Sonochemical syntheses of a straw-like nano-structure two-dimensional mixed-ligand zinc(II) coordination polymer as precursor for preparation of nano-sized ZnO

Straw-like nano-structure of a new mixed-ligand Zn(II) two-dimensional coordination polymer, {[Zn(μ-4,4′-bipy)(μ-3-bpdb)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂·4,4′-bipy·3-bpdb·H₂O}_n (1) {4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine and 3-bpdb = 1,4-bis(3-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene}, was synthesized by a sonochemical method. The new nano-structure was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. Compound 1 was structurally characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction and consists of two-dimensional polymeric units. ZnO nanoparticles were obtained by calcination of compound 1 at 500 °C under air atmosphere and were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

A series of metal-organic frameworks constructed with arenesulfonates and 4,4′-bipy ligands

Five transition metal compounds containing arenesulfonates and 4,4′-bipy ligands, namely [Zn₂(N,N′-4,4′-bipy)(N-4,4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₈](bpds)₂ · 5H₂O (1), [Ag₂(N,N′-4,4′-bipy)₂(bpds)] (2), [Cd(N,N′-4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₄]₂(4-abs)₄ · 5H₂O (3), [Cu(N,N′-4,4′-bipy) (O-bs)₂(H₂O)₂] · 4H₂O (4), and [Zn(N,N′-4,4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₂](4,4′-bipy)(bs)₂ · 4H₂O (5) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, bpds = 4,4′-biphenyldisulfonate, 4-abs = 4-aminobenzenesulfonate, bs = benzenesulfonate), have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction, elemental analyses and TG analyses, in order to investigate the coordination chemistry of arenesulfonates and 4,4-bipy, as well as to construct novel coordination frameworks via mixed-ligand strategy. Compounds 2, 4 and 5 could be obtained via hydrothermal or aqueous reactions. Compound 1 forms a binuclear octahedral metal complex. Compounds 2–4 form polymeric chains. Compound 5 consists of 2D square grids with one intercalated 4,4′-bipy molecule. Weak Ag–Ag interactions are observed in compound 2. These complexes show great structural varieties and there are three different coordination modes observed for both the 4,4′-bipy and the sulfonate ligands.     

Ultrasound assisted syntheses of a nano-structured two-dimensional mixed-ligand cadmium(II) coordination polymer and direct thermolyses for the preparation of cadmium(II) oxide nanoparticles

A nano-sized mixed-ligand Cd(II) coordination polymer, {[Cd(bpa)(4,4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂}_n (1); bpa = trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane and 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, has been synthesized by a sonochemical method and characterized by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Compound 1 grows in one dimension by two different bridging ligands, 4,4′-bipy and bpa. The thermal stability of compound 1 in the bulk form and nano-sized was studied by thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The crystallinity of this compound was studied by X-ray powder diffraction and compared with an XRD simulation of the single crystal data. CdO nanoparticles were obtained by direct calcination at 500 °C and decomposition in oleic acid at 200 °C of the nano-sized compound 1. The obtained cadmium(II) oxide nano-particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Hydrothermal syntheses,structures, and properties of four metal–organic coordination polymers assembled from V-shaped tetracarboxylate ligands and N-donor ancillary ligands

A series of four metal–organic frameworks, namely, [Cu(sdpa)_0.5(2,2′-bpy)]·H₂O (1), [Zn₂(sdpa)(2,2′-bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]·3H₂O (2), [Zn₂(sdpa)(4,4′-bpy)]·3H₂O (3), [Cd₂(sdpa)(4,4′-bpy)_1.5(H₂O)₂](4), have been hydro(solvo)thermally synthesized through the reaction of 2,3,2′,3′-sulfonyldiphthalic acid (H₄sdpa) with divalent copper, zinc and cadmium salts in the presence of ancillary nitrogen ligands (4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and X-ray diffraction. Both complex 1 and 2 show metal–organic chain structure, and the adjacent chains are further linked by π?π and C–H?π interactions for 1 and hydrogen bonds and π?π interactions for 2 to form 3D supramolecular structure. In complex 3, two Zn1 and two Zn2 atoms appear alternately and are bridged by sdpa⁴⁻ anion ligands to form an infinite Zn-sdpa chain. Such chains are further linked together through 4,4′-bpy ligands in four orientations to form a robust 3D metal–organic network. In compound 4, a 3D Cd-sdpa metal–organic network is accomplished through sdpa⁴⁻ anion ligands, and further stabilized by 4,4′-bpy in six orientations. Their luminescence and thermal analysis have also been investigated.     

