New oxorhenium complexes with 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-2-benzoxazolinato ligand. X-ray structure and DFT calculations for [ReOX2(hbo)(AsPh3)] and [ReOX2(hbo)(PPh3)] complexes

The reactions of [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)₂] and [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] with 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-2-benzoxazoline (Hhbo) have been examined and [ReOX₂(hbo)(AsPh₃)] and [ReOX₂(hbo)(PPh₃)] (X = Cl, Br) complexes have been obtained. The crystal and molecular structures of [ReOCl₂(hbo)(AsPh₃)] (1) and [ReOBr₂(hbo)(PPh₃)] (4) have been determined. The electronic structures of 1 and 4 have been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method. The spin-allowed electronic transitions of 1 and 4 have been calculated with the time-dependent DFT method, and the UV–Vis spectra of these complexes have been discussed.     

Oxorhenium complexes with the 8-quinolinolato ligand. X-ray structure and DFT calculations for [ReOX2(hqn)(AsPh3)] and [ReOX2(hqn)(PPh3)] complexes

The reactions of [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)₂] and [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] with 8-hydroxyquinoline (Hhqn) have been examined and the complexes [ReOX₂(hqn)(AsPh₃)] and [ReOX₂(hqn)(PPh₃)] (X = Cl, Br) have been obtained, respectively. The crystal and molecular structures of [ReOCl₂(hqn)(AsPh₃)] (1) and [ReOBr₂(hqn)(PPh₃)] (4) have been determined. The electronic structure of 1 has been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method. The spin-allowed electronic transitions of 1 have been calculated with the time-dependent DFT method, and the UV–Vis spectrum of [ReOCl₂(hqn)(AsPh₃)] has been discussed on this basis.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,crystal and molecular structure of [ReOX2(bopyH)(PPh3)] complexes: DFT calculations for [ReOCl2(bopyH)(PPh3)]

The reactions of [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) with benzoylpyridine (bopy) have been examined and novel [ReOX₂(bopyH)(PPh₃)] oxocompounds have been obtained. The complexes were structurally and spectroscopically characterised. In the both structures two-electron reduced form of benzoylpyridine is coordinated to the central ion. The electronic structure of [ReOCl₂(bopyH)(PPh₃)] has been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method, and additional information about binding has been obtained by NBO analysis. The UV–Vis spectrum of the [ReOCl₂(bopyH)(PPh₃)] has been discussed on the basis of TDDFT calculations.     

Synthesis and characterization of hetero-binuclear Co-Rh complexes [CpCoS2C2(B9H10)][Rh(COD)] and [CpCoSe2C2(B10H10)][Rh(COD)]

Two hetero-binuclear complexes [Cp^∗CoS₂C₂(B₉H₁₀)][Rh(COD)] (2a) and [Cp^∗CoSe₂C₂(B₁₀H₁₀)][Rh(COD)] (2b) [Cp^∗ = η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, COD = cyclo-octa-1,5-diene (C₈H₁₂)] were synthesized by the reactions of half-sandwich complexes [Cp^∗CoE₂C₂(B₁₀H₁₀)] [E = S (1a), Se (1b)] with low valent transition metal complexes [Rh(COD)(OEt)]₂ and [Rh(COD)(OMe)]₂. Although the reaction conditions are the same, the structures of two products for dithiolato carborane and diselenolato carborane are different. The cage of the carborane in 2a was opened; However, the carborane cage in 2b was intact. Complexes 2a and 2b have been fully characterized by ¹H, ¹¹B NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as by elemental analyses. The molecular structures of 2a and 2b have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and strong metal-metal interactions between cobalt and rhodium atoms (2.6260 Å (2a) and 2.7057 Å (2b)) are existent.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterisation,crystal and molecular structure of [ReOBr(quin-2-c)2] and [ReOCl(quin-2-c)2] complexes: DFT and TD-DFT calculations for [ReOBr(quin-2-c)2]

Novel [ReOX(quin-2-c)₂] complexes (X = Cl, Br; quin-2-c = quinoline-2-carboxylate ion) have been prepared by treatment of [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)₂] with an excess of quinoline-2-carboxylic acid in acetonitrile. The complexes were characterised structurally and spectroscopically. The electronic structure of [ReOBr(quin-2-c)₂] has been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method, and additional information about binding has been obtained by NBO analysis. The UV–Vis spectrum of [ReOBr(quin-2-c)₂] has been discussed on the basis of TD-DFT calculations.     

