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.     

Syntheses,equilibrium, and structural studies of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes with a tripodal alanine-based ligand

A heptadentate ligand, tris[(L)-alanyl-2-carboxamidoethyl]amine (H₃trenala), has been synthesized as its tetrahydrochloride salt; its protonation constants and the stability constants of the copper(II) and nickel(II) chelates have been determined by potentiometry. Mononuclear species with protonated, neutral, or deprotonated forms of the ligand, [Cu(H₅trenala)]⁴⁺, [M(H₄trenala)]³⁺, [M(H₃trenala)]²⁺, [M(H₂trenala)]⁺, and [M(Htrenala)] (M?=?Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺) have been detected in all cases, while only Cu²⁺ gives dinuclear [Cu₂(H₂trenala)]²⁺, [Cu₂(Htrenala)]²⁺, [Cu₂(trenala)]⁺, and [Cu₂(trenala)(OH)] species. Two dinuclear copper(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-Vis, mass electro-spray) and thermogravimetric analysis.     

The dangers of using KBr,KI and CaI2 as mulling agents during the preparation of infrared discs of complexes

Tribochemical reactions of KBr, KI and CaI₂ with [Cu(L)Cl₂(EtOH)_3/2(H₂O)]1/2H₂O (L = formylhydrazine) give novel Cu^I and Cu^II complexes, which have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (i.r., u.v.–vis., ¹H-n.m.r.) and magnetic measurements. The i.r. spectra indicate that (L) behaves in a monodentate manner, coordinating via the azomethine nitrogen (C-N) group in the Cu^II complexes, but behaving as a bidentate ligand, via the carbonyl oxygen and NH₂ groups in the Cu^I complexes. KI and CaI₂ react with [Cu(L)Cl₂(EtOH)_3/2(H₂O)]-1/2H₂O in the solid state, accompanied by a colour change, substitution of the chloride by iodide ions, and reduction of Cu^II to Cu^I to give complexes with formulae [Cu(L)I(EtOH)_1/2] and [Cu_1.7(L)I_1.7(EtOH)_1/2]. On the other hand, the tribochemical reaction of KBr with [Cu(L)Cl₂(EtOH)_3/2(H₂O)]1/2H₂O is accompanied by a colour change; substitution of the chloride by bromide ions, but without reduction of Cu^II and yields a complex of formula [Cu(L)₂Br₂(EtOH)(H₂O)]1/2EtOH. The spectral and magnetic results suggest a distorted octahedral geometry for the Cu^II complexes while a tetrahedral geometry around the Cu^I ion. The non-stoichiometric structure of [Cu_1.7(L)I_1.7(EtOH)_1/2] is discussed.     

Topospecific Reactions of a [5.5.5.5]Fenestradiene with [Fe2(CO)9]

N, N-Dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal transforms an allylic OH group, which is part of a tetracyclic hydrocarbon in a unique elimination reaction into a [5.5.5.5]fenestradiene ( 2b → 4 ). In topologically selective reactions of this diene 4 with [Fe₂(CO)₉,], the [Fe(CO)₄(η²-diene)] and the [Fe(CO)3(η⁴-diene)] complexes 8 and 9 , respectively, are formed by complexation on one side of the diene moiety, whereas complexation on the other side leads to a [Fe(CO)₂(Cp)] complex 10 .     

Binuclear 2,2′-bipyrimidine complexes derived from chromium,molybdenum and tungsten carbonyls

Reaction of 2,2′-bipyrimidine (bpym) with [Mo(CO)₄(diene)] gives [Mo(CO)₄(bpym)], which will react with [M(CO)₄(diene)] to form [MoM(CO)₈(bpym)] (M = Cr, Mo, W). The bipyrimidine complexes are characterised by microanalysis and spectroscopy (IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, UV/vis). Reduction of [Mo₂(CO)₈(bpym)] produces an anion in which the unpaired electron is localised on the bridging bpym ligand.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of coordination compounds containing 2,2′-bis(3-aminopyridyl) diselenide as ligand

