A new paratungstate-A-based organic–inorganic hybrid compound: Synthesis,structure and photocatalytic property of [Co(en)3]2[H2W7O24]·8H2O

A new paratungstate-A-based organic–inorganic hybrid compound with the chemical formula of [Co(en)₃]₂[H₂W₇O₂₄]·8H₂O (en = ethylenediamine) (1) has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by the elemental analysis, IR, TG, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 17.216(3) Å, b = 14.986(3) Å, c = 23.088(8) Å, β = 128.151(2)°, V = 4684.2 Å³, Z = 1, R₁ = 0.0484, and wR₂ = 0.1087. The structure of 1 consists of the [H₂W₇O₂₄]⁴⁻ building blocks and [Co(en)₃]²⁺ metal-organic cationic moieties, which are packed together via the electrostatic forces and extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions to form a three-dimensional supramolecular framework. Interestingly, compound 1 represents the first structurally-defined hybrid compound based on the metastable paratungstate-A polyoxoanions and metal–organic units. The degradation of Rhodamine-B (RhB) under UV irradiation with 1 as the heterogeneous photocatalyst has been investigated, showing a good photocatalytic property of 1 for RhB degradation.     

Molecular spin ladders self-assembly from [Ni(dmit)2]− building blocks: Syntheses,structures and magnetic properties

Two ion-pair compounds, consisting of 1-(4′-R-benzyl)pyridinium ([RBzPy]⁺, R = NO₂ (1) and Br (2)) and [Ni(dmit)₂]⁻ (dmit²⁻ = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithion-4,5-dithiolato), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The anions of [Ni(dmit)₂]⁻ stack into dimers, which further construct into two-leg ladder through terminal S⋯S interactions in 1, lateral S⋯S interactions in 2. The weak H-bonding interactions of C–H⋯S were observed in 2, while only weak van de Waals interactions between anion and cations in 1. The magnetic susceptibilities measured in 2–300 K indicate AFM exchange interaction domination both two compounds. A peculiar magnetic transition at ∼100 K was observed in 1. An AFM ordering below ∼11 K was found in 2, and the best fit to magnetic susceptibility above 45 K in this compound, using a dimer model with s = 1/2, give rise to Δ/k_B = 36.1 K, zJ = −0.91 K, C = 3.2 × 10⁻³ emu K mol⁻¹ and χ₀ = −4.0 × 10⁻⁶ emu mol⁻¹ with g of 2.0 fixed.     

A N,N′-diacetate benzodioxotetraazamacrocycle and its transition metal complexes

Reaction of 2,9-dioxo-1,4,7,10-tetraazabicyclo[1.10.1]hexadeca-1(11),13,15-triene-4,7-diacetic acid (H₂L1) with CuCl₂ · 2H₂O in ethanol at pH 6 led to the monomeric benzodioxochlorocomplex [Cu(L′1)Cl] (1) (HL′1 = monoethylesther of H₂L1). X-ray structural analysis has shown that in complex 1 the Cu is five-coordinated by two nitrogen and two oxygen atoms of the macrocycle and by a chloride, displaying a square pyramidal coordination geometry. One of the acetate arms does not coordinate to the Cu and has suffered an in situ ethanolic esterification reaction. The protonation constants of H₂L1 and the stability constants of its complexes with Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ were determined by potentiometric methods and in some cases by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The stability constants of the complexes follow the trend [Ni(H₋₁L1)]⁻ > [Cu(H₋₁L1)]⁻ ≫ [Pb(H₋₁L1)]⁻ > [Zn(H₋₁L1)]⁻ > [Cd(H₋₁L1)]⁻, probably due to steric requirements. Spectroscopic measurements (absorption and EPR) at different pH values have shown the effect of the pH on the coordination sphere of the Cu complexes.     

