A closed molecular cube and an open book: two different products from assembly of the same metal salt and bridging ligand

Reaction of the bis-bidentate bridging ligand L1 with Co(ClO4)2 or Zn(BF4)2 affords a mixture of complexes [M8(L1)12]X16 and [M6(L1)9]X12 having the same metal : ligand ratio: the former is a molecular cube with a metal ion at each vertex and a bridging ligand spanning each edge, whereas the latter has a metal framework like that of an 'open book' containing cross-linked double helical metal-ligand subunits.     

Synthesis and coordination chemistry of two N2-donor chelating di(indazolyl)methane ligands: structural characterization and comparison of their metal chelation aptitudes

The N(2)-donor bidentate ligands di(1H-indazol-1-yl)methane (L(1)) and di(2H-indazol-2-yl)methane (L(2)) (L in general) have been synthesized, and their coordination behavior toward Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) salts has been studied. Reaction of L(1) and L(2) with ZnX(2) (X = Cl, Br, or I) yields [ZnX(2)L] species (1-6), that, in the solid state, show a tetrahedral structure with dihapto ligand coordination via the pyrazolyl arms. The reaction of L(1) and L(2) with Zn(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O is strongly dependent on the reaction conditions and on the ligand employed. Reaction of L(1) with equimolar quantities of Zn(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O yields the neutral six-coordinate species [Zn(NO(3))(2)(L(1))], 7. On the other hand the use of L(1) excess gives the 2:1 adduct [Zn(NO(3))(2)(L(1))(2)], 8 where both nitrates act as a unidentate coordinating ligand. Analogous stoichiometry is found in the compound obtained from the reaction of L(2) with Zn(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O which gives the ionic [Zn(NO(3))(L(2))(2)](NO(3)), 10. Complete displacement of both nitrates from the zinc coordination sphere is observed when the reaction between L(1) excess and the zinc salt was carried out in hydrothermal conditions. The metal ion type is also determining structure and stoichiometry: the reaction of L(2) with CdCl(2) gave the 2:1 adduct [CdCl(2)(L(2))(2)] 11 where both chlorides complete the coordination sphere of the six-coordinate cadmium center; on the other hand from the reaction of L(1) with CdBr(2) the polynuclear [CdBr(2)(L(1))](n) 12 is obtained, the Br(-) anion acting as bridging ligands in a six-coordinate cadmium coordination environment. The reaction of L(1) and L(2) with HgX(2) (X = Cl, I, SCN) is also dependent on the reaction conditions and the nature of X, two different types of adducts being formed [HgX(L)] (14: L = L(1), 16, 17: L = L(1) or L(2), X = I, 19: L = L(2), X = SCN) and [HgX(L)(2)] (15: L = L(2), X = Cl, 18: L = L(1), X = SCN). The X-ray diffraction analyses of compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10-12, 14, 15, and 19 are also reported. The variations of the coordination geometry parameters in the complexes are compared and discussed.     

Structures and dynamic behavior of large polyhedral coordination cages: an unusual cage-to-cage interconversion

