Structural studies and photochromism of mercury(II)-iodo complexes of (arylazo)imidazoles

Neat reaction between HgI2 and 1-methyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazole (Pai-Me) under microwave irradiation has isolated a novel compound whose structure shows intercalated HgI2 in the layers of Pai-Me. They exist independently in interpenetrated arrays. In a solution phase study, the same reaction has synthesized an iodo-bridged azoimidazole-Hg(II) complex, [Hg(RaaiR')(mu-I)(I)]2 (RaaiR' = 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole). The structures have been characterized by X-ray diffraction studies. Chloro-bridged Hg(II) complexes of azoimidazoles, [Hg(RaaiR')(mu-Cl)(Cl)]2, are also known. These complexes upon irradiation with UV light show trans-to-cis isomerization. The reverse transformation, cis-to-trans isomerization, is very slow with visible light irradiation. Quantum yields (phi t-->c) of trans-to-cis isomerization are calculated, and the free ligand shows higher phi than their Hg(II) complexes. The cis-to-trans isomerization is a thermally induced process. The activation energy (Ea) of cis-to-trans isomerization is calculated by controlled temperature reaction. The Ea's of free ligands are much higher than that of halo-bridged Hg(II)-azoimidazole complexes. Chloro-bridged Hg(II) complexes show lower Ea's than those of iodo-bridged complexes. DFT calculation has been adopted to rationalize the experimental results.     

Photochemical behavior of azobenzene-conjugated CoII, CoIII, and FeII bis(terpyridine) complexes

Azobenzene-conjugated mononuclear and dinuclear terpyridyl complexes of Co(II), Co(III), and Fe(II) were synthesized, and their photoisomerization behavior was investigated. Co(II) and Co(III) complexes, [tpyCo(tpy-AB)]X(n) and [(Cotpy)(2)(tpy-AB-tpy)]X(n) (tpy-AB = C(15)N(3)H(10)-C(6)H(4)-N=NC(6)H(5), tpy-AB-tpy = C(15)N(3)H(10)-C(6)H(4)-N=NC(6)H(4)-C(15)N(3)H(10), X = PF(6) or BPh(4)), exhibit trans-to-cis photoisomerization by irradiation at 366 nm, and this behavior is dependent on solvents and counterions. For the Co(II) complexes, BPh(4) salts undergo cis-to-trans isomerization in propylene carbonate by both photoirradiation with visible light (435 nm) and heat, indicating that reversible trans-cis isomerization has occurred. [Co(tpy-AB)(2)](BPh(4))(2) shows a two-step trans-to-cis isomerization process. The trans-cis isomerization behavior of Co(III) complexes was observed only in the solvents with a low donor number such as 1,2-dichloroethane. Fe(II) complexes, [tpyFe(tpy-AB)]X(n) (X = PF(6) or BPh(4)), exhibit slight trans-to-cis photoisomerization due to the energy transfer from the azobenzene moiety to Fe(tpy)(2) moieties.     

Photochromism of 2-(phenylazo)imidazoles

The isomerization behaviors of 2-(phenylazo)imidazole (Pai-H) and 1-N-methyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazole (Pai-Me) have been investigated. The crystal structure of trans-Pai-Me was determined, revealing that key structures around the azo group are nearly identical among azobenzene, Pai-H, and Pai-Me. Pai-Me undergoes reversible cis/trans photoisomerization, whereas Pai-H responds poorly to irradiation. The quantum yields of trans-to-cis isomerization of Pai-Me on 454 and 355 nm excitation are 0.35 +/- 0.03 and 0.25 +/- 0.03, respectively, in toluene. The wavelength-dependent isomerization quantum yield is well-known for azobenzene, but these values are substantially higher than those of azobenzene. The activation energy of thermal cis-to-trans isomerization of Pai-Me in toluene is 79.0 +/- 3.5 kJ mol(-1), which is lower than that of azobenzene by 15 kJ mol(-1). The thermal cis-to-trans isomerization of Pai-H is even faster. Density functional theory calculations were performed, revealing that the energy gaps between the azo n-orbital and the highest pi-orbital of azoimidazoles are much narrower than that of azobenzene. Finally, a preliminary study suggested that metal ions can modulate the absorption spectrum of Pai-Me without a loss of the gross photochromic behavior.     

