Designing dinuclear iron(II) spin crossover complexes. Structure and magnetism of dinitrile-, dicyanamido-, tricyanomethanide-, bipyrimidine- and tetrazine-bridged compounds

In order to expand the few known examples of dinuclear iron(II) compounds displaying (weak) intradinuclear exchange coupling and spin-crossover on one or both of the iron(II) centres, various dinuclear compounds have been synthesised and assessed for their spin-crossover and exchange coupling behaviour. The key aim of the work was to prepare and structurally characterise 'weakly linked' and 'covalently bridged' systems incorporating bridging ligands such as alkyldinitriles (e.g.NC(CH(2))(4)CN), bipyrimidine (bpym), dicyanamide (dca(-)), tricyanomethanide (tcm(-)), 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)tetrazine (bptz) and 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)2,5-dihydrotetrazine (H(2)bptz). The 'end groups', which complete the Fe(ii)N(6) chromophores, include tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa), di(2-pyridylethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa'), 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole (pypzH), 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10-phen), tris(pyrazolyl)methane (tpm) and NCX(-)(X = S, Se). It was quite difficult to achieve the spin-crossover condition, many ligand combinations yielding high-spin/high-spin (HS-HS) Fe(II)Fe(II) spin states at all temperatures (300-2 K) with very weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J < -1 cm(-1)), two such being the crystallographically characterised [(dca)(tpm)Fe(mu(1,5)-dca)(2)Fe(tpm)(dca)], 5, and [(tpa')Fe(mu(1,5)-tcm)(2)Fe(tpa')](tcm)(2)(H(2)O)(2), 6. In contrast, a strong field was created around the Fe(II) centres in [(tpa)Fe(mu-(NC(CH(2))(4)CN))(2)Fe(tpa)](ClO(4))(4).NC(CH(2))(4)CN, 1, and the Fe-N bond distances, at 173 K, reflected this. This weakly-linked dinitrile example showed a spin-crossover beginning above 300 K. 'Half crossover' examples, yielding HS-LS states below the spin transition, similar to those noted by Real and coworkers in some mu-bpym systems, were noted for [(1,10-phen)(NCS)(2)Fe(mu-bpym)Fe(NCS)(2)(1,10-phen)], 2, [(pypzH)(NCSe)(2)Fe(mu-bpym)Fe(NCSe)(2)(pypzH)], 4, and [(tpa)Fe(mu-H(2)bptz)Fe(tpa)](ClO(4))(4), 8. Interestingly, the mu-bptz analogue, 7, remained LS-LS at all temperatures with the start of a broad spin crossover evident above 300 K. No thermal hysteresis was evident in the spin transitions of these new dinuclear crossover species indicating a lack of intra- or interdinuclear cooperativity.     

On the nature of the plateau in two-step dinuclear spin-crossover complexes

A remarkable feature of the spin-crossover process in several dinuclear iron(II) compounds is a plateau in the two-step transition curve. Up to now, it has not been possible to analyse the spin state of dinuclear pairs that constitute such a plateau, due to the relative high temperatures at which the transition takes place in complexes investigated so far. We solved this problem by experimentally studying a novel dinuclear spin-crossover compound [[Fe(phdia)(NCS)(2)](2)(phdia)] (phdia: 4,7-phenanthroline-5,6-diamine). We report here on the synthesis and characterisation of this system, which exhibits a two-step spin transition at T(c1)=108 K and T(c2)=80 K, displaying 2 K and 7 K wide thermal hysteresis loops in the upper and the lower steps, respectively. A plateau of approximately 20 K width centred at about 90 K, which corresponds to the 50 % of the spin conversion, separates the two transitions. The composition of the plateau was identified in metastable state after quenching to 4.2 K by means of M?ssbauer spectroscopy in an external magnetic field. Such experiments revealed that the plateau consists mainly of [HS-LS] pairs (HS=high spin, LS=low spin) and confirmed the hypothesis that the spin conversion in dinuclear entities proceeds through [LS-LS]<-->[HS-LS]<-->[HS-HS] pairs. The results are discussed in terms of a thermodynamic model based on the regular solution theory adapted for dinuclear spin-crossover compounds.     

