Unexpectedly low affinity of aromatic disulfides for π-stacking interactions of the arene-polyfluoroarene type

1,2,3,4,5-Pentafluorodiphenyl disulfide (1) was synthesized from C₆F₅SCl and C₆H₅SSiMe₃ in quantitative yield. The homo-crystals of disulfide 1 and co-crystals of 1,1′,2,2′,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-decafluorodiphenyl disulfide (2) with naphthalene (stoichiometry 1:2, complex 4) and diphenyl disulfide (3) with octafluoronaphthalene (stoichiometry 2:1, complex 5) were prepared followed by XRD characterization. In the crystal lattice of 1, face-to-face and face-to-edge Ph_H/Ph_F orientations of neighboring rings were observed together with face-to-edge Ph_F/Ph_F orientations. For the face-to-face Ph_H/Ph_F orientation, the large offset of Ph_H and Ph_F groups excludes their π-stacking interaction which is very non-typical of the field. The crystal lattice of 4 reveals standard π-stacking interactions of the arene-polyfluoroarene type. While in the lattice of 4 each Ph_F ring interacts alternating with naphthalenes, in 5 two disulfides 3 are bridged by one octafluoronaphthalene with only one of the Ph_H rings of each disulfide interacting with the polyfluoroarene π-system. The large offset of neighboring molecules excludes however their π-stacking interactions in complex 5. An attempt to prepare 2/3 co-crystals failed.     

Synthesis,characterization and electrochemical properties of novel metal free and zinc(II) phthalocyanines of ball and clamshell types

The phthalodinitrile derivative 1 was prepared by the reaction of 4-nitrophthalonitrile and 1,3-dimethoxy-4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene in dry dimethylsulfoxide as the solvent, in the presence of the base K₂CO₃, by nucleophilic substitution of an activated nitro group in an aromatic ring. The tetramerization of compound 1 gave a binuclear zinc(II) phthalocyanine and a metal-free phthalocyanine of the ball type, 2 and 3, respectively. Its condensation with 4,5-bis(hexylthio)phthalonitrile results in a binuclear phthalocyanine of the clamshell type, 4. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, UV–Vis, IR, MS and ¹H NMR spectra. The electronic spectra exhibit an intense π → π^∗ transition with characteristic Q and B bands of the phthalocyanine core. The electrochemical properties of 2–4 were examined by cyclic voltammetry in non-aqueous media. The voltammetric results showed that while there is no considerable interaction between the two phthalocyanine rings in 4, the splitting of a molecular orbital occurs as a result of the strong interaction between the phthalocyanine rings in 2 and 3.     

The infrared spectroscopic characteristics of peripheral octa-substituted phthalocyanines with hexylsulfonyl groups

The infrared spectroscopic data for a series of three 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octakis(hexylsulfonyl)phthalocyanine compounds with eight strong electron-withdrawing hexylsulfonyl groups at the peripheral positions M[Pc(SO₂C₆H₁₃)₈] [M = 2H (1), Cu (2), Zn (3)] have been collected with resolution of 2 cm⁻¹. The infrared spectra of compounds 1 and 3 have also been calculated at the density functional B3LYP level. Detailed assignments of the vibrational bands in the IR spectra have been achieved through comparison of the experimental and calculated results. The influence of the metalation and the substitution of eight strong electron-withdrawing alkylsulfonyl groups on the IR characteristics of the phthalocyanines has been discussed based on the comparison between corresponding data.     

