Angle-dependent electronic effects in 4,4'-bipyridine-bridged Ru3 triangle and Ru4 square complexes

Use of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) as a capping ligand and 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bpy) as a bridging ligand enables assembly of redox-active Ru3 triangle and Ru4 square complexes. The former is produced by reacting [(cyclen)Ru(DMSO)Cl]Cl with 4,4'-bpy in a 3:1 ethanol:water mixture to precipitate [(cyclen)3Ru3(4,4'-bpy)3]Cl6.18H2O.THF (4), whereas the latter is generated as [(cyclen)4Ru4(4,4'-bpy)4](CF3SO3)8.2CF3SO3H.5MeOH (7) by reacting (cyclen)Ru(CF3SO3)3 with 4,4'-bpy in methanol. The crystal structure of 4.11H2O reveals an equilateral triangle in which the 4,4'-bpy bridges are bowed outward, such that the pyridine rings are all forced to be perpendicular to the Ru3 triangle. Consequently, adjacent pyridine rings are essentially coplanar, and the cyclic voltammogram of [(cyclen)3Ru3(4,4'-bpy)3]6+ in acetonitrile displays three distinct one-electron oxidation events. Cyclic voltammetry measurements reveal redox processes centered at E(1/2) = 0.207, 0.342, and 0.434 V versus Cp2Fe(0/+) that are assigned to 6+/7+, 7+/8+, and 8+/9+ couples of the [(cyclen)3Ru3(4,4'-bpy)3]n+ triangle, respectively. In contrast, the structure of [(cyclen)4Ru4(4,4'-bpy)4]8+ features a regular square geometry wherein the rings of the bridging 4,4'-bpy ligands are free to rotate, leading to just one four-electron oxidation couple centered at 0.430 V. Density functional theory calculations performed on [(cyclen)3Ru3(4,4'-bpy)(3)]6+ reveal metal-based orbitals with contributions from the pi system of the bridging 4,4'-bpy ligands, providing a likely pathway for electron transfer.     

2,2'-Dipyridylketone (dpk) as ancillary acceptor and reporter ligand in complexes [(dpk)(Cl)Ru(mu-tppz)Ru(Cl)(dpk)]n+ where tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine

The tppz-bridged diruthenium(II) complex [(dpk)(Cl)Ru(II)(mu-tppz)Ru(II)(Cl)(dpk)](ClO4)2, [2](ClO4)2, and mononuclear [(dpk)(Cl)Ru(II)(tppz)](ClO4), [1](ClO4) [tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, dpk = 2,2'-dipyridylketone], have been synthesized. The 260 mV separation between successive one-electron oxidation couples in [2]2+ translates to a relatively small comproportionation constant, Kc, of 2.5 x 10(4) for the intermediate. It is shown how electrochemical data (E(ox), E(red), Kc) reflect the donor/acceptor effects of ancillary ligands L in a series of systems [(L)ClRu(mu-tppz)RuCl(L)]n, particularly the competition between L and tppz for electron density from the metal. According to EPR (g1 = 2.470, g2 = 2.195, and g3 = 1.873 at 4 K) the intermediate [2]3+ is a mixed-valent Ru(II)Ru(III) species which shows a rather narrow intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) band at 1800 nm (epsilon = 1500 M(-1) cm(-1)). The width at half-height (Deltanu(1/2)) of 700 cm(-1) of the IVCT band is much smaller than the calculated value of 3584 cm(-1), obtained by using the Hush formula Deltanu(1/2) = (2310E(op))(1/2) (E(op) = 5556 cm(-1), energy of the IVCT transition) which would be applicable to localized (Class II) mixed-valent Ru(II)Ru(III) systems. Valence delocalization in [2]3+ is supported by the uniform shift of the nu(C=O) band of the N,N'-coordinated dpk ligands from 1676 cm(-1) in the Ru(II)Ru(II) precursor to 1690 cm(-1) in the Ru(2.5)Ru(2.5) form, illustrating the use of the dpk acceptor to act as reporter ligand via the free but pi-conjugated organic carbonyl group. The apparent contradiction between the moderate value of Kc and the narrow IVCT band is being discussed considering "borderline" or "hybrid" "Class II-III" concepts of mixed-valency, as well as coordination aspects, i.e., the bis-tridentate nature of the pi-acceptor bridging ligand. Altogether, the complex ions [1]+ and [2]2+ display four and five successive reduction processes, respectively, involving both tppz- and dpk-based unoccupied pi orbitals. The one-electron reduced form [2]+ has been assigned as a tppz*- radical-anion-containing species which exhibits a free-radical-type EPR signal at 4K (g(parallel) = 2.002, g(perpendicular) = 1.994) and one moderately intense ligand-based low-energy band at 965 nm (epsilon = 1100 M(-1) cm(-1)).     

