Self-assembly of a tetranuclear Ni4 cluster with an S = 4 ground state: the first 3d metal cluster bearing a mu4-eta2:eta2-O,O carbonate ligand

Reaction of nickel(II) acetate with H(3)L (2-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine) yields [Ni(2)L(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)].3MeCN.2H(2)O (1.3MeCN.2H(2)O), crystallographically characterized. 1 is unstable in solution for a long time and hydrolyzes to give [Ni(2)L(o-OC(6)H(3)BrCHO)(H(2)O)].2.25MeCN.H(2)O (2.2.25MeCN.H(2)O). In addition, 1 uptakes CO(2) from air in a basic methanol/acetonitrile solution, yielding [[Ni(2)L(MeOH)](2)(CO(3))].1.5MeOH.MeCN.H(2)O (3.1.5MeOH.MeCN.H(2)O). The X-ray characterization of 3 reveals that it is a tetranuclear nickel cluster, which can be considered as the result of a self-assembly process from two dinuclear [Ni(2)L](+) blocks, joined by a mu(4)-eta(2):eta(2)-O,O carbonate ligand. The coordination mode of the carbonate anion is highly unusual and, to the best of our knowledge, it has not been described thus far for first-row transition metal complexes or magnetically studied until now. Magnetic characterization of 1 and 3 shows net intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the metal atoms in both cases, with S = 2 and S = 4 ground states for 1 and 3, respectively.     

Single-molecule magnets: a family of MnIII/CeIV complexes with a [Mn8CeO8]12+ core

Four heterometallic, enneanuclear Mn8Ce clusters [Mn8CeO8(O2CMe)12(H2O)4] (4), [Mn8CeO8(O2CMe)12(py)4] (5), [Mn8CeO8(O2CPh)12(MeCN)4] [Mn8CeO8(O2CPh)12(dioxane)4] (6), and [Mn8CeO8(O2CCHPh2)12(H2O)4] (7) have been prepared by various methods. Their cores are essentially isostructural and comprise a nonplanar, saddlelike [MnIII8O8]8+ loop containing a central CeIV ion attached to the eight micro3-O2- ions. Peripheral ligation around the [Mn8CeO8]12+ core is provided by eight micro- and four micro3-O2CR- groups. Terminal ligation on four MnIII atoms is provided by H2O in 4 and 7, pyridine in 5, and MeCN/dioxane in 6. Solid-state magnetic susceptibility studies, fits of dc magnetization vs field and temperature data, and in-phase ac susceptibility studies in a zero dc field have established that complexes 4, 5, and 7 possess S=16, S=4 or 5, and S=6+/-1 spin ground states, respectively, but in all cases there are very low-lying excited states. The large variation in the ground-state spins for this isostructural family is rationalized as due to a combination of weak exchange interactions between the constituent MnIII atoms, and the presence of both nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-interactions of comparable magnitudes. Magnetization vs applied dc field sweeps on single crystals of 4.4H2O and 7.4H2O.3MeCN.2CH2Cl2 down to 0.04 K have established that these two complexes are new single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The former also shows an exchange-bias, a perturbation of its single-molecule properties from very weak intermolecular interactions mediated by hydrogen-bonding interactions with lattice-water molecules of crystallization.     

Solvent control: dinuclear versus tetranuclear complexes of a bis-tetradentate pyrimidine-based ligand

A new bis-tetradentate acyclic amine ligand L(Et) has been synthesized from 4,6-bis(aminomethyl)-2-phenylpyrimidine and 2-vinylpyridine. Dinuclear complexes, Mn(II)(2)L(Et)(MeCN)(H(2)O)(3)(ClO(4))(4) (1), Fe(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(BF(4))(4) (2), Co(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(3)(MeCN)(2)(BF(4))(4) (3), Ni(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(BF(4))(4) (4), Ni(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(ClO(4))(4)·8H(2)O (4'), Cu(II)(2)L(Et)(BF(4))(4)·MeCN (5), Zn(II)(2)L(Et)(BF(4))(2)(BF(4))(2)·?MeCN (6), were obtained from 1 : 2 reactions of L(Et) and the appropriate metal salts in MeCN, whereas in MeOH tetranuclear complexes, Mn(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(OH)(4)(ClO(4))(4) (7), Fe(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·5/2H(2)O (8), Co(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·3H(2)O (9), Ni(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·4H(2)O (10), Cu(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·3H(2)O (11) and Zn(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4) (12), result. Six complexes have been structurally characterized: in all cases each L(Et) is bis-tetradentate and provides a pyrimidine bridge between two metal centres. As originally anticipated, complexes 1, 4' and 6 are dinuclear, while 9, 10 and 12 are revealed to be tetranuclear, with two M(2)(L(Et))(4+) moieties bridged by two pairs of fluoride anions. Weak to moderate antiferromagnetic coupling between the metal centres is a feature of complexes 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10. The dinuclear complexes 1-6 undergo multiple, mostly irreversible, redox processes. However, the pyrimidine-based dicopper(II) complex 5 undergoes a two electron quasi-reversible reduction, Cu(II)(2)→ Cu(I)(2), and this occurs at a more positive potential [E(m) = +0.11 V (E(pc) = -0.03 and E(pa) = +0.26 V) vs. 0.01 M AgNO(3)/Ag] than for either of the dicopper(II) complexes of the analogous pyrazine-based ligands.     

