New Cu(II) complexes based on the hydroxo-bridged dinuclear [Cu(OH)2Cu] units: step-like di- and trimerizations of [Cu(OH)2Cu] units

Four new Cu(II) complexes {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(NO(3))(2)(C(7)H(5)O(2))(2)·6H(2)O 1, {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(NO(3))(2)(C(5)H(6)O(4))·8H(2)O 2, {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(C(5)H(6)O(4))(2)·16H(2)O 3 and {[Cu(6)(bpy)(6)(OH)(6)(H(2)O)(2)]}(C(8)H(7)O(2))(6)·12H(2)O 4 were synthesized (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, H(2)(C(5)H(6)O(4)) = glutaric acid, H(C(7)H(5)O(2)) = benzoic acid, H(C(8)H(7)O(2)) = phenyl acetic acid). The building units in 1-3 are the tetranuclear [Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(H(2)O)(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)](4+) complex cations, and in 4 the hexanuclear [Cu(6)(bpy)(6)(H(2)O)(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)](6+) complex cations, respectively. The tetra- and hexanuclear cluster cores [Cu(4)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)] and [Cu(6)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)] in the complex cations could be viewed as from step-like di- and trimerization of the well-known hydroxo-bridged dinuclear [Cu(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)] entities via the out-of-plane Cu-O(H) bonds. The complex cations are supramolecularly assembled into (4,4) topological networks via intercationic ππ stacking interactions. The counteranions and lattice H(2)O molecules are sandwiched between the 2D cationic networks to form hydrogen-bonded networks in 1-3, while the phenyl acetate anions and the lattice H(2)O molecules generate 3D hydrogen-bonded anionic framework to interpenetrate with the (4,4) topological cationic networks with the hexanuclear complex cations in the channels. The ferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) ions in the [Cu(4)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)] cores of 1-3 is significantly stronger via equatorial-equatorial OH(-) bridges than via equatorial-apical ones. The outer and the central [Cu(2)(OH)(2)] unit within the [Cu(6)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)] cluster cores in 4 exhibit weak ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions, respectively. Results about i.r. spectra, thermal and elemental analyses are presented.     

Inorganic-organic chain assemblies as lamellar nanoreactors for growing one-dimensional Cu(OH)2 and CuO nanostructures

One-dimensional Cu(OH)(2) or CuO nanostructures were fabricated using inorganic-organic chain assemblies, Cu(C(n)H(2n+1)X)(2)·nH(2)O (X = CO(2), SO(4)) as a lamellar nanoreactor, along with NaOH treatment. The shapes and aspect ratios of the Cu(OH)(2) or CuO nanostructures could be varied by adjusting the hydrophobicity of the lamellar nanoreactors.     

Copper-complex-linked polytungsto-bismuthate (-antimonite) chain containing sandwich Cu(II) ions partially modified with imidazole ligand

Two sandwich-type complexes Na9n(Cu(im)4(H2O)2)1.5n(Cu(im)4(H2O))n[{Cu(im)4}{Na(H2O)2}3{Cu3(im)2(H2O)}(XW9O33)2]2n .(xH2O)n (im=imidazole, X=Bi (1), Sb(2), x=42.5 (1), 40 (2)) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Basic frameworks of 1 and 2 are built from sandwich-type [{Na(H2O) 2} 3{Cu3(im)2(H2O)}(XW9O33)2](9-) (X=Bi or Sb) anions and [Cu(im) 4](2+) cations. The Cu(2+) and Na(+) ions in the central belt are coordinated by alpha-[XW9O33](9-) units, im, and water molecules to form {CuO4(im)}, {CuO4(H2O)}, and {NaO4(H2O)2} groups in which Cu (2+) ions are partially modified with im ligands. These groups connect alternately forming a six-membered ring including six alpha-[XW9O 33](9-) units. Neighboring anions are further linked by [Cu(im) 4](2+) cations to display an unprecedented anionic chain, which is first observed in sandwich-type tungsto-bismuthate (-antimonite) system. Two kinds of isolated copper complexes and sodium ions are located as counterions, which cause three-dimensional packings of 1 and 2 to present interesting cage structures. The magnetic properties for 1 and 2 both indicate dominant antiferromagnetic interactions among trinuclear Cu(II) clusters.     

