Synthetic and structural studies of dicobalt–iron complexes with intramolecular bridging bidentate ligands

Treatment of (μ₃-S)FeCo₂(CO)₉ (1) with diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine (2-C₅H₄NPPh₂) or Ph₂PN(CH₂CHMe₂)PPh₂ at reflux in toluene resulted in the formation of dicobalt–iron complexes (μ₃-S)FeCo₂(CO)₇(2-C₅H₄NPPh₂) (2) and (μ₃-S)FeCo₂(CO)₇[Ph₂PN(CH₂CHMe₂)PPh₂] (3) with bridging bidentate ligands via carbonyl substitution in 51 and 53% yields, respectively. The new complexes 2 and 3 were structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography.     

Four transition metal complexes constructed with mixed mercaptotetrazole and 4,4′-bipyridine ligands

Based on 5-mercapto-1H-tetrazole-1-methanesulfonic acid disodium salt (Na₂mtms) and 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy) as ligands, four new transition metal complexes, namely {[Cd₂(mtms)(bpy)₂(OAc)₂]·H₂O} _n (1), {[Cd(mtms)(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]₂·bpy·4H₂O} _n (2), {[Zn₂(μ ₂-OH)(mtms)(bpy)₃(H₂O)]·ClO₄·H₂O} _n (3), and {[Co(mtms)₂(bpy)(H₂O)₂]·[Co(bpy)₂(H₂O)₄]·H₂O} _n (4), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 features a pillared-layer coordination architecture linked by acetate, mtms, and bridging bpy ligands. Complex 2 has a 1D polymeric structure with [Cd(mtms)(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂] as the repeating unit; these infinite chains are further connected into a 3D supramolecular framework through π–π stacking of bpy ligands. In complex 3, the mtms ligand combined with μ ₂-OH bridges two Zn atoms to form a dimer structure, which is different from that of complex 2. Complex 4 shows a 3D supramolecular network containing infinite [Co(mtms)₂(bpy)(H₂O)₂]^2? anionic chains and free [Co(bpy)₂(H₂O)₄]²⁺ cationic components. The luminescence properties of 1 and 2 and the electrochemical properties of 3 are reported.     

Cyclopalladated 2-phenyldihydrooxazole complexes with ethylenediamine, 2,2′-bipyridine,and bridging acetate ligands

The ¹H NMR, electronic absorption, and luminescence spectra, as well as voltammograms of the reduction and oxidation of the complexes [Pd(C∧N)(N∧N)]ClO₄ and [Pd(C∧N)(μ-OOCCH₃)]₂ [where (C∧N)⁻ is deprotonated 2-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazole, and N∧N is ethylenediamine or 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy)] were compared. Magnetic nonequivalence of protons in the dihydrooxazole ring and upfield shift of the corresponding signals were observed as a result of anisotropic effect of the ring current in palladated phenyl substituents in the [Pd(C∧N)(μ-OOCCH₃)]₂ complex having a C ₂ symmetry. One-electron reduction wave of [Pd(C∧N)bpy]⁺ was assigned to ligand-centered electron transfer to the π* orbital of 2,2′-bipyridine, and two oxidation waves of [Pd(C∧N)(μ-OOCCH₃)]₂ were attributed to successive one-electron oxidations of the palladium centers. Low-temperature (77 K) phosphorescence of [Pd(C∧N)En]⁺ and [Pd(C∧N)bpy]⁺ was ascribed to optical transition localized on the metal-complex fragment {Pd(C∧N)} and to interligand charge transfer between the chelating and cyclopalladated ligands. The formation of metal-metal bond in the complex [Pd(C∧N)(μ-OOCCH3₎]₂ gives rise to radiative decay of photoexcitation energy from two electronically excited states, one of which is localized on the {Pd(C∧N)} fragment, and the second corresponds to the charge transfer metal-metal-cyclopalladated ligand.     

Transition metal complexes with thio­semicarbazide-based ligands. XLII.

In the title compound, [Ni(C₂H₇N₃S)₂(C₃H₄N₂)₂]I₂, the Ni^II ion assumes a centrosymmetric distorted octahedral geometry. The two mol­ecules of S-methyl­iso­thio­semicarbazide are coordinated as bidentate ligands via the terminal N atoms, forming five-membered chelate rings. The I atoms are approximately in the equatorial plane of the chelate rings at a similar distance from both. The five-membered chelate rings are almost planar and exhibit flattened envelope conformations. There is a weak intermolecular interaction between the lone pair of electrons of the S atom and the center of the pyrazole ring.     