Synthesis and structure of [2 x 2] molecular grid copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes with a new polydentate oxime-containing Schiff base ligand

A new polynucleating oxime-containing Schiff base ligand, 2-hydroxyimino- N'-[1-(2-pyridyl)ethylidene]propanohydrazone (H pop), has been synthesized and fully characterized. pH potentiometric, electrospray ionization mass spectrometric, and spectrophotometric studies of complex formation in H 2O/DMSO solution confirmed the preference for polynuclear complexes with 3d metal ions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of [Ni 4( pop) 4(HCOO) 4].7H 2O ( 1), [Cu 4( pop-H) 4(HCOOH) 4].H 2O ( 2), and [Cu 4( pop-H) 4(H 2O) 4].9H 2O ( 3) indicated the presence of a [2 x 2] molecular grid structure in all three compounds but distinct configurations of the cores: a head-to-tail ligand arrangement with overall S 4 symmetry of the grid in the Cu (2+) complexes as opposed to a head-to-head ligand arrangement with (noncrystallographic) C 2 grid symmetry for the Ni (2+) complex. A cryomagnetic study of 3 revealed intramolecular ferromagnetic exchange between copper ions in the grid, while in 1, antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal ions were observed.     

Novel rectangular [Fe4(mu4-OHO)(mu-OH)(2)](7+) versus "butterfly" [Fe4(mu3-O2](8+) core topology in the Fe(III)/RCO2(-)/phen reaction systems (R = Me,Ph; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline): preparation and properties of [Fe4(OHO)(OH)(2)(O2CMe)(4)(phen)(4)](ClO4)(3), [Fe4O2(O2CPh)(7)(phen)(2)](ClO4), and [Fe4O2(O2CPh)(8)(phen)(2)

The preparations, X-ray structures, and detailed physical characterizations are presented for three new tetranuclear Fe(III)/RCO(2)(-)/phen complexes, where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline: [Fe(4)(OHO)(OH)(2)(O(2)CMe)(4)(phen)(4)](ClO(4))(3).4.4MeCN.H(2)O (1.4.4MeCN.H(2)O); [Fe(4)O(2)(O(2)CPh)(7)(phen)(2)](ClO(4)).2MeCN (2.2MeCN); [Fe(4)O(2)(O(2)CPh)(8)(phen)(2)].2H(2)O (3.2H(2)O). Complex 1.4.4MeCN.H(2)O crystallizes in space group P2(1)/n, with a = 18.162(9) A, b = 39.016(19) A, c = 13.054(7) A, beta = 104.29(2) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 8963.7 A(3). Complex 2.2MeCN crystallizes in space group P2(1)/n, with a = 18.532(2) A, b = 35.908(3) A, c = 11.591(1) A, beta = 96.42(1) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 7665(1) A(3). Complex 3.2H(2)O crystallizes in space group I2/a, with a = 18.79(1) A, b = 22.80(1) A, c = 20.74(1) A, beta = 113.21(2) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 8166(1) A(3). The cation of 1 contains the novel [Fe(4)(mu(4)-OHO)(mu-OH)(2)](7+) core. The core structure of 2 and 3 consists of a tetranuclear bis(mu(3)-O) cluster disposed in a "butterfly" arrangement. Magnetic susceptibility data were collected on 1-3 in the 2-300 K range. For the rectangular complex 1, fitting the data to the appropriate theoretical chi(M) vs T expression gave J(1) = -75.4 cm(-1), J(2) = -21.4 cm(-1), and g = 2.0(1), where J(1) and J(2) refer to the Fe(III)O(O(2)CMe)(2)Fe(III) and Fe(III)(OH)Fe(III) pairwise exchange interactions, respectively. The S = 0 ground state of 1 was confirmed by 2 K magnetization data. The data for 2 and 3 reveal a diamagnetic ground state with antiferromagnetic exchange interactions among the four high-spin Fe(III) ions. The exchange coupling constant J(bb) ("body-body" interaction) is indeterminate due to prevailing spin frustration, but the "wing-body" antiferromagnetic interaction (J(wb)) was evaluated to be -77.6 and -65.7 cm(-1) for 2 and 3, respectively, using the appropriate spin Hamiltonian approach. M?ssbauer spectra of 1-3 are consistent with high-spin Fe(III) ions. The data indicated asymmetry of the Fe(4) core of 1 at 80 K, which is not detected at room temperature due to thermal motion of the core. The spectra of 2 and 3 analyze as two quadrupole-split doublets which were assigned to the body and wing-tip pairs of metal ions. (1)H NMR spectra are reported for 1-3 with assignment of the main resonances.     

