Chromium(III), manganese(II), iron(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes with a pentadentate, 15-membered new macrocyclic ligand

Complexes of Cr^III, Mn^II, Fe^III, Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II containing a macrocyclic pentadentate nitrogen–sulphur donor ligand have been prepared via reaction of a pentadentate ligand (N₃S₂) with transition metal ions. The N₃S₂ ligand was prepared by [1 + 1] condensation of 2,6-diacetylpyridine with 1,2-di(o-aminophenylthio(ethane. The structures of the complexes have been elucidated by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, i.r., electronic and e.p.r. spectral studies. The complexes are of the high spin type and are six-coordinate.     

Copper(II) Complexes of a Hexadentate Mixed‐Donor N3S3 Macrobicyclic Cage: Facile Rearrangements and Interconversions

The potentially hexadentate mixed‐donor cage ligand 1‐methyl‐8‐amino‐3,13,16‐trithia‐6,10,19‐triazabicyclo[6.6.6]eicosane (AMME‐N₃S₃sar; sar=sarcophagine) displays variable coordination modes in a complex with copper(II). In the absence of coordinating anions, the ligand adopts a conventional hexadentate N₃S₃ binding mode in the complex [Cu(AMME‐N₃S₃sar)](ClO₄)₂ that is typical of cage ligands. This structure was determined by X‐ray crystallography and solution spectroscopy (EPR and NIR UV/Vis). However, in the presence of bromide ions in DMSO, clean conversion to a five‐coordinate bromido complex [Cu(AMME‐N₃S₃sar)Br]⁺ is observed that features a novel tetradentate (N₂S₂)‐coordinated form of the cage ligand. This copper(II) complex has also been characterized by X‐ray crystallography and solution spectroscopy. The mechanism of the reversible interconversion between the six‐ and five‐coordinated copper(II) complexes has been studied and the reaction has been resolved into two steps; the rate of the first is linearly dependent on bromide ion concentration and the second is bromide independent. Electrochemistry of both [Cu(AMME‐N₃S₃sar)]²⁺ and [Cu(AMME‐N₃S₃sar)Br]⁺ in DMSO shows that upon reduction to the monovalent state, they share a common five‐coordinated form in which the ligand is bound to copper in a tetradentate form exclusively, regardless of whether a six‐ or five‐coordinated copper(II) complex is the precursor.     

Visible Light-Gated Organocatalysis Using a RuII-Photocage

The light-gated organocatalysis via the release of 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) by irradiation of the [Ru(bpy)₂(DMAP)₂]²⁺ complex with visible light was investigated. As model reaction the acetylation of benzyl alcohols with acetic anhydride was chosen. The pre-catalyst releases one DMAP molecule on irradiation at wavelengths longer than 455 nm. The photochemical process was characterized by steady-state irradiation and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. The latter enabled the observation of the ³MLCT state and the spectral features of the penta-coordinated intermediate [Ru(bpy)₂(DMAP)]²⁺. The released DMAP catalyzes the acetylation of a wide range of benzyl alcohols with chemical yields of up to 99 %. Control experiments revealed unequivocally that it is the released DMAP which takes the role of the catalyst.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N’</Emphasis>-Bis(2-mercaptophenyl)propane-1,3-diamine as a new organic ligand of the N<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>2</Subscript> type and its coordination compound with nickel(II)

A method for the synthesis of new tetradentate organic ligand of the N₂S₂ type, viz., N,N’-bis-(2-mercaptophenyl)propane-1,3-diamine has been developed, starting from 2-( tert-butyl-thio)aniline and malonyl dichloride. Coordination compound of this ligand with Ni^II according to the X-ray diffraction data has a square-planar geometry of the metal ion coordination sphere.     