The reaction between 2,2′-bis(3-aminopyridyl) diselenide (L) and metal transition salts results in the formation of molecular or cluster complexes. The structural elucidation of the synthesized complexes [CuCl₂(L)] ( 1 ), [Cu(3-NH₂PySeO₂)₂]·2H₂O ( 2 ), [Cu₄(3-NH₂PySe)₄]·dimethylformamide ( 3 ), [CoCl₂(L)] ( 4 ), [ZnCl₂(L)] ( 5 ), and [Ag₆(3-NH₂PySe)₆] ( 6 ) demonstrates the coordination of nitrogen atoms to Cu^II, Co^II, and Zn^II, and that of the selenium atoms to Cu^I and Ag^I, which agrees with Pearson’s hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) theory. Furthermore, the oxidation of selenium with the formation of 3-aminopyridylseleninate [3-NH₂PySeO₂]⁻ bonded to the copper atom was observed in complex 2 . The antimicrobial action of complexes 1 , 2 , 4 , and 5 was evaluated against Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium massiliense, and Mycobacterium abscessus. It was observed that all these complexes have potential antimicrobial activity compared with the free ligand and metal salts used in the synthesis.     

Zur Reaktion der Alkin‐Kupfer(I)‐Komplexe [CuCl(S‐Alkin)] und [Cu2Br2(S‐Alkin)(dms)] (S‐Alkin = 3,3,6,6‐Tetramethyl‐1‐thia‐4‐cycloheptin,dms = Dimethylsulfid) mit den Lithiumorganylen Phenyllithium und Fluorenyllithium

Organometallic Compounds of Copper. XX On the Reaction of the Alkyne Copper(I) Complexes [CuCl(S‐Alkyne)] and [Cu₂Br₂(S‐Alkyne)(dms)] (S‐Alkyne = 3,3,6,6‐Tetramethyl‐1‐thiacyclohept‐4‐yne; dms = Dimethylsulfide) with the Lithiumorganyls Phenyllithium und Fluorenyllithium The alkyne copper(I) bromide complex [Cu₂Br₂(S‐Alkyne)(dms)] ( 3 b ) (S‐Alkyne = 3,3,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐thiacyclohept‐4‐yne; dms = dimethylsulfide) reacts with phenyllithium to form a tetranuclear copper(I) complex of the composition [Cu₄(C₆H₅)₂(S‐Alkenyl)₂] ( 7 ) in low yield (4%). The reaction of the alkyne copper(I) chloride complex [CuCl(S‐Alkyne)] ( 2 a ) with fluorenyllithium in tetrahydrofuran (thf) affords a lithium cuprate of the composition [Li(thf)₄]⁺ [Cu₂(fluorenyl)₃(S‐Alkyne)₂]^– ( 8 ) (yield 32%). The structures of both new complexes 7 and 8 were determined by X–ray diffraction.     

X-ray and solution structures of Cu(II) GHK and Cu(II) DAHK complexes: influence on their redox properties

The Gly‐His‐Lys (GHK) peptide and the Asp‐Ala‐His‐Lys (DAHK) sequences are naturally occurring high‐affinity copper(II) chelators found in the blood plasma and are hence of biological interest. A structural study of the copper complexes of these peptides was conducted in the solid state and in solution by determining their X‐ray structures, and by using a large range of spectroscopies, including EPR and HYSCORE (hyperfine sub‐level correlation), X‐ray absorption and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The results indicate that the structures of [Cu^II(DAHK)] in the solid state and in solution are similar and confirm the equatorial coordination sphere of NH₂, two amidyl N and one imidazole N. Additionally, a water molecule is bound apically to Cu^II as revealed by the X‐ray structure. As reported previously in the literature, [Cu^II(GHK)], which exhibits a dimeric structure in the solid state, forms a monomeric complex in solution with three nitrogen ligands: NH₂, amidyl and imidazole. The fourth equatorial site is occupied by a labile oxygen atom from a carboxylate ligand in the solid state. We probe that fourth position and study ternary complexes of [Cu^II(GHK)] with glycine or histidine. The Cu^II exchange reaction between different DAHK peptides is very slow, in contrast to [Cu^II(GHK)], in which the fast exchange was attributed to the presence of a [Cu^II(GHK)₂] complex. The redox properties of [Cu^II(GHK)] and [Cu^II(DAHK)] were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and by measuring the ascorbate oxidation in the presence of molecular oxygen. The measurements indicate that both Cu^II complexes are inert under moderate redox potentials. In contrast to [Cu^II(DAHK)], [Cu^II(GHK)] could be reduced to Cu^I around ?0.62 V (versus AgCl/Ag) with subsequent release of the Cu ion. These complete analyses of structure and redox activity of those complexes gave new insights with biological impact and can serve as models for other more complicated Cu^II–peptide interactions.     