Diorganoruthenium complexes incorporating noninnocent [C(6)H(2)(CH(2)ER(2))(2)-3,5](2)(2-) (E = N, P) bis-pincer bridging ligands: synthesis, spectroelectrochemistry, and DFT studies

The dinuclear complex [(tpy)RuII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]Cl2 (bridging PCP-PCP = 3,3',5,5'-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)biphenyl, [C6H2(CH2PPh2)2-3,5]22-) was prepared via a transcyclometalation reaction of the bis-pincer ligand [PC(H)P-PC(H)P] and the Ru(II) precursor [Ru(NCN)(tpy)]Cl (NCN = [C6H3(CH2NMe2)2-2,6]-) followed by a reaction with 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine (tpy). Electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of [(tpy)RuII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]Cl2 are compared with those of the closely related [(tpy)RuII(NCN-NCN)RuII(tpy)](PF6)2 (NCN-NCN = [C6H2(CH2NMe2)2-3,5]22-) obtained by two-electron reduction of [(tpy)RuIII(NCN-NCN)RuIII(tpy)](PF6)4. The molecular structure of the latter complex has been determined by single-crystal X-ray structure determination. One-electron reduction of [(tpy)RuIII(NCN-NCN)RuIII(tpy)](PF6)4 and one-electron oxidation of [(tpy)RuII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]Cl2 yielded the mixed-valence species [(tpy)RuIII(NCN-NCN)RuII(tpy)]3+ and [(tpy)RuIII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]3+, respectively. The comproportionation equilibrium constants Kc (900 and 748 for [(tpy)RuIII(NCN-NCN)RuIII(tpy)]4+ and [(tpy)RuII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]2+, respectively) determined from cyclic voltammetric data reveal comparable stability of the [RuIII-RuII] state of both complexes. Spectroelectrochemical measurements and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy were employed to further characterize the different redox states with special focus on the mixed-valence species and their NIR bands. Analysis of these bands in the framework of Hush theory indicates that the mixed-valence complexes [(tpy)RuIII(PCP-PCP)RuII(tpy)]3+ and [(tpy)RuIII(NCN-NCN)RuII(tpy)]3+ belong to strongly coupled borderline Class II/Class III and intrinsically coupled Class III systems, respectively. Preliminary DFT calculations suggest that extensive delocalization of the spin density over the metal centers and the bridging ligand exists. TD-DFT calculations then suggested a substantial MLCT character of the NIR electronic transitions. The results obtained in this study point to a decreased metal-metal electronic interaction accommodated by the double-cyclometalated bis-pincer bridge when strong sigma-donor NMe2 groups are replaced by weak sigma-donor, pi-acceptor PPh2 groups.     

Synthesis and intramolecular and interionic structural characterization of half-sandwich (arene)ruthenium(II) derivatives of bis(pyrazolyl)alkanes

Arene ruthenium(II) complexes containing bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands have been prepared by reacting the ligands L' (L' in general; specifically L(1) = H(2)C(pz)(2), L(2) = H(2)C(pz(Me2))(2), L(3) = H(2)C(pz(4Me))(2), L(4) = Me(2)C(pz)(2) and L(5) = Et(2)C(pz)(2) where pz = pyrazole) with [(arene)RuCl(mu-Cl)](2) dimers (arene = p-cymene or benzene). When the reaction was carried out in methanol solution, complexes of the type [(arene)Ru(L')Cl]Cl were obtained. When L(1), L(2), L(3), and L(5) ligands reacted with excess [(arene)RuCl(mu-Cl)](2), [(arene)Ru(L')Cl][(arene)RuCl(3)] species have been obtained, whereas by using the L(4) ligand under the same reaction conditions the unexpected [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]Cl complex was recovered. The reaction of 1 equiv of [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl]Cl and of [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]Cl with 1 equiv of AgX (X = O(3)SCF(3) or BF(4)) in methanol afforded the complexes [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl](O(3)SCF(3)) (L' = L(1) or L(2)) and [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]BF(4), respectively. [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))(H(2)O)][PF(6)](2) formed when [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))Cl]Cl reacts with an excess of AgPF(6). The solid-state structures of the three complexes, [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)C(pz)(2)}Cl]Cl, [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)Cpz(4Me))(2)}Cl]Cl, and [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)C(pz)(2)}Cl](O(3)SCF(3)), were determined by X-ray crystallographic studies. The interionic structure of [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))Cl](O(3)SCF(3)) and [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl][(p-cymene)RuCl(3)] (L' = L(1) or L(2)) was investigated through an integrated experimental approach based on NOE and pulsed field gradient spin-echo (PGSE) NMR experiments in CD(2)Cl(2) as a function of the concentration. PGSE NMR measurements indicate the predominance of ion pairs in solution. NOE measurements suggest that (O(3)SCF(3))(-) approaches the cation orienting itself toward the CH(2) moiety of the L(1) (H(2)C(pz)(2)) ligand as found in the solid state. Selected Ru species have been preliminarily investigated as catalysts toward styrene oxidation by dihydrogen peroxide, [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))(H(2)O)][PF(6)](2) being the most active species.     

