Cobalt half-sandwich, sandwich, and mixed sandwich complexes with soft tripodal ligands

Reaction of sodium hydrotris(methimazolyl)borate (NaTm(Me)) with cobalt halides leads to the formation of paramagnetic pseudotetrahedral [Co(Tm(Me))X] (X = Cl, Br, I), of which the bromide has been crystallographically characterized. Mass spectrometry reveals the presence of higher molecular weight fragments [Co(Tm(Me))(2)](+) and [Co(2)(Tm(Me))(2)X](+) in solution. Aerial oxidation in donor solvents (e.g. MeCN) leads to formation of the [Co(Tm(Me))(2)](+) cation, which has been crystallographically characterized as the BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), Br(-), and I(-), salts. Attempts to prepare the mixed sandwich complex, [Co(Cp)(Tm(Me))](+), resulted in ligand decomposition to yield [Co(mtH)(3)I]I (mtH = 1-methylimidazole-2-thione), but with the more electron donating methylcyclopentadienyl (Cp(Me)) ligand, [Co(Cp(Me))(Tm(Me))]I was isolated and characterized. Electrochemical measurements reveal that the cobalt(III) Tm(Me) complexes are consistently more difficult to reduce than their Tp and Cp congeners.     

Synthesis, structure, and characterization of new mononuclear Mn(II) complexes. Electrochemical conversion into new oxo-bridged Mn(2)(III,IV) complexes. Role of chloride ions

Two Mn(II) complexes are isolated and X-ray characterized, namely, cis-[(L(2))Mn(II)(Cl)(2)] (1) and [(L(3))Mn(II)Cl(OH(2))](ClO(4)) (2(ClO(4))), where L(2) and L(3) are the well-known tetradentate N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine and N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)propane-1,3-diamine ligands, respectively. The crystal structure reveals that whereas the ligand L(2) is in the cis-alpha conformation in complex 1, the ligand L(3) is in the more unusual cis-beta conformation in 2. EPR spectra are recorded on frozen solutions for both complexes and are characteristic of Mn(II) species. Electrochemical behaviors are investigated on acetonitrile solution for both complexes and show that cation 2 exists as closely related Mn(II) species in equilibrium. For both complexes exhaustive bulk electrolyses of acetonitrile solution are performed at oxidative potential in various experimental conditions. In the presence of 2,6-lutidine and after elimination of chloride ligands, the formation of the di-mu-oxo mixed-valent complexes [(L(2))Mn(III)(mu-O)(2)Mn(IV)(L(2))](3+) (3a) and [(L(3))Mn(III)(mu-O)(2)Mn(IV)(L(3))](3+) (4) is confirmed by UV-vis and EPR spectroscopies and cyclic voltammetry. In addition crystals of 4(ClO(4))(3) were isolated, and the X-ray structure reveals the cis-alphaconformation of L(3). In the absence of 2,6-lutidine and without elimination of the exogenous chloride ions, the electrochemical oxidation of 1 leads to the formation of the mononuclear Mn(III) complex, namely, [(L(2))Mn(III)(Cl)(2)](+) (5), as confirmed by UV-vis as well as parallel mode EPR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. In the same conditions, the electrochemical oxidation of complex 2 is more intricate, and a thorough analysis of EPR spectra establishes the formation of the binuclear mono-mu-oxo mixed-valent [(L(3))ClMn(III)(mu-O)Mn(IV)Cl(L(3))](3+) (6) complexes. Electrochemical conversion of Mn(II) complexes into mixed-valent Mn(2)(III,IV) oxo-bridged complexes in the presence of 2,6-lutidine is discussed. The role of the chloride ligands as well as that of L(3) in the building of oxo bridges is discussed. Differences in behavior between L(2) and L(3) are commented on.     

Tunability of the M(II)M(III)/M(II)(2) and M(III)(2)/M(II)M(III) (M=Mn, Co) couples in bis-μ-O,O'-carboxylato-μ-OR bridged complexes

A comparison of the electrochemical properties of a series of dinuclear complexes [M(2)(L)(RCO(2))(2)](+) with M = Mn or Co, L = 2,6-bis(N,N-bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)-sulfonamido)-4-methylphenolato (bpsmp(-)) or 2,6-bis(N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl)-4-tert-butylphenolato (bpbp(-)) and R = H, CH(3), CF(3) or 3,4-dimethoxybenzoate demonstrates: (i) The electron-withdrawing sulfonyl groups in the backbone of bpsmp(-) stabilize the [M(2)(bpsmp)(RCO(2))(2)](+) complexes in their M(II)(2) oxidation state compared to their [M(2)(bpbp)(RCO(2))(2)](+) analogues. Manganese complexes are stabilised by approximately 550 mV and cobalt complexes by 650 mV. (ii) The auxiliary bridging carboxylato ligands further attenuate the metal-based redox chemistry. Substitution of two acetato for two trifluoroacetato ligands shifts redox couples by 300-400 mV. Within the working potential window, reversible or quasi-reversible M(II)M(III)? M(II)(2) processes range from 0.31 to 1.41 V for the [Co(2)(L)(RCO(2))(2)](+/2+) complexes and from 0.54 to 1.41 V for the [Mn(2)(L)(RCO(2))(2)](+/2+) complexes versus Ag/AgCl for E(M(II)M(III)/M(II)(2)). The extreme limits are defined by the complexes [M(2)(bpbp)(CH(3)CO(2))(2)](+) and [M(2)(bpsmp)(CF(3)CO(2))(2)](+) for both metal ions. Thus, tuning the ligand field in these dinuclear complexes makes possible a range of around 0.9 V and 1.49 V for the one-electron E(M(II)M(III)/M(II)(2)) couple of the Mn and Co complexes, respectively. The second one-electron process, M(II)M(III)? M(III)(2) was also observed in some cases. The lowest potential recorded for the E°(M(III)(2)/M(II)M(III)) couple was 0.63 V for [Co(2)(bpbp)(CH(3)CO(2))(2)](2+) and the highest measurable potential was 2.23 V versus Ag/AgCl for [Co(2)(bpsmp)(CF(3)CO(2))(2)](2+).     

