units have a major impact on the nuclearity and topology of the resultant cluster, with, perhaps counter-intuitively, the longer straps producing the "smallest" molecules.     

Synthesis and near infrared luminescence of a tetrametallic Zn2Yb2 architecture from a trinuclear Zn3L2 Schiff base complex

Near infrared luminescence is observed in tetrametallic [Zn2Yb2L2(mu-OH)2Cl4].2MeCN which is obtained from the Zn3 Schiff-base complex [Zn3L2(NO3)2].MeOH, (H2L =N,N'-bis(5-bromo-3-methoxysalicylidene)propylene-1,3-diamine).     

Syntheses, structures and luminescent properties of new lanthanide-based coordination polymers based on 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (bdc)

Reaction of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-H(2)BDC) with EuCl(3).6H(2)O in MeOH in the presence of Et(3)N and MeCN gives a mixture of the 3-D metal-organic-framework (MOF) materials [Eu(2)(1,4-BDC)(3)(MeOH)(4)].8MeOH () and 2-D [Eu(1,4-BDC)(MeOH)(4)].Cl.MeOH.0.25H(2)O (). Similar reactions afforded the isomorphous Gd () and Tb () analogs of . Reaction of 1,4-H(2)BDC with Ln(NO(3))(3).6H(2)O under similar conditions gave [Ln(BDC)NO(3)(MeOH)(2)].MeCN.H(2)O (Ln = Eu () and Gd ()), which have 2-D framework structures. The structures of were determined by single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies and the luminescence properties of and in DMF solution were determined.     

Solvent control: dinuclear versus tetranuclear complexes of a bis-tetradentate pyrimidine-based ligand

A new bis-tetradentate acyclic amine ligand L(Et) has been synthesized from 4,6-bis(aminomethyl)-2-phenylpyrimidine and 2-vinylpyridine. Dinuclear complexes, Mn(II)(2)L(Et)(MeCN)(H(2)O)(3)(ClO(4))(4) (1), Fe(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(BF(4))(4) (2), Co(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(3)(MeCN)(2)(BF(4))(4) (3), Ni(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(BF(4))(4) (4), Ni(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(ClO(4))(4)·8H(2)O (4'), Cu(II)(2)L(Et)(BF(4))(4)·MeCN (5), Zn(II)(2)L(Et)(BF(4))(2)(BF(4))(2)·?MeCN (6), were obtained from 1 : 2 reactions of L(Et) and the appropriate metal salts in MeCN, whereas in MeOH tetranuclear complexes, Mn(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(OH)(4)(ClO(4))(4) (7), Fe(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·5/2H(2)O (8), Co(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·3H(2)O (9), Ni(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·4H(2)O (10), Cu(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·3H(2)O (11) and Zn(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4) (12), result. Six complexes have been structurally characterized: in all cases each L(Et) is bis-tetradentate and provides a pyrimidine bridge between two metal centres. As originally anticipated, complexes 1, 4' and 6 are dinuclear, while 9, 10 and 12 are revealed to be tetranuclear, with two M(2)(L(Et))(4+) moieties bridged by two pairs of fluoride anions. Weak to moderate antiferromagnetic coupling between the metal centres is a feature of complexes 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10. The dinuclear complexes 1-6 undergo multiple, mostly irreversible, redox processes. However, the pyrimidine-based dicopper(II) complex 5 undergoes a two electron quasi-reversible reduction, Cu(II)(2)→ Cu(I)(2), and this occurs at a more positive potential [E(m) = +0.11 V (E(pc) = -0.03 and E(pa) = +0.26 V) vs. 0.01 M AgNO(3)/Ag] than for either of the dicopper(II) complexes of the analogous pyrazine-based ligands.     

Complexes of a novel multinucleating poly-beta-diketonate ligand

The synthesis of the new polynucleating ligand 1,3-bis-(3-oxo-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-propionyl)-benzene (H4L) is reported along with the preparation, structure and properties of its dinuclear complexes [Cu(2)(H(2)L)(2)(py)(2)](1), [Ni(2)(H(2)L)(2)(py)(4)](2), [Mn(2)(H(2)L)(2)(dmf)(4)](3), [Co(2)(H(2)L)(2)(dmf)(4)](4) and [Co(2)(H(2)L)(2)(MeOH)(4)](5), respectively. In complexes 1 to 5, the polydentate ligand is in its bis-deprotonated form, chelating the metals through its [small beta]-diketonate moieties. Magnetic measurements show that the metals within these molecules are maintained almost mutually independent.     