The bis-bidentate bridging ligand L {α,α'-bis[3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1,4-dimethylbenzene}, which contains two chelating pyrazolyl-pyridine units connected to a 1,4-phenylene spacer via flexible methylene units, reacts with transition metal dications to form a range of polyhedral coordination cages based on a 2M:3 L ratio in which a metal ion occupies each vertex of a polyhedron, a bridging ligand lies along every edge, and all metal ions are octahedrally coordinated. Whereas the Ni(II) complex [Ni(8)L(12)](BF(4))(12)(SiF(6))(2) is an octanuclear cubic cage of a type we have seen before, the Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) complexes form new structural types. [Cu(6)L(9)](BF(4))(12) is an unusual example of a trigonal prismatic cage, and both Zn(II) and Cd(II) form unprecedented hexadecanuclear cages [M(16)L(24)]X(32)(X = ClO(4) or BF(4)) whose core is a skewed tetracapped truncated tetrahedron. Both Cu(6)L(9) and M(16)L(24) cages are based on a cyclic helical M(3)L(3) subunit that can be considered as a triangular "panel", with the cages being constructed by interconnection of these (homochiral) panels with additional bridging ligands in different ways. Whereas [Cu(6)L(9)](BF(4))(12) is stable in solution (by electrospray mass spectrometry, ES-MS) and is rapidly formed by combination of Cu(BF(4))(2) and L in the correct proportions in solution, the hexadecanuclear cage [Cd(16)L(24)](BF(4))(32) formed on crystallization slowly rearranges in solution over a period of several weeks to the trigonal prism [Cd(6)L(9)](BF(4))(12), which was unequivocally identified on the basis of its (1)H NMR spectrum. Similarly, combination of Cd(BF(4))(2) and L in a 2:3 ratio generates a mixture whose main component is the trigonal prism [Cd(6)L(9)](BF(4))(12). Thus the hexanuclear trigonal prism is the thermodynamic product arising from combination of Cd(II) and L in a 2:3 ratio in solution, and arises from both assembly of metal and ligand (minutes) and rearrangement of the Cd(16) cage (weeks); the large cage [Cd(16)L(24)](BF(4))(32) is present as a minor component of a mixture of species in solution but crystallizes preferentially.     

Metal-catalysed oxidation processes in thiosemicarbazones: new complexes with the ligand N-{2-([4-N-ethylthiosemicarbazone]methyl)phenyl}-p-toluenesulfonamide

The coordination behaviour of a new thiosemicarbazone Schiff-base building block, N-{2-([4-N-ethylthiosemicarbazone]methyl)phenyl}-p-toluenesulfonamide, H2L1 (1), incorporating a bulky tosyl group, towards Mn II, Fe II, Co II, Ni II, Cu II, Zn II, Cd II, Ag I, Sn II, and Pb II has been investigated by means of an electrochemical preparative procedure. Most metal complexes of L1 have the general formula [M(L1)]2.nX (M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb; n=0-4, X=H2O or CH3CN), as confirmed by the structure of [Pb(L1)]2 (15), in which the lone pair on lead is stereochemically active. This lead(II) complex shows an intense fluorescence emission with a quantum yield of 0.13. In the case of silver, the complex formed was found to possess a stoichiometry of [Ag2(L1)]2.3H2O. During reactions with manganese and copper metals, interesting catalysed processes have been found to take place, with remarkable consequences regarding the ligand skeleton structure. In synthesising the manganese complex, we obtained an unexpected dithiolate thiosemicarbazone tosyl ligand, H2L2, as a side-product, which has been fully characterised, including by X-ray diffraction analysis. In the case of copper, the solid complex has the formula [CuL1]2, but the crystallised product shows the copper atoms coordinated to a new cyclised thiosemicarbazone ligand, H2L3, as in the structures of the complexes [Cu(L3)]2.CH3CN (8) and [Cu(L3)(H2O)]2.CH3CN.H2O (9). The zinc complex [Zn(L1)]4 (12) displays a particular tetranuclear zeolite-type structure capable of hosting small molecules or ions, presumably through hydrogen bonding.     

Structural and thermal characterization of ternary complexes of piroxicam and alanine with transition metals: uranyl binary and ternary complexes of piroxicam. Spectroscopic characterization and properties of metal complexes

Ternary Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and UO2(II) complexes with piroxicam (Pir) drug (H2L1) and dl-alanine (Ala) (HL2) and also the binary UO2(II) complex with Pir were studied. The structures of the complexes were elucidated using elemental, IR, molar conductance, magnetic moment, diffused reflectance and thermal analyses. The UO2(II) binary complex was isolated in 1:2 ratio with the formula [UO2(H2L)2](NO3)2. The ternary complexes were isolated in 1:1:1 (M:H2L1:L2) ratios. The solid complexes were isolated in the general formulae [M(H2L)(L2)(Cl)n(H2O)m].yH2O (M=Fe(III) (n=2, m=0, y=1), Co(II) (n=1, m=1, y=2) and Ni(II) (n=1, m=1, y=0)); [M(H2L)(L2)](X)z.yH2O (M=Cu(II) (X=AcO, z=1, y=0), Zn(II) (X=AcO, z=1, y=3) and UO2(II) (X=NO3, z=1, y=2)). Pir behaves as a neutral bidentate ligand coordinated to the metal ions via the pyridine-N and carbonyl-O groups, while Ala behaves as a uninegatively bidentate ligand coordinated to the metal ions via the deprotonated carboxylate-O and amino-N. The magnetic and reflectance spectral data show that the complexes have octahedral geometry except Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes have tetrahedral structures. The thermal decomposition of the complexes was discussed in relation to structure, and the thermodynamic parameters of the decomposition stages were evaluated.     