Blue dimetallic complexes of two heavy metal ions Cd(II) and Hg(II) with an extended nitrogen donor ligand. Preparation, spectral characterization, and crystallographic studies

In methanol, the metal salts CdCl2.H2O and HgCl2 react instantaneously with the deprotonated ligand, L-, producing molecular dimetallic ink-blue complexes of general formula M2Cl2L2, M=Cd(II), (1) and Hg(II), (2) (HL=2-[2-(pyridylamino)phenylazo]pyridine). Crystal structures of these two complexes are reported. The coordination sphere around each Cd(II) ion in 1 is a distorted square pyramidal. The metal ion (Cd1) sits above the basal plane of three nitrogen atoms, N(1), N(3), and N(4). The second cadmium ion (Cd2) in this compound lies below the plane of three nitrogen atoms, N(6), N(8), and N(9). The apical positions are occupied by two Cl atoms. Secondary intramolecular interactions between the metal ions and the anionic secondary amine nitrogen atoms (N(4) and N(9)) are noted. The geometry of each Hg(II) ion in the mercury complex, Hg2Cl2L2.0.5H2O, is also distorted square based pyramid with the metal ions lying out of planes of the three nitrogen atoms of the chelating ligands. Secondary Hg(1)...N(1A) (deprotonated amine) interactions are noted. The separation between the two Hg(II) ions in this complex is within the sum of their van der Waals radii. Solution properties of these blue complexes are reported. The origin of the intense blue color in these complexes is the intraligand transitions that occur near 615 nm. 1H NMR of Hg2Cl2L2.0.5H2O indicates that it undergoes exchange in solution with the coordinated ligands.     

Molecular assembly directed by metal-aromatic interactions: control of the aggregation and photophysical properties of Zn-salen complexes by aromatic mercuration

There is widespread interest in non-covalent bonding and weak interactions, such as electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, solvophobic/hydrophobic interactions, metal-metal interactions, and π-π stacking, to tune the molecular assembly of planar π-conjugated organic and inorganic molecules. Inspired by the roles of metal-aromatic interaction in biological systems, such as in ion channels and metalloproteins, herein, we report the first example of the use of Hg(2+) -aromatic interactions to selectively control the assembly and disassembly of zinc-salen complexes in aqueous media; moreover, this process exhibited significant "turn on" fluorescent properties. UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic analysis of the titration of Hg(2+) ions versus complex ZnL(1) revealed that the higher binding affinity of Hg(2+) ions (compared to 13 other metal ions) was ascribed to specific interactions between the Hg(2+) ions and the phenyl rings of ZnL(1); this result was also confirmed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and HRMS (ESI). Further evidence for this type of interaction was obtained from the reaction of small-molecule analogue L(1) with Hg(2+) ions, which demonstrates the proximity of the N-alkyl group to the aromatic protons during Hg(2+)-ion binding, which led to the consequential H/D exchange reaction with D(2) O. DFT modeling of such interactions between the Hg(2+) ions and the phenyl rings afforded calculated distances between the C and Hg atoms (2.29 ?) that were indicative of C-Hg bond-formation, under the direction of the N atom of the morpholine ring. The unusual coordination of Hg(2+) ions to the phenyl ring of the metallosalen complexes not only strengthened the binding ability but also increased the steric effect to promote the disassembly of ZnL(1) in aqueous media.     

Exploring the emissive properties of new azacrown compounds bearing aryl, furyl, or thienyl moieties: a special case of chelation enhancement of fluorescence upon interaction with Ca(2+), Cu(2+), or Ni(2+)

Three new compounds bearing furyl, aryl, or thienyl moieties linked to an imidazo-crown ether system (1, 2, and 3) were synthesized and fully characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, UV-vis absorption, and emission spectroscopy, X-ray crystal diffraction, and MALDI-TOF-MS spectrometry. The interaction toward metal ions (Ca(2+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), and Hg(2+)) and F(-) has been explored in solution by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Mononuclear and binuclear metal complexes using Cu(2+) or Hg(2+) as metal centers have been synthesized and characterized. Compounds 2 and 3 show a noticeable enhancement of the fluorescence intensity in the presence of Ca(2+) and Cu(2+) ions. Moreover compound 3 presents a dual sensory detection way by modification of the fluorimetric and colorimetric properties in the presence of Cu(2+) or Hg(2+). EPR studies in frozen solution and in microcrystalline state of the dinuclear Cu(II)3 complex revealed the presence of an unique Cu(2+) type.     

