Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of 2,2′-(buta-1,3-diyne-1,4-diyl)bis(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole 3-oxide 1-oxyl)

An approach to the synthesis of nitronyl nitroxide 2,2′-(buta-1,3-diyne-1,4-diyl)bis(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole 3-oxide 1-oxyl) (4) was developed. Compound 4 is the first diradical with nitronyl nitroxide groups directly linked through a diacetylene fragment. In solid phase the diradicals are arranged in stacks with parallel CC fragments, with the distances between the terminal carbon atoms of the neighboring diacetylene groups (T and d) being 6.170 and 4.466 Å, respectively, and the angle between the translation vector and the median line passing through the CCCC fragment of 45.9°. The values of T and d are outside the range of structural criteria allowing a topochemical reaction. Thus UV irradiation does not initiate solid phase polymerization of 4. After exposure at 373 K for 1 h the crystals of 4 turn dark-brown, become X-ray amorphous and lose the majority of their paramagnetic centers without significantly changing their mass. Upon further heating up to 400-420 K the product explodes, releasing about 360 kJ/mol of heat. A diluted solution of 4 in 1,4-dioxane produces an EPR spectrum typical of a strong exchange (a multiplet of nine broadened lines with A_4N = 0.35 mT), indicating the efficiency of the CCCC fragment as an exchange channel. The character of the experimental μ_eff(T) dependence for 4 indicates a strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic-type exchange interaction (J/k_B ∼ −104 K) and the dominating weak intermolecular ferromagnetic exchange.     

Luminescent rhenium(I)-gold(I) hetero organometallics linked by ethynylphenanthrolines

The first luminescent rhenium(I)-gold(I) hetero organometallics, Re{phenAu(PPh₃)}(CO)₃Cl (3) and Re{(PPh₃)AuphenAu(PPh₃)}(CO)₃Cl (4), have been prepared using the gold(I) complex AuCl(PPh₃) (PPh₃ = triphenylphosphine) and the novel rhenium(I) complexes Re(phenH)(CO)₃Cl (5) (phenH = 3-ethynyl-1,10-phenanthroline) or Re(HphenH)(CO)₃Cl (6) (HphenH = 3,8-bis(ethynyl)-1,10-phenanthroline). All the present rhenium(I) complexes 3-6 were revealed to possess a facial configuration (fac-isomer) with respect to the three carbonyl ligands. The main frameworks for these new gold(I) organometallics were constructed by the Au-C σ-bonding (with the η¹-type coordination) between the ethynylphenanthrolines and the Au(I) phosphine unit. Re(I)-Au(I) heterometallics 3 and 4 have shown single phosphorescence from the ³MLCT excited state and this observation can be interpreted in terms of the efficient intramolecular energy transfer from the Au(I) unit to the Re(I) unit.     

Solvent and phosphine dependency in the reaction of cis-RuCl2(P-P)2 (P-P = dppm or dppe) with terminal alkynes

Reaction of cis-[RuCl₂(dppm)₂] (dppm = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) with PhCCH and NaPF₆ utilising methanol as solvent results in the formation of the η³-butenynyl complex [Ru(η³-PhCCCCHPh)(dppm)₂][PF₆] in good yield. Similar reactions with Bu^tCCH and PrⁿCCH resulted in the corresponding alkyl-substituted complexes and all three of these compounds have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The mechanism of this reaction has been probed by employing labelling experiments with both PhCCD and PhC¹³CH allowing the identity of possible intermediates in the reaction to be determined. Furthermore, [Ru(η³-PhCCCCHPh)(dppm)₂][PF₆] has been shown to be an effective regio- and stereo-selective catalyst for the dimerisation of PhCCH to Z-PhCCCHCHPh in the absence of solvent. In contrast, no evidence for the formation of alkyne coupling was obtained from the reaction of cis-[RuCl₂(dppe)₂] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) with PhCCH and NaPF₆.     