Inorganic-organic hybrid materials with different dimensions constructed from copper-fluconazole metal-organic units and Keggin polyanion clusters

Inorganic-organic hybrid materials based on Keggin polyoxometalate building blocks combined with Cu(II)/Cu(I) and flexible fluconazole ligand [1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,1-bis[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]methanol] (Hfcz) have been obtained by hydrothermal methods, namely, [Cu(II)(2)(Hfcz)(4)(SiW(12)O(40))].3H(2)O (1), [Cu(II)(4)(fcz)(4)(H(2)O)(4)(SiMo(12)O(40))].6H(2)O (2), [Cu(II)(2)(fcz)(2)][Cu(II)(4)(fcz)(4)(SiW(12)O(40))][Cu(II)(2)(fcz)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(SiW(12)O(40))].6H(2)O (3), (Et(3)NH)(2)[Cu(I)(2)(Hfcz)(2)(SiW(12)O(40))].2H(2)O (4), (Et(3)NH)(2)[Cu(I)(2)(Hfcz)(2)(SiW(12)O(40))].H(2)O (5) and [Cu(I)(4)(Hfcz)(4)(SiMo(12)O(40))] (6). Their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, and the compounds are further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. In 1, Cu(II) cations are bridged by fluconazole ligands to form a 3D lvt coordination polymeric network, which is connected by (SiW(12)O(40))(4-) anions to form a complicated 3D (4,6)-connected framework with the topology of (4(2).6(4))(4(6).6(7).8(2))(2). In 2, two fcz(-) anions chelate two Cu(2+) cations to form a [Cu(fcz)](2)(2+) dimer, which is bridged by (SiW(12)O(40))(4-) polyanions to generate a 2D (4,4) grid. Compound 3 is formed by three types of co-crystallizing subunits including a dimer [Cu(fcz)](2)(2+), a dumbbell molecule [Cu(4)(fcz)(4)(SiW(12)O(40))] and an infinite chain {[Cu(2)(fcz)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(SiW(12)O(40))](2-)}(infinity). In compounds 4 and 5, Hfcz ligands link Cu(+) cations to generate 1D coordination polymeric units, and (SiW(12)O(40))(4-) polyanions connect these metal-organic units to form two types of (6(3)) sheets which are topological isomerism. In compound 6, (SiMo(12)O(40))(4-) polyanions fixed in Cu(I)-Hfcz square rings are further extended into a 2D sheet via linking Cu(I) atoms of different rings. By carefully inspection of the structures of 1-6, it is believed that various transition-metal organic units and Keggin polyanions with different coordination modes are important for the formation of the different structures. In addition, electrochemical behaviors of compounds 1, 2, 5 and 6 have been investigated.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and optical properties of [Ag(UO2)3(OAc)9][Zn(H2O)4(CH3CH2OH)2]: a novel compound containing closed-shell 3d10, 4d10 and 5d10 metal ions

[Ag(UO(2))(3) (OAc)(9)][Zn(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)CH(2)OH)(2)] (, OAc = CH(3)COO(-)) crystallized from an ethanol solution and its structure was determined by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and X-ray crystallography; it is composed of [Zn(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)CH(2)OH)(2)](2+) cations and [Ag(UO(2))(3)(OAc)(9)](2-) anions in which triuranyl [(UO(2))(OAc)(3)](3) clusters are linked by the Ag ion.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of an unprecedented nonmetal cation polyborate salt containing two different "isolated" polyborate anions: [H2en]2[B4O5(OH)4][B7O9(OH)5]·3H2O (en = H2NCH2CH2NH2)

The nonmetal cation polyborate salt of stoichiometry [H(2)en](2)[B(11)O(18)(OH)]·7H(2)O is obtained from the reaction of 1,2-diaminoethane and boric acid (1:5 ratio) in H(2)O/MeOH. An X-ray crystallographic study of the product reveals that the polyborate moiety is composed of two isolated hydrated polyborate anions: [B(4)O(5)(OH)(4)](2-) and [B(7)O(9)(OH)(5)](2-). The structure is templated by the cations with the anions forming a supramolecular H-bonded network, augmented by additional H-bonds involving the waters of crystallization and the cations.     