Cyano‐bridged extended heteronuclear supramolecular architectures with hexacyano­cobalt(III) as building blocks

The cyano‐bridged heteronuclear coordination polymer poly[tris[(5,12‐dimethyl‐7,14‐diphenyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclo­tetra­deca‐4,11‐diene)copper(II)]‐hexa‐μ‐cyano‐bis[tricyano­cobalt(III)] di­methyl­formamide solvate trihydrate], {[Cu₃Co₂(CN)₁₂(C₂₄H₃₂N₄)₃]·C₃H₇NO·3H₂O}_n, was synthesized by the assembly reaction of [CuL]²⁺ (L is 5,12‐dimethyl‐7,14‐di­phenyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradeca‐4,11‐diene) and [Co(CN)₆]³⁻ in a dimethyl­formamide–water solution. The structure consists of neutral cyano‐bridged Cu₃Co₂ units with the unique Co atom in a general position and all three Cu atoms on independent inversion centres. Each [Co(CN)₆]³⁻ ion connects three Cu^II ions via three cyano groups to form a novel cyano‐bridged two‐dimensional stair‐shaped‐layer structure. The water and dimethyl­formamide molecules are situated in the inter‐fragment spaces.     

The Coordination Behavior of Oxygen-depleted Calixarenes towards d10 Noble Metal Ions

A calix[4]arene, in which two of the phenol functions are replaced by pyrazole units, [H₂(bpzCal)], was investigated as a ligand for Cu⁺, Ag⁺ and Au⁺ ions. Using [Cu(MeCN)₄]BF₄ and AgSbF₆ as the precursors, complexes [MH₂(bpzCal)]X (M = Cu, X = BF_4; M = Ag, X = SbF₆) were formed, where the calixarene ligands adopt a 1,3-alternate structure and the metal ions are coordinated linearly by the two pyrazolyl donors. [CuH₂(bpzCal)]BF₄ displayed a – for copper(I) complexes – unusual stability towards O₂, which is due to the steric protection of the Cu^I center. By contrast a dinuclear copper(I) complex [Cu₂(bpzCal)] that was obtained through treatment of [H₂(bpzCal)] with two equivalents of Cu(HMDS) is rather sensitive towards O₂. The preparation of a gold complex required the employment of a gold precursor, which contains one labile and one stabilizing neutral ligand, namely [(PPh₃)Au(NCMe)]SbF₆, which led to the formation of [(PPh₃)AuH₂(bpzCal)]SbF₆. In this complex [H₂(bpzCal)] acts only as a monodentate ligand for the gold center. Taken together, the results demonstrate the potential of [H₂(bpzCal)] in providing rather different coordination spheres for metal ions.     

A Study of Сu(II) Complexes with Pyruvic Acid Nicotinoyl and Isonicotinoyl Hydrazones by EPR and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

The composition and structure of the Cu²⁺ coordination cores in the previously synthesized [CuCl(HNPv)] · H₂O, [CuCl(HIPv)] · H₂O, [Cu(AOc)(HNPv)], [Cu(AOc)(HIPv)], [Cu(NO₃)(HNPv)], and [Cu(NO₃)(HIPv)] complexes, where HNPv and HIPv pyruvic acid nicotinoyl and isonicotinoyl hydrazones, respectively, have been determined. The binuclear complex [Cu₂(HNPv)₂(H₂O)2(μ-Cl)] has been synthesized for the first time and characterized by elemental analysis and IR, EPR, and EXAFS spectroscopy. Its dimeric structure has been proved by magnetic susceptibility measurement and EPR.     

Trinuclear copper(II) complexes of some aza macrocycles

The syntheses of copper(II) complexes with neutral macrocyclic ligands 1,4,7,10,12,- 15,17,20,23,26,27,30-dodecaazadispiro[10·4·10·4]triacontane (DDST), 2,5,7,10,13,15,18,21,-23,26,29,32-dodecaazatricyclo[20·10·0·0^6,17]dotriacontane (DOCD) and 2,5,7,10,13,16,18,-21,23,26,29,32-dodecaaza-1,6,17,22-tetrachlorotricyclo[20·10·0·0^6,17]dotriacontane (DTTD) derived from triethylenetetramine, 1,2-diaminoethane and chlorocarbons (carbon tetrachloride, 1,l,2,2-tetrachloroethane and hexachloroethane, respectively) have been studied. Complexes [Cu₃(DDST)]Cl₆, [Cu₃(DOCD)]Cl₆ and [Cu₃(DTTD)]Cl₆?·?H₂O and the copper ion-free ligand hydrochlorides DDST?·?12HCl and DOCD?·?12HCl are supported by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements and spectroscopic studies. Potentiometric equilibrium studies on DDST and DOCD hydrochlorides and their copper complexes also support the structures.     