Photoisomerization and thermal isomerization of arylazoimidazoles

Photoisomerization and thermal isomerization behaviors of an extensive series of arylazoimidazoles are investigated. Absorption spectra are characterized by a structured pipi* absorption band around 330-400 nm with a tail on the lower energy side extending to 500 nm corresponding to an npi* transition. The trans-to-cis photoisomerization occurs on excitation into these absorption bands. The quantum yields are dependent on the excitation wavelength, as observed for azobenzene derivatives, but are generally larger than those of azobenzene. The thermal cis-to-trans isomerization rates are also generally larger than that of azobenzene and are comparable to those of 4-N,N-dimethylaminoazobenzene and 4-nitroazobenzene. Arylazoimidazoles with no substituent on the imidazole nitrogen are unique in that the quantum yield for the trans-to-cis photoisomerization and the rate of thermal cis-to-trans isomerization are particularly large. It is proposed that the fast thermal isomerization is due to an involvement of self-catalyzed and protic molecule-assisted tautomerization to a hydrazone form.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes containing the pentadentate SNNNS chelating ligand 2,6–diacetylpyridine bis(4–(p-tolyl)thiosemicarbazone). Synthesis,reactivity and electrochemistry

Ruthenium(II) heptacoordinate complexes containing the pentadentate SNNNS chelating ligand 2,6–diacetylpyridine bis(4–(p-tolyl)thiosemicarbazone) (L1H2) have been prepared. The compounds were of the type Ru(L1H2)X2 [X=Cl (1);Br (2); SCN (3)],[Ru(L1H2)- (Y)Cl]Cl [Y=imidazole (4); pyridine-N-oxide (5)] and [Ru(L1H2)(PPh3)X]Y, [X=Cl (6), (7);Br (8); Y=ClO4/ PF6]. The complexes were characterised by i.r., u.v.–vis. and n.m.r. spectroscopy and their electrochemical behaviour was examined by cyclic voltammetry. They exhibit a reversible to quasi-reversible RuII/RuIII couple in MeCN solution at a glassy carbon working electrode using an Ag/AgCl electrode as the reference. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt(II) complexes with tripodal polypyridine ligand bearing pivalamide groups. Selective formation of six- and seven-coordinate cobalt(II) complexes

The reactions of CoX(2) (X = Cl(-), Br(-), I(-) and ClO(4)(-)) with the tripodal polypyridine N(4)O(2)-type ligand bearing pivalamide groups, bis(6-(pivalamide-2-pyridyl)methyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand (H(2)BPPA), afforded two types of Co(II) complexes as follows. One type is purple-coloured Co(II) complexes, [CoCl(2)(H(2)BPPA)] (1(Cl)) and [CoBr(2)(H(2)BPPA)] (1(Br)) which were prepared when X = Cl(-) and Br(-), respectively. The other type is pale pink-coloured Co(II) complexes, [Co(MeOH)(H(2)BPPA)](ClO(4)(-))(2) (2·(ClO(4)(-))(2)) and [Co(MeCN)(H(2)BPPA)](I(-))(2) (2·(I(-))(2)), which were obtained when X = I(-) and ClO(4)(-), respectively. From the reaction of 1(Cl) and NaN(3), a purple-coloured complex, [Co(N(3))(2)(H(2)BPPA)] (1(azide)), was obtained. These Co(II) complexes were characterized by X-ray structural analysis, IR and reflectance spectroscopies, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. All these Co(II) complexes were shown to be in a d(7) high-spin state based on magnetic susceptibility measurements. The former Co(II) complexes revealed a six-coordinate octahedron with one amine nitrogen, three pyridyl nitrogens, and two counter anions, and one coordinated anion, Cl(-), Br(-) and N(3)(-), forming intramolecular hydrogen bonds with two pivalamide N-H groups. On the other hand, the latter Co(II) complexes showed a seven-coordinate face-capped octahedron with one amine nitrogen, three pyridyl nitrogens, two pivalamide carbonyl oxygens and MeCN or MeOH. In these structures, intramolecular hydrogen bonding interaction was not observed, and the metal ion was coordinated by the pivalamide carbonyl oxygens and solvent molecule instead of the counter anions. The difference in coordination geometries might be attributable to the coordination ability and ionic radii of the counteranions; smaller strongly binding anions such as Cl(-), Br(-) and N(3)(-) gave the former complexes, whereas bulky weakly binding anions such as I(-) and ClO(4)(-) afforded the latter ones. In order to demonstrate this hypothesis, the small stronger coordinating ligand, azide, was added to complexes 2·(ClO(4)(-))(2) to obtain the dinuclear cobalt(II) complex in which two six-coordinate octahedral cobalt(II) species were bridged with azide, 3·(ClO(4)(-)). Also, the abstraction reaction of halogen anions from complexes 1(Cl) by AgSbF(6) gave a pale pink Co(II) complex assignable to 2·(SbF(6)(-))(2).     