Heterospin systems constructed from [Cu2Ln]3+ and [Ni(mnt)2]1-,2- Tectons: First 3p-3d-4f complexes (mnt = maleonitriledithiolato)

New heterospin complexes have been obtained by combining the binuclear complexes [{Cu(H(2)O)L(1)}Ln(O(2)NO)(3)] or [{CuL(2)}Ln(O(2)NO)(3)] (L(1) = N,N'-propylene-di(3-methoxysalicylideneiminato); L(2) = N,N'-ethylene-di(3-methoxysalicylideneiminato); Ln = Gd(3+), Sm(3+), Tb(3+)), with the mononuclear [CuL(1)(2)] and the nickel dithiolene complexes [Ni(mnt)(2)](q)- (q = 1, 2; mnt = maleonitriledithiolate), as follows: (1)infinity[{CuL(1)}(2)Ln(O(2)NO){Ni(mnt)(2)}].Solv.CH(3)CN (Ln = Gd(3+), Solv = CH(3)OH (1), Ln = Sm(3+), Solv = CH(3)CN (2)) and [{(CH(3)OH)CuL(2)}(2)Sm(O(2)NO)][Ni(mnt)(2)] (3) with [Ni(mnt)2]2-, [{(CH(3)CN)CuL(1)}(2)Ln(H(2)O)][Ni(mnt)(2)]3.2CH(3)CN (Ln = Gd(3+) (4), Sm(3+) (5), Tb(3+) (6)), and [{(CH(3)OH)CuL(2)}{CuL(2)}Gd(O(2)NO){Ni(mnt)(2)}][Ni(mnt)(2)].CH(2)Cl(2) (7) with [Ni(mnt))(2]*-. Trinuclear, almost linear, [CuLnCu] motifs are found in all the compounds. In the isostructural 1 and 2, two trans cyano groups from a [Ni(mnt)2]2- unit bridge two trimetallic nodes through axial coordination to the Cu centers, thus leading to the establishment of infinite chains. 3 is an ionic compound, containing discrete [{(CH(3)OH)CuL(2)}(2)Sm(O(2)NO)](2+) cations and [Ni(mnt)(2)](2-) anions. Within the series 4-6, layers of discrete [CuLnCu](3+) motifs alternate with stacks of interacting [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anions, for which two overlap modes, providing two different types of stacks, can be disclosed. The strength of the intermolecular interactions between the open-shell species is estimated through extended Hückel calculations. In compound 7, [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anions coordinate group one of the Cu centers of a trinuclear [Cu(2)Gd] motif through a CN, while discrete [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) units are also present, overlapping in between, but also with the coordinated ones. Furthermore, the [Cu(2)Gd] moieties dimerize each other upon linkage by two nitrato groups, both acting as chelate toward the gadolinium ion from one unit and monodentate toward a Cu ion from the other unit. The magnetic properties of the gadolinium-containing complexes have been determined. Ferromagnetic exchange interactions within the trinuclear [Cu(2)Gd] motifs occur. In the compounds 4 and 7, the [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anions contribution to the magnetization is clearly observed in the high-temperature regime, and most of it vanishes upon temperature decrease, very likely because of the rather strong antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the open-shell species. The extent of the exchange interaction in the compound 7, which was found to be antiferromagnetic, between the coordinated Cu center and the corresponding [Ni(mnt)(2)](*-) radical anion, bearing mostly a 3p spin type, was estimated through CASSCF/CASPT2 calculations. Compound 6 exhibits a slow relaxation of the magnetization.     