Polymorphism and spin crossover in mononuclear Fe(II) species containing new dipyridylamino-substituted s-triazine ligands

Four new dipyridylamino-substituted s-triazine ligands DBB (N(2),N(2),N(4),N(4)-tetrabenzyl-N(6),N(6)-di(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine), DDB (N(2),N(2),N(4),N(4)-tetrabutyl-N(6),N(6)-di(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine), DCCl (6-chloro-N(2),N(2)-dicyclohexyl-N(4),N(4)-di(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) and DDT (N(2),N(2),N(4),N(4)-tetraphenyl-N(6),N(6)-di(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine), have been incorporated into eight new, 0D Fe(II) compounds of type [Fe(II)(NCX)(2)(L)(2)]·Solvent (where NCX = NCS(-), NCSe(-) or N(CN)(2)(-)). The polymorphic compounds α-trans-[Fe(II)(NCS)(2)(DBB)(2)] (1) and β-trans-[Fe(II)(NCS)(2)(DBB)(2)] (2) display, respectively, a relatively abrupt, complete, one-step spin transition with T(?) ~ 170 K, and a more gradual, complete, one-step spin transition with T(?) ~ 300 K. Gradual, one-step spin transitions are observed for trans-[Fe(II)(N(CN)(2))(2)(DBB)(2)]·2CH(3)CH(2)OH (3) and trans-[Fe(II)(NCSe)(2)(DCCl)(2)]·2CH(3)OH (6) with T(?) ~ 280 K for both, while the one-step spin transition observed for a desolvated sample of trans-[Fe(II)(NCSe)(2)(DDB)(2)]·2CH(3)OH (4) is relatively abrupt, showing hysteresis with T(?↑) = 285 K and T(?↓) = 275 K. The compounds cis-[Fe(II)(NCS)(2)(DDB)(2)] (5) and trans-[Fe(II)(NCS)(2)(DDT)(2)]·4CH(2)Cl(2) (7) remain high spin, while structural data on trans-[Fe(II)(NCSe)(2)(DDT)(2)]·4CH(2)Cl(2) (8) suggests a spin transition at low temperatures. It is likely that distortion of the Fe(II)N(6) octahedron, intermolecular interactions and molecular conformation are crucial in deciding both the T(?) and abruptness of the spin transition for these species, although the nature of their influence varies. Variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction measurements on the polymorphs 1 and 2 reveal anisotropy in the unit cell parameters as the spin transition occurs.     

Spin crossover and polymorphism in a family of 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene-bridged binuclear iron(II) complexes. A key role of structural distortions

Two polymorphic modifications 1 and 3 of binuclear compound [{Fe(dpia)(NCS)(2)}(2)(bpe)] and pseudo-polymorphic modification [{Fe(dpia)(NCS)(2)}(2)(bpe)]·2CH(3)OH (2), where dpia = di-(2-picolyl)amine, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene, were synthesized, and their structures, magnetic properties, and M?ssbauer spectra were studied. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of three binuclear compounds show different types of magnetic behaviour. The complex 1 exhibits a gradual two-step spin crossover (SCO) suggesting the occurrence of the mixed [HS-LS] (HS: high spin, LS: low spin) pair at the plateau temperature (182 K), at which about 50% of the complexes undergoes a thermal spin conversion. The complex 2 displays an abrupt full one-step spin transition without hysteresis, centred at about 159 K. The complex 3 is paramagnetic over the temperature range 20-290 K. The single-crystal X-ray studies show that all three compounds are built up from the bpe-bridged binuclear molecules. The structure of 1 was solved for three spin isomers [HS-HS], [HS-LS], and [LS-LS] at three temperatures 300 K, 183 K, and 90 K. The crystal structures for 2 and 3 were determined for the [HS-HS] complexes at room temperature. The analysis of correlations between the structural characteristics and different types of magnetic behaviour for new 1-3 binuclear complexes, as well as for previously reported binuclear compounds, revealed that the SCO process (occurrence of full one-step, two-step, or partial (50%) SCO) is specified by the degree of distortion of the octahedral geometry of the [FeN(6)] core, caused by both packing and strain effects arising from terminal and/or bridging ligands. The comparison of the magnetic properties and the networks of intra- and inter-molecular interactions in the crystal lattice for the family of related SCO binuclear compounds suggests that the intermolecular interactions play a predominant role in the cooperativeness of the spin transition relative to the intramolecular interactions through the bridging ligand.     