Phenolate- and acetate (both mu(2)-1,1 and mu(2)-1,3 mode)-bridged face-shared trioctahedral linear Ni(II)(3), Ni(II)(2)M(II) (M = Mn, Co) complexes: ferro- and antiferromagnetic coupling

The complexes [(L)(2)Ni(II)(2)M(II)(mu(2)-1,3-OAc)(2)(mu(2)-1,1-OAc)(2)(S)(2)] x xMeOH [HL = N-methyl-N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-2-aminoethyl-2-pyridine; M = Ni, S = MeOH, x = 6 (1); M = Mn, S = H(2)O, x = 0 (2); M = Co, S = MeOH, x = 6 (3)] have been synthesized. Crystal structures reveal that three octahedral MII ions form a linear array with two terminal moieties {(L)Ni(II)(mu(2)-1,3-OAc)(mu(2)-1,1-OAc)(MeOH/H(2)O)}(-) in a facial donor set and a central MII ion which is connected to the terminal ions via bridging phenolate and two types of bridging acetates. Magnetic measurements reveal that the Ni(II)(3) and Ni(II)(2)Co(II) centers are ferromagnetically and Ni(II)(2)Mn(II) center is antiferromagnetically coupled. An attempt has been made to rationalize the observed magneto-structural behavior.     

Ferromagnetic heterotrinuclear Cu-Ni complexes of a compartmental chiral Schiff base

Nickel(II) and copper(II) acetate react with the trinucleating compartmental Schiff base H(4)L (H(4)L = 6,6'-(E)-3,3'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(1-(2-((E)-3-bromo-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)ethyl)imidazolidine-3,2-diyl)bis(2-bromo-4-chlorophenol)) to produce the heterotrinuclear complexes [Ni(2)CuL(OAc)(2)]·0.25H(2)O·2.5MeOH (1·0.25H(2)O·2.5MeOH) and [NiCu(2)L(OAc)(2)]·3.25H(2)O·0.5MeOH (2·3.25H(2)O·0.5MeOH) as a function of the Ni(OAc)(2)?:?Cu(OAc)(2) molar ratio. The crystal structures of H(4)L, 1·0.25H(2)O·2.5MeOH and 2·3.25H(2)O·0.5MeOH could be solved. The free ligand presents two stereogenic methine groups on the imidazolidine heterocycles. X-Ray diffraction studies on H(4)L determined that the solved crystal structure corresponds to a racemate formed by the (2R,2'R) and (2S,2'S) enantiomers, without detecting the (2R,2'S) diastereoisomer. The crystal structures of both heterotrinuclear complexes reveal that Ni(II) has a preference for the central ligand pocket, showing that this cavity discriminates between Ni(II) and Cu(II) when both species are present in the reaction medium. These results are validated by DFT calculations. As a consequence of the coordination, 1·0.25H(2)O·2.5MeOH and 2·3.25H(2)O·0.5MeOH are also chiral, but crystallise as racemates. In addition to their asymmetric methine groups, these complexes present four other stereogenic centres: the four coordinated imidazolidine N atoms. The luminescent properties of the ligand and both complexes were analysed, showing that the presence of the metals partially inhibits the emission of the ligand and apparently tunes the position of the secondary fluorescence emission band. The magnetic characterisation of 1·0.25H(2)O·2.5MeOH and 2·3.25H(2)O·0.5MeOH was also performed, showing the ferromagnetic behaviour of both complexes.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of dinuclear nickel amino-thiophenolate complexes bearing bridging VO2(OH)2- and VO2(OR)2- coligands

A series of novel mixed ligand dinickel complexes of the type [Ni(II)(2)L(μ-L')](+), where L' is a tetrahedral oxo-alkoxo vanadate (L' = [O(2)V(V)(OR)(2)](-), R = H or alkyl) and L a macrocyclic N(6)S(2) supporting ligand, have been prepared, and their esterification reactivity has been studied. The orthovanadate complex [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OH)(2))](+) (2), prepared by reaction between [Ni(2)L(μ-Cl)]ClO(4) with Na(3)VO(4) and a phase transfer reagent in CH(3)CN, reacts smoothly with MeOH and EtOH forming the vanadate diesters [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OMe)(2))](+) (3) and [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OEt)(2))](+) (4). The dialkyl orthovanadate esters in 3 and 4 are readily transesterified with mono- and difunctional alcohols. Complex 3 can also be generated from 4 by transesterification with MeOH. Complexes 3 and 4 react with diols (ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and diethylene glycol) as well to afford the complexes [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OH)(OCH(2)CH(2)OH))](+) (5), [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OCH(2))(2)CH(2))](+) (6), and [Ni(2)L(μ-O(2)V(OCH(2)CH(2))(2)O)] (7). The crystal structures of the tetraphenylborate salts of complexes 3-7 reveal in each case four-coordinate O(2)V(V)(OR)(2)(-) groups bonded in a μ(1,3)-bridging mode to generate trinuclear complexes with a central N(3)Ni(μ-S)(2)(μ(1,3)-O(2)V(OR)(2))NiN(3) core. The stabilization of the four-coordinate V(V)O(2)(OR)(2)(-) moieties is a consequence of both the two-point coordinative fixation to and the steric protection of the bowl-shape binding pocket of the [Ni(2)L](2+) fragment. Cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal that the encapsulated vanadate esters are not reduced in a potential window of -2.0 to +2.5 V vs SCE. The spins of the nickel(II) (S(i) = 1 ions) in 3 are weakly ferromagnetically coupled (J = +23 cm(-1), (H = -2JS(1)S(2))) to produce an S = 2 ground state.