Interaction of mixed-donor macrocycles containing the 1,10-phenanthroline subunit with selected transition and post-transition metal ions: metal ion recognition in competitive liquid-liquid solvent extraction of Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Ag(I), and Hg(II)

Two new mixed aza-thia crowns 5-aza-2,8-dithia[9]-(2,9)-1,10-phenanthrolinophane (L(4)) and 2,8-diaza-5-thia[9]-(2,9)-1,10-phenanthrolinophane (L(7)) have been synthesized and characterized. The coordination behavior of L(4) and L(7) toward the metal ions Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Ag(I) was studied in aqueous solution by potentiometric methods, in CD3CN/D2O 4:1 (v/v) by (1)H NMR titrations and in the solid state. The data obtained were compared with those available for the coordination behavior toward the same metal ions of structurally analogous mixed donor macrocyclic ligands L(1)-L(3), L(5), L(6): all these contain a phenanthroline subunit but have only S/O/N(aromatic) donor groups in the remaining portion of the ring and are, therefore, less water-soluble than L(4) and L(7). The complexes [Cd(NO3)2(L(5))], [Pb(L(7))](ClO4)2 x 1/2MeCN, [Pb(L(4))](ClO4)2 x MeCN, and [Cu(L(7))](ClO4)2 x 3/2MeNO2 were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The efficacy of L(1)-L(7) in competitive liquid-liquid metal ion extraction of Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Ag(I), and Hg(II) was assessed. In the absence of Hg(II), a clear extraction selectivity for Ag(I) was observed in all systems investigated.     

Coordination chemistry of a new cofacial binucleating macropolycycle derived from 1,4,7-triazacyclononane

We have prepared and characterized a new phenol-based compartmental ligand (H(2)L) incorporating 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ([9]aneN(3)), and we have investigated its coordination behavior with Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II). The protonation constants of the ligand and the thermodynamic stabilities of the 1:1 and 2:1 (metal/ligand) complexes with these metal ions have been investigated by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solutions. The mononuclear [M(L)] complexes show remarkably high stability suggesting that, along with the large number of nitrogen donors available for metal binding, deprotonated phenolic functions are also involved in binding the metal ion. The mononuclear complexes [M(L)] show a marked tendency to add a second metal ion to afford binuclear species. The formation of complexes [M(2)(H(2)L)](4+) occurs at neutral or slightly acidic pH and is generally followed by metal-assisted deprotonation of the phenolic groups to give [M(2)(HL)](3+) and [M(2)(L)](2+) in weakly basic solutions. The complexation properties of H(2)L have also been investigated in the solid state. Crystals suitable for X-ray structural analysis were obtained for the binuclear complexes [Cu(2)(L)](BF(4))(2).(1)/(2)MeCN (1), [Zn(2)(HL)](ClO(4))(3).(1)/(2)MeCN (2), and [Pb(2)(L)](ClO(4))(2).2MeCN (4). In 1 and 2, the phenolate O-donors do not bridge the two metal centers, which are, therefore, segregated each within an N(5)O-donor compartment. However, in the case of the binuclear complex [Pb(2)(L)](ClO(4))(2).2MeCN (4), the two Pb(II) centers are bridged by the phenolate oxygen atoms with each metal ion sited within an N(5)O(2)-donor compartment of L(2)(-), with a Pb.Pb distance of 3.9427(5) A.     

1,1,1-Tris(hydroxymethyl)propane in manganese carboxylate chemistry: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a mixed-valence [MnIII4MnII4] cluster featuring the novel [MnIII4MnII4(mu3-OR)6(mu2-OR)8]6+ core

The reaction between MnBr(2).4H(2)O with H(3)tmp (1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane) in MeCN in the presence of Na(O(2)CCMe(3)) and NBu(4)Br produces the complex [Mn(8)(O(2)CCMe(3))(2)(tmp)(2)(Htmp)(4)Br(4)(H(2)O)(2)].2MeCN (1.2MeCN) in good yield. The centrosymmetric octanuclear molecule consists of four Mn(III) and four Mn(II) ions assembled together by fourteen alkoxo bridges to give a [Mn(III)(4)Mn(II)(4)(mu(3)-OR)(6)(mu(2)-OR)(8)](6+) rod-like core in which the metal centres are arranged in a planar zigzag fashion. Peripheral ligation is provided by a combination of bridging pivalate ions, terminal bromides and water molecules. Dc magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the presence of dominant antiferromagnetic interactions leading to a spin ground state of S = 0. A rationalization of this result is attempted by structural comparison with previously reported tetranuclear manganese complexes containing the [Mn(III)(2)Mn(II)(2)(mu(3)-OR)(2)(mu(2)-OR)(4)] core in which the magnetic interactions are ferromagnetic.     