Temperature-dependent in situ ligand cyclization via C═C coupling and formation of a spin-crossover iron(II) coordination polymer

The reaction of N(1),N(2)-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethylene)ethane-1,2-diamine (L) with Fe(NCS)(2) under various temperatures gave rise to three iron(II) coordination polymers, namely, one-dimensional [Fe(L')(NCS)(2)] (1), two-dimensional [Fe(L)(2)(NCS)(2)]·H(2)O (2), and one-dimensional [Fe(L)(2)(NCS)(2)]·2CH(2)Cl(2)·4MeOH (3). The formation of 1 involved an in situ C═C coupling reaction, L to L' [L' = 5,6-di(pyridin-4-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazine], which was catalyzed by cyanide ions decomposed from thiocyanates; the manganese(II) (1a) and zinc(II) (1b) analogues of 1 were also synthesized for comparison. Magnetic studies showed that complex 1 underwent a pressure-dependent one-step incomplete spin transition whereas complexes 2 and 3 were paramagnetic in the whole temperature range.     

Spin crossover in polymeric and heterometallic FeII species containing polytopic dipyridylamino-substituted-triazine ligands

We report the synthesis and characterisation of the new polytopic ligands, ddta (N,N-di(pyridin-2-yl)-4,6-di(1,4,7,10-tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecan-13-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine) and tptd (N(2),N(2),N(4),N(4)-tetra(pyridin-2-yl)-6-(1,4,7,10-tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecan-13-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine). Each contains N-donor dipyridylamino binding sites as well as separate and distinct mono-aza-15-crown-5 binding sites. The ligand ddta has been used to synthesise the polymeric heterometallic SCO compound trans-[Fe(II)(NCS)(2)(ddta)(2)Na(2)](ClO(4))(2)·4CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)OH, 1, and tptd has been used to synthesise the polymeric SCO compound trans-[Fe(II)(NCS)(2)(tptd)]·CH(3)OH, 2, and the dinuclear compound cis-[(Fe(II))(2)(NCS)(4)(tptd)(2)], 3. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that 1 and a desolvated sample of 2 each undergo a gradual, one-step spin transition with T(?) values of ~240 K and ~110 K, respectively. The paucity of inter-chain intermolecular interactions, as well as the flexible, covalent bridges between Fe(II) spin crossover sites, are likely to contribute to the gradual nature of the spin transition observed in each case. Variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction studies on 1 show the anisotropic behaviour of the unit cell parameters, where c and the b-c plane are most affected by structural changes occurring as the temperature is lowered.     

High and low spin mononuclear and dinuclear iron(II) complexes of 4-amino and 4-pyrrolyl-3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles

The first dinuclear iron(II) complexes of any 4-substituted 3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole ligands, [Fe(II)2(adpt)2(H2O)1.5(CH3CN)2.5](BF4)4 and [Fe(II)2(pldpt)2(H2O)2(CH3CN)2](BF4)4, are presented [where adpt is 4-amino-3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole and pldpt is 4-pyrrolyl-3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole]. Both dinuclear complexes feature doubly triazole bridged iron(II) centers that are found to be [high spin-high spin] at all temperatures, 4-300 K, and to exhibit weak antiferromagnetic coupling. In the analogous monometallic complexes, [Fe(II)(Rdpt)2(X)2](n+), the spin state of the iron(II) center was controlled by appropriate selection of the axial ligands X. Specifically, both of the chloride complexes, [Fe(II)(adpt)2(Cl)2] x 2 MeOH and [Fe(II)(pldpt)2(Cl)2] x 2 MeOH x H2O, were found to be high spin whereas the pyridine adduct [Fe(II)(adpt)2(py)2](BF4)2 was low spin. Attempts to prepare [Fe(II)(pldpt)2(py)2](BF4)2 and the dinuclear analogues [Fe(II)2(Rdpt)2(py)4](BF4)4 failed, illustrating the significant challenges faced in attempts to develop control over the nature of the product obtained from reactions of iron(II) and these bis-bidentate ligands.     

Mössbauer investigation of the photoexcited spin states and crystal structure analysis of the spin-crossover dinuclear complex [{Fe(bt)(NCS)(2)}(2)bpym] (bt=2,2'-bithiazoline, bpym=2,2'-bipyrimidine)