Synthesis and characterization of liquid crystalline tetra- and octa-substituted novel phthalocyanines

Methylene-bridged tetra- and octa-(13,17-dioxa nonacosane-15 sulfanyl)-substituted metal free- and Ni(II) phthalocyanines were synthesized from the corresponding phthalonitrile (3, 4) derivatives in the presence of the anhydrous metal salt (NiCl₂) or a strong organic base. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, UV/Vis, IR, NMR and mass spectra. The mesogenic properties of these materials were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction investigations. X-ray diffraction patterns of the mesophase confirm that tetra- and octa-substituted compounds (3a–b, 4a–b) form hexagonal columnar mesophases (Col_h). We indicated that addition of the methylene-bridged phthalocyanine (Pc) core can either decrease the liquid crystal phase transition temperatures or extend the liquid crystal temperature range to include room temperature. Also, the Pc compounds (3a, 3b, 4a and 4b) are liquid crystals at room temperature. These properties of the Pc complexes provide some advantages such as easily obtaining an ordered film for sensor applications. Computational modelling work was combined with X-ray diffraction investigation to validate the diameter of the phthalocyanine molecule (3b).     

New N-heterocyclic carbene silver(I) and mercury(II) 2-D supramolecular layers by the π-π stacking interactions

The precursor 1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)-3-alkylbenzimidazolium chlorides (1a, alkyl = C₄H₉, 1b, alkyl = C₆H₁₃) and their three new NHC silver(I) and mercury(II) complexes {[1-(9-anthracylmethyl)-3-alkylbimy]MCl}₂ (2a, alkyl = C₄H₉, M = Ag; 2b, alkyl = C₆H₁₃, M = Ag; 3a, alkyl = C₄H₉, M = Hg; bimy = benzimidazol-2-ylidene) have been prepared and characterized. The crystal structures of 2a, 2b and 3a showed that 2-D supramolecular layers are formed by both benzimidazole ring head to tail π-π stacking interactions and anthracene ring face-to-face π-π stacking interactions.     

Synthesis and characterization of new mesomorphic octakis(alkylthio)-substituted lead phthalocyanines and their films

The syntheses of new octakis (alkylthio)-substituted phthalocyanines of Pb(II) (1a and 2a) are described. These compounds are very soluble in most common organic solvents. They have been fully characterized using elemental analysis, NMR, infrared and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The mesogenic properties of these new materials were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and optical microscopy. These phthalocyanine derivatives are liquid at room temperature and form columnar-hexagonal (Col_h) mesophases below −10 °C. It has been indicated that the addition of methylene bridges to the phthalocyanine (Pc) core increases the clearing point temperatures. Also, the coordination of Pb²⁺ with the phthalocyanine core decreases the clearing point temperatures and the liquid crystal phase transition temperatures. Thin films of octakis(alkylthio)-substituted Pb(II) phthalocyanines 1a and 2a were prepared by the method of spin-coating. To obtain films with an ordered structure the film of 1a was slowly cooled from room temperature down to −10 °C. Sandwich structures of the form Au/PbPc(1a)/Au were prepared for the investigation of their electrical properties. It was shown that a slowly cooled Au/PbPc(1a)/Au structure demonstrates repeatable and stable electrical switching behaviour for applied bias voltages between −1 V and +1 V.     

The interplay of secondary Te?N, Te?O, Te?I and I?I interactions, Te?π contacts and π-stacking in the supramolecular structures of [{2-(4-nitrobenzylideneamino)-5-methyl}phenyl](4-methoxyphenyl)tellurium dihalides

The unsymmetrically substituted diorganotellurium dihalides [2-(4,4′-NO₂C₆H₄CHNC₆H₃Me]RTeX₂ (R = 4-MeOC₆H₄, X = Cl, 1a; Br, 1b; I, 1c; R = 4-MeC₆H₄; X = Cl, 2; R = C₆H₅, X = Cl, 3) were prepared in good yields and characterized by solution and solid-state ¹²⁵Te NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. In the solid-state, molecular structures of 1a and 1c possess scarcely observed 1,4-type intramolecular Te?N secondary interaction. Crystal packing of these compounds show an unusually rich diversity of intermolecular secondary, Te?O, Te?I and I?I interactions, Te?π contacts as well as extensive π-stacking of the organic substituents.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of a new soluble metal-free and metallophthalocyanines peripherally fused to four 18-membered tetrathiadiaza macrocycles

