Nickel(II)‐Mediated Reversible Thiolate/Disulfide Conversion as a Mimic for a Key Step of the Catalytic Cycle of Methyl‐Coenzyme M Reductase

According to the well‐accepted mechanism, methyl‐coenzyme M reductase (MCR) involves Ni‐mediated thiolate‐to‐disulfide conversion that sustains its catalytic cycle of methane formation in the energy saving pathways of methanotrophic microbes. Model complexes that illustrate Ni‐ion mediated reversible thiolate/disulfide transformation are unknown. In this paper we report the synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic properties and redox interconversions of a set of Ni^II complexes comprising a tridentate N₂S donor thiol and its analogous N₄S₂ donor disulfide ligands. These complexes demonstrate reversible Ni^II‐thiolate/Ni^II‐disulfide (both bound and unbound disulfide‐S to Ni^II) transformations via thiyl and disulfide monoradical anions that resemble a primary step of MCR's catalytic cycle.     

Magnetochemical Complexity of Hexa‐ and Heptanuclear Wheel Complexes of Late‐3d Ions Supported by N,O‐Donor Pyridyl–Methanolate Ligands

The scaffold geometries, stability and magnetic features of the (pyridine‐2‐yl)methanolate (L) supported wheel‐shaped transition‐metal complexes with compositions [M₆L₁₂] ( 1 ), [Na?(ML₂)₆]⁺ ( 2 ), and [M′?(ML₂)₆]²⁺ ( 3 ), in which M=Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, and Zn^II were investigated with density functional theory (DFT). The goals of this study are manifold: 1) To advance understanding of the magnetism in the synthesized compounds [Na?(ML₂)₆]⁺ and [M′?(ML₂)₆]²⁺ that were described in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.­ 2010 , 49, 4443 ( I ‐{Na?Ni₆}, I ‐{Ni′?Ni₆}) and Dalton Trans.­ 2011 , 40, 10526 ( II ‐{Na?Co₆}, II ‐{Co′?Co₆}); 2) To disclose how the structural, electronic, and magnetic characteristics of 1 , 2 , and 3 change upon varying M^II from d⁷ (Co²⁺) to d¹⁰ (Zn²⁺); 3) To estimate the influence of the Na⁺ and M′²⁺ ions (X^Q+) occupying the central voids of 2 and 3 on the external and internal magnetic coupling interactions in these spin structures; 4) To assess the relative structural and electrochemical stabilities of 1 , 2 , and 3 . In particular, we focus here on the net spin polarization, the determination of the strength and the sign of the exchange coupling energies, the rationalization of the nature of the magnetic coupling, and the ground‐state structures of 1 , 2 , and 3 . Our study combines the broken symmetry DFT approach and the model Hamiltonian methodology implemented in the computational framework CONDON 2.0 for the modeling of molecular spin structures, to interpret magnetic susceptibility measurements of I ‐{Na?Ni₆} and I ‐{Ni′?Ni₆}. We illustrate that whereas the structures, stability and magnetism of 1 , 2 , and 3 are indeed influenced by the nature of 3d transition‐metals in the {M₆} rims, the X^Q+ ions in the inner cavities of 2 and 3 impact these properties to an even larger degree. As exemplified by I ‐{Ni′?Ni₆}, such heptanuclear complexes exhibit ground‐state multiplets that cannot be described by simplistic model of spin‐up and spin‐down metal centers. Furthermore, we assess how future low‐temperature susceptibility measurements at high magnetic fields can augment the investigation of compound 3 with M=Co, Ni.     

Three Novel 1‐H‐Benzimidazole‐5‐Carboxylate‐Based Nickel(II)/Cobalt(II) Coordination Polymers: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,Luminescent, and Magnetic Properties

Three 1H‐benzimidazole‐5‐carboxylate (Hbic^–)‐based coordination polymers, {[Ni(H₂O)(Hbic)₂] · 2H₂O}_n ( 1 ), {[Ni(H₂O)₂(Hbic)₂] · 3H₂O}_n ( 2 ), and {[Co₂(H₂O)₄(Hbic)₄] · 4DMF · 3H₂O}_n ( 3 ) were obtained by reactions of the ligand H₂bic and Ni^II or Co^II salts in the presence of different structure directing molecules. They were structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectra, elemental analysis, thermal stability, luminescent, and magnetic measurements. Structural analysis suggests that the three polymers exhibit a 2D (4, 4) layer for 1 and 1D linear double chains for both 2 and 3 due to the variable binding modes and the specific spatial orientation of the Hbic^– ligand towards the different paramagnetic metal ions, which were further aggregated into different 3D supramolecular architectures by popular hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Weak and comparable antiferromagnetic couplings mediating by Hbic^– bridge are observed between the neighboring spin carriers for 2 and 3 , respectively. Additionally, complexes 1 – 3 also display different luminescence emissions at room temperature due to the ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer.     

