A contribution to 1-azapentadienylmetal chemistry: Si, Sn(II), Fe(II) and Co(II) complexes

Complexes of three related 1-azapentadienyl ligands [N(SiMe₂R¹)C(Bu^t)(CH)₃SiMe₂R]⁻, abbreviated as L (R = Bu^t, R¹ = Me), L′ (R = Me = R¹), and L″ (R = Bu^t = R¹), are described. The crystalline compounds Sn(L)₂ (1), Sn(L′)₂ (2), [Sn(L′)(μ-Cl)]₂ (3) and [Sn(L″)(μ-Cl)]₂ (4) were prepared from SnCl₂ and 2 K(L), 2 K(L′), K(L′) and K(L″), respectively, in thf. Treatment of the appropriate lithium 1-azapentadienyl with Si(Cl)Me₃ yielded the yellow crystalline Me₃Si(L) (5) and the volatile liquid Me₃Si(L′) (6) and Me₃Si(L″) (7), each being an N,N,C-trisilyldieneamine. The red, crystalline Fe(L)₂ (8) and Co(L′)₂ (9) were obtained from thf solutions of FeCl₂ with 2 Li(L)(tmeda) and CoCl₂ with 2 K(L′), respectively. Each of 1-9 gave satisfactory C, H, N analyses; 6 and 7 (GC-MS) and 1, 2, 8 and 9 (MS) showed molecular cations and appropriate fragments (also 3 and 4). The ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR (1-4) and IR spectra support the assignment of 1-4 as containing Sn-N(SiMe₂R¹)-C(Bu^t)(CH)₃SiMe₂R moieties and 5-7 as N(SiMe₃)(SiMe₂R¹)C(Bu^t)(CH)₃SiMe₂R molecules; for 1-4 this is confirmed by their X-ray structures. The magnetic moments for 8 (5.56 μ_B) and 9 (2.75 μ_B) are remarkably close to the appropriate Fe and Co complex [M{η³-N(SiMe₃)C(Bu^t)C(H)SiMe₃}₂]; hence it is proposed that 8 and 9 have similar metal-centred, centrosymmetric, distorted octahedral structures.     

Modelling the use of lanthanides(III) as probes at calcium(II) binding sites in biological systems: Preparation and characterization of neodymium(III) and calcium(II) malonamato(-1) complexes

A bioinorganic approach into the problem of the isomorphous substitution of calcium(II) by lanthanide(III) ions in biological systems is discussed. Reactions of malonamic acid (H₂malm) with Ca^II and Nd^III sources under similar conditions yielded the compounds [Ca(Hmalm)₂]_n (1), [Nd(Hmalm)₂(H₂O)₂]_n(NO₃)_n (2) and [Nd(Hmalm)₂(H₂O)₂]_nCl_n·2nH₂O (3·2nH₂O). Their X-ray crystal structure data show that the malonamate(-1) ligand presents two different ligation modes and coordinates through the two carboxylate and the amide-O atoms, thus bridging three Ca^II ions in 1 and two Nd^III ions in 2 and 3·2nH₂O. Complex 1 is a 3D coordination polymer based on neutral repeating units, whereas 2 and 3·2nH₂O are 1D coordination polymers based on the same cationic repeating unit. Hydrogen bonding interactions further stabilize the 3D framework structure of 1 and assemble the 1D chains of 2 and 3·2nH₂O into 3D networks. The three complexes were characterized spectroscopically (IR, far-IR, and Raman) and the thermal decomposition of 2 and 3·2nH₂O was monitored by TG/DTA and TG/DTG measurements. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data for 2 are also reported. The bioinorganic chemistry relevance of our results is discussed.     