Preparation of some novel symmetrically tetrasubstituted metal-free phthalocyanine (6) and metallophthalocyanines (7-10) containing four 18-membered tetrathiadiaza macrocycles moieties on peripheral positions has been achieved by cyclotetramerization reaction of phthalonitrile derivative (5) in a multi-step reaction sequence. Metal-free phthalocyanine (6) was synthesized by microwave irradiation of 13,24-bis[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-6,7,14,15,23,24-hexahydro-13H,22H-tribenzo[b,h,n][1,4,10,13,7,16]tetrathiadiazacyclo-octadecine-18,19-dicarbonitrile (5) in 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol. The metallophthalocyanines (7-10) were prepared by the reaction of the phthalonitrile compound (5) with NiCl₂, Zn(CH₃COO)₂, CoCl₂, CuCl₂ salts, respectively, by microwave irradiation in 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol for at 175 °C, 350 W. The new compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV-Vis, elemental analysis and MS spectra data.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of azafulleroid and aziridinofullerene bearing silyl or germyl benzene

Addition of silyl and germylmethyl azides (1) to fullerene C₆₀ at 50 °C through [2+3] cycloaddition led to the formation of the triazoline adducts (2). Subsequently, heating 2 at 100 °C in the solid state, caused N₂ extrusion producing two different isomers, [5,6]-azafulleroid (3) and [6,6]-aziridinofullerene (4). The ¹³C NMR spectrum of 3 had an absence of resonances in the aliphatic region for the fullerene C₆₀ cage, showing a fulleroid with C_S symmetry. In contrast, 4 exhibited one sp³ resonance in the aliphatic region for the fullerene C₆₀ cage, indicative of an aziridinofullerene with C_2V symmetry. However, MALDI-TOF mass characterization was hampered because ion peaks corresponding to the bis-adduct are detected in positive ion mode measurements, whereas the ion peaks [M−N₂]⁻ for 2a as well as [M]⁻ for 3a and 4a are observed in negative ion measurements. In an effort to obtain X-ray data, silyl and germylphenyl groups were introduced to form intermolecular complexes with fullerene C₆₀. The X-ray structures of 3c and 3d revealed a strong enhancement of homoconjugation in the bridged annulene moiety based on POAV analysis. The X-ray structures of 3c,d and 4c were confirmed with the detection of silyl and germylphenyl-C₆₀ interactions, similar to dimethoxyphenyl-C₆₀ interactions.     

A series of silver coordination polymers constructed from flexible bis(benzimidazole) ligands and different carboxylates

In this article, eight new silver coordination polymers constructed from two structurally related ligands, 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(2-methylbenzimidazole) (bbmb) and 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(2-ethylbenzimedazole) (bbeb), have been synthesized: [Ag(L1)(bbmb)]·C₂H₅OH·H₂O (1), [Ag(L2)(bbmb)]·C₂H₅OH (2), [Ag(L3)(bbmb)] (3), [Ag₂(L4)(bbmb)₂]·C₂H₅OH (4), [Ag(L2)(bbeb)]·C₂H₅OH (5), [Ag(L5)(bbeb)]·CH₃OH (6), [Ag₂(L6)₂(bbeb)]·H₂O (7), and [Ag₂(L7)(bbeb)₂]·4(H₂O) (8), where L1 = benzoate anion, L2 = p-methoxybenzoate anion, L3 = 2-amino-benzoate anion, L4 = oxalate anion, L5 = cinnamate ainon, L6 = 3-amino-benzoate anion, and L7 = fumaric anion. In 1-3, 5 and 6, the bidentate N-donor ligands (bbmb and bbeb) in trans conformations bridge neighboring silver centers to form 1D single chain structures. The carboxylate anions are attached on both sides of the chains. Moreover, 1 and 3 are extended into 2D layers, while 2 and 6 are extended into 3D frameworks through π-π interactions. In 4, the bbmb ligands bridge adjacent Ag(I) centers to form -Ag-bbmb-Ag- chains, which are further connected by L4 anions to form a 2D layer. The resulting layers are extended into 3D frameworks through strong π-π interactions. In 7, the N-donor ligands (bbeb) in trans conformations bridge two silver centers to generate a [Ag₂(bbeb)]²⁺ unit. The adjacent [Ag₂(bbeb)]²⁺ units are further connected via the L6 anions to form a 1D ladder chain. Moreover, the structure of compound 7 is extended into a 3D framework through hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. In 8, two Ag(I) cations are bridged by two bbeb ligands in cis conformations to form a [Ag₂(bbeb)₂]²⁺ ring, which are further linked by L7 anions to generate a 1D string chain. Furthermore, the hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions link L7 anions to form a 2D supramolecular sheet. Additionally, the luminescent properties of these compounds were also studied.     