Ligand Reprogramming in Dinuclear Helicate Complexes: A Consequence of Allosteric or Electrostatic Effects?

The ditopic ligand 6,6'-bis(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)-3,3'-([18]crown-6)-2,2'-bipyridine (L(1)) contains both a potentially tetradentate pyridyl-thiazole (py-tz) N-donor chain and an additional "external" crown ether binding site which spans the central 2,2'-bipyridine unit. In polar solvents (MeCN, MeNO(2)) this ligand forms complexes with Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II) and Cu(I) ions via coordination of the N donors to the metal ion. Reaction with both Hg(II) and Cu(I) ions results in the self-assembly of dinuclear double-stranded helicate complexes. The ligands are partitioned by rotation about the central py--py bond, such that each can coordinate to both metals as a bis-bidentate donor ligand. With Zn(II) ions a single-stranded mononuclear species is formed in which one ligand coordinates the metal ion in a planar tetradentate fashion. Reaction with Cd(II) ions gives rise to an equilibrium between both the dinuclear double-stranded helicate and the mononuclear species. These complexes can further coordinate s-block metal cations via the remote crown ether O-donor domains; a consequence of which are some remarkable changes in the binding modes of the N-donor domains. Reaction of the Hg(II)- or Cd(II)-containing helicate with either Ba(2+) or Sr(2+) ions effectively reprogrammes the ligand to form only the single-stranded heterobinuclear complexes [MM'(L(1))](4+) (M=Hg(II), Cd(II); M'=Ba(2+), Sr(2+)), where the transition and s-block cations reside in the N- and O-donor sites, respectively. In contrast, the same ions have only a minor structural impact on the Zn(II) species, which already exists as a single-stranded mononuclear complex. Similar reactions with the Cd(II) system result in a shift in equilibrium towards the single-stranded species, the extent of which depends on the size and charge of the s-block cation in question. Reaction of the dicopper(I) double-stranded helicate with Ba(2+) shows that the dinuclear structure still remains intact but the pitch length is significantly increased.     

Synthesis and characterization of a family of penta- and tetra-manganese(III) complexes derived from an assembly system containing tert-butylphosphonic acid

A family of manganese complexes, [Mn 5O 3( t-BuPO 3) 2(MeCOO) 5(H 2O)(phen) 2] ( 1), [Mn 5O 3( t-BuPO 3) 2(PhCOO) 5(phen) 2] ( 2), [Mn 4O 2( t-BuPO 3) 2(RCOO) 4(bpy) 2] (R = Me, ( 3); R = Ph, ( 4)), NBu (n) 4[Mn 4O 2(EtCOO) 3(MeCOO) 4(pic) 2] ( 5), NR' 4[Mn 4O 2( i-PrCOO) 7(pic) 2] (R' = Bu (n) , ( 6); R' = Et, ( 7)), were synthesized and characterized. The seven manganese clusters were all prepared from a reaction system containing tert-butylphosphonic acid, Mn(O 2CR) 2 (R = Me, Ph) and NR' 4MnO 4 (R' = Bu (n) , Et) with similar procedures except for using different N-containing ligands (1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and picolinic acid (picH)) as coligands. The structures of these complexes vary with the N-containing donors. Both the cores of complexes 1 and 2 feature three mu 3-O and two capping t-BuPO 3 (2-) groups bridging five Mn (III) atoms to form a basket-like cage structure. Complexes 3 and 4 both have one [Mn 4(mu 3-O) 2] (8+) core with four coplanar Mn (III) atoms disposed in an extended "butterfly-like" arrangement and two capping mu 3- t-BuPO 3 (2-) binding to three manganese centers above and below the Mn 4 plane. Complexes 5, 6, and 7 all possess one [Mn 4(mu 3-O) 2] (8+) core just as complexes 3 and 4, but they display a folded "butterfly-like" conformation with the four Mn (III) atoms nonplanar. Thus, the seven compounds are classified into three types, and three representative compounds 1.2H 2O.MeOH.MeCN , 3.6H 2O.2MeCOOH , and 5.0.5H 2O have been characterized by IR spectroscopy, ESI-MS spectroscopy, magnetic measurements and in situ UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical analysis. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the existence of both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Mn (III) ions in compound 1.2H 2O.MeOH.MeCN , and antiferromagnetic interactions in 3.6H 2O.2MeCOOH and 5.0.5H 2O. Fitting the experimental data led to the following parameters: J 1 = -2.18 cm (-1), J 2 = 6.93 cm (-1), J 3 = -13.94 cm (-1), J 4 = -9.62 cm (-1), J 5 = -11.17 cm (-1), g = 2.00 ( 1.2H 2O.MeOH.MeCN ), J 1 = -5.41 cm (-1), J 2 = -35.44 cm (-1), g = 2.13, zJ' = -1.55 cm (-1) ( 3.6H 2O.2MeCOOH ) and J 1 = -2.29 cm (-1), J 2 = -35.21 cm (-1), g = 2.02, zJ' = -0.86 cm (-1) ( 5.0.5H 2O ).     