Investigating the solid state hosting abilities of homo- and hetero-valent [Co7] metallocalix[6]arenes

A family of homo-valent [Co(II)(7)(OH)(6)(L(1))(6)](NO(3))(2) (1), [(MeOH)(2) is a subset of Co(II)(7)(OH)(6)(L(1))(6)](NO(3))(2) (2) (where L(1)H = 2-iminomethyl-6-methoxyphenol) and hetero-valent [(NO(3))(2) is a subset of Co(III)Co(II)(6)(OH)(6)(L(2))(6)](NO(3))·3MeCN (4) (where L(2)H = 2-iminophenyl-6-methoxyphenol) complexes possess metallic skeletons describing planar hexagonal discs. Their organic exteriors form double-bowl shaped topologies, and coupled with their 3-D connectivity, this results in the formation of molecular cavities in the solid state. These confined spaces are shown to behave as host units in the solid state for guests including solvent molecules and charge balancing counter anions. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on 2 and 4 reveal weak ferro- and ferrimagnetism, respectively. The utilisation of other Co(II) salt precursors gives rise to entirely different species including the mononuclear and trinuclear complexes [Co(II)(L(2))(2)] (5) and [Co(III)(2)Na(I)(1)(L(3))(6)](BF(4)) (6) (where L(3)H = 2-iminomethyl-4-bromo-6-methoxyphenol).     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of low-dimensional heterometallic complexes based on the versatile building block [(Tp)Cr(CN)3]-

Using the tricyano precursor (Bu(4)N)[(Tp)Cr(CN)(3)] (Bu(4)N(+) = tetrabutylammonium cation; Tp = tris(pyrazolyl)hydroborate), a pentanuclear heterometallic cluster [(Tp)(2)Cr(2)(CN)(6)Cu(3)(Me(3)tacn)(3)][(Tp)Cr(CN)(3)](ClO(4))(3)·5H(2)O (1, Me(3)tacn = N,N',N'-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane), three tetranuclear heterometallic clusters [(Tp)(2)Cr(2)(CN)(6)Cu(2)(L(OEt))(2)]·2.5CH(3)CN (2, L(OEt) = [(Cp)Co(P(O)(OEt)(2))(3)], Cp = cyclopentadiene), [(Tp)(2)Cr(2)(CN)(6)Mn(2)(L(OEt))(2)]·4H(2)O (3), and [(Tp)(2)Cr(2)(CN)(6)Mn(2)(phen)(4)](ClO(4))(2) (4, phen = phenanthroline), and a one-dimensional (1D) chain polymer [(Tp)(2)Cr(2)(CN)(6)Mn(bpy)](n) (5, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 1 shows a trigonal bipyramidal geometry in which [(Tp)Cr(CN)(3)](-) units occupy the apical positions and are linked through cyanide to [Cu(Me(3)tacn)](2+) units situated in the equatorial plane. Complexes 2-4 show similar square structures, where Cr(III) and M(II) (M = Cu(II) or Mn(II)) ions are alternatively located on the rectangle corners. Complex 5 consists of a 4,2-ribbon-like bimetallic chain. Ferromagnetic interactions between Cr(III) and Cu(II) ions bridged by cyanides are observed in complexes 1 and 2. Antiferromagnetic interactions are presented between Cr(III) and Mn(II) ions bridged by cyanides in complexes 3-5. Complex 5 shows metamagnetic behavior with a critical field of about 22.5 kOe at 1.8 K.     

First row divalent transition metal complexes of aryl-appended tris((pyridyl)methyl)amine ligands: syntheses, structures, electrochemistry, and hydroxamate binding properties

Divalent manganese, cobalt, nickel, and zinc complexes of 6-Ph(2)TPA (N,N-bis((6-phenyl-2-pyridyl)methyl)-N-((2-pyridyl)methyl)amine; [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Mn(CH(3)OH)(3)](ClO(4))(2) (1), [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Co(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (2), [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Ni(CH(3)CN)(CH(3)OH)](ClO(4))(2) (3), [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Zn(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (4)) and 6-(Me(2)Ph)(2)TPA (N,N-bis((6-(3,5-dimethyl)phenyl-2-pyridyl)methyl)-N-((2-pyridyl)methyl)amine; [(6-(Me(2)Ph)(2)TPA)Ni(CH(3)CN)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (5) and [(6-(Me(2)Ph)(2)TPA)Zn(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (6)) have been prepared and characterized. X-ray crystallographic characterization of 1A.CH(3)()OH and 1B.2CH(3)()OH (differing solvates of 1), 2.2CH(3)()CN, 3.CH(3)()OH, 4.2CH(3)()CN, and 6.2.5CH(3)()CN revealed mononuclear cations with one to three coordinated solvent molecules. In 1A.CH(3)()OH and 1B.2CH(3)()OH, one phenyl-substituted pyridyl arm is not coordinated and forms a secondary hydrogen-bonding interaction with a manganese bound methanol molecule. In 2.2CH(3)()CN, 3.CH(3)()OH, 4.2CH(3)()CN, and 6.2.5CH(3)()CN, all pyridyl donors of the 6-Ph(2)TPA and 6-(Me(2)Ph)(2)TPA ligands are coordinated to the divalent metal center. In the cobalt, nickel, and zinc derivatives, CH/pi interactions are found between a bound acetonitrile molecule and the aryl appendages of the 6-Ph(2)TPA and 6-(Me(2)Ph)(2)TPA ligands. (1)H NMR spectra of 4 and 6 in CD(3)NO(2) solution indicate the presence of CH/pi interactions, as an upfield-shifted methyl resonance for a bound acetonitrile molecule is present. Examination of the cyclic voltammetry of 1-3 and 5 revealed no oxidative (M(II)/M(III)) couples. Admixture of equimolar amounts of 6-Ph(2)TPA, M(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O, and Me(4)NOH.5H(2)O, followed by the addition of an equimolar amount of acetohydroxamic acid, yielded the acetohydroxamate complexes [((6-Ph(2)TPA)Mn)(2)(micro-ONHC(O)CH(3))(2)](ClO(4))(2) (8), [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Co(ONHC(O)CH(3))](ClO(4))(2) (9), [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Ni(ONHC(O)CH(3))](ClO(4))(2) (10), and [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Zn(ONHC(O)CH(3))](ClO(4))(2) (11), all of which were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The Mn(II) complex 8.0.75CH(3)()CN.0.75Et(2)()O exhibits a dinuclear structure with bridging hydroxamate ligands, whereas the Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) derivatives all exhibit mononuclear six-coordinate structures with a chelating hydroxamate ligand.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of a series of non-heme alkoxide-Fe(III) complexes of a benzimidazolyl-rich ligand as models for lipoxygenase