Molecular squares, cubes and chains from self-assembly of bis-bidentate bridging ligands with transition metal dications

The two new ligands L(fur) and L(th) consist of two chelating pyrazolyl-pyridine termini connected to furan-2,5-diyl or thiophene-2,5-diyl spacers via methylene groups. Reaction of these with a range of transition metal dications that prefer octahedral coordination affords a series of unusual structures which are all based on a 2M : 3L ratio. [M(8)(L(fur))(12)]X(16) (M = Co, Cu, X = BF(4); and M = Zn, X = ClO(4)) are octanuclear cubes with approximate D(4) symmetry in which two cyclic tetranuclear helicate M(4)L(4) units are connected by four additional 'pillar' ligands. In contrast [Ni(4)(L(fur))(6)](BF(4))(8) is a centrosymmetric molecular square consisting of two dinuclear Ni(2)L(2) units of opposite chirality that are connected by a pair of additional L(fur) ligands such that the four edges of the Ni(4) square are spanned by alternately two and one bridging ligands. [M(4)(L(th))(6)](BF(4))(8) (M = Co, Ni, Cu) are likewise molecular squares with similar structures to [Ni(4)(L(fur))(6)](BF(4))(8) with the significant difference that the two crosslinked double helicate M(2)L(2) units are now homochiral. The Cd(II) complexes both behave quite differently to the first-row metal complexes, with [Cd(L(fur))(BF(4))](BF(4)) being a simple mononuclear complex with a single ligand in which the furan oxygen atom is weakly interacting with the Cd(II) centre. In contrast, in {[Cd(2)(L(th))(3)](BF(4))(4)}(∞), where this quasi-pentadentate coordination mode of the ligand is not possible because thiophene is too poor an electron donor, the ligand reverts to bis-bidentate bridging coordination to afford a one-dimensional chain consisting of an infinite sequence of crosslinked, homochiral, Cd(2)(L(th))(2) double helicate units.     

Uranyl binary and ternary chelates of tenoxicam Synthesis, spectroscopic and thermal characterization of ternary chelates of tenoxicam and alanine with transition metals

Ternary Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and UO(2)(II) chelates with tenoxicam (Ten) drug (H(2)L(1)) and dl-alanine (Ala) (HL(2)) and also the binary UO(2)(II) chelate with Ten were studied. The structures of the chelates were elucidated using elemental, molar conductance, magnetic moment, IR, diffused reflectance and thermal analyses. UO(2)(II) binary chelate was isolated in 1:2 ratio with the formula [UO(2)(H(2)L)(2)](NO(3))(2). The ternary chelates were isolated in 1:1:1 (M:H(2)L(1):L(2)) ratios and have the general formulae [M(H(2)L(1))(L(2))(Cl)(n)(H(2)O)(m)].yH(2)O (M=Fe(III) (n=2, m=0, y=2), Co(II) (n=1, m=1, y=2) and Ni(II) (n=1, m=1, y=3)); [M(H(2)L(1))(L(2))](X)(z).yH(2)O (M=Cu(II) (X=AcO, z=1, y=0), Zn(II) (X=AcO, z=1, y=3) and UO(2)(II) (X=NO(3), z=1, y=2)). IR spectra reveal that Ten behaves as a neutral bidentate ligand coordinated to the metal ions via the pyridine-N and carbonyl-O groups, while Ala behaves as a uninegatively bidentate ligand coordinated to the metal ions via the deprotonated carboxylate-O and amino-N. The magnetic and reflectance spectral data confirm that all the chelates have octahedral geometry except Cu(II) and Zn(II) chelates have tetrahedral structures. Thermal decomposition of the chelates was discussed in relation to structure and different thermodynamic parameters of the decomposition stages were evaluated.     

