On the Ligand‐to‐Metal Charge‐Transfer Photochemistry of the Copper(II) Complexes of Quercetin and Rutin

In contrast to the UV‐photoinduced ligand photoionization of the flavonoid complexes of Fe^III, redox reactions initiated in ligand‐to‐metal charge‐transfer excited states were observed on irradiation of the quercetin ( 1 ) and rutin ( 2 ) complexes of Cu^II. Solutions of complexes with stoichiometries [Cu^IIL₂] (L=quercetin, rutin) and [Cu^II₂L_n] (n=1, L=quercetin; n=3, L=rutin) were flash‐irradiated at 351 nm. Transient spectra observed in these experiments showed the formation of radical ligands corresponding to the one‐electron oxidation of L and the reduction of Cu^II to Cu^I. The radical ligands remained coordinated to the Cu^I centers, and the substitution reactions replacing them by solvent occurred with lifetimes τ<350 ns. These are lifetimes shorter than the known lifetimes (τ>1 ms) of the quercetin and rutin radical's decay.     

Poly[tetraamminecopper(II) bis[tris(μ2‐cyanido‐κ2C,N)dicuprate(I)]]: a unique CuI–CuII mixed‐valence complex containing anionic cuprous cyanide layers and [Cu(NH3)4]2+ cations

The title compound, {[Cu(NH₃)₄][Cu(CN)₃]₂}_n, features a Cu^I–Cu^II mixed‐valence CuCN framework based on {[Cu₂(CN)₃]⁻}_n anionic layers and [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺ cations. The asymmetric unit contains two different Cu^I ions and one Cu^II ion which lies on a centre of inversion. Each Cu^I ion is coordinated to three cyanide ligands with a distorted trigonal–planar geometry, while the Cu^II ion is ligated by four ammine ligands, with a distorted square‐planar coordination geometry. The interlinkage between Cu^I ions and cyanide bridges produces a honeycomb‐like {[Cu₂(CN)₃]⁻}_n anionic layer containing 18‐membered planar [Cu(CN)]₆ metallocycles. A [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺ cation fills each metallocyclic cavity within pairs of exactly superimposed {[Cu₂(CN)₃]⁻}_n anionic layers, but there are no cations between the layers of adjacent pairs, which are offset. Pairs of N—H...N hydrogen‐bonding interactions link the N—H groups of the ammine ligands to the N atoms of cyanide ligands.     

Copper Complexes with New Pyridylpyrazole Based Ligands

We report the synthesis, characterization, and crystal structures of new ligands of the pyridinylpyrazole type, i.e., 3,5‐bis(4‐butoxyphenyl)‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole ( L ¹ ) and 3,5‐bis(4‐phenoxyphenyl)‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole ( L ² ) (Scheme 1), and the study of their coordination behavior towards Cu^I and Cu^II. The versatility of this type of ligand, which can give access to different coordination spheres about the metal center, depending on the nature of the copper starting material used in the preparation of the complexes (Scheme 2), is illustrated. Thus, pseudo‐tetrahedral Cu^I as well as six‐coordinated tetragonal and distorted tetragonal pyramidal Cu^II derivatives were obtained for [Cu(L)₂]PF₆, [Cu(Cl)₂(L)₂] (L= L ¹ , L ² ), and [Cu(Cl)( L ¹ )₂]PF₆, respectively. We also present a crystallographic support of a distorted octahedral cis‐bis(tetrafluoroborato‐κF)copper(II) compound found for [Cu(BF₄)₂( L ¹ )₂] ( 3 ).     

Combined EXAFS and DFT Structure Calculations Provide Structural Insights into the 1:1 Multi‐Histidine Complexes of CuII,CuI, and ZnII with the Tandem Octarepeats of the Mammalian Prion Protein