Controlled reactions on a copper surface: synthesis and characterization of nanostructured copper compound films

We report the synthesis of nanostructured copper compound films on a copper surface under mild conditions. A series of low-dimensional structures including Cu(OH)(2) fibers and scrolls, CuO sheets and whiskers, and Cu(2)(OH)(2)CO(3) rods have been successfully grown on the copper surfaces at ambient temperature and pressure. Most of the structures are phase-pure single crystallites. The films were formed by the direct oxidation of copper in aqueous solutions of NaOH with an oxidant (NH(4))(2)S(2)O(8). The evolution of the ultrafine structures as a function of the reaction conditions has been revealed, from fibers of Cu(OH)(2) to scrolls of Cu(OH)(2) to sheets or whiskers of CuO. By replacing NaOH with NaHCO(3) in the synthesis, square/rectangular rod arrays of Cu(2)(OH)(2)CO(3) were obtained. The controlled reactions allow the large-scale, template-free, cost-effective synthesis of copper compound films with ordered, uniform, stable, ultrafine structures.     

Vanadogermanate cluster anions

Three novel vanadogermanate cluster anions have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions. The cluster anions are derived from the (V(18)O(42)) Keggin cluster shell by substitution of V=O(2+) "caps" by Ge(2)O(OH)(2)(4+) species. In Cs(8)[Ge(4)V(16)O(42)(OH)(4)].4.7H(2)O, 1, (monoclinic, space group C2/c (No. 15), Z = 8, a = 44.513(2) A, b = 12.7632(7) A, c = 22.923(1) A, beta = 101.376(1) degrees ) and (pipH(2))(4)(pipH)(4)[Ge(8)V(14)O(50).(H(2)O)] (pip = C(4)N(2)H(10)), 2 (tetragonal, space group P4(2)/nnm (No. 134), Z = 2, a = 14.9950(7) A, c = 18.408(1) A), two and four VO(2+) caps are replaced, respectively, and each cluster anion encapsulates a water molecule. In K(5)H(8)Ge(8)V(12)SO(52).10H(2)O, 3, (tetragonal, space group I4/m (No. 87), Z = 2, a = 15.573(1) A, c = 10.963(1) A), four VO(2+) caps are replaced by Ge(2)O(OH)(2)(4+) species, and an additional two are omitted. The cluster ion in 3 contains a sulfate anion disordered over two positions. The cluster anions are analogous to the vanadoarsenate anions [V(18)(-)(n)()As(2)(n)()O(42)(X)](m)(-) (X = SO(3), SO(4), Cl; n = 3, 4) previously reported.     

New ionic crystals of oppositely charged cluster ions and their characterization

By reacting Keggin-type polyoxometalate cluster anions H(2)W(12)O(40)(6)(-) (metatungstate) or Co(II)W(12)O(40)(6)(-) (tungstocobaltate) with the large aluminum cluster polycation [Al(30)O(8)(OH)(56)(H(2)O)(26)](18+), Keggin ion based molecular ionic compounds [delta-Al(13)O(4)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)][XW(12)O(40)](OH).nH(2)O (X = H(2) (1) and Co (2); n congruent with 20) and [W(2)Al(28)O(18)(OH)(48)(H(2)O)(24)][H(2)W(12)O(40)](2).55H(2)O (3) were obtained. The polygon-shaped cluster ions are packed alternately through intercluster hydrogen bonds as well as electrostatic interactions, leaving large pores, which result from the packing of large clusters. The clusters are arranged in square pyramidal geometries, showing face-to-face interactions between them. The isolation of metastable [delta-Al(13)O(4)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)](7+) and the formation of a new transition metal substituted aluminum heteropolycation [W(2)Al(28)O(18)(OH)(48)(H(2)O)(24)](12+) in 1-3 result from the slow fragmentation and recombination of Al(30) in the presence of suitable counter cluster anions with similar shape and charge.     

