Coordination-Induced N−H Bond Splitting of Ammonia and Primary Amine of CuI−MOFs

We report a porous three-dimensional anionic tetrazolium based Cu^I−MOF 1 , which is capable of cleaving the N−H bond of ammonia and primary amine, as well as the O−H bond of H₂O along with spontaneous H₂ evolution. In the gas-solid phase reaction of 1 with ammonia and water vapor, Cu^I−MOF 1 was gradually oxidized to NH₂−Cu^II−MOF and OH−Cu^II−MOF, through single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) structural transformations, which was confirmed by XPS, PXRD and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Density functional theory (DFT) demonstrated that Cu^I−MOF could lower N−H bond dissociation free energy of ammonia through coordination-induced bond weakening and promote H₂ evolution by the reduction potential of 1 . To our knowledge, this is the first example of MOFs that activate ammonia and amine in gas-solid manner.     

Ring‐to‐Cage Structural Conversion via Template Effect in a Gold(I) Metallosupramolecular System

A unique example of a ring‐to‐cage structural conversion in a multinuclear gold(I) coordination system with d ‐penicillamine (d ‐H₂pen) is reported. The reaction of [Au₂Cl₂(dppe)] (dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) with d ‐H₂pen in a 1:1 ratio gave [Au₄(dppe)₂(d ‐pen)₂] ([ 1 ]), in which two [Au₂(dppe)]²⁺ units are linked by two d ‐pen S atoms in a cyclic form so as to have two bidentate‐N,O coordination arms. The subsequent reaction of [ 1 ] with Cu(OTf)₂ afforded [Au₄Cu(dppe)₂(d ‐pen)₂]²⁺ ([ 2 ]²⁺), in which a Cu^II ion is chelated by the two coordination arms in [ 1 ] to form an Au^I₄Cu^II bicyclic metallocage. A similar reaction using Cu(NO₃)₂ was accompanied by the ring expansion of [ 1 ] to [Au₈(dppe)₄(d ‐pen)₄], leading to the production of [Au₈Cu₂(dppe)₄(d ‐pen)₄]⁴⁺ ([ 3 ]⁴⁺). In [ 3 ]⁴⁺, two Cu^II ions are each chelated by the two coordination arms to form an Au^I₈Cu^II₂ tricyclic metallocage, accommodating a nitrate ion. The use of Ni(NO₃)₂ or Ni(OAc)₂ instead of Cu(NO₃)₂ commonly gave a tricyclic metallocage of [Au₈Ni₂(dppe)₄(d ‐pen)₄]⁴⁺ ([ 4 ]⁴⁺), but a water molecule was accommodated inside the Au^I₈Ni^II₂ metallocage.     

A one‐dimensional heterometallic coordination polymer with a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework: poly[μ2‐aqua‐diaqua(2,2′‐bipyridyl)(μ5‐2‐sulfonatobutanedioato)copper(II)sodium(I)]

The title compound, [CuNa(C₄H₃O₇S)(C₁₀H₈N₂)(H₂O)₃]_n, consists of one Cu^II cation, one Na^I cation, one 2‐sulfonatobutanedioate trianion (SSC³⁻), one 2,2′‐bipyridyl (bpy) ligand and three coordinated water molecules as the building unit. The coordination of the Cu^II cation is composed of two pyridyl N atoms, one water O atom and two carboxylate O atoms in a distorted square‐pyramidal coordination geometry with an axial elongation. The Na^I cation is six‐coordinated by three water molecules and three carboxylate O atoms from three SSC³⁻ ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry. Two SSC³⁻ ligands link two Cu^II cations to form a Cu₂(SSC)₂(bpy)₂ macrocyclic unit lying across an inversion centre, which is further linked by Na^I cations via Na—O bonds to give a one‐dimensional chain. Interchain hydrogen bonds link these chains to form a two‐dimensional layer, which is further extended into a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework through π–π stacking interactions. The thermal stability of the title compound has also been investigated.     