Syntheses and study on nickel and copper complexes with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid. Crystal and molecular structure of [Cu3(mdpta)3(btc)](ClO4)3 · 4H2O

Nickel and copper complexes containing 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, with a combination of selected N-donor ligands and Schiff bases, of the composition Ni₃(bimz)₆(btc)₂ · 12H₂O (1), Ni₃(btz)₉(btc)₂ · 12H₂O (2), Ni₂(L₁)(btc) · 7H₂O (3), Ni₃(L₂)₂(Hbtc) · 9H₂O (4), Ni₂(L₃)(btc) · 4H₂O (5), Cu₂(L₄)(btc) · 7H₂O (6), [Cu₃(pmdien)₃(btc)](ClO₄)₃ · 6H₂O (7) and [Cu₃(mdpta)₃(btc)](ClO₄)₃ · 4H₂O (8); H₃btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, bimz = benzimidazole, btz = 1,2,3-benztriazole, L₁ = 2-[(phenylimino)methyl]phenol, L₂ = N,N′-bis-(salicylidene)propylenediamine, L₃ = 2-{[(2-nitrophenyl)methylene]amino}phenol, L₄ = 2-[(4-methoxy-phenylimino)methyl]phenol, pmdien = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, mdpta = N,N-bis-(3-aminopropyl)methylamine, have been synthesized. The complexes have been studied by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis spectroscopies, magnetochemical and conductivity measurements and selected compounds also by thermal analysis. The crystal and molecular structure of complex 8 was solved. The complex is trinuclear with btc³⁻-bridge. The coordination polyhedron around each copper atom can be described as a distorted square with a CuON₃ chromophore formed by one oxygen atom of carboxylate and three nitrogen atoms of mdpta. The magnetic properties of 8 have been studied in the 1.8–300 K temperature range revealing a very weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction with J = −0.56 cm⁻¹ for g = 2.13(9). The antimicrobial activities against selected strains of bacteria were evaluated. It was found that only complex 5 is able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus strains.     

Synthesis,characterization and catalytic activity of halo-methyl-bis(salicylaldehyde)ethylenediamine cobalt(II) complexes

The synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of a series of tetra-halo-dimethyl salen and di-halo-tetramethyl-salen ligands are reported in this paper: α,α′-dimethyl-Salen (dMeSalen) (L¹); 3,3′,5,5′-tetrachloro-α,α′-dimethyl-Salen, (tCldMeSalen) (L²); 3,3′-dibromo-5,5′-dichloro-α,α′-dimethyl-Salen, (dCldBrdMeSalen) (L³); 3,3′,5,5′-tetrabromo-α,α′-dimethyl-Salen, (tBrdMeSalen) (L⁴); 3,3′,5,5′-tetraiodo-α,α′-dimethyl-salen, (tIdMeSalen) (L⁵); 3,3′-dichloro-5,5′,α,α′-tetramethyl-Salen (dCltMeSalen) (L⁶); 3,3′-dibromo-5,5′,α,α′-tetramethyl-Salen (dBrtMeSalen) (L⁷); and 3,3′-diiodo-5,5′,α,α′-tetramethyl-Salen (dItMeSalen) (L⁸) (Salen = bis(salicylaldehyde)ethylenediamine). Upon reaction with Co(II) ions, these ligands form complexes with square planar geometry that have been characterized by elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, UV–Vis, IR and EPR spectroscopies. In the presence of pyridine the obtained Co(II) complexes were found able to bind reversibly O₂, which was shown by EPR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. They were also found able to catalyze the oxidation of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (DtBuP) (9) with formation of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (DtBuQ) (10) and 2,6,2′,6′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-diphenobenzoquinone (TtBuDQ) (11). These properties are first influenced by the coordination of pyridine in axial position of the Co(II) ion that causes an increase of the electronic density on the cobalt ion and as a consequence a decrease in the E_1/2 value and an increase of the reducing power of the Co(II) complex. It is noteworthy that, under those conditions the complexes also show a remarkable quasi-reversible behaviour. Second, complex properties are also influenced by the substituents (methyl and halogen) grafted on the aromatic ring and on the azomethynic groups. The donating methyl substituent on the azomethynic groups causes a decrease in the E_1/2 value, whereas the halogen substituents on the aromatic rings have two effects: a mesomeric donating effect that tends to lower the redox potential of the complex, and a steric effect that tends to decrease the conjugation of the ligand and then to increase the redox potential of the Co(II) complex. In pyridine, the steric effect predominates, which causes both an increase of the redox potential and a decrease of the selectivity of the oxidation of phenol 9. As a result of all these effects, it then appears that the best catalysts to realize the selective oxidation of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol (9) by O₂ are the Co complexes of ligands bearing CH₃ donating substituents, Co(dMeSalen) 1 (2CH₃ substituents), and Co-di-halo-tetra-methyl-salen complexes 6, 7 and 8 (4CH₃ substituents), in the presence of pyridine.     