Kinetics of the oxidation of iodide by copper(III)-imine-oxime complexes

Summary The copper(III)-imine-oxime complexes [Cu^III(Enio)]⁺ and [Cu^III(Pre)]⁺ {EnioH₂ =N,N-ethylene bis(isonitrosoacetylacetoneimine) and PreH₂ = N,N-propylene bis (isonitrosoacetylacetoneimine)} react very rapidly with iodide. The rate law under fixed conditions for the reaction is given by the equation: –d[Cu^III]/dt = (2k₂[I^–] + 2k₃[I^–]²)[Cu^III] The [Cu^III(Enio)]⁺ reaction was pH-independent whereas the [Cu (Pre)]⁺ reaction rate increased with increasing pH. Both the k₂ and the k₃ pathways are believed to involve one-electron transfer. An inner-sphere mechanism may operate in the pathway, first-order in [I^–].     

Synthesis,electrochemical and e.p.r. spectral studies of binuclear copper(II) complexes with new pentadentate L-proline-based binucleating ligands

The synthesis, reduction, optical and e.p.r. spectral properties of a series of new binuclear copper(II) complexes, containing bridging moieties (OH^–, MeCO₂ ^–, NO₂ ^–, and N₃ ^–), with new proline-based binuclear pentadentate Mannich base ligands is described. The ligands are: 2,6-bis[(prolin-1-yl)methyl]4-bromophenol [H₃L¹], 2,6-bis[(prolin-1-yl)methyl]4-t-butylphenol [H₃L²] and 2,6-bis[(prolin-1-yl)methyl]4-methoxyphenol [H₃L³]. The exogenous bridging complexes thus prepared were hydroxo: [Cu₂L¹(OH)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (1a), [Cu₂L²(OH)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (1b), [Cu₂L³(OH)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (1c), acetato [Cu₂L¹(OAc)] · H₂O (2a), [Cu₂L²(OAc)] · H₂O (2b), [Cu₂L³(OAc)] · H₂O (2c), nitrito [Cu₂L¹(NO₂)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (3a), [Cu₂L²(NO₂)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (3b), [Cu₂L³(NO₂)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (3c) and azido [Cu₂L¹(N₃)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (4a), [Cu₂L²(N₃)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (4b) and [Cu₂L³(N₃)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (4c). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and by spectroscopy. They exhibit resolved copper hyperfine e.p.r. spectra at room temperature, indicating the presence of weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the copper atoms. The strength of the antiferromagnetic coupling lies in the order: NO₂ N₃ OH OAc. Cyclic voltammetry revealed the presence of two redox couples Cu^IICu^II Cu^IICu^I Cu^ICu^I. The conproportionality constant K _con for the mixed valent Cu^IICu^I species for all the complexes have been determined electrochemically.     

Synthesis and Structures of d10–d10 M2(μ‐dppm)2 Complexes with Sensitive Metal–Metal Distances in Response to the Binding of Sigma Donors

Diphosphine‐bridged dicopper(I) acetate complexes [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)]X ( 2 X; X^? = , ) and [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)(MeCN)]X ( 4 X) were prepared and the structures of 2 (PF₆ ) and 4 (PF₆ ) determined by X‐ray crystallography. The ground‐state geometries of [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)]⁺ and [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)(L)]⁺ (L = py, MeCN, THF, acetone, MeOH) were also obtained using density functional theory (DFT). The increased Cu – Cu distances found experimentally and theoretically by comparing the structures of cation [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)]⁺ and its derivatives [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)(L)]⁺ reflect the binding of various sigma donors (L). When using [Cu₂(μ‐dppm)₂(μ‐OAc)]⁺ as a structure sensor, the electron‐donating strength of a sigma donor can be quantitatively expressed as a DFT‐calculated Cu – Cu distance with the relative strength in the order py > MeCN > THF > acetone > MeOH, as determined.     

