Bulky guanidinato nickel(I) complexes: synthesis, characterization, isomerization, and reactivity studies

Reactions of lithium complexes of the bulky guanidinates [{(Dip)N}(2)CNR(2)](-) (Dip=C(6)H(3)iPr(2)-2,6; R=C(6)H(11) (Giso(-)) or iPr (Priso(-)), with NiBr(2) have afforded the nickel(II) complexes [{Ni(L)(μ-Br)}(2)] (L=Giso(-) or Priso(-)), the latter of which was crystallographically characterized. Reduction of [{Ni(Priso)(μ-Br)}(2)] with elemental potassium in benzene or toluene afforded the diamagnetic species [{Ni(Priso)}(2)(μ-C(6)H(5)R)] (R=H or Me), which were shown, by X-ray crystallographic studies, to possess nonplanar bridging arene ligands that are partially reduced. A similar reduction of [{Ni(Priso)(μ-Br)}(2)] in cyclohexane yielded a mixture of the isomeric complexes [{Ni(μ-κ(1)-N-,η(2)-Dip-Priso)}(2)] and [{Ni(μ-κ(2)-N,N'-Priso)}(2)], both of which were structurally characterized. These complexes were also formed through arene elimination processes if [{Ni(Priso)}(2)(μ-C(6)H(5)R)] (R=H or Me) were dissolved in hexane. In that solvent, diamagnetic [{Ni(μ-κ(1)-N-,η(2)-Dip-Priso)}(2)] was found to slowly convert to paramagnetic [{Ni(μ-κ(2)-N,N'-Priso)}(2)], suggesting that the latter is the thermodynamic isomer. Computational analysis of a model of [{Ni(μ-κ(2)-N,N'-Priso)}(2)] showed it to have a Ni-Ni bond that has a multiconfigurational electronic structure. An analogous copper(I) complex [{Cu(μ-κ(2)-N,N'-Giso)}(2)] was prepared, structurally authenticated, and found, by a theoretical study, to have a negligible Cu···Cu bonding interaction. The reactivity of [{Ni(Priso)}(2)(μ-C(6)H(5)Me)] and [{Ni(μ-κ(2)-N,N'-Priso)}(2)] towards a range of small molecules was examined and this gave rise to diamagnetic complexes [{Ni(Priso)(μ-CO)}(2)] and [{Ni(Priso)(μ-N(3))}(2)]. Taken as a whole, this study highlights similarities between bulky guanidinate ligands and the β-diketiminate ligand class, but shows the former to have greater coordinative flexibility.     

Hydride mobility in trinuclear sulfido clusters with the core [Rh3(μ-H)(μ3-S)2]: molecular models for hydrogen migration on metal sulfide hydrotreating catalysts

The treatment of [{Rh(μ-SH){P(OPh)(3)}(2)}(2)] with [{M(μ-Cl)(diolef)}(2)] (diolef=diolefin) in the presence of NEt(3) affords the hydrido-sulfido clusters [Rh(3)(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(diolef){P(OPh)(3)}(4)] (diolef=1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) for 1, 2,5-norbornadiene (nbd) for 2, and tetrafluorobenzo[5,6]bicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5,7-triene (tfb) for 3) and [Rh(2)Ir(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(cod){P(OPh)(3)}(4)] (4). Cluster 1 can be also obtained by treating [{Rh(μ-SH){P(OPh)(3)}(2)}(2)] with [{Rh(μ-OMe)(cod)}(2)], although the main product of the reaction with [{Ir(μ-OMe)(cod)}(2)] was [RhIr(2)(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(cod)(2){P(OPh)(3)}(2)] (5). The molecular structures of clusters 1 and 4 have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The deprotonation of a hydrosulfido ligand in [{Rh(μ-SH)(CO)(PPh(3))}(2)] by [M(acac)(diolef)] (acac=acetylacetonate) results in the formation of hydrido-sulfido clusters [Rh(3)(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(CO)(2) (diolef)(PPh(3))(2)] (diolef=cod for 6, nbd for 7) and [Rh(2)Ir(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(CO)(2)(cod)(PPh(3))(2)] (8). Clusters 1-3 and 5 exist in solution as two interconverting isomers with the bridging hydride ligand at different edges. Cluster 8 exists as three isomers that arise from the disposition of the PPh(3) ligands in the cluster (cis and trans) and the location of the hydride ligand. The dynamic behaviour of clusters with bulky triphenylphosphite ligands, which involves hydrogen migration from rhodium to sulfur with a switch from hydride to proton character, is significant to understand hydrogen diffusion on the surface of metal sulfide hydrotreating catalysts.     