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3(NO2)]PF6, a synthon for [Ru(bpy)(L3)NO2] complexes

We report a high yield, two-step synthesis of fac-[Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 from the known complex [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)Cl]PF6 (p-cym = eta(6)-p-cymene). [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 is prepared by reacting [(p-cymene)Ru(bpy)Cl]PF6 with AgNO3/KNO2 or AgNO2. The 15NO2 analogue is prepared using K15NO2. Displacement of p-cymene from [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 by acetonitrile gives [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6. The new complexes [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 and fac-[Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 have been fully characterized by 1H and 15N NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and single-crystal structure determination. Reaction of [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 with the appropriate ligands gives the new complexes [Ru(bpy)(Tp)NO2] (Tp = HB(pz)3-, pz = 1-pyrazolyl), [Ru(bpy)(Tpm)NO2]PF6 (Tpm = HC(pz)3), and the previously prepared [Ru(bpy)(trpy)NO2]PF6 (trpy = 2,2',6',2' '-terpyridine). Reaction of the nitro complexes with HPF6 gives the new nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bpy)TpNO][PF6]2 and [Ru(bpy)(Tpm)NO][PF6]3. All complexes were prepared with 15N-labeled nitro or nitrosyl groups. The nitro and nitrosyl complexes were characterized by 1H and 15N NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal structure determination for [Ru(bpy)TpNO][PF6]2. For the nitro complexes, a linear correlation is observed between the nitro 15N NMR chemical shift and 1/nu(asym), where nu(asym) is the asymmetric stretching frequency of the nitro group.     

2,4,6-Tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz)-derived [Ru(II)(tptz)(acac)(CH3CN)]+ and mixed-valent [(acac)2Ru(III){(mu-tptz-H+)-}Ru(II)(acac)(CH3CN)]+

Mononuclear [Ru(II)(tptz)(acac)(CH3CN)]ClO4 ([1]ClO4) and mixed-valent dinuclear [(acac)2Ru(III){(mu-tptz-Eta+)-}Ru(II)(acac)(CH3CN)]ClO4 ([5]ClO4; acac = acetylacetonate) complexes have been synthesized via the reactions of Ru(II)(acac)2(CH3CN)2 and 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz), in 1:1 and 2:1 molar ratios, respectively. In [1]ClO4, tptz binds with the Ru(II) ion in a tridentate N,N,N mode (motif A), whereas in [5]ClO4, tptz bridges the metal ions unsymmetrically via the tridentate neutral N,N,N mode with the Ru(II) center and cyclometalated N,C- state with the Ru(III) site (motif F). The activation of the coordinated nitrile function in [1]ClO4 and [5]ClO4 in the presence of ethanol and alkylamine leads to the formation of iminoester ([2]ClO4 and [7]ClO4) and amidine ([4]ClO4) derivatives, respectively. Crystal structure analysis of [2]ClO4 reveals the formation of a beautiful eight-membered water cluster having a chair conformation. The cluster is H-bonded to the pendant pyridyl ring N of tptz and also with the O atom of the perchlorate ion, which, in turn, makes short (C-H- - - - -O) contacts with the neighboring molecule, leading to a H-bonding network. The redox potentials corresponding to the Ru(II) state in both the mononuclear {[(acac)(tptz)Ru(II)-NC-CH3]ClO4 ([1]ClO4) > [(acac)(tptz)Ru(II)-NH=C(CH3)-OC2H5]ClO4 ([2]ClO4) > [(acac)(tptz)Ru(II)-NH2-C6H4(CH3)]ClO4 ([3]ClO4) > [(acac)(tptz)Ru(II)-NH=C(CH3)-NHC2H5]ClO4 ([4]ClO4)} and dinuclear {[(acac)2Ru(III){(mu-tptz-H+)-}Ru(II)(acac)(NC-CH3)]ClO4 ([5]ClO4), [(acac)2Ru(III){(mu-tptz-H+(N+-O-)2)-}Ru(II)(acac)(NC-CH3)]ClO4 ([6]ClO4), [(acac)2Ru(III){(mu-tptz-H+)-}Ru(II)(acac)(NH=C(CH3)-OC2H5)]ClO4 ([7]ClO4), and [(acac)2Ru(III){(mu-tptz-Eta+)-}Ru(II)(acac)(NC4H4N)]ClO4 ([8]ClO(4))} complexes vary systematically depending on the electronic nature of the coordinated sixth ligands. However, potentials involving the Ru(III) center in the dinuclear complexes remain more or less invariant. The mixed-valent Ru(II)Ru(III) species ([5]ClO4-[8]ClO4) exhibits high comproportionation constant (Kc) values of 1.1 x 10(12)-2 x 10(9), with substantial contribution from the donor center asymmetry at the two metal sites. Complexes display Ru(II)- and Ru(III)-based metal-to-ligand and ligand-to-metal charge-transfer transitions, respectively, in the visible region and ligand-based transitions in the UV region. In spite of reasonably high K(c) values for [5]ClO4-[8]ClO4, the expected intervalence charge-transfer transitions did not resolve in the typical near-IR region up to 2000 nm. The paramagnetic Ru(II)Ru(III) species ([5]ClO4-[8]ClO4) displays rhombic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra at 77 K (g approximately 2.15 and Deltag approximately 0.5), typical of a low-spin Ru(III) ion in a distorted octahedral environment. The one-electron-reduced tptz complexes [Ru(II)(tptz.-)(acac)(CEta3CN)] (1) and [(acac)2Ru(III){(mu-tptz-Eta+).2-}Ru(II)(acac)(CH3CN)] (5), however, show a free-radical-type EPR signal near g = 2.0 with partial metal contribution.     