High‐Efficiency Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide Catalyzed by Nickel Single‐Atom Catalysts with Tetradentate N2O2 Coordination in a Three‐Phase Flow Cell

Carbon‐supported Ni^II single‐atom catalysts with a tetradentate Ni‐N₂O₂ coordination formed by a Schiff base ligand‐mediated pyrolysis strategy are presented. A Ni^II complex of the Schiff base ligand (R,R)‐(?)‐N,N′‐bis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine was adsorbed onto a carbon black support, followed by pyrolysis of the modified carbon material at 300 °C in Ar. The Ni‐N₂O₂/C catalyst showed excellent performance for the electrocatalytic reduction of O₂ to H₂O₂ through a two‐electron transfer process in alkaline conditions, with a H₂O₂ selectivity of 96 %. At a current density of 70 mA cm^?2, a H₂O₂ production rate of 5.9 mol g_cat.^?1 h^?1 was achieved using a three‐phase flow cell, with good catalyst stability maintained over 8 h of testing. The Ni‐N₂O₂/C catalyst could electrocatalytically reduce O₂ in air to H₂O₂ at a high current density, still affording a high H₂O₂ selectivity (>90 %). A precise Ni‐N₂O₂ coordination was key to the performance.     

High Enzyme Activity of a Binuclear Nickel Complex Formed with the Binding Loops of the NiSOD Enzyme**

Detailed equilibrium, spectroscopic and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity studies are reported on a nickel complex formed with a new metallopeptide bearing two nickel binding loops of NiSOD. The metallopeptide exhibits unique nickel binding ability and the binuclear complex is a major species with 2×(NH₂,N_amide,S⁻,S⁻) donor set even in an equimolar solution of the metal ion and the ligand. Nickel(III) species were generated by oxidizing the Ni^II complexes with KO₂ and the coordination modes were identified by EPR spectroscopy. The binuclear complex formed with the binding motifs exhibits superior SOD activity, in this respect it is an excellent model of the native NiSOD enzyme. A detailed kinetic model is postulated that incorporates spontaneous decomposition of the superoxide ion, the dismutation cycle and fast redox degradation of the binuclear complex. The latter process leads to the elimination of the SOD activity. A unique feature of this system is that the Ni^III form of the catalyst rapidly accumulates in the dismutation cycle and simultaneously the Ni^II form becomes a minor species.     

Transition metal complexes with thio­semicarbazide‐based ligands. XV. A square‐pyramidal NiII complex with an asymmetric coordination of 2,6‐di­acetyl­pyridine bis(S‐methyl­iso­thio­semicarbazone)

The title compound, [di­acetyl­pyridine bis(S‐methyl­iso­thio­semicarbazonato)]­iodo­nickel(II), [Ni(C₁₃H₁₈N₇S₂)I], is the first example of a complex involving the ²N coordination of the iso­thio­semicarbazide moiety. 2,6‐Di­acetyl­pyridine bis(S‐methyl­iso­thio­semicarbazone), as a potentially pentadentate ligand (N₅), is coordinated as a tetradentate species, whereby one (deprotonated) iso­thio­semicarbazide moiety is coordinated in the usual way (¹N⁴N), but the other (neutral) is bonded via the ²N atom only, the fourth ligator being the pyridine nitro­gen. The difference in coordination mode of the iso­thio­semicarbazide moiety is reflected in the ¹N—²N bond lengths of 1.359 (4) and 1.379 (3) Å in the deprotonated and undeprotonated moieties, respectively. The structure contains three fused chelate rings in a 5:5:6 arrangement. The six‐membered ring has a non‐planar conformation.     

Synthesis of cis,cis,cis-1-alkylidene-2,3,4,5-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)cyclopentanes

A new strategy to prepare tetradentate or pentadentate diphenylphosphine ligands has been explored from Diels-Alder adducts of fulvenes and maleic anhydride. A tetradentate phosphine ligand, bearing a side chain allowing the formation of a bond with polystyrene resin, has been prepared in seven steps from cyclopentadiene. The cis,cis,cis-1-cyclohexylidene-2,3,4,5-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)cyclopentane (Cyclo-Tedicyp) in combination with [PdCl(C₃H₅)]₂ led to an efficient catalyst for the Heck, Suzuki and Sonogashira coupling reactions.     