The metal‐coordinating properties of the prion protein (PrP) have been the subject of intense focus and debate since the first reports of its interaction with copper just before the turn of the century. The picture of metal coordination to PrP has been improved and refined over the past decade, but structural details of the various metal coordination modes have not been fully elucidated in some cases. In the present study, we have employed X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy as well as extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy to structurally characterize the dominant 1:1 coordination modes for Cu^II, Cu^I, and Zn^II with an N‐terminal fragment of PrP. The PrP fragment corresponds to four tandem repeats representative of the mammalian octarepeat domain, designated as OR₄, which is also the most studied PrP fragment for metal interactions, making our findings applicable to a large body of previous work. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have provided additional structural and thermodynamic data, and candidate structures have been used to inform EXAFS data analysis. The optimized geometries from DFT calculations have been used to identify potential coordination complexes for multi‐histidine coordination of Cu^II, Cu^I, and Zn^II in an aqueous medium, modelled using 4‐methylimidazole to represent the histidine side chain. Through a combination of in silico coordination chemistry as well as rigorous EXAFS curve‐fitting, using full multiple scattering on candidate structures derived from DFT calculations, we have characterized the predominant coordination modes for the 1:1 complexes of Cu^II, Cu^I, and Zn^II with the OR₄ peptide at pH 7.4 at atomic resolution, which are best represented as square‐planar [Cu^II(His)₄]²⁺, digonal [Cu^I(His)₂]⁺, and tetrahedral [Zn^II(His)₃(OH₂)]²⁺, respectively.     

Poly[[aqua‐μ3‐2,2‐dimethylmalonato‐copper(II)] monohydrate] and poly[aqua‐μ3‐2,2‐dimethylmalonato‐copper(II)]

The coordination mode of the dimethylmalonate ligand in the two title Cu^II complexes, {[Cu(C₅H₃O₄)(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n, (I), and [Cu(C₅H₃O₄)(H₂O)]_n, (II), is the same, with chelated six‐membered, bis‐monodentate and bridging bonding modes. However, the coordination environment of the Cu^II atoms, the connectivity of their metal–organic frameworks and their hydrogen‐bonding interactions are different. Complex (I) has a perfect square‐pyramidal Cu^II environment with the aqua ligand in the apical position, and only one type of square grid consisting of Cu^II atoms linked via carboxylate bridges to three dimethylmalonate ligands, with weak hydrogen‐bond interactions within and between its two‐dimensional layers. Complex (II) has a coordination geometry that is closer to square pyramidal than trigonal bipyramidal for its Cu^II atoms with the aqua ligand now in the basal plane. Its two‐dimensional layer structure comprises two alternating grids, which involve two and four different dimethylmalonate anions, respectively. There are strong hydrogen bonds only within its layers.     

Cu3(CN)4(NH3)2Hg(CN)2: a novel inter­penetrating framework formed from CuI,CuII, HgII and cyanide bridges

The title compound, poly[diammine­hexa‐μ‐cyano‐di­copper(I)­copper(II)­mercury(II)], [Cu₃Hg(CN)₆(NH₃)₂]_n, has a novel threefold‐inter­penetrating structure of three‐dimensional frameworks. This three‐dimensional framework consists of two‐dimensional network Cu₃(CN)₄(NH₃)₂ complexes and rod‐like Hg(CN)₂ complexes. The two‐dimensional network complex contains trigonal–planar Cu^I (site symmetry m) and octa­hedral Cu^II (site symmetry 2/m) in a 2:1 ratio. Two types of cyanide group form bridges between three coordination sites of Cu^I and two equatorial sites of Cu^II to form a two‐dimensional structure with large hexa­gonal windows. One type of CN⁻ group is disordered across a center of inversion, while the other resides on the mirror plane. Two NH₃ mol­ecules (site symmetry 2) are located in the hexa­gonal windows and coordinate to the remaining equatorial sites of Cu^II. Both N atoms of the rod‐like Hg(CN)₂ group (Hg site symmetry 2/m and CN⁻ site symmetry m) coordinate to the axial sites of Cu^II. This linkage completes the three‐dimensional framework and penetrates two hexa­gonal windows of two two‐dimensional network complexes to form the threefold‐inter­penetrating structure.     

Synthesis,Spectral, Thermal Studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)‐arginato Complexes. Crystal Structure of Monoaquabis(arginato‐κO,κN)copper(II). [Cu(arg)2(H2O)].NaNO3

Transition metal complexes of arginine (using Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) cations separately) were synthesized and characterized by FTIR, TG/DTA‐DrTG, UV‐Vis spectroscopy and elemental analysis methods. Cu(II)‐Arg complex crystals was found suitable for x‐ray diffraction studies. It was contained, one mole Cu^II and Na⁺ ions, two arginate ligands, one coordinated aqua ligand and one solvent NO₃^? group in the asymmetric unit. The principle coordination sites of metal atom have been occupied by two N atoms of arginate ligands, two carboxylate O atoms, while the apical site was occupied by one O atom for Cu^II cation and two O atoms for Co^II, Ni^II, Zn^II atoms of aqua ligands. Although Cu^II ion adopts a square pyramidal geometry of the structure. Co^II, Ni^II, Zn^II cations have octahedral due to coordination number of these metals. Neighbouring chains were linked together to form a three‐dimensional network via hydrogen‐bonding between coordinated water molecule, amino atoms and O atoms of the bridging carboxylate groups. Cu^II complex was crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁, a = 8.4407(5) Å, b = 12.0976(5) Å, c = 10.2448(6) Å, V = 1041.03(10) ų, Z = 2. Structures of the other metal complexes were similar to CuII complex, because of their spectroscopic studies have in agreement with each other. Copper complex has shown DNA like helix chain structure. Lastly, anti‐bacterial, anti‐microbial and anti‐fungal biological activities of complexes were investigated.     