Two new supramolecular assemblies based on Keggin-type polyoxometalates through AgO and ππ stacking interactions

Two new supramolecular assemblies based on Keggin-type polyoxometalates, [Ag₃(4,4′-bipy)₂(2,2′-bipy)₂][Ag(2,2′-bipy)₂][{Ag(2,2′-bipy)}HSiW₁₁VO₄₀] (1) and [Ag₃(4,4′-bipy)₂(2,2′-bipy)₂][Ag(2,2′-bipy)₂][{Ag(2,2′-bipy)}PW₁₁VO₄₀] (2) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized under the hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by IR, XPS, TG and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 has a 2D layer network structure via weak Ag^...O interactions. Compound 2 is isostructural with compound 1. In addition, the fluorescence of compound 1 is reported.     

Solvothermal syntheses and crystal structures of new Cu(II) complexes with phenylsuccinic acid

Five new Cu(II) complexes [Cu(psa)(phen)] · 3H₂O (1), [Cu(psa)(2bpy)] · 0.5H₂O (2), [Cu(psa)(2bpy)(H₂O)] · 3H₂O (3), [Cu(psa)(4bpy)] · H₂O (4), and [Cu(psa)_0.5(N₃)(2bpy)] (5) (H₂psa = phenylsuccinic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, and 4bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were obtained under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 2 and 3 were formed by one-pot reaction. In complex 2, Cu(II) ion is four-coordinated and locates at a slightly distorted square center. In complex 3, the coordinated water molecule occupies the axial site of Cu(II) ion forming a tetragonal pyramid geometry. Complexes 1 and 3 are of 1D chain structures, and extended into 2D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds. Complex 2 is of zipper structure, and further assembled into 2D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. Complex 4 is a 3D CdSO₄-like structure with twofold interpenetration, while complex 5 is a dinuclear compound. The different structures of complexes 1–5 can be attributed to using the auxiliary ligands, indicating an important role of the auxiliary ligands in assembly and structure of the title complexes.     

Infinite chains constructed from flexible bis(benzimidazole)-based ligands

Two neutral ligands, L¹ · 2H₂O and L² · H₂O, and seven complexes, [Cu(pmb)₂(L¹)] (1), [Cu(pmb)₂(L²)] (2), [Cu(Ac)₂(L²)] · 4H₂O (3), [Cu(4-aba)₂(L²)] (4), [Ag(4-ts)(L¹)(H₂O)] (5), [Ag₂(epes)₂(L¹)] · 2H₂O (6), [Ag(1,5-nds)_0.5(L²)] · 0.5C₂H₅OH · H₂O (7) [where L¹ = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(2-methylbenzimidazole); L² = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(2-ethylbenzimidazole), pmb = p-methoxybenzoate anion; Ac = acetate anion; 4-aba = 4-aminobenzoate anion; 4-ts = p-toluenesulfonate anion; epes = N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N′-(2-ethanesulfonate) anion; 1,5-nds = 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate anion], have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The L¹ and L² ligands in compounds 1–7 act as bridging ligands, linking metal ions into chain structures. The chains in compounds 3, 4 and 6 interlace with each other by hydrogen bonds to generate 3D supramolecular structures. In compound 5, π–π interactions between adjacent L¹ ligands hold the chains to a supramolecular layer. In compound 7, the sulfonate anions act as counterions in the framework. The thermal stabilities of 3, 6 and 7, and the luminescent properties for 5–7 in the solid states are also discussed.     

Assembly and structures of five new Cu(II) complexes based on the V-shaped building block [Cu(dbsf)]

Five new copper(II) complexes [Cu(dbsf)(H₂O)]_n · 0.5n(i-C₃H₇OH) (1), [Cu(dbsf)(4,4′-bpy)_0.5]_n · nH₂O (2), [Cu(dbsf)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]₂ · (n-C₃H₇OH) · 0.5H₂O (3), [Cu(dbsf)(phen)(H₂O)]₂ · 1.5H₂O (4) and [Cu(dbsf)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]_n · n(i-C₃H₇OH) (5) (H₂dbsf = 4,4′-dicarboxybiphenyl sulfone, 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, i-C₃H₇OH = isopropanol, n-C₃H₇OH = n-propanol) have been synthesized under hydro/solvothermal conditions. All of the complexes are assembled from V-shaped building blocks, [Cu(dbsf)]. Complex 1 is composed of 1D double-chains. In complex 2, dbsf²⁻ ligands and 4,4′-bpy ligands connect Cu(II) ions into catenane-like 2D layers. These catenane-like 2D layers stack in an ABAB fashion to form a 3D supramolecular network. Complexes 3 and 4 are 0D dimers, in which two [Cu(dbsf)] units encircle to form dimetal macrocyclic molecules. However, in complex 5, the V-shaped building blocks [Cu(dbsf)] are joined head-to-tail, resulting in the formation of infinite tooth-like chains. The different structures of complexes 3 and 5 may be attributed to the different solvent molecules included.     

New Cu(II)4 and Zn(II)4 complexes: Synthesis, characterization and magnetic and biological studies

Two new isomorphous tetranuclear complexes [Cu₄L₂(4,4′-bipy)₂]·(ClO₄)₄·2CH₃CN·2H₂O (1) and [Zn₄L₂(4,4′-bipy)₂]·(ClO₄)₃·CH₃O·4H₂O (2) have been obtained and fully characterized (where bipy = bipyridine, H₂L = macrocycle is the [2+2] condensation product of 2,6-diformyl-4-fluoro-phenol and 1,4-diaminobutane). They exhibit wheel-like configuration in which two 4,4′-bipy molecules connect two dinuclear [M₂L]²⁺ units. The interactions of the complexes with calf thymus DNA were studied by UV-Vis and CD spectroscopic techniques. The binding constants of 1 and 2 are 2.27 × 10⁶ and 3.89 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, respectively. The magnetic measurement of 1 reveals that there are strong antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -272.6 cm⁻¹) between two Cu(II) ions in the macrocyclic unit and ferromagnetic interaction (j′ = 41.7) between the Cu(II) ions in two adjacent macrocyclic units. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammogram of 1 shows that it undergoes two quasi-reversible processes with the half wave potentials -0.232 and -0.606 V, respectively.     

Direct functionalization of the cyclometalated 2-(2′-pyridyl)phenyl ligand bound to iridium(III)

Treatment of [Ir(ppy)₂(μ-Cl)]₂ and [Ir(ppy)₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (ppy = 2-(2′-pyridyl)phenyl; dtbpy = 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine; OTf = triflate) with pyridinium tribromide in the presence of Fe powder led to isolation of [Ir(4-Br-ppy)(μ-Br)]₂ (1) and [Ir(4-Br-ppy)₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (2), respectively. Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling of 2 with RB(OH)₂ afforded [Ir(4-R-ppy)₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (R = 4′-FC₆H₄ (3)), 4′-PhC₆H₄ (4), 2′-thienyl (5), 4′-C₆H₄CH₂OH (6). Treatment of 4 with B₂(pin)₂ (pin = pinacolate) afforded [Ir{4-(pin)B-ppy}₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (7). The alkynyl complexes [Ir(4-PhCC-ppy)₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (8) and [Ir{4-Me₂(OH)CC-ppy}(4-Br-ppy)(dtbpy)][OTf] (9) were prepared by cross-coupling of 2 with PhCCSnMe₃ and Me₂C(OH)CCH, respectively. Ethynylation of [Ir(fppy)₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (fppy = 5-formyl-2-(2′-pyridyl)phenyl) with Ohira’s reagent MeCOC(N₂)P(O)(OEt)₂ afforded [Ir{5-HCC-ppy}₂(dtbpy)][OTf] (10). The solid-state structures of 2, 5, 7, and 10 have been determined.     

Mononuclear Fe(III) and tetranuclear [Fe(III)Gd(III)]2 complexes with a Schiff-base ligand derived from the o-vanillin: Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties

The mononuclear high-spin iron(III) complexes [Fe(3-MeOsalpn)Cl(H₂O)] (1) and [Fe(3-MeOsalpn)(NCS)(H₂O)]·0.5CH₃CN (2) and the tetranuclear oxo-bridged compound [{Fe(3-MeOsalpn)Gd(NO₃)₃}₂(μ-O)]·CH₃CN (3) [3-MeOsalpn²⁻ = N,N′-propylenebis(3-methoxysalicylideneiminate)] have been prepared and magneto-structurally characterised. The iron(III) ion in 1 and 2 is six-coordinated in a somewhat distorted octahedral surrounding with the two phenolate-oxygens and two imine-nitrogens from the Schiff-base building the equatorial plane and a water (1 and 2) and a chloro (1)/thiocyanate-nitrogen (2) in the axial positions. The neutral mononuclear units of 1 and 2 are assembled into centrosymmetric dinuclear motifs through hydrogen bonds between the axially coordinated water molecule of one iron centre and methoxy-oxygen atoms from the Schiff-base of the adjacent iron atom. The values of the intradimer metal-metal distance within the supramolecular dimers are 4.930 (1) and 4.878 Å (2). The tetranuclear of 3 can be described as two {Fe^III(3-MeOsalpn)} units connected through an oxo-bridge, each one hosting a [Gd^III(NO₃)₃] entity in the outer cavity defined by the two phenolate- and two methoxy-oxygen atoms. The values of the intramolecular Fe?Fe and Fe?Gd distances in 3 are 3.502 and 3.606 Å, respectively. The analysis of the magnetic data of 1-3 in the temperature range 1.9-300 K shows the occurrence of weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions in 1 and 2 [J = −0.76 (1) and −0.75 cm⁻¹ (2) with the Hamiltonian defined as H = −JS_Fe1·S_Fe1] whereas two intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions coexist in 3, one very strong between the two iron(III) ions (J₁) through the oxo bridge and the other much weaker between the iron(III) and the Gd(III) ions (J₂) across the double phenoxo oxygens [J₁ = −275 cm⁻¹ and J₂ = −3.25 cm⁻¹, the Hamiltonian being defined as H=-J₁S_Fe1·S_Fe1^′-J₂(S_Fe1·S_Gd1+S_Fe1^′·S_Gd1^′)]. These values are analysed in the light of the structural data and compared with those of related systems.     

A formate bridged Ni(II) sheet and its 3D analogue in presence of a linear organic linker: Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties

Reaction of formamide with Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O under hydrothermal condition in a mixture of MeOH/H₂O forms a two-dimensional formate bridged sheet Ni(HCOO)₂(MeOH)₂ (1). X-ray structure analysis reveals the conversion of formamide to formate which acts as a bridging ligand in complex 1 where the axial sites of Ni(II) are occupied by methanol used as a solvent. An analogous reaction in presence of 4,4′-bipyridyl (4,4′-bipy) yielded a three-dimensional structure Ni(HCOO)₂(4,4′-bpy) (2). DC magnetic measurements as a function of temperature and field established the presence of spontaneous magnetization with T_c (Curie temperature) = 17 and 20.8 K in 1 and 2, respectively, which can be attributed due to spin-canting. DFT calculations were performed to corroborate the magnetic results of 1 and 2.     

Syntheses and characterizations of nine coordination polymers of transition metals with carboxylate anions and bis(imidazole) ligands

Nine new compounds, namely [CuL1(biim-6)] · H₂O (1), [ZnL1(biim-6)] · H₂O (2), [MnL1(biim-6)] · H₂O (3), [MnL1(biim-4)] (4), [Co₂(L2)₂(biim-5)₃ · 6H₂O] · 8H₂O (5), [ZnL3(biim-6)] (6), [ZnL3(biim-5)] (7), [CdL3(biim-5) · 1.5H₂O] · 0.5H₂O (8) and [CdL4(biim-6) · 2H₂O] (9) [where L1 = oxalate anion, L2 = fumarate anion, L3 = phthalate anion, L4 = p-phthalate anion, biim-4 = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), biim-5 = 1,1′-(1,5-pentanedidyl)bis(imidazole) and biim-6 = 1,1′-(1,6-hexanedidyl)bis(imidazole)] were successfully synthesized. Compounds 1–3 are isostructural, and display 2D polymeric structures. Compound 4 shows a threefold interpenetrating diamondoid framework. In compound 5, the anions act as counterions, and the metal cations are bridged by bis(imidazole) ligands to form 1D polymeric chains. Compounds 6–9 show 2D polymeric structures. The magnetic properties for 1, 3 and 4 and luminescent properties for 2 and 6–9 are discussed. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) for these compounds are also discussed.     

Crystal structures and properties of four coordination polymers constructed from flexible pamoic acid

Four novel coordination polymers constructed from flexible pamoic acid, namely [Co(pam)(4,4′-bipy)]_n·nH₂O (1), [Ni(pam)(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₂]_n·2nCH₃CN (2), [Cd(pam)(py)₂]_n·npy (3) and [Mn₂(pam)₂(py)₆(H₂O)₂]_n·2npy (4), (H₂pam = pamoic acid, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, py = pyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra and X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 is a 2-D coordination polymer constructed from chelating bis-bidentate pam and 4,4′-bipyridine bridging ligands. Complex 2 is a 2-D coordination polymer assembled by bis-monodentate pam and 4,4′-bipyridine, where acetonitrile is filled in the rectangle channels. Both 2-D coordination polymers display undulated (4,4) grid layers as sql topology. Complex 3 displays a 1-D polymeric chain using chelating bis-bidentate pam as bridging ligand. Complex 4 exhibits an interesting bis-monodentate pam-Mn(II) 1-D polymeric chain, in which exist two-type six-coordinated manganese centers. Mn(1) is bound to four pyridine ligands, whereas Mn(2) is combined to two pyridine and two H₂O molecules. Their thermal stabilities have been investigated. Cadmium complex 3 displays strong green luminescence with emission maximum at 543 nm.     