Synthesis, structure, redox properties, and catalytic activity of new ruthenium complexes containing neutral or anionic and facial or meridional ligands: an evaluation of electronic and geometrical effects

The synthesis of a family of new Ru complexes containing meridional or facial tridentate ligands with the general formula [Ru(II)(T)(D)(X)](n+) [T = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine or tripyrazolylmethane; D = 4,4'-dibenzyl-4,4',5,5'-tetrahydro-2,2'-bioxazole (S,S-box-C) or 2-[((1'S)-1'-(hydroxymethyl)-2'-phenyl)ethylcarboxamide]-(4S)-4-benzyl-4,5-dihydrooxazole (S,S-box-O); X = Cl, H(2)O, MeCN or pyridine] has been described. All complexes have been spectroscopically characterized in solution through (1)H NMR and UV-vis techniques. Furthermore, all of the chloro complexes presented here have also been characterized in the solid state through monocrystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The oxazolinic S,S-box-C ligands undergo a Ru-assisted hydrolysis reaction generating the corresponding amidate anionic oxazolinic ligands S,S-box-O, which are also strongly attached to the metal center and produce a strong sigma-donation effect over the Ru metal center. The redox properties of all complexes have also been studied by means of cyclic voltammetry, strongly reflecting the nature of the ligands; both effects, geometrical (facial vs meridional) and electronic (neutral vs anionic), can be unveiled and rationalized. Finally, the reactivity of the Ru-OH(2) complexes has been tested with regard to the epoxidation of trans-stilbene, and it has been shown that, in this particular case, the reactivity is practically not dependent on the redox potentials of the catalyst but, in sharp contrast, it is strongly dependent on the geometry of the tridentate ligands.     

A family of manganese rods: syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties

The reaction of the mixed-valent metal triangles [Mn(3)O(O(2)CR)(6)(py)(3)] (R = CH(3), Ph, C(CH(3))(3)) with the tripodal ligands H(3)thme (1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane) and H(3)tmp (1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane) in MeCN, produces a family of manganese rodlike complexes whose structures are all derived from a series of edge-sharing triangles. Variable temperature direct current (dc) magnetic susceptibility data were collected for all complexes in the 1.8-300 K temperature range in fields up to 7.0 T. Complex 1, [Mn(12)O(4)(OH)(2)(PhCOO)(12)(thme)(4)(py)(2)], has an S = 7 ground state with the parameters g = 1.98 and D = -0.13 K. Complex 2, [Mn(8)O(4)((CH(3))(3)CCO(2))(10)(thme)(2)(py)(2)] has a ground state of S = 6, with g = 1.81 and D = -0.36 K. Complex 3, [Mn(7)O(2)(PhCO(2))(9)(thme)(2)(py)(3)], has a spin ground states of S = 7 with the parameters g = 1.78 and D = -0.20 K. The best fit for complex 4, [Mn(6)((CH(3))(3)CCO(2))(8)(tmp)(2)(py)(2)], gave a spin ground state of S = 3 with the parameters g = 1.73 and D = -0.75 K, but was of poorer quality than that normally obtained. The presence of multiple Mn(2+) ions in the structure of 4 leads to the presence of low-lying excited states with energy levels very close to the ground state, and in the case of complex 5, [Mn(6)(CH(3)CO(2))(6)(thme)(2)(H(2)tea)(2)], no satisfactory fit of the data was obtained. DFT calculations on 4 and 5 indicate complexes with spin ground states of S = 4 and S = 0 respectively, despite their topological similarities. Single-crystal hysteresis loop and relaxation measurements show complex 1 to be a SMM.     