Synthesis, crystal and band structures, and properties of a new supramolecular complex (Hg2As)2(CdI4)

A new quaternary supramolecular complex (Hg₂As)₂ (CdI₄) (1) has been prepared by the solid-state reaction and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in the space group P2₁ of the monoclinic system with two formula units in a cell: a=7.945(4), b=12.934(6), c=8.094(4) Å, β=116.898°(1), V=741.7(6) Å³. The structure of 1 is characterized by a tridymite-like three-dimensional cationic framework, which is composed of mercury and arsenic atoms, with the channels being occupied by discrete CdI₄²⁻ tetrahedral guest-anions. The optical properties were investigated in terms of the diffuse reflectance and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The electronic band structure along with density of states (DOS) calculated by DFT method indicates that the present compound is a semiconductor with a direct band gap, and that the optical absorption is mainly originated from the charge transitions from I-5p and As-4p to Cd-5s and Hg-6s states.     

Synthesis and characterization of zinc complexes and reactivity with primary phosphines

Zinc complexes of chelating monoanionic N-donors and neutral diphosphine ligands were synthesized by reaction of diethylzinc with 1,3-diketimine, diazabutadiene, and diphosphine ligand precursors. These complexes were reacted with primary phosphines in an attempt to solicit phosphine dehydrocoupling reactivity. In most cases, insoluble zinc-containing precipitates were formed and ligands were liberated. For the most sterically encumbered complex, (^DippL)ZnEt (3, ^DippL = [(2,6-ⁱPrC₆H₃)NC(CH₃)]₂CH⁻), a product assigned as the zinc-phosphide (^DippL)ZnPHPh (6) was observed but could not be isolated as a pure compound. A new, less bulky β-diketiminate complex (^TolL)ZnEt (2, ^TolL = [(p-CH₃C₆H₄)NC(CH₃)]₂CH⁻) was reacted with primary phosphines to give a precipitate and the bis(β-diketiminate)zinc complex (^TolL)₂Zn (5), an apparent product of comproportionation. (^MesAI)ZnEt (1, ^MesAI = MesNC(Me)(Et)C(Me) = NMes) and 2 were structurally characterized.     

Zn selective luminescent ‘off-on’ probes derived from diaryl oxadiazole and aza-15-crown-5

New photo-induced electron transfer (PET) probes OMOX and OBOX, carrying an additional binding site in the form of ‘oxadiazole nitrogen’ have been designed to evaluate binding interactions with biologically significant Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Zn²⁺ including environmentally toxic Ba²⁺ and Cd²⁺ using optical spectral techniques. While Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ did not appreciably perturb either the absorption or emission spectra, Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cd²⁺ induced slight red shifts (2-8 nm) in the UV-visible spectra as well as pronounced chelation induced enhanced fluorescence (CHEF). Both OMOX and OBOX exhibited the highest CHEF in contact with the zinc ion, whereas Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Cd²⁺ induced relatively less emission enhancements. OBOX, which is a poorer emitter (Φ_f=0.0062) than OMOX (Φ_f=0.015), showed highly promising 160-fold emission enhancement in the presence of Zn²⁺. Potential, therefore is available in OBOX to function as a selective luminescent ‘off-on’ sensor for Zn²⁺ in the presence of coordinatively competing Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Cd²⁺ ions.     

New 4,5-dichlorophthalhydrazidate-bridged chained coordination polymers

The hydrothermal self-assemblies of Pb²⁺/Cd²⁺ salt, 4,5-dichlorophthalic acid (dcpha), N₂H₄·H₂O together with 1,10-phenanthroline·H₂O (phen) or 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) generated two new monoacylhydrazidate-bridged 1-D chained coordination polymers [Pb₂(DCPTH)₄(phen)₂] 1 and [Cd₃(DCPTH)₂(dcph)₂(bpy)₂] 2 (DCPTH=4,5-dichlorophthalhydrazidate, dcph=4,5-dichlorophthalate). The monoacylhydrazidate ligand DCPTH originated from the hydrothermal in situ acylation reaction between dcpha and N₂H₄·H₂O. In compound 1, two types of coordination modes for DCPTH are found, which link alternately the Pb(II) centers into a 1-D chain structure of compound 1 with ancillary phen molecules. In compound 2, DCPTH and dcph as the mixed bridges extend the Cd(II) centers into a 1-D chain structure of compound 2 with auxiliary bpy molecules. DCPTH in compound 2 shows a different coordination mode from those observed in compound 1.     