Distinct Proton and Water Reduction Behavior with a Cobalt(III) Electrocatalyst Based on Pentadentate Oximes

A new pentadentate oxime has been designed to drive the preferential coordination favored by Co^I in catalysts used for proton/water reduction. The ligand incorporates water upon metal coordination and is water soluble. This Co^III species is doubly reduced to Co^I and exhibits H⁺ reduction activity in the presence of weak acids in MeCN and evolves H₂ upon protonation suggesting that the ligand design increases catalyst effectiveness. Superior catalysis is observed in water with a turnover number (TON) of 5700 over 18 h. However, the catalyst yields Co‐based nanoparticles, indicating that the solvent media may dictate the nature of the catalyst.     

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and NLO Properties of a Novel Ruthenium(II) Complex with Unusual Coordination Mode

A new Schiff base 4-[N-hydroxyethyl-N-(methyl)amino]benzaldehyde S-methyl dithiocarbazate (HL, where H is a dissociable proton) and the ruthenium complex [Ru(bpy)₂L]PF₆ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized. The structural determinations of the ligand and its ruthenium complex, by X-ray crystallography, show that the ligand is coordinated as a monoanionic bidentate N, S-donor, forming a four-member chelate ring with a bite angle of 65.91°. The complex shows intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Fluorescent and electrochemical properties have been also studied. The complex in DMF solution exhibited a strong two-photon absorption (t.p.a.) at 532 nm nanosecond laser pulses. The t.p.a. coefficient β, t.p.a. cross-section σ and the third-order optical nonlinearity χ⁽³⁾ of the complex and the ligand have been determined by the Z-scan technique.     

EPR Spectroscopy of 4, 4′‐Bis(tert‐butyl)‐2, 2′‐bipyridine‐1, 2‐dithiolatocuprates(II) in Host Lattices with Different Coordination Geometries

A series of new heteroleptic MN₂S₂ transition metal complexes with M = Cu²⁺ for EPR measurements and as diamagnetic hosts Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Pd²⁺ were synthesized and characterized. The ligands are N₂ = 4, 4′‐bis(tert‐butyl)‐2, 2′‐bipyridine (tBu₂bpy) and S₂ =1, 2‐dithiooxalate, (dto), 1, 2‐dithiosquarate, (dtsq), maleonitrile‐1, 2‐dithiolate, or 1, 2‐dicyanoethene‐1, 2‐dithiolate, (mnt). The Cu^II complexes were studied by EPR in solution and as powders, diamagnetically diluted in the isostructural planar [Ni^II(tBu₂bpy)(S₂)] or[Pd^II(tBu₂bpy)(S₂)] as well as in tetrahedrally coordinated[Zn^II(tBu₂bpy)(S₂)] host structures to put steric stress on the coordination geometry of the central CuN₂S₂ unit. The spin density contributions for different geometries calculated from experimental parameters are compared with the electronic situation in the frontier orbital, namely in the semi‐occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) of the copper complex, derived from quantum chemical calculations on different levels (EHT and DFT). One of the hosts, [Ni^II(tBu₂bpy)(mnt)], is characterized by X‐ray structure analysis to prove the coordination geometry. The complex crystallizes in a square‐planar coordination mode in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with Z = 4 and the unit cell parameters a = 10.4508(10) Å, b = 18.266(2) Å, c = 12.6566(12) Å, β = 112.095(7)°. Oxidation and reductions potentials of one of the host complexes, [Ni(tBu₂bpy)(mnt)], were obtained by cyclovoltammetric measurements.     