Novel complexes of tris(aminomethyl)phosphanes with platinum(II): Structural, spectroscopic, DFT and biological activity studies

Two new platinum(II) complexes with tris(aminomethyl)phosphanes: [trans-PtCl₂{P(CH₂N(CH₂CH₂)₂NCH₃)₃}₂] (1Pt) and [trans-PtCl₂{P(CH₂N(CH₂CH₂)₂O)₃}₂] (2Pt) were prepared and characterized with NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopies. Their structures were investigated by X-ray crystallography and DFT methods. TDDFT calculations were employed to interpret the electronic spectra of the complexes. Obtained results are not unequivocal, however population analysis indicate, that the character of HOMO and HOMO−1 orbitals depend strongly on the electron donoring properties of the phosphane ligand. Biological activity of 2Pt complex, which is more stable and more soluble in polar solvents than 1Pt, was examined in vitro on the Vero cell line (IC₅₀ = 12.5 μM). At higher concentrations it induces apoptosis, probably due to changes of the cell cytoskeleton. Luminescence quenching studies and CD spectroscopy of interactions of 2Pt with HSA and BSA indicate that these albumins bind the complex slightly - without altering their tertiary structures, however HSA interacts with 2Pt noticeably stronger than BSA. It was also found that 2Pt does not cleave supercoiled pUC18 plasmid.     

Six-membered ring chelate complexes of Pd(II) and Pt(II) derived from di-(2-pyridyl)pyrimidin-2-ylsulfanylmethane

Cis-[MLCl₂] complexes of di-(2-pyridyl)pyrimidin-2-ylsulfanylmethane ligand (L), where M = Pd (1), and M = Pt (2) have been synthesized. Reaction of 1 with L in presence of Na[BF₄] and hot acetonitrile produced the complex [PdL₂](BF₄)₂ (3). Complexes 1-3 and ligand L have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR and NMR spectroscopy. Crystal structures of 1, 3 and L were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, showing nonplanar structures with the pyridinic rings twisted around the bridging carbon and the ipso carbon bonds. 1 and 3 displayed a bidentate coordination of L to the palladium atom with the formation of six-membered chelate rings, where the local geometry at palladium atom was distorted square planar. In 3 the palladium atom was coordinated to two dipyridyl ligands through two of the pyridinic nitrogen atoms to form a cationic complex stabilized by two tetrafluoroborate counter-ions.     

Synthesis, spectral characterization and crystal structure of copper(II) complexes of 2-benzoylpyridine-N(4)-phenylsemicarbazone

An interesting series of nine new copper(II) complexes [Cu₂L₂(OAc)₂]·H₂O (1), [CuLNCS]·½H₂O (2), [CuLNO₃]·½H₂O (3), [Cu(HL)Cl₂]·H₂O (4), [Cu₂(HL)₂(SO₄)₂]·4H₂O (5), [CuLClO₄]·½H₂O (6), [CuLBr]·2H₂O (7), [CuL₂]·H₂O (8) and [CuLN₃]·CH₃OH (9) of 2-benzoylpyridine-N(4)-phenyl semicarbazone (HL) have been synthesized and physico-chemically characterized. The tridentate character of the semicarbazone is inferred from IR spectra. Based on the EPR studies, spin Hamiltonian and bonding parameters have been calculated. The g values, calculated for all the complexes in frozen DMF, indicate the presence of the unpaired electron in the d_x²-y² orbital. The structure of the compound, [Cu₂L₂(OAc)₂] (1a) has been resolved using single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The crystal structure revealed monoclinic space group P2₁/n. The coordination geometry about the copper(II) in 1a is distorted square pyramidal with one pyridine nitrogen atom, the imino nitrogen, enolate oxygen and acetate oxygen in the basal plane, an acetate oxygen form adjacent moiety occupies the apical position, serving as a bridge to form a centrosymmetric dimeric structure.     