Synthesis of open-framework iron phosphates, [C5N2H14]2[FeIII2F2(HPO4)4]·2H2O and [C5N2H14][FeIII4(H2O)4F2(PO4)4], with one- and three-dimensional structures

The hydrothermal syntheses and structures of two new open-framework iron phosphates, [C₅N₂H₁₄]₂[Fe^III₂F₂(HPO₄)₄]·2H₂O, I, and [C₅N₂H₁₄][Fe^III₄(H₂O)₄F₂(PO₄)₄], II, are presented. While the structure of I consist of FeO₄F₂ octahedra and HPO₄ terahedra linked to form one-dimensional structure, that of II consist of FeO₄(H₂O)₂, FeO₄(H₂O)F, FeO₄F₂ and PO₄ units connected to give rise to a three-dimensional structure. The structure of I resembles the naturally occurring mineral tancoite while II resembles the iron phosphate, ULM-12, [C₆N₂H₁₄][Fe₄(PO₄)₂F₂(H₂O)₃]. Magnetic susceptibility studies indicate anti-ferromagnetic behavior in both the compounds with T_N=200 and 175 K for I and II, respectively. Crystal data: I, monoclinic, space group=P2₁/n (no. 14). a=7.2261(6), b=16.5731(14), c=11.0847(10) Å, β=97.265(2)°, V=1316.8(2) Å³, Z=4, ρ_calc=1.952 g cm⁻¹, μ_(MoKα)=1.446 mm⁻¹, R₁=0.0448 and wR₂=0.1141 for 1882 data [I>2σ(I)]; for II, monoclinic, space group=P2₁/n (no. 14). a=9.9691(3), b=12.4013(3), c=17.3410(3) Å, β=103.762(1)°, V=2082.32(9) Å³, Z=4, ρ_calc=2.576 g cm⁻¹, μ_(MoKα)=3.162 mm⁻¹, R₁=0.0510 and wR₂=0.1064 for 2979 data [I>2σ(I)].     

Magnetic properties of hybrid organo-inorganic copper(II) oxovanadate(V) phosphate and phosphonate bridged systems

The hybrid organo-inorganic compounds [Cu₄(bipy)₄V₄O₁₁(PO₄)₂]nH₂O (n ∼ 5) (1), [Cu₂(phen)₂(PO₄)(H₂PO₄)₂(VO₂) · 2H₂O] (2) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(O₃PCH₂PO₃)(V₂O₅) (H₂O)]H₂O (3) which present different bridging forms of the phosphate/phosphonate group, show different bulk magnetic properties. We herein analyze the magnetic behaviour of these compounds in terms of their structural parameters. We also report a theoretical study for compound (1) assuming four different magnetic exchange pathways between the copper centres present in the tetranuclear unit. For compound (1) the following J values were obtained J₁ = +3.29; J₂ = −0.63; J₃ = −2.23; J₄ = −46.14 cm⁻¹. Compound (2) presents a Curie–Weiss behaviour in the whole range of temperature (3–300 K), and compound (3) shows a maximum for the magnetic susceptibility at 64 K, typical for antiferromagnetic interactions. These data where fitted using a model previously reported in the literature, assuming two different magnetic exchange pathways between the four copper(II) centres, with J₁ = −30.0 and J₂ = −8.5 cm⁻¹.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and magnetic properties of coordination polymers Ni(NO2)2 and Ni(4,4′-bipy)(NO2)2