Novel rhenium(III) complexes with the picolinate ligand: Synthesis,spectroscopic investigations,X-ray structures and DFT calculations for [ReX2(pic)(PPh3)2] complexes

The paper presents a combined experimental and computational study of novel rhenium(III) complexes with the picolinate ligand – [ReCl₂(pic)(PPh₃)₂] (1) and [ReBr₂(pic)(PPh₃)₂] (2). Both complexes 1 and 2 have been characterised spectroscopically and structurally (by single-crystal X-ray diffraction). Complex 1 has been additionally studied by magnetic measurement. The magnetic behavior is characteristic of a mononuclear d⁴ low-spin octahedral Re(III) complex (³T_1g ground state) and arises because of the large spin–orbit coupling (ζ = 2500 cm⁻¹), which gives a diamagnetic ground state. DFT and time-dependent (TD)DFT calculations have been carried out for complex 1, and UV–vis spectra of the [ReX₂(pic)(PPh₃)₂] compounds have been discussed on this basis.     

Reactions of Mo(II)-tetraphosphine complex [MoCl2{meso-o-C6H4(PPhCH2CH2PPh2)2}] with a series of small molecules

Reactions of Mo(II)-tetraphosphine complex [MoCl₂(κ⁴-P4)] (2; P4 = meso-o-C₆H₄(PPhCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂) with a series of small molecules have been investigated. Thus, treatment of 2 with alkynes RCCR′ (R = Ph, R′ = H; R = p-tolyl, R′ = H; R = Me, R′ = Ph) in benzene or toluene gave neutral mono(alkyne) complexes [MoCl₂(RCCR′)(κ³-P4)] containing tridentate P4 ligand, which were converted to cationic complexes [MoCl(RCCR′)(κ⁴-P4)]Cl having tetradentate P4 ligand upon dissolution into CDCl₃ or CD₂Cl₂. The latter complexes were available directly from the reactions of 2 with the alkynes in CH₂Cl₂. On the other hand, treatment of 2 with 1 equiv. of XyNC (Xy = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) afforded a seven-coordinate mono(isocyanide) complex [MoCl₂(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)] (7), which reacted further with XyNC to give a cationic bis(isocyanide) complex [MoCl(XyNC)₂(κ⁴-P4)]Cl (8). From the reaction of 2 with CO, a mono(carbonyl) complex [MoCl₂(CO)(κ⁴-P4)] (9) was obtained as a sole isolable product. Reaction of 9 with XyNC afforded [MoCl(CO)(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)]Cl (10a) having a pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry with axial CO and XyNC ligands, whereas that of 7 with CO resulted in the formation of a mixture of 10a and its isomer 10b containing axial CO and Cl ligands. Structures of 7 and 9 as well as [MoCl(XyNC)₂(κ⁴-P4)][PF₆](8′) and [MoCl(CO)(XyNC)(κ⁴-P4)][PF₆] (10a′) derived by the anion metathesis from 8 and 10a, respectively, were determined in detail by the X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis of [Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(SP)] and [Ru(CO)(PPh3)2(SP)] and their catalytic activities for the hydroamination of phenylacetylene