The unprecedented role of a Cu<Superscript>II</Superscript> cryptand in the luminescence properties of a Eu<Superscript>III</Superscript> cryptate complex

Abstract  A Eu^III cryptate complex constructed from a Cu^II cryptand with an L ^tBu ligand, [Eu^IIICu₂^II(L ^tBu)₂(NO₃)₃(MeOH)], and the corresponding Ca^II and Na^I cryptates, [Ca^IICu₂^II(L ^tBu)₂(NO₃)₂(MeOH)₂] and [Na^ICu₂^II(L ^tBu)₂(Me₂CO)](BPh₄), have been synthesized and characterized in order to shed light on the essential role of Cu^II in the luminescence of a Eu^III cryptate. The unprecedented role of a Cu^II cryptand makes it possible to produce lanthanide luminescence in a Eu^III cryptate complex and is successfully elucidated by comparison with the corresponding Ca^II and Na^I cryptates. Graphical abstract   Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The unprecedented role of a CuII cryptand in the luminescence properties of a EuIII cryptate complex

Abstract  

A Eu^III cryptate complex constructed from a Cu^II cryptand with an L ^tBu ligand, [Eu^IIICu₂^II(L ^tBu)₂(NO₃)₃(MeOH)], and the corresponding Ca^II and Na^I cryptates, [Ca^IICu₂^II(L ^tBu)₂(NO₃)₂(MeOH)₂] and [Na^ICu₂^II(L ^tBu)₂(Me₂CO)](BPh₄), have been synthesized and characterized in order to shed light on the essential role of Cu^II in the luminescence of a Eu^III cryptate. The unprecedented role of a Cu^II cryptand makes it possible to produce lanthanide luminescence in a Eu^III cryptate complex and is successfully elucidated by comparison with the corresponding Ca^II and Na^I cryptates.     

Encapsulation of tricopper cluster in a synthetic cryptand enables facile redox processes from CuICuICuI to CuIICuIICuII states

One-pot reaction of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN), [Cu^I(MeCN)₄]PF₆, and paraformaldehyde affords a mixed-valent [TREN₄Cu^IICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₃ complex. The macrocyclic azacryptand TREN₄ contains four TREN motifs, three of which provide a bowl-shape binding pocket for the [Cu₃(μ₃-OH)]³⁺ core. The fourth TREN caps on top of the tricopper cluster to form a cryptand, imposing conformational constraints and preventing solvent interaction. Contrasting the limited redox capability of synthetic tricopper complexes reported so far, [TREN₄Cu^IICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₃ exhibits several reversible single-electron redox events. The distinct electrochemical behaviors of [TREN₄Cu^IICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₃ and its solvent-exposed analog [TREN₃Cu^IICu^IICu^II(μ₃-O)](PF₆)₄ suggest that isolation of tricopper core in a cryptand enables facile electron transfer, allowing potential application of synthetic tricopper complexes as redox catalysts. Indeed, the fully reduced [TREN₄Cu^ICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₂ can reduce O₂ under acidic conditions. The geometric constraints provided by the cryptand are reminiscent of Nature''s multicopper oxidases (MCOs). For the first time, a synthetic tricopper cluster was isolated and fully characterized at Cu^ICu^ICu^I (4a), Cu^IICu^ICu^I (4b), and Cu^IICu^IICu^I (4c) states, providing structural and spectroscopic models for many intermediates in MCOs. Fast electron transfer rates (10⁵ to 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹) were observed for both Cu^ICu^ICu^I/Cu^IICu^ICu^I and Cu^IICu^ICu^I/Cu^IICu^IICu^I redox couples, approaching the rapid electron transfer rates of copper sites in MCO.

Geometric constraints and site isolation provided by the cryptand enable reversible redox of tricopper μ-oxo cluster.     