Two new coordination polymer frameworks Ni(NO₂)₂ (1) and Ni(4,4′-bipy)(NO₂)₂ (2) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were synthesized by solvothermal reaction in formamide, and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurement. In compound 1, each Ni²⁺ ion is linked with four neighboring Ni²⁺ ions through μ_1,3-nitrito bridges forming 2D layered structure. In compound 2, each Ni²⁺ ion is bridged with six neighboring Ni²⁺ ions through four μ_1,3-nitrito groups and two 4,4′-bipy ligands forming 3D structure. Magnetic measurements show weak ferromagnetism within framework of the two compounds with T_N = 19 K (1) and 21 K (2).     

Oxidative addition of MeI to cationic Rh(I) carbonyl complexes with pyridyl bis(carbene) ligands

A series of cationic Rh(I) carbonyl complexes of the form [Rh(CO)(L)]PF₆ (where L = 2,6-bis (alkylimidazol-2-ylidene)-pyridine; alkyl = Me (1a), Et (1b), CH₂Ph (1c)) have been prepared by the reactions of [Rh(CO)₂(OAc)]₂ with diimidazolium pyridine salts in the presence of NEt₃. The ν(CO) values for 1 are ca. 1982 cm⁻¹, indicating that the N-heterocyclic carbene ligands impart high electron density on the Rh(I) centres, despite the overall cationic charge. Each of the Rh(I) complexes reacts with MeI to form two isomeric Rh(III) methyl species, and a third unidentified species. Kinetic measurements on the MeI oxidative addition reactions give second-order rate constants (MeCN, 25 °C) of 0.0927, 0.0633 and 0.0277 M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 1a, 1b and 1c, respectively. Comparison of these data with those for related Rh(I) carbonyl complexes shows that 1 have remarkably high nucleophilicity for cationic species.     

Spontaneous resolution of a novel chiral coordination polymer through supramolecular interactions and solvent symmetry breaking

The spontaneous resolution reaction of racemic trans-2,3-dihydro-2,3-dipyridyl-benzo[e]indole 1 with Cd(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O in the presence of 2-butanol under solvothermal reaction conditions favors the formation of crystal 2 [P-Cd(R,R,-1)₂(ClO₄)₂], while a similar reaction in the presence of ethanol only favors the formation of crystal 3 [M-Cd(S,S,-1)₂(ClO₄)₂]. The crystal structural determination shows that both 2 and 3 crystallize in chiral enantiomorphous space groups (P6₁22 and P6₅22) and their structures are 1D infinite chain, and are just enantiomorphous pairs most like. The spontaneous resolution process displays estimated ee values of ca. +0.6 for 2-butanol and ca. −0.4 for ethanol. Enantiomerically pure (S,S)-trans-2,3-dihydro-2,3-dipyridyl-benzo[e]indole (S,S,-1) can be obtained through the decomposition of mechanically separated 3. Additionally (S,S,-1) also crystallizes in a chiral space group (P2₁). The CD (circular dichroism) spectra of both 2 and 3 in the solid state are also approximately enantiomorphous pairs. However, their fluorescent spectra in the solid state display a moderate difference in maximum emission peaks (Δλ = 19 nm). Crystal data for 2: C₄₄H₃₄Cl₂N₆O₈Cd, M = 958.07, hexagonal, P6₁22, a = 10.5488(5), c = 68.256(4) Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 120°, V = 6577.8(6) Å³, Z = 6, D_c = 1.451 mg m⁻³, R₁ = 0.0498, wR₂ = 0.1124, μ = 0.679 mm⁻¹, S = 0.623, Flack χ = −0.02(6). For space group P6₅22, R₁ = 0.0670, wR₂ = 0.1602, S = 0.725 with a Flack value of 1.03(7); Crystal data for 3, C₄₄H₃₄Cl₂N₆O₈Cd, M = 958.07, hexagonal, P6₅22, a = 10.5446(3), c = 68.265(3) Å, V = 6573.3(4) Å³, Z = 6, D_c = 1.452 mg m⁻³, R₁ = 0.0444,wR₂ = 0.1002, μ = 0.679 mm⁻¹, S = 0.558, Flack χ = 0.01(5). For space group P6₁22, R₁ = 0.0501, wR₂ = 0.1178, S = 0.599 with a Flack value of 1.00(5). The low Flack parameter indicates that the absolute configurations of 2 and 3 are stated; Crystal data for (S,S)-1, C₂₂H₁₇N₂, M = 323.39, orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, a = 9.2598(7), b = 9.4617(8), c = 19.1452(16) Å, V = 1677.4(2) Å³, Z = 4, D_c = 1.281 mg m⁻³, R₁ = 0.0417, wR₂ = 0.1191, T = 293 K, μ = 0.077 mm⁻¹, S = 0.862.     