Reactivity of [CpRh(η-C6H3NH2-2,6-i-Pr2)](OTf)2 toward phosphines and alkynes

The cationic aniline complex [Cp^∗Rh(η⁶-2,6-(Me₂CH)₂C₆H₃NH₂)](OTf)₂ (1) was prepared from either [Cp^∗Rh(η²-NO₃)(η¹-OTf)] or [Cp^∗Rh(OH₂)₃](OTf)₂ and 2,6-diisopropylaniline. Complex 1 underwent substitution with phosphines or phosphites, indicating the labile character of the η⁶-aniline ligand. Complex 1 mediated cycloaddition reactions of several alkynes in refluxing ethanol: the [2 + 2] dimerization for PhCCPh and the [2 + 2 + 1] trimerization for PhCCH and CH₃C₆H₄CCH. The unexpected cyclobutadiene complex [Cp^∗Rh(η⁴-C₄(C(O)CH₃)₂H(SiMe₃))] was obtained from complex 1 and Me₃SiCCCCSiMe₃ and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis, spectroscopy, structures and photophysics of metal alkynyl complexes and polymers containing functionalized carbazole spacers

A new class of soluble and thermally stable group 10 platinum(II) poly-yne polymers functionalized with 9-arylcarbazole moiety trans-[-Pt(PBu₃)₂CCRCC-]_n (R = 9-arylcarbazole-3,6-diyl; aryl = p-methoxyphenyl, p-chlorophenyl) were prepared in good yields by the polycondensation polymerization of trans-[PtCl₂(PBu₃)₂] with HCCRCCH under ambient conditions. The optical absorption and emission properties of these polymetallaynes were investigated and compared with their bimetallic molecular model complexes trans-[Pt(Ph)(PEt₃)₂CCRCCPt(Ph)(PEt₃)₂] as well as their group 11 gold(I) and group 12 mercury(II) neighbors [(PPh₃)AuCCRCCAu(PPh₃)] and [MeHgCCRCCHgMe]. The structures of all the compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic methods and by X-ray crystallography for selected model complexes. The influence of the heavy metal atom and the 9-aryl substituent of carbazole on the evolution of lowest electronic singlet and triplet excited states is critically characterized. It was shown that the organic-localized phosphorescence emission can be triggered readily by the heavy-atom effect of group 10-12 transition metals (viz., Pt, Au, and Hg) with the emission efficiency generally in the order Pt > Au > Hg. These carbazole-based organometallic materials possess high-energy triplet states of 2.68 eV or higher which do not vary much with the substituent of 9-aryl group.     

Some complexes containing carbon chains end-capped by M(CO)2Tp′ [M = Mo, W; Tp′ = HB(pz)3, HB(dmpz)3] groups

Complexes M(CCCSiMe₃)(CO)₂Tp′ (Tp′ = Tp [HB(pz)₃], M = Mo 2, W 4; Tp′ = Tp^∗ [HB(dmpz)₃], M = Mo 3) are obtained from M(CCCSiMe₃)(O₂CCF₃)(CO)₂(tmeda) (1) and K[Tp′].Reactions of 2 or 4 with AuCl(PPh₃)/K₂CO₃ in MeOH afforded M{CCCAu(PPh₃)}(CO)₂Tp′ (M = Mo 5, W 6) containing C₃ chains linking the Group 6 metal and gold centres.In turn, the gold complexes react with Co₃(μ₃-CBr)(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ to give the C₄-bridged {Tp(OC)₂M}CCCC{Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇} (M = Mo 7, W 8), while Mo(CBr)(CO)₂Tp^∗ and Co₃{μ₃-C(CC)₂Au(PPh₃)}(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ give {Tp^∗(OC)₂Mo}C(CC)₂C{Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇} (9) via a phosphine-gold(I) halide elimination reaction. The C₃ complexes Tp′(OC)₂MCCCRu(dppe)Cp^∗ (Tp′ = Tp, M = Mo 10, W 11; Tp′ = Tp^∗, M = Mo 12) were obtained from 2-4 and RuCl(dppe)Cp^∗ via KF-induced metalla-desilylation reactions. Reactions between Mo(CBr)(CO)₂Tp^∗ and Ru{(CC)_nAu(PPh₃)}(dppe)Cp^∗ (n = 2, 3) afforded {Tp^∗(OC)₂Mo}C(CC)_n{Ru(dppe)Cp^∗} (n = 2 13, 3 14), containing C₅ and C₇ chains, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations of 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 12 are reported.     