A charge-separation-type ionic solid composed of hexanuclear complexes with a macrocyclic tetragold(I) metalloligand

The reaction of Na[Co^III(d -ebp)] (d -H₄ebp = N,N′-ethylenebis[d -penicillamine]) with [(Au^ICl)₂(dppe)] (dppe = 1,2-bis[diphenylphosphino]ethane) gave a cationic Au^I₄Co^III₂ hexanuclear complex, [Co^III₂(L^Au4)]²⁺ ([ 1 ]²⁺), where [L^Au4]⁴⁻ is a cyclic tetragold(I) metalloligand with a 32-membered ring, [Au^I₄(dppe)₂(d -ebp)₂]⁴⁻. Complex [ 1 ]²⁺ crystallized with NO₃⁻ to produce a charge-separation (CS)-type ionic solid of [ 1 ](NO₃)₂. In [ 1 ](NO₃)₂, the complex cations are assembled to form cationic supramolecular hexamers of {[ 1 ]²⁺}₆, which are closely packed in a face-centered cubic (fcc) lattice structure. The nitrate anions of [ 1 ](NO₃)₂ were accommodated in hydrophilic and hydrophobic tetrahedral interstices of the fcc structure to form tetrameric and hexameric nitrate clusters of {NO₃⁻}₄ and {NO₃⁻}₆, respectively. An analogous CS-type ionic solid formulated as [Ni^IICo^III(L^Au4)](NO₃) ([ 2 ](NO₃)) was obtained when a 1:1 mixture of Na[Co^III(d -ebp)] and [Ni^II(d -H₂ebp)] was reacted with [(Au^ICl)₂(dppe)], accompanied by the conversion of the diamagnetic, square-planar [Ni^II(d -H₂ebp)] to the paramagnetic, octahedral [Ni^II(d -ebp)]²⁻. While the overall fcc structure in [ 2 ](NO₃) was similar to that of [ 1 ](NO₃)₂, none of the nitrate anions were accommodated in any hydrophobic tetrahedral interstice, reflecting the difference in the complex charges between [ 1 ]²⁺ and [ 2 ]⁺.     

NLO active CuII/RuII and CdII/RuII coordination-organometallic complexes: synthesis,structural characterization and photoluminescence properties

Cu^II/Ru^II and Cd^II/Ru^II hybrid complexes [Cu(L_1–3)(NC₅H₄C≡CRu(dppe)₂Cl)] (1a-3a) and [Cd(L_1-3)(NC₅H₄C≡CRu(dppe)₂Cl)] (1b–3b) have been prepared by reaction of trans-[RuCl(dppe)₂(C≡C-py-3)] (1) with copper or cadmium acetate in the presence of Schiff base ligands L_H1–3 (where L_H = 2-(pyrrole-2-yl-methylidine)aminophenol (L_H1), 5-bromo-2-(pyrrole-2-yl-methylidine)aminophenol (L_H2) and 5-nitro-2-(pyrrole-2-yl-methylidine)aminophenol (L_H3)). The hybrid materials were characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, TEM, IR, UV–visible, ¹H NMR, and ³¹P NMR spectral studies. TEM overview observations revealed well-dispersed spherical nanoparticles of ~60 nm are formed. Quasireversible redox behavior is observed for Cu^II/Ru^II complexes corresponding to Cu^I/Cu^II and Ru^II/Ru^III couples. All the complexes exhibit blue-green emission as a result of fluorescence from the intraligand (π → π*) emission excited state with good quantum yield. The second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of Cu^II/Ru^II and Cd^II/Ru^II complexes have been investigated by the Kurtz-powder method. The second harmonic generation efficiency of these complexes show that these complexes are NLO active and display good second-order nonlinear optical activity.     

A two‐dimensional cadmium(II) coordination polymer based on 5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)isophthalic acid: poly[[tetraaquabis[μ3‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)isophthalato]dicadmium(II)] pentahydrate]