Structural, spectroscopic and thermal characterization of 2-tert-butylaminomethylpyridine-6-carboxylic acid methylester and its Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and UO(2)(II) complexes

Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and UO(2)(II) complexes with the ligand 2-tert-butylaminomethylpyridine-6-carboxylic acid methylester (HL(2)) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic moment, thermal analysis and spectral data. 1:1 M:HL(2) complexes, with the general formula [M(HL(2))X(2)].nH(2)O (where M = Co(II) (X = Cl, n = 0), Ni(II) (X = Cl, n = 3), Cu(II) (grey colour, X = AcO, n = 1), Cu(II) (yellow colour, X = Cl, n = 0) and Zn(II) (X = Br, n = 0). In addition, the Fe(III) and UO(2)(II) complexes of the type 1:2 M:HL(2) and with the formulae [Fe(L(2))(2)]Cl and [UO(2)(HL(2))(2)](NO(3))(2) are prepared. From the IR data, it is seen that HL(2) ligand behaves as a terdentate ligand coordinated to the metal ions via the pyridyl N, carboxylate O and protonated NH group; except the Fe(III) complex, it coordinates via the deprotonated NH group. This is supported by the molar conductance data, which show that all the complexes are non-electrolytes, while the Fe(III) and UO(2)(II) complexes are 1:1 electrolytes. IR and H1-NMR spectral studies suggest a similar behaviour of the Zn(II) complex in solid and solution states. From the solid reflectance spectral data and magnetic moment measurements, the complexes have a trigonal bipyramidal (Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes) and octahedral (Fe(III), UO(2)(II) complexes) geometrical structures. The thermal behaviour of the complexes is studied and the different dynamic parameters are calculated applying Coats-Redfern equation.     

Synthesis, characterization of complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with 12-membered Schiff base tetraazamacrocyclic ligand and the study of their antimicrobial and reducing power

Schiff base tetraazamacrocyclic ligand, L (C(40)H(28)N(4)) and its complexes of types, [MLX(2)] and [CuL]X(2) (M=Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II); X=Cl(-), NO(3)(-)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, mass, (1)H NMR, IR, UV-vis, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductance data. An octahedral geometry has been proposed for all the complexes except the copper(II) complexes which have a square planar environment. The reducing power of the Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes have been checked and compared. The ligand (L) and its complexes have also been screened against different fungi and bacteria in vitro.     

A new amino alcohol NpyNimineNamineOalcohol-donor ligand: coordination toward zinc(II) and cadmium(II) halides and enantioselective products

In the present work a new ligand, 2-(2-(phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methyleneamino)ethylamino)ethanol (L), and its Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes, [Zn(L)Br₂] (1), [Cd(L)Br₂] (2) and [Cd(L)I₂] (3), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, Raman and ¹H NMR spectroscopies as well as X-ray crystallography. All complexes are isostructural and their metal ions have distorted square pyramidal geometry with an MN₃X₂ (X: Br, I) environment. During the complexation process, the amine group of the ligand becomes a chiral center. In the solid-state, an R-configuration was observed in all three complexes. Furthermore, the molecules form intermolecular C–H?O, C–H?X and O–H?X (X: Br, I) hydrogen bonds in the solid-state.     

Potentiometric, spectroscopic and thermal studies on the metal chelates of 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthalenol

The synthesis and characterization of Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Pd(II) and UO2(II) chelates of 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthalenol (TAN) were reported. The dissociation constants of the ligand and the stability constants of the metal complexes were calculated pH-metrically at 25 degrees C and 0.1 M ionic strength. The solid complexes were characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, molar conductance, IR, magnetic and diffuse reflectance spectra. The complexes were found to have the formulae [M(L)2] for M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II); [M(L)X].nH2O for M = Cu(II) (X = AcO, n = 3), Pd(II) (X = Cl, n = 0) and UO2(II) (X = NO3, n = 0), and [Fe(L)Cl2(H2O)].2H2O. The molar conductance data reveal that the chelates are non-electrolytes. IR spectra show that the ligand is coordinated to the metal ions in a terdentate manner with ONN donor sites of the naphthyl OH, azo N and thiazole N. An octahedral structure is proposed for Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and UO2(II) complexes and a square planar structure for Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes. The thermal behaviour of these chelates shows that water molecules (coordinated and hydrated) and anions are removed in two successive steps followed immediately by decomposition of the ligand molecule in the subsequent steps. The relative thermal stability of the chelates is evaluated. The final decomposition products are found to be the corresponding metal oxides. The thermodynamic activation parameters, such as E*, delta H*, delta S* and delta G* are calculated from the TG curves.     