The crystal structure of the complex [{Fe(bt)(NCS)(2)}(2)bpym] (1) (bt=2,2'-bithiazoline, bpym=2,2'-bipyrimidine) has been solved at 293, 240, 175 and 30 K. At all four temperatures the crystal remains in the P space group with a=8.7601(17), b=9.450(2), c=12.089(3) A, alpha=72.77(2), beta=79.150(19), gamma=66.392(18) degrees , V=873.1(4) Angstrom(3) (data for 293 K structure). The structure consists of centrosymmetric dinuclear units in which each iron(II) atom is coordinated by two NCS(-) ions in the cis position and two nitrogen atoms of the bridging bpym ligand, with the remaining positions occupied by the peripheral bt ligand. The iron atom is in a severely distorted octahedral FeN(6) environment. The average Fe--N bond length of 2.15(9) Angstrom indicates that compound 1 is in the high-spin state (HS-HS) at 293 K. Crystal structure determinations at 240, 175 and 30 K gave a cell comparable to that seen at 293 K, but reduced in volume. At 30 K, the average Fe--N distance is 1.958(4) Angstrom, showing that the structure is clearly low spin (LS-LS). At 175 K the average Fe--N bond length of 2.052(11) Angstrom suggests that there is an intermediate phase. M?ssbauer investigations of the light-induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST) effect (lambda=514 nm, 25 mW cm(-2)) in 1 (4.2 K, H(ext)=50 kOe) show that the excited spin states correspond to the HS-HS and HS-LS pairs. The dynamics of the relaxation of the photoexcited states studied at 4.2 K and H(ext)=50 kOe demonstrate that HS-HS pairs revert with time to both HS-LS and LS-LS configurations. The HS-LS photoexcited pairs relax with time back to the ground LS-LS configuration. Complex [{Fe(0.15)Zn(0.85)(bt)(NCS)(2)}(2)bpym] (2) exhibits a continuous spin transition centred around 158 K in contrast to the two-step transition observed for 1. The different spin-crossover behaviour observed for 2 is due to the decrease of cooperativity (intermolecular interactions) imposed by the matrix of Zn(II) ions. This clearly demonstrates the role of the intermolecular interactions in the stabilization of the HS-LS intermediate state in 1.     

Two dinuclear iron(II) complexes K[Fe2(L1)(SCN)4]·2(C3H8O) and [Fe2(L1)(SeCN)3(C5H5N)]·H2O are stabilised in the '[HS-LS]' state by a bis-tetradentate pyrazolate-based ligand

Two air-sensitive dinuclear iron(II) complexes, K[Fe(II)(2)(L(1))(SCN)(4)]·2(C(3)H(8)O) (1) and [Fe(II)(2)(L(1))(SeCN)(3)(C(5)H(5)N)]·H(2)O (2), of 3,5-bis[N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-1H-pyrazolate [(L(1))(-)] have been prepared. Interestingly, complex 1 is anionic, featuring four coordinated SCN(-) anions and a potassium counterion whereas complex 2 is neutral, containing a coordinated pyridine molecule and only three coordinated SeCN(-) anions. These are the first iron complexes reported for this type of ligand. Magnetic measurements and M?ssbauer spectra show that both 1 and 2 are in a '[HS-LS]' mixed spin state between 300 and 2 K.     

Understanding the two-step spin-transition phenomenon in Iron(II) 1D chain materials

Three analogous one dimensional (1D) polymeric iron(II) spin crossover (SCO) materials containing the new ligand 4,6-bis(2',2'-pyridyl)pyrazine (bdpp) have been comprehensively characterised magnetically (thermal and light-induced) and structurally. Within this series are two polymorphs of the formula [Fe(NCS)(2)(bdpp)], 1 and 2 a, which differ magnetically in that phase 1 undergoes a full two-step SCO (T(1/2(1))=135 K and T(1/2(2))=90 K) whereas phase 2 a remains high spin (HS) over all temperatures. The central distinction between these two materials lies in the presence of intermolecular pi-pi interactions generated by the crystal packing in 1, which are absent in 2 a. The isostructural selenocyanate analogue of 2 a, [Fe(NCSe)(2)(bdpp)], 2 b, undergoes a full two-step SCO (T(1/2(1))=200 K and T(1/2(2))=125 K). Structural analyses of 1 and 2 b at a range of temperatures provide deep insight into their two-step SCO nature. Structural analysis of 1 at 25 K (1(LS-LS)), 123 K (1(LS-HS)) and 250 K (1(HS-HS)) reveals two distinct iron(II) centres at each temperature, with ordered, alternating HS and LS (low spin) sites at the intermediate plateau (IP) temperatures. In contrast, structural analysis of 2 b at 90 K (2 b(LS)), 150 K (2 b(LS/HS)) and 250 K (2 b(HS)) reveals one unique iron(II) centre at each temperature with an "averaged" LS/HS character at the IP temperature. Weak planes of diffuse scattering in the single-crystal X-ray diffraction patterns were observed for this phase at 90 and 150 K, indicating that 1D long range ordering of alternating HS/LS iron(II) centres occurs along the 1D coordination chains, but that there is no correlation between chains. The lack of observable diffuse scattering at 250 K suggests that the onset of the 1D structural ordering in the chain direction corresponds to the first step of the SCO and that this structural transition is electronically driven. The photomagnetic properties of both 1 and 2 b have been investigated and show approximately 62 and 53 % photo-excitation of a HS metastable state at low temperatures and T(LIESST) values of 55 and 49 K, respectively. Relaxation studies on the HS fraction in 2 b fitted well to a stretched exponential model with kinetic parameters indicative of weak cooperativity.     