Charge transfer adducts of metal complexes of π-donor ligands with I2 and TCNQ

Copper(II) and nickel(II) biguanides and O-alkyl-1-amidinourea can act as donors for the formation of charge transfer (CT) adducts with I₂ and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TNCQ) as acceptors. Iodine adducts are characterized both in solid and solution states whereas TCNQ adducts obtain only in solution. Appearance of a broad band at 355 nm for iodine adducts and at 335 nm for TNCQ adducts and shifting of i.r. frequencies support the formation of donor acceptor associates. Elemental analysis establishes 1:1 stoichiometry of the solid adducts. The K and ε values determined by modified Benesi—Hildebrand, Scott and Rose—Drago equations are found to be of the order of 10⁴ and 10³ respectively at 298 K in methanol. The solvent effect on the K values is discussed in terms of coupled solute-solute and solute-solvent equilibria.     

New mixed rare earth double-decker complexes with octyloxynaphthyl-porphyrinato and phenylthio-naphthalocyaninato ligands – preparation and spectroscopic characterization

Eight new (porphyrinato)(naphthalocyaninato) rare earth(III) double-decker complexes M^III(TONPP)[Nc(PhS)₈] [M = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, and Dy; TONPP = 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-octyloxynaphthyl) porphyrin; Nc(PhS)₈ = 3,4,12,13,21,22,30,31-octa(phenylthio)-2,3-naphthalocyanine] have been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The UV–vis absorption spectra depend on the central rare earth ionic size, suggesting that all the transitions involve molecular orbitals with contribution from both porphyrin and naphthalocyanine ligands. The IR and Raman spectra of these double-decker compounds were systemically investigated, showing that the electron hole in these mixed double-deckers is mainly localized at the naphthalocyanine ring. Their sandwich nature was also characterized by MS, EA, and ¹H NMR techniques.     

Metamagnetism and long range ordering in μ-1,3 bridging transition metal thiocyanato coordination polymers

Reaction of M(SCN)₂ (M = Mn, Fe, Ni) with pyridine (pyr) in aqueous solution at room temperature leads to the formation of the literature known pyridine-rich 1:4 compounds of composition [M(SCN)₂(pyridine)₄] (M = Mn (1-Mn), Fe (1-Fe), Ni (1-Ni)) reported recently. On heating, the 1:4 compounds decompose into their corresponding pyridine-deficient 1:2 compounds of composition [M(SCN)₂(pyridine)₂]_n (M = Mn (2-Mn), Fe (2-Fe), Ni (2-Ni)) which decompose on further heating. In the crystal structure of the pyridine-deficient 1:2 compounds the metal cations are coordinated by four N-atoms of two pyridine ligands and two N-bonded thiocyanato anions, each in mutually trans orientation, and by two S-atoms of two adjacent thiocyanato anions in a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The thiocyanato anions bridge the metal cations into one-dimensional (1D) polymeric chains. IR spectroscopic investigations on the pyridine-deficient 1:2 compounds are in agreement with the presence of μ-1,3 bridging thiocyanato anions. Magnetic measurements of the pyridine-rich 1:4 compounds show only Curie-Weiss paramagnetism whereas for the pyridine-deficient 1:2 compounds an antiferromagnetic ordering for [Mn(NCS)₂(pyridine)₂]_n (2-Mn) and metamagnetic behavior for [Ni(NCS)₂(pyridine)₂]_n (2-Ni) is found. For [Cu(NCS)₂(pyridine)₂]_n (2-Cu) Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior is observed. [Fe(NCS)₂(pyridine)₂]_n (2-Fe) shows metamagnetic behavior, which was already investigated but remeasured for a more detailed characterization.     