A Novel Self‐assembled Nickel(II)‐Cerium(III) Heterotetranuclear Dimer Constructed from N2O2‐type Bisoxime and Terephthalic Acid: Synthesis,Structure, and Photophysical Properties

By self‐assembly of a Salamo‐type ligand H₂L [H₂L = 1,2‐bis(3‐methoxysalicylideneaminooxy)ethane] with Ni(OAc)₂ · 4H₂O, Ce(NO₃)₃ · 6H₂O, and H₂bdc (H₂bdc = terephthalic acid), a novel Ni^II‐Ce^III heterometallic complex, [{Ni(L)Ce(NO₃)₂(CH₃OH)(DMF)}₂(bdc)], was obtained. Two crystallographically equivalent [Ni(L)Ce(NO₃)₂(CH₃OH)(DMF)] moieties lie in the inversion center, and are linked by one bdc^2– ligand leading to a heterotetranuclear dimer, in which the carboxylato group bridges the Ni^II and Ce^III atoms. Moreover, the photophysical properties of the Ni^II‐Ce^III complex were studied.     

Bis{2‐[(phenylimino)ethyl]‐1H‐pyrrol‐1‐ido‐κ2N,N′}nickel(II): a supramolecular structure formed by C—H...π hydrogen bonds

In the title compound, [Ni(C₁₂H₁₁N₂)₂], the Ni^II cation lies on an inversion centre and has a square‐planar coordination geometry. This transition metal complex is composed of two deprotonated N,N′‐bidentate 2‐[(phenylimino)ethyl]‐1H‐pyrrol‐1‐ide ligands around a central Ni^II cation, with the pyrrolide rings and imine groups lying trans to each other. The Ni—N bond lengths range from 1.894 (3) to 1.939 (2) Å and the bite angle is 83.13 (11)°. The Ni—N(pyrrolide) bond is substantially shorter than the Ni—N(imino) bond. The planes of the phenyl rings make a dihedral angle of 78.79 (9)° with respect to the central NiN₄ plane. The molecules are linked into simple chains by an intermolecular C—H...π interaction involving a phenyl β‐C atom as donor. Intramolecular C—H...π interactions are also present.     

Poly[[di‐μ2‐aqua‐di‐μ5‐croconato(2–)‐nickel(II)dipotassium(I)] tetra­hydrate]

In the title compound, {[K₂Ni(C₅O₅)₂(H₂O)₂]·4H₂O}_n, the Ni atom lies on an inversion centre. Two inversion‐related croconate [4,5‐dihydroxy‐4‐cyclo­pentene‐1,2,3‐trionate(2−)] ligands and an Ni^II ion form a near‐planar symmetrical [Ni(C₅O₅)₂]²⁻ moiety. The near‐square coordination centre of the moiety is then extended to an octa­hedral core by vertically bonding two water mol­ecules in the [Ni(C₅O₅)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁻ coordination anion. The crystal structure is characterized by a three‐dimensional network, involving strong K⋯O⋯K binding, K⋯O—Ni binding and hydrogen bonding.     

Aquachlorobis[4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐2‐(2‐pyridyl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐oxyl 3‐oxide‐κ2O1,N2]nickel(II) nitrate methanol disolvate monohydrate

The title complex, [NiCl(C₁₂H₁₆N₃O₂)₂(H₂O)]NO₃·2CH₄O·H₂O, was obtained from a methano­lic solution of Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, 2‐pyridyl nitro­nyl nitro­xide (2‐NITpy) and (NEt₄)₂[CoCl₄]. The equatorial coordination sites of the octahedral Ni^II centre are occupied by two chelating radical ligands, with the axial positions occupied by the Cl^? and water ligands. The H₂O—Ni—Cl axis of the complex lies along a crystallographic twofold axis, so that only half the cation is present in the asymmetric unit. The Ni—Cl bond length [2.3614 (17) Å] is significantly shorter than distances typical of octahedral Ni^II centres [2.441 (5) Å]. However, with only one nitrate anion per formula unit, the oxidation state of the metal must be assigned as Ni^II. The 2‐NITpy ligands bend away from the equatorial plane, forming a hydro­phobic region around the Cl atoms. Conversely, the ligated water mol­ecule forms moderately strong hydrogen bonds with the disordered methanol solvent mol­ecules, which in turn form interactions with the water of crystallization and the disordered nitrate anion. These interactions combine to give hydro­philic regions throughout the crystal structure.     

[Bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl‐κN2)hydro(pyrazol‐1‐yl‐κN2)borato][(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl‐κN2)dihydro(pyrazol‐1‐yl‐κN2)borato]nickel(II)

The title compound, [Ni(C₈H₁₂BN₄)(C₁₃H₁₈BN₆)] or Bp′Tp′Ni^II, where Bp′ is (3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)dihydro(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate and Tp′ is bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)hydro(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate, contains a divalent Ni^II centre bound by the chelating N atoms of the polysubstituted pyrazolylborate ligands. It is shown to lack a strong agostic B—H...Ni interaction, implying that the sixth coordination site is unoccupied in the solid state. This square‐pyramidal complex is the only known crystal structure where the Ni^II centre is pentacoordinated while bonded exclusively to pyrazolyl units. This is of interest with respect to electrochemical and catalytic properties.     

[N,N′‐Bis­(salicyl­idene)‐2,2‐di­methyl‐1,3‐propane­diaminato]­nickel(II) and [N,N′‐bis­(salicyl­idene)‐2,2‐di­methyl‐1,3‐propane­diaminato]copper(II)

In the title compounds, {2,2′‐[2,2‐di­methyl‐1,3‐propane­diyl­bis­(nitrilo­methyl­idyne)]­diphenolato‐κ⁴N,N′,O,O′}nickel(II), [Ni(C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₂)], and {2,2′‐[2,2‐di­methyl‐1,3‐propane­diyl­bis­(nitrilo­methyl­idyne)]­diphenolato‐κ⁴N,N′,O,O′}copper(II), [Cu(C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₂)], the Ni^II and Cu^II atoms are coordinated by two iminic N and two phenolic O atoms of the N,N′‐bis­(salicyl­idene)‐2,2‐di­methyl‐1,3‐propane­diaminate (SALPD^2?, C₁₇H₁₆N₂O₂^2?) ligand. The geometry of the coordination sphere is planar in the case of the Ni^II complex and distorted towards tetrahedral for the Cu^II complex. Both complexes have a cis configuration imposed by the chelate ligand. The dihedral angles between the N/Ni/O and N/Cu/O coordination planes are 17.20 (6) and 35.13 (7)°, respectively.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Two Succinato‐Bridged Macrocyclic Nickel(II) Complexes

Two dinuclear succinato‐bridged nickel(II) complexes [Ni(RR‐L)]₂(μ‐SA)(ClO₄)₂ ( 1 ) and [Ni(SS‐L)]₂(μ‐SA)(ClO₄)₂ ( 2 ) (L = 5, 5, 7, 12, 12, 14‐hexamethyl‐1, 4, 8, 11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane, SA = succinic acid) were synthesized and characterized by EA, Circular dichroism (CD), as well as IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed that the Ni^II atoms display a distorted octahedral coordination arrangement, and the succinato ligand bridges two central Ni^II atoms in a bis bidentate fashion to form dimers in 1 and 2 . The monomers of {[Ni(RR‐L)]₂(μ‐SA)}²⁺ and {[Ni(SS‐L)]₂(μ‐SA)}²⁺ are connected by O–H ··· O and N–H ··· O hydrogen bonds into a 1D right‐handed and left‐handed helical chain along the b axis, respectively. The homochiral natures of 1 and 2 are confirmed by the results of CD spectroscopy.     