Synthesis and characterization of phenylacetylene-terminated poly(silyleneethynylene-4,4′-phenylethereneethynylene)s

Two kinds of phenylacetylene-terminated poly(silyleneethynylene-4,4′-phenylethereneethynylene)s, {C₆H₅CC[Si(R)₂CCC₆H₄OC₆H₄CC]_nC₆H₅} wherein R represents methyl or phenyl, were synthesized by condensation reaction between dichlorosilanes and 4,4′-diethynyldiphenyl ether using organomagnesium reagents. The polymers were characterized by NMR, IR, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scattering calorimetry.     

Rhodium vinylidene and alkyne complexes containing a pendant uracil group

Reaction of HCCUr (Ur = uracil) with [RhCl(PiPr₃)₂] results in the formation of the vinylidene complex [RhCl(PiPr₃)₂(CC{H}Ur)]. In the solid state this complex forms a hydrogen bonded network which consists of complementary interactions between uracil groups on neighbouring rhodium complexes and with the methanol of crystallisation. The η²-alkyne complexes [RhCl(PiPr₃)₂(η²-PhCCUr)] and [Rh(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PiPr₃)(η²-PhCCUr)] have also been prepared. In contrast to the behaviour of [Rh(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PiPr₃)(η²-PhCCUr)], [RhCl(PiPr₃)₂(η²-PhCCUr)] shows little evidence for the formation of hydrogen bonded aggregates in solution. The difference in behaviour between the two species is rationalised on the basis of steric effects.     

Reactivity of silica-supported zirconium neopentyl fragments with trimethylphosphine and acetone: Formation of unexpected reaction products

The reactivity of trimethylphosphine with (SiO)_xZrNp_4−x species (x = 1-3) synthesized on silica dehydroxylated at various temperatures has been studied. Only the bi-grafted (SiO)₂ZrNp₂ complex reacts, leading to the formation of a surface alkylidene and evolution of neopentane. In presence of acetone the three neopentyl zirconium species react by the same way with evolution of neopentane and formation of enolate (SiO)_xZr[OC(CH₃)(CH₂)]_4−x species.     

Iron(II) and iron(III) complexes containing ethynyl thiophene fragments

The synthesis of the new complexes Cp*(dppe)FeCC2,5-C₄H₂SR (Cp* = 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; 2a, R = CCH; 2b, R = CCSi(CH₃)₃; 2c, R = CCSi(CH(CH₃)₂)₃; 3a, R = CC2,5-C₄H₂SCCH; 3c, R = CC2,5-C₄H₂SCCSi(CH(CH₃)₂)₃) is described. The ¹³C NMR and FTIR spectroscopic data indicate that the π-back donation from the metal to the carbon rich ligand increases with the size of the organic π-electron systems. The new complexes were also analyzed by CV and the chemical oxidation of 2a and 3c was carried out using 1 equiv of [Cp₂Fe][PF₆]. The corresponding complexes 2a[PF₆] and 3c[PF₆] are thermally stable, but 2a[PF₆] was too reactive to be isolated as a pure compound. The spectroscopic data revealed that the coordination of large organic π-electron systems to the iron nucleus produces only a weak increase of the carbon character of the SOMO for these new organoiron(III) derivatives.     

Reactions of cyano(alkynyl)ethenes with some alkynyl- and diynyl-ruthenium complexes