Halocadmium Clusters with Different Linkage Modes Templated by Methyl Viologen: Structure,Photoluminescence, and Thermochromism

A new halocadmium/methyl viologen hybrid (MV)₄(Cd₂I₆)(Cd₂I₇)₂ (1) (MV²⁺ = methyl viologen) has been structurally determined. In 1, two kinds of dimeric halocadmium clusters constructed from edge/vertex-sharing CdI₄ tetrahedra respectively, i.e., Cd₂I₆ ^2? and Cd₂I₇ ^? dimmers were observed, which were templated by methyl viologen cation (MV²⁺). A highly interesting feature of 1 is the presence of mixed type dimeric halocadmium clusters in one crystal lattice templated by one kind of cation. 1 displays photoluminescences, and its thermochromism behavior is observed, whose mechanism was verified by theoretical calculations.     

Aluminophosphates prepared using in situ generated tetramethylammonium cations as structure directing agents

A series of aluminophosphates (AlPOs) with open architectures, namely [dmdabco][Al₂(HPO₄)₄] (1, dmdabco = N,N-dimethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane), [tmpip]_0.5[Al(HPO₄)₂] (2, tmpip = N,N,N,N-tetramethylpiperazinium) and [tmpip][Al₆(PO₄)₆(HPO₄)] (3) have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. The in situ generated templates (dmdabco²⁺ and tmpip²⁺) originated from the methylation reactions between methanol solvent and their corresponding aliphatic organic-amine parents: 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane (dabco) for 1, 1-methylpiperazine for 2 and 3. Such a characteristic in situ methylation is distinct from conventional Eschweiler–Clarke methylation with excessive formic acid and formaldehyde. Compounds 1 and 2 possess the same infinite inorganic chains, which are further linked by hydrogen bonds to form 3D supramolecular framework. Compound 3 is built from Al₆P₆ and Al₆P₈ building units, giving rise to an open architecture with three-dimensional channel system.     

New compounds in the cesium sulfobromide rhenium octahedral cluster chemistry: syntheses and crystal structures of Cs4Re6S8Br6 and Cs2Re6S8Br4

The exploration of the CsReSBr system, in order to identify new phases based on octahedral cluster anions, has produced single crystals of Cs₄Re₆S₈Br₆ (1) (trigonal, space group P-6c2, a=9.7825 (3) Å, c=18.7843 (5) Å, V=1556.77 (1) ų, Z=2, density=5.09 g cm⁻³, μ=36.07 mm⁻¹) and Cs₂Re₆S₈Br₄ (2) (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=6.3664 (1) Å, b=18.4483 (4) Å, c=9.3094 (2) Å, β=104.2618 (8)°, V=1059.69 (4) ų, Z=2, density=6.14 g cm⁻³, μ=45.83 mm⁻¹). These two compounds have been obtained by high-temperature solid state route. Their structures have been solved and refined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The structure of Cs₄Re₆S₈Br₆ presents isolated anionic cluster units inscribed in a (Cs⁺)₁₂ cuboctahedron and the one of Cs₂Re₆S₈Br₄ exhibits ReS^i-a,a-iRe inter-unit bridges. The framework of the latter presents then a strongly 1-D character.     