Coordination chemistry of tetradentate N-donor ligands containing two pyrazolyl-pyridine units separated by a 1,8-naphthyl spacer: dodecanuclear and tetranuclear coordination cages and cyclic helicates

The tetradentate ligand L(naph) contains two N-donor bidentate pyrazolyl-pyridine units connected to a 1,8-naphthyl core via methylene spacers; L45 and L56 are chiral ligands with a structure similar to that of L(naph) but bearing pinene groups fused to either C4 and C5 or C5 and C6 of the terminal pyridyl rings. The complexes [Cu(L(naph))](OTf) and [Ag(L(naph))](BF4) have unremarkable mononuclear structures, with Cu(I) being four-coordinate and Ag(I) being two-coordinate with two additional weak interactions (i.e., "2 + 2" coordinate). In contrast, [Cu4(L(naph))4][BF4]4 is a cyclic tetranuclear helicate with a tetrafluoroborate anion in the central cavity, formed by an anion-templating effect; electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) spectra show the presence of other cyclic oligomers in solution. The chiral ligands show comparable behavior, with [Cu(L45)](BF4) and [Ag(L45)](ClO4) having similar mononuclear crystal structures and with the ligands being tetradentate chelates. In contrast, [Ag4(L56)4](BF4)4 is a cyclic tetranuclear helicate in which both diastereomers of the complex are present in the crystal; the two diastereomers have similar gross geometries but are significantly different in detail. Despite their different crystal structures, [Ag(L45)](ClO4) and [Ag4(L56)4](BF4)4 behave similarly in solution according to ESMS studies, with a range of cyclic oligomers (up to Ag9L9) forming. With transition-metal dications Co(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II), L(naph) generates a series of unusual dodecanuclear coordination cages [M12(L(naph))18]X24 (X- = ClO4- or BF4-) in which the 12 metal ions occupy the vertices of a truncated tetrahedron and a bridging ligand spans each of the 18 edges. The central cavity of each cage can accommodate four counterions, and each cage molecule is chiral, with all 12 metal trischelates being homochiral; the crystals are racemic. Extensive aromatic stacking between ligands around the periphery of the cages appears to be a significant factor in their assembly. The chiral analogue L45 forms the simpler tetranuclear, tetrahedral coordination cage [Zn4(L45)6](ClO4)(8), with one anion in the central cavity; the steric bulk of the pinene chiral auxiliaries prevents the formation of a dodecanuclear cage, although trace amounts of [Zn12(L45)18](ClO4)24 can be detected in solution by ESMS. Formation of [Zn4(L45)6](ClO4)8 is diastereoselective, with the chirality of the pinene groups controlling the chirality of the tetranuclear cage.     

Binding of H+ and Zn(II) ions with a new fluorescent macrocyclic phenanthrolinophane