High-dimensional mixed-valence copper cyanide complexes: Syntheses,structural characterizations and magnetism

Reactions of CuCl₂ with different CN complexes in presence of a neutral ancillary ligand lead to two novel mixed-valence Cu complexes [Cu^II(bpy)Cu^I(CN)₃]_n, 1 (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and {[Cu^II(tn)₂][Cu^I₄(CN)₆]}_n2 (tn = 1,3-diaminopropane). For compound 1, the asymmetric unit involves two Cu ions Cu1 and Cu2 (Cu^I and Cu^II centres, respectively) which strongly differ in their environments. The Cu1 ion presents a CuC₄ pseudo-tetrahedral geometry, while the Cu2 ion presents a CuN₅ slightly distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The extended structure of 1 is generated by three cyano ligands which differ in their coordination modes. One CN group has a μ₃ coordination mode and bridges two Cu^I and one Cu^II ion, while the two other CN groups act as μ₂ bridges leading to a sophisticated 3-D structure. As for 1, the asymmetric unit of 2 involves three crystallographically different Cu ions (Cu1A and Cu1B, presumably Cu^I centres, and Cu2 presumably Cu^II centres). The Cu2 ion presents centrosymmetric CuN₄ coordination environments involving four nitrogen atoms from two bidentate tn ligands; while the Cu1A and Cu1B ions are three coordinated to cyano groups. The structure can be described as formed by 18-membered “[Cu^I(CN)]₆” planar metallocycles that are connected to their six neighbors to generate 2-D sheets; these sheets stack forming infinite hexagonal channels in which the [Cu(tn)₂]²⁺ units are located. Magnetic measurements show an unexpected weak ferromagnetic coupling (θ = 0.239(1) K) of the Cu^II ions through the long and “a priori diamagnetic” –NC–Cu^I–CN– bridges in compound 1 and an essentially paramagnetic behavior in compound 2.     

An Adaptable N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Macrocycle Hosting Copper in Three Oxidation States

A neutral hybrid macrocycle with two trans‐positioned N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and two pyridine donors hosts copper in three oxidation states (+I–+III) in a series of structurally characterized complexes ( 1 – 3 ). Redox interconversion of [LCu]^+/2+/3+ is electrochemically (quasi)reversible and occurs at moderate potentials (E_1/2=?0.45 V and +0.82 V (vs. Fc/Fc⁺)). A linear C^NHC‐Cu‐C^NHC arrangement and hemilability of the two pyridine donors allows the ligand to adapt to the different stereoelectronic and coordination requirements of Cu^I versus Cu^II/Cu^III. Analytical methods such as NMR, UV/Vis, IR, electron paramagnetic resonance, and Cu Kβ high‐energy‐resolution fluorescence detection X‐ray absorption spectroscopies, as well as DFT calculations, give insight into the geometric and electronic structures of the complexes. The XAS signatures of 1 – 3 are textbook examples for Cu^I, Cu^II, and Cu^III species. Facile 2‐electron interconversion combined with the exposure of two basic pyridine N sites in the reduced Cu^I form suggest that [LCu]^+/2+/3+ may operate in catalysis via coupled 2 e^?/2 H⁺ transfer.     