Synthetic, structural and theoretical studies of amidinate and guanidinate stabilised germanium(I) dimers

The neutral germanium(i) dimers, [{Ge(Piso)}(2)] and [{Ge(Giso)}(2)], Piso = [(ArN)(2)CBu(t)](-), Giso = [(ArN)(2)CNPr(i)(2)](-), Ar = C(6)H(3)Pr(i)(2)-2,6, which are stabilised by bulky amidinate and guanidinate ligands respectively, have been prepared by reduction of the corresponding germanium(ii) chlorides, [Ge(Piso)Cl] and [Ge(Giso)Cl]; theoretical studies suggest that the Ge-Ge bonds of [{Ge(Piso)}(2)] and [{Ge(Giso)}(2)] are associated with their HOMOs, whilst their LUMOs have substantial Ge-Ge pi-bonding character.     

Synthetic and structural investigations of linear and macrocyclic nickel/iron/sulfur cluster complexes

Three series of new Ni/Fe/S cluster complexes have been prepared and structurally characterized. One series of such complexes includes the linear type of (diphosphine)Ni-bridged double-butterfly Fe/S complexes [(μ-RS)(μ-S═CS)Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)[Ni(diphosphine)] (1-6; R = Et, t-Bu, n-Bu, Ph; diphosphine = dppv, dppe, dppb), which were prepared by reactions of monoanions [(μ-RS)(μ-CO)Fe(2)(CO)(6)](-) (generated in situ from Fe(3)(CO)(12), Et(3)N, and RSH) with excess CS(2), followed by treatment of the resulting monoanions [(μ-RS)(μ-S═CS)Fe(2)(CO)(6)](-)with (diphosphine)NiCl(2). The second series consists of the macrocyclic type of (diphosphine)Ni-bridged double-butterfly Fe/S complexes [μ-S(CH(2))(4)S-μ][(μ-S═CS)Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)[Ni(diphosphine)] (7-9; diphosphine = dppv, dppe, dppb), which were produced by the reaction of dianion [{μ-S(CH(2))(4)S-μ}{(μ-CO)Fe(2)(CO)(6)}(2)](2-) (formed in situ from Fe(3)(CO)(12), Et(3)N, and dithiol HS(CH(2))(4)SH with excess CS(2), followed by treatment of the resulting dianion [{μ-S(CH(2))(4)S-μ}{(μ-S═CS)Fe(2)(CO)(6)}(2)](2-) with (diphosphine)NiCl(2). However, more interestingly, when dithiol HS(CH(2))(4)SH (used for the production of 7-9) was replaced by HS(CH(2))(3)SH (a dithiol with a shorter carbon chain), the sequential reactions afforded another type of macrocyclic Ni/Fe/S complex, namely, the (diphosphine)Ni-bridged quadruple-butterfly Fe/S complexes [{μ-S(CH(2))(3)S-μ}{(μ-S═CS)Fe(2)(CO)(6)}(2)](2)[Ni(diphosphine)](2) (10-12; diphosphine = dppv, dppe, dppb). While a possible pathway for the production of the two types of novel metallomacrocycles 7-12 is suggested, all of the new complexes 1-12 were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopy and some of them by X-ray crystallography.     

One pot-synthesis of chiral Ni6 clusters involving Ni3 subunits: a combined structural, magnetic and DFT study

Ni(6) clusters of the general formula [{Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(X)(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)] (n = 1, 2; X = Cl(-) or N(3)(-), (L(n))(3-) = hexadentate tritopic ligands) can be isolated by spontaneous self-assembly, from mixtures of Ni(OAc)(2), H(3)L(n), NMe(4)OH·5H(2)O and NaX in adequate molar ratios. Thus, four new hexanuclear complexes [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·7.5H(2)O (1·7.5H(2)O), [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH (2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH), [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·6H(2)O (3·6H(2)O) and [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·4H(2)O (4·4H(2)O) were obtained and fully characterised. 1·7.5H(2)O and 2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH were isolated in the form of single crystals, the latter losing solvate on drying, to yield 2·2H(2)O. Recrystallisation of 3·6H(2)O in MeCN/MeOH also generates single crystals of 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN. Their X-ray characterisation shows that these Ni(6) clusters can be considered to be built from two triangular trinuclear [Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)](+) subunits with different connectors. In addition, these studies demonstrate that the (L(n))(3-) ligands behave as trinucleating, adopting such a conformation that induces chirality in the isolated compounds. In this way, 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN appears particularly interesting, since it emerges as homochiral after undergoing spontaneous resolution upon crystallisation. The magnetic characterisation of 1·7.5H(2)O to 3·6H(2)O reveals that the three compounds present an overall antiferromagnetic coupling. The intricate magnetic behaviour of these clusters, mediated by a total of 14 bridges of different kinds, was analysed and satisfactorily interpreted in light of DFT calculations.     