Transition metal coordination polymers with polycarboxylic acid as bridging ligands: Synthesis and structure characterization of [Fe(μ4-bta)0.5(phen)(OH)]<Subscript>n</Subscript>

A new 2D (two-dimensional) coordination polymer, [Fe(μ4-bta)o.5(phen)(OH)]_n (1), has been hydrothermally synthesized with FeCl₃ 6H₂, Na₄bta (h₄bta = 1,2,4,5-benzentetracarboxylic acid), 1,10-phen (1,10-phenanthroline) and H₂O as raw materials. The crystals of the compound belong to monoclinic P2₁/n space group, a = 1.0129(2) nm, b = 0.9265(2) nm, c = 1.5696(3) nm, β=91.37(3)°V=1.4721(5) nm³,Z=3, final R₁=0.0292, wR ₂=0.0798 for 2572 [/>2σ(/)] observed reflections. The result of structure determination shows that in the compound each bta ligand is connected with four Fe³, forming a new μ4-coordination mode. Four deprotonated carboxylic groups of bta link to Fe³ ions alternatively through monodentate and bidentate coordination fashion, constructing 2D layer network. The measurement of variable temperature magnetic susceptibility indicates that there exist antiferromagnetic interactions between Fe³ ions in the compound. The TGA spectrum displays relatively fine thermal stability of the compound. In addition, IR and UV-Vis spectra of compound 1 have also been measured.     

Transition metal complexes with Schiff-base ligands: 4-aminoantipyrine based derivatives–a review

The survey highlights structural properties and biological studies of transition metal complexes derived from 4-aminoantipyrine. The most important results of extensive studies (syntheses, spectral, magnetic, redox, structural characteristics, antimicrobial and DNA cleavage) of the metal complexes with heterocyclic Schiff bases of 4-aminoantipyrine with some aldehydes and oximes are reviewed.     

Binuclear complexes with uranyl ions in non-equivalent coordination environments – 2. Synthesis and electrochemistry of the complexes with binucleating aroyl hydrazones and 1,10-phenanthroline

The ternary binuclear complexes, [(UO₂phen)₂L^1–5](NO₃) _n · S (1–3): n = 1; (4, 5): n = 2; S = solvent {H₃L^1–3 = 1-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-2-(2-hydroxybenzal/2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzal/2-hydroxynaphthal)hydrazine; H₂L^4,5 = 1-(2-aminobenzoyl)-2-(2-hydroxybenzal/2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzal)hydrazine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline} have been prepared and characterised, and their spectral and electrochemical properties studied. Complexes (4, 5) possess longer O=U=O bonds than those in complexes (1–3) as a result of the strong -donating phenolate group being replaced by an amino group. The i.r. spectra and electrochemical behaviour confirm the electronic non-equivalence of the coordination environments around the two uranyl ions in these complexes.     

Cationic diiron and diruthenium μ-allenyl complexes: synthesis, X-ray structures and cyclization reactions with ethyldiazoacetate/amine affording unprecedented butenolide- and furaniminium-substituted bridging carbene ligands

The novel cationic diiron μ-allenyl complexes [Fe(2)Cp(2)(CO)(2)(μ-CO){μ-η(1):η(2)(α,β)-C(α)(H)=C(β)=C(γ)(R)(2)}](+) (R = Me, 4a; R = Ph, 4b) have been obtained in good yields by a two-step reaction starting from [Fe(2)Cp(2)(CO)(4)]. The solid state structures of [4a][CF(3)SO(3)] and of the diruthenium analogues [Ru(2)Cp(2)(CO)(2)(μ-CO){μ-η(1):η(2)(α,β)-C(α)(H)=C(β)=C(γ)(R)(2)}][BPh(4)] (R = Me, [2a][BPh(4)]; R = Ph, [2c][BPh(4)]) have been ascertained by X-ray diffraction studies. The reactions of 2c and 4a with Br?nsted bases result in formation of the μ-allenylidene compound [Ru(2)Cp(2)(CO)(2)(μ-CO){μ-η(1):η(1)-C(α)=C(β)=C(γ)(Ph)(2)}] (5) and of the dimetallacyclopentenone [Fe(2)Cp(2)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η(1):η(3)-C(α)(H)=C(β)(C(γ)(Me)CH(2))C(=O)}] (6), respectively. The nitrile adducts [Ru(2)Cp(2)(CO)(NCMe)(μ-CO){μ-η(1):η(2)-C(α)(H)=C(β)=C(γ)(R)(2)}](+) (R = Me, 7a; R = Ph, 7b), prepared by treatment of 2a,c with MeCN/Me(3)NO, react with N(2)CHCO(2)Et/NEt(3) at room temperature, affording the butenolide-substituted carbene complexes [Ru(2)Cp(2)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η(1):η(3)-C(α)(H)[upper bond 1 start]C(β)C(γ)(R)(2)OC(=O)C[upper bond 1 end](H)] (R = Me, 10a; R = Ph, 10b). The intermediate cationic compound [Ru(2)Cp(2)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η(1):η(3)-C(α)(H)[upper bond 1 start]C(β)C(γ)(Me)(2)OC(OEt)C[upper bond 1 end](H)](+) (9) has been detected in the course of the reaction leading to 10a. The addition of N(2)CHCO(2)Et/NHEt(2) to 7a gives the 2-furaniminium-carbene [Ru(2)Cp(2)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η(1):η(3)-C(α)(H)[upper bond 1 start]C(β)C(γ)(Me)(2)OC(OEt)C[upper bond 1 end](H)](+) (11). The X-ray structures of 10a, 10b and [11][BF(4)] have been determined. The reactions of 4a,b with MeCN/Me(3)NO result in prevalent decomposition to mononuclear iron species.     