1D coordination polymers of silver(I) and copper(II) based on bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) ligands: Synthesis and structural studies

The alkyl chain-linked diimidazolium (or dibenzimidazolium) salts, 1,1′-diethyl-4,4′-tetramethylene-diimidazolium-diiodide (L¹H₂·I₂) and 1,1′-diethyl-3,3′-trimethylene-dibenzimidazolium-diiodide (L²H₂·I₂), and their silver(I) and copper(II) coordination polymers, [L¹AgI]_n (1) and [L²Cu₂I₄]_n (2), have been prepared and characterized. Complex 1 is a 1D helical polymer generated by bidentated carbene ligands (L¹) and Ag(I) atoms. The 1D polymer of 2 is formed by bidentated carbene ligands (L²) and coplanar quadrilateral Cu₂I₂ units. 3D supramolecular frameworks in the crystal packings of 1 and 2 are formed via intermolecular weak interactions, including C–H···π contacts, π–π interactions and C–H···I hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis,characterization and superoxide dismutase activity of some octahedral nickel(II) complexes

Four new mixed ligand nickel(II) complexes viz., [Ni(tren)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ni(tren)(bipy)](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Ni(SAA)(PMDT)] · 2H₂O (3) and [Ni(SAA)(TPTZ)] (4) (tren = tris(2-aminoethylamine), phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, SAA = salicylidene anthranilic acid, PMDT = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, TPTZ = 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine) have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, spectroscopic, magnetic susceptibility and cyclic voltammetric measurements. Single crystal X-ray analysis of [Ni(tren)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ (1) and [Ni(SAA)(PMDT)] · 2H₂O (3) has revealed the presence of a distorted octahedral geometry. Superoxide dismutase activity of these complexes has also been measured.     

Synthetic,structural and spectroscopic studies of complexes derived from the copper(II) perchlorate/fumaric acid/N,N′-chelates tertiary reaction systems

The synthetic investigation of the Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O/fumaric acid (H₂fum)/N,N’-chelates (1,10-phen, 2,2′-bpy) tertiary reaction systems has yielded mononuclear, dinuclear and tetranuclear complexes, and three coordination polymers. The chemical and structural identity of the products depends on the solvent, the absence or presence of external hydroxides in the reaction mixtures and the N,N’-donor. Three fumarato(−2) complexes, i.e. compounds [Cu₂(fum)(phen)₄](ClO₄)₂·2H₂O (1·2H₂O), [Cu(fum)(phen)(H₂O)]_n (3) and [Cu₂(fum)(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]_n(ClO₄)_2n (6), were isolated and structurally characterized, and four non-fumarato complexes, i.e. compounds [Cu₄(μ₃-ΟΗ)₂(μ₂-ΟΗ)₂(phen)₄(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₄·2H₂O (2·2H₂O), [Cu(ClO₄)(phen) (MeCN)₂(H₂O)](ClO₄) (4), [Cu(ClO₄)(phen)(MeCN)₂]_n(ClO₄)_n (5) and [Cu(ClO₄)₂(bpy)(MeCN)₂] (7), were simultaneously obtained from the reaction systems investigated. The coordination versatility of the fumarato(−2) ligand is reflected to the three different coordination modes observed in 1·2H₂O, 3 and 6; the monodentate bridging μ₂-κO:κO′ mode in 3, the asymmetric chelating bridging μ₂-κO:κO′:κO′′:κO′′′ mode in 1·2H₂O and 3, and the syn,syn bridging μ₄-κO:κO′:κO′′:κO′′′ mode in 6. The crystal structures of the complexes are stabilized by intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions leading to interesting supramolecular architectures. Characteristic IR bands of the complexes are discussed in terms of the known structures, and the coordination modes of the fum²⁻ ligands.     