The treatment of Fe(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O or Fe(ClO(4))(3)·9H(2)O with a benzimidazolyl-rich ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis[(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2-ethanediamine (medtb) in alcohol/MeCN gives a mononuclear ferrous complex, [Fe(II)(medtb)](ClO(4))(2)·?CH(3)CN·?CH(3)OH (1), and four non-heme alkoxide-iron(III) complexes, [Fe(III)(OMe)(medtb)](ClO(4))(2)·H(2)O (2, alcohol = MeOH), [Fe(III)(OEt)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·CH(3)CN (3, alcohol = EtOH), [Fe(III)(O(n)Pr)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·(n)PrOH·2CH(3)CN (4, alcohol = n-PrOH), and [Fe(III)(O(n)Bu)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·3CH(3)CN·H(2)O (5, alcohol = n-BuOH), respectively. The alkoxide-iron(III) complexes all show 1) a Fe(III)-OR center (R = Me, 2; Et, 3; (n)Pr, 4; (n)Bu, 5) with the Fe-O bond distances in the range of 1.781-1.816 ?, and 2) a yellow color and an intense electronic transition around 370 nm. The alkoxide-iron(III) complexes can be reduced by organic compounds with a cis,cis-1,4-diene moiety via the hydrogen atom abstraction reaction.     

Tuning the redox potentials of dinuclear tungsten oxo complexes [(Cp*W(4,4'-R,R-2,2'-bpy)(mu-O))2][PF6]2 toward photochemical water splitting

A series of novel dinuclear tungsten(IV) oxo complexes with disubstituted 4,4'-R,R-2,2'-bipyridyl (R(2)bpy) ligands of the type [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)][PF(6)](2) (R=NMe(2), tBu, Me, H, Cl) was prepared by hydrolysis of the tungsten(IV) trichloro complexes [Cp*W(R(2)bpy)Cl(3)]. Cyclic voltammetry measurements for the tungsten(IV) oxo compounds provided evidence for one reversible oxidation and two reversible reductions leading to the oxidation states W(V)W(IV), W(IV)W(III) and W(III)W(III). The corresponding complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)](n+) [PF(6)](n) (n=0 for R=Me, tBu, and 1, 3 for both R=Me) could be isolated after chemical oxidation/reduction of the tungsten(IV) oxo complexes. The crystal structures of the complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)][BPh(4)](2) (R=NMe(2), tBu) and [(Cp*W(Me(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)](n+)[PF(6)](n) (n=0, 1, 2, 3) show a cis geometry with a puckered W(2)O(2) four-membered ring for all compounds except [(Cp*W(Me(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)] which displays a trans geometry with a planar W(2)O(2) ring. Examining the interaction of these novel tungsten oxo complexes with protons, we were able to show that the W(IV)W(IV) complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)][PF(6) (-)](2) (R=NMe(2), tBu) undergo reversible protonation, while the W(III)W(III) complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)] transfer two electrons forming the W(IV)W(IV) complex and molecular hydrogen.     

Reaction of (mu-oxo)diiron(III) core with CO2 in N-methylimidazole: formation of mono(mu-carboxylato)(mu-oxo)diiron(III) complexes with N-methylimidazole as ligands