Divalent lanthanide complexes supported by the bridged bis(amidinates) L Me3SiN(Ph)CN(CH2)3NC(Ph)NSiMe3]: synthesis, molecular structures and one-electron-transfer reactions

Metathesis reactions of YbI(2) with Li(2)L (L = Me(3)SiN(Ph)CN(CH(2))(3)NC(Ph)NSiMe(3)) in THF at a molar ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 both afforded the Yb(II) iodide complex [{YbI(DME)(2)}(2)(μ(2)-L)] (1), which was structurally characterized to be a dinuclear Yb(II) complex with a bridged L ligand. Treatment of EuI(2) with Li(2)L did not afford the analogous [{EuI(DME)(2)}(2)(μ(2)-L)], or another isolable Eu(II) complex, but the hexanuclear heterobimetallic cluster [{Li(DME)(3)}(+)](2)[{(EuI)(2)(μ(2)-I)(2)(μ(3)-L)(2)(Li)(4)}(μ(6)-O)](2-) (2) was isolated as a byproduct in a trace yield. The rational synthesis of cluster 2 could be realized by the reaction of EuI(2) with Li(2)L and H(2)O in a molar ratio of 1:1.5:0.5. The reduction reaction of LLnCl(THF)(2) (Ln = Yb and Eu) with Na/K alloy in THF gave the corresponding Ln(II) complexes [Yb(3)(μ(2)-L)(3)] (3) and [Eu(μ(2)-L)(THF)](2) (4) in good yields. An X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that each L in complex 3 might adopt a chelating ligand bonding to one Yb atom and each Yb atom coordinates to an additional amidinate group of the other L and acts as a bridging link to assemble a macrocyclic structure. Complex 4 is a dimer in which the two monomers [Eu(μ(2)-L)(THF)] are connected by two μ(2)-amidinate groups from the two L ligands. Complex 3 reacted with CyN═C═NCy and diazabutadienes [2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)N═CRCR═NC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6] (R═H, CH(3)) (DAD) as a one-electron reducing agent to afford the corresponding Yb(III) derivatives: the complex with an oxalamidinate ligand [LYb{(NCy)(2)CC(NCy)(2)}YbL] (5) and the complexes containing a diazabutadiene radical anion [LYb((i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)NCRCRNC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2))] (R = H (6), R = CH(3) (7)). Complexes 5-7 were confirmed by an X-ray structure determination.     

Redox-controlled, reversible rearrangement of a tris(2-pyridylthio)methyl ligand on nickel to an isomer with an “N,S-confused” 2-pyridylthiolate arm

Interchange between the nickel +2 and +3 oxidation states precisely controls the reversible rearrangement of the tris(2-pyridylthio)methanide (tptm) ligand in the organometallic nickel(II) complex [{Ni(μ-Br)-(tptm)}(2)] (2). Oxidation of 2 first gives the corresponding Ni(III) complex [{Ni(μ-Br)(tptm)}(2)][PF(6)](2) (4). However, in solution the tptm ligand in 4 slowly undergoes a rearrangement, in which the N and S atoms of one of the pyridylthiolate arms exchange Ni and C bonding partners, thereby resulting in an "N,S-confused" isomer of tptm in the product, [NiBr(bpttpm)]PF(6) (5; bpttpm= bis(2-pyridylthio)(2-thiopyridinium)-methyl). Reduction of 5 reverses this ligand rearrangement and 2 is reformed quantitatively. The individual steps involved in these unusual ligand rearrangements were investigated by a number of methods, including voltammetric analysis, and a mechanism for this process is proposed. X-ray crystal structure determinations of the key compounds 2, 4 and 5 have been obtained.     

Effects of lanthanide metal size and amino ligand denticity on the solvothermal systems Ln/Sn/Se/en and Ln/Sn/Se/dien (Ln = lanthanide)

Two systems, Ln/Sn/Se/en and Ln/Sn/Se/dien, were investigated under solvothermal conditions, and novel lanthanide selenidostannates [{Ce(en)(4)}(2)(μ-Se(2))]Sn(2)Se(6) (1a), [{Ln(en)(3)}(2)(μ-OH)(2)]Sn(2)Se(6) (Ln = Pr(1b), Nd(1c), Gd(1d); en = ethylenediamine), [{Ln(dien)(2)}(4)(μ(4)-Sn(2)Se(9))(μ-Sn(2)Se(6))](∞) (Ln = Ce(2a), Nd(2b)), and [Hdien][Gd(dien)(2)(μ-SnSe(4))] (2c) (dien = diethylenetriamine) were prepared and characterized. Two structural types of lanthanide selenidostannates were obtained across the lanthanide series in both systems. In the Ln/Sn/Se/en system, two types of binuclear lanthanide complex cations [Ce(2)(en)(8)(μ-Se(2))](4+) and [{Ln(en)(3)}(2)(μ-OH)(2)](4+) (Ln = Pr, Nd, Gd) were formed depending on the Ln(3+) ions. The complex cations are compensated by the [Sn(2)Se(6)](4-) anions. In the Ln/Sn/Se/dien system, coordination polymer [{Ln(dien)(2)}(4)(μ(4)-Sn(2)Se(9))(μ-Sn(2)Se(6))](∞) and ionic complex [Hdien][Gd(dien)(2)(μ-SnSe(4))] are obtained along the lanthanide series, among which the μ(4)-Sn(2)Se(9), μ-Sn(2)Se(6) and μ-SnSe(4) ligands to the Ln(3+) ions were observed. The formation of title complexes shows the effects of lanthanide metal size and amino ligand denticity on the lanthanide selenidostannates. Complexes 1a-2c exhibit semiconducting properties with band gaps between 2.08 and 2.48 eV.     

