Hexanuclear cobalt carbonyl carbide clusters: the interplay between octahedral and trigonal prismatic structures

The six-vertex cobalt carbonyl clusters [Co6C(CO)n](2-) (n = 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) with an interstitial carbon atom have been studied by density functional theory (DFT). These DFT studies indicate that the experimentally known structure of [Co6C(CO)15](2-) consisting of a Co6 trigonal prism with each of its edges bridged by carbonyl groups is a particularly stable structure lying more than 20 kcal/mol below any other [Co6C(CO)15](2-) structure. Addition of a CO group to this [Co6C(CO)15](2-) structure gives the lowest energy [Co6C(CO)16](2-) structure, also a Co6 trigonal prism with one of the vertical edges bridged by two CO groups and the remaining eight edges each bridged by a single CO group. However, this [Co6C(CO)16](2-) structure is thermodynamically unstable with respect to CO loss reverting to the stable trigonal prismatic [Co6C(CO)15](2-). This suggests that 15 carbonyl groups is the maximum that can be attached to a Co6C skeleton in a stable compound. The lowest energy structure of [Co6C(CO)14](2-) has a highly distorted octahedral Co6 skeleton and is thermodynamically unstable with respect to disproportionation to [Co6C(CO)15](2-) and [Co6C(CO)13](2-). The lowest energy [Co6C(CO)13](2-) structure is very similar to a known stable structure with an octahedral Co6 skeleton. The lowest energy [Co6C(CO)12](2-) structure is a relatively symmetrical D3d structure containing a carbon-centered Co6 puckered hexagon in the chair form.     

Assembly of trigonal and tetragonal prismatic cages from octahedral metal ions and a flexible molecular clip

Reaction of a semirigid ligand with two octahedral metal ions with restricted coordination symmetry afforded metalated container complexes showing trigonal or tetragonal outer shapes and inner cavities.     

Tetranuclear manganese(II) complexes of thiacalixarene macrocycles with trigonal prismatic six-coordinate geometries: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Two tetranuclear manganese(II) complexes [Mn(II)4(thiaS)2] (1) and [Mn(II)4(thiaSO)2] (2) have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions in methanol with p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene (thiaS) and p-tert-butylsulfinylthiacalix[4]arene (thiaSO). For both complexes, the structure has been established from single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [Mn4(thiaS)2].H2O (1) crystallizes in the orthorhombic Immm (No. 71) space group with the following parameters: a = 18.213 (5) angstroms, b = 19.037 (5) angstroms, c = 29.159 (5) angstroms, V = 10110 (4) angstroms3, and Z = 4. [Mn4(thiaSO)2].H2O (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/m (No. 12) space group with the following parameters: a = 33.046(1) angstroms, b = 19.5363 (8) angstroms, c = 15.7773 (9) angstroms, beta = 115.176 (2) degrees, V = 9218.3 (8) angstroms3, and Z = 4. The two complexes are neutral and are best described as manganese squares sandwiched between two thiacalixarene macrocycles. In both complexes, each manganese center is six-coordinated in a trigonal prismatic geometry with four phenoxo oxygen atoms plus two sulfur atoms for 1 or two oxygen atoms from SO groups for 2. The two tetranuclear complexes exhibit identical magnetic behaviors resulting from antiferromagnetic interactions between the four manganese centers. The simulation of the magnetic susceptibility was done considering a single exchange-coupling constant between the manganese(II) ions, J (H = -J(S1S2 + S2S3 + S3S4 + S1S4)). The best fits give the same result for the two complexes: g = 1.94 and J = -5.57 cm(-1).     

Synthesis and co-ordination chemistry of tris(picolyl-2-carboxyamido-6-pyridyl) methanol: A ligand with a strong preference for trigonal prismatic geometries

The new tripodal ligand tris(picolyl-2-carboxyamido-6-pyridyl) methanol (L¹) has been synthesised via a Pd-catalysed amidocarbonylation reaction in good yield (64%). The ligand has been shown to readily form mononuclear complexes with both Fe(II) and Zn(II). Continuous Shape Mapping calculations have also been performed which confirm the ligands ability to enforce near-perfect trigonal prismatic co-ordination environments upon each of these metal ions.     

Acid-base-driven interconversion between a mononuclear complex and supramolecular coordination polymers in a terpyridine-functionalized dioxocyclam ligand

A polytopic cyclam-bis-terpyridine ligand has been used to accomplish an acid-base-triggered formation of either a mononuclear neutral complex or metallopolymers with Cu(2+) ions. A controlled interconversion between these two forms was achieved through the reversible displacement of a Cu(2+) cation from the macrocycle to the terpyridine units.     

An experimental and DFT computational study of a novel zerovalent tetracarbonyl tungsten complex of 2-(2′-pyridyl)quinoxaline

Synthesis and characterization of the new complex W(CO)₄(2,2′-pq), (1), where 2,2′-pq = 2-(2′-pyridyl)quinoxaline, is presented. The non-symmetric ligand 2,2′-pq belongs to the general class of quinoxalines, which are natural products yielding a rich coordination chemistry. Complex (1) crystallizes in space group P2_1/n with α = 9.601(6) Å, b = 16.735(11) Å, c = 10.315(8) Å, Z = 4 and V = 1616.0(19) Å³. Although its structure resembles those of W(CO)₄(phen) and W(CO)₄(bpy), some distortions that stem from 2,2′-pq’s asymmetry are present. DFT calculations reveal a ground state consisting of HOMO, HOMO − 1 and HOMO − 2, mainly of metal and carbonyl character, while LUMO is diimine oriented. The bonding scheme of (1) is illustrated after its consideration as been consisted by two fragments, namely W(CO)₄ and 2,2′-pq, acting as a donor and acceptor of electron density, respectively. In that scheme, back-bonding interaction of the main core to 2,2′-pq is mainly related to the mixing of HOMO − 2 from W(CO)₄ moiety with LUMO from 2,2′-pq moiety. The performed TDDFT calculations, not only in the gas phase but also combined with the conductor like polarizable continuum model (CPCM), reveal that the lowest in energy highly solvatochromic transition of (1) can be ascribed as a HOMO − 2 → LUMO transition and it is better described as MLCT/LLCT, underlying the CO → diimine contribution. The solvatochromic behaviour of (1) is anticipated by DFT/CPCM calculations and is probed in detail by absorption and NMR spectroscopy. The correlation of the lowest-energy-band maximum to the dipole moment of the corresponding solvents provides overall good linear fits, while the correlation to the dielectric constant affords good linear patterns only after the segregation of the solvents into groups. The ¹H NMR data of 2,2′-pq and (1) reveal an increase of the solvent influence to the chemical shifts of the diimine ligand after its coordination to the metal and suggest two different types of solvent-effects for the complex and the ligand, respectively. The observed proton shifts of (1) are related with the results of the Mülliken population analysis in solvents of different polarity; the transition from CCl₄ to MeOH seems to signify a charge transfer from the axial COs and the central metal to the equatorial COs and the internal nuclei of 2,2′-pq.     

Trends in trigonal prismatic Ln-[1]ferrocenophane complexes and discovery of a Ho3+ single-molecule magnet

Lanthanide metallocenophanes are an intriguing class of organometallic complexes that feature rare six-coordinate trigonal prismatic coordination environments of 4f elements with close intramolecular proximity to transition metal ions. Herein, we present a systematic study of the structural and magnetic properties of the ferrocenophanes, [LnFc₃(THF)₂Li₂]⁻, of the late trivalent lanthanide ions (Ln = Gd (1), Ho (2), Er (3), Tm (4), Yb (5), Lu (6)). One major structural trend within this class of complexes is the increasing diferrocenyl (Fc²⁻) average twist angle with decreasing ionic radius (r_ion) of the central Ln ion, resulting in the largest average Fc²⁻ twist angles for the Lu³⁺ compound 6. Such high sensitivity of the twist angle to changes in r_ion is unique to the here presented ferrocenophane complexes and likely due to the large trigonal plane separation enforced by the ligand (>3.2 Å). This geometry also allows the non-Kramers ion Ho³⁺ to exhibit slow magnetic relaxation in the absence of applied dc fields, rendering compound 2 a rare example of a Ho-based single-molecule magnet (SMM) with barriers to magnetization reversal (U) of 110–131 cm⁻¹. In contrast, compounds featuring Ln ions with prolate electron density (3–5) don''t show slow magnetization dynamics under the same conditions. The observed trends in magnetic properties of 2–5 are supported by state-of-the-art ab initio calculations. Finally, the magneto-structural relationship of the trigonal prismatic Ho-[1]ferrocenophane motif was further investigated by axial ligand (THF in 2) exchange to yield [HoFc₃(THF*)₂Li₂]⁻ (2-THF*) and [HoFc₃(py)₂Li₂]⁻ (2-py) motifs. We find that larger average Fc²⁻ twist angles (in 2-THF* and 2-py as compared to in 2) result in faster magnetic relaxation times at a given temperature.

Lanthanide ferrocenophanes are an intriguing class of organometallic complexes that feature rare six-coordinate trigonal prismatic coordination environments of 4f elements with close intramolecular proximity to iron ions.     

Relationships between interatomic distances and electron numbers for D3h tricapped trigonal prismatic 9-atom cluster systems

The polyhedron edge-bonding or -antibonding characteristics of the nondegenerate tenth and eleventh MO's of D_3h tricapped trigonal prismatic 9-atom homonuclear clusters like B₉Cl₉, B₉H^2?₉, Ge^2?₉ Sn^3?₉ and Bi⁵⁺₉ can be used to rationalize the edge lengths in such clusters. Skeletal bonding is strongest, and the clusters are nearest to spherical, when there are 20 skeletal bonding electrons present, as in the cases of B₉H^2?₉ and Ge^2?₉. Species with one or two more or fewer electrons have expanded structures based on longer and thinner trigonal prisms.     

Redox-triggered interconversion between piperidine chair conformations in a Cu(I/II) complex

A redox-induced six-membered ring chair-chair conformational interconversion in a copper-coordinated trans-piperidine tripodal ligand is demonstrated. Each group of the 1,2,3-substituted ring can potentially ligate the metal; two equatorial groups ligate the metal in the Cu(I) state leaving a disassociated, axial group. However, all three groups (two axial and one equatorial) ligate the metal in the Cu(II) state. Exciton-coupled circular dichroism (ECCD) and 2D NMR were used to characterize the structures.     

Electroconvection instability and shocks in complex geometries

The precise and efficient control of ion transport in an electrochemical system is essential for desalination, water treatment, and energy conversion and storage. With the recent progress of electroconvection in microstructures and shock electrodialysis in porous media, here, we review the emergence of intriguing physical phenomena related to electroconvection and shocks for complex geometries in theory and experiments. In a circular channel, equilibrium electroconvection instability of concentration enrichment, rather than instabilities of concentration depletion, is realized in an aqueous electrolyte. Additionally, the propagation of a deionization shock wave is driven by electroconvection up to millimeter scales, offering more opportunities for desalination. Conformal mapping is employed to explore the effect of symmetry broken in more complex geometries, including an eccentric annulus, a concentric ellipse, and a corner geometry. Lastly, in a multi-component electrolyte, a remote electroconvection is formed, while the concentration valley of inert cations occurs.     

Pressure- and temperature-induced valence tautomeric interconversion in a o-dioxolene adduct of a cobalt-tetraazamacrocycle complex

An electronic switch at the molecular level has been realized by using a class of ionic compounds of the formula [Co(L)(diox)]Y (L = tetraazamacrocyclic ligand, Y = mononegative anion). Such compounds undergo temperature- and pressure-induced intramolecular one-electron transfer equilibria. The transition temperature of interconversion varies with the nature of the counterions Y (Y = PF6, BPh4, I). Surprisingly the effect of the anion on the transition temperature is not only governed by its volume but also by its coulombic interaction.     

Synthesis and structure of a tungsten dichlorosilyl dihydride complex

The reaction of the donor-stabilized silylene complex cis-Cp¹(CO)₂(H)WSiHPh · THF (3, Cp¹ = η⁵-C₅Me₅) with LiAlH₄ followed by the protonation of the resulting Li[Cp¹(CO)₂W(H)(SiH₂Ph)] (4) with excess CF₃COOH afforded the trihydride complex Cp¹(CO)₂WH₃ (6). The structure of 6 was characterized using variable-temperature NMR studies and X-ray crystal analysis. Deprotonation of 6 with KH gave the anionic dihydride complex K[Cp¹(CO)₂WH₂] (7), which was converted into the dichlorosilyl dihydride complex Cp¹(CO)₂W(H)₂(SiHCl₂) (8) on treatment with trichlorosilane. The X-ray crystal analysis of 8 revealed that it adopts a distorted pseudo-octahedral structure with a short W–Si bond, long Si–Cl bonds, and short contacts between the hydrides and silicon atom. Along with these structural features, the conformation of the silyl ligand around the W–Si bond may suggest the presence of a double interligand hypervalent interaction between the dichlorosilyl and hydrides ligands.     

A nonacoordinated bridging selenide in a tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry identified in undecanuclear copper clusters: syntheses, structures, and DFT calculations

Undecanuclear copper clusters, [Cu(11)(micro(9)-Se)(micro(3)-Br)(3)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)] (R = Et, Pr, (i)Pr) (1a-c), were isolated along with closed-shell ion-centered cubes, [Cu(8)(micro(8)-Br)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)] (PF(6)) (2a-c) and [Cu(8)(micro(8)-Se)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)] (3a-c), from the reaction of [Cu(CH(3)CN)(4)](PF(6)), NH(4)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)], and Bu(4)NBr in a molar ratio of 2:3:2 in CH(2)Br(2). The molecular formulations of these clusters were confirmed by elemental analysis, positive FAB mass spectrometry, and multinuclear NMR ((1)H, (31)P, and (77)Se). (77)Se NMR spectra of Cu(11) clusters (1a-c) are of special interest as two inequivalent selenium nuclei of the diselenophosphate (dsep) ligand exhibit different scalar coupling patterns with the adjacent phosphorus nuclei. X-ray analysis of 1c reveals a Cu(11)Se core stabilized by three bromide and six dsep ligands. The central core adopts the geometry of a 3,3,4,4,4-pentacapped trigonal prism with a selenium atom in the center. The coordination geometry for the nonacoordinate selenium atom is tricapped trigonal prismatic. The X-ray structure 2a or 2c consists of a cationic cluster in which eight copper ions are linked by six diselenophosphate ligands with a central micro(8)-Br ion. The shape of the molecule is a bromide-centered distorted Cu(8) cube. Each diselenophosphate ligand occupies square faces of the cube and adopts a tetrametallic tetraconnective coordination pattern. Each copper atom of the cube is coordinated by three selenium atoms with a strong interaction with the central bromide ion. Molecular orbital calculations at the B3LYP level of the density functional theory have been carried out to study the Cu-micro(9)-Se interactions for clusters [Cu(11)(micro(9)-Se)(micro(3)-X)(3)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)] (X = Br, I). Calculations show that the formal bond order of each Cu-micro(9)-Se bond is slightly smaller than half of those calculated for the terminal Cu-micro(2)-Se bonds.     

Structurally characterized dinuclear zinc(II) bis(salamo)‐type tetraoxime complex possessing square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal geometries

A novel dinuclear Zn(II) complex with the chemical formula [Zn₂(L)(OCH₃)] has been synthesized by a bis(salamo)‐type tetraoxime ligand based on 3‐bromo‐5‐chlorosalicylicaldehyde, and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–vis, and fluorescent spectra, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. All the Zn(II) atoms are pentacoordinated by N₂O₂ donor atoms from the (L)³⁻ unit and one oxygen atom from one μ₂‐methoxyl group. The Zn(II) (Zn1 and Zn4) atoms have distorted square pyramidal geometries (τ₁ = 0.458, τ₄ = 0.388), whereas the Zn2 and Zn3 atoms adopt trigonal bipyramidal (τ₂ = 0.675, τ₃ = 0.550) geometries. The Zn(II) complex is self‐assembled by intermolecular C H···O interactions to form an infinite three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. Interestingly, the intermolecular C H···π interactions in the Zn(II) complex is involved not in the formation of three‐dimensional structures but rather in the formation of the 0D dimer structure. Meanwhile, the optical properties of the Zn(II) complex were also measured and are discussed.     

Preparation and reactivity of a monomeric octahedral platinum(IV) amido complex

Synthesis and isolation of the monomeric octahedral platinum(IV) amido complex (NCN)PtMe2NHPh have been accomplished upon deprotonation of the amine complex [(NCN)PtMe2(NH2Ph)][OTf]. The preliminary reactivity of the amido ligand has been explored.     

A cyano-bridged single-molecule magnet: slow magnetic relaxation in a trigonal prismatic MnMo(6)(CN)(18) cluster

We report the synthesis of the first well-documented example of a cyano-bridged single-molecule magnet. An assembly reaction parallel to that employed in producing the trigonal prismatic [(Me(3)tacn)(6)MnCr(6)(CN)(18)](2+) (Me(3)tacn = N,N',N"-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) cluster affords K[(Me(3)tacn)(6)MnMo(6)(CN)(18)](ClO(4))(3) (1), containing an analogous molybdenum(III)-substituted cluster. Fits to the DC magnetic susceptibility and magnetization data for 1 show that the MnMo(6) cluster possesses weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -6.7 cm(-1)), leading to an S = (13)/(2) ground state with significantly enhanced magnetic anisotropy (D = -0.33 cm(-1) and E = -0.018 cm(-1)). Consistent with these results, AC magnetic susceptibility measurements show the molecule to exhibit slow magnetic relaxation indicative of a single-molecule magnet with an energy barrier of 10 cm(-1) for spin reversal.