The reaction of [Ru(CO)₂(PPh₃)₃] (1) with o-styryldiphenylphophine (SP) (2) gave [Ru(CO)₂(PPh₃)(SP)] (3) in 83% yield. This styrylphosphine ruthenium complex 3 can also be synthesized by the reaction of [Ru(p-MeOC₆H₄NN)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ (4) with NaBH₄ and 2 in 50% yield. When “Ru(CO)(PPh₃)₃” generated by the reaction of [RuH₂(CO)(PPh₃)₃] (8) with trimethylvinylsilane reacted with 2, [Ru(CO)(PPh₃)₂(SP)] (10) was produced in moderate yield as an air sensitive solid. The spectral and X-ray data of these complexes revealed that the coordination geometries around the ruthenium center of both complexes corresponded to a distorted trigonal bipyramid with the olefin occupying the equatorial position and the C-C bonding in the olefin moiety in 3 and 10 contained a significant contribution from a ruthenacyclopropane limiting structure. Complexes 3 and 10 showed catalytic activity for the hydroamination of phenylacetylene 11 with aniline 12. Ruthenium complex 3 in the co-presence of NH₄PF₆ or H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ proves to be a superior catalyst system for this hydroamination reaction. In the case of the reaction using H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ as an additive, ketimines (13) was obtained in 99% yield at a ruthenium-catalyst loading of 0.1 mol%. Some aniline derivatives such as 4-methoxy, 4-trifluoromethyl-, and 4-bromoanilines can also be used in this hydroamination reaction.     

Syntheses and properties of Re(III) complexes derived from hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)methanes: molecular structure of [ReCl2(HCpz3)(PPh3)][BF4]

The complexes [ReCl₂{N₂C(O)Ph}(Hpz)(PPh₃)₂] (1) (Hpz = pyrazole), [ReCl₂{N₂C(O)Ph}(Hpz)₂(PPh₃)] (2), [ReCl₂(HCpz₃)(PPh₃)][BF₄] (3) and [ReCl₂(3,5-Me₂Hpz)₃(PPh₃)]Cl (4) were obtained by treatment of the chelate [ReCl₂{η²-N,O-N₂C(O)Ph}(PPh₃)₂] (0) with hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)methane HCpz₃ (1,3), pyrazole Hpz (1,2), hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane HC(3,5-Me₂pz)₃ (4) or dimethylpyrazole 3,5-Me₂Hpz (4). Rupture of a C(sp³)-N bond in HCpz₃ or HC(3,5-Me₂pz)₃, promoted by the Re centre, has occurred in the formation of 1 or 4, respectively. All compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR and NMR spectroscopy, FAB-MS spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry and, for 1 · CH₂Cl₂ and 3, also by single crystal X-ray analysis. The electrochemical E_L Lever parameter has been estimated, for the first time, for the HCpz₃ and the benzoyldiazenide NNC(O)Ph ligands.     

Pentabenzylcyclopentadienyl molybdenum and tungsten hydrides: Syntheses, structures and electrochemistry of [MHCp(CO)2(L)] (L = CO, PMe3, PPh3)

Complexes [MHCp^Bz(CO)₂(PR₃)] (R = CH₃, M = Mo (1); M = W (2); R = Ph, M = Mo (3); Cp^Bz = C₅(CH₂Ph)₅) were prepared by thermal decarbonylation of the corresponding [MHCp^Bz(CO)₃] in the presence of trimethyl- or triphenyl-phosphine. In solution the NMR spectra of all compounds show the presence of cis and trans isomers that interconvert at room temperature. In the solid state the molecular structures obtained for compounds 1 and 2 correspond to the trans isomers, while for 3 the cis isomer is present.The electrochemistry of [MoHCp^Bz(CO)₂(PMe₃)] (1), [MoHCp^Bz(CO)₃] (5), [WHCp^Bz(CO)₃] (6), [WCp^Bz(CO)₃]₂ (7), and [MCp^Bz(CO)₃(CH₃CN)]BF₄ (8), is described. The cleavage of M-H bonds takes place upon oxidation or reduction. Cations [MCp^Bz(CO)₂L(CH₃CN)]⁺ form in solvent-assisted M-H bond breaking upon oxidation of [MHCp^Bz(CO)₂L] (L = PMe₃, CO). Reduction of [MHCp^Bz(CO)₃] gives [MCp^Bz(CO)₃]⁻ and H₂. The presence of one PMe₃ ligand lowers the reduction potential and precludes the observation of reduction waves.     