Crystal structure analysis and chiral recognition study of Delta-[Ru(bpy)2(py)2][(+)-O,O'-dibenzoylD-tartrate].12H2O and Lambda-[Ru(bpy)2(py)2][(-)-O,O'-dibenzoyl-L-tartrate].12H2O

The molecular structure and crystal-packing mode of the enantiopure chiral building blocks Delta-[Ru(bpy)(2)(py)(2)][(+)-O,O'-dibenzoyl-D-tartrate].12H(2)O (I) and Lambda-[Ru(bpy)(2)(py)(2)][(-)-O,O'-dibenzoyl-L-tartrate].12H(2)O (II) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. This study proposes a model of how the L- and D-dibenzoyltartrate anions recognize the chirality of the hydrophobic [Ru(bpy)(2)(py)(2)](2+) complex. The monoclinic unit cell contains four complex cations, four tartrate anions, and 48 water molecules. Since there are no possibilities to form hydrogen bonds between the cations and anions, chiral recognition is due to crystal packing. Two benzoyl rings of two different tartrate anions are gripping the two bpy-planes of the Ru-complex. Further a third benzoyl ring from a tartrate anion is packed between the two pyridine rings, favoring one enantiomeric form to crystallize from aqueous solution. Crystal structure data for I at 153 K: a = 15.342(3) A, b = 19.200(4) A, c = 18.872(4) A, beta = 104.841(3) degrees, monoclinic space group C(2), R(1)= 0.0239 (I > 2sigma(I)), R(2) = 0.0606, Flack parameter = 0.0115 (with esd 0.0166). For II at 293 K: a = 15.376(4) A, b = 19.388(11) A, c = 19.085(7) A, beta = 105.11(2) degrees, monoclinic space group C121, R(1)= 0.0686 (I > 2sigma(I)), R(2) = 0.1819, Flack parameter = -0.0100 (with esd 0.0521).     

Synthesis and Characterization of a New Quasi-One-Dimensional Copper(II) Phosphate, Ba(2)Cu(PO(4))(2)

Crystals of Ba(2)Cu(PO(4))(2) have been grown in a low-temperature eutectic flux of 32% KCl and 68% CuCl (mp = 140 degrees C). The X-ray single-crystal structure analysis shows that this barium copper(II) phosphate crystallizes in a monoclinic lattice with a = 12.160(4) ?, b = 5.133(4) ?, c = 6.885(4) ?, beta = 105.42(4) degrees, and V = 414.3(4) ?(3); C2/m (No. 12); Z = 2. The structure has been refined by the least-squares method to a final solution with R = 0.020, R(w) = 0.026, and GOF = 1.05. The framework of the title compound consists of [Cu(PO(4))(2)](infinity) linear chains with Ba(2+) cations residing between these parallel chains. The chains are composed of an array of Cu(2+) cations that are doubly bridged by PO(4) anions. Each pair of bridging PO(4) tetrahedra are in a staggered configuration above and below the CuO(4) square plane, resulting in a linear chain with a long Cu---Cu separation distance, 5.13 ? ( identical withb). This quasi-one-dimensional framework is unusual among the Cu(2+)-based phosphates. Magnetic susceptibility data shows Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior in the range of ca. 190-300 K and a possible antiferro-to-ferromagnetic transition at approximately 8 K. In this paper, the synthesis, structure, and properties of the title compound are presented. A structural comparison to a closely related vanadyl (VO)(2+) phosphate, Ba(2)(VO)(PO(4))(2).H(2)O, as well as Na(2)CuP(2)O(7) will be discussed.     

Structure of two azide salts of a copper(II) macrocycle and magnetic properties of Cu(14ane)Cu(N3)4

Synthesis of azide complexes with the copper(II) macrocycle complex Cu(14ane)(2+) (where 14ane = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclothetradecane) has yielded two compounds. Cu(14ane)Cu(N(3))(4) contains micro(1,3)-azido bridged chains of Cu(14ane)(2+) cations and Cu(N(3))(4)(2)(-) anions. Magnetic studies reveal the presence of ferromagnetic interactions within the chains with J/k = 0.635(4) K. [Cu(14ane)N(3)]BF(4) contains [Cu(14ane)N(3)]+ cations with elongated square pyramidal geometry. The BF(4)(-) anions are weakly coordinated in the sixth coordination site of the cations.     