Multiple hydrogen-bond-induced supramolecular nanostructure from a pincer-like molecule and a [60]fullerene derivative

A new supramolecular self-assembled system between a perylene bisimide bearing diaminopyridine-substituted isophthalamide groups (PP) and a [60]fullerene containing barbituric acid moiety (C₆₀bar) through a complementary six-point hydrogen-bonding interaction was constructed. The formation of hydrogen bonding was confirmed by ¹H NMR spectra studies in CDCl₃. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicated that the fluorescence of PP was greatly quenched by the hydrogen-bonded C₆₀bar (K_sv=2.71×10⁴ M⁻¹). A steady and rapid cathodic 0.15 μA cm⁻² photocurrent response of the PP/C₆₀bar film deposited onto an ITO electrode was produced under the irradiation of 20 mW cm⁻² white light, indicating the presence of photo-induced electron transfer between PP and C₆₀bar. TEM images showed that spherical particles were fabricated by the self-assembly of PP and C₆₀bar through hydrogen-bonding interaction.     

Preparation,crystal structures and spectroscopic characterization of oxalate copper(II) complexes containing the nitrogen ligands 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine and di(2-pyridyl)sulfide

The preparation, crystal structures and spectroscopic characterization of four oxalate copper(II) complexes containing the 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (Mebpy) or di(2-pyridyl)sulfide (DPS) nitrogen ligands namely [μ-(ox){Cu(Mebpy)(NO₃)(H₂O)}₂] (1), [μ-(ox){Cu(Mebpy)(ClO₄)(H₂O)}₂] (2), [μ-(ox){Cu(DPS)(H₂O)}₂](ClO₄)₂ (3) and [Cu(DPS)(ox)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (4) are described. X-ray diffraction measurements have shown that complexes 1–3 are binuclear, in which the oxalate anion bridges two Cu(II) centers, while the complex (4) is mononuclear and the oxalate anion adopts the terminal bidentate chelating coordination mode. In 1 and 2 the Cu(II) sites display a distorted octahedral geometry (4+2 environment) and in compounds 3 and 4 the Cu(II) centers exhibit a slightly distorted square pyramidal geometry. In addition, complexes 1 and 2 present a 2D supramolecular arrangement through hydrogen bonds between coordination water molecules and nitrate or perchlorate anions and π-stacking interaction between the pyridyl rings of Mebpy nitrogen ligands.     

Copper(II) complexes with 4-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-2-methyl-6-phenylpyrimidine: Syntheses, crystal structures and catalytic activity in ethylene polymerization

The copper(II) complexes CuLCl₂ (1) and CuLBr₂ (2), with the chelating pyrazolylpyrimidine ligand 4-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-2-methyl-6-phenylpyrimidine (L), have been synthesized. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study revealed that 1 and 2 have molecular mononuclear structures. The molecules of 1 and 2 form chains in the crystal structures of these compounds due to the formation of π-π-stacking interactions between the pyrimidine and the phenyl rings. The complexes, in combination with the co-catalyst methylaluminoxane (MAO), reveal catalytic activity in ethylene polymerization, while the free ligand L is inactive.     