Ionic complexes simultaneously containing fullerene anions and coordination structures of metal phthalocyanines with I<Superscript>−</Superscript> and EtS<Superscript>−</Superscript> anions

The ionic complexes simultaneously containing negatively charged coordination structures of metal phthalocyanines and fullerene anions, viz., {Mn^IIPc(CH₃CH₂S^?) _x ·(I^?)_1?x }·(C₆₀ ^·?)· ·(PMDAE⁺)₂·C₆H₄Cl₂ (PMDAE is N,N,N′,N′,N′-pentamethyldiaminoethane, x = 0.87, 1) and {Zn^IIPc(CH₃CH₂S^?)_y·(I^?)_1?y }₂·(C₆₀ ^?)₂·(PMDAE⁺)₄·(C₆H₄Cl₂) (y = 0.5, 2) were synthesized. The both compounds were obtained as single crystals, which made it possible to study their crystal structures. In complex 1, the fullerene radical anions form honeycomb-like layers in which each fullerene has three neighbors with center-to-center interfullerene distances of 10.13–10.29 Å. Rather long distances between the C₆₀ ^·? radical anions results in the retention of monomeric C₆₀ ^·? in this complex down to the temperature of 110(2) K. In complex 2, fullerenes form dimers (C₆₀ ^?)₂ bonded by one C-C bond. The dimers are packed in corrugated honeycomb-like layers with interfullerene center-to-center distances of 9.90–10.11 Å. Manganese(II) and zinc(II) phthalocyanines coordinate iodide and ethanethiolate anions to the central metal atom to form unusual negatively charged coordination structures M^IIPc(An^?) (An^? is anion) packed in dimers {M^IIPc(An^?)}₂ with a short distance between the phthalocyanine planes (3.14 Å in 1 and 3.27 Å in 2). The pthalocyanine dimers also form layers with the PMDAE⁺ cations, and these layers alternate with the fullerene layers. The packing of spherical fullerenes with planar phthalocyanine molecules is attained by the insertion of fullerenes between the phenylene groups of phthalocyanines. The π-π-interactions of the porphyrin macrocycle with five- or six-membered fullerene rings are characteristic of the earlier studied ionic porphyrin and fullerene complexes. Such interactions are not observed for ionic complexes 1 and 2.     

Tetranuclear copper complexes with new β-diketone and β-iminoketone-containing ligands

Novel tetranuclear copper complexes, Cu4(OH)2(ClO4)3 (HA)·H2O (1) and Cu4(ClO4)5(H3B)·3H2O (2), were synthesized by reacting 1,5-bis(1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone-4)-1 ,5-pentanedione with 1,3-propanediamine and 2-hydroxyl-1,3-propanediamine in the presence of a template reagent copper ion. New [2+2] type open cyclic multidentate ligands are also obtained from the reaction (H4A and H6B stand for new compounds from 1,3-propanediamine and 2-hydroxyl-1,3-propanediamine, respectively). They each contain five C = O, three C = N and one NH2 groups. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity, FT-i.r. (micro-i.r., deconvolution technique), FAB-MS, e.s.r., electronic spectra and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). Copper ions in (1) are basically four coordinate with tetragonal geometry. The average coordination bond distances of Cu–N and Cu–O are 1.91 Å and 2.05 Å. In (2), copper ions are primarily five coordinate with square-based pyramidal geometry. The average coordination bond distances of Cu–N and Cu–O are 1.93Å and 2.08Å. Four copper atoms in molecules may be arranged tetragonally. Both the ligand field and the coordination bonds in complex (1) are stronger than those in (2). Investigations on variable temperature susceptibilities show that some antiferromagnetic exchange interaction exist in the complexes. The plots of –1 versus T obey the Curie-Weiss law only at low temperature. Preliminary results of a bioassay indicate that the two complexes have some antitumour activity in vitro.     