Several iron(III) complexes with N-methylimidazole (N-MeIm) as the ligand have been synthesized by using N-MeIm as the solvent. Under anaerobic conditions, [Fe(N-MeIm)(6)](ClO(4))(3) (1) reacts with stoichiometric amounts of water in N-MeIm to afford the (mu-oxo)diiron(III) complex, [Fe(2)(mu-O)(N-MeIm)(10)](ClO(4))(4) (3). Exposure of a solution of 3 in N-MeIm to stoichiometric and excess CO(2) gives rise to the (mu-oxo)(mu-carboxylato)diiron(III) species [Fe(2)(mu-O)(mu-HCO(2))(N-MeIm)(8)](ClO(4))(3) (4) and the methyl carbonate complex [Fe(2)(mu-O)(mu-CH(3)OCO(2))(N-MeIm)(8)](ClO(4))(3) (5), respectively. Formation of the formato-bridged complex 4 upon fixation of CO(2) by 3 in N-MeIm is unprecedentated. Methyl transfer from N-MeIm to a bicarbonato-bridged (mu-oxo)diiron(III) intermediate appears to give rise to 5. Complex 3 is a good starting material for the synthesis of (mu-oxo)mono(mu-carboxylato)diiron(III) species [Fe(2)(mu-O)(mu-RCO(2))(N-MeIm)(8)](ClO(4))(3) (where R = H (4), CH(3) (6), or C(6)H(5) (7)); addition of the respective carboxylate ligand in stoichiometric amount to a solution of 3 in N-MeIm affords these complexes in high yields. Attempts to add a third bridge to complexes 4, 6, and 7 to form the (mu-oxo)bis(mu-carboxylato)diiron(III) species result in the isolation of the previously known triiron(III) mu-eta(3)-oxo clusters [[Fe(mu-RCO(2))(2)(N-MeIm)](3)O](ClO(4)) (8). The structures of 3, 4, 6, and 7 allow one, for the first time, to inspect the various features of the [Fe(2)(mu-O)(mu-RCO(2))](3+) moiety with no strain from the ligand framework.     

Solvent control: dinuclear versus tetranuclear complexes of a bis-tetradentate pyrimidine-based ligand

A new bis-tetradentate acyclic amine ligand L(Et) has been synthesized from 4,6-bis(aminomethyl)-2-phenylpyrimidine and 2-vinylpyridine. Dinuclear complexes, Mn(II)(2)L(Et)(MeCN)(H(2)O)(3)(ClO(4))(4) (1), Fe(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(BF(4))(4) (2), Co(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(3)(MeCN)(2)(BF(4))(4) (3), Ni(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(BF(4))(4) (4), Ni(II)(2)L(Et)(H(2)O)(4)(ClO(4))(4)·8H(2)O (4'), Cu(II)(2)L(Et)(BF(4))(4)·MeCN (5), Zn(II)(2)L(Et)(BF(4))(2)(BF(4))(2)·?MeCN (6), were obtained from 1 : 2 reactions of L(Et) and the appropriate metal salts in MeCN, whereas in MeOH tetranuclear complexes, Mn(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(OH)(4)(ClO(4))(4) (7), Fe(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·5/2H(2)O (8), Co(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·3H(2)O (9), Ni(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·4H(2)O (10), Cu(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4)·3H(2)O (11) and Zn(II)(4)(L(Et))(2)(F)(4)(BF(4))(4) (12), result. Six complexes have been structurally characterized: in all cases each L(Et) is bis-tetradentate and provides a pyrimidine bridge between two metal centres. As originally anticipated, complexes 1, 4' and 6 are dinuclear, while 9, 10 and 12 are revealed to be tetranuclear, with two M(2)(L(Et))(4+) moieties bridged by two pairs of fluoride anions. Weak to moderate antiferromagnetic coupling between the metal centres is a feature of complexes 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10. The dinuclear complexes 1-6 undergo multiple, mostly irreversible, redox processes. However, the pyrimidine-based dicopper(II) complex 5 undergoes a two electron quasi-reversible reduction, Cu(II)(2)→ Cu(I)(2), and this occurs at a more positive potential [E(m) = +0.11 V (E(pc) = -0.03 and E(pa) = +0.26 V) vs. 0.01 M AgNO(3)/Ag] than for either of the dicopper(II) complexes of the analogous pyrazine-based ligands.     

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt(II) complexes with tripodal polypyridine ligand bearing pivalamide groups. Selective formation of six- and seven-coordinate cobalt(II) complexes

The reactions of CoX(2) (X = Cl(-), Br(-), I(-) and ClO(4)(-)) with the tripodal polypyridine N(4)O(2)-type ligand bearing pivalamide groups, bis(6-(pivalamide-2-pyridyl)methyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand (H(2)BPPA), afforded two types of Co(II) complexes as follows. One type is purple-coloured Co(II) complexes, [CoCl(2)(H(2)BPPA)] (1(Cl)) and [CoBr(2)(H(2)BPPA)] (1(Br)) which were prepared when X = Cl(-) and Br(-), respectively. The other type is pale pink-coloured Co(II) complexes, [Co(MeOH)(H(2)BPPA)](ClO(4)(-))(2) (2·(ClO(4)(-))(2)) and [Co(MeCN)(H(2)BPPA)](I(-))(2) (2·(I(-))(2)), which were obtained when X = I(-) and ClO(4)(-), respectively. From the reaction of 1(Cl) and NaN(3), a purple-coloured complex, [Co(N(3))(2)(H(2)BPPA)] (1(azide)), was obtained. These Co(II) complexes were characterized by X-ray structural analysis, IR and reflectance spectroscopies, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. All these Co(II) complexes were shown to be in a d(7) high-spin state based on magnetic susceptibility measurements. The former Co(II) complexes revealed a six-coordinate octahedron with one amine nitrogen, three pyridyl nitrogens, and two counter anions, and one coordinated anion, Cl(-), Br(-) and N(3)(-), forming intramolecular hydrogen bonds with two pivalamide N-H groups. On the other hand, the latter Co(II) complexes showed a seven-coordinate face-capped octahedron with one amine nitrogen, three pyridyl nitrogens, two pivalamide carbonyl oxygens and MeCN or MeOH. In these structures, intramolecular hydrogen bonding interaction was not observed, and the metal ion was coordinated by the pivalamide carbonyl oxygens and solvent molecule instead of the counter anions. The difference in coordination geometries might be attributable to the coordination ability and ionic radii of the counteranions; smaller strongly binding anions such as Cl(-), Br(-) and N(3)(-) gave the former complexes, whereas bulky weakly binding anions such as I(-) and ClO(4)(-) afforded the latter ones. In order to demonstrate this hypothesis, the small stronger coordinating ligand, azide, was added to complexes 2·(ClO(4)(-))(2) to obtain the dinuclear cobalt(II) complex in which two six-coordinate octahedral cobalt(II) species were bridged with azide, 3·(ClO(4)(-)). Also, the abstraction reaction of halogen anions from complexes 1(Cl) by AgSbF(6) gave a pale pink Co(II) complex assignable to 2·(SbF(6)(-))(2).     