Comparative structural study of the complexation behaviour of silver(I), cadmium(II), mercury(II), and palladium(II) with a 17-membered N3O2-donor macrocycle

A comparative investigation of the coordination behaviour of the 17-membered, N₃O₂-donor macrocycle, 1,12,15-triaza-3,4:9,10-dibenzo-5,8-dioxacycloheptadecane, L, with the soft metal ions Ag(I), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pd(II) is reported. The X-ray structures of 12 complexes have been determined and a range of structural types, including both mononuclear and dinuclear species, shown to occur. In particular cases the effect of anion variation on the resulting structures has been investigated; L reacts with AgX (X = NO₃, ClO₄, PF₆, OTf and CN) to yield related 2:2 (metal:ligand) complexes of types [Ag₂L₂(NO₃)₂] (1), [Ag₂L₂](ClO₄)₂ · 2DMF (2), [Ag₂L₂](PF₆)₂ · 2DMF (3), [Ag₂L₂](OTf)₂ (4) and [Ag₂L₂(μ-CN)][Ag(CN)₂] · H₂O (5). In all five complexes the ether oxygens of each ring are unbound. In 1–4 the macrocycles are present in sandwich-like arrangements that shield the dinuclear silver centres, with each silver bonded to two nitrogen donors from one L and one nitrogen from a second L. A Ag···Ag contact is present between each metal centre such that both centres can be described as showing distorted tetrahedral geometries. In the case of 5 a rare single μ₂-κC:κC symmetrically bridging two-electron-donating cyano bridge links silver ions [Ag···Ag distance, 2.7437(10) Å]; the macrocyclic ligands are orientated away from the dinuclear metal centres. In contrast to the behaviour of silver, reaction of cadmium(II) perchlorate with L resulted in a mononuclear sandwich-like complex of type [CdL₂](ClO₄)₂ · CH₃CN (6). Again, the ether oxygens do not coordinate, with each L binding to the cadmium centre only via its three nitrogen donors in a facial arrangement such that a distorted octahedral coordination geometry is attained. Reaction of L with HgX₂ (X = ClO₄, SCN and I) yielded the monomeric species [HgL(ClO₄)₂] (7), [HgL(SCN)₂]·CH₃CN (8) and [Hg₂L₂](HgI₄)₂ · 2L (9), in which all five donors of L are bound to the respective mercury centres. However, reaction of L with Hg(NO₃)₂ in dichloromethane/methanol gave a mononuclear sandwich-like complex [HgL₂](NO₃)₂ · 2CH₃OH (10) without anion coordination. Reaction of K₂PdCl₄ and Pd(NO₃)₂ with L yielded the 1:1 complexes [PdLCl]Cl · H₂O (11) and [PdL(NO₃)]NO₃ · CH₃OH (12), respectively, in which the metal is bound to three nitrogen donors from L along with the corresponding chloride or nitrate anion. Each palladium adopts a distorted square-planar coordination geometry; once again the ether oxygens are not coordinated.     

Synthesis and characterization of Cu(II) complexes of pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylicacid

Four copper(II) coordination polymers, {[Cu(pz(COO)₂)(H₂O)]₄·HBr}_n (1), {[Cu(pz(COO)₂)(NH₃)₂]·H₂O}_n (2), {[Cu₃H₂(pz(COO)₂)₄(H₂O)₃]·2H₂O}_n (3) and {[Cu₂(pz(COO)₂)₂(NH₃)₂(H₂O)₃][Cu(pz(COO)₂)(NH₃)(H₂O)₂][Cu(pz(COO)₂)(NH₃)(H₂O)]·2H₂O}_n (4) were synthesized using pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid, CuBr₂, 2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethanol/triethanol amine/ammonia in a methanol:water (1:1) solution, and the mixed ligand complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods, thermal and elemental analysis, and magnetic susceptibility. Complexes 2 and 4 were also characterized by means of single crystal X-ray crystallography. The characterizations show that the complexes have polynuclear molecular structures, except for complex 2, and all of the complex structures form polymeric chains. Complex 4 has a pseudo-merohedral twin structure.     