Dioxygen Activation of a Trinuclear CuICuICuI Cluster Capable of Mediating Facile Oxidation of Organic Substrates: Competition between O‐Atom Transfer and Abortive Intercomplex Reduction

The dioxygen activation of a series of Cu^ICu^ICu^I complexes based on the ligands ( L ) 3,3′‐(1,4‐diazepane‐ 1,4‐diyl)bis(1‐{[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl](methyl)amino}propan‐2‐ol) ( 7‐Me ) or 3,3′‐(1,4‐diazepane‐1,4‐diyl)bis(1‐{[2‐(diethylamino)ethyl](ethyl)amino}propan‐2‐ol) ( 7‐Et ) forms an intermediate capable of mediating facile O‐atom transfer to simple organic substrates at room temperature. To elucidate the dioxygen chemistry, we have examined the reactions of 7‐Me , 7‐Et , and 3,3′‐(1,4‐diazepane‐1,4‐diyl)bis[1‐(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ol] ( 7‐N‐Meppz ) with dioxygen at ?80, ?55, and ?35 °C in propionitrile (EtCN) by UV‐visible, 77 K EPR, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and 7‐N‐Meppz and 7‐Me with dioxygen at room temperature in acetonitrile (MeCN) by diode array spectrophotometry. At both ?80 and ?55 °C, the mixing of the starting [Cu^ICu^ICu^I( L )]¹⁺ complex ( 1 ) with O₂‐saturated propionitrile (EtCN) led to a bright green solution consisting of two paramagnetic species: the green dioxygen adduct [Cu^IICu^II(μ‐η²:η²‐peroxo)Cu^II( L )]²⁺ ( 2 ) and the blue [Cu^IICu^II(μ‐O)Cu^II( L )]²⁺ species ( 3 ). These observations are consistent with the initial formation of [Cu^IICu^II(μ‐O)₂Cu^III( L )]¹⁺ ( 4 ), followed by rapid abortion of this highly reactive species by intercluster electron transfer from a second molecule of complex 1 to give the blue species 3 and subsequent oxygenation of the partially oxidized [Cu^IICu^ICu^I( L )]²⁺ ( 5 ) to form the green dioxygen adduct 2 . Assignment of 2 to [Cu^IICu^II(μ‐η²:η²‐peroxo)Cu^II( L )]²⁺ is consistent with its reactivity with water to give H₂O₂ and the blue species 3 , as well as its propensity to be photoreduced in the X‐ray beam during X‐ray absorption experiments at room temperature. In light of these observations, the development of an oxidation catalyst based on the tricopper system requires consideration of the following design criteria: 1) rapid dioxygen chemistry; 2) facile O‐atom transfer from the activated cluster to substrate; and 3) a suitable reductant to rapidly regenerate complex 1 to accomplish efficient catalytic turnover.     

First Dinuclear Copper/Gallium Complexes: Supporting Cu0 and CuI Centres by Low‐Valent Organogallium Ligands

The synthesis and structural characterisation of low‐valent dinuclear copper(I) and copper(0) complexes supported by organogallium ligands has been accomplished for the first time by the reductive coordination reaction of [GaCp*] (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) and [Ga(ddp)] (ddp=HC(CMeNC₆H₃‐2,6‐iPr₂)₂ 2‐diisopropylphenylamino‐4‐diisopropylphenylimino‐2‐pentene) with readily available copper(II) and copper(I) precursors. The treatment of CuBr₂ and Cu(OTf)₂ (OTf=CF₃SO₃) with [Ga(ddp)] under mild conditions resulted in elimination of [Ga(L)₂(ddp)] (L=Br, OTf) and afforded the novel gallium(I)/copper(I) compounds [{(ddp)GaCu(L)}₂] (L=Br ( 1 ), OTf ( 2 )). The single‐crystal X‐ray structure determinations of 1 and 2 reveal that these molecules are composed of {(ddp)GaCu(L)} dimeric units, with planar Cu^I? Ga^I four‐membered rings and short Cu^I???Cu^I distances, with 2 exhibiting the shortest Cu^I???Cu^I contact reported to date of 2.277(3) Å. The all‐gallium coordinated dinuclear [Cu₂(GaCp*)(μ‐GaCp*)₃Ga(OTf)₃] ( 3 ) is formed when Cu(OTf)₂ is combined with [GaCp*] instead of [Ga(ddp)]. Notably, in the course of this redox reaction Lewis acidic Ga(OTf)₃ is formed, which coordinates to one of the electron‐rich copper(0) centres. Compound 3 is suggested as the first case of a structurally characterised complex of copper(0). By changing the copper(II) to a copper(I) source, that is, [Cu(cod)₂][OTf] (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene), the salt [Cu₂(GaCp*)₃(μ‐GaCp*)₂][OTf]₂ ( 4 ) is formed, the cationic part of which is related to previously described isoelectronic dinuclear d¹⁰ complexes of the type [M₂(GaCp*)₅] (M=Pd, Pt).     