A combination of lacunary polyoxometalates and high-nuclear transition-metal clusters under hydrothermal conditions. Part II: From double cluster, dimer, and tetramer to three-dimensional frameworks

The hydrothermal reactions of trivacant Keggin A-alpha-XW(9)O(34) polyoxoanions (X=P(V)/Si(IV)) with transition-metal ions (Ni(II)/Cu(II)/Fe(II)) in the presence of amines result in eight novel high-nuclear transition-metal-substituted polyoxotungstates [{Ni(7)(mu(3)-OH)(3)O(2)(dap)(3)(H(2)O)(6)}(B-alpha-PW(9)O(34))][{Ni(6)(mu(3)-OH)(3)(dap)(3)(H(2)O)(6)}(B-alpha-PW(9)O(34))][Ni(dap)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]4.5 H(2)O (1), [Cu(dap)(H(2)O)(3)](2)[{Cu(8)(dap)(4)(H(2)O)(2)}(B-alpha-SiW(9)O(34))(2)]6 H(2)O (2), (enH(2))(3)H(15)[{Fe(II) (1.5)Fe(III) (12)(mu(3)-OH)(12)(mu(4)-PO(4))(4)}(B-alpha-PW(9)O(34))(4)]ca.130 H(2)O (3), [{Cu(6)(mu(3)-OH)(3)(en)(3) (H(2)O)(3)}(B-alpha-PW(9)O(34))]7 H(2)O (4), [{Ni(6)(mu(3)-OH)(3)(en)(3)(H(2)O)(6)}(B-alpha-PW(9)O(34))]7 H(2)O (5), [{Ni(6)(mu(3)-OH)(3)(en)(2)(H(2)O)(8)}(B-alpha-PW(9)O(34))]7 H(2)O (6), [{Ni(6)(mu(3)-OH)(3)(dap)(2)(H(2)O)(8)}(B-alpha-PW(9)O(34))] 7 H(2)O (7), and [{Ni(6)(mu(3)-OH)(3)(en)(3)(H(2)O)(6)}(B-alpha-SiW(9)O(34))][Ni(0.5)(en)] 3.5 H(2)O (8) (en=ethylenediamine, dap=1,2-diaminopropane). These compounds have been structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, diffuse reflectance spectra, thermogravimatric analysis, and X-ray crystallography. The double-cluster complex of phosphotungstate 1 simultaneously contains hepta- and hexa-Ni(II)-substituted trivacant Keggin units [{Ni(7)(mu(3)-OH)(3)O(2)(dap)(3)(H(2)O)(6)}(B-alpha-PW(9)O(34))](2-) and [{Ni(6)(mu(3)-OH)(3)(dap)(3)(H(2)O)(6)}(B-alpha-PW(9)O(34))]. The dimeric silicotungstate 2 is built up from two trivacant Keggin [B-alpha-SiW(9)O(34)](10-) fragments linked by an octa-Cu(II) cluster. The main skeleton of 3 is a tetrameric cluster constructed from four tri-Fe(III)-substituted [Fe(III) (3)(mu(3)-OH)(3)(B-alpha-PW(9) O(34))](3-) Keggin units linked by a central Fe(II) (4)O(4) cubane core and four mu(4)-PO(4) bridges. Complex 4 is an unprecedented three-dimensional extended architecture with hexagonal channels built by hexa-Cu(II) clusters and trivacant Keggin [B-alpha-PW(9)O(34)](9-) fragments. The common feature of 5-8 is that they contain a B-alpha-isomeric trivacant Keggin fragment capped by a hexa-Ni(II) cluster, very similar to the hexa-Ni(II)-substituted trivacant Keggin unit in 1. Magnetic measurements illustrate that 1, 2, and 5 have ferromagnetic couplings within the magnetic metal centers, whereas 3 and 4 reveal the antiferromagnetic exchange interactions within the magnetic metal centers. Moreover, the magnetic behavior of 4 and 5 have been theoretically simulated by the MAGPACK magnetic program package.     

Lanthanide-tungstobismuthate clusters based on [BiW9O33]9- building units: synthesis, crystal structures, luminescent and magnetic properties

The reaction of Na(12)[Bi(2)W(22)O(74)(OH)(2)]·44H(2)O, Na(9)[BiW(9)O(33)]·16H(2)O, lanthanide chloride and Na(2)CO(3) in aqueous solution at a pH value of about 7.0 resulted in the three unprecedented giant lanthanide-tungstobismuthate clusters Na(x)H(22-x)[(BiW(9)O(33))(4)(WO(3)){Bi(6)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(3)}(Ln(3)(H(2)O)(6)CO(3))]·nH(2)O {Ln = Pr(3+) (1), Nd(3+) (2), La(3+) (3), x = 22 (1), 22 (2), 20 (3), n = 95 (1), 91 (2), 73 (3)}. These three complexes represent the first examples of lanthanide ions encapsulated in polyoxotungstobismuthates and the largest polytungstobismuthates so far. Furthermore, a [{Bi(6)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(3)}](7+) polyoxo cation was incorporated into the structure of these compounds. All complexes are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, electronic spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and elemental analysis. Magnetic investigation revealed that the progressive depopulation of excited Stark sublevels of the lanthanide ions at low temperature and the weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the neighboring metal centres are responsible for the magnetic properties of 1 and 2. The original synthesis strategy in this work may open a gateway to assembly of large lanthanide-tungstobismuthates clusters and novel multifunctional solid materials in aqueous solution under mild conditions.     

Titanium and niobium imido complexes stabilized by heteroscorpionate ligands

The reaction of [Ti(NR)Cl(2)(py)(3)](R = (t)Bu, p-tolyl, 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)) with [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)][bdmpza = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate] and [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)][bdmpzdta = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dithioacetate] affords the corresponding complexes [Ti(NR)Cl(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)(py)](x = a, R = (t)Bu 1, p-tolyl 2, 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2) 3; x = dta, R =(t)Bu 4, p-tolyl , 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2) 6), which are the first examples of imido Group 4 complexes stabilized by heteroscorpionate ligands. The solid-state X-ray crystal structure of 1 has been determined. The titanium centre is six-coordinate with three fac-sites occupied by the heteroscorpionate ligand and the remainder of the coordination sphere being completed by chloride, imido and pyridine ligands. The complexes are 1-6 fluxional at room temperature. The pyridine ortho- and meta-proton resonances show evidence of dynamic behaviour for this ligand and variable-temperature NMR studies were carried out in order to study their dynamic behaviour in solution. The complexes [Nb(NR)Cl(3)(py)(2)](R = (t)Bu, p-tolyl, 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)) reacted with [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] and (Hbdmpze)[bdmpze = 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethoxide], the latter with prior addition of (n)BuLi, to give the complexes [Nb(NR)Cl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)](x = a, R =(t)Bu 7, p-tolyl 8, 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2) 9; x = e, R = (t)Bu 10, p-tolyl 11, 2,6-C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)) 12 and these are the first examples of imido Group 5 complexes with heteroscorpionate ligands. The structures of these complexes have been determined by spectroscopic methods.     

Construction of halide-bridged tungsten-copper-sulfide double cubanelike clusters from a new precursor [(Tp*WS2)2(μ-S2)

Treatment of [Et(4)N][Tp*WS(3)] (1) (Tp* = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate) with 2 equiv of AgSCN in MeCN afforded a novel neutral compound [(Tp*WS(2))(2)(μ-S(2))] (2). Reactions of 2 with excess CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) in MeCN and CH(2)Cl(2) or CHCl(3) formed three neutral W/Cu/S clusters [{Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)(μ-Cl)}(2)Cu(μ-Cl)(2)(μ(7)-Cl)(MeCN)](2) (3), [{Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)}(2)Br(μ-Br)(2)(μ(4)-Br)(MeCN)] (4), and [{Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)}(2){Cu(2)(μ-I)(4)(μ(3)-I)(2)}] (5), respectively. On the other hand, treatment of 2 with CuX (X = Cl, Br) in the presence of Et(4)NX (X = Cl, Br) produced two anionic W/Cu/S clusters [Et(4)N][{Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)X}(2)(μ-X)(2)(μ(4)-X)] (6: X = Cl; 7 X = Br). Compounds 2-7 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis, (1)H NMR, electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The dimeric structure of 2 can be viewed as two [Tp*WS(2)] fragments in which two W atoms are connected by one S(2)(2-) dianion. Compounds 3-7 all possess unique halide-bridged double cubanelike frameworks. For 3, two [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)](2+) dications are linked via a μ(7)-Cl(-) bridge, two μ-Cl(-) bridges, and a [Cu(MeCN)(μ-Cl)(2)](+) bridge. For 4, one [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)(MeCN)](2+) dication and one [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)Br](+) cation are linked via a μ(4)-Br(-) and two μ-Br(-) bridges. For 5, the two [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)](2+) dications are bridged by a linear [(μ-I)(2)Cu(μ(3)-I)(2)Cu(μ-I)(2)](4+) species. For 6 and 7, two [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)X](+) cations are linked by a μ(4)-X(-) and two μ-X(-) bridges (X = Cl, Br). In addition, the third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of 2-7 in MeCN/CH(2)Cl(2) were investigated by using femtosecond degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) technique.     

Discrimination of mononuclear and dinuclear dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) by S K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy: insight into the electronic structure and reactivity of DNICs

In addition to probing the formation of dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) by the characteristic Fe K-edge pre-edge absorption energy ranging from 7113.4 to 7113.8 eV, the distinct S K-edge pre-edge absorption energy and pattern can serve as an efficient tool to unambiguously characterize and discriminate mononuclear DNICs and dinuclear DNICs containing bridged-thiolate and bridged-sulfide ligands. The higher Fe-S bond covalency modulated by the stronger electron-donating thiolates promotes the Fe → NO π-electron back-donation to strengthen the Fe-NO bond and weaken the NO-release ability of the mononuclear DNICs, which is supported by the Raman ν(Fe-NO) stretching frequency. The Fe-S bond covalency of DNICs further rationalizes the binding preference of the {Fe(NO)(2)} motif toward thiolates following the trend of [SEt](-) > [SPh](-) > [SC(7)H(4)SN](-). The relative d-manifold energy derived from S K-edge XAS as well as the Fe K-edge pre-edge energy reveals that the electronic structure of the {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) core of the mononuclear DNICs [(NO)(2)Fe(SR)(2)](-) is best described as {Fe(III)(NO(-))(2)}(9) compared to [{Fe(III)(NO(-))(2)}(9)-{Fe(III)(NO(-))(2)}(9)] for the dinuclear DNICs [Fe(2)(μ-SEt)(μ-S)(NO)(4)](-) and [Fe(2)(μ-S)(2)(NO)(4)](2-).     

Four [Tp*W(μ3-S)3Cu3(μ3-Br)]-based clusters: synthesis, structural characterization and third-order NLO properties

Treatment of [Et(4)N][Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)(CuBr)(3)] (Tp* = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate) (1) with an excess of α-methylpyridine (α-MePy) and NH(4)PF(6) in CH(2)Cl(2) afforded a cationic cluster [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)(α-MePy)(3)(μ(3)-Br)](PF(6)) (2) while the reaction of 1 with an excess of 1,4-pyrazine (1,4-pyz) and NH(4)PF(6) in MeCN-CH(2)Cl(2) at 65 °C produced a polymeric cluster [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)(1,4-pyz)((1,4-pyz)(0.5))(2)(μ(3)-Br)][Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)(CuBr)(3)] (3). Reactions of 1 with melamine (MA) in 1:1 or 1:2 gave rise to another polymeric cluster [{Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)Br(μ(3)-Br)}(2)(MA)(2)] (4) and a neutral cluster [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)Br(μ(3)-Br)(MA)(2)] (5), respectively. Compounds 2-5 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV-vis spectra, (1)H NMR, electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra and X-ray crystallography. The cation of 2 has a cubane-like [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)(μ(3)-Br)] structure with each α-MePy ligand coordinated at one Cu(i) center. For 3, each [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)(μ(3)-Br)] core is interconnected by 1,4-pyz bridges to form a 1D cationic zigzag chain with the [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)(CuBr)(3)](-) anions arranged along its two sides. For 4, each [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)(μ(3)-Br)] core is interlinked by MA bridges to afford a 1D spiral chain. 5 adopts a cubane-like [Tp*W(μ(3)-S)(3)Cu(3)(μ(3)-Br)] structure in which one terminal Br and two MA ligands are coordinated at three Cu centers. The third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of 1-5 in DMF were investigated by femtosecond degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) technique with a 80 fs pulse width at 800 nm. Compounds 1-5 exhibit good NLO responses, and 3 and 4 possess the largest second-order hyperpolarizability γ values among the known W/Cu/S clusters bearing the [Tp*WS(3)] unit.     

Self-assembly and redox modulation of the cavity size of an unusual rectangular iron thiolate aryldiisocyanide metallocyclophane

The decarbonylation reaction of ferric carbonyl dicationic [Cp(2)Fe(2)(μ-SEt)(2)(CO)(2)](BF(4))(2) [1(BF(4))(2)] carried out in refluxing acetonitrile affords a binuclear iron-sulfur core complex [Cp(2)Fe(2)(μ-SEt)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](BF(4))(2) [2(BF(4))(2)] containing two acetonitrile coordinated ligands. The treatment of 2(BF(4))(2) with 2 equiv of the 1,4-diisocyanobenzene (1,4-CNC(6)H(4)NC) results in the formation of the diisocyanide complex [Cp(2)Fe(2)(μ-SEt)(2)(1,4-CNC(6)H(4)NC)(2)](BF(4))(2) [3(BF(4))(2)]. The rectangular tetranuclear iron thiolate aryldiisocyanide metallocyclophane complex [Cp(4)Fe(4)(μ-SEt)(4)(μ-1,4-CNC(6)H(4)NC)(2)](BF(4))(4) [4(BF(4))(4)] has been synthesized by a self-assembly reaction between equimolar amounts of 2(BF(4))(2) and 1,4-diisocyanobenzene or by a stepwise route involving mixing of a 1:1 molar ratio of complexes 2(BF(4))(2) and 3(BF(4))(2). Chemical reduction of 4(BF(4))(4) by KC(8) was observed to produce the reduction product 4(BF(4))(2). The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of the iron-sulfur core complexes 1(PF(6))(2), 3(BF(4))(2), 4(BF(4))(4), and 4(BF(4))(2) were determined. Finally, differences between the redox control cavities of rectangular tetranuclear iron thiolate aryldiisocyanide complexes are revealed by a comparison of the X-ray crystallographically determined structures of complexes 4(BF(4))(4) and 4(BF(4))(2).     

The oxidative conversion of the N,S-bridged complexes [{RhLL'(μ-X)}2] to [(RhLL')3)(μ-X)2]+ (X = mt or taz): a comparison with the oxidation of N,N-bridged analogues

The structures of [{RhLL'(μ-X)}(2)] [LL' = cod, (CO)(2), (CO)(PPh(3)) or {P(OPh)(3)}(2); X = mt or taz], prepared from [{RhLL'(μ-Cl)}(2)] and HX in the presence of NEt(3), depend on the auxiliary ligands LL'. The head-to-tail arrangement of the two N,S-bridges is accompanied by a rhodium-eclipsed conformation for the majority but the most hindered complex, [{Rh[P(OPh)(3)](2)(μ-taz)}(2)], uniquely adopts a sulfur-eclipsed structure. The least hindered complex, [{Rh(CO)(2)(μ-mt)}(2)], shows intermolecular stacking of mt rings in the solid state. The complexes [{RhLL'(μ-X)}(2)] are chemically oxidised to trinuclear cations, [(RhLL')(3)(μ-X)(2)](+), most probably via reaction of one molecule of the dimer, in the sulfur-eclipsed form, with the fragment [RhLL'](+) formed by oxidative cleavage of a second.     

Oxido-bridged di-, tri-, and tetra-nuclear iron complexes bearing bis(trimethylsilyl)amide and thiolate ligands

A series of di-, tri-, and tetra-nuclear iron-oxido clusters with bis(trimethylsilyl)amide and thiolate ligands were synthesized from the reactions of Fe{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2) (1) with 1 equiv of thiol HSR (R = C(6)H(5) (Ph), 4-(t)BuC(6)H(4), 2,6-Ph(2)C(6)H(3) (Dpp), 2,4,6-(i)Pr(3)C(6)H(2) (Tip)) and subsequent treatment with O(2). The trinuclear clusters [{(Me(3)Si)(2)N}Fe](3)(μ(3)-O){μ-S(4-RC(6)H(4))}(3) (R = H (3a), (t)Bu (3b)) were obtained from the reactions of 1 with HSPh or HS(4-(t)BuC(6)H(4)) and O(2), while we isolated a tetranuclear cluster [{(Me(3)Si)(2)N}(2)Fe(2)(μ-SDpp)](2)(μ(3)-O)(2) (4) as crystals from an analogous reaction with HSDpp. Treatment of a tertrahydrofuran (THF) solution of 1 with HSTip and O(2) resulted in the formation of a dinuclear complex [{(Me(3)Si)(2)N}(TipS)(THF)Fe](2)(μ-O) (5). The molecular structures of these complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis.     

New cyclometallated precursors of unsubstituted N-phenylpyrazole [{Pd(phpz)(μ-X)}2] (X = AcO or OH) and study of their reactivity towards selected ligands

A new acetate-bridged dinuclear palladacycle with unsubstituted N-phenylpyrazole [{Pd(phpz)(μ-AcO)}(2)] 1 has been isolated and characterised, including an X-ray diffraction study. A survey of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) v. 5.31 looking for analogous dimeric C^N cyclopalladated complexes has been done, exploring the incidence of cisoid/transoid arrangements, the preferred conformation of the eight-membered ring formed in the double bridge, the Pd-Pd distance and the main factors that affect it. The reaction of 1 with NBu(4)OH yielded [{Pd(phpz)(μ-OH)}(2)] 2 that has shown to be a complementary precursor of 1 in terms of acid/base reactivity. In this sense, both 1 and 2 are also well differentiated from halide precursors available to date. The preparation of selected complexes with potential applications in several fields, [Pd(phpz)(O^N)] O^N = N-p-chlorophenylsalycilaldiminate (N-pClsal) 3, picolinic acid (pic) 4; 8-hydroxiquinolinate (oxin) 5; 2-pyrrole-carboxaldeydate (2-pcal) 6, [Pd(phpz)(O^O)] O^O = salycilaldehydate (sal) 7 acetylacetonate (acac) 8, [{Pd(phpz)(μ-N^S)}(2)] N^S = 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazolate (SMeimz) 11; [{Pd(phpz)(μ-N^O)}(2)] N^O = succinimidate (succ) 12; [{Pd(phpz)(μ-N^N)}(2)] (N^N = pyrazolate (pz) 13, has been achieved using 1 or 2 as starting materials in acid/base reactions. Dithiocarbamate [Pd(phpz)(S(2)CNEt(2))] 9 and dithiophosphate [Pd(phpz){S(S)P(OEt)(2)}] 10 derivatives have been synthesised in related reactions, and the reactivity of 1 against neutral phosphine ligands has also been tested with the preparation of [Pd(phpz)(AcO)(PPh(3))] 14. The crystal structures of compounds 7, 9, 11, 12 and 13 (this one obtained from a powder sample using synchrotron radiation) have also been established, and together with 1 are the first examples of complexes containing unsubstituted N-phenylpyrazole as cyclometallated backbone that have been deposited to date on the Cambridge Structural Database.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of cyclopalladated complexes with S^N and O^N donor ligands

The direct reaction between the hydroxo-complexes [{Pd(μ-OH)(C^N)}(2)] and protonated S^N-donor ligands to yield new dinuclear cyclometallated palladium(ii) complexes containing -NCS- bridging heterocyclic thionates of general formula [{Pd(μ-N^S)(C^N)}(2)] (C^N = 2-(2-pyridyl)phenyl (Phpy) I; = 7,8-benzoquinolyl (Bzq) II; N^S = pyrimidine-2-thionate (Spym) 1, benzoimidazolidine-2-thionate (Sbimid) 2, 1-methylimidazoline-2 thionate (Smeimid) 3) is described. The related mononuclear complexes [Pd(N^S)(C^N)] N^S = 2-aminothiophenolate (Atph) 4) were prepared in a similar way. Photophysical properties were investigated together with those of complexes with related ligands pyridin-2-thionate (Spy) 5 and pyrrole-2-carboxaldehydate (2-pcal) 6. All the compounds absorb intensely below 300 nm via(1)LC transitions located in Bzq or Phpy ligands, and display additional low energy absorptions of mixed (1)MLCT-(1)LC character. In the solid state diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectra, the differences are notable for dinuclear complexes. The complexes under study are quite unusual in terms of luminescence behaviour, since most of them are emissive in solution at room temperature and all display intense emissions in frozen CHCl(3) solution, but also in the solid state at 298 and 77 K. Emission quantum yields are in the range 2.52-0.14%, similar to that of related complexes. Structural characterisation by X-ray diffraction of complexes II3 and II6 confirmed the proposed formula.     

On [Fe4S4]2+ -(mu2-SR)-M II bridge formation in the synthesis of an A-cluster analogue of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetylcoenzyme A synthase

The construction of a synthetic analogue of the A-cluster of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetylcoenzyme synthase, the site of acetylcoenzyme A formation, requires as a final step the formation of an unsupported [Fe(4)S(4)]-(mu(2)-SR)-Ni(II) bridge to a preformed cluster. Our previous results (Rao, P. V.; Bhaduri, S.; Jiang, J.; Holm, R. H. Inorg. Chem. 2004, 43, 5833) and the work of others have addressed synthesis of dinuclear complexes relevant to the A-cluster. This investigation concentrates on reactions pertinent to bridge formation by examining systems containing dinuclear and mononuclear Ni(II) complexes and the 3:1 site-differentiated clusters [Fe(4)S(4)(LS(3))L'](2-) (L' = TfO(-) (14), SEt (15)). The system 14/[{Ni(L(O)-S(2)N(2))}M(SCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))](+) results in cleavage of the dinuclear complex and formation of [{Ni(L(O)-S(2)N(2))}Fe(4)S(4)(LS(3))]- (18), in which the Ni(II) complex binds at the unique cluster site with formation of a Ni(mu(2)-SR)(2)Fe bridge rhomb. Cluster 18 and the related species [{Ni(phma)}Fe(4)S(4)(LS(3))](3)- (19) are obtainable by direct reaction of the corresponding cis-planar Ni(II)-S(2)N(2) complexes with 14. The mononuclear complexes [M(pdmt)(SEt)]- (M = Ni(II), Pd(II)) with 14 in acetonitrile or Me(2)SO solution react by thiolate transfer to give 15 and [M(2)(pdmt)(2)]. However, in dichloromethane the Ni(II) reaction product is interpreted as [{Ni(pdmt)(mu(2)-SEt)}Fe(4)S(4)(LS(3))](2-) (20). Reaction of Et(3)NH(+) and 15 affords the double cubane [{Fe(4)S(4)(LS(3))}(2)(mu(2)-SEt)](3-) (21). Cluster 18 contains two mutually supportive Fe-(mu(2)-SR)-Ni(II) bridges, 19 exhibits one strong and one weaker bridge, 20 has one unsupported bridge (inferred from the (1)H NMR spectrum), and 21 has one unsupported Fe-(mu(2)-SR)-Fe bridge. Bridges in 18, 19, and 21 were established by X-ray structures. This work demonstrates that a bridge of the type found in the enzyme A-clusters is achievable by synthesis and implies that more stable, unsupported single thiolate bridges may require reinforcement by an additional covalent linkage between the Fe(4)S(4) and nickel-containing components. (LS(3) = 1,3,5-tris((4,6-dimethyl-3-mercaptophenyl)thio)-2,4,6-tris(p-tolylthio)benzene(3-); L(O)-S(2)N(2) = N,N'-diethyl-3,7-diazanonane-1,9-dithiolate(2-); pdmt = pyridine-2,6-methanedithiolate(2-); phma = N,N'-1,2-phenylenebis(2-acetylthio)acetamidate(4-); TfO = triflate.).