The new macrocyclic ligand 1,9(4,7)-diphenanthroline-3,7,11,15-tetraazacyclohexadecaphane (L) was synthesized by a 2?:?2 reaction of 1,10-phenanthroline-4,7-dialdehyde with 1,3-diaminopropane, followed by reduction with NaBH(4). L contains two phenanthroline groups linked together by two 1,3-diaminopropane chains in such a way that the heteroaromatic nitrogen atoms point outside the ligand cavity. The ligand structure defines two pairs of identical compartments displaying a specific ability in the binding of protons (1,3-diaminopropane) and metal ions (phenanthroline). Protonation and Zn(II) coordination were studied by means of potentiometric and spectroscopic ((1)H NMR, UV-vis, fluorescence) techniques. Both protonation and Zn(II) coordination consistently affect the fluorescence emission properties of L, giving rise to enhancement or quenching of the emission, depending on the species involved. L becomes emissive upon protonation, but the formation of the highly protonated species, in particular the fully protonated [H(6)L](6+), quenches the emission. The mono- and dinuclear Zn(II) complexes of the unprotonated ligand are non-emissive, like free L, while Zn(II) binding to [HL](+) activates the emission. The most interesting aspect, however, is the chelation enhancement of quenching (CHEQ) observed upon Zn(II) binding to [H(2)L](2+) and [H(4)L](4+), being among the few examples of CHEQ effect observed for Zn(II) complexes. Hydrogen bonding between a metal coordinated water molecule and a phenanthroline group seems to be responsible for the CHEQ observed for [ZnH(2)L](4+).     

Recognition of phosphate monoester dianion by an alkoxide-bridged dinuclear zinc(II) complex

Recognition of phosphate monoester dianion by an alkoxide-bridged dinuclear zinc(II) complex (Zn2L3+) has been studied (L = alkoxide species of 1,3-bis[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]propan-2-ol). Potentiometric pH titration study disclosed a 1 : 1 phenyl phosphate complexation with Zn2L3+ in aqueous solution. The dissociation constant (= [Zn2L3+][PhOPO3(2-)]/[Zn2L3+-PhOPO3(2-)]) is an extremely small value of 2.5 x 10(-8) mol dm(-3) at 25 degrees C with I = 0.10 (NaNO3). The X-ray crystal analysis of the dizinc(II) complex with p-nitrophenyl phosphate showed that the phosphate dianion binds as a bridging ligand to the two zinc(II) ions.     

Complexation to Fe(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) of multidentate ligands resulting from condensation of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde with alpha,omega-triamines: selective imidazolidine/hexahydropyrimidine ring opening revisited

The condensation reaction between 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and diethylenetriamine, 3-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]propylamine, and 3,3'-iminobis(propylamine) in a 2:1 molar ratio yields ligands that may be isolated exclusively in the dissymmetric (cyclic) isomeric forms L(A), L(B)/L(B*), and L(C). The template effect of a metal center (Fe(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II)) results in the ring opening of L(C) including one hexahydropyrimidine ring and one (long) propylene bridge. The resulting symmetric bis-Schiff base isomeric form L(C') is stabilized through pentacoordination, yielding [Fe(II)L(C')(NCS)](NCS) (3), [Ni(II)L(C')(NCS)](NCS) (6), and [Zn(II)L(C')(NCS)](NCS) (9). The same metal centers are too bulky to exert a template effect on L(A) including one imidazolidine ring and one (short) ethylene bridge. L(A) acts as a tetradentate ligand yielding [Fe(II)L(A)(NCS)2] (1), [Ni(II)L(A)(NCS)2] (4), and [Zn(II)L(A)(NCS)2] (7). The template effect of the metal center is selective toward the ligand L(B)/L(B*) including a hexahydropyrimidine (imidazolidine) ring and the shorter ethylene (longer propylene) bridge. The Fe(II) cation is small enough to exert a template effect, resulting in the ring opening of L(B)/L(B*). The resulting bis-Schiff base L(B') is stabilized through pentacoordination, yielding [Fe(II)L(B')(NCS)](NCS) (2). Ni(II) is too bulky to promote the ring opening of L(B)/L(B*): L(B) acts as a tetradentate ligand, yielding [Ni(II)L(B)(NCS)2] (5) (the L(B*) isomer is totally converted to L(B)). The coordinative requirements and stereochemical preference of the bulkier Zn(II) cation allow neither the ring opening of L(B)/L(B*) nor the tetracoordination of L(B) or L(B*) but stabilize the novel tetradentate dissymmetric form L(B degrees) in [Zn(II)L(B degrees)(NCS)2].H2O (8) (L(B degrees) results from MeOH addition across the imine bond of L(B)). Density functional theory calculations performed for Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes of the L(B)/L(B*)/L(B degrees) set of ligands allowed one to compare the relative stabilities of all possible isomers, showing that the most stable ones correspond to those experimentally obtained: isomerization, or methanol addition across the imine bond, of the tetradentate ligand depends on the relative stabilities of all possible isomeric complexes.     