High-pressure spin-crossover in a dinuclear Fe(II) complex

The effect of pressure on the dinuclear spin crossover material [{Fe(bpp)(NCS)(2)}(2)(4,4'-bipy)]·2MeOH (where bpp = 2,6-bis(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine and 4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine, 1) has been investigated with single crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy using diamond anvil cell techniques. The very gradual pressure-induced spin crossover occurs between 7 and 25 kbar, and shows no evidence of crystallographic phase transitions. The pressure-induced spin transition leads to a complete LS state which is not thermally accessible. This structural evolution under pressure is in stark contrast to the previously reported thermal spin crossover behaviour, in which a symmetry-breaking, purely structural phase transition results in only partial conversion to the low spin state. This observation is attributed to the symmetry-breaking phase transition becoming unfavourable under pressure.     

A temperature-dependent order-disorder and crystallographic phase transition in a 0D Fe(II) spin crossover compound and its non-spin crossover Co(II) isomorph

The new dipyridylamino/triazine ligand DDE (N(2),N(2),N(4),N(4)-tetraethyl-N(6),N(6)-di(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine) has been incorporated into the mononuclear Fe(II) SCO compounds cis-[Fe(II)(NCSe)(2)(DDE)(2)] (1), cis-[Fe(II)(NCBH(3))(2)(DDE)(2)] (2), and cis-[Fe(II)(NCS)(2)(DDE)(2)] (3). Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that each of 1, 2 and 3 undergoes a complete, continuous spin transition with a T(?) of ～260 K, ～300 K and ～205 K, respectively. An analogue and isomorph of 1, cis-[Co(II)(NCSe)(2)(DDE)(2)] (4), remains high spin down to low temperatures. Variable temperature single crystal data reveal that 1 and 4 undergo a crystallographic phase transition (from orthorhombic Pbcn at high temperatures to monoclinic P2/c at low temperatures) accompanied by an order-disorder transition of ethyl moieties of the DDE ligand. In the Pbcn phase, the structures of 1 and 4 contain one crystallographically unique M(II) centre, while in the P2/c phase, 1 and 4 contain two crystallographically unique M(II) centres. Variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction experiments reveal that the crystallographic phase transition occurs at ～250 K for 1. The occurrence of the concomitant order-disorder and crystallographic phase transitions undergone by 1 and 4 is not directly apparent in their magnetic susceptibility measurements, and this is likely due to the local environment of the M(II) centres remaining largely undisturbed as the transitions occur. The compound 2 is isostructural to 1 and 4 at low temperatures.     

Nine non-symmetric pyrazine-pyridine imide-based complexes: reversible redox and isolation of [M(II/III)(pypzca)2](0/+) when M = Co, Fe