A new one‐dimensional nickel metal–organic framework: catena‐poly[[[diaquabis(4‐{[(1‐phenyl‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)sulfanyl]methyl}benzoato‐κO)nickel(II)]‐μ‐4,4′‐bipyridine‐κ2N:N′] monohydrate]

The title complex, {[Ni(C₁₅H₁₁N₄O₂S)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_n, was synthesized by the reaction of nickel chloride, 4‐{[(1‐phenyl‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)sulfanyl]methyl}benzoic acid (HL) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy) under hydrothermal conditions. The asymmetric unit contains two half Ni^II ions, each located on an inversion centre, two L⁻ ligands, one bpy ligand, two coordinated water molecules and one unligated water molecule. Each Ni^II centre is six‐coordinated by two monodentate carboxylate O atoms from two different L⁻ ligands, two pyridine N atoms from two different bpy ligands and two terminal water molecules, displaying a nearly ideal octahedral geometry. The Ni^II ions are bridged by 4,4′‐bipyridine ligands to afford a linear array, with an Ni...Ni separation of 11.361 (1) Å, which is further decorated by two monodentate L⁻ ligands trans to each other, resulting in a one‐dimensional fishbone‐like chain structure. These one‐dimensional fishbone‐like chains are further linked by O—H...O, O—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions to form a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. The thermal stability of the title complex was investigated via thermogravimetric analysis.     

Bis(1,5‐di­aza­cyclo­octane‐N,N′)nickel(II) dibromide

The crystal structure of the title complex, [Ni(C₆H₁₄N₂)₂]Br₂, consists of discrete [Ni(C₆H₁₄N₂)₂]²⁺ cations and bromide counter‐anions. The Ni^II ion is at the center of symmetry and is four‐coordinated by four nitro­gen donors of the mesocyclic ligand 1,5‐di­aza­cyclo­octane (DACO) [Ni—N 1.935 (2)–1.937 (2) Å]. The coordination geometry of Ni^II can be considered as square planar and both DACO ligands take the boat–chair conformation. The bromide anions are hydrogen bonded with the nitro­gen donors of the ligands to form a macrocycle‐like ring system.     

Controlled Synthesis of a Vacancy‐Defect Single‐Atom Catalyst for Boosting CO2 Electroreduction

The reaction of precursors containing both nitrogen and oxygen atoms with Ni^II under 500 °C can generate a N/O mixing coordinated Ni‐N₃O single‐atom catalyst (SAC) in which the oxygen atom can be gradually removed under high temperature due to the weaker Ni?O interaction, resulting in a vacancy‐defect Ni‐N₃‐V SAC at Ni site under 800 °C. For the reaction of Ni^II with the precursor simply containing nitrogen atoms, only a no‐vacancy‐defect Ni‐N₄ SAC was obtained. Experimental and DFT calculations reveal that the presence of a vacancy‐defect in Ni‐N₃‐V SAC can dramatically boost the electrocatalytic activity for CO₂ reduction, with extremely high CO₂ reduction current density of 65 mA cm^?2 and high Faradaic efficiency over 90 % at ?0.9 V vs. RHE, as well as a record high turnover frequency of 1.35×10⁵ h^?1, much higher than those of Ni‐N₄ SAC, and being one of the best reported electrocatalysts for CO₂‐to‐CO conversion to date.     

Studies on the nuclease activity and interactions of the mixed‐polypyridyl [Ni2(1,3‐tpbd)(diimine)2(H2O)2]4+ complexes with thioredoxin reductase

Three new nickel(II) complexes formulated as [Ni₂(1,3‐tpbd)(diimine)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ [1,3‐tpbd = N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)benzene‐1,3‐diamine, where diimine is an N,N‐donor heterocyclic base like 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen),2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy), 4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐one (dafo)], have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography: [Ni₂(1,3‐tpbd)(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (1), [Ni₂(1,3‐tpbd)(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺(2) and [Ni₂(1,3‐tpbd)(dafo)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (3). Single‐crystal diffraction reveals that the metal atoms in the complexes are all in a distorted octahedral geometry and in a trans arrangement around 1,3‐tpbd ligand. The interactions of the three complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) have been investigated by UV absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism and viscosity. The apparent binding constant (K_app) values are calculated to be 1.91 × 10⁵ m ^?1 for 1, 1.18 × 10⁵ m ^?1 for 2, and 1.35 × 10⁵ m ^?1 for 3, following the order 1 > 3 > 2. The higher DNA binding affinity of 1 is due to the involvement in partial insertion of the phen ring between the DNA base pairs. A decrease in relative viscosities of DNA upon binding to 1–3 is consistent with the DNA binding affinities. These complexes efficiently display oxidative cleavage of supercoiled DNA in the presence of H₂O₂ (250 µ m ), with 3 exhibiting the highest nuclease activity. The rate constants for the conversion of supercoiled to nicked DNA are 5.28 × 10^?5 s^?1 (for 1), 6.67 × 10^?5 s^?1 (for 2) and 1.39 × 10^?4 s^?1 (for 3), also indicating that complex 3 shows higher catalytic activity than 1 and 2. Here the nuclease activity is not readily correlated to binding affinity. The inhibitory effect of complexes 1–3 on thioredoxin reductase has also been examined. The IC₅₀ values are calculated to be 26.54 ± 0.57, 31.03 ± 3.33 and 8.69 ± 2.54 µ m , respectively, showing a more marked inhibitory effect on thioredoxin reductase by complex 3 than the other two complexes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthese,Strukturen, NMR‐ und EPR‐spektroskopische Untersuchungen an Übergangsmetallkomplexen monofluorsubstituierter Acylselenoharnstoffliganden