Quinoxaline-walled π-stacking molecules: synthesis,conformation, and luminescence properties

A series of semi-rigid N-phenylsuccinimides I (11Xy), N-arylmethylsuccinimides II (18Xy), and N,N′-(1,4-arylenebis(methylene))disuccinimides III (19XyX) walled by quinoxaline (QX), dimethylquinoxaline (diMQX), or benzoquinoxaline (BQX) ring were synthesized. Intramolecular π–π interactions in solution were detected by NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy, in terms of reciprocal anisotropic shielding and exciplex formation, respectively. The X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed the preferential conformations in solid state, which were compatible with the results of conformational studies by NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results collectively indicated that 18Xy and 19XyX are driven by intramolecular π–π interactions in the mode of π-stacking (face-to-face) or T-shaped (edge-to-face) configuration to preferentially adopt the folded- and the double folded-conformation, respectively, where the spaced aromatic rings are oriented syn to each other in close proximity.     

Preparation and characterization of two three-dimensional metal–organic photoluminescent supramolecular networks

Two novel photoluminescent coordination compounds of the formula [Cd(atpt)phen(H₂O)] · H₂O (1) and [Zn₂(atpt)₂(bipy)₂(H₂O)₂] (2) (H₂atpt = 2-aminoterephthalic acid, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized through the self-assembly of H₂atpt and N-containing ligands (bipy for 1 and phen for 2) with metal(II) ions in the presence of NaOH, and were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray analysis and photoluminescence spectra in the solid state. Compound 1 is the first structurally characterized Cd(II) complex with the atpt ligand. The coordination mode of the atpt ligand in 2 is novel and is first reported in this presentation. X-ray crystallographic studies reveal that compound 1 shows a 1D architecture. Compound 1 further assembles into a 3D supramolecular network via interchain hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. Compound 2 exhibits a binuclear structure with intramolecular π–π stacking interactions, which is further extended into a 3D supramolecular framework via intermolecular hydrogen bonds and C–H?π interactions. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit green photoluminescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

Temperature dependence on recrystallisation of the magnesium phthalocyanine (MgPc) in triethylamine

Three complexes of magnesium phthalocyaninato(2−) derivatives in the crystalline form, MgPc(H₂O)·(C₂H₅)₃N – (I), MgPc(H₂O)₂·2(C₂H₅)₃N – (II) and MgPc(H₂O)₂ – (III), depending on the thermal recrystallisation conditions were obtained and structurally characterised. In complex I, the Mg center exhibits square-pyramidal (4 + 1) coordination environment, whereas in II and III the Mg center of MgPc the biaxial (4 + 2) coordination. Owing to the interaction of the positively charged Mg center with oppositely charged oxygen atom of water molecule in an axial position in I, the Mg atom is significantly displaced (0.451(2) Å) from the plane defined by four isoindole N atoms and leads to distortion of the planar Pc(2−) macrocycle to the saucer-shape form. In II and III due to the biaxial (4 + 2) coordination of the Mg center of MgPc, the Mg atom lies on a N₄-isoindole plane. The triethylamine solvent molecules in I and II interact with mono or bis(aqua)magnesium phthalocyanine via   O–H?$?$N hydrogen bonds. The axial Mg–O bond in I is significantly shorter than that in the II and III complexes. The strength of the Mg–O bond in these complexes is correlated with their thermal stability. From among the complexes only complex I exhibits an intense near-IR absorption band in the solid-state. The spectra of I, II and III in solution are very similar.     