Novel polyoxometalate hybrids consisting of copper-lanthanide heterometallic/lanthanide germanotungstate fragments

Three organic-inorganic hybrid copper-lanthanide heterometallic germanotungstates, {[Cu(en)(2)(H(2)O)] [Cu(3)Eu(en)(3)(OH)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](α-GeW(11)O(39))}(2)·11H(2)O (1), {[Cu(en)(2)(H(2)O)][Cu(3)Tb(en)(3)(OH)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](α-GeW(11)O(39))}(2)·11H(2)O (2) and {[Cu(en)(2)(H(2)O)][Cu(3)Dy(en)(3)(OH)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](α-GeW(11)O(39))}(2)·10H(2)O (3) and three polyoxometalate hybrids built by lanthanide-containing germanotungstates and copper-ethylendiamine complexes, Na(2)H(6)[Cu(en)(2)(H(2)O)](8){Cu(en)(2)[La(α-GeW(11)O(39))(2)](2)}·18H(2)O (4), K(4)H(2)[Cu(en)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](5)[Cu(en)(2)(H(2)O)](2)[Cu(en)(2)](2){Cu(en)(2)[Pr(α-GeW(11)O(39))(2)](2)}·16H(2)O (5) and KNa(2)H(7)[enH(2)](3)[Cu(en)(2)(H(2)O)](2)[Cu(en)(2)](2){Cu(en)(2)[Er(α-GeW(11)O(39))(2)](2)}·15H(2)O (6) (en = ethylenediamine) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) analyses, IR spectra, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1-3 are essentially isomorphous and their main skeletons display the interesting dimeric motif {[Cu(3)Ln(en)(3)(OH)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](α-GeW(11)O(39))}(2)(4-), which is constructed from two {Cu(3)LnO(4)} cubane anchored monovacant [α-GeW(11)O(39)](8-) fragments through two W-O-Ln-O-W linkers. The primary backbones of 4-6 exhibit the tetrameric architecture {Cu(en)(2)[Ln(α-GeW(11)O(39))(2)](2)}(24-) built by two 1?:?2-type [Ln(α-GeW(11)O(39))(2)](13-) moieties and one [Cu(en)(2)](2+) bridge, albeit they are not isostructural. To our knowledge, 1-6 are rare polyoxometalate derivatives consisting of copper-lanthanide heterometallic/lanthanide germanotungstate fragments. 1 exhibits antiferromagnetic coupling interactions within the {Cu(3)EuO(4)} cubane units, while 2 and 3 display dominant ferromagnetic interactions between the Tb(III)/Dy(III) and Cu(II) cations. The room-temperature solid-state photoluminescence properties of 1-3 have been investigated.     

Di- and tricobalt Dawson sandwich complexes: synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,and electrochemical behavior of Na(18)[(NaOH(2))(2)Co(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)] and Na(17)[(NaOH(2))Co(3)(H(2)O)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)

The reaction of the trivacant Dawson anion alpha-[P(2)W(15)O(56)](12-) and the divalent cations Co(2+) is known to form the tetracobalt sandwich complex [Co(4)(H(2)O)(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](16-) (Co(4)P(4)W(30)). Two new complexes, with different Co/P(2)W(15) stoichiometry, [(NaOH(2))(2)Co(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](18-) (Na(2)Co(2)P(4)W(30)) and [(NaOH(2))Co(3)(H(2)O)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](17-) (NaCo(3)P(4)W(30)), have been synthesized as aqueous-soluble sodium salts, by a slight modification of the reaction conditions. Both compounds were characterized by IR, elemental analysis, and (31)P solution NMR spectroscopy. These species are "lacunary" sandwich complexes, which add Co(2+) cations according to Na(2)Co(2)P(4)W(30) + Co(2+) --> NaCo(3)P(4)W(30) + Na(+) followed by NaCo(3)P(4)W(30) + Co(2+) --> Co(4)P(4)W(30) + Na(+). A Li(+)/Na(+) exchange in the cavity was evidenced by (31)P dynamic NMR spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviors of the sandwich complexes [(NaOH(2))Co(3)(H(2)O)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](17-) and [(NaOH(2))(2)Co(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](18-) were investigated in aqueous solutions and compared with that of [Co(4)(H(2)O)(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](16-). These complexes showed an electrocatalytic effect on nitrite reduction.     