Ferromagnetic manganese "cubes": from PSII to single-molecule magnets

The reaction of Mn(O?CMe)?·2H?O with Me-saoH? (Me-saoH? = 2-hydroxyphenylethanone oxime) in MeCN forms the complex [Mn(III)?(Me-sao)?(Me-saoH)?] (1) in good yields. Replacing Me-saoH? with Naphth-saoH? (Naphth-saoH? = 2-hydroxy-1-napthaldoxime) in the presence of CH?ONa forms the complex [Mn(III)?(Naphth-sao)?(Naphth-saoH)?] (2) in low yields, while the reaction between Mn(ClO?)?·6H?O, Et-saoH? (Et-saoH?= 2-hydroxypropiophenone oxime) and NBu?OH in MeCN gives the complex [Mn(III)?(Et-sao)?(Et-saoH)?] (3) in moderate yields. All three tetrametallic cages exclusively contain Mn(III) centres arranged in a "cube"-like topology, in which the metal centres are connected by -N-O(oximate) groups. The magnetic properties of 1-3 are near identical, revealing the presence of only ferromagnetic interactions between the metal ions leading to high-spin ground states of S = 8. The complexes display frequency dependent out-of-phase signals in ac susceptibility studies and, in the case of 1 single-molecule magnetism has been observed by means of single-crystal hysteresis loop measurements.     

Crystallographic, electrochemical, and electronic structure studies of the mononuclear complexes of Au(I)/(II)/(III) with [9]aneS2O ([9]aneS2O = 1-oxa-4,7-dithiacyclononane)

The mononuclear macrocyclic complexes [Au(I)([9]aneS2O)2]BF4 x MeCN 1a, [Au(II)([9]aneS2O)2](BF4)2 x 2 MeCN 2a, and [Au(III)([9]aneS2O)2](ClO4)6(H5O2)(H3O)2 3 ([9]aneS2O = 1-oxa-4,7-dithiacyclononane) have been prepared and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The oxidation of [Au([9]aneS2O)2](+) to [Au([9]aneS2O)2](2+) involves a significant reorganization of the co-ordination sphere from a distorted tetrahedral geometry in [Au([9]aneS2O)2](+) [Au-S 2.3363(12), 2.3877(12), 2.6630(11), 2.7597(13) A] to a distorted square-planar co-ordination geometry in [Au([9]aneS2O)2](2+). The O-donors in [Au([9]aneS2O)2](2+) occupy the axial positions about the Au(II) center [Au...O = 2.718(2) A] with the S-donors occupying the equatorial plane [Au-S 2.428(8) and 2.484(8) A]. [Au([9]aneS2O)2](3+) shows a co-ordination sphere similar to that of [Au([9]aneS2O)2](2+) but with significantly shorter axial Au...O interactions [2.688(2) A] and equatorial Au-S bond lengths [2.340(4) and 2.355(6) A]. The cyclic voltammogram of 1 in MeCN (0.2 M NBu4PF6, 253 K) at a scan rate of 100 mV s(-1) shows an oxidation process at E(p)(a) = +0.74 V and a reduction process at E(p)(c) = +0.41 V versus Fc(+)/Fc assigned to the two-electron Au(III/I) couple and a second reduction process at E(p)(c) = +0.19 V assigned to the Au(I/0) couple. This electrochemical assignment is confirmed by coulometric and UV-vis spectroelectrochemical measurements. Multifrequency EPR studies of the mononuclear Au(II) complex [Au([9]aneS2O)2](2+) in a fluid solution at X-band and as frozen solutions at L-, S-, X-, K-, and Q-band reveal g(iso) = 2.0182 and A(iso) = -44 x 10(-4) cm(-1); g(xx) = 2.010, g(yy) = 2.006, g(zz) = 2.037; A(xx) = -47 x 10(-4) cm(-1), A(yy) = -47 x 10(-4) cm(-1), A(zz) = -47 x 10(-4) cm(-1); P(xx) = -18 x 10(-4) cm(-1), P(yy) = -10 x 10(-4) cm(-1), and P(zz) = 28 x 10(-4) cm(-1). DFT calculations predict a singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) with 27.2% Au 5d(xy) character, consistent with the upper limit derived from the uncertainties in the (197)Au hyperfine parameters. Comparison with [Au([9]aneS3)2](2+) reveals that the nuclear quadrupole parameters, P(ii) (i = x, y, z) are very sensitive to the nature of the Au(II) co-ordination sphere in these macrocyclic complexes. The observed geometries and bond lengths for the cations [Au([9]aneS2O)2](+/2+/3+) reflect the preferred stereochemistries of d(10), d(9), and d(8) metal ions, respectively, with the higher oxidation state centers being generated at higher anodic potentials compared to the related complexes [Au([9]aneS3)2](+/2+/3+).     