Photo- and protonation-induced changes in structures and physical properties of azo-conjugated metal complex systems

Novel photo- and proton-coupled behavior of azo-conjugated metal complexes is described. The trans-to-cis isomerization of azoferrocene proceeds not only by the photoexcitation of the π-π* transition band but also by photoexcitation of the MLCT (d-π* transition) band, by a protonation-deprotonation cycle (proton-coupled isomerization), and by an oxidation-reduction cycle (redox isomerization). A platinum tolylazophenylenedithiolato complex shows reversible trans-to-cis photoisomerization, protochromism, and novel proton-coupled cis-to-trans isomerization.     

Coordination complexes exhibiting anion...pi interactions: synthesis, structure, and theoretical studies

The polydentate ligand 2,4,6-tris(dipyridin-2-ylamino)-1,3,5-triazine (dpyatriz) in combination with the Cu(ClO 4) 2/CuX 2 salt mixtures (X (-) = Cl (-), Br (-), or N 3 (-)) leads to the formation of molecular coordination aggregates with formulas [Cu 3Cl 3(dpyatriz) 2](ClO 4) 3 ( 2), [Cu 3Br 3(dpyatriz) 2](ClO 4) 3 ( 3), and [Cu 4(N 3) 4(dpyatriz) 2(DMF) 4(ClO 4) 2](ClO 4) 2 ( 4). These complexes consist of two dpyatriz ligands bridged via coordination to Cu (II) and disposed either face-to-face in an eclipsed manner ( 2 and 3) or parallel and mutually shifted in one direction. The copper ions complete their coordination positions with Cl (-) ( 2), Br (-) ( 3), or N 3 (-), ClO 4 (-), and N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) ( 4) ligands. All complexes crystallize together with noncoordinate ClO 4 (-) groups that display anion...pi interactions with the triazine rings. These interactions have been studied by means of high level ab initio calculations and the MIPp partition scheme. These calculations have proven the ClO 4 (-)...[C 3N 3] interactions to be favorable and have revealed a synergistic effect from the combined occurrence of pi-pi stacking of triazine rings and the interaction of these moieties with perchlorate ions, as observed in the experimental systems.     

Synthesis, structure, photochromism and DFT calculations of copper(I)-triphenylphosphine halide complexes of thioalkylazoimidazoles

[Cu(SRaaiNR′)(PPh₃)X] complexes are synthesized by the reaction of CuX (X = Cl, Br, I), triphenylphosphine and 1-alkyl-2-[(o-thioalkyl)phenylazo]imidazole (SRaaiNR′). The single crystal X-ray structure of [Cu(SEtaaiNH)(PPh₃)I] (SEtaaiNH = 2-[(o-thioethyl)phenylazo]imidazole) shows a distorted tetrahedral geometry of the copper center with bidentate, N(azo), N(imidazole) chelation of SEtaaiNH and coordination from PPh₃ and iodine. These complexes show a trans-to-cis isomerization upon irradiation with UV light. The reverse transformation, cis-to-trans isomerization, is very slow with visible light irradiation and is thermally accessible. The quantum yields (?_t→c) of the trans-to-cis isomerization of [Cu(SRaaiNR′)(PPh₃)X] are lower than the free ligand values. This is due to the increased mass and rotor volume of the complexes compared to the free ligand data. The rate of isomerization follows the order: [Cu(SRaaiNR′)(PPh₃)Cl] < [Cu(SRaaiNR′)(PPh₃)Br] < [Cu(SRaaiNR′)(PPh₃)I]. The activation energy (E_a) of the cis-to-trans isomerization is calculated by a controlled temperature reaction. DFT computation of representative complexes has been used to determine the composition and energy of the molecular levels.     