Reactivity of [ReOX3(PPh3)2] and [ReOX3(AsPh3)2] towards 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole: Synthesis, X-ray studies, spectroscopic characterization and DFT calculations for [ReOX2(hpb)(EPh3)] and [ReO(OMe)(hpb)2]·MeCN

The paper presents a combined experimental and computational study of mono- and disubstituted Re(V) oxocomplexes obtained in the reactions of [ReOX₃(EPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br; E = P, As) with 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole (Hhpb). From the reactions of [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] with Hhpb in molar ratio 1:1 cis and trans stereoisomers of [ReOX₂(hpb)(PPh₃)] were isolated, whereas the [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)₂] oxocompounds react with Hhpb to give only cis-halide isomers. The [ReOX₂(hpb)(EPh₃)] and [ReO(OMe)(hpb)₂]·MeCN complexes have been characterized spectroscopically and structurally (by single-crystal X-ray diffraction). The DFT and TDDFT calculations have been carried out for the trans-[ReOBr₂(hpb)(PPh₃)], cis-[ReOBr₂(hpb)(AsPh₃)] and [ReO(OMe)(hpb)₂], and their UV–Vis spectra have been discussed on this basis.     

Novel octahedral nickel(II) dithiocarbamates with bi- or tetradentate N-donor ligands: X-ray structures of [Ni(Bzppzdtc)(phen)2]ClO4 · CHCl3 and [Ni(Bz2dtc)2(cyclam)]

A series of novel octahedral nickel(II) dithiocarbamate complexes involving bidentate nitrogen-donor ligands (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) or a tetradentate ligand (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacycloteradecane) of the composition [Ni(BzMetdtc)(phen)₂]ClO₄ (1), [Ni(Pe₂dtc)(phen)₂]ClO₄ (2), [Ni(Bzppzdtc)(phen)₂]ClO₄ · CHCl₃ (3), [Ni(Bzppzdtc)(phen)₂](SCN) (4), [Ni(BzMetdtc)(bpy)₂]ClO₄ · 2H₂O (5), [Ni(Pe₂dtc)(cyclam)]ClO₄ (6), [Ni(BzMetdtc)₂(cyclam)] (7), [Ni(Bz₂dtc)₂(cyclam)] (8) and [Ni(Bz₂dtc)₂(phen)] (9) (BzMetdtc = N,N-benzyl-methyldithiocarbamate(1-) anion, Pe₂dtc = N,N-dipentyldithiocarbamate(1-) anion, Bz₂dtc = N,N-dibenzyldithiocarbamate(1-) anion, Bzppzdtc = 4-benzylpiperazinedithiocarbamate(1-) anion), have been synthesized. Spectroscopic (electronic and infrared), magnetic moment and molar conductivity data, and thermal behaviour of the complexes are discussed. Single crystal X-ray analysis of 3 and 8 confirmed a distorted octahedral arrangement in the vicinity of the nickel atom with a N₄S₂ donor set. They represent the first X-ray structures of such type complexes. The catalytic influence of complexes 2, 3, 6, and 7 on graphite oxidation was studied and discussed.     

New cationic palladium (II) and rhodium (I) complexes of [Ph2PCH2C(Ph)N(2,6-Me2C6H3)]

Treatment of the bulky iminophosphine ligand [Ph₂PCH₂C(Ph)N(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)] (L) with [M(CH₃CN)₂(ligand)]⁺ⁿ, where for M = Pd(II): ligand = η³-allyl, n = 1, and for M = Rh(I), ligand: 2(C₂H₄), 2(CO) or cod, n = 0, yields the mono-cationic iminophosphine complexes [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)(L)][BF₄] (1), [Rh(cod)(L)][BF₄] (2), [Rh(CO)(CH₃CN)(L)][BF₄] (3), and cis-[Rh(L)₂][BF₄] (4). All the new complexes have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows moderate activity in the copolymerisation of CO and ethene but is inactive towards Heck coupling of 4-bromoacetophenone and n-butyl acrylate.     