Hybrid cluster-cages formed via cyanometalate condensation: Cs subset Co(4)Ru(6)S(2)(CN)(12), Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(CN)(9), and Rh(4)Ru(9)S(6)(CN)(9) frameworks

Condensation of cyanometalates and cluster building blocks leads to the formation of hybrid molecular cyanometalate cages. Specifically, the reaction of [Cs subset [CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[CpRu](3)] and [(cymene)(2)Ru(3)S(2)(NCMe)(3)]PF(6) produced [Cs subset [CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[(cymene)(2)Ru(3)S(2)][CpRu](3)](PF(6))(2), Cs subset Co(4)Ru(6)S(2)(2+). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, and ESI-MS measurements show that Cs subset Co(4)Ru(6)S(2)(2+ ) consists of a Ru(4)Co(4)(CN)(12) box fused with a Ru(3)S(2) cluster via a common Ru atom. The reaction of PPN[CpCo(CN)(3)] and 0.75 equiv of [(cymene)(2)(MeCN)(3)Ru(3)S(2)](PF(6))(2) in MeCN solution produced [[CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[(cymene)(2)Ru(3)S(2)](3)](PF(6))(2), Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+). Crystallographic analysis, together with NMR and ESI-MS measurements, shows that Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+ ) consists of a Ru(3)Co(4)(CN)(9) "defect box" core, wherein each Ru is fused to a Ru(3)S(2) clusters. The analogous condensation using [CpRh(CN)(3)](-) in place of [CpCo(CN)(3)](-) produced the related cluster-cage Rh(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+). Electrochemical analyses of both Co(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+) and Rh(4)Ru(9)S(6)(2+) can be rationalized in the context of reduction at the cluster and the Co(III) subunits, the latter being affected by the presence of alkali metal cations.     

Influence of anions on intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) in mixed-valence dinuclear complexes

Spectroelectrochemical studies of the intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) characteristics of both diastereoisomeric forms of the dinuclear complex [{Ru(bpy)2}2(mu-dpi-)]n+ [bpy=2,2'-bipyridine; dpi-=4,5-di(2-pyridyl)imidazolate] showed that the degree of inter-metal electronic coupling (or valence delocalization) is dependent on stereochemical identity. Increasing the relative concentration of the strongly associating anion toluene-4-sulfonate in acetonitrile/[(n-C4H9)4N]{B(C6F5)4} solution differentially decreased the level of delocalization for the two diastereoisomers. In a comparative investigation of electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques of the anion-induced electron localization in [{Ru(bpy)2}2(mu-dpo)]5+ [dpo=3,4-di(2-pyridyl)-1,2,5-oxadiazole], differences were observed between the two methods in the order and extent of effects induced by a number of inorganic anions (PF6-, BF4-, ClO4-). It was determined that the measure of coupling derived from electrochemical methods was less reliable than that obtained from spectral methods. Comparative electrochemical studies were undertaken on [{M(bpy)2}2(mu-BL)]n+ {M=Ru, Os; BL=dpo, dpi-), which revealed substantial differences in DeltaEox (the separation between the redox potentials for the MII-MII/MIII-MII and MII-MIII/MIII-MIII couples) for the two metal centers and therefore the comproportionation constant Kc, dependent on the neutral or anionic nature of the bridging ligand.     

Dilacunary decatungstates functionalized by organometallic ruthenium(II), [{Ru(C6H6)(H2O)}{Ru(C6H6)}(gamma-XW10O36)]4- (X = Si, Ge)

The benzene-Ru(II)-supported dilacunary decatungstosilicate [{Ru(C6H6)(H2O)}{Ru(C6H6)}(gamma-SiW10O36)]4- and the isostructural decatungstogermanate [{Ru(C6H6)(H2O)}{Ru(C6H6)}(gamma-GeW10O36)]4- have been synthesized and characterized by multinuclear solution NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and electrochemistry. Single-crystal X-ray analysis was carried out on K4[{Ru(C6H6)(H2O)}{Ru(C6H6)}(gamma-SiW10O36)].9H2O (K-1), which crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pmn2(1), with a = 13.6702(3) A, b = 16.2419(4) A, c = 12.1397(2) A, and Z = 2, and on K4[{Ru(C6H6)(H2O)}{Ru(C6H6)}(gamma-GeW10O36)].7H2O (K-2), which also crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pmn2(1), with a = 13.6684(12) A, b = 16.297(2) A, c = 12.1607(13) A, and Z = 2. Polyanions 1 and 2 consist of a Ru(C6H6)(H2O) group and a Ru(C6H6) group linked to a dilacunary (gamma-XW10O36) Keggin fragment resulting in an assembly with idealized Cs symmetry. The Ru(C6H6)(H2O) group is bound at the lacunary polyanion site via two Ru-O(W) bonds, whereas the Ru(C6H6) group is bound on the side via three Ru-O(W) bonds. Polyanions 1 and 2 were synthesized in aqueous acidic medium at pH 2.5 by the reaction of [Ru(C6H6)Cl2]2 with [gamma-SiW10O36]8- and [gamma-GeW10O36]8-, respectively. The formal potentials are roughly the same for the first W waves of 1 and 2. However, important differences appear for the second W waves. These observations indicate different acid-base properties for the reduced forms of 1 and 2. Three oxidation processes were detected: the oxidation of the Ru center is followed first by irreversible electrocatalytic processes of the Ru-benzene moiety and then of the electrolyte. Comparison of this behavior with that of the precursor reagent, [Ru(C6H6)Cl2]2, was useful to understand the main oxidation processes. A ligand substitution reaction was observed upon addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso) to 1, 2, or [Ru(C6H6)Cl2]2. This reaction facilitates substantially the oxidation of the Ru center. The dmso was oxidized with large electrocatalytic currents more efficiently in the presence of 1 and 2 than with [Ru(C6H6)Cl2]2.     