Lantern-type dinickel complexes: An exploration of possibilities for nickel–nickel bonding with bridging bidentate ligands

Many binuclear nickel complexes have Ni Ni distances suggesting Ni Ni covalent bonds, including lantern-type complexes with bridging bidentate ligands. This DFT study treats tetragonal, trigonal, and digonal lantern-type complexes with the formamidinate, guanidinate, and formate ligands, besides some others. Formal bond orders (ranging from zero to two) are assigned to all the Ni Ni bonds on the basis of MO occupancy considerations. A VB-based electron counting approach assigns plausible resonance structures to the dinickel cores. Model tetragonal complexes with the dimethylformamidinate and the dithioformate ligands have singlet ground states whose non-covalently bonded Ni Ni distances are close to those in their experimentally known counterparts. Trigonal dinickel complexes are unknown, but are predicted to have quartet ground states with Ni Ni bonds of order 0.5. The model digonal complexes are predicted to have triplet ground states, but the predicted Ni Ni bond lengths are longer than those found in their experimentally known counterparts. This could owe to inadequate treatment of electron correlation by DFT in these short Ni Ni bonds with their multiconfigurational character. All the Ni Ni bond distances here are categorized into ranges according to the Ni Ni bond orders of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2, no Ni Ni bonds of order higher than two being identified. The Ni Ni bonds of given order in these lantern-type complexes are consistently shorter than the corresponding Ni Ni bonds in dinickel complexes having carbonyl ligands, attributable to the metal metal bond lengthening effect of CO ligands.     

Synthesis,characterization and luminescence properties of a coordination polymer based on self-assembly of PrIII with inorganic–organic hybrid bridging ligands

A new coordination polymer having the formula [Pr(μ ₅-S₂O₃)(μ ₄-tp)_0.5(H₂O)] _n (1) (S₂O₃ = thiosulfate dianion; tp = terephthalate dianions) was obtained by in situ reaction of Pr₂(SO₄)₃ · 6H₂O with H₂tp ligands under solvothermal conditions (H₂O/ethanol). The coordination polymer obtained was characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, thermogravimetry (TG), fluorescent spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The most intriguing structural feature is that the complex exhibits a 3D open framework resulting from bridge-linking coordination between ligands and praseodymium ions. Additionally, 1 has characteristic emission spectra of Pr^III with good fluorescence properties. This is the first coordination polymer based on thiosulfate/terephthalate ligands and a rare earth metal and has an unprecedented pentadentate-bridge-linking coordination mode of the thiosulfate group.     

Heterobimetallic (RuCo) complexes with chelating and bridging Ph2PCH2PPh2 (dppm) ligands

Reaction of the heterobinuclear complex (CO)₄Ru(μ-PPh₂)Co(CO)₃ with Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂ (dppm) affords the dppm chelate (dppm)(CO)₂Ru(μ-PPh₂)Co(CO)₃ (1) and the dppm bridged molecule (CO)₃Ru(μ-PPh₂)(μ-dppm)Co(CO)₂ (2) both of which have been characterised by X-ray diffraction: 1 is the first binuclear RuCo complex containing a chelating dppm ligand and 2 the first heterobinuclear μ-dppm (RuCo) compound.     

Synthesis and structure of novel copper(II) complexes with pyrazole derived ligands and metal–ligand interaction in solution

Two new ligands of the coumarin type have been synthesized and characterized by ¹H, ¹³C NMR, IR and MS. The crystal and molecular structures of ligand 2, determined by the X-ray diffraction method, are presented. With copper(II) these ligands create solid complexes of the type CuLCl₂, where L is 5-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-3-methyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)pyrazol-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (2) or 3-methyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)-1H-chromene[4,3-c]pyrazol-4-on (3). The new copper(II) complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis and solid state FT-IR. The protonation constants of ligands 2 and 3 have been determined in 5% v/v 1,4-dioxane–water solution (25 °C). The coordination modes in the complexes with copper(II) are discussed for 2 on the basis of potentiometric and UV–Vis data.     