Copper coordination polymers from cavitand ligands: hierarchical spaces from cage and capsule motifs,and other topologies

The cyclotriveratrylene-type ligands (±)-tris(iso-nicotinoyl)cyclotriguaiacylene L1 (±)-tris(4-pyridylmethyl)cyclotriguaiacylene L2 and (±)-tris{4-(4-pyridyl)benzyl}cyclotriguaiacylene L3 all feature 4-pyridyl donor groups and all form coordination polymers with Cu^I and/or Cu^II cations that show a remarkable range of framework topologies and structures. Complex [Cu^I ₄Cu^II _1.5(L1)₃(CN)₆]·CN·n(DMF) 1 features a novel 3,4-connected framework of cyano-linked hexagonal metallo-cages. In complexes [Cu₃(L2)₄(H₂O)₃]·6(OTf)·n(DMSO) 2 and [Cu₂(L3)₂Br₂(H₂O)(DMSO)]·2Br·n(DMSO) 3 capsule-like metallo-cryptophane motifs are formed which linked through their metal vertices into a hexagonal 2D network of (4³.12³)(4².12²) topology or a coordination chain. Complex [Cu₂(L1)₂(OTf)₂(NMP)₂(H₂O)₂]·2(OTf)·2NMP 4 has an interpenetrating 2D 3,4-connected framework of (4.6².8)(6².8)(4.6².8²) topology with tubular channels. Complex [Cu(L1)(NCMe)]·BF₄·2(CH₃CN)·H₂O 5 features a 2D network of 6³ topology while the Cu^II analogue [Cu₂(L1)₂(NMP)(H₂O)]·4BF₄·12NMP·1.5H₂O 6 has an interpenetrating (10,3)-b type structure and complex [Cu₂(L2)₂Br₃(DMSO)]·Br·n(DMSO) 7 has a 2D network of 4.8² topology. Strategies for formation of coordination polymers with hierarchical spaces emerge in this work and complex 2 is shown to absorb fullerene-C₆₀ through soaking the crystals in a toluene solution.     

Visualizing Biological Copper Storage: The Importance of Thiolate-Coordinated Tetranuclear Clusters

Bacteria possess cytosolic proteins (Csp3s) capable of binding large quantities of copper and preventing toxicity. Crystal structures of a Csp3 plus increasing amounts of Cu^I provide atomic-level information about how a storage protein loads with metal ions. Many more sites are occupied than Cu^I equiv added, with binding by twelve central sites dominating. These can form [Cu₄(S-Cys)₄] intermediates leading to [Cu₄(S-Cys)₅]⁻, [Cu₄(S-Cys)₆]²⁻, and [Cu₄(S-Cys)₅(O-Asn)]⁻ clusters. Construction of the five Cu^I sites at the opening of the bundle lags behind the main core, and the two least accessible sites at the opposite end of the bundle are occupied last. Facile Cu^I cluster formation, reminiscent of that for inorganic complexes with organothiolate ligands, is largely avoided in biology but is used by proteins that store copper in the cytosol of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, where this reactivity is also key to toxicity.     

Molybdenum carbonyl complexes of binucleating pyridine-based ligands

Reaction of [Mo(CO)₄(diene)] with 4,4′-bipyridine (44′B), trans-1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethene (2-bpe) and trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-ethene (4-bpe) gives polymeric [Mo(CO)₄(44′B)]_n, mononuclear cis-[Mo(CO)₄(2-bpe)₂] and binuclear [Mo(CO)₄(4-bpe)]₂ respectively. Reaction of the same ligands with [Mo(CO)₄(bpy)] (bpy is 2,2′-bipyridine) produces the bridged binuclear complexes [{Mo(CO)₃(bpy)}₂(44′B)] and [{Mo(CO)₃(bpy)}₂(4-bpe)]. Products are characterised by microanalysis and spectroscopy (IR, ¹H NMR, UV/vis). Reduction of [{Mo(CO)₃(bpy)}₂(44′B)] produces an anion in which the unpaired electron is localised on the chelating bpy ligand.