Aggregation control by homologous tripodal tetradentate amino acid ligands in oxo-bridged diiron(III) aquo complexes

Isoelectronic oxo-bridged diiron(III) aquo complexes of the homologous tripodal tetradentate amino acid ligands, N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-3-aminoacetate (bpg(-)) and N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-3-aminopropionate (bpp(-)), containing [(H(2)O)Fe(III)-(mu-O)-Fe(III)(H(2)O)](4+) cores, oligomerise, respectively, by dehydration and deprotonation, or by dehydration only, in reversible reactions. In the solid state, [Fe(2)(O)(bpp)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (1(ClO(4))(2)) exhibits stereochemistry identical to that of [Fe(2)(O)(bpg)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2(ClO(4))(2)), with the ligand carboxylate donor oxygen atoms and the water molecules located cis to the oxo bridge and the tertiary amine group trans to it. Despite their structural similarity, 1(2+) and 2(2+) display markedly different aggregation behaviour in solution. In the absence of significant water, 1(2+) dehydrates and dimerises to give the tetranuclear complex, [Fe(4)(O)(2)(bpp)(4)](ClO(4))(4) (3(ClO(4))(4)), in which the carboxylate groups of the four bpp(-) ligands act as bridging groups between two [Fe(2)(O)(bpp)(2)](2+) units. Under similar conditions, 2(2+) dehydrates and deprotonates to form dinuclear and trinuclear oligomers, [Fe(2)(O)(OH)(bpg)(2)](ClO(4)) (4ClO(4)) and [Fe(3)(O)(2)(OH)(bpg)(3)](ClO(4)) (5(ClO(4))), related by addition of 'Fe(O)(bpg)' units. The trinuclear 5(ClO(4)), characterised crystallographically as two solvates 5(ClO(4)).3H(2)O and 5(ClO(4)).2MeOH, is based on a hexagonal [Fe(3)(O)(2)(OH)(bpg)(3)](+) unit, formally containing one hydroxo and two oxo bridges. The different aggregation behaviour of 1(ClO(4))(2) and 2(ClO(4))(2) results from the difference of one methylene group in the pendant carboxylate arms of the amino acid ligands.     

Facially coordinating triamine ligands with a cyclic backbone: some structure-stability correlations

Metal complex formation of the two cyclic triamines 6-methyl-1,4-diazepan-6-amine (MeL(a)) and all-cis-2,4,6-trimethylcyclohexane-1,3,5-triamine (Me(3)tach) was studied. The structure of the free ligands (H(x)MeL(a))(x+) and H(x)Me(3)tach(x+) (0 ≤ x ≤ 3) was investigated by pH-dependent NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction experiments. The crystal structure of (H(2)Me(3)tach)(p-O(3)S-C(6)H(4)-CH(3))(2) showed a chair conformation with axial nitrogen atoms for the doubly protonated species. In contrast to a previous report, Me(3)tach was found to be a stronger base than the parent cis-cyclohexane-1,3,5-triamine (tach); pK(a)-values of H(3)Me(3)tach(3+) (25 °C, 0.1 M KCl): 5.2, 7.4, 11.2. The crystal structures of (H(3)MeL(a))(BiCl(6))·2H(2)O and (H(3)MeL(a))(ClO(4))Cl(2) exhibited two distinct twisted chair conformations of the seven membered diazepane ring. [Co(MeL(a))(2)](3+) (cis: 1(3+), trans: 2(3+)), trans-[Fe(MeL(a))(2)](3+) (3(3+)), [(MeL(a))ClCd(μ(2)-Cl)](2) (4), trans-[Cu(MeL(a))(2)](2+) (5(2+)), and [Cu(HMeL(a))Br(3)] (6) were characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis of 1(ClO(4))(3)·H(2)O, 2Br(3)·H(2)O, 3(ClO(4))(3)·0.8MeCN·0.2MeOH, 4, 5Br(2)·0.5MeOH, and 6·H(2)O. Formation constants and redox potentials of MeL(a) complexes were determined by potentiometric, spectrophotometric, and cyclovoltammetric measurements. The stability of [M(II)(MeL(a))](2+)-complexes is low. In comparison to the parent 1,4-diazepan-6-amine (L(a)), it is only slightly enhanced. In analogy to L(a), MeL(a) exhibited a pronounced tendency for forming protonated species such as [M(II)(HMeL(a))](3+) or [M(II)(MeL(a))(HMeL(a))](3+) (see 6 as an example). In contrast to MeL(a), Me(3)tach forms [M(II)L](2+) complexes (M = Cu, Zn) of very high stability, and the coordination behavior corresponds mainly to an "all-or-nothing" process. Molecular mechanics calculations showed that the low stability of L(a) and MeL(a) complexes is mainly due to a large amount of torsional strain within the pure chair conformation of the diazepane ring, required for tridentate coordination. This behavior is quite contrary to Me(3)tach and tacn (tacn =1,4,7-triazacyclononane), where the main portion of strain is already preformed in the free ligand, and the amount, generated upon complex formation, is comparably low.     