Synthesis and properties of 6,6′-dithienyl-4,4′-bipyrimidine and its hetero- and homo-leptic Ru(II) complexes

Hetero- and homo-leptic Ru(II) complexes of a new 4,4′-bipyrimidine ligand, th₂bpm (6,6′-di(2″-thienyl)-4,4′-bipyrimidine), have been synthesized and characterized. The parent ligand th₂bpm has electron rich thiophene units on the periphery of a bidentate ligand which is capable of binding to metal ions. The heteroleptic complex of th₂bpm [Ru(bpy)₂th₂bpm]²⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) exhibits a Ru-to-bpm metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption centered at 547 nm and a Ru-to-bpy MLCT absorption centered at 438 nm. The assignment of the low energy absorption is supported by the relative ease of electrochemical reduction of the new complex as compared to [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺. The homoleptic complex, [Ru(th₂bpm)₃]²⁺, exhibits a Ru-to-bpm MLCT absorption at slightly higher energy (544 nm). Both complexes are emissive at room temperature in fluid solution and 5 is one of the lowest energy emitters based on tris-bidentate Ru(II) complexes known (λ_max = 770 nm). The luminescence spectra is red-shifted compared to [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and this effect is ascribed to the delocalization in the acceptor ligand.     

Synthesis,Spectroscopic Properties,and Crystal Structure of 2,2′‐Bipyridyldimesitylnickel(II)

The dimesitylnickel(II) complex [(bpy)NiMes₂] (Mes = mesityl = 2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl) was prepared and examined spectroscopically and electrochemically. The crystal and molecular structure was determined from single crystal X‐Ray diffraction experiments (monoclinic, P2₁/n, Z = 4, a = 8.3092(8) Å, b = 18.233(2) Å, c = 15.226(2) Å, β = 98.035(6)°). The nickel atom displays a distorted square planar environment. The axial positions of the square plane are shielded by each one of the methyl groups on the mesityl substituents. The complex shows electrochemical reduction processes that are mainly centered on the bpy ligand as inferred from spectroelectrochemical investigations (EPR and UV/Vis/NIR absorption) of the radical anion or dianion. The observed oxidation is assigned to a Ni^II/Ni^III couple. The title complex exhibits strongly solvatochromic longwavelength electronic absorptions.     

Synthesis,antimicrobial screening,and DNA-binding/cleavage of new pyrazole-based binuclear CoII,NiII, CuII,and ZnII complexes

Pyrazolato endogenous bridged binuclear Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, and Zn^II complexes were prepared and characterized by spectro-analytical methods. The hexadentate N₄S₂ donor was synthesized by condensation of 3,5-dichloroformyl-1H-pyrazole with thiosemicarbazide in dry ethanol. All the complexes were binuclear and octahedral in nature. The ligand and complexes are screened for antimicrobial and DNA-binding/cleavage activities. The binding/cleavage activities with Escherichia coli DNA are monitored with absorption, hydrodynamic, thermal denaturation, and electrophoresis studies. The ligand possesses significant activity against microbes which is further enhanced upon complexation. The DNA-binding study reveals classical intercalation. The Ni^II and Cu^II complexes exhibit higher binding ability.     

Syntheses and Characterization of a Pair of Isomers of Heteroleptic Bis(Bidentate) Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Two Different Monodentate Ligands