Ring-opening reactions induced by gold(I) of five- and four-coordinate palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes containing tripodal or linear polyphosphines

The tripodal ligands NP(3)(tris[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]amine) and PP(3)(tris[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]phosphine), form five-coordinate [Pd(NP(3))X]X [X = Cl (1), Br (2)], [M(PP(3))X]X [M = Pd: X = Cl (4), Br (5), I (6); M = Pt, X = Cl (7), Br (8), I (9)] and four-coordinate[Pd(NP(3))I]I (3) complexes containing three fused rings around the metal. The interaction between Au(tdg)X (tdg = thiodiglycol; X = Cl, Br) or AuI and the respective ionic halo complexes 1-9 in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio occurs via a ring-opening reaction with formation of the heterobimetallic systems PdAu(NP(3))X(3)[X = Cl (11), Br (12), I (13)], [MAu(PP(3))X(2)]X [M = Pd: X = Cl (14), Br (15), I (16); M = Pt: X = Cl (17), Br (18), I (19)]. The cations of complexes 17 and 18 were shown, by X-ray diffraction, to contain a distorted square-planar Pt(II) arrangement (Pt(P(2)P)X) where PP(3) is acting as tridentate chelating ligand and an almost linear PAuX moiety bearing the dangling phosphorus formed in the ring-opening process. PPh(3) coordinates to Au(I) and not to M(II) when added in excess to 14 and 17. Complexes 14-17 and [Pt(P(4))](BPh(4))(2) (10) (P4=linear tetraphosphine) also react with A(I), via chelate ring-openings to give MAu(2)(PP(3))X(4) [M = Pd: X = Cl (20), Br (21), I (22); M = Pt: X = Cl (23)] and [Pt(2)Au(2)(mu-Cl)(2)(mu-P(4))(2)](BPh(4))(4) (24), respectively.     

Syntheses, structures, and reactivity of new pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium(III) and -iridium(III) 4-acyl-5-pyrazolonate complexes

New [CpM(Q)Cl] complexes (M = Rh or Ir, Cp = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, HQ = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4R(C=O)-pyrazol-5-one in general, in detail HQ(Me), R = CH(3); HQ(Et), R = CH(2)CH(3); HQ(Piv), R = CH(2)-C(CH(3))(3); HQ(Bn), R = CH(2)-(C(6)H(5)); HQ(S), R = CH-(C(6)H(5))(2)) have been synthesized from the reaction of [CpMCl(2)](2) with the sodium salt, NaQ, of the appropriate HQ proligand. Crystal structure determinations for a representative selection of these [CpM(Q)Cl] compounds show a pseudo-octahedral metal environment with the Q ligand bonded in the O,O'-chelating form. In each case, two enantiomers (S(M)) and (R(M)) arise, differing only in the metal chirality. The reaction of [CpRh(Q(Bn))Cl] with MgCH(3)Br produces only halide exchange with the formation of [CpRh(Q(Bn))Br]. The [CpRh(Q)Cl] complexes react with PPh(3) in dichloromethane yielding the adducts CpRh(Q)Cl/PPh(3) (1:1) which exist in solution in two different isomeric forms. The interaction of [CpRh(Q(Me))Cl] with AgNO(3) in MeCN allows generation of [CpRh(Q(Me))(MeCN)]NO(3).3H(2)O, whereas the reaction of [CpRh(Q(Me))Cl] with AgClO(4) in the same solvent yields both [CpRh(Q(Me))(H(2)O)]ClO(4) and [CpRh(Cl)(H(2)O)(2)]ClO(4); the H(2)O molecules derive from the not-rigorously anhydrous solvents or silver salts.     

Structural comparison of copper(I) and copper(II) complexes with tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand

Copper(I) complexes with the tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA) ligand were synthesized and characterized to examine the effect of counteranions (Br(-), ClO(4)(-), and BPh(4)(-)), as well as auxiliary ligands (CH(3)CN, 4,4'-dipyridyl, and PPh(3)) on the molecular structures in both solid state and solution. Partial dissociation of one of the pyridyl arms in TPMA was not observed when small auxiliary ligands such as CH(3)CN or Br(-) were coordinated to copper(I), but was found to occur with larger ones such as PPh(3) or 4,4'-dipyridyl. All complexes were found to adopt a distorted tetrahedral geometry, with the exception of [Cu(I)(TPMA)][BPh(4)], which was found to be trigonal pyramidal because of stabilization via a long cuprophilic interaction with a bond length of 2.8323(12) ?. Copper(II) complexes with the general formula [Cu(II)(TPMA)X][Y] (X = Cl(-), Br(-) and Y = ClO(4)(-), BPh(4)(-)) were also synthesized to examine the effect of different counterions on the geometry of [Cu(II)(TPMA)X](+) cation, and were found to be isostructural with previously reported [Cu(II)(TPMA)X][X] (X = Cl(-) or Br(-)) complexes.     