The title Cd^II compound, {[Cd₂(C₁₃H₇NO₄)₂(H₂O)₄]·5H₂O}_n, was synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O and 5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)isophthalic acid (H₂L). The asymmetric unit contains two crystallographically independent Cd^II cations, two deprotonated L²⁻ ligands, four coordinated water molecules and five isolated water molecules. One of the Cd^II cations adopts a six‐coordinate octahedral coordination geometry involving three O atoms from one bidentate chelating and one monodentate carboxylate group of two different L²⁻ ligands, one N atom of another L²⁻ ligand and two coordinated water molecules. The second Cd^II cation adopts a seven‐coordinate pentagonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry involving four O atoms from two bidentate chelating carboxylate groups of two different L²⁻ ligands, one N atom of another L²⁻ ligand and two coordinated water molecules. Each L²⁻ ligand bridges three Cd^II cations and, likewise, each Cd^II cation connects to three L²⁻ ligands, giving rise to a two‐dimensional graphite‐like 6³ layer structure. These two‐dimensional layers are further linked by O—H...O hydrogen‐bonding interactions to form a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. The photoluminescence properties of the title compound were also investigated.     

UV/Vis Spectroscopy of Copper Formate Clusters: Insight into Metal-Ligand Photochemistry

The electronic structure and photochemistry of copper formate clusters, Cu^I₂(HCO₂)₃⁻ and Cu^II_n(HCO₂)_2n+1⁻, n≤8, are investigated in the gas phase by using UV/Vis spectroscopy in combination with quantum chemical calculations. A clear difference in the spectra of clusters with Cu^I and Cu^II copper ions is observed. For the Cu^I species, transitions between copper d and s/p orbitals are recorded. For stoichiometric Cu^II formate clusters, the spectra are dominated by copper d–d transitions and charge-transfer excitations from formate to the vacant copper d orbital. Calculations reveal the existence of several energetically low-lying isomers, and the energetic position of the electronic transitions depends strongly on the specific isomer. The oxidation state of the copper centers governs the photochemistry. In Cu^II(HCO₂)₃⁻, fast internal conversion into the electronic ground state is observed, leading to statistical dissociation; for charge-transfer excitations, specific excited-state reaction channels are observed in addition, such as formyloxyl radical loss. In Cu^I₂(HCO₂)₃⁻, the system relaxes to a local minimum on an excited-state potential-energy surface and might undergo fluorescence or reach a conical intersection to the ground state; in both cases, this provides substantial energy for statistical decomposition. Alternatively, a Cu^II(HCO₂)₃Cu⁰⁻ biradical structure is formed in the excited state, which gives rise to the photochemical loss of a neutral copper atom.     

Post-Nickelation of a Crystalline Trinuclear Copper Organic Framework for Synergistic Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Conversion

Rational regulation of electronic structures and functionalities of framework materials still remains challenging. Herein, reaction of 4,4′,4′′-nitrilo-tribenzhydrazide with tris(μ₂-4-carboxaldehyde-pyrazolato-N,N′)-tricopper (Cu₃Py₃) generates the crystalline copper organic framework USTB-11(Cu). Post-modification with divalent nickel ions affords the heterometallic framework USTB-11(Cu,Ni). Powder X-ray diffraction and theoretical simulations reveal their two-dimensional hexagonal structure geometry. A series of advanced spectroscopic techniques disclose the mixed Cu^I/Cu^II state nature of Cu₃Py₃ in USTB-11(Cu,Ni) with a uniform bistable Cu₃⁴⁺(Cu^I₂Cu^II) : Cu₃⁵⁺(Cu^ICu^II₂) (ca. 1 : 3) oxidation state, resulting in a significantly improved formation efficiency of the charge-separation state. This endows the Ni sites with enhanced activity and USTB-11(Cu,Ni) with outstanding photocatalytic CO₂ to CO performance with a conversion rate of 22 130 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and selectivity of 98 %.     

Synthesis and characterization of Ru/Au,Pd/Au,Pd/2Au,Pt/2Au and Cu/2Au heterometallic complexes of cyclodiphosphazane cis-{(o-MeOC6H4O)P(μ-NBu)}2