Synthesis, characterization, and substituent effects of mononuclear ruthenium complexes [RuCl(CO)(PMe3)3(CHCH-C6H4-R-p)] (R = H, CH3, OCH3, NO2, NH2, NMe2)

A series of mononuclear ruthenium complexes [RuCl(CO)(PMe₃)₃(CHCH-C₆H₄-R-p)] (R = H (2a), CH₃ (2b), OCH₃ (2c), NO₂ (2d), NH₂ (2e), NMe₂ (2f)) has been prepared. The respective products have been characterized by elemental analyses, NMR spectrometry, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The structures of complexes 2c and 2d have been established by X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical studies have revealed that electron-releasing substituents facilitate monometallic ruthenium complex oxidation, and the substituent parameter values (σ) show a strong linear correlation with the anodic half-wave or oxidation peak potentials of the complexes.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic investigation,structural characterization and DFT calculation of the complexes [ReX2(N2COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh3)2] (X = Cl, Br)

The reactions of [ReX₂(η²-N₂COPh-N′,O)(PPh₃)₂] with 4-phenylpyrimidine have been performed. As a result, the two complexes [ReX₂(N₂COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) (4-PhPyr = 4-phenylpyrimidine), isostructural in the solid state, have been obtained. The crystal and molecular structures of ([ReCl₂(N₂COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh₃)₂])₂·CHCl₃ (1) and ([ReBr₂(N₂COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh₃)₂])₂·CHCl₃ (2) have been determined. The electronic structure of [ReCl₂(N₂COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh₃)₂] has been examined using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The spin-allowed electronic transitions of 1 have been calculated with the time-dependent DFT method, and the UV–Vis spectrum of [ReCl₂(N₂COPh)(4-PhPyr)(PPh₃)₂] has been discussed on this basis.     

Trifluoroacetylacetonate rhodium(III) methyl complexes, cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh3)2(CH3)(L)][BPh4] and cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh3)2(CH3)(I)] (L = CH3CN, NH3, pyridine), in comparison with their acetylacetonate analogs

The oxidative addition of CH₃I to planar rhodium(I) complex [Rh(TFA)(PPh₃)₂] in acetonitrile (TFA is trifluoroacetylacetonate) leads to the formation of cationic, cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(CH₃CN)][BPh₄] (1), or neutral, cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(I)] (4), rhodium(III) methyl complexes depending on the reaction conditions. 1 reacts readily with NH₃ and pyridine to form cationic complexes, cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(NH₃)][BPh₄] (2) and cis-[Rh(TFA)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(Py)][BPh₄] (3), respectively. Acetylacetonate methyl complex of rhodium(III), cis-[Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(I)] (5), was obtained by the action of NaI on cis-[Rh(Acac)(PPh₃)₂(CH₃)(CH₃CN)][BPh₄] in acetone at −15 °C. Complexes 1-5 were characterized by elemental analysis, ³¹P{¹H}, ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR. For complexes 2, 3, 4 conductivity data in acetone solutions are reported. The crystal structures of 2 and 3 were determined. NMR parameters of 1-5 and related complexes are discussed from the viewpoint of their isomerism.     