Exploiting the deprotonation mechanism for the design of ratiometric and colorimetric Zn fluorescent chemosensor with a large red-shift in emission

The design, synthesis, and photophysical evaluation of a new naphthalimide-based fluorescent chemosensor, N-butyl-4-[di-(2-picolyl)amino]-5-(2-picolyl)amino-1,8-naphthalimide (1), were described for the detection of Zn²⁺ in aqueous acetonitrile solution at pH 7.0. Probe 1 showed absorption at 451 nm and a strong fluorescence emission at 537 nm (Φ_F=0.33). The capture of Zn²⁺ by the receptor resulted in the deprotonation of the secondary amine conjugated to 1,8-naphthalimide so that the electron-donating ability of the N atom would be greatly enhanced; thus probe 1 showed a 56 nm red-shift in absorption (507 nm) and fluorescence spectra (593 nm, Φ_F=0.14), respectively, from which one could sense Zn²⁺ ratiometrically and colorimetrically. The deprotonated complex, [(1-H)/Zn]⁺, was calculated at m/z 619.1800 and measured at m/z 618.9890. In contrast to these results, the emission of 1 was thoroughly quenched by Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ni²⁺. The addition of other metal ions such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Al³⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, and Pb²⁺ produced a nominal change in the optical properties of 1 due to their low affinity to probe 1. This means that probe 1 has a very high fluorescent imaging selectivity to Zn²⁺ among metal ions.     

Two novel Keggin tungstocobaltates grafted by cobaltII complex group(s): K[Co(phen)2(H2O)]2[HCoW12O40]·2H2O and [Co(2,2′-bipy)3]1.5{[Co(2,2′-bipy)2(H2O)][HCoW12O40]}·0.5H2O

Two novel inorganic–organic hybrid compounds composed of Keggin tungstocobaltate framework and cobalt(II)–N coordination complexes, K[Co(phen)₂(H₂O)]₂[HCoW₁₂O₄₀]·2H₂O (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and [Co(2,2′-bipy)₃]_1.5{[Co(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)][HCoW₁₂O₄₀]·0.5H₂O (2) (bipy = bipyridine), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions by directly using Keggin POMs as starting materials, which were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, TG analyses and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Crystal data for compound 1: C₄₈H₄₁Co₃KN₈O₄₄W_12, triclinic, space group P-1, a = 10.918(5) Å, b = 13.401(5) Å, c = 13.693(5) Å, α = 69.291(5)°, β = 71.568(5)°, γ = 78.421(5)°, V = 1768.9(12) Å³, Z = 1; for compound 2: C₁₃₀H₁₀₄Co₇N₂₆O₈₃W_24, orthorhombic, space group, C2/c, a = 46.839(9) Å, b = 14.347(3) Å, c = 26.147(5) Å, α = β = γ = 90°, V = 17,570(6) Å³, Z = 4. Compound 1 exhibits a pseudo-1D chainlike structure, in which potassium ions act as linkages of Keggin unit doubly grafted by [Co(phen)₂(H₂O)] complex. Compound 2 represents a [Co(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)]²⁺ mono-grafted Keggin tungstocobaltate derivative with 1.5[Co(2,2′-bipy)₃]²⁺ countercations. The cyclic voltammetric behavior of 1-CPE is similar to the parent 3-CPE, but the cyclic voltammetric behavior of Co^II shows a little difference. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement of compound 1 demonstrates the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and properties of three glutarato and adipato bridged manganese(II) coordination polymers under ambient conditions