Cyanide-bridged linkage isomers with catecholateruthenium(II) centres bound to Mn(I) or M(alkyne) units

Two series of stable cyanide-bridged linkage isomers, namely [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)MnL(NO)(eta-C5Me5)] (XY = CN or NC, L = CNBu(t) or CNXyl) and [(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)M(CO)(PhC-CPh)Tp'] {M = Mo or W, L = PPh3 or P(OPh)3, Tp' = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate} have been synthesised; pairs of isomers are distinguishable by IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The molecular structure of [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(mu-NC)Mo(CO)(PhC-CPh)Tp'] has the catecholate-bound ruthenium atom cyanide-bridged to a Mo(CO)(PhC[triple band]CPh)Tp' unit in which the alkyne acts as a four-electron donor; the alignment of the alkyne relative to the Mo-CO vector suggests the fragment (CN)Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(o-O2C6Cl4) acts as a pi-acceptor ligand. The complexes [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)Mn(NO)L(eta-C5Me5)] undergo three sequential one-electron oxidation processes with the first and third assigned to oxidation of the ruthenium-bound o-O2C6Cl4 ligand; the second corresponds to oxidation of Mn(I) to Mn(n). The complexes [(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)M(CO)(PhC[triple band]CPh)Tp'] are also first oxidised at the catecholate ligand; the second oxidation, and one-electron reduction, are based on the M(CO)(PhC[triple band]CPh)Tp' fragment. Chemical oxidation of [(o-O,C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)MnL(NO)(eta-C5Me5)] with [Fe(eta-C5H4COMe)(eta-C5H5)][BF4], or of [(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)M(CO)(PhC[triple band]CPh)Tp'] with AgBF4, gave the paramagnetic monocations [(o-O2C6Cl4)(Ph3P)(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)MnL(NO)(eta-C5Me5)]+ and [(o-O2C6Cl4)L(OC)2Ru(mu-XY)M(CO)(PhC[triple band]CPh)Tp']+, the ESR spectra of which are consistent with ruthenium-bound semiquinone ligands. Linkage isomers are distinguishable by the magnitude of the 31P hyperfine coupling constant; complexes with N-bound Ru(o-O2C6Cl4) units also show small hyperfine coupling to the nitrogen atom of the cyanide bridge.     

Syntheses, structural determination, and electrochemistry of Ru(2)(Fap)(4)Cl and Ru(2)(Fap)(4)(NO)Cl

Ru(2)(Fap)(4)Cl and Ru(2)(Fap)(4)(NO)Cl, where Fap is the 2-(2-fluoroanilino)pyridinate anion, were synthesized, and their structural, electrochemical, and spectroscopic properties were characterized. Ru(2)(Fap)(4)Cl, which was obtained by reaction between Ru(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)Cl and molten HFap, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with a = 11.2365(4) A, b = 19.9298(8) A, c = 19.0368(7) A, beta = 90.905(1) degrees, and Z = 4. The presence of three unpaired electrons on the Ru(2)(5+) core and the 2.2862(3) A Ru-Ru bond length for Ru(2)(Fap)(4)Cl are consistent with the electronic configuration (sigma)(2)(pi)(4)(delta)(2)(pi*)(2)(delta*)(1). The reaction between Ru(2)(Fap)(4)Cl and NO gas yields Ru(2)(Fap)(4)(NO)Cl, which crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca, with a = 10.0468(6) A, b = 18.8091(10) A, c = 41.7615(23) A, and Z = 8. The Ru-Ru bond length of Ru(2)(Fap)(4)(NO)Cl is 2.4203(8) A, while its N-O bond length and Ru-N-O bond angle are 1.164(8) A and 155.8(6) degrees, respectively. Ru(2)(Fap)(4)(NO)Cl can be formulated as a formal Ru(2)(II,II)(NO(+)) complex with a linear Ru-N-O group, and the proposed electronic configuration for this compound is (sigma)(2)(pi)(4)(delta)(2)(pi*)(3)(delta*)(1). The binding of NO to Ru(2)(Fap)(4)Cl leads to some structural changes of the Ru(2)(Fap)(4) framework and a stabilization of the lower oxidation states of the diruthenium unit. Also, IR spectroelectrochemical studies of Ru(2)(Fap)(4)(NO)Cl show that NO remains bound to the complex upon reduction and that the first reduction involves the addition of an electron on the diruthenium core and not on the NO axial ligand.     