Two novel rhenium complexes derived from [ReO(OMe)Cl2(dpphen)] - Synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic and magnetic properties

The reaction of [ReO(OMe)Cl₂(dpphen)] (dpphen = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) with triphenylphosphine has been examined and two novel rhenium complexes - [Re^IIICl₃(dpphen)(PPh₃)]·Me₂CO (1) and [Re^IVCl₄(dpphen)]·CHCl₃ (2) - have been obtained. The compounds have been characterised by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, magnetic measurements and X-ray crystallography. The electronic structures of [ReCl₃(dpphen)(PPh₃)] and [ReCl₄(dpphen)] have been studied by DFT/B3LYP level calculations, and TD-DFT calculations have been employed for discussion of the electronic spectra in more detail. The magnetic behaviour of 1 is characteristic of mononuclear complexes with d⁴ low-spin octahedral Re(III) complexes (³T_1g ground state) and arise because of the large spin-orbit coupling (ζ = 2500 cm⁻¹), which gives diamagnetic ground state. For complex 2 the results of calculations revealed value of zero-field splitting parameter D = 10.8 cm⁻¹, g_|| = 2.49 and g_⊥ = 1.51.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,crystal and molecular structure of [ReOBr(hmquin-7-COOH)2] and [ReOCl(hmquin-7-COOH)2] · MeCN complexes. DFT and TD-DFT calculations for [ReOBr(hmquin-7-COOH)2]

Novel [ReOBr(hmquin-7-COOH)₂] (1) and [ReOCl(hmquin-7-COOH)₂] · MeCN (2 · MeCN) complexes have been prepared by treatment of [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)₂] with an excess of 8-hydroxy-2-methylquinoline-7-carboxylic acid in acetonitrile. The compounds were characterized structurally and spectroscopically. The electronic structure of 1 has been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method, and additional information about binding has been obtained by NBO analysis. The UV–Vis spectrum of 1 has been discussed on the basis of TDDFT calculations.     

Monomeric and dimeric ruthenium thiooxalate complexes: Structures of CpRu(PPh3)2SCOCO2Me and CpRu(dppe)SCOCO2Et

The hydrosulfido complexes CpRu(L)(L′)SH react with one equivalent of O-alkyl oxalyl chlorides (ROCOCOCl) to form the corresponding O-alkylthiooxalate complexes CpRu(L)(L′)SCOCO₂R (L = L′ = PPh₃ (1), (2); L = PPh₃, L′ = CO (3); R = Me (a), Et (b)). The reactions of the hydrosulfido complexes with half equivalent of oxalyl chloride produce the bimetallic complexes [CpRu(L)(L′)SCO]₂ (L = L′ = PPh₃ (4), (5); L = PPh₃, L′ = CO (6)). The crystal structures of CpRu(PPh₃)₂SCOCO₂Me (1a) and CpRu(dppe)SCOCO₂Et (2b) are reported.     

Synthesis and characterization of scandium complexes with reduced ligands: Crystal structures of Cp∗ScI2, [Cp∗ScI(bpy)]2, and [Cp∗ScCl(bpy)]2

The synthesis and characterization of complexes containing a Cp∗Sc(R₂bpy) (Cp∗ = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, bpy = 4,4′-R,R-2,2′-bipyridine, R = H, Me) motif are described. Cp∗ScI₂ (1) was prepared from Cp∗Sc(acac)₂ (acac = acetylacetonate) and AlI₃ (2 equiv) in pentane. Compound 1 reacted with bipyridine and 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (dmb) in benzene to yield Cp∗ScI₂(bpy) (3) and Cp∗ScI₂(dmb) (4), respectively. Compound 3 was reduced by alkali metal reductants such as Na/Hg, NaK₂, and K in aromatic solvents to yield [Cp∗ScI(bpy)]₂ (5). The chloride analog of 5, [Cp∗ScCl(bpy)]₂ (7), was prepared from Cp∗ScCl₂ by salt metathesis with Li₂(dme)₂bpy (6) (dme = dimethoxyethane) in toluene. Compounds 1, 5, and 7 have been structurally characterized. Analysis of the bond distances of the bipyridine ligands in 5 and 7, together with infrared and UV/vis spectroscopic data, suggest that the bipyridine ligands in these molecules exist as radical anions. The bipyridine ligands in 5 and 7 are arranged co-facially and are in close proximity (?3.30 Å), suggesting the presence of a π-π interaction.