Synthesis, Structures, NMR and EPR Investigations on Transition Metal Complexes of monofluorosubstituted Acylselenourea Ligands The syntheses and the structures of the ligand N, N‐diethyl‐N′‐(2‐fluoro)benzoylselenourea HEt₂mfbsu and the complexes [Ni(Et₂mfbsu)₂] and [Zn(Et₂mfbsu)₂] as well as of the ligand N, N‐diisobutyl‐N′‐(2‐fluoro)benzoylselenourea HBuⁱ₂mfbsu and the complexes [Ni^II(Buⁱ₂mfbsu)₂] and [Pd^II(Buⁱ₂mfbsu)₂] are reported. The ligands coordinate bidendately forming bischelates. The Pd^II and Ni^II complexes are cis coordinated; in [Zn^II(Et₂mfbsu)₂] the ligands are tetrahedrally arranged. The structure of the also obtained bis[diisobutylamino‐(2‐fluorobenzoylimino)methyl]diselenide is reported. The Cu^II complexes of both selenourea ligands could not be isolated. They were obtained as oils. Their EPR spectra, however, confirm the presence of Cu^II bischelates unambiguously. Detailed NMR investigations ‐ ¹H‐, ¹³C‐ and ¹⁹F‐COSY, HMBC and HMQC ‐ on [M^II(Et₂mfbsu)₂] (M = Ni^II, Zn^II) allow an exact assignment of all signals to the magnetically active nuclei of the complexes.     

Hydride Reactivity of NiII?X?NiII Entities: Mixed‐Valent Hydrido Complexes and Reversible Metal Reduction

After the lithiation of PYR‐H₂ (PYR^2?=[{NC(Me)C(H)C(Me)NC₆H₃(iPr)₂}₂(C₅H₃N)]^2?), which is the precursor of an expanded β‐diketiminato ligand system with two binding pockets, its reaction with [NiBr₂(dme)] led to a dinuclear nickel(II)–bromide complex, [(PYR)Ni(μ‐Br)NiBr] ( 1 ). The bridging bromide ligand could be selectively exchanged for a thiolate ligand to yield [(PYR)Ni(μ‐SEt)NiBr] ( 3 ). In an attempt to introduce hydride ligands, both compounds were treated with KHBEt₃. This treatment afforded [(PYR)Ni(μ‐H)Ni] ( 2 ), which is a mixed valent Ni^I? μ‐H? Ni^II complex, and [(PYR‐H)Ni(μ‐SEt)Ni] ( 4 ), in which two tricoordinated Ni^I moieties are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled. Compound 4 is the product of an initial salt metathesis, followed by an intramolecular redox process that separates the original hydride ligand into two electrons, which reduce the metal centres, and a proton, which is trapped by one of the binding pockets, thereby converting it into an olefin ligand on one of the Ni^I centres. The addition of a mild acid to complex 4 leads to the elimination of H₂ and the formation of a Ni^IINi^II compound, [(PYR)Ni(μ‐SEt)NiOTf] ( 5 ), so that the original Ni^II(μ‐SEt)Ni^IIX core of compound 3 is restored. All of these compounds were fully characterized, including by X‐ray diffraction, and their molecular structures, as well as their formation processes, are discussed.     