Spontaneous reduction of a low-spin Fe(III) complex of a neutral pentadentate N(5) Schiff base ligand to the corresponding Fe(II) species in acetonitrile

The iron complexes of a designed pentadentate Schiff base ligand N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-N-ethyl-2-pyridine-2-aldimine (SBPy(3)) have been synthesized. The low-spin mononuclear Fe(III) complex [(SBPy(3))Fe(DMF)](ClO(4))(3) (2), though stable in the solid state, is spontaneously reduced to the corresponding Fe(II) species [(SBPy(3))Fe(MeCN)](2+) in MeCN. Fe(II) complex [(SBPy(3))Fe(MeCN)](BF(4))(2) (3) has been isolated independently and characterized by crystallography. Electrochemical studies indicate that SBPy(3), like other pentadentate polypyridine ligands, stabilizes the Fe(II) center to a great extent (E(1/2) = 1.01 V vs SCE in MeCN). This fact is responsible for the ready reduction of 2. It is evident that such reactivity has brought complications in the syntheses of iron complexes of polypyridine ligands reported in previous accounts. Very low solubility of 2 in MeOH has allowed isolation of analytically pure 2 in the present work. Storage of dilute methanolic solution of 2 results in the formation of the mu-oxo Fe(III) dimer [(SBPy(3))FeOFe(SBPy(3))](ClO(4))(4) (5), the structure of which has also been determined. Fe(II) complex 3 reacts with CN(-) to afford cyanide adduct [(SBPy(3))Fe(CN)](BF(4)) (4) but does not exhibit any reactivity toward NO. The azomethine moiety (CH=N-py) of 2 is rapidly oxidized by H(2)O(2) to a pyridine-2-carboxamido (C(=O)-N-py) unit and affords [(PaPy(3))Fe(MeCN)](ClO(4))(2) (1), a complex previously reported by us.     

2-Aminoisobutyric acid in Co(II) and Co(II)/Ln(III) chemistry: homometallic and heterometallic clusters

The synthesis and magnetic properties of 13 new homo- and heterometallic Co(II) complexes containing the artificial amino acid 2-amino-isobutyric acid, aibH, are reported: [Co(II)(4)(aib)(3)(aibH)(3)(NO(3))](NO(3))(4)·2.8CH(3)OH·0.2H(2)O (1·2.8CH(3)OH·0.2H(2)O), {Na(2)[Co(II)(2)(aib)(2)(N(3))(4)(CH(3)OH)(4)]}(n) (2), [Co(II)(6)La(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)CN)(2)]·0.5[La(NO(3))(6)]·0.75(ClO(4))·1.75(NO(3))·3.2CH(3)CN·5.9H(2)O (3·3.2CH(3)CN·5.9H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Pr(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)CN)(6)]·[Pr(NO(3))(5)]·0.41[Pr(NO(3))(3)(ClO(4))(0.5)(H(2)O)(1.5)]·0.59[Co(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)]·0.2(ClO(4))·0.25H(2)O (4·0.25H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Nd(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(2.8)(CH(3)OH)(4.7)(H(2)O)(1.5)]·2.7(ClO(4))·0.5(NO(3))·2.26CH(3)OH·0.24H(2)O (5·2.26CH(3)OH·0.24H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Sm(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)CN)(6)]·[Sm(NO(3))(5)]·0.44[Sm(NO(3))(3)(ClO(4))(0.5)(H(2)O)(1.5)]·0.56[Co(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)]·0.22(ClO(4))·0.3H(2)O (6·0.3H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Eu(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)OH)(4.87)(H(2)O)(1.13)](ClO(4))(2.5)(NO(3))(0.5)·2.43CH(3)OH·0.92H(2)O (7·2.43CH(3)OH·0.92H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Gd(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(2.9)(CH(3)OH)(4.9)(H(2)O)(1.2)]·2.6(ClO(4))·0.5(NO(3))·2.58CH(3)OH·0.47H(2)O (8·2.58CH(3)OH·0.47H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Tb(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)CN)(6)]·[Tb(NO(3))(5)]·0.034[Tb(NO(3))(3)(ClO(4))(0.5)(H(2)O)(0.5)]·0.656[Co(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)]·0.343(ClO(4))·0.3H(2)O (9·0.3H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Dy(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(2.9)(CH(3)OH)(4.92)(H(2)O)(1.18)](ClO(4))(2.6)(NO(3))(0.5)·2.5CH(3)OH·0.5H(2)O (10·2.5CH(3)OH·0.5H(2)O), [Co(II)(6)Ho(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(CH(3)CN)(6)]·0.27[Ho(NO(3))(3)(ClO(4))(0.35)(H(2)O)(0.15)]·0.656[Co(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)]·0.171(ClO(4)) (11), [Co(II)(6)Er(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(4)(NO(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(2.5)(H(2)O)(3.5)](ClO(4))(3)·CH(3)CN·0.75H(2)O (12·CH(3)CN·0.75H(2)O), and [Co(II)(6)Tm(III)(aib)(6)(OH)(3)(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)(6)]·1.48(ClO(4))·1.52(NO(3))·3H(2)O (13·3H(2)O). Complex 1 describes a distorted tetrahedral metallic cluster, while complex 2 can be considered to be a 2-D coordination polymer. Complexes 3-13 can all be regarded as metallo-cryptand encapsulated lanthanides in which the central lanthanide ion is captivated within a [Co(II)(6)] trigonal prism. dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies have been carried out in the 2-300 K range for complexes 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 13, revealing the possibility of single molecule magnetism behavior for complex 10.     

IrII(ethene): metal or carbon radical?