Investigation of group 12 metal complexes with a tridentate SNS ligand by X-ray crystallography and 1H NMR spectroscopy

Two series of zinc triad complexes containing the ligand 2,6-bis(methylthiomethyl)pyridine (L1) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and solution-state 1H NMR spectroscopy. The distorted meridional octahedral M(L1)2(ClO4)2 series includes the first structurally characterized Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with N2(SR2)4 coordination spheres. Coordination of HgCl2 and ZnCl2 with 1 equiv of ligand afforded mononuclear, five-coordinate species Hg(L1)Cl2 and Zn(L1)Cl2, respectively, with distorted square-pyramidal and trigonal-bipyramidal geometries. With CdCl2, the dimeric [Cd(L1)Cl(mu-Cl)]2 complex was obtained. The distorted octahedral coordination geometry of each Cd(II) center in this complex is formed by one tridentate ligand, two bridging chloride ions, and one terminal chloride ion. NMR spectra indicate that the intermolecular ligand-exchange rate of [M(L1)2](2+) decreased in the order Cd(II) > Zn(II) > Hg(II). Slow intermolecular ligand-exchange conditions on the chemical-shift time scale were found for 1:2 metal-to-ligand complexes of L(1) with Hg(II) and Zn(II) but not Cd(II). Slow intermolecular ligand-exchange conditions in acetonitrile-d(3) solutions permitting detection of (3-5)J(199Hg1H) were found for 1:1 and 1:2 Hg(ClO4)2/L1 complexes, but not for the related Cd(ClO4)2) complexes. The magnitudes of J(199Hg1H) for equivalent protons were smaller in [Hg(L1)2](2+) than in [Hg(L1)(NCCH3)x](2+). The relative intermolecular ligand-exchange rates of the zinc triad complexes investigated here suggest that the toxicity of Hg(II) is accentuated by the relative difficulty of displacing it from the coordination sites encountered.     

Dimetallic complexes of acyclic pyridine-armed ligands derived from 3,6-diformylpyridazine

A bis(pyridine-armed) acyclic Schiff base ligand L1 has been synthesised from 3,6-diformylpyridazine and two equivalents of 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine. Reduction of this ligand using NaBH(4) resulted in the formation of the amine analogue L2. Complexes of the form [M(2)L1(mu-X)]Y(2)ClO(4)[where: M = Cu(II), X = OH(-) and Y = ClO(4)(-) 1, Cl(-) 2, Br(-) 3 or I(-) 4; M = Co(II), X = OH(-) and Y = ClO(4)(-) 5; M = Ni(II), X = SCN(-) 6 or X = N(3)(-) 7 and Y = ClO(4)(-)], and [Cu(2)L2(mu-OH)](ClO(4))(3) 8 were prepared and characterised. The complexes 1 and 5-7 have been characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The acyclic L1 ligand provides three nitrogen donor atoms per metal centre, including a pyridazine bridge between the metal centres, and the anion X also bridges the two metal centres. As required, coordinating solvent molecules or additional anions make up the remainder of the coordination sphere. The two copper centres of 1 are very strongly antiferromagnetically coupled (2J=-1146 cm(-1))via the pyridazine and hydroxide ion bridges, whereas the competing antiferromagnetic pyridazine bridging pathway and ferromagnetic 1,1-bridging azide pathway resulted in the observation of weak antiferromagnetic exchange in the dinickel(II) complex 7 (2J=-14 cm(-1)). Electrochemical examination of L1, L2 and complexes 1 and 5-8 revealed multiple redox processes. These have been tentatively assigned to a mixture of metal centred and ligand centred redox processes on the basis of cyclic voltammetry and coulometry results and comparisons with literature examples.     

