Novel hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate ruthenium(II) complexes containing the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane: Synthesis and evaluation of DNA binding properties

A series of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes containing κ³(N,N,N)-hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate (κ³(N,N,N)-Tp) and the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) [RuX{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)_2−n(PTA)_n] (n = 2, X = Cl (1), n = 1, X = Cl (2), I (3), NCS (4), H (5)) and [Ru{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(PTA)L][PF₆] (L = NCMe (6), PTA (7)) have been synthesized. Complexes containing 1-methyl-3,5-diaza-1-azonia-7-phosphaadamantane(m-PTA) triflate [RuCl{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(m-PTA)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ (8) and [RuX{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(m-PTA)][CF₃SO₃] (X = Cl (9), H (10)) have been obtained by treatment, respectively, of complexes 1, 2 and 5 with methyl triflate. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for complexes 1, 2 and 4 have been carried out. DNA binding properties by using a mobility shift assay and antimicrobial activity of selected complexes have been evaluated.     

Synthesis, photophysical and electrophosphorescent properties of mononuclear Pt(II) complexes with arylamine functionalized cyclometalating ligands

Four cyclometalated Pt(II) complexes, i.e., [(L²)PtCl] (1b), [(L³)PtCl] (1c), [(L²)PtCCC₆H₅] (2b) and [(L³)PtCCC₆H₅] (2c) (HL² = 4-[p-(N-butyl-N-phenyl)anilino]-6-phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine and HL³ = 4-[p-(N,N′-dibutyl-N′-phenyl)phenylene-diamino]-phenyl-6-phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and verified by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and X-ray crystallography. Unlike previously reported complexes [(L¹)PtCl] (1a) and [(L¹)PtCCC₆H₅] (2a) (HL¹ = 4,6-diphenyl-2,2′-bipyridine), intense and continuous absorption bands in the region of 300-500 nm with strong metal-to-ligand charge transfer (¹MLCT) (dπ(Pt) → π^∗(L)) transitions (ε ∼ 2 × 10⁴ dm³ mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹) at 449-467 nm were observed in the UV-Vis absorption spectra of complexes 1b, 1c, 2b and 2c. Meanwhile, with the introduction of electron-donating arylamino groups in the ligands of 1a and 2a, complexes 1b and 2b display stronger phosphorescence in CH₂Cl₂ solutions at room temperature with bathochromically shifted emission maxima at 595 and 600 nm, relatively higher quantum yields of 0.11 and 0.26, and much longer lifetimes of 8.4 and 4.5 μs, respectively. An electrochromic film of 1b-based polymer was obtained on Pt or ITO electrode surface, which suggests an efficient oxidative polymerization behavior. An orange multilayer organic light-emitting diode with 1b as phosphorescent dopant was fabricated, achieving a maximum current efficiency of 11.3 cd A⁻¹ and a maximum external efficiency of 5.7%. The luminescent properties of complexes 1c and 2c are dependent on pH value and solvent polarity, which is attributed to the protonation of arylamino units in the C^N^N cyclometalating ligands.     

Synthesis, characterisation and catalytic activities of manganese(III) complexes of pyridoxal-based ONNO donor tetradenatate ligands

Reaction of Mn^II(CH₃COO)₂ with dibasic tetradentate ligands, N,N′-ethylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) (H₂pydx-en, I), N,N′-propylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) (H₂pydx-1,3-pn, II) and 1-methyl-N,N′-ethylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) (H₂pydx-1,2-pn, III) followed by aerial oxidation in the presence of LiCl gives complexes [Mn^III(pydx-en)Cl(H₂O)] (1) [Mn^III(pydx-1,3-pn)Cl(CH₃OH)] (2) and [Mn^III(pydx-1,2-pn)Cl(H₂O)] (3), respectively. Crystal and molecular structures of [Mn(pydx-en)Cl(H₂O)] (1) and [Mn(pydx-1,3-pn)Cl(CH₃OH)] (2) confirm their octahedral geometry and the coordination of ligands through ONNO(2-) form. Reaction of manganese(II)-exchanged zeolite-Y with these ligands in refluxing methanol followed by aerial oxidation in the presence of NaCl leads to the formation of the corresponding zeolite-Y encapsulated complexes, abbreviated herein as [Mn^III(pydx-en)]-Y (4), [Mn^III(pydx-1,3-pn)]-Y (5) and [Mn^III(pydx-1,2-pn)]-Y (6). These encapsulated complexes are used as catalysts for the oxidation, by H₂O₂, of methyl phenyl sulfide, styrene and benzoin efficiently. Oxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide under the optimized reaction conditions gave ca. 86% conversion with two major products methyl phenyl sulfoxide and methyl phenyl sulfone in the ca. 70% and 30% selectivity, respectively. Oxidation of styrene catalyzed by these complexes gave at least five products namely styrene oxide, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol and phenylacetaldehyde with a maximum of 76.9% conversion of styrene by 4, 76.3% by 5 and 76.0% by 6 under optimized conditions. The selectivity of the obtained products followed the order: benzaldehyde > benzoic acid > styrene oxide > phenylacetaldehyde > 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol. Similarly, ca. 93% conversion of benzoin was obtained by these catalysts, where the selectivity of the products followed the order benzil > benzoic acid > benzaldehyde-dimethylacetal. Tests for the recyclability and heterogeneity of the reactions have also been carried. Neat complexes are equally active. However, the recycle ability of encapsulated complexes makes them better over neat ones.     

Nucleophilic substitution reactions at the Si-Cl bonds of the dichloro(methyl)silyl ligand in five- and six-coordