Synthesis and Characterization of Various Photosensitive Copper(II) Complexes with 5‐(1‐Methylhydrazinyl)‐1H‐tetrazole as Ligand and Perchlorate,Nitrate, Dinitramide,and Chloride as Anions

The preparation of 5‐(1‐methylhydrazinyl)‐1H‐tetrazole monohydrate ( 1 ?H₂O) and various copper(II) complexes with perchlorate ( 2 and 3 ), nitrate ( 4 , 5 , and 6 ), dinitramide ( 7 ), and chloride ( 8 ) is described. The coordination compounds (monomers, dimers, and polymers) were characterized through infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Further, the structures of 2 and 4 – 8 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 can act as a bidentate ligand in its neutral form (HMHT) and as a μ₂‐ or μ₃‐bridging ligand in its deprotonated form (MHT). The energetic properties of the synthesized complexes, such as their sensitivities toward impact and friction, were determined, and laser ignition tests were performed. New information about the laser initiation process and the role of the anion in the initiation criterion was obtained. The perchlorate complexes 2 (T_decomp=217 °C) and 3 (T_decomp=206 °C) are potential primary explosives.     

The Effect of the Spacer of Bis(biurea) Ligands on the Structure of A2L3‐type (A=anion) Phosphate Complexes

By tuning the length and rigidity of the spacer of bis(biurea) ligands L, three structural motifs of the A₂L₃ complexes (A represents anion, here orthophosphate PO₄^3?), namely helicate, mesocate, and mono‐bridged motif, have been assembled by coordination of the ligand to phosphate anion. Crystal structure analysis indicated that in the three complexes, each of the phosphate ions is coordinated by twelve hydrogen bonds from six surrounding urea groups. The anion coordination properties in solution have also been studied. The results further demonstrate the coordination behavior of phosphate ion, which shows strong tendency for coordination saturation and geometrical preference, thus allowing for the assembly of novel anion coordination‐based structures as in transition‐metal complexes.     

Ionic Liquid‐Based Routes to Conversion or Reuse of Recycled Ammonium Perchlorate

New, potentially green, and efficient synthetic routes for the remediation and/or re‐use of perchlorate‐based energetic materials have been developed. Four simple organic imidazolium‐ and phosphonium‐based perchlorate salts/ionic liquids have been synthesized by simple, inexpensive, and nonhazardous methods, using ammonium perchlorate as the perchlorate source. By appropriate choice of the cation, perchlorate can be incorporated into an ionic liquid which serves as its own electrolyte for the electrochemical reduction of the perchlorate anion, allowing for the regeneration of the chloride‐based parent ionic liquid. The electrochemical degradation of the hazardous perchlorate ion and its conversion to harmless chloride during electrolysis was studied using IR and ³⁵Cl NMR spectroscopies.     

Complexes of pendant-armed cyclam derivatives with copper(II) perchlorate: Synthesis and crystal structures

A designed series of cyclam type macrocyclic ligands 1–3 that feature a different degree of saturation and number of functional appendages of the macroring, including preparation of the respective Cu(II) perchlorate complexes 1a–3a, was synthesized. Comparative discussion of the X-ray crystal structures of the free ligands and the corresponding complexes shows that dependent on the structure of the compound, transanular, pendant arm and anion involving conventional and weaker H bond contacts are operating. In the complexes, the coordination environment around the Cu(II) cation is distorted octahedral with the nitrogens of the macroring defining the equatorial sites and either two oxygens, each of a perchlorate anion, or the lateral pyridine nitrogens in apical positions. Thus, only the pyridine containing pendants in 3a proved effective in metal ion coordination while the anisyl groups are engaged in H bonding, respectively. The uncomplexed macrocycle 3 yielded an inclusion compound with chloroform, also indicating a special ability relating to this series of compounds.     

Aspartate‐Based CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor Binding of Cross‐Bridged Tetraazamacrocyclic Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes

The CXCR4 chemokine receptor is implicated in a number of diseases including HIV infection and cancer development and metastasis. Previous studies have demonstrated that configurationally restricted bis‐tetraazamacrocyclic metal complexes are high‐affinity CXCR4 antagonists. Here, we present the synthesis of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ acetate complexes of six cross‐bridged tetraazamacrocycles to mimic their coordination interaction with the aspartate side chains known to bind them to CXCR4. X‐ray crystal structures for three new Cu²⁺ acetate complexes and two new Zn²⁺ acetate complexes demonstrate metal‐ion‐dependent differences in the mode of binding the acetate ligand concomitantly with the requisite cis‐V‐configured cross‐bridged tetraazamacrocyle. Concurrent density functional theory molecular modelling studies produced an energetic rationale for the unexpected [Zn(OAc)(H₂O)]⁺ coordination motif present in all of the Zn²⁺ cross‐bridged tetraazamacrocycle crystal structures, which differs from the chelating acetate [Zn(OAc)]⁺ structures of known unbridged and side‐bridged tetraazamacrocyclic Zn²⁺‐containing CXCR4 antagonists.     

molSimplify: A toolkit for automating discovery in inorganic chemistry

We present an automated, open source toolkit for the first‐principles screening and discovery of new inorganic molecules and intermolecular complexes. Challenges remain in the automatic generation of candidate inorganic molecule structures due to the high variability in coordination and bonding, which we overcome through a divide‐and‐conquer tactic that flexibly combines force‐field preoptimization of organic fragments with alignment to first‐principles‐trained metal‐ligand distances. Exploration of chemical space is enabled through random generation of ligands and intermolecular complexes from large chemical databases. We validate the generated structures with the root mean squared (RMS) gradients evaluated from density functional theory (DFT), which are around 0.02 Ha/au across a large 150 molecule test set. Comparison of molSimplify results to full optimization with the universal force field reveals that RMS DFT gradients are improved by 40%. Seamless generation of input files, preparation and execution of electronic structure calculations, and post‐processing for each generated structure aids interpretation of underlying chemical and energetic trends. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Synthesis,Coordination Chemistry and Bonding of Strong N‐Donor Ligands Incorporating the 1H‐Pyridin‐(2E)‐Ylidene (PYE) Motif

A range of N‐donor ligands based on the 1H‐pyridin‐(2E)‐ylidene (PYE) motif have been prepared, including achiral and chiral examples. The ligands incorporate one to three PYE groups that coordinate to a metal through the exocyclic nitrogen atom of each PYE moiety, and the resulting metal complexes have been characterised by methods including single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy to examine metal–ligand bonding and ligand dynamics. Upon coordination of a PYE ligand to a proton or metal‐complex fragment, the solid‐state structures, NMR spectroscopy and DFT studies indicate that charge redistribution occurs within the PYE heterocyclic ring to give a contribution from a pyridinium–amido‐type resonance structure. Additional IR spectroscopy and computational studies suggest that PYE ligands are strong donor ligands. NMR spectroscopy shows that for metal complexes there is restricted motion about the exocyclic C? N bond, which projects the heterocyclic N‐substituent in the vicinity of the metal atom causing restricted motion in chelating‐ligand derivatives. Solid‐state structures and DFT calculations also show significant steric congestion and secondary metal–ligand interactions between the metal and ligand C? H bonds.     

Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization of Two New Thallium(I)/Thiosaccharinate Complexes

The crystal structures of [Tl(tsac)] ( 1 ) and [Tl(tsac)(ophen)] ( 2 ) (tsac = anion of thiosaccharin; ophen = 1, 10 phenanthroline) have been determined at 116 K by single crystal X‐ray diffractometry. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with Z = 4 and complex 2 in the monoclinic space group C2/c with Z = 8.In both complexes T^I is coordinated to a thiosaccharinate anion through its sulphur and nitrogen atoms. A distorted eight fold coordination sphere around the cation in complex 1 is completed with two other longer Tl‐S bonds and four Tl···O contacts with five symmetry related neighbouring thiosaccharinate anions. A phenanthroline molecule acting as a bidentate ligand through its nitrogen atoms completes a four‐fold coordination around the metal atom in complex 2 . The infrared spectra of both complexes were also recorded and their most important features discussed on the basis of its structural peculiarities.     

Crystallographic Studies of Synthetic Corrinoids. III. Structural similarities and differences between A/D-seco-corrinoid complexes of divalent nickel,palladium and platinum

X-ray crystal structure investigations of the isomorphous perchlorate salts of complexes of an A/D-seco-corrinoid ligand (I) with divalent nickel, palladium and platinum are reported. The structures determined for the Pd- and Pt-complexes are virtually superposable, that of the Ni-complex, although similar to the other two, shows significant differences with respect to metal coordination and to the spatial relationship of the A and D rings and their substituents. These similarities and differences are discussed in relation to the photochemical A/D cyclization leading to corrin complexes (II).     

Salen‐Based Amphiphiles: Directing Self‐Assembly in Water by Metal Complexation

Tuning morphologies of self‐assembled structures in water is a major challenge. Herein we present a salen‐based amphiphile which, using complexation with distinct transition metal ions, allows to control effectively the self‐assembly morphology in water, as observed by Cryo‐TEM and confirmed by DLS measurements. Applying this strategy with various metal ions gives a broad spectrum of self‐assembled structures starting from the same amphiphilic ligand (from cubic structures to vesicles and micelles). Thermogravimetric analysis and electric conductivity measurements reveal a key role for water coordination apparently being responsible for the distinct assembly behavior.     

[3+2] Fragmentation of a Pentaphosphido Ligand by Cyanide

The activation of white phosphorus (P₄) by transition‐metal complexes has been studied for several decades, but the functionalization and release of the resulting (organo)phosphorus ligands has rarely been achieved. Herein we describe the formation of rare diphosphan‐1‐ide anions from a P₅ ligand by treatment with cyanide. Cobalt diorganopentaphosphido complexes have been synthesized by a stepwise reaction sequence involving a low‐valent diimine cobalt complex, white phosphorus, and diorganochlorophosphanes. The reactions of the complexes with tetraalkylammonium or potassium cyanide afford a cyclotriphosphido cobaltate anion 5 and 1‐cyanodiphosphan‐1‐ide anions [R₂PPCN]^? ( 6‐R ). The molecular structure of a related product 7 suggests a novel reaction mechanism, where coordination of the cyanide anion to the cobalt center induces a ligand rearrangement. This is followed by nucleophilic attack of a second cyanide anion at a phosphorus atom and release of the P₂ fragment.     

Silver(I) Complexes of 2,2′;6′,4″-Terpyridine: The Formation of Discrete Dimers versus Helical Polymers is Anion Dependent

The ligand 2,2′;6′,4″-terpyridine combines a chelating bipyridine group and terminal pyridine donor into a single molecule which is incapable of bonding all three donor N-atoms to a single metal center. Upon chelation to Ag(I), a pro-chiral, building block is produced which can subsequently aggregate by terminal coordination of the pyridine nitrogen. Two forms are possible; a discrete bimetallic complex with a center of symmetry and an infinite helical coordination polymer. Which of these structures occurs is dependent upon the counter anion.     

The chiral helical structure of a copper(II) complex with a tridentate Schiff base ligand

In the title salt, catena‐poly[[[aquacopper(II)]‐μ‐3‐(2‐pyridylmethyleneamino)propanoato‐κ⁴N,N′,O:O′] perchlorate], {[Cu(C₉H₉N₂O₂)(H₂O)]ClO₄}_n, the monomeric unit contains a square‐based pyramidal Cu^II centre. The four basal positions are occupied by a tridentate anionic Schiff base ligand which furnishes an NNO‐donor set, with the fourth basal position being occupied by an O‐donor atom from the carboxylate group of an adjacent Schiff base ligand. The coordination sphere is completed by a water molecule at the apical position. Interestingly, each carboxylate group in the ligand forms a syn–anti‐configured bridge between two Cu^II centres, leading to left‐handed chiral helicity. The framework also exhibits O—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the water molecules and an O atom of the perchlorate anion.     