Neutral (bis-beta-diketonato) iron(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) metallocycles: structural, electrochemical and solvent extraction studies

Neutral dimeric metallocyclic complexes of type [M(2)(L(1))(2)B(n)] (where M = cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II), L(1) is the doubly deprotonated form of a 1,3-aryl linked bis-beta-diketone ligand of type 1,3-bis(RC(O)CH(2)C(O))C(6)H(4) (R=Me, n-Pr, t-Bu) and B is pyridine (Py) or 4-ethylpyridine (EtPy)) have been synthesised, adding to similar complexes already reported for copper(II). New lipophilic ligand derivatives with R = octyl or nonyl were also prepared for use in solvent extraction experiments. Structural, electrochemical and solvent extraction investigations of selected metal complex systems from the above series are reported, with the X-ray structures of [Co(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(4)] x 2.25CHCl(3) x 0.5H(2)O (R=Pr), [Co(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(4)] (R=t-Bu), [Ni(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(4)] (R=t-Bu), [Zn(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(2)] (R=Me) and [Zn(2)(L(1))(2)(EtPy)(4)] (R=t-Bu) being presented. The electrochemistry of H(2)L(1) (R=t-Bu) and of [Fe(2)(L(1))(3)], [Co(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(4)], [Ni(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(4)], [Cu(2)(L(1))(2)] and [Zn(2)(L(1))(2)(Py)(2)] has been examined. Oxidative processes for the complexes are dominantly irreversible, but several examples of quasireversible behaviour were observed and support the assignment of an anodic process, seen between +1.0 and +1.6 V, as a metal-centred oxidation. The reduction processes for the respective metal complexes are not simple, and irreversible in most cases. Solvent extraction studies (water/chloroform) involving variable concentrations of metal, bis-beta-diketone and heterocyclic base have been performed for cobalt(II) and zinc(II) using a radiotracer technique to probe the stoichiometries of the extracted species in each case. Synergism was observed when 4-ethylpyridine was added to the bis-beta-diketone ligand in the chloroform phase. Competitive extraction studies show a clear uptake preference for copper(II) over cobalt(II), nickel(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II).     

Selective imidazolidine ring opening during complex formation of iron(III), copper(II), and zinc(II) with a multidentate ligand obtained from 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde N-oxide and triethylenetetramine

The condensation of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde N-oxide and triethylenetetramine yields a product with two imidazolidine rings, as proven by a solid-state X-ray structure analysis as well as by NMR solution spectra. This ligand, L1, undergoes a ring-opening reaction on complex formation with Cu(II), yielding [CuL2]2+ where L2 functions as a pentadentate ligand, containing only one imidazolidine ring. On complexation with Zn(II) and Fe(III), both rings are opened and the complexes [ZnL3]2+ and [FeL3]3+ with a hexadentate L3 ligand are formed. The recrystallization of [ZnL3]2+ from DMSO solution results in the complex [ZnL1(DMSO)2]2+ in which L1 behaves as a tetradentate ligand. Thus L1, L2, and L3 are structural isomers with two, one, or no imidazolidine rings, as confirmed by X-ray structure analyses. The intramolecular ring formation is the result of the nucleophilic addition of the N(amino) group to the electrophilic sp2-hybridized -HC delta+=N site. Owing to the absence of the chelate effect on the sp3-hybridized carbon atom belonging to the imidazolidine ring, the ring opening is facilitated and readily observed upon complex formation with Cu(II), Zn(II), and Fe(III).     

Structural and metallo selectivity in the assembly of [2 × 2] grid-type metallosupramolecular species: mechanisms and kinetic control

An unsymmetrical bis(tridentate) ligand LH in which one binding site can be readily deprotonated forms a kinetically inert [Co(III)L(2)](+) complex which can be used as a "corner" species for the "Coupe du Roi" assembly of trans,trans-[Co(2)M(2)L(4)](6+) metallogrids (M = Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II)). In the mixed Co(III)/Co(II) species, the oxidation states appear to be localised. In solution, the ligand LH forms octacationic, homometallic [2 × 2] grids with the individual labile metal ions Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), seemingly as mixtures of all possible isomers arising from the unsymmetrical nature of the ligand. In the solid state, however, [Zn(4)L(4)](CF(3)SO(3))(8)·4CH(3)CN crystallises as a single species where the cation has S(4) symmetry. This stereoselectivity in the crystalline lattice is associated with interactions between the cation and triflate anions which can again be analysed in terms of the Coupe du Roi concept.