Synthesis,spectral, thermal and BVS investigations on ZnS4N^N/N coordination environment: Single crystal X-ray structures of bis(dibenzyldithiocarbamato)(N^N)Zinc(II) complexes (N^N = 1,10-phenanthroline,tetramethylethylenediamine and 4,4′-bipyridine)

The current paper describes the synthesis and spectral investigations on the adducts of [Zn(dbzdtc)₂] (1) with 1,10-phen (2), tmed (3), 2,2′-bipy (4) and 4,4′-bipy (5) (where, dbzdtc = dibenzyldithiocarbamate anion, 1,10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, tmed = tetramethylethylenediamine, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridne) and single crystal X-ray structures of [Zn(dbzdtc)₂(1,10-phen)] (2) and [Zn(dbzdtc)₂(tmed)] (3) and [Zn(dbzdtc)₂(4,4′-bipy)] (5). ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of 1,10-phen, tmed, 2,2′-bipy and 4,4′-bipy adducts were recorded. ¹H NMR spectra of the complexes show the drift of electrons from the nitrogen of the substituents forcing a high electron density towards sulfur via the thioureide π-system. In the ¹³C NMR spectra, the most important thioureide (N¹³CS₂) carbon signals are observed in the region: 206–210 ppm. Fluorescence spectra of complexes (2) and (4) show intense fluorescence due to the presence of rigid conjugate systems such as 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyridine. The observed fluorescence maxima for complexes with an MS₄N₂ chromophore in the visible region are assigned to the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) processes. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis of (2) and (3) showed that the zinc atom is in a distorted octahedral environment. Bond Valence Sum was found to be equivalent to 1.865 for (2), 1.681 for (3) supporting the correctness of the determined structure. BVS of (3) deviates from the formal oxidation number of zinc due to the non-aromatic, sterically hindering tetramethyl bonding end of tmed. Thermal studies on the compounds show the formation of Zn(NCS)₂ as an intermediate during the decay.     

Assembly of novel phenanthroline-based cobalt(II) coordination polymers by selecting dicarboxylate ligands with different spacer length: From 1-D chain to 3-D interpenetrated framework

Three novel Co^II coordination polymers [Co(Dpq)₂(1,4-NDC)_0.5] · (1,4-HNDC) (1), [Co(Dpq)(2,6-NDC)] (2), and [Co₂(Dpq)₂(BPEA)₄(H₂O)] · H₂O (3) have been obtained from hydrothermal reaction of cobalt nitrate with the mixed ligands dipyrido[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]quinoxaline (Dpq) and three dicarboxylate ligands with different spacer length [1,4-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid (1,4-H₂NDC), 2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acid (2,6-H₂NDC) and biphenylethene-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid (BPEA)]. All these complexes are fully structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveal that complex 1 is infinite one-dimensional (1-D) chains bridged by 1,4-NDC ligands, which are extended into a two-dimensional (2-D) supramolecular network by π-π interactions between the Dpq molecules. Complex 2 is a distorted three-dimensional (3-D) PtS network constructed from infinite Co-O-C rod units. Complex 3 has a 5-fold interpenetrated 3-D structure with diamondoid topology based on dinuclear [Co₂(CO₂)₂(μ₂-OH₂)N₄O₂] units and BPEA molecules. The different structures of complexes 1-3 illustrate the influence of the length of dicarboxylate ligands on the self-assembly of polymeric coordination architectures. In addition, the thermal properties of complexes 1-3 and fluorescent properties of complexes 2 and 3 have been investigated in the solid state.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, and reactivity of organolanthanides derived from a new chiral ligand (S)-2-(pyrrol-2-ylmethyleneamino)-2′-hydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl

Condensation of (S)-2-amino-2′-hydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl with 1 equiv. of pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde in toluene in the presence of molecular sieves at 70 °C gives (S)-2-(pyrrol-2-ylmethyleneamino)-2′-hydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl (1H₂) in 90% yield. Deprotonation of 1H₂ with NaH in THF, followed by reaction with LnCl₃ in THF gives, after recrystallization from a toluene or benzene solution, dinuclear complexes (1)₃Y₂(thf)₂ · 3C₇H₈ (3 · 3C₇H₈) and (1)₃Yb₂(thf)₂ · 3C₆H₆ (4 · 3C₆H₆), respectively, in good yields. Treatment of 1H₂ with Ln[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ in toluene under reflux, followed by recrystallization from a benzene solution gives the dimeric amido complexes {1-LnN(SiMe₃)₂}₂ · 2C₆H₆ (Ln = Y (5 · 2C₆H₆), Yb (6 · 2C₆H₆)) in good yields. All compounds have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, elemental analyses and X-ray diffraction analyses. Complexes 5 and 6 are active catalysts for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in toluene, affording syn-rich poly-(MMA)s.     

Synthesis,characterization and bioactivity of a new Fe(III) 18-metallacrown-6 and a new trinuclear linear Ni(II) complexes

A new trinuclear linear Ni(II) compound [Ni₃(H₂O)₂(DMA)₂(acshz)₂] · 2DMF (DMA = dimethylamine) (1) and a new Fe(III) 18-metallacrown-6 [Fe₆(acbshz)₆(DMF)(H₂O)₅] · 5DMF (2), with two similar pentadentate ligands, N-acryloyl-salicylhydrazide (H₃acshz) and N-acryloyl-5-bromosalicylhydrazide (H₃acbshz) have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. In compound 1, three nickel ions arrange in a strictly linear structure, adjacent molecules are linked by intermolecular H bonds to form a 2D infinite wave-like structure. In compound 2, the ring of the metallacrown is consisted of six interlink [Fe–N–N] repeated units through hydrazide N–N group bridging. It is the first metallacrown that the coordination environments of metal ions in the cycle ring are different, and these differences make the two faces of the disc-shaped hexanuclear ring do not have opposite chiralities. The studies in solution integrity and stability of the metallacrown 2 show it is soluble and stable in DMF. UV–Vis titrations demonstrate the metallacrown 2 is stable in DMF even in the presence of excess metal ions. Antibacterial screening data indicate the two compounds all have antimicrobial activities against the tested microorganisms. The activities of metallacrown 2 are stronger than trinuclear compound 1.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and hydrolysis of a dinuclear copper(II) complex constructed by N2O donor Schiff base and 4,4′-bipyridine: Discrete supra-molecular ensembles vs. oligomers

The tridentate Schiff base ligand, 7-amino-4-methyl-5-aza-3-hepten-2-one (HAMAH), prepared by the mono-condensation of 1,2-diaminoethane and acetylacetone, reacts with Cu(BF₄)₂ · 6H₂O to produce initially a dinuclear Cu(II) complex, [{Cu(AMAH)}₂(μ-4,4′-bipy)](BF₄)₂ (1) which undergoes hydrolysis in the reaction mixture and finally produces a linear polymeric chain compound, [Cu(acac)₂(μ-4,4′-bipy)]_n (2). The geometry around the copper atom in compound 1 is distorted square planar while that in compound 2 is essentially an elongated octahedron. On the other hand, the ligand HAMAH reacts with Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O to yield a polymeric zigzag chain, [{Cu(acac)(CH₃OH)(μ-4,4′-bipy)}(ClO₄)]_n (3). The geometry of the copper atom in 3 is square pyramidal with the two bipyridine molecules in the cis equatorial positions. All three complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. A probable explanation for the different size and shape of the reported polynuclear complexes formed by copper(II) and 4,4′-bipyridine has been put forward by taking into account the denticity and crystal field strength of the blocking ligand as well as the Jahn–Teller effect in copper(II).     

Iron(III) mixed-ligand complexes: Synthesis,characterization and crystal structure determination of iron(III) hetero-ligand complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2′-bipyridine,chloride and dimethyl sulfoxide, [Fe(phen)Cl3(DMSO)] and [Fe(bipy)Cl3(DMSO)]

Treatment of [Fe(bipy)Cl₄][bipy · H] (1) and [Fe(phen)Cl₄][phen · H] (3) (where bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) with dimethyl sulfoxide in methanolic solution produced [Fe(bipy)Cl₃(DMSO)] (2) and [Fe(phen)Cl₃(DMSO)] (4) (where DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide), respectively. The resulting complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopies and by the X-ray diffraction method. These complexes are high spin with a spin multiplicity of 6.