A two‐dimensional mixed‐valence CuII/CuI coordination polymer constructed from 2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylate

Coordination polymers are a thriving class of functional solid‐state materials and there have been noticeable efforts and progress toward designing periodic functional structures with desired geometrical attributes and chemical properties for targeted applications. Self‐assembly of metal ions and organic ligands is one of the most efficient and widely utilized methods for the construction of CPs under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. 2‐(Pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylate (HPIDC²⁻) has been proven to be an excellent multidentate ligand due to its multiple deprotonation and coordination modes. Crystals of poly[aquabis[μ₃‐5‐carboxy‐2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylato‐κ⁵N¹,O⁵:N³,O⁴:N²]copper(II)dicopper(I)], [Cu^IICu^I₂(C₁₀H₅N₃O₄)₂(H₂O)]_n, (I), were obtained from 2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid (H₃PIDC) and copper(II) chloride under hydrothermal conditions. The asymmetric unit consists of one independent Cu^II ion, two Cu^I ions, two HPIDC²⁻ ligands and one coordinated water molecule. The Cu^II centre displays a square‐pyramidal geometry (CuN₂O₃), with two N,O‐chelating HPIDC²⁻ ligands occupying the basal plane in a trans geometry and one O atom from a coordinated water molecule in the axial position. The Cu^I atoms adopt three‐coordinated Y‐shaped coordinations. In each [CuN₂O] unit, deprotonated HPIDC²⁻ acts as an N,O‐chelating ligand, and a symmetry‐equivalent HPIDC²⁻ ligand acts as an N‐atom donor via the pyridine group. The HPIDC²⁻ ligands in the polymer serve as T‐shaped 3‐connectors and adopt a μ₃‐κ²N,O:κ²N′,O′:κN′′‐coordination mode, linking one Cu^II and two Cu^I cations. The Cu cations are arranged in one‐dimensional –Cu1–Cu2–Cu3– chains along the [001] direction. Further crosslinking of these chains by HPIDC²⁻ ligands along the b axis in a –Cu2–HPIDC²⁻–Cu3–HPIDC²⁻–Cu1– sequence results in a two‐dimensional polymer in the (100) plane. The resulting (2,3)‐connected net has a (12³)₂(12)₃ topology. Powder X‐ray diffraction confirmed the phase purity for (I), and susceptibilty measurements indicated a very weak ferromagnetic behaviour. A thermogravimetric analysis shows the loss of the apical aqua ligand before decomposition of the title compound.     

(2‐Aminopyrimidine‐κN1)aqua(pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylato‐κ3O2,N,O6)copper(II): X‐ray and DFT calculated structure

In the title compound, [Cu(C₇H₃N₂O₄)(C₄H₅N₂)(H₂O)], (I), pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate (pydc²⁻), 2‐aminopyrimidine and aqua ligands coordinate the Cu^II centre through two N atoms, two carboxylate O atoms and one water O atom, respectively, to give a nominally distorted square‐pyramidal coordination geometry, a common arrangement for copper complexes containing the pydc²⁻ ligand. Because of the presence of Cu...X_bridged contacts (X = N or O) between adjacent molecules in the crystal structures of (I) and three analogous previously reported compounds, and the corresponding uncertainty about the effective coordination number of the Cu^II centre, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to elucidate the degree of covalency in these contacts. The calculated Wiberg and Mayer bond‐order indices reveal that the Cu...O contact can be considered as a coordination bond, whereas the amine group forming a Cu...N contact is not an effective participant in the coordination environment.     

Impact of N-Truncated Aβ Peptides on Cu- and Cu(Aβ)-Generated ROS: CuI Matters!

In vitro Cu(Aβ_1–x)-induced ROS production has been extensively studied. Conversely, the ability of N-truncated isoforms of Aβ to alter the Cu-induced ROS production has been overlooked, even though they are main constituents of amyloid plaques found in the human brain. N-Truncated peptides at the positions 4 and 11 (Aβ_4–x and Aβ_11–x) contain an amino-terminal copper and nickel (ATCUN) binding motif (H₂N-Xxx-Zzz-His) that confer them different coordination sites and higher affinities for Cu^II compared to the Aβ_1–x peptide. It has further been proposed that the role of Aβ_4–x peptide is to quench Cu^II toxicity in the brain. However, the role of Cu^I coordination has not been investigated to date. In contrast to Cu^II, Cu^I coordination is expected to be the same for N-truncated and N-intact peptides. Herein, we report in-depth characterizations and ROS production studies of Cu (Cu^I and Cu^II) complexes of the Aβ_4–16 and Aβ_11–16 N-truncated peptides. Our findings show that the N-truncated peptides do produce ROS when Cu^I is present in the medium, albeit to a lesser extent than the unmodified counterpart. In addition, when used as competitor ligands (i.e., in the presence of Aβ_1–16), the N-truncated peptides are not able to fully preclude Cu(Aβ_1–16)-induced ROS production.     