Valence-state analysis through spectroelectrochemistry in a series of quinonoid-bridged diruthenium complexes [(acac)(2)Ru(mu-L)Ru(acac)(2)](n) (n=+2, +1, 0, -1, -2)

The quinonoid ligand-bridged diruthenium compounds [(acac)(2)Ru(mu-L(2-))Ru(acac)(2)] (acac(-)=acetylacetonato=2,4-pentanedionato; L(2-)=2,5-dioxido-1,4-benzoquinone, 1; 3,6-dichloro-2,5-dioxido-1,4-benzoquinone, 2; 5,8-dioxido-1,4-naphthoquinone, 3; 2,3-dichloro-5,8-dioxido-1,4-naphthoquinone, 4; 1,5-dioxido-9,10-anthraquinone, 5; and 1,5-diimido-9,10-anthraquinone, 6) were prepared and characterized analytically. The crystal structure analysis of 5 in the rac configuration reveals two tris(2,4-pentanedionato)ruthenium moieties with an extended anthracenedione-derived bis(ketoenolate) pi-conjugated bridging ligand. The weakly antiferromagnetically coupled {Ru(III)(mu-L(2-))Ru(III)} configuration in 1-6 exhibits complicated overall magnetic and EPR responses. The simultaneous presence of highly redox-active quinonoid-bridging ligands and of two ruthenium centers capable of adopting the oxidation states +2, +3, and +4 creates a large variety of possible oxidation state combinations. Accordingly, the complexes 1-6 exhibit two reversible one-electron oxidation steps and at least two reversible reduction processes. Shifts to positive potentials were observed on introduction of Cl substituents (1-->2, 3-->4) or through replacement of NH by O (6-->5). The ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) absorptions in the visible region of the neutral molecules become more intense and shifted to lower energies on stepwise reduction with two electrons. On oxidation, the para-substituted systems 1-4 exhibit monocation intermediates with intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) transitions of Ru(III)Ru(IV) mixed-valent species. In contrast, the differently substituted systems 5 and 6 show no such near infrared (NIR) absorption. While the first reduction steps are thus assigned to largely ligand-centered processes, the oxidation appears to involve metal-ligand delocalized molecular orbitals with variable degrees of mixing.     

A series of [3 + 2] cycloaddition products from the reaction of rhenium oxo complexes with diphenyl ketene

The reaction of rhenium (VII) trioxo complexes containing the ligand sets scorpionate, [HB(pz)3]ReO3 (6), [Ph-B(pz)3]ReO3 (7), and [[HC(pz)3]ReO3][ReO4] (8) and pyridine/pyridine-type ligands [(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phen)(Br)ReO3] (12), [(4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridyl)(Cl)ReO3] (13), and [(py)2Re(Cl)O3] (4), with diphenyl ketene, has led to the isolation of six novel [3 + 2] cycloaddition products. These air-stable solids 9-11 and 15-17 are the result of [3 + 2] addition of the O=Re=O motif across the ketene C=C double bond. Five of the six [3 + 2] cycloaddition products have been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and in all cases by 13C NMR and IR spectroscopies.     

Structural comparisons of silver(I) complexes of third-generation ligands built from tridentate (o-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3)](2)) versus bidentate poly(1-pyrazolyl)methane units (o-C(6)H(4)[CH(2)OCH(2)CH(pz)(2)](2)) (pz = pyrazolyl ring)

The new bitopic, bis(1-pyrazolyl)methane-based ligand o-C6H4[CH2OCH2CH(pz)2]2 (L2, pz = pyrazolyl ring) is prepared from the reaction of (pz)2CHCH2OH (obtained from the reduction of (pz)2CHCOOH with BH3.S(CH3)2) with NaH, followed by the addition of alpha,alpha'-dibromo-o-xylene. The reaction of L2 with AgPF6 or AgO3SCF3 yields {o-C6H4[CH2OCH2CH(pz)2]2(AgPF6)}n or {o-C6H4[CH2OCH2CH(pz)2]2(AgO3SCF3)}n, respectively. Both compounds in the solid state have tetrahedral silver(I) centers arranged in a 1D coordination polymer network. The analogous ligand based on tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane units, o-C6H4[CH2OCH2C(pz)3]2 (L3), reacts with AgO3SCF3 to form a similar coordination polymer, {o-C6H4[CH2OCH2C(pz)3]2(AgO3SCF3)}n. In this case, each tris(pyrazolyl)methane unit in L3 adopts the kappa2-kappa0 bonding mode. Crystallization of a 3:1 mixture of AgO3SCF3 and L3 yields {o-C6H4[CH2OCH2C(pz)3]2(AgO3SCF3)2}n, in which the tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane units adopt a kappa2-kappa1 coordination mode.     