Three Mn(II) polymers Mn(H₂O)₄(C₅H₆O₄) 1, [Mn(H₂O)₂(C₅H₆O₄)]·H₂O 2 and Mn(H₂O)(C₆H₈O₄) 3 were synthesized (H₂(C₅H₆O₄) = glutaric acid, H₂(C₆H₈O₄) = adipic acid) under mild ambient conditions. The [Mn(H₂O)₂]²⁺ units in 2 are interlinked by the glutarate anions with a η⁴μ₃ bridging mode to form 2D (4·8²) topological networks, which are stacked via interlayer hydrogen bonds into a 3D (4³·6⁵·8²)(4⁷·6³) topological net. Compound 3 crystallizes in the acentric space group P2₁ and exhibits significant ferroelectricity (remnant polarization Pr = 0.371 nC cm⁻², coercive field Ec = 0.028 kV cm⁻¹, saturation of the spontaneous polarization Ps = 0.972 nC cm⁻²). The adjacent MnO₆ octahedrons in 3 are one atom-shared to generate the Mn₂O₁₁ bi-octahedron, leading into 1D metal oxide chains. The resulting chains are interconnected by the η⁵μ₅ adipate anions to form new 2D (4⁸·6²) networks, which are held together via strong interlayer hydrogen bonds into 3D α-Po topological supra-molecular architecture. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility data of 1–3 shows overall anti-ferromagnetic interactions between the metal ions bridged by the carboxylate groups.     

Structural assemblies of four Cd(II) coordination polymers based on 5-methylisophthalic acid

Four new metal-organic coordination polymers, Cd(mip)(DMF)(1), Cd(mip)(EtOH)(2), Cd₂(mip)₂(H₂O)₅·3H₂O (3), Cd(mip)(bpp)(H₂O)·H₂O (4) (H₂mip = 5-methylisophthalic acid, bpp = 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane) have been hydro(solvo)thermally synthesized and characterized by IR, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 and 2 are isostructural, and two adjacent Cd centers are bridged by four carboxylate groups in μ₂-carboxylato-κ¹O_.:κ¹O′ and μ₂Ο; κ²O,O′ fashion to form a linear (Cd–O–Cd)_n chain. The adjacent (Cd–O–Cd)_n chains are further connected by mip bridges to form a 3D framework. 3 features two types of chiral layers: One left-handed and another right-handed, which lead to racemic solid-state compound. 4 exhibits a two-dimensional wave-like (2D) (4,4) layer structure with infinite 1D linear chain. In addition, the luminescent properties of 1–4 are also discussed.     

Iridium aminyl radical complexes as catalysts for the catalytic dehydrogenation of primary hydroxyl functions in natural products

The cationic tetra-coordinated 16 electron complex [Ir(trop₂dach)]⁺OTf⁻ (1) where (OTf⁻ = CF₃SO₃⁻) and the neutral amine amido complex [Ir(trop₂dach-1H)] (2) were isolated and structurally characterized. The NH function in 1 is easily deprotonated (pK_a^DMSO = 10.5) to yield the amino amido complex [Ir(trop₂dach-1H)] (2), which is deprotonated at pK_a^DMSO = 19.6 to the anionic di(amido) iridate [Ir(trop₂dach-2H)]⁻ (3); [(R,R)-top₂dach stands for the tetrachelating diamino diolefin ligand (R,R)-N,N′-bis(5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane; (R,R)-top₂dach-1H and (R,R)-top₂dach-2H indicate the mono and double deprotonated form]. Complex 3 is easily oxidized by 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ) to the neutral iridium aminyl radical complex [Ir(trop₂dach-2H)] (4). In combination with BQ as hydrogen acceptor and catalytic amounts of base, 4 serves as catalyst in the highly efficient dehydrogenation of functionalized primary alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes, RCH₂OH + BQ → RCHO + H₂BQ (H₂BQ = catechol). Alcohols like geraniol and retinol are rapidly converted to geranial and retinal, while the conversion of sterically hindered alcohols like lavandulol is slower and the primary product, lavandulal, isomerizes to isolavandulal in a classical base-catalyzed reaction.