The role of polar, lamdba (Λ)-shaped building units in noncentrosymmetric inorganic structures

A methodology for the design of polar, inorganic structures is demonstrated here with the packing of lambda (Λ)-shaped basic building units (BBUs). Noncentrosymmetric (NCS) solids with interesting physical properties can be created with BBUs that lack an inversion center and are likely to pack into a polar configuration; previous methods to construct these solids have used NCS octahedra as BBUs. Using this methodology to synthesize NCS solids, one must increase the coordination of the NCS octahedra with maintenance of the noncentrosymmetry of the bulk. The first step in this progression from an NCS octahedron to an inorganic NCS solid is the formation of a bimetallic BBU. This step is exemplified with the compound CuVOF(4)(H(2)O)(7): this compound, presented here, crystallizes in an NCS structure with ordered, isolated [Cu(H(2)O)(5)](2+) cations and [VOF(4)(H(2)O)](2-) anions into Λ-shaped, bimetallic BBUs to form CuVOF(4)(H(2)O)(6)·H(2)O, owing to the Jahn-Teller distortion of Cu(2+). Conversely, the centrosymmetric heterotypes with the same formula MVOF(4)(H(2)O)(7) (M(II) = Co, Ni, and Zn) exhibit ordered, isolated [VOF(4)(H(2)O)](2-) and [M(H(2)O)(6)](2+) ionic species in a hydrogen bond network. CuVOF(4)(H(2)O)(7) exhibits a net polar moment while the heterotypes do not; this demonstrates that Λ-shaped BBUs give a greater probability for and, in this case, lead to NCS structures.     

Encapsulation of cyanometalates by a tris-macrocyclic ligand tricopper(II) complex: syntheses, structural variation, and magnetic exchange coupling pathways

The reaction of [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Cr(3+), Mn(3+), Fe(3+), Co(3+)) and [M(CN)(8)](4-/3-) (M = Mo(4+/5+), W(4+/5+)) with the trinuclear copper(II) complex of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltris[3-(1,3,5,8,12-pentaazacyclotetradecane)] ([Cu(3)(L)](6+)) leads to partially encapsulated cyanometalates. With hexacyanometalate(III) complexes, [Cu(3)(L)](6+) forms the isostructural host-guest complexes [[[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))(2)][M(CN)(6)](2)][M(CN)(6)]][M(CN)(6)]30 H(2)O with one bridging, two partially encapsulated, and one isolated [M(CN)(6)](3-) unit. The octacyanometalates of Mo(4+/5+) and W(4+/5+) are encapsulated by two tris-macrocyclic host units. Due to the stability of the +IV oxidation state of Mo and W, only assemblies with [M(CN)(8)](4-) were obtained. The Mo(4+) and W(4+) complexes were crystallized in two different structural forms: [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[Mo(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(8)15 H(2)O with a structural motif that involves isolated spherical [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[M(CN)(8)]](8+) ions and a "string-of-pearls" type of structure [[[Cu(3)(L)](2)[M(CN)(8)]][M(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(4) 20 H(2)O, with [M(CN)(8)](4-) ions that bridge the encapsulated octacyanometalates in a two-dimensional network. The magnetic exchange coupling between the various paramagnetic centers is characterized by temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization data. Exchange between the CuCu pairs in the [Cu(3)(L)](6+) "ligand" is weakly antiferromagnetic. Ferromagnetic interactions are observed in the cyanometalate assemblies with Cr(3+), exchange coupling of Mn(3+) and Fe(3+) is very small, and the octacoordinate Mo(4+) and W(4+) systems have a closed-shell ground state.     