The non-symmetric imide ligand Hpypzca (N-(2-pyrazylcarbonyl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide) has been deliberately synthesised and used to produce nine first row transition metal complexes: [M(II)(pypzca)(2)], M = Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe; [M(III)(pypzca)(2)]Y, M = Co and Y = BF(4), M = Fe and Y = ClO(4); [Cu(II)(pypzca)(H(2)O)(2)]BF(4), [Mn(II)(pypzca)(Cl)(2)]HNEt(3). These are the first deliberately prepared complexes of a non-symmetric imide ligand. X-ray crystal structures of [Cu(II)(pypzca)(2)]·H(2)O, [Co(II)(pypzca)(2)], [Co(III)(pypzca)(2)]BF(4), [Cu(II)(pypzca)(H(2)O)(2)]BF(4)·H(2)O and [Mn(II)(pypzca)Cl(2)]HNEt(3) show that each of the (pypzca)(-) ligands binds in a meridional fashion via the N(3) donors. In the first three complexes, two such ligands are bound such that the 'spare' pyrazine nitrogen atoms are positioned approximately orthogonally to one another and also to the imide oxygen atoms. In MeCN the [M(II/III)(pypzca)(2)](0/+) complexes, where M = Ni, Co or Fe, exhibit one reversible metal based M(II/III) process and two distinct, quasi-reversible ligand based reduction processes, the latter also observed for M(II) = Zn. [Mn(II)(pypzca)Cl(2)]HNEt(3) displays a quasi-reversible oxidation process in MeCN, along with several irreversible processes. Both copper(II) complexes show only irreversible processes. Variable temperature magnetic measurements show that [Fe(III)(pypzca)(2)]ClO(4) undergoes a gradual spin crossover from partially high spin at 298 K (3.00 BM) to fully low spin at 2 K (1.96 BM), and that [Co(II)(pypzca)(2)] remains high spin from 298 to 4 K. All of the complexes are weakly coloured, other than [Fe(II)(pypzca)(2)] which is dark purple and absorbs strongly in the visible region.     

Reversible and irreversible vapor-induced guest molecule exchange in spin-crossover compounds

Spin-crossover (SCO) complex [Fe(tpa)(NCS)(2)] (tpa = tri(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) crystallized in two solvate forms, yellow [Fe(tpa)(NCS)(2)]·X [Fe:X = 1:1; X = n-PrOH (complex is named as n-PrOH), i-PrOH (i-PrOH), CH(2)Cl(2) (CH(2)Cl(2)), CHCl(3) (CHCl(3)), MeCN (MeCN)] and red [Fe(tpa)(NCS)(2)](2)·Y [Fe:Y = 2:1; Y = MeOH (MeOH), EtOH (EtOH)], respectively. Between the two forms, interesting solvent-vapor induced in situ reversible and irreversible guest molecule exchanges, [Fe(tpa)(NCS)(2)]·X ? [Fe(tpa)(NCS)(2)](2)·Y, occurred in the solid state followed by dramatic color changes as well as distinct structural and SCO behavior transformations. Comprehensive studies on structures and SCO behaviors associating guest exchanges have been conducted by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, PXRD, IR, elemental analysis, and magnetic measurements, respectively. This discrete molecular system shows unique solvent-dependent SCO behavior related to the nature of solvent molecules; the distinct color changes during guest exchange originate from the alternations of electronic states of the guest-sensitive Fe(II) centers, providing an effective route to fine-tune and optimize materials' properties by systematic structural perturbation, or serving for detection of toxic gases, such as CH(2)Cl(2) and CHCl(3).     

Effect of counteranion X on the spin crossover properties of a family of diiron(II) triazole complexes [Fe(II)2(PMAT)2](X)4

Seven diiron(II) complexes, [Fe(II)(2)(PMAT)(2)](X)(4), varying only in the anion X, have been prepared, where PMAT is 4-amino-3,5-bis{[(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino]methyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole and X = BF(4)(-) (1), Cl(-) (2), PF(6)(-) (3), SbF(6)(-) (4), CF(3)SO(3)(-) (5), B(PhF)(4)(-) (6), and C(16)H(33)SO(3)(-) (7). Most were isolated as solvates, and the microcrystalline ([3], [4]·2H(2)O, [5]·H(2)O, and [6]·?MeCN) or powder ([2]·4H(2)O, and [7]·2H(2)O) samples obtained were studied by variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and Mo?ssbauer methods. A structure determination on a crystal of [2]·2MeOH·H(2)O, revealed it to be a [LS-HS] mixed low spin (LS)-high spin (HS) state dinuclear complex at 90 K, but fully high spin, [HS-HS], at 293 K. In contrast, structures of both [5]·?IPA·H(2)O and [7]·1.6MeOH·0.4H(2)O showed them to be [HS-HS] at 90 K, whereas magnetic and M?ssbauer studies on [5]·H(2)O and [7]·2H(2)O revealed a different spin state, [LS-HS], at 90 K, presumably because of the difference in solvation. None of these complexes undergo thermal spin crossover (SCO) to the fully LS form, [LS-LS]. The PF(6)(-) and SbF(6)(-) complexes, 3 and [4]·2H(2)O, appear to be a mixture of [HS-LS] and [HS-HS] at low temperature, and undergo gradual SCO to [HS-HS] on warming. The CF(3)SO(3)(-) complex [5]·H(2)O undergoes gradual, partial SCO from [HS-LS] to a mixture of [HS-LS] and [HS-HS] at T(1/2) ≈ 180 K. The B(PhF)(4)(-) and C(16)H(33)SO(3)(-) complexes, [6]·(1)/(2)MeCN and [7]·2H(2)O, are approximately [LS-HS] at all temperatures, with an onset of gradual SCO with T(1/2) > 300 K.     