Synthesis and characterization of Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) coordination polymers containing bis(imidazolyl) ligands

Two structurally related flexible imidazolyl ligands, bis(N-imidazolyl)methane (L₁) and 1,4-bis(N-imidazolyl)butane (L₂), were reacted with Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) salts of aliphatic/aromatic dicarboxylic acids resulting in the formation of a number of novel metal–organic coordination architectures, [CuB₂(ox)₂(L₁)₂(H₂O)₂] · 4H₂O (1) (ox = oxalate), [Cu(pdc)(L₂)_1.5] · 4H₂O (2, pdc = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate), [Co(L)₂(H₂O)₂](tp) · 4H₂O (3, tp = terephthalate), [Ni(L₁)₂(H₂O)₂](ip) · 5H₂O (4, ip = isophthalate), [Cu₂(L₁)₄(H₂O)₄](tp)₂ · 7H₂O (5), [Co(mal)(L₁)(H₂O)] · 0.5MeOH (6, mal = malonate), [Co(pdc)(L₁)(H₂O)] (7). All the complexes have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The different coordination modes of the dicarboxylate anions, due to their chain length, rigidity and diimidazolyl functionality, lead to a wide range of different coordination structures. The coordination polymers exhibit 1D single chain, ladder, 2D sheet and 2D network structures. The aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylates can adopt chelating μ₂ and chelating-bridging μ₃ coordination modes, or act as uncoordinated counter anions. The central metal ions are coordinated in N₂O₄, N₄O₂, N₂O₃ and N₃O₃ fashions, depending on the ancillary ligands. The topology of 1 gives rise to macrocycles which are connected through hydrogen bonds to form 1D chains, whereas compound 2 exhibits a 1D polymeric ladder in which the carboxylate acts as a pincer ligand. Compounds 3–5 show doubly bridged 1D chains, and the dicarboxylate groups are not coordinated but form 2D corrugated sheets with water molecules intercalated between the cationic layers. Compound 6 has a 2D network sheet structure in which each metal ion links three neighboring Co atoms by the bis(N-imidazolyl)methane ligand. The cobalt compound 7, with a 2D polymeric double sheet structure, is built from pincer carboxylate (pdc) and 1,4-bis(N-imidazolyl)methane ligands.     

Dinuclear copper(II) complexes of a novel 3-(aminomethyl)naphthoquinone Mannich base: Synthesis,structural, magnetic and electrochemical studies

A novel versatile tridentate 3-(aminomethyl)naphthoquinone proligand, 3-[N-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminobenzyl]-2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (HL), was obtained from the Mannich reaction of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (Lawsone) with 2-aminomethylpyridine (amp) and benzaldehyde. The reactions of HL with CuCl₂·2H₂O yielded two novel dinuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L)(H₂O)(μ-Cl)Cu(L)Cl] (1b), [CuCl(L)(μ-Cl)Cu(amp)Cl] (2) and a polymeric compound, [Cu(L)Cl)]_n (1a), whose relative yields were sensitive to temperature, reagents concentration and presence of base. The crystalline structures of 1b and 2 were determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The two copper atoms in complex 1b are connected by a single chloro bridge with a Cu?Cu separation of 4.1342(8) Å and Cu(1)–Cl(1)–Cu(2) angle of 109.31(4)°. In complex 2 the two copper atoms are held together by a chloro and a naphthalen-2-olate bridges [Cu(1)–Cl(2)–Cu(2) and Cu(1)–O(1)–Cu(2) angles being 83.31(3) and 109.70(9)°, respectively, and the Cu?Cu separation, 3.3476(9) Å]. As expected, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of complex 1b showed weak antiferromagnetic intramolecular coupling between the copper(II) centers, with J = −5.7 cm⁻¹, and evidenced for complex 2 strong antiferromagnetic coupling, with J ∼ −120 cm⁻¹. Furthermore, the magnetic behaviour of compound 1a suggested an infinite 1D coordination polymeric structure in which the copper(II) centers are connected by Cl–Cu–Cl bridges. Solution data (UV–Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry) indicated structural changes of 2 and 1a in CH₃CN, and evidenced conversion of polymer 1a into dimer 1b.     

Mononuclear Fe(III) and tetranuclear [Fe(III)Gd(III)]2 complexes with a Schiff-base ligand derived from the o-vanillin: Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties

The mononuclear high-spin iron(III) complexes [Fe(3-MeOsalpn)Cl(H₂O)] (1) and [Fe(3-MeOsalpn)(NCS)(H₂O)]·0.5CH₃CN (2) and the tetranuclear oxo-bridged compound [{Fe(3-MeOsalpn)Gd(NO₃)₃}₂(μ-O)]·CH₃CN (3) [3-MeOsalpn²⁻ = N,N′-propylenebis(3-methoxysalicylideneiminate)] have been prepared and magneto-structurally characterised. The iron(III) ion in 1 and 2 is six-coordinated in a somewhat distorted octahedral surrounding with the two phenolate-oxygens and two imine-nitrogens from the Schiff-base building the equatorial plane and a water (1 and 2) and a chloro (1)/thiocyanate-nitrogen (2) in the axial positions. The neutral mononuclear units of 1 and 2 are assembled into centrosymmetric dinuclear motifs through hydrogen bonds between the axially coordinated water molecule of one iron centre and methoxy-oxygen atoms from the Schiff-base of the adjacent iron atom. The values of the intradimer metal-metal distance within the supramolecular dimers are 4.930 (1) and 4.878 Å (2). The tetranuclear of 3 can be described as two {Fe^III(3-MeOsalpn)} units connected through an oxo-bridge, each one hosting a [Gd^III(NO₃)₃] entity in the outer cavity defined by the two phenolate- and two methoxy-oxygen atoms. The values of the intramolecular Fe?Fe and Fe?Gd distances in 3 are 3.502 and 3.606 Å, respectively. The analysis of the magnetic data of 1-3 in the temperature range 1.9-300 K shows the occurrence of weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions in 1 and 2 [J = −0.76 (1) and −0.75 cm⁻¹ (2) with the Hamiltonian defined as H = −JS_Fe1·S_Fe1] whereas two intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions coexist in 3, one very strong between the two iron(III) ions (J₁) through the oxo bridge and the other much weaker between the iron(III) and the Gd(III) ions (J₂) across the double phenoxo oxygens [J₁ = −275 cm⁻¹ and J₂ = −3.25 cm⁻¹, the Hamiltonian being defined as H=-J₁S_Fe1·S_Fe1^′-J₂(S_Fe1·S_Gd1+S_Fe1^′·S_Gd1^′)]. These values are analysed in the light of the structural data and compared with those of related systems.     

Structural and spectral investigations on some new Ni(II) complexes of di-2-pyridyl ketone N(4)-phenylthiosemicarbazone

Ni(II) complexes (1–5) of di-2-pyridyl ketone N(4)-phenylthiosemicarbazone (HL) have been synthesized and spectrochemically characterized. Elemental analyses revealed a NiL₂ · 2H₂O stoichiometry for compound 1. However, the single crystals isolated revealed a composition NiL₂ · 0.5(H₂O)0.5(DMF). The compound crystallizes into a monoclinic lattice with the space group P2₁/n. Complexes 2, 3 and 4 are observed to show a 1:1:1 ratio of metal:thiosemicarbazone:gegenion, with the general formula NiLX · yH₂O [X = NCS, y = 2 for 2; X = Cl, y = 3 for 3 and X = N₃, y = 4.5 for 4]. Compound 5 is a dimer with a metal:thiosemicarbazone:gegenion ratio of 2:2:1, with the formula [Ni₂L₂(SO₄)] · 4H₂O.     

Structural diversity in Cu(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) coordination complexes with the rigid N,N′-bis(2/3-aryl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide ligand

The syntheses and structures of a series of metal complexes, namely Cu₂Cl₄(L¹)(DMSO)₂·2DMSO (L¹ = N,N′-bis(2-pyridinyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide), 1; {[Cu(L²)_1.5(DMF)₂][ClO₄]₂·3DMF}_∞ (L² = N,N′-bis(3-pyridinyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide), 2; {[Cd(NO₃)₂(L³)]·2DMF}_∞ (L³ = N,N′-bis-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide), 3; {[HgBr₂(L³)]·H₂O}_∞, 4, and {[Na(L³)₂][Hg₂X₅]·2DMF}_∞ (X = Br, 5; I, 6) are reported. All the complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is dinuclear and the molecules are interlinked through S?S interactions. In 2, the Cu(II) ions are linked through the L² ligands to form 1-D ladder-like chains with 60-membered metallocycles, whereas complexes 3 and 4 form 1-D zigzag chains. In complexes 5 and 6, the Na(I) ions are linked by the L³ ligands to form 2-D layer structures in which the [Hg₂X₅]⁻ anions are in the cavities. The L² ligand acts only as a bridging ligand, while L¹ and L³ show both chelating and bridging bonding modes. The L¹ ligand in 1 adopts a trans-anti conformation and the L² ligand in 2 adopts both the cis-syn and trans-anti conformations, whereas the L³ ligands in 3–6 adopt the trans conformation.     