Synthesis and characterization of thorium(IV) sulfates

Three Th(IV) sulfates, two new and one previously reported, have been synthesized from aqueous solution. In all of the compounds, the sulfate anions coordinate the Th(4+) metal center(s) in a monodentate manner with Th-S distances of 3.7-3.8 ?. Th(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(7)·2(H(2)O) (1; P2(1)/m, a = 7.224(1) ?, b = 12.151(1) ?, c = 7.989(1) ?, ss =98.289(2)°) and Th(4)(SO(4))(7)(H(2)O)(7)(OH)(2)·H(2)O (2; Pnma, a = 18.139(2) ?, b = 11.173(1) ?, c = 14.391(2) ?) each contain 9-coordinate monomeric (1,2) and dimeric (2) Th(IV) cations in monocapped square antiprism geometry. Alternatively, Th(OH)(2)SO(4) (3; Pnma, a = 11.684(1) ?, b = 6.047(1) ?, c = 7.047(1) ?) is built from chains of hydroxo-bridged, 8-coordinate Th(4+) centers. Whereas 1 adopts a molecular structure, 2 and 3 both exhibit 3D architectures. Differences in the dimensionality and the topology of 1-3 are manifested in the local coordination environment about the Th(IV) centers, the formation of oligomeric Th(4+) species, and the extended connectivity of the sulfate ligands. Herein, we report the syntheses and characterization of 1-3 as well as the atomic correlations of 1 in solution, as determined by high-energy X-ray scattering (HEXS).     

A unique single carboxylate-bridged spin-frustrated chiral Mn(II) metallatriangle

The reaction between Hmbpymca ligand (prepared in situ from the hydrolysis of 5-methyl-4-cyano-bispyrimidine with NaOH and further neutralization with 2 M HCl) and Mn(ClO(4))(2)·4H(2)O in 1:1 molar ratio afforded the triangulo-trimanganese(II) complex [Mn(3)(bpymca)(3)(H(2)O)(6)]Cl(3)·6H(2)O 1. The chloride anions in this complex come from the HCl used in the neutralization process. The molecular structure of 1 consists of cationic molecular triangles [Mn(3)(μ-mbpymca)(3)(H(2)O)(6)](3+) with C(3) symmetry, chloride anions and crystallization water molecules, all of them involved in an extensive network of hydrogen bonds, leading to a chiral network. Within the [Mn(3)(μ-mbpymca)(3)(H(2)O)(6)](3+) cations, seven-coordinated Mn(II) ions are bridged by both oxygen atoms of the carboxylate groups and exhibit a MnO(5)N(2) compressed pentagonal bipyramidal coordination environment. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility shows the presence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between Mn(II) ions mediated by the carboxylate group of the mbpymca ligand and the existence of a 3D antiferromagnetic ordering below 4 K, which has its origin in the AF inter-trimer exchange interactions mediated by the strong hydrogen bonds present in the crystal of 1. The experimental magnetic susceptibility data above 7 K could be satisfactorily fitted to the theoretical analytical expression derived from the spin Hamiltonian H = -J(S(1)S(2) + S(1)S(3) + S(2)S(3)) with J = -0.782(3) cm(-1) and g = 2.092(3). The model predicts a degenerate ground state with an S = 1/2, which is typical of triangular trimetallic spin frustrated systems containing metal with non-integer spins. DFT calculations were performed on the molecular structure as found in the solid state to support the experimental J value and the Mn-O(carb)-Mn as the primarily exchange pathway.     

From 1D to 3D single-crystal-to-single-crystal structural transformations based on linear polyanion [Mn4(H2O)18WZnMn2(H2O)2(ZnW9O34)2]4-

A 1D anionic polyoxometalate, [Mn(4)(H(2)O)(18)WZnMn(2)(H(2)O)(2)(ZnW(9)O(34))(2)](4-), undergoes 1D to 3D single-crystal-to-single-crystal structural transformations that are induced by transition-metal cations (Co(2+) and Cu(2+)) and solvent molecules. These solid materials present interesting catalytic activity for the oxidative aromatization of Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridines that is dependent on the inserted heterogeneous metal cations.