Syntheses,crystal structures,and characterization of three metal–organic complexes with 2,2′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid and phenanthroline ligands

Three complexes constructed with 2,2′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid, multidentate nitrogen donors, and metal salts, {[Cd(2,2′-dpdc)(tppp)(H₂O)]₂?·?2H₂O} _n (1), {[Pb(2,2′-dpdc)(pyphen)]₂} _n (2), and {[Pb(2,2′-dpdc)(dppz)]} _n (3) (H₂dpdc = 2,2′-diphenyldicarboxylic acid; tppp = 4-(1H-1,3,7,8-tetraazacyclopenta[l]phenanthren-2-yl)phenol; pyphen?=?pyrazino[2,3-f]-[1,10]phenanthroline; and dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine), are synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. These complexes are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR, TGA, and photoluminescence. In 1, two 2,2′-dpdc ions bridge two Cd(II) ions to form an isolated cluster with Cd?···?Cd distance of 5.023(4)?Å. These clusters are further linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds, yielding a 2-D supramolecular structure. Complex 2 contains two crystallographically independent Pb(II) ions in the asymmetric unit. Pb1 ions are bridged by 2,2′-dpdc anions to form a chain along the x-axis. Two Pb2 ions are coordinated by two 2,2′-dpdc anions and two pyphen ligands to form a cluster. These clusters are linked by π–π interactions to yield a 1-D supramolecular chain along the y-axis. In 3, neighboring Pb(II) atoms are bridged by 2,2′-dpdc anions to form a 1-D chain structure. Further, the chains are linked into a 3-D supramolecular network through aromatic π–π interactions.     

Effects of metal ions and ligands on transesterification: synthesis,structures, and catalytic activities of a series of cation–anionic complexes with dipyridylamine ligands

A series of cation–anion complexes derived by 2,2′-dipyridylamine (Hdpa) and carboxylate ligands with formulas [Ni(Hdpa)₂(CH₃COO)]Cl(CH₃OH) (1), [Co(Hdpa)₂(CH₃COO)]Cl(CH₃OH) (2), [Ni(Hdpa)₂(CH₃CH₂CH₂COO)]Cl (3), [Co(Hdpa)₂(CH₃CH₂CH₂COO)]Cl (4), [Ni(Hdpa)₂(C₆H₅COO)]Cl (5), and [Co(Hdpa)₂(C₆H₅COO)]Cl (6), were synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, MS(ESI), TG analysis, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectra. X-ray single crystal structural analysis showed that the coordination geometries of metal ions in these complexes are similar and they are cation–anion species. The hydrogen-bonding structures are 1-D chains through the N–H···Cl bonds. There are weak stacking interactions between pyridine rings in 1–4, while there are no stacking interactions in 5 and 6. We have investigated the transesterification of phenyl acetate with methanol catalyzed by 1–6 under mild conditions; 1–4 are homogeneous catalysts while 5 and 6 are heterogeneous catalysts due to their poor solubility in methanol. Cobalt complexes exhibit higher catalytic activities than corresponding nickel complexes. Complex 4 is the best catalyst of these six complexes.     

Analysis of tertiary phosphanes, arsanes, and stibanes as bridging ligands in dinuclear Group 9 complexes

The unusual bridging and semi‐bridging binding mode of tertiary phosphanes, arsanes, and stibanes in dinuclear low‐valent Group 9 complexes have been studied by density functional methods and bonding analyses. The influence of various parameters (bridging and terminal ligands, metal atoms) on the structural preferences and bonding of dinuclear complexes of the general composition [A¹ M¹(μ‐CH₂)₂(μ‐EX₃)M² A²] (M¹, M²=Co, Rh, Ir; A¹, A²=F, Cl, Br, I, κ²‐acac; E=P, As, Sb, X=H, F, CH₃) has been analyzed. A number of factors have been identified that favor bridging or semi‐bridging modes for the phosphane ligands and their homologues. A more symmetrical position of the bridging ligand EX₃ is promoted by more polar E? X bonding, but by less electronegative (softer) terminal anionic ligands. Among the Group 9 metal elements Co, Rh, and Ir, the computations clearly show that the 4d element rhodium exhibits the largest preference for a {M¹(μ‐EX₃)M²} bridge, in agreement with experimental observation. Iridium complexes should be valid targets, whereas cobalt does not seem to support well a symmetric bridging mode. Analyses of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) indicate a competition between a delocalized three‐center bridge bond and direct metal–metal bonding.