Two isomers of heteroleptic bis(bidentate) ruthenium(II) complexes with dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso) and chloride ligands, trans(Cl,N_bpy)- and trans(Cl,N_Hdpa)-[Ru(bpy)Cl(dmso-S)(Hdpa)]⁺ (bpy: 2,2′-bipyridine; Hdpa: di-2-pyridylamine), are synthesized. This is the first report on the selective synthesis of a pair of isomers of cis-[Ru(L)(L′)XY]ⁿ⁺ (L≠L′: bidentate ligands; X≠Y: monodentate ligands). The structures of the ruthenium(II) complexes are clarified by means of X-ray crystallography, and the signals in the ¹H NMR spectra are assigned based on ¹H–¹H COSY spectra. The colors of the two isomers are clearly different in both the solid state and solution: the trans(Cl,N_bpy) isomer has a deep red color, whereas the trans(Cl,N_Hdpa) isomer is yellow. Although both complexes have intense absorption bands at λ≈440–450 nm, only the trans(Cl,N_bpy) isomer has a shoulder band at λ≈550 nm. DFT calculations indicate that the LUMOs of both isomers are the π* orbitals in the bpy ligand, and that the LUMO level of the trans(Cl,N_bpy) isomer is lower than that of the trans(Cl,N_Hdpa) isomer due to the trans effect of the Cl ligand; thus resulting in the appearance of the shoulder band. The HOMO levels are almost the same in both isomers. The energy levels are experimentally supported by cyclic voltammograms, in which these isomers have different reduction potentials and similar oxidation potentials.     

Nickel(II) Complexes with a Hydroxyl Pendant‐Armed Macrocyclic Ligand: Synthesis,Characterization, and Crystal Structures

The reactions of different nickel(II) salts with a mixed‐donor macrocyclic ligand L (6,7,8,9,10,11,18,19‐octahydro‐5H, 17H‐dibenzo[f,o][1,5,9,13] dioxadiazacyclohexadecin‐18‐ol), potentially pentadentate N₂O₃ donor sets containing one pendant alcohol function have been investigated. The physical properties and the chemical structures of 1:1 (metal:ligand) NiLX₂ (X = Cl^?, Br^?, NO₃^?, ClO₄^?) complexes have been characterized by using IR, UV‐Vis spectroscopy and conductance measurements. The X‐ray determination have been employed to probe the nature of the respective complexes in solid state. The nickel atom in [NiL(NO₃)]NO₃·0.5H₂O complex is six‐coordinate with a distorted octahedral coordination in which the all N₂O₃ donor atoms are coordinated to the nickel atom. The coordination sphere is completed by a nitrate anion. In contrast to the above nickel complex, in [NiLCl₂] complex the pendant hydroxyl arm of macrocycle remains uncoordinated and ligand acts as tetradentate N₂O₂ donor atoms. The coordination sphere is completed by two chloride anions and the nickel atom is six‐coordinate with a distorted octahedral coordination.     

Application of a Structure/Oxidation‐State Correlation to Complexes of Bridging Azo Ligands

Based on data from more than 40 crystal structures of metal complexes with azo‐based bridging ligands (2,2′‐azobispyridine, 2,2′‐azobis(5‐chloropyrimidine), azodicarbonyl derivatives), a correlation between the N? N bond lengths (d_NN) and the oxidation state of the ligand (neutral, neutral/back‐donating, radical‐anionic, dianionic) was derived. This correlation was applied to the analysis of four ruthenium compounds of 2,2′‐azobispyridine (abpy), that is, the new asymmetrical rac‐[(acac)₂Ru1(μ‐abpy)Ru2(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ ([ 1 ](ClO₄)₂), [Ru(acac)₂(abpy)] ( 2 ), [Ru(bpy)₂(abpy)](ClO₄)₂ ([ 3 ](ClO₄)₂), and meso‐[(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐abpy)Ru(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₃ ([ 4 ](ClO₄)₃; acac^?=2,4‐pentanedionato, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine). In agreement with DFT calculations, both mononuclear species 2 and 3 ²⁺ can be described as ruthenium(II) complexes of unreduced abpy⁰, with 1.295(5)<d_NN<1.320(3) Å, thereby exhibiting effects from π back‐donation. However, the abpy ligand in both the asymmetrical diamagnetic compound 1 ²⁺ (d_NN=1.374(6) Å) and the symmetrical compound 4 ³⁺ (d_NN=1.360(7), 1.368(8) Å) must be formulated as abpy^.?. Remarkably, the addition of [Ru^II(bpy)₂]²⁺ to mononuclear [Ru^II(acac)₂(abpy⁰)] induces intracomplex electron‐transfer under participation of the noninnocent abpy bridge to yield rac‐[(acac)₂Ru1^III(μ‐abpy^.?)Ru2^II(bpy)₂]²⁺ ( 1 ²⁺) with strong antiferromagnetic coupling between abpy^.? and Ru^III (DFT (B3LYP/LANL2DZ/6‐31G*)‐calculated triplet–singlet energy separation E_S=1?E_S=0=11739 cm^?1). Stepwise one‐electron transfer was studied for compound 1 ⁿ, n=1?, 0, 1+, 2+, 3+, by UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry, EPR spectroscopy, and by DFT calculations. Whereas the first oxidation of compound 1 ²⁺ was found to mainly involve the central ligand to produce an (abpy⁰)‐bridged Class I mixed‐valent Ru1^IIIRu2^II species, the first reduction of compound 1 ²⁺ affected both the bridge and Ru1 atom to form a radical complex ( 1 ⁺), with considerable metal participation in the spin‐distribution. Further reduction moves the spin towards the {Ru2(bpy)₂} entity.     