Synthesis of azo-conjugated metalladithiolenes and their photo- and proton-responsive isomerization reactions

A versatile synthetic method of azo-conjugated metalladithiolenes was developed, and new complexes with various central metals and substituent groups were synthesized. Molecular structures of the azo-conjugated metalladithiolenes of Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II) with diphenylphosphinoethane as a co-ligand were determined by X-ray crystallography. While the energy of the reversible trans-to-cis photoisomerization is considerably lower than that of azobenzene, the thermal stability of the cis form is much higher than that of the organic azobenzene derivatives showing similar low-energy trans-to-cis photoisomerization. A novel proton response of the azo group occurs, and the combination of photoisomerization and protonation leads to a novel proton-catalyzed cis-to-trans isomerization, the rate of which correlates with the redox potential of the metalladithiolene moiety. The study including other azo-conjugated metalladithiolenes has indicated that the protonation is a common feature for the azo-conjugated metalladithiolenes, but trans-to-cis photoisomerization is strongly dependent on the electronic structure of the trans form or a steric effect in the cis form.     

First example of a 2:1 cocrystal of mixed Cu(I)/Cu(II) complexes and a novel ferromagnetic bis(mu-hydroxo)dicopper(II) complex with a bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane bidentate ligand

A unique 2:1 cocrystal of mixed Cu(I)/Cu(II) complexes [Cu(I)(H2CPz2)(MeCN)2](ClO4) (1) and [Cu(II)(H2CPz2)2(ClO4)2] (4), a novel ferromagnetic ClO(4-)-bridged bis(mu-hydroxo)dicopper(II) complex, [Cu2(H2CPz2)2(OH)2(ClO4)](ClO4)(CH3CN)(0.5) (5), and a bischelated copper(I) complex, [Cu(H2CPz2)2](ClO4) (2), prepared from a one-pot reaction of [Cu(MeCN)4](ClO4) and H2CPz2, are described. The structures of these complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallographic methods. The Cu(I)-N(acetonitrile) bond distances in complex 1 are nonequivalent (1.907(8) and 2.034(9) A), leading to the dissociation of one MeCN to form a Y-shaped complex, [Cu(I)(H2CPz2)(MeCN)](ClO4) (3), which is oxidized readily in air to form complex 5 with a butterfly Cu2O2 core.     

Spectroscopic approach in the characterization of the copper(II) complexes of isatin-3,2'-quinolyl-hydrazones and their adducts

Copper(II) complexes of isatin-3,2'-quinolyl-hydrazones of the type [Cu(L)X] (where X=Cl(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-), CH(3)COO(-) and ClO(4)(-)] and their adducts Cu(L)X.2Y [where Y=pyridine or dioxane and X=Cl(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-) and ClO(4)(-)] have been synthesized under controlled experimental conditions and characterized by using the modern spectroscopic and physicochemical techniques viz. IR, electronic, EPR, elemental analysis, magnetic moment susceptibility measurements and molar conductance, etc. On the basis of spectral studies a four coordinated square planer geometry is assigned for Cu(L)X type complexes whereas the adducts (Cu(L)X.2Y were found to have a six coordinated octahedral geometry.     

Cadmium(II) and mercury(II) complexes of an NO2S2-donor macrocycle and its ditopic xylyl-bridged analogue