A long-lived photo-induced metastable state of linkage isomerization accompanied with a spin transition

In addition to the generally observed LIESST phenomenon, polymorph D of trans-[Fe(II)(abpt)(2)(NCS)(2)] exhibits a long-lived photo-induced metastable state through linkage isomerization accompanied with a spin crossover transition, which is stable up to 108 K.     

Coordination algorithms control molecular architecture: [CuI4(L2)4]4+ grid complex versus [MII2(L2)2X4]y+ side-by-side complexes (M=Mn,Co, Ni,Zn; X=solvent or anion) and [FeII(L2)3][Cl3FeIIIOFeIIICl3

The synthesis and characterisation of a pyridazine-containing two-armed grid ligand L2 (prepared from one equivalent of 3,6-diformylpyridazine and two equivalents of p-anisidine) and the resulting transition metal (Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) complexes (1-9) are reported. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed that the copper(I) complex had self-assembled as a [2 x 2] grid, [Cu(I) (4)(L2)(4)][PF(6)](4).(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25) (2.(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25)), whereas the [Zn(2)(L2)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O)(2)][ClO(4)](4).CH(3)CN (1.CH(3)CN), [Ni(II) (2)(L2)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)][BF(4)](4).(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25) (5 a.(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25)) and [Co(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][ClO(4)](4).(H(2)O)(CH(3)CN)(0.5) (6 a.(H(2)O)(CH(3)CN)(0.5)) complexes adopt a side-by-side architecture; iron(II) forms a monometallic cation binding three L2 ligands, [Fe(II)(L2)(3)][Fe(III)Cl(3)OCl(3)Fe(III)].CH(3)CN (7.CH(3)CN). A more soluble salt of the cation of 7, the diamagnetic complex [Fe(II)(L2)(3)][BF(4)](2).2 H(2)O (8), was prepared, as well as two derivatives of 2, [Cu(I) (2)(L2)(2)(NCS)(2)].H(2)O (3) and [Cu(I) (2)(L2)(NCS)(2)] (4). The manganese complex, [Mn(II) (2)(L2)(2)Cl(4)].3 H(2)O (9), was not structurally characterised, but is proposed to adopt a side-by-side architecture. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility studies yielded small negative J values for the side-by-side complexes: J=-21.6 cm(-1) and g=2.17 for S=1 dinickel(II) complex [Ni(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][BF(4)](4) (5 b) (fraction monomer 0.02); J=-7.6 cm(-1) and g=2.44 for S= 3/2 dicobalt(II) complex [Co(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][ClO(4)](4) (6 b) (fraction monomer 0.02); J=-3.2 cm(-1) and g=1.95 for S= 5/2 dimanganese(II) complex 9 (fraction monomer 0.02). The double salt, mixed valent iron complex 7.H(2)O gave J=-75 cm(-1) and g=1.81 for the S= 5/2 diiron(III) anion (fraction monomer=0.025). These parameters are lower than normal for Fe(III)OFe(III) species because of fitting of superimposed monomer and dimer susceptibilities arising from trace impurities. The iron(II) centre in 7.H(2)O is low spin and hence diamagnetic, a fact confirmed by the preparation and characterisation of the simple diamagnetic iron(II) complex 8. M?ssbauer measurements at 77 K confirmed that there are two iron sites in 7.H(2)O, a low-spin iron(II) site and a high-spin diiron(III) site. A full electrochemical investigation was undertaken for complexes 1, 2, 5 b, 6 b and 8 and this showed that multiple redox processes are a feature of all of them.     