Mononuclear complexes of cyclodiphosphazane with an uncoordinated phosphorus centre [RuCl₂(η⁶-cymene){l-κP}] (1a) (L = cis-{(o-MeOC₆H₄O)P(μ-N^tBu)}₂) and [PdCl₂(PEt₃){l-κP}] (1b) react with 1 equiv. of [AuCl(SMe₂)] to afford Ru^II/Au^I and Pd^II/Au^I heterodinuclear complexes [RuCl₂(η⁶-cymene){μ-l-κP,κP}AuCl] (2) and [PdCl₂(PEt₃){μ-l-κP,κP}AuCl] (3), respectively. Heterotrinuclear complexes [PdCl₂{μ-l-κP,κP}₂(AuCl)₂] (4), [PtCl₂{μ-l-κP,κP}₂(AuCl)₂] (5) and [CuI{μ-l-κP,κP}₂(AuCl)₂] (6) containing Pd^II/2Au^I, Pt^II/2Au^I and Cu^I/2Au^I metal centers have been synthesized from the reactions of trans-[PdCl₂{l-κP}₂] (1c), cis-[PtCl₂{l-κP}₂] (1d) and [CuI{{l-κP}₂] (1f) respectively, with 2 equiv. of [AuCl(SMe₂)]. Molecular structures of complexes 2, 3 and 4 were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

A novel two‐dimensional cadmium(II) complex: poly[diaquatris(μ4‐cyclohexane‐1,4‐dicarboxylato)bis[2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐benzimidazole]tricadmium(II)

The title compound, [Cd₃(C₈H₁₀O₄)₃(C₁₂H₉N₃)₂(H₂O)₂]_n or [Cd₃(chdc)₃(4‐PyBIm)₂(H₂O)₂]_n, was synthesized hydrothermally from the reaction of Cd(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O with 2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐benzimidazole (4‐PyBIm) and cyclohexane‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid (1,4‐chdcH₂). The asymmetric unit consists of one and a half Cd^II cations, one 4‐PyBIm ligand, one and a half 1,4‐chdc²⁻ ligands and one coordinated water molecule. The central Cd^II cation, located on an inversion centre, is coordinated by six carboxylate O atoms from six 1,4‐chdc²⁻ ligands to complete an elongated octahedral coordination geometry. The two terminal rotationally symmetric Cd^II cations each exhibits a distorted pentagonal–bipyramidal geometry, coordinated by one N atom from 4‐PyBIm, five O atoms from three 1,4‐chdc²⁻ ligands and one O atom from an aqua ligand. The 1,4‐chdc²⁻ ligands possess two conformations, i.e.e,e‐trans‐chdc²⁻ and e,a‐cis‐chdc²⁻. The cis‐1,4‐chdc²⁻ ligands bridge the Cd^II cations to form a trinuclear {Cd₃}‐based chain along the b axis, while the trans‐1,4‐chdc²⁻ ligands further link adjacent one‐dimensional chains to construct an interesting two‐dimensional network.     

1, 3, 4-Thiadiazole-2, 5-dithiol as a Complexing Agent II. Complexes of NiII,RhI, PdII,PtII, AuIII,and CuII

1, 3, 4-Thiadiazol-2, 5-Dithiol als Komplexierungsreagenz. II. Komplexe des Ni^II, Rh^I, Pd^II, Pt^II, Au^III und Cu^II Complexes of Ni^II, Rh^I, Pd^II, Pt^II, Au^III, and Cu^II with 1, 3, 4-thiadiazole-2, 5- dithiol have been prepared. Probable structures have been proposed for the complexes on the basis of chemical analysis, magnetic susceptibility and spectral data. Crystal field parameters have been calculated which are in keeping with the structures proposed.     

Temperature‐Mediated Template Release: Facile Growth of Copper(I) Mixed Ethynediide/Isopropylethynide Nanoclusters

In the comproportionation reaction of Cu^IIX₂ and Cu⁰ with isopropylacetylene (iPr−C≡C−H), the ethynediide species C₂²⁻ is generated via concomitant C−H/C−C bond cleavage of the iPr−C≡C−H precursor under moderate temperature to direct the formation of Cu^I mixed ethynediide/isopropylethynide nanoclusters (potentially explosive). The active ethynediide dianion C₂²⁻ exhibits chameleon‐like templating behavior to form C₂@Cu_m (m =6 ( 3 , 4 ), 7 ( 2 , 4 ), 8 ( 1 )) central structural units for successive formation of {C₂²⁻⊂Cu₂₄} ( 1 , 2 ), {6 C₂²⁻⊂Cu₄₈} ( 3 ), and {18 C₂²⁻⊂Cu₉₂} ( 4 ) complexes. Bearing the highest C₂²⁻ content, complex 4 features an unprecedented nanoscale Cu₂C₂ kernel. Furthermore, 1 – 3 exhibit structure‐controlled photoluminescence in the solid state.     