Spectroelectrochemical studies on mixed-valence states in a cyanide-bridged molecular square, [Ru(II)(2)Fe(II)(2)(mu-CN)(4)(bpy)(8)](PF6)(4).CHCl(3).H(2)O

A cyanide-bridged molecular square of [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II) (2)(mu-CN)(4)(bpy)(8)](PF(6))(4).CHCl(3).H(2)O, abbreviated as [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II) (2)](PF(6))(4), has been synthesised and electrochemically generated mixed-valence states have been studied by spectroelectrochemical methods. The complex cation of [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II) (2)](4+) is nearly a square and is composed of alternate Ru(II) and Fe(II) ions bridged by four cyanide ions. The cyclic voltammogram (CV) of [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II) (2)](PF(6))(4) in acetonitrile showed four quasireversible waves at 0.69, 0.94, 1.42 and 1.70 V (vs. SSCE), which correspond to the four one-electron redox processes of [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II) (2)](4+) right arrow over left arrow [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II)Fe(III)] (5+) right arrow over left arrow [Ru(II) (2)Fe(III) (2)](6+) right arrow over left arrow [Ru(II)Ru(III)Fe(III) (2)](7+) right arrow over left arrow [Ru(III) (2)Fe(III) (2)](8+). Electrochemically generated [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II)Fe(III)](5+) and [Ru(II) (2)Fe(III) (2)](6+) showed new absorption bands at 2350 nm (epsilon =5500 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 1560 nm (epsilon =10 500 M(-1) cm(-1)), respectively, which were assigned to the intramolecular IT (intervalence transfer) bands from Fe(II) to Fe(III) and from Ru(II) to Fe(III) ions, respectively. The electronic interaction matrix elements (H(AB)) and the degrees of electronic delocalisation (alpha(2)) were estimated to be 1090 cm(-1) and 0.065 for the [Ru(II) (2)Fe(II)Fe(III) (2)](5+) state and 1990 cm(-1) and 0.065 for the [Ru(II) (2)Fe(III) (2)](6+) states.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes with improved photophysical properties based on planar 4'-(2-pyrimidinyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine ligands

A series of new tridentate polypyridine ligands, made of terpyridine chelating subunits connected to various substituted 2-pyrimidinyl groups, and their homoleptic and heteroleptic Ru(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The new metal complexes have general formulas [(R-pm-tpy)Ru(tpy)]2+ and [Ru(tpy-pm-R)2]2+ (tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine; R-pm-tpy = 4'-(2-pyrimidinyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine with R = H, methyl, phenyl, perfluorophenyl, chloride, and cyanide). Two of the new metal complexes have also been characterized by X-ray analysis. In all the R-pm-tpy ligands, the pyrimidinyl and terpyridyl groups are coplanar, allowing an extended delocalization of acceptor orbital of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state. The absorption spectra, redox behavior, and luminescence properties of the new Ru(II) complexes have been investigated. In particular, the photophysical properties of these species are significantly better compared to those of [Ru(tpy)2]2+ and well comparable with those of the best emitters of Ru(II) polypyridine family containing tridentate ligands. Reasons for the improved photophysical properties lie at the same time in an enhanced MLCT-MC (MC = metal centered) energy gap and in a reduced difference between the minima of the excited and ground states potential energy surfaces. The enhanced MLCT-MC energy gap leads to diminished efficiency of the thermally activated pathway for the radiationless process, whereas the similarity in ground and excited-state geometries causes reduced Franck Condon factors for the direct radiationless decay from the MLCT state to the ground state of the new complexes in comparison with [Ru(tpy)2]2+ and similar species.     

Direct measurement of excited-state intervalence transfer in [(tpy)Ru(III)(tppz(*-))Ru(II)(tpy)](4+) by time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy

Extension of time-resolved infrared (TRIR) measurements into the near-infrared region has allowed the first direct measurement of a mixed-valence band in the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state of a symmetrical ligand-bridged complex. Visible laser flash excitation of [(tpy)Ru(tppz)Ru(tpy)]4+ (tppz is 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine; tpy is 2,2':6',6' '-terpyridine) produces the mixed-valence, MLCT excited state [(tpy)RuIII(tppz*-)RuII(tpy)]4+* with the excited electron localized on the bridging tppz ligand. A mixed-valence band appears at numax = 6300 cm-1 with a bandwidth-at-half- maximum, Deltanu1/2 = 1070 cm-1. In the analogous ground-state complex, [(tpy)Ru(tppz)Ru(tpy)]5+, a mixed-valence band appears at numax = 6550 cm-1 with Deltanu1/2 = 970 cm-1 which allows a comparison to be made of electronic coupling across tppz0 and tppz*- as bridging ligands.     