Synthesis, structure and electrochemical property of diphenylacetypene-substituted diiron azadithiolates as active site of Fe-only hydrogenases

The model complexes 1-3 of functionalized azadithiolate (ADT)-bridged Fe-only hydrogenases, [Fe₂(Co)₆(μ-ADT)C₆H₄CCR] [R = C₆H₄NO₂-4 (1), C₆H₅ (2), C₆H₄OCH₃-4 (3)] have been synthesized in high yields under mild conditions by using Sonogashira reaction. Spectroscopic study and X-ray crystal structural analysis of 1 demonstrate that the model complexes retain the butterfly structure of 2Fe2S model analogues. The intermolecular C-H?O, C-H?π hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions play important roles in molecular packing of 1. In the presence of HOAc, complex 1 features the catalytic electrochemical proton reduction.     

Self assembly of two novel three-dimensional supramolecular networks with blue photoluminescence

Two novel photoluminescent coordination polymers of the formula [Cd(Haip)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O (1) and [Zn(aip)(atz)] · 3H₂O (2) (H₂aip = 5-aminoisophthalic acid; atz = 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole) have been synthesized through the self-assembly of metal(II) ions with H₂aip and N-containing ligands [2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole for 1 and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole for 2, respectively] in the presence of NaOH. These complexes were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), elemental analysis and X-ray analysis. X-ray crystallographic studies of the complexes reveal that 1 is a first example where only one carboxylate group of the H₂aip ligand participates in coordination with the metal(II) ion and it exhibits a two-dimensional framework which further assembles into a three-dimensional supramolecular network via interlayer π–π stacking interactions and strong hydrogen bonds, while 2 exhibits a two-dimensional porous architecture. The extensively strong hydrogen bonds and interlayer π–π stacking interactions in 2 lead to the formation of a three-dimensional supramolecular network. Photoluminescence properties of the compounds 1 and 2 have been examined in the solid state at room temperature. These compounds have been found to exhibit blue photoluminescence and may be good candidates for photoactive materials.     

Synthesis and characterization of metal-free and metallophthalocyanines containing N2S2-type macrocyclic moieties linked ferrocenyl groups

The new metal-free (4) and metallophthalocyanines (5) carrying macrocyclic moieties linked ferrocenyl groups have been synthesized by direct cyclotetramerization of the pre-cursor, 12,13-dicyano-4,7-bis(ferrocenylmethyl)-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9-octahydrocyclobenzo[k]-4,7-diaza-1,10-dithiacyclododecine (3) which has been prepared by the macrocyclization reaction of 1,2-bis(2-iodoethylmercapto)-4,5-dicyanobenzene (1) with N,N′-ethylenebis-(ferroceneylmethyl)amine (2), in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as a strong organic base. Nickel (II) phthalocyanine (5) was synthesized by the reaction of metal-free phthalocyanine with anhydrous NiCl₂ in dry quinoline. The target compound and its intermediates have been characterized by a combination of elemental analysis and ¹H, ¹³C NMR, IR, UV-Vis and MS spectral data.     

3D-supramolecular copper(I) cyanide coordination polymers through hydrogen bonding

The reactions of K₃[Cu(CN)₄], 3-acetylpyridine (3-Acpy) or 4-acetylpyridine (4-Acpy) in the presence of Me₃SnCl in H₂O/acetonitrile media at room temperature afford the 3D-supramolecular coordination polymers (SCPs)_∞³[Cu₂CN(μ-CN)·(3-Acpy)₂] 1 and _∞³[Cu₂CN(μ-CN)·(4-Acpy)₂] 2. The structures of 1 and 2 consist of Cu₂CN building blocks which are connected by CN groups, forming 1D-zig-zag chains. Each chain is bonded to another chain by hydrogen bonding into a 2D-layer, which is further stacked in an interwoven mode by π–π stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds in 1 and 2, as well as Cu···Cu interactions in 1, to create supramolecular 3D-network structures. The high dimensional topologies of 1 and 2 result mainly from extensive hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking. The long wavelength absorption band at 400–420 nm in the electronic spectra of 1 and 2 is assigned to a CT from copper(I) to the Acpy ligand. Compound 2 exhibits strong luminescence at 485 and 527 nm, corresponding to MLCT and metal-centered transitions, respectively.