One-electron oxidation of [(Me(n)tpa)Ir(I)(ethene)]+ complexes (Me(3)tpa = N,N,N-tri(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine; Me(2)tpa = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N,N,-di[(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl]-amine) results in relatively stable, five-coordinate Ir(II)-olefin species [(Me(n)tpa)Ir(II)(ethene)](2+) (1(2+): n = 3; 2(2+): n = 2). These contain a "vacant site" at iridium and a "non-innocent" ethene fragment, allowing radical type addition reactions at both the metal and the ethene ligand. The balance between metal- and ligand-centered radical behavior is influenced by the donor capacity of the solvent. In weakly coordinating solvents, 1(2+) and 2(2+) behave as moderately reactive metallo-radicals. Radical coupling of 1(2+) with NO in acetone occurs at the metal, resulting in dissociation of ethene and formation of the stable nitrosyl complex [(Me(3)tpa)Ir(NO)](2+) (6(2+)). In the coordinating solvent MeCN, 1(2+) generates more reactive radicals; [(Me(3)tpa)Ir(MeCN)(ethene)](2+) (9(2+)) by MeCN coordination, and [(Me(3)tpa)Ir(II)(MeCN)](2+) (10(2+)) by substitution of MeCN for ethene. Complex 10(2+) is a metallo-radical, like 1(2+) but more reactive. DFT calculations indicate that 9(2+) is intermediate between the slipped-olefin Ir(II)(CH(2)=CH(2)) and ethyl radical Ir(III)-CH(2)-CH(2). resonance structures, of which the latter prevails. The ethyl radical character of 9(2+) allows radical type addition reactions at the ethene ligand. Complex 2(2+) behaves similarly in MeCN. In the absence of further reagents, 1(2+) and 2(2+) convert to the ethylene bridged species [(Me(n)tpa)(MeCN)Ir(III)(mu(2)-C(2)H(4))Ir(III)(MeCN)(Me(3)tpa)](4+) (n = 3: 3(4+); n = 2: 4(4+)) in MeCN. In the presence of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxo), formation of 3(4+) from 1(2+) in MeCN is completely suppressed and only [(Me(3)tpa)Ir(III)(TEMPO(-))(MeCN)](2+) (7(2+)) is formed. This is thought to proceed via radical coupling of TEMPO at the metal center of 10(2+). In the presence of water, hydrolysis of the coordinated acetonitrile fragment of 7(2+) results in the acetamido complex [(Me(3)tpa)Ir(III)(NHC(O)CH(3)))(TEMPOH)](2+) (8(2+)).     

Hydrogencyanamido bridged multinuclear copper(II) complexes: from strong antiferromagnetic couplings to weak ferromagnetic couplings

In the presence of ammonia, the reactions of cyanamide and Cu(II) ions with different organic blocking ligands afford three hydrogencyanamido bridged dinuclear complexes: [(dmbpy)(4)Cu(2)(HNCN)](ClO(4))(3)·H(2)O (1, dmbpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), [(phen)(4)Cu(2)(HNCN)](ClO(4))(3)·2H(2)O (2, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and [(bpy)(2)Cu(2)(HNCN)(2)(ClO(4))(2)] (3, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), respectively. However, using the di(2-pyridyl)ketone (dpk) ligand in similar experimental conditions, an interesting reaction between the hydrogencyanamido anion and dpk is observed. Using Cu(ClO(4))·6H(2)O or Co(ClO(4))·6H(2)O as the metal source, it gives the mixed bridged hexanuclear complex [(dpk·OMe)(4)(dpk·NCN)(2)Cu(6)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(4) (4), or the mononuclear complex [(dpk·OMe)(dpk·HNCN)Co](ClO(4))·2H(2)O (5), respectively. Their structures are characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Magnetic measurements reveal moderate antiferromagnetic interaction between the Cu(II) ions in complex 1, weak ferromagnetic coupling in complex 2, and strong antiferromagnetic interactions for complexes 3 and 4. The magnetostructural correlations of these complexes are discussed.     

Discrete and monodimensional heteropolynuclear structures formed by tetracarboxylatodiruthenium(II,III) and perrhenato fragments

Reaction between cationic units of carboxylate-bridged diruthenium complexes [Ru(2)(mu-O(2)CR)(4)](+) (R = Me, CMePh(2), CMe(3), CH(2)CH(2)OMe, C(Me)=CHEt, C(6)H(4)-p-OMe, Ph) and tetrabutylammonium perrhenate gives complexes with different arrangements in the solid state. Thus, the compounds Ru(2)(mu-O(2)CR)(4)(ReO(4)) [R = Me (1), CMePh(2) (2), CMe(3) (3), CH(2)CH(2)OMe (4), C(Me)=CHEt (5), C(6)H(4)-p-OMe (6), Ph (7)] have polymeric structures with the diruthenium units linked by perrhenate ligands in the axial positions. The structures of complexes 3.THF and 4 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The tetrahedral geometry of the ReO(4)(-) anion permits the formation of a chain close to the linearity. In contrast to the polymeric chains observed in complexes 1-7, the reaction of [Ru(2)(mu-O(2)CPh)(4)](+) with NBu(4)ReO(4) also affords the compounds Ru(2)(mu-O(2)CPh)(4)(ReO(4))(H(2)O) (8) and NBu(4)[Ru(2)(mu-O(2)CPh)(4)(ReO(4))(2)] (9) depending on the reaction conditions. The structure of 8 consists of cationic and anionic units, [Ru(2)(mu-O(2)CPh)(4)(H(2)O)(2)](+) and [Ru(2)(mu-O(2)CPh)(4)(ReO(4))(2)](-), linked by hydrogen bonds, which give a three-dimensional net. The structure of complex 9.0.5H(2)O has an anionic unit similar to that of 8, whose counterion is NBu(4)(+). The Ru-Ru bond distances are slightly longer in [Ru(2)(mu-O(2)CPh)(4)(ReO(4))(2)](-) than in the polymeric compounds Ru(2)(mu-O(2)CR)(4)(ReO(4)). The magnetic behavior owes to the existence of zero-field splitting (ZFS) and a weak antiferromagnetic coupling. The experimental data are fitted with a model that considers the ZFS effect using the Hamiltonian (D) = SDS. The weak antiferromagnetic coupling is introduced as a perturbation, using the molecular field approximation.     