Reactions of Ru(CCPh)(PPh₃)₂Cp with (NC)₂CCR¹R² (R¹ = H, R² = CCSiPrⁱ₃8; R¹ = R² = CCPh 9) have given η³-butadienyl complexes Ru{η³-C[C(CN)₂]CPhCR¹R²}(PPh₃)Cp (11, 12), respectively, by formal [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of the alkynyl and alkene, followed by ring-opening of the resulting cyclobutenyl (not detected) and displacement of a PPh₃ ligand. Deprotection (tbaf) of 11 and subsequent reactions with RuCl(dppe)Cp and AuCl(PPh₃) afforded binuclear derivatives Ru{η³-C[C(CN)₂]CPhCHCC[ML_n]}(PPh₃)Cp [ML_n = Ru(dppe)Cp 19, Au(PPh₃) 20]. Reactions between 8 and Ru(CCCCR)(PP)Cp [PP = (PPh₃)₂, R = Ph, SiMe₃, SiPrⁱ₃; PP = dppe, R = Ph] gave η¹-dienynyl complexes Ru{CCC[C(CN)₂]CRCH[CC(SiPrⁱ₃)]}(PP)Cp (15-18), respectively, in reactions not involving phosphine ligand displacement. The phthalodinitrile C₆H(CCSiMe₃)(CN)₂(NH₂)(SiMe₃) 10 was obtained serendipitously from (Me₃SiCC)₂CO and CH₂(CN)₂, as shown by an XRD structure determination. The XRD structures of precursor 7 and adducts 11, 12 and 17 are also reported.     

Carbon-carbon and carbon-chlorine bond formation on reaction of iodine(III) reagents with the bis(alkynyl)palladium(II) motif, and structural chemistry of trans-Pd(CC-o-Tol)2(PMe2Ph)2] and trans-[PdCl(CC-o-Tol)(PMe2Ph)2]

Trans-di(ortho-tolylethynyl)bis(dimethylphenylphosphine)palladium(II) reacts above −20 °C with the iodonium reagent IPhCl₂ to give predominantly o-Tol-CC-Cl, above 15 °C with IPh₂(OTf) (OTf = triflate) to give o-Tol-CC-Ph and (o-Tol-CC)₂ in ca. 3:1 ratio, and above 10 °C with IPh(CCR)(OTf) (R = Bu^t, SiMe₃) to give predominantly o-Tol-CC-CC-R and (o-Tol-CC)₂. ³¹P NMR spectra provide evidence for detection of intermediates. The complexes trans-[Pd(CC-o-Tol)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂] and trans-[PdCl(CC-o-Tol)(PMe₂Ph)₂] are obtained on reaction of trans-[PdCl₂(PMe₂Ph)₂] with Li(CC-o-Tol) and o-Tol-CCH/Et₃N, respectively, and have been characterised by X-ray crystallography.     

Syntheses and molecular structures of some phosphine-gold(I) derivatives of 1,3-diynes

The syntheses of several diynylgold(I) phosphine complexes, including Au(CCCCH){P(tol)₃} (1), Au(CCCCSiMe₃)(PR₃) (R = Ph 2-Ph, tol 2-tol), Au(CCCCFc)(PPh₃) (3), {(tol)₃P}Au(CC)_nAu{P(tol)₃} [n = 2 (4), 3 (6), 4 (7)], {(Ph₃P)Au}CCCC{Au[P(tol)₃]} (5), [ppn][Au{CCCCAu[P(tol)₃]}₂] (8), [Au₂(μ-I)(μ-dppm)₂][Au(CCCCSiMe₃)₂] (9), Hg{CCCCAu(PR₃)}₂ (R = Ph 10-Ph, tol 10-tol) and {(triphos)Cu}CCCC{Au[P(tol)₃]} (11) are described. Of these, the X-ray molecular structures of 1, 2-tol, 3, 4 and 9 have been determined.     

Effect of the organic fragment on the mesogenic properties of a series of organogold(I) isocyanide complexes. X-ray crystal structure of [Au(CCC5H4N)(CNC6H4O(O)CC6H4OC10H21)]