Controlled Synthesis of Heterotrimetallic Single‐Chain Magnets from Anisotropic High‐Spin 3 d–4 f Nodes and Paramagnetic Spacers

By using the node‐and‐spacer approach in suitable solvents, four new heterotrimetallic 1D chain‐like compounds (that is, containing 3d–3d′–4f metal ions), {[Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)Fe(Tp*)(CN)₃] ? 2 CH₃CN ? CH₃OH}_n (H₂L=N,N′‐bis(3‐methoxysalicylidene)‐1,3‐diaminopropane, Tp*=hydridotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)borate; Ln=Gd ( 1 ), Dy ( 2 ), Tb ( 3 ), Nd ( 4 )), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. All of these compounds are made up of a neutral cyanide‐ and phenolate‐bridged heterotrimetallic chain, with a {? Fe? C?N? Ni(? O? Ln)? N?C? }_n repeat unit. Within these chains, each [(Tp*)Fe(CN)₃]^? entity binds to the Ni^II ion of the [Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]⁺ motif through two of its three cyanide groups in a cis mode, whereas each [Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]⁺ unit is linked to two [(Tp*)Fe(CN)₃]^? ions through the Ni^II ion in a trans mode. In the [Ni(L)Ln(NO₃)₂(H₂O)]⁺ unit, the Ni^II and Ln^III ions are bridged to one other through two phenolic oxygen atoms of the ligand (L). Compounds 1 – 4 are rare examples of 1D cyanide‐ and phenolate‐bridged 3d–3d′–4f helical chain compounds. As expected, strong ferromagnetic interactions are observed between neighboring Fe^III and Ni^II ions through a cyanide bridge and between neighboring Ni^II and Ln^III (except for Nd^III) ions through two phenolate bridges. Further magnetic studies show that all of these compounds exhibit single‐chain magnetic behavior. Compound 2 exhibits the highest effective energy barrier (58.2 K) for the reversal of magnetization in 3d/4d/5d–4f heterotrimetallic single‐chain magnets.     

A 3D Porous Metal Organic Framework Based on Infinite 1D Nickel(II) Chains with Rutile Topology Displaying Open Metal Sites

The reaction of Ni^II with a tetra‐benzoate pyrene ligand produces a 3D porous framework based on infinite 1D Ni^II chains. The Ni^II–O connectivity and the formation of a hydroxo‐bridge (μ₃‐OH) responsible for the connection of the central Ni^II atoms within the 1D Ni^II–(μ₃‐OH)₂–Ni^II chains can be straightforwardly compared with the Ti^IV–O–Ti^IV connectivity seen in TiO₂. The arrangement of the TBAPy ligand around the 1D rutile‐based chains leads in the generation of a porous framework with two distinct types of pores; based on the chemistries of these two types of pores, one can be labelled as hydrophobic and the other as hydrophilic. The use of different activation methods results in the generation of either a porous framework free of guest molecules or a completely solvent‐free material, in which the terminal H₂O molecules bound to Ni^II were removed, leading thus to a framework with open Ni^II sites. CO₂ isotherms collected on both frameworks at 195 K and one barshowed type I isotherms characteristic of microporous materials (BET surface areas for: guest‐free framework: 257(3) m² · g^–1; solvent‐free framework: 362(2) m² · g^–1). The affinity of both networks at zero coverage for both CO₂ and CH₄ was found to be greater when the unsaturated Ni^II sites are available within the void space.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Characterization of Two Oxamido‐bridged NiIICuIINiII Heteronuclear Complexes

Two new trinuclear complexes [Cu^II(Ni^IIX₁)₂(C₂H₅OH)₂]· (ClO₄)₂·2(CH₃OH) ( 1 ) and [Cu^II(Ni^IIX₂)₂(H₂O)]·(ClO₄)₂· 0.75(H₂O) ( 2 ) (X₁ = dianion of 5,6;13,14‐dibenzo‐7,12‐bis(ethoxycarboxyl)‐9‐methyl‐2,3‐dioxo‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradeca‐7,11‐diene. X₂ = dianion of 5,6;13,14‐dibenzo‐9,10‐cyclohexano‐7,12‐bis(ethoxycarboxyl)‐2,3‐dioxo‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradeca7,11‐diene.) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray analysis, elemental analysis, IR, UV and EPR spectroscopies. The complexes consist of Ni^IICu^IINi^II heteronuclear cationic entities. The central Cu^II atom of 1 lies in an octahedral coordination environment, while that of 2 resides in a square‐pyramidal coordination sphere. The adjacent trinuclear units of 1 are linked together through π‐π stacking interactions resulting in a 1D supramolecular chain, whereas the π‐π stacking interactions between the contiguous units of 2 lead to a 2D structure. The EPR spectra of the two complexes show a signal of an axially elongated octahedral Cu^II system in 1 and an axially elongated square‐pyramidal Cu^II system in 2 , respectively. The hyperfine splitting of the Cu^II atoms (I^Cu = 3/2) has also been observed in the EPR spectra.