Tuning of spin crossover behaviour in iron(III) complexes involving pentadentate Schiff bases and pseudohalides

Investigations on a series of eight novel mononuclear iron(III) Schiff base complexes with the general formula [Fe(L(5))(L(1))]·S (where H(2)L(5) = pentadentate Schiff-base ligand, L(1) = a pseudohalido ligand, and S is a solvent molecule) are reported. Several different aromatic 2-hydroxyaldehyde derivatives were used in combination with a non-symmetrical triamine 1,6-diamino-4-azahexane to synthesize the H(2)L(5) Schiff base ligands. The consecutive reaction with iron(III) chloride resulted in the preparation of the [Fe(L(5))Cl] precursor complexes which were left to react with a wide range of the L(1) pseudohalido ligands. The low-spin compounds were prepared using the cyanido ligand: [Fe(3m-salpet)(CN)]·CH(3)OH (1a), [Fe(3e-salpet)(CN)]·H(2)O (1b), while the high-spin compounds were obtained by the reaction of the pseudohalido (other than cyanido) ligands with the [Fe(L(5))Cl] complex arising from salicylaldehyde derivatives: [Fe(3Bu5Me-salpet)(NCS)] (2a), [Fe(3m-salpet)(NCO)]·CH(3)OH (2b) and [Fe(3m-salpet)(N(3))] (2c). The compounds exhibiting spin-crossover phenomena were prepared only when L(5) arose from 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde (H(2)L(5) = H(2)napet): [Fe(napet)(NCS)]·CH(3)CN (3a, T(1/2) = 151 K), [Fe(napet)(NCSe)]·CH(3)CN (3b, T(1/2) = 170 K), [Fe(napet)(NCO)] (3c, T(1/2) = 155 K) and [Fe(napet)(N(3))], which, moreover, exhibits thermal hysteresis (3d, T(1/2)↑ = 122 K, T(1/2)↓ = 117 K). These compounds are the first examples of octahedral iron(III) spin-crossover compounds with the coordinated pseudohalides. We report the structure and magnetic properties of these complexes. The magnetic data of all the compounds were analysed using the spin Hamiltonian formalism including the ZFS term and in the case of spin-crossover, the Ising-like model was also applied.     

Structure and magnetism of a new pyrazolate bridged iron(II) spin crossover complex displaying a single HS-HS to LS-LS transition

The dinuclear iron(II) complex [(pypzH)(NCSe)Fe([micro sign]-pypz)(2)Fe(NCSe)(pypzH)].2H(2)O displays a single, sharp spin crossover transition between the [HS-HS] and [LS-LS] states and is structurally characterised above and below the T(1/2)= 225 K value     

Dipyridyl β-diketonate complexes and their use as metalloligands in the formation of mixed-metal coordination networks

The iron(III) and aluminium(III) complexes of 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane-1,3-dionato (dppd) and 1,3-di(3-pyridyl)propane-1,3-dionato (dmppd), [Fe(dppd)(3)] 1, [Fe(dmppd)(3)] 2, [Al(dppd)(3)] 3 and [Al(dmppd)(3)] 4 have been prepared. These complexes adopt molecular structures in which the metal centres contain distorted octahedral geometries. In contrast, the copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes [Cu(dppd)(2)] 5 and [Zn(dmppd)(2)] 6 both form polymeric structures in which coordination of the pyridyl groups into the axial positions of neighbouring metal centres links discrete square-planar complexes into two-dimensional networks. The europium complex [Eu(dmppd)(2)(H(2)O)(4)]Cl·2EtOH·0.5H(2)O 7 forms a structure containing discrete cations that are linked into sheets through hydrogen bonds, whereas the lanthanum complex [La(dmppd)(3)(H(2)O)]·2H(2)O 8 adopts a one-dimensional network structure, connected into sheets by hydrogen bonds. The iron complexes 1 and 2 act as metalloligands in reactions with silver(I) salts, with the nature of the product depending on the counter-ions present. Thus, the reaction between 1 and AgBF(4) gave [AgFe(dppd)(3)]BF(4)·DMSO 9, in which the silver centres link the metalloligands into discrete nanotubes, whereas reactions with AgPF(6) and AgSbF(6) gave [AgFe(dppd)(3)]PF(6)·3.28DMSO 10 and [AgFe(dppd)(3)]SbF(6)·1.25DMSO 11, in which the metalloligands are linked into sheets. In all three cases, only four of the six pyridyl groups present on the metalloligands are coordinated. The reaction between 2 and AgNO(3) gave [Ag(2)Fe(dmppd)(3)(ONO(2))]NO(3)·MeCN·CH(2)Cl(2)12. Compound 12 adopts a layer structure in which all pyridyl groups are coordinated to silver centres and, in addition, a nitrate ion bridges between two silver centres. A similar structure is adopted by [Ag(2)Fe(dmppd)(3)(O(2)CCF(3))]CF(3)CO(2)·2MeCN·0.25CH(2)Cl(2)13, with a bridging trifluoroacetate ion playing the same role as the nitrate ion in 12.