Rod-like organogold(I) complexes [AuR(CNC₆H₄O(O)CC₆H₄OC₁₀H₂₁-p)] were prepared and their liquid crystal behaviour was studied. Depending on the nature of R, the synthetic methodology was different. Thus, for R = substituted alkynyl ligands, the new compounds were prepared in two steps:(i) reaction of [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) with R′CCH(R′ = C₅H₄N, C₆H₄CN, C₆H₄CCC₅H₄N) in the presence of NaOAc to give insoluble [Au(CCR′)]_n; (ii) reaction of the latter polymers with the isonitrile CNC₆H₄O(O)CC₆H₄OC₁₀H₂₁-p.For R = fluorinated aryls, the complexes were prepared by displacement of tht from the compounds [AuR(tht)] (R = C₅F₄N, C₆F₄C₅H₄N, C₆F₅) with isonitrile.In addition, an unexpected ionic derivative [Au(CCC₅H₄NC₁₀H₂₁)₂][Au(CCC₅H₄N)₂] was formed in the reaction between [PPh₄][Au(CCC₅H₄N)₂] and C₁₀H₂₁I. All these compounds have been characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The X-ray crystal structure of the compound with R = CCC₅H₄N shows a linear molecule in which the gold atom is surrounded by the pyridine-containing acetylene and the isonitrile ligand, and no direct gold-gold interaction occurs. Six of the neutral compounds are liquid crystals and their optical, thermal and thermodynamic data were analyzed and compared in terms of molecular polarizability.     

Synthesis of di-, tri- and tetranuclear platinum(II) and copper(I) acetylide complexes

Heterobimetallic {cis-[Pt](μ-σ,π-CCPh)₂}[Cu(NCMe)]BF₄ (3a: [Pt] = (bipy)Pt, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine; 3b: [Pt] = (bipy′)Pt, bipy′ = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) is accessible by the reaction of cis-[Pt](CCPh)₂ (1a: [Pt] = (bipy)Pt, 1b: [Pt] = (bipy′)Pt]) with [Cu(NCMe)₄]BF₄ (2). Substitution of NCMe by PPh₃ (4) can be realized by the reaction of 3a with 4, whereby [{cis-[Pt](μ-σ,π-CCPh)₂}Cu(PPh₃)]BF₄ (5) is formed. On prolonged stirring of 3 and 5, respectively, NCMe and PPh₃ are eliminated and tetrametallic {[{cis-[Pt](η²-CCPh)₂}Cu]₂}(BF₄)₂ (6) is produced. Addition of an excess of NCMe to 6 gives heterobimetallic 3a.When instead of NCMe or PPh₃ chelating molecules such as bipy (7) are reacted with 3a then the heterobimetallic π-tweezer molecule [{cis-[Pt](μ-σ,π-CCPh)₂}Cu(bipy)]BF₄ (8) is formed. Treatment of 8 with another equivalent of 7 produced [Cu(bipy₂)]BF₄ (9) along with [Pt](CCPh)₂. However, when 3b is reacted with 1b in a 1:1 molar ratio then 10 and 11 of general composition [{[Pt](CCPh)₂}₂Cu]BF₄ are formed. These species are isomers and only differ in the binding of the PhCC units to copper(I). A possible mechanism for the formation of 10 and 11 is presented.The solid state structures of 6, 10 and 11 are reported. In 11 the [{cis-[Pt](μ-σ,π-CCPh)₂}₂Cu]⁺ building block is set-up by two nearly orthogonal positioned bis(alkynyl) platinum units which are connected by a Cu(I) ion, whereby the four carbon-carbon triple bonds are unsymmetrical coordinated to Cu(I). In trimetallic 10 two cis-[Pt](CCPh)₂ units are bridged by a copper(I) center, however, only one of the two PhCC ligands of individual cis-[Pt](CCPh)₂ fragments is η²-coordinated to Cu(I) giving rise to the formation of a [(η²-CCPh)₂Cu]⁺ moiety with a linear alkyne-copper-alkyne arrangement (alkyne = midpoint of the CC triple bond). In 6 two almost parallel oriented [Pt](CCPh)₂ planes are linked by two copper(I) ions, whereby two individual PhCC units, one associated with each Pt building block, are symmetrically π-coordinated to Cu.     