Molecular Assemblies Containing Unsupported [Fe(III)-(&mgr;(2):eta(2)-RCO(2))-Cu(II)] Bridges

Formate is an inhibitor of cytochrome oxidases and also effects conversion of the bovine heart enzyme from the "fast" to the "slow" cyanide-binding form. The molecular basis of these effects is unknown; one possibility is that formate inserts as a bridge into the binuclear heme a(3)-Cu(B) site, impeding the binding of dioxygen or cyanide. Consequently, Fe-Cu-carboxylate interactions are a matter of current interest. We have initiated an examination of such interactions by the synthesis of the first examples of [Fe(III)-(&mgr;(2):eta(2)-RCO(2))-Cu(II)] bridges, minimally represented by Fe(III)-L + Cu(II)-O(2)CR --> [Fe(III)-(RCO(2))-Cu(II)] + L. A series of Cu(II) precursor complexes and solvate forms have been prepared and their structures determined, including [Cu(Me(5)dien)(O(2)CH)](+) (3), [Cu(Me(5)dien)(O(2)CH)(MeOH)](+) (4), [Cu(Me(6)tren)(O(2)CH)](+) (5), and [Cu(Me(5)dien)(OAc)](+) (6). [4](ClO(4)) was obtained in monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 8.166(3) ?, b = 15.119(5) ?, c = 15.070(4) ?, beta = 104.65(2) degrees, and Z = 4. [5](ClO(4))/[6](ClO(4)) crystallize in orthorhombic space groups Pnma/Pna2(1) with a = 16.788(2)/14.928(5) ?, b = 9.542(1)/9.341(4) ?, c = 12.911(1)/12.554(4) ?, and Z = 4/4. In all cases, the carboxylate ligand is terminal and is bound in a syn orientation. Also prepared for the purpose of structural comparison was [Fe(OEP)(O(2)CH)], which occurred in monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 13.342(2) ?, b = 13.621(2) ?, c = 19.333(2) ?, beta = 106.12(2) degrees, and Z = 4. The desired bridges were stabilized in the assemblies [(OEP)Fe(O(2)CH)Cu(Me(5)dien)(OClO(3))](+) (9), [(OEP)Fe(OAc)Cu(Me(5)dien)](2+) (10), and {(OEP)Fe[(O(2)CH)Cu(Me(6)tren)](2)}(3+) (11), which were prepared by the reaction of 3, 6, and 5, respectively, with [Fe(OEP)(OClO(3))] in acetone or dichloromethane. [9](ClO(4))/[10](ClO(4))(2).CH(2)Cl(2) crystallize in triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 9.016(3)/13.777(3) ?, b = 15.377(5)/13.847(3) ?, c = 19.253(5)/17.608(4) ?, alpha = 78.12(3)/96.82(3) degrees, beta = 86.30(4)/108.06(3) degrees, gamma = 76.23(3)/114.32(3) degrees, and Z = 2/2. Each assembly contains a [Fe(III)-(RCO(2))-Cu(II)] bridge but with the differing orientations anti-anti (9) and syn-anti (10, 11). The compound [11](ClO(4))(2)(SbF(6)) occurs in orthorhombic space group Pbcn with a = 12.517(6) ?, b = 29.45(1) ?, c = 21.569(8) ?, and Z = 4. Complex 11 is trinuclear; the Fe(III) site has two axial formate ligands with bond distances indicative of a high-spin configuration. Structural features of 9-11 are discussed and are considered in relation to the possible insertion of formate into the binuclear sites of two oxidases whose structures were recently determined. The present results contribute to the series of molecular assemblies with the bridge groups [Fe(III)-X-Cu(II)], X = O(2)(-), OH(-), and RCO(2)(-), all with a common high-spin heme, thereby allowing an examination of electronic structure as dependent on the bridging atom or group and bridge structure. (Me(5)dien = 1,1,4,7,7-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine; Me(6)tren = tris(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)amine; OEP = octaethylporphyrinate(2-).)     

Synthesis of (O2CEPh)1- ligands (E = S, Se) by CO2 insertion into lanthanide chalcogen bonds and their utility in forming crystallographically characterizable organoaluminum complexes [Me2Al(mu-O2CEPh)]2

CO(2) inserts into the Sm-S and Sm-Se bonds of [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(mu-EPh)](2) (E = S, Se) to form the first crystallographically characterized (O(2)CEPh)(1-) complexes, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(mu-O(2)CEPh)](2). These complexes are structurally analogous to [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(mu-O(2)CR)](2) complexes, but they are less soluble. This feature was utilized in the reaction of Me(2)AlCl with [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(mu-O(2)CEPh)](2), which forms crystallographically characterizable [Me(2)Al(mu-O(2)CEPh)](2) complexes. Such complexes could not be isolated from an analogous carboxylate reaction. [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(mu-O(2)CSePh)](2) decarboxylates in THF to form (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(SePh)(THF). The loss of CO(2) rather than COSe with formation of (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(OPh)(THF) was established by (13)CO(2) studies and independent synthesis of (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm(OPh)(THF) from (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm[N(SiMe(3))(2)] and PhOH.