The NO2S2-donor macrocycle (L1) was synthesised from the ring closure reaction between Boc-N-protected 2,2'-iminobis(ethanethiol) (3) and 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)bis(benzyl chloride) (4) followed by deprotection of the Boc-group. alpha,alpha'-Dibromo-p-xylene was employed as a dialkylating agent to bridge two L1 to yield the corresponding N-linked product (L2). The X-ray structure of L2 (as its HBr salt) is described. A range of Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes of L1 (6-9) and L2 (10-12) were prepared and characterised. Reaction of HgX2 (X = Br or I) with L1 afforded [Hg(L1)Br]2[Hg2Br6].2CH2Cl2 6 and [Hg(L1)I(2)] 7, respectively. For 6, the Hg(II) ion in the complex cation has a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment composed of S2N donor atoms from L1 and a bromo ligand. In 7 the coordination geometry is highly distorted tetrahedral, with the macrocycle coordinating in an exodentate manner via one S and one N atom. The remaining two coordination sites are occupied by iodide ions. [Hg(L1)(ClO4)]ClO4 8 was isolated from the reaction of Hg(ClO4)2 and L1. The X-ray structure reveals that all macrocyclic ring donors bind to the central mercury ion in this case, with the latter exhibiting a highly distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The O2S2-donors from the macrocyclic ring define the equatorial plane while the axial positions are occupied by the ring nitrogen as well as by an oxygen from a monodentate perchlorato ion. Reaction of Cd(NO3)(2).4H2O with L1 afforded [Cd(L1)(NO3)2](.)0.5CH2Cl2 9 in which L1 acts as a tridentate ligand, binding exo-fashion via its S2N donors. The remaining coordination positions are filled by two bidentate nitrate ions such that, overall, the cadmium is seven-coordinate. Reactions of HgX2(X = Br or I) with L2 yielded the isostructural 2 : 1 (metal : ligand) complexes, [Hg2(L2)Br4] 10 and [Hg2(L2)I(4)] 11. Each mercury ion has a distorted tetrahedral environment made up of S and N donors from an exodentate L2 and two coordinated halides. Contrasting with this, the reaction of L2 with Cd(NO3)(2).4H2O yielded a 1-D coordination network, {[Cd2(L2)(NO3)4].2CH2Cl2}n 12 in which each ring of L2 is exo-coordinated via two S atoms and one N atom to a cadmium ion which is also bound to one monodentate and one bidentate nitrate anion. The latter also has one of its oxygen atom attached to a neighboring cadmium via a nitroso (mu2-O) bridge such that the overall coordination geometry about each cadmium is seven-coordinate. The [Cd(L2)0.5(NO3)2] units are linked by an inversion to yield the polymeric arrangement.     

A bis-acetonitrile two-coordinate copper(I) complex: synthesis and characterization of highly soluble B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) salts of [Cu(MeCN)(2)](+) and [Cu(MeCN)(4)](+)

Copper(I)-acetonitrile complexes are exceedingly useful starting materials for the synthesis of copper(I) complexes with polydentate ligands. To extend the utility of such chemistry to solution studies in relatively low-dielectric solvents (i.e., diethyl ether, toluene) and to aid in obtaining products amenable to X-ray diffraction studies, we have recently begun to employ counteranions such as B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) for bioinorganic studies. Thus, the synthesis of [Cu(MeCN)(4)]B(C(6)F(5))(4) (1) is presented. Its recrystallization from CH(2)Cl(2)/pentane yields the linear, two-coordinate complex [Cu(MeCN)(2)]B(C(6)F(5))(4) (2), whose centrosymmetric X-ray structure shows that its Cu-N distance is significantly shorter than that in other two-coordinate Cu(I) complexes with nitrogen ligands or that in the tetrahedral complex [Cu(MeCN)(4)]ClO(4). Infrared spectroscopy indicates interesting and diagnostically useful differences between the nu(CN) of 1 and 2.     

Crystal structures and solution behaviors of dinuclear d(10)-metal complexes containing anions of N,N'-bis(pyrimidine-2-yl)formamidine

The salts of Zn(II), Cd(ii) and Hg(II) react instantaneously with Kpmf (pmf(-) = anion of N,N'-bis(pyrimidine-2-yl)formamidine, Hpmf) in THF, producing bimetallic complexes of the types [M(2)(pmf)(3)](X) (M = Zn(II), X = I(3)(-), ; M = Zn(II), X = NO(3)(-), ; M = Zn(II), X = ClO(4)(-), ; M = Cd(II), X = NO(3)(-), ; M = Cd(II), X = ClO(4)(-), ) and Hg(2)(pmf)(2)X(2) (X = Cl, ; Br, ; I, ). New tridentate and tetradentate coordination modes were observed for the pmf(-) ligands and their fluxional behaviors investigated by measuring variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectra. Complexes and , which possess only tetradentate coordination modes for the pmf(-) ligands in the solid state show larger free energy of activation (DeltaG(c)( not equal)) for the exchange than complexes and with tetradentate and/or tridentate coordination modes. Complexes and are the first dinuclear Zn(II) and Hg(II) complexes containing formamidinate ligands. Moreover, the separation between the two Hg(II) atoms are 3.4689(9), 3.4933(13) and 3.5320(10) A for complexes , respectively, similar to the sum of van der Waals radii of two Hg(II) atoms which is 3.50(7) A. All the complexes exhibit emissions and the nature of the anions hardly change the emission wavelengths of the complexes with the same metal centers. The emission bands may be tentatively assigned as intraligand (IL) pi-->pi* transitions.     