Transition from hydrogen atom to hydride abstraction by Mn4O4(O2PPh2)6 versus [Mn4O4(O2PPh2)6]+: O-H bond dissociation energies and the formation of Mn4O3(OH)(O2PPh2)6

Synthesis, characterization, and reactions of the novel manganese-oxo cubane complex [Mn(4)O(4)(O(2)PPh(2))(6)](ClO(4)), 1+ (ClO(4)(-)), are described. Cation 1+ is composed of the [Mn(4)O(4)](7+) core surrounded by six bidentate phosphinate ligands. The proton-coupled electron transfer (pcet) reactions of phenothiazine (pzH), the cation radical (pzH(.+)(ClO(4)(-)), and the neutral pz* radical with 1+ are reported and compared to Mn(4)O(4)(O(2)PPh(2))(6) (1). Compound 1+ (ClO(4)(-)) reacts with excess pzH via four sequential reduction steps that transfer a total of five electrons and four protons to 1+. This reaction forms the doubly dehydrated manganese cluster Mn(4)O(2)(O(2)PPh(2))(6) (2) and two water molecules derived from the corner oxygen atoms. The first pcet step forms the novel complex Mn(4)O(3)(OH)(O(2)PPh(2))(6) (1H) and 1 equiv of the pz+ cation by net hydride transfer from pzH. Spectroscopic characterization of isolated 1H is reported. Reduction of 1 by pzH or a series of para-substituted phenols also produces 1H via net H atom transfer. A lower limit to the homolytic bond dissociation energy (BDE) (1H --> 1 + H) was estimated to be >94 kcal/mol using solution phase BDEs for pzH and para-substituted phenols. The heterolytic BDE was estimated for the hydride transfer reaction 1H --> 1+ + H(-) (BDE approximately 127 kcal/mol). These comparisons reveal the O-H bond in 1H to be among the strongest of any Mn-hydroxo complex measured thus far. In three successive H atom transfer steps, 1H abstracts three hydrogen atoms from three pzH molecules to form complex 2. Complex 2 is shown to be identical to the "pinned butterfly" cluster produced by the reaction of 1 with pzH (Ruettinger, W. F.; Dismukes, G. C. Inorg. Chem. 2000, 39, 1021-1027). The Mn oxidation states in 2 are formally Mn(4)(2II,2III), and no further reduction occurs in excess pzH. By contrast, outer-sphere electron-only reductants such as cobaltacene reduce both 1+ and 1 to the all Mn(II) oxidation level and cause cluster fragmentation. The reaction of pzH(.+) with 1+ produces 1H and the pz+ cation by net hydrogen atom transfer, and terminates at 1 equiv of pzH(.+) with no further reaction at excess. By contrast, pz* does not react with 1+ at all, indicating that reduction of 1+ by electron transfer to form pz+ does not occur without a proton (pcet to 1+ is thermodynamically required). Experimental free energy changes are shown to account for these pcet reactions and the absence of electron transfer for any of the phenothiazine series. Hydrogen atom abstraction from substrates by 1 versus hydride abstraction by 1(+ )()illustrates the transition to two-electron one-proton pcet chemistry in the [Mn(4)O(4)](7+) core that is understood on the basis of free energy consideration. This transition provides a concrete example of the predicted lowest-energy pathway for the oxidation of two water molecules to H(2)O(2) as an intermediate within the photosynthetic water-oxidizing enzyme (vs sequential one-electron/proton steps). The implications for the mechanism of photosynthetic water splitting are discussed.     

"Abnormal" salt and solvent effects on anion/cation electron-transfer reactions: an interpretation based on Marcus-Hush treatment

Salt and solvent effects on the kinetics of the reactions [Fe(CN)6]3- + [Ru(NH3)5pz](2+) right arrow over left arrow [Fe(CN)6]4- + [Ru(NH3)5pz]3+ (pz = pyrazine) have been studied through T-jump measurements. The forward and reverse reactions show different behaviors: "abnormal" salt and solvent effects in the first case and normal effects in the second one. These facts imply an asymmetric behavior of anion/cation reactions depending on the charge of the oxidant. The results can be rationalized by using the Marcus-Hush treatment for electron-transfer reactions.     

Synthesis of tris- and tetrakis(pyrazol-1-yl)borate gold(III) complexes. Crystal structures of [Au[kappa(2)-N,N'-BH(Pz)(3)]Cl(2)] (pz = pyrazol-1-yl) and [Au[kappa(2)-N,N'-B(Pz)(4)](kappa(2)-C,N-C(6)H(4)CH(2)NMe(2)-2)]ClO(4).CHCl(3)

Na[BH(pz)(3)] and Na[AuCl(4)].2H(2)O react in water (1:1) to give [Au[kappa(2)-N,N'-BH(pz)(3)]Cl(2)] (1) or, in the presence of NaClO(4) (2:1:1), the cationic complex [Au[kappa(2)-N,N'-BH(pz)(3)](2)]ClO(4) (2). The reactions of Na[B(pz)(4)] with the cyclometalated gold complexes [AuRCl(2)] and NaClO(4) (1:1:1) produce [Au[kappa(2)-N,N'-B(pz)(4)](R)]ClO(4) [R = kappa(2)-C,N-C(6)H(4)CH(2)NMe(2)-2 (3)] or [Au[kappa(2)-N,N'-B(pz)(4)](R)Cl] [R = C(6)H(3)(N=NC(6)H(4)Me-4')-2-Me-5 (4)], respectively, although 4 is better obtained in the absence of NaClO(4). The crystal structures of 1 and 3.CHCl(3) are reported. Both complexes display the gold center in square planar environments, two coordination sites being occupied by the chelating poly(pyrazolyl)borate ligands.