Hexanuclear Fe(III)2Co(III)2M(II)2 (M = Cu, Ni, Mn) clusters based on Kläui's tripodal ligand and tricyanometalates: syntheses, structures and magnetic properties

With the use of Kl?ui's tripodal ligand, [(Cp)Co(P(O)(OEt)(2))(3)](-) (L(CoEt), Cp = cyclopentadiene) as the auxiliary ligand to react with different metal salts and tricyanometalate building blocks, five neutral trimetallic hexanuclear complexes: [(Tp)(2)Fe(2)(CN)(6)Cu(2)(L(CoEt))(2)]·6H(2)O (1, Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate), [(Tp*)(2)Fe(2)(CN)(6)Cu(2)(L(CoEt))(2)]·2H(2)O (2, Tp* = hydridotris(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazolyl)borate), [(pzTp)(2)Fe(2)(CN)(6)Cu(2)(L(CoEt))(2)]·H(2)O·3MeOH (3, pzTp = tetra(pyrazolyl)borate), [(Tp)(2)Fe(2)(CN)(6)Ni(2)(L(CoEt))(2)(MeCN)(2)]·2MeCN·2H(2)O (4) and [(Tp)(2)Fe(2)(CN)(6)Mn(2)(L(CoEt))(2)(MeCN)(2)]·2MeCN (5), have been obtained and structurally characterized. Magnetic measurements confirm that there are ferromagnetic couplings between the cyano-bridged Fe and Cu/or Ni ions and antiferromagnetic interaction between the cyano-bridged Fe and Mn ions. Slow relaxation of the magnetization is observed in complexes 1 and 4, while complex 3 exhibits metamagnetic behavior with a critical field of 17.5 kOe.     

Change of electrical conductivities between hydrated and dehydrated samples of honeycomb sheet structures with mixed oxidation state paddlewheel dirhodium complexes and halide ions

A series of mixed oxidation state compounds, [{Rh(2)(acam)(4)}(3)(μ(3)-X)(2)]·nH(2)O (Hacam = acetamide; X = Cl, n = 4 (1·4H(2)O); X = Br, n = 10 (2·10H(2)O); X = I, n = 10 (3·10H(2)O)) and [{Rh(2)(pram)(4)}(3)(μ(3)-X)(2)]·6H(2)O (Hpram = propionamide; X = Cl (4·6H(2)O), Br (5·6H(2)O), I (6·6H(2)O)) were synthesized and their X-ray structures were determined. In the crystal structure of all of these complexes, dirhodium complexes and halide ions construct 2-D honeycomb sheet arrangements in which the walls consist of Rh(2) units and halide ions lie at the corners. Complexes 1·4H(2)O, 4·6H(2)O, 5·6H(2)O and 6·6H(2)O have three independent Rh(2) units, in which there are two Rh(2)(5+) and one Rh(2)(4+). In these structures, the water molecules hydrogen bond to O atoms and from the N atoms of the amidate ligands. The number of hydrogen bonds from water molecules to the Rh(2)(4+) unit is greater than that to the Rh(2)(5+) units. This suggests that there exists pinning of the oxidation states by water molecules. In the structures of 2·10H(2)O and 3·10H(2)O, all of the Rh(2) units are crystallographically equivalent. In these structures, eight of the 10 water molecules form a honeycomb-like network between the {Rh(2)(acam)(4)}(3)X(2) honeycomb sheets. The former four structures show very low electrical conductivities of ca. 10(-8) S cm(-1) (room temperature, pellets) and the latter structures have the higher values of ca. 10(-4) S cm(-1). In the former complexes, improvement of the values to 10(-6) S cm(-1) was observed, caused by loss of pinning water.     

Dinuclear nickel complexes with a Ni(2)O(2) core: a structural and magnetic study

The acetylacetonate complexes [Ni(2)L(1)(acac)(MeOH)] x H(2)O, 1 x H(2)O and [Ni(2)L(3)(acac)(MeOH)] x 1.5H(2)O, 2 x 1.5H(2)O (H(3)L(1) = (2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine and H(3)L(3) = (2-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine) were prepared and fully characterised. Their crystal structures show that they are dinuclear complexes, extended into chains by hydrogen bond interactions. These compounds were used as starting materials for the isolation of the corresponding [Ni(2)HL(x)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x n MeOH and [Ni(2)HL(x)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)]x nH(2)O dicarboxylate complexes (x = 1, 3; n = 1-3). The crystal structures of [Ni(2)HL(1)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x MeOH, 3 x MeOH, [Ni(2)HL(3)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x 3 MeOH, 4 x 3 MeOH and [Ni(2)HL(1)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x 2.5H(2)O x 0.25 MeOH x MeCN, 5 x 2.5H(2)O x 0.25 MeOH x MeCN, were solved. Complexes 3-5 show dinuclear [Ni(2)HL(x)(dicarboxylate)(H(2)O)] units, expanded through hydrogen bonds that involve carboxylate and water ligands, as well as solvate molecules. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibilities of all the complexes show an intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the Ni(II) ions, which is attempted to be rationalized by comparison with previous results and in the light of molecular orbital treatment. Magnetisation measurements are in accord with a S = 2 ground state in all cases.