A one‐dimensional coordination polymer of 5‐[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid with CuII cations

5‐[(Imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂L) was synthesized and the dimethylformamide‐ and dimethylacetamide‐solvated structures of its adducts with Cu^II, namely catena‐poly[[copper(II)‐bis[μ‐3‐carboxy‐5‐[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzoato]] dimethylformamide disolvate], {[Cu(C₁₂H₉N₂O₄)₂]·2C₃H₇NO}_n, (I), and catena‐poly[[copper(II)‐bis[μ‐3‐carboxy‐5‐[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzoato]] dimethylacetamide disolvate], {[Cu(C₁₂H₉N₂O₄)₂]·2C₄H₉NO}_n, (II), the formation of which are associated with mono‐deprotonation of H₂L. The two structures are isomorphous and isometric. They consist of one‐dimensional coordination polymers of the organic ligand with Cu^II in a 2:1 ratio, [Cu(μ‐HL)₂]_n, crystallizing as the dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethylacetamide (DMA) disolvates. The Cu^II cations are characterized by a coordination number of six, being located on centres of crystallographic inversion. In the polymeric chains, each Cu^II cation is linked to four neighbouring HL⁻ ligands, and the organic ligand is coordinated via Cu—O and Cu—N bonds to two Cu^II cations. In the corresponding crystal structures of (I) and (II), the coordination chains, aligned parallel to the c axis, are further interlinked by strong hydrogen bonds between the noncoordinated carboxy groups in one array and the coordinated carboxylate groups of neighbouring chains. Molecules of DMF and DMA (disordered) are accommodated at the interface between adjacent polymeric assemblies. This report provides the first structural evidence for the formation of coordination polymers with H₂Lvia multiple metal–ligand bonds through both carboxylate and imidazole groups.     

(Croconato‐κ2O,O′)bis­(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)cobalt(II), and the nickel(II) and copper(II) analogues

The title complexes, [M(C₅O₅)(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂], with M = Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II, all lie across twofold rotation axes, around which two 1,10‐phenanthroline ligands are arranged in a chiral propeller manner. The Co^II and Ni^II complexes are isostructural, with octa­hedral coordination geometry, while the local geometry of the Cu^II complex is severely distorted from octa­hedral.     

Enhancement of TbIII–CuII Single‐Molecule Magnet Performance through Structural Modification

We report a series of 3d–4f complexes {Ln₂Cu₃(H₃L)₂X_n} (X=OAc^?, Ln=Gd, Tb or X=NO₃^?, Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) using the 2,2′‐(propane‐1,3‐diyldiimino)bis[2‐(hydroxylmethyl)propane‐1,3‐diol] (H₆L) pro‐ligand. All complexes, except that in which Ln=Gd, show slow magnetic relaxation in zero applied dc field. A remarkable improvement of the energy barrier to reorientation of the magnetisation in the {Tb₂Cu₃(H₃L)₂X_n} complexes is seen by changing the auxiliary ligands (X=OAc^? for NO₃^?). This leads to the largest reported relaxation barrier in zero applied dc field for a Tb/Cu‐based single‐molecule magnet. Ab initio CASSCF calculations performed on mononuclear Tb^III models are employed to understand the increase in energy barrier and the calculations suggest that the difference stems from a change in the Tb^III coordination environment (C_4v versus C_s).     

Electrochemical and quantum chemical investigation of the CuI and CuII complexes with biquinolyl monomer and polymer ligands

Structural reorganization of polyamide (PA) and low-molecular-weight Cu^I and Cu^II complexes with biquinolyl (biQ) ligands during their mutual redox transformations in solution was studied using the electrochemical methods (cyclic voltammetry and preparative electrolysis) and quantum chemical DFT calculations. The influence of electronic factors and geometry distortions in the complexes on the ionization energy on going from Cu^I to Cu^II was evaluated in comparison. The catalytically active form of the [Cu^I(PA)L₂]BF₄ complex can be synthesized in situ from the stable tetrahedral complex [Cu^I(PA)₂]BF₄ by the series of successive redox transitions Cu^I → Cu^II → Cu^I accompanied by the loss of one biQ-containing macroligand. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1331–1340, July, 2007.     

catena‐Poly[[aquacopper(II)]‐μ‐hydroxido‐μ‐naphthalene‐1‐carboxylato‐κ2O:O′]: effect of a bulky aromatic skeleton in self‐assembly

In the title coordination polymer, [Cu(C₁₁H₇O₂)(OH)(H₂O)]_n, the Cu^II center is five‐coordinated by two O atoms from two different naphthalene‐1‐carboxylate (L) ligands, one O atom from one coordinated water molecule and two O atoms from two hydroxide anions. L ligands and hydroxide anions jointly bridge adjacent Cu^II centers to generate a one‐dimensional chain along the b‐axis direction. The results reveal that the steric bulk of the naphthalene ring system in L may play an important role in the formation of the title complex.     