A Tray‐Shaped,PdII‐Clipped Au3 Complex as a Scaffold for the Modular Assembly of [3×n] Au Ion Clusters

A tray‐shaped Pd^II₃Au^I₃ complex ( 1 ) is prepared from 3,5‐bis(3‐pyridyl)pyrazole by means of tricyclization with Au^I followed by Pd^II clipping. Tray 1 is an efficient scaffold for the modular assembly of [3×n] Au^I clusters. Treatment of 1 with the Au^I₃ tricyclic guest 2 in H₂O/CH₃CN (7:3) or H₂O results in the selective formation of a [3×2] cluster ( 1 ? 2 ) or a [3×3] cluster ( 1 ? 2 ? 1 ), respectively. Upon subsequent addition of Ag^I ions, these complexes are converted to an unprecedented Au₃–Au₃–Ag–Au₃–Au₃ metal ion cluster.     

Transition metal complexes derived from ethyl-α-(N-phenylthiocarbamyl)cyanoacetate

Summary Complexes of Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II, Pd^II, Cd^II, Hg^II and Cu^I with ethyl--(N-phenylthiocarbamyl)cyanoacetate (HETCA) have been synthesized and characterized. The i.r. spectra show that HETCA behaves as a mononegative bidentate ligand, in the thiol tautomeric form. HETCA reduces CuCl₂ to give a diamagnetic Cu^I complex. A tetrahedral structure is proposed for the Co^II complex, while a square-planar structure is proposed for the Ni^II, Cu^II, and Pd^II complexes.     

Metal(II) complexes and metal(II) salts ofN-carbamoylpyrazole: N,O and N,N coordination

Summary Several new coordination compounds are reported withN-carbamoylpyrazole (Hcpz) as the ligand;viz. M(cpz)₂ where M = Cu^II and Ni^II; M(Hcpz)Cl₂ where M = Mn^II, Co^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Cd^II; M(Hcpz)₂Cl₂ Where M = Fe^II, Co^II and Ni^II: M(Hcpz)₃(BF₄)₂ where M = Fe^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Zn^II and Cd^II; and Cu(Hcpz)₂(BF₄)₂. In the salts, Hcpz is coordinated through the nitrogen atoms of the pyrazole ring and the nitrogen atom of the carbamoyl group. In the Hcpz complexes, coordination takes place through the nitrogen atom of the pyrazole ring and the oxygen atom of the carbamoyl group.     

Sterically Crowded Tris(2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl)phosphine – Is it Still a Ligand?

Tris(2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl)phosphine, P(o-TMSC₆H₄)₃, was synthesised and characterised in solution and in the solid state. The large steric bulk prevents most reactions of the phosphorus donor and makes the compound air stable both in the solid state as well as in solution. This shielded phosphine can still undergo three reactions, namely protonation, oxidation to the phosphine oxide under harsh conditions and complexation to Au^I, thus forming a complex with linear coordination. Unexpectedly, complexation was unsuccessful with a range of other metal cations. Neither Pd^II, Pt^II, Zn^II nor Hg^II reacted and even the remaining coinage metal cations Cu^I and Ag^I could not be coordinated. Both the parent molecule as well as the reaction products were structurally characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction, and the conformational change of geometry required to accommodate the additional atoms was analysed in detail. Apart from chemical oxidation with H₂O₂, P(o-TMSC₆H₄)₃ displays reversible electrochemical oxidation with a potential not unlike the one of sterically unencumbered phosphines for which the oxidation is usually not reversible. P(o-TMSC₆H₄)₃ can thus be considered a model compound for the investigation of the electronic properties of sterically unencumbered phosphines.