[1,5‐Bis(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl­methyl‐κN3)‐1,5‐di­aza­cyclo­octane‐N,N′]chlorocobalt(II) perchlorate

The crystal structure of the title compound, [CoCl‐(C₁₆H₂₆N₆)]ClO₄, consists of discrete [CoCl­(C₁₆­H₂₆N₆)]⁺ cations and perchlorate anions. The five‐coordinate Co^II atom has four nitro­gen donors from the new mesocyclic ligand 1,5‐bis(1‐methyl‐1H‐­imidazol‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1,5‐di­aza­cyclo­octane [Co—N 2.046 (3)–2.214 (4) Å], and a chloride anion at the apical site [Co—Cl 2.3184 (13) Å]. The coordination geometry of the complex is essentially square pyramidal. The mesocyclic ligand takes a boat–chair configuration and the two imidazole pendants are not coplanar. The dihedral angle between the two imidazole planes is 15.97°. An H atom from the 1,5‐diaza­cyclo­octane group effectively blocks the axial coordination site opposite the Cl ligand.     

Novel fluorescent chemosensor for anions via modulation of oxidative PET: a remarkable 25-fold enhancement of emission

The fluorescence emission intensity of the 1:1 Zn(II) complex of a doubly boradiazaindacene (BODIPY) substituted bipyridyl ligand is highly sensitive to anion coordination to the metal center. Oxidative PET, which is responsible for the quenching of the fluorescence in the complex is effectively inhibited by anion coordination, leading to a 25-fold enhancement of the emission intensity.     

Expanding the Chemistry of Cationic N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes: Alternative Synthesis,Reactivity, and Coordination Chemistry

A new synthetic route to complexes of the cationic N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand 2 has been developed by the attachment of a cationic pentamethylcyclopentadienylruthenium ([RuCp*]⁺) fragment to a metal‐coordinated benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene ligand. The coordination chemistry and the steric and electronic properties of the cationic carbene were investigated in detail by experimental and theoretical methods. X‐ray structures of three carbene–metal complexes were determined. The cationic ligand 2 is a poorer overall electron donor relative to the related neutral carbene, which is evident from cyclic voltammetry (CV) and IR measurements.     

Transition metal complexes of the pentacyanocyclopentadienide anion

The ready formation of a range of transition metal complexes of the pentacyanocyclopentadienide anion via ligand transfer reactions employing Na[C(5)(CN)(5)] indicates that the [C(5)(CN)(5)](-) anion has an extensive transition metal coordination chemistry and is not such a weakly coordinating anion.     

Anion‐Coordination‐Induced Turn‐On Fluorescence of an Oligourea‐Functionalized Tetraphenylethene in a Wide Concentration Range

A tetrakis(bisurea)‐decorated tetraphenylethene (TPE) ligand ( L² ) was designed, which, upon coordination with phosphate ions, displays fluorescence “turn‐on” over a wide concentration range, from dilute to concentrated solutions and to the solid state. The fluorescence enhancement can be attributed to the restriction of the intramolecular rotation of TPE by anion coordination. The crystal structure of the A₄L₂ (A=anion) complex of L² with monohydrogen phosphate provides direct evidence for the coordination mode of the anion. This “anion‐coordination‐induced emission” (ACIE) is another approach for fluorescence turn‐on in addition to aggregation‐induced emission (AIE).     

Nickel(II) Complexes with a Hydroxyl Pendant‐Armed Macrocyclic Ligand: Synthesis,Characterization, and Crystal Structures

The reactions of different nickel(II) salts with a mixed‐donor macrocyclic ligand L (6,7,8,9,10,11,18,19‐octahydro‐5H, 17H‐dibenzo[f,o][1,5,9,13] dioxadiazacyclohexadecin‐18‐ol), potentially pentadentate N₂O₃ donor sets containing one pendant alcohol function have been investigated. The physical properties and the chemical structures of 1:1 (metal:ligand) NiLX₂ (X = Cl^?, Br^?, NO₃^?, ClO₄^?) complexes have been characterized by using IR, UV‐Vis spectroscopy and conductance measurements. The X‐ray determination have been employed to probe the nature of the respective complexes in solid state. The nickel atom in [NiL(NO₃)]NO₃·0.5H₂O complex is six‐coordinate with a distorted octahedral coordination in which the all N₂O₃ donor atoms are coordinated to the nickel atom. The coordination sphere is completed by a nitrate anion. In contrast to the above nickel complex, in [NiLCl₂] complex the pendant hydroxyl arm of macrocycle remains uncoordinated and ligand acts as tetradentate N₂O₂ donor atoms. The coordination sphere is completed by two chloride anions and the nickel atom is six‐coordinate with a distorted octahedral coordination.