Cobalt half-sandwich, sandwich, and mixed sandwich complexes with soft tripodal ligands

Reaction of sodium hydrotris(methimazolyl)borate (NaTm(Me)) with cobalt halides leads to the formation of paramagnetic pseudotetrahedral [Co(Tm(Me))X] (X = Cl, Br, I), of which the bromide has been crystallographically characterized. Mass spectrometry reveals the presence of higher molecular weight fragments [Co(Tm(Me))(2)](+) and [Co(2)(Tm(Me))(2)X](+) in solution. Aerial oxidation in donor solvents (e.g. MeCN) leads to formation of the [Co(Tm(Me))(2)](+) cation, which has been crystallographically characterized as the BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), Br(-), and I(-), salts. Attempts to prepare the mixed sandwich complex, [Co(Cp)(Tm(Me))](+), resulted in ligand decomposition to yield [Co(mtH)(3)I]I (mtH = 1-methylimidazole-2-thione), but with the more electron donating methylcyclopentadienyl (Cp(Me)) ligand, [Co(Cp(Me))(Tm(Me))]I was isolated and characterized. Electrochemical measurements reveal that the cobalt(III) Tm(Me) complexes are consistently more difficult to reduce than their Tp and Cp congeners.     

Mo(W)/Cu/S cluster-based supramolecular arrays assembled from preformed clusters [Et4N]4[WS4Cu4I6] and [(n-Bu)4N]2[MoOS3Cu3X3] (X = I, SCN) with flexible ditopic ligands

In our working toward the rational design and synthesis of cluster-based supramolecular architectures, a set of new [WS4Cu4]- or [MoOS3Cu3]-based supramolecular assemblies have been prepared from reactions of preformed cluster compounds [Et4N]4[WS4Cu4I6] (1) and [(n-Bu)4N]2[MoOS3Cu3X3] (2, X = I; 3, X = SCN) with flexible ditopic ligands such as dipyridylsulfide (dps), dipyridyl disulfide (dpds), and their combinations with dicyanamide (dca) anion and 4,4'-bipy. The cluster precursor 1 reacted with dps or dpds and sodium dicyanamide (dca) in MeCN to produce [WS4Cu4I2(dps)3].2MeCN (4.2MeCN) and [WS4Cu4(dca)2(dpds)2].Et2O.2MeCN (5.Et2O.2MeCN), respectively. On the other hand, treatment of 2 with dpds in DMF/MeCN afforded [MoOS3Cu3I(dpds)2].0.5DMF.2(MeCN)0.5 (6.0.5DMF.2(MeCN)0.5) while reaction of 3 with sodium dicyanamide (dca) and 4,4'-bipy in DMF/MeCN gave rise to [MoOS3Cu3(dca)(4,4'-bipy)1.5].DMF.MeCN (7.DMF.MeCN). Compounds 4.2MeCN, 5.Et2O.2MeCN, 6.0.5DMF.2(MeCN)0.5, and 7.DMF.MeCN have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Compound 4 contains a 2D layer array made of the saddle-shaped [WS4Cu4] cores interlinked by three pairs of Cu-dps-Cu bridges. Compound 5 has another 2D layer structure in which the [WS4Cu4] cores are held together by four pairs of Cu-dca-Cu and Cu-dpds-Cu bridges. Compound 6 displays a 1D spiral chain structure built of the nido-like [MoOS3Cu3] cores via two pairs of Cu-dpds-Cu bridges. Compound 7 consists of a 2D staircase network in which each [MoOS3Cu3(4,4'-bipy]2 dimeric unit interconnects with four other equivalent units by a pair of 4,4'-bipy ligands and two pairs of dca anions. The [WS4Cu4] core in 4 or 5 and the [MoS3Cu3] core in 7 show a planar 4-connecting node and a seesaw-shaped 4-connecting node, respectively, which are unprecedented in cluster-based supramolecular compounds. The successful assembly of 4-7 from the three cluster precursors 1-3 through flexible ditopic ligands provides new routes to the rational design and construction of complicated cluster-based supramolecular arrays.