Crystallographic Evidence for a Sterically Induced Ferryl Tilt in a Non‐Heme Oxoiron(IV) Complex that Makes it a Better Oxidant

Oxoiron(IV) units are often implicated as intermediates in the catalytic cycles of non‐heme iron oxygenases and oxidases. The most reactive synthetic analogues of these intermediates are supported by tetradentate tripodal ligands with N‐methylbenzimidazole or quinoline donors, but their instability precludes structural characterization. Herein we report crystal structures of two [Fe^IV(O)(L)]²⁺ complexes supported by pentadentate ligands incorporating these heterocycles, which show longer average Fe–N distances than the complex with only pyridine donors. These longer distances correlate linearly with log k₂′ values for O‐ and H‐atom transfer rates, suggesting that weakening the ligand field increases the electrophilicity of the Fe=O center. The sterically bulkier quinoline donors are also found to tilt the Fe=O unit away from a linear N‐Fe=O arrangement by 10°.     

Femtosecond dynamics of intramolecular photoinduced proton transfer in <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-substituted 2-(2-aminophenyl)-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones

Femtosecond dynamics of processes in the excited state of 2-(2-aminophenyl)-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones has been studied by femtosecond absorption spectroscopy. The rate constants of intramolecular photoinduced proton transfer (IPPT) have been determined for the N-substituted derivatives (0.7–11 ps⁻¹). The IPPT rate constant depends on the inductive constant of the substituent and the potential barrier height, which was calculated by a quantum-chemical method (TDDFT). The multiexponential character of the kinetics of photoinduced absorption by the compounds with a low inductive constant of the N-substituent in the spectral region of the S₁ → S_N absorption and the stimulated emission of the IPPT product is explained by the rapid (∼10 ps⁻¹) relaxation process preceding the IPPT.     

Photophysics of a Ruthenium 4H‐Imidazole Panchromatic Dye in Interaction with Titanium Dioxide

The photophysics of bis(4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐κ²N,N′)[2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,5‐bis(p‐tolylimino‐κN)imidazolato]ruthenium(II) hexafluorophosphate is investigated, both in solution and attached to a nanocrystalline TiO₂ film. The studied substitution pattern of the 4H‐imidazole ligand is observed to block a photoinduced structural reorganization pathway within the 4H‐imidazole ligand that has been previously investigated. Protonation at the 4H‐imidazole ring decreases the excited‐state lifetime in solution. When the unprotonated dye is anchored to TiO₂, photoinduced electron injection occurs from thermally nonrelaxed triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (³MLCT) states with a characteristic time constant of 0.5 ps and an injection efficiency of roughly 25 %. Electron injection from the subsequently populated thermalized ³MLCT state of the dye does not take place. The energy of this state seems to be lower than the conduction band edge of TiO₂.