Synthesis, electrochemistry, and photophysical properties of binuclear ruthenium(II)-terpyridine complexes comprising redox-active ferrocenyl spacer

In attempting to perturb the electronic properties of the spacer, we now describe an interesting example of Ru²⁺-tpy (tpy = terpyridine) complexes with 1,1′-bis(ethynyl)polyferrocenyl moiety attached directly to the 4′-position of the tpy ligand (tpy-CC-(fc)_n-CC-tpy; fc = ferrocenyl;n = 2-3). Complexes of Ru²⁺-tpy have room-temperature luminescence in H₂O/CH₃CN (4/1) solution. The ground-state HOMO and LUMO energies were probed by electrochemical measurements and the excited-state photophysical properties were probed by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and luminescence spectroscopy. The redox behavior of [(tpy)Ru^II-tpy-CC-(fc)_n-CC-tpy-Ru^II(tpy)]⁴⁺ complex is dominated by the Ru²⁺/Ru³⁺ redox couple (E_1/2 from 1.35 to 1.39 V), Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox couples (E_1/2 from 0.4 to 1.0 V) and tpy/tpy⁻/tpy²⁻ redox couples (E_1/2 from −1.3 to −1.5 V). Electrochemical data, UV absorption and emission spectra indicate that the π-delocalization in the spacer is enhanced by the insertion of ethynyl unit. Interestingly, the insertion of ethynyl unit into the main chain causes a dramatic increase of phosphorescence yield (1.48 × 10⁻⁴ for n = 2; 1.13 × 10⁻⁴ for n = 3), triplet lifetime (67 ns for n = 2; 24 ns for n = 3), and emission intensity. The biferrocenyl spacer can be converted into mixed-valence biferrocenium spacer, which gives a more effective π-delocalization along main chain, by selective chemical oxidation of ferrocenyl unit. In deoxygenated H₂O/CH₃CN (4/1) solution at 25 °C, the oxidized complex of [(tpy)Ru^II-tpy-CC-(fc)₂-CC-tpy-Ru^II(tpy)]⁵⁺ is nonemissive. The presence of lower energy ferrocenium-centered excited-state provides an additional channel for excited-state decay. The mixed-valence biferrocenium center acts as an efficient quencher for the MLCT excited-state.     

Synthesis, solid state structure and spectro-electrochemistry of ferrocene-ethynyl phosphine and phosphine oxide transition metal complexes

The synthesis of ferrocene-ethynyl phosphine platinum dichloride complexes based on (FcCC)_nPh_3−nP (1a, n = 1; 1b, n = 2; 1c, n = 3; Fc = ferrocenyl, (η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe) is described. Air-oxidation of 1c afforded (FcCC)₃PO (6). Treatment of 1a-1c with [(PhCN)₂PtCl₂] (2) or [(tht)AuCl] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) (7), respectively, gave the heterometallic transition complexes cis-[((FcCC)_nPh_3−nP)₂PtCl₂] (3a, n = 1; 3b, n = 2; 3c, n = 3) or [((FcCC)_nPPh_3−n)AuCl] (8a, n = 1; 8b, n = 2). Further treatment of these molecules with HCCMc (4a, Mc = Fc; 4b, Mc = Rc = (η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₅H₄)Ru) in the presence of [CuI] produced trans-[((FcCC)Ph₂P)₂Pt(CCFc)₂] (5) (reaction of 3a with 4a) and [(FcCC)_nPh_3−nPAuCCMc] (n = 1: 9a, Mc = Fc; 9b, Mc = Rc; n = 2: 11a, Mc = Fc; 11b, Mc = Rc) (reaction of 4a, 4b with 8a, 8b), respectively.The structures of 3a, 5, 6, 8, 9a, and 9b in the solid state were established by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. The main characteristic features of these molecules are the linear phosphorus-gold-acetylide arrangements, the tetra-coordination at phosphorus and the square-planar surrounding at platinum.The electrochemical and spectro-electrochemical behavior of complexes 5, 8a, 9a, 9b and [(Ph₃P)AuCCFc] was investigated in the UV/Vis/NIR. Near IR bands that are likely associated with charge transfer from the ((FcCC)Ph₂P)₂Pt or the ((FcCC)_nPh_3−nP)Au (n = 0, 1) moieties appear upon oxidation of the σ-bonded ferrocene-ethynyl groups. These bands undergo a (stepwise) blue shift as ferrocene-ethynyl substituents on the phosphine coligands are oxidized.