Isolation of the Copper Redox Steps in the Standard Selective Catalytic Reduction on Cu‐SSZ‐13

Operando X‐ray absorption experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are reported that elucidate the role of copper redox chemistry in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO over Cu‐exchanged SSZ‐13. Catalysts prepared to contain only isolated, exchanged Cu^II ions evidence both Cu^II and Cu^I ions under standard SCR conditions at 473 K. Reactant cutoff experiments show that NO and NH₃ together are necessary for Cu^II reduction to Cu^I. DFT calculations show that NO‐assisted NH₃ dissociation is both energetically favorable and accounts for the observed Cu^II reduction. The calculations predict in situ generation of Brønsted sites proximal to Cu^I upon reduction, which we quantify in separate titration experiments. Both NO and O₂ are necessary for oxidation of Cu^I to Cu^II, which DFT suggests to occur by a NO₂ intermediate. Reaction of Cu‐bound NO₂ with proximal NH₄⁺ completes the catalytic cycle. N₂ is produced in both reduction and oxidation half‐cycles.     

Copper(II) and Sodium(I) Complexes based on 3,7‐Diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐5‐oxide: Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Activity

The reaction of 3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (DAPTA) with metal salts of Cu^II or Na^I/Ni^II under mild conditions led to the oxidized phosphane derivative 3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐5‐oxide (DAPTA=O) and to the first examples of metal complexes based on the DAPTA=O ligand, that is, [Cu^II(μ‐CH₃COO)₂(κO‐DAPTA=O)]₂ ( 1 ) and [Na(1κOO′;2κO‐DAPTA=O)(MeOH)]₂(BPh₄)₂ ( 2 ). The catalytic activity of 1 was tested in the Henry reaction and for the aerobic 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐mediated oxidation of benzyl alcohol. Compound 1 was also evaluated as a model system for the catechol oxidase enzyme by using 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol as the substrate. The kinetic data fitted the Michaelis–Menten equation and enabled the obtainment of a rate constant for the catalytic reaction; this rate constant is among the highest obtained for this substrate with the use of dinuclear Cu^II complexes. DFT calculations discarded a bridging mode binding type of the substrate and suggested a mixed‐valence Cu^II/Cu^I complex intermediate, in which the spin electron density is mostly concentrated at one of the Cu atoms and at the organic ligand.     

Electrochemical synthesis and magnetic studies of neutral transition metal imidazolates and pyrazolates

Summary The single-step electrochemical synthesis of neutral transition metal complexes of imidazole, pyrazole and their derivatives has been achieved at ambient temperature. The metal was oxidized in an Me₂CO solution of the diazole to yield complexes of the general formula: [M(Iz)₂] (where M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; Iz = imidazolate); [M(MeIz)₂] (where M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; MeIz = 4-methylimidazolate); [M(PrⁱIz)₂] (where M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; PrⁱIz = 2-isopropylimidazolate); [M(pyIz)_n] (where M = Co^III, Cu^II, Zn^II; pyIz = 2-(2-pyridyl)imidazolate); [M(Pz)_n] (where M = Co^III, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II; Pz = pyrazolate); [M(ClPz)_n] and [M(IPz)_n] (where M = Co^III, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II; ClPz = 4-chloropyrazolate; IPz = 4-iodopyrazolate); [M(Me₂Pz)_n] (where M = Co^II, Cu^I, Zn^II; Me₂Pz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazolate) and [M(BrMe₂Pz)_n] (where M = Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^I, Zn^II; BrMe₂Pz = 3,5-dimethyl-4-bromopyrazolate). Vibrational spectra verified the presence of the anionic diazole and electronic spectra confirmed the stereochemistry about the metal centre. Variable temperature (360-90 K) magnetic measurements of the cobalt and copper chelates revealed strong antiferromagnetic interaction between the metal ions in the lattice. Data for the copper complexes were fitted to a Heisenberg (S= ) model for an infinite one-dimensional linear chain, yielding best fit values of J=–62––65cm^–1 andg = 2.02–2.18. Data for the cobalt complexes were fitted to an Ising (S= ) model with J=–4.62––11.7cm^–1 andg = 2.06–2.49.