The supramolecular chemistry of metal complexes with heavily substituted imidazoles as ligands: Cobalt(II) and zinc(II) complexes of 1-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole

An investigation of the M^II/X⁻/L [M^II = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; X⁻ = Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, NCS⁻, NO₃⁻, N₃⁻, CH₃COO⁻; L = 1-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole] general reaction system towards the detailed study of the intermolecular interactions utilized for controlling the supramolecular organization and the structural consequences on the structures produced has been initiated. Three representative complexes with the formulae [Co(NO₃)₂(L)₂] (1), [Zn(NO₃)₂(L)₂] (2) and [Co(NCS)₂(L)₂]·EtOH (3·EtOH) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are isomorphous (tetragonal, I4₁cd) with their metal ions in a severely distorted octahedral Co/ZnN₂O₄ environment, while 3·EtOH crystallizes in P2₁/c with a tetrahedral CoN₄ coordination. The structural analysis of 1, 2 and 3·EtOH reveals a common mode of packing among neighbouring ligands (expressed through intramolecular π–π interactions between the 4,5-diphenylimidazole moieties), enhancing thus the rigidity and stability of the complexes. The bent coordination of the two isothiocyanates in 3 [Co–NCS angles of 173.8(2) and 160.8(2)°] seems to be caused by intermolecular hydrogen bonding and crystal packing effects.     

Solvothermal syntheses and crystal structures of new Cu(II) complexes with phenylsuccinic acid

Five new Cu(II) complexes [Cu(psa)(phen)] · 3H₂O (1), [Cu(psa)(2bpy)] · 0.5H₂O (2), [Cu(psa)(2bpy)(H₂O)] · 3H₂O (3), [Cu(psa)(4bpy)] · H₂O (4), and [Cu(psa)_0.5(N₃)(2bpy)] (5) (H₂psa = phenylsuccinic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, and 4bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were obtained under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 2 and 3 were formed by one-pot reaction. In complex 2, Cu(II) ion is four-coordinated and locates at a slightly distorted square center. In complex 3, the coordinated water molecule occupies the axial site of Cu(II) ion forming a tetragonal pyramid geometry. Complexes 1 and 3 are of 1D chain structures, and extended into 2D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds. Complex 2 is of zipper structure, and further assembled into 2D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. Complex 4 is a 3D CdSO₄-like structure with twofold interpenetration, while complex 5 is a dinuclear compound. The different structures of complexes 1–5 can be attributed to using the auxiliary ligands, indicating an important role of the auxiliary ligands in assembly and structure of the title complexes.     

1-Methyl-4-ferrocenylmethyl-3,5-diphenylpyrazole: A versatile ligand for palladium(II) and platinum(II)

The syntheses and characterization of two novel ferrocene derivatives containing 3,5-diphenylpyrazole units of general formula [1-R-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc] {Fc = (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄) and R = H (2) or Me (3)} together with a study of their reactivity with palladium(II) and platinum(II) salts or complexes under different experimental conditions is described. These studies have allowed us to isolate and characterize trans-[Pd{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}₂Cl₂] (4a) and three different types of heterodimetallic complexes: cis-[M{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}Cl₂(dmso)] {M = Pd (5a) or Pt (5b)}, the cyclometallated products [M{κ²-C,N-[3-(C₆H₄)-1-Me-5-Ph-(C₃N₂)]-CH₂-Fc}Cl(L)] with L = PPh₃ and M = Pd (6a) or Pt (6b) or L = dmso and M = Pt (8b) and the trans-isomer of [Pt{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}Cl₂(dmso)] (7b). In compounds 4a, 5a, 5b and 7b, the ligand behaves as a neutral N-donor group; while in 6a, 6b and 8b it acts as a bidentate [C(sp²,phenyl),N(pyrazole)]⁻ group. A comparative study of the spectroscopic properties of the compounds, based on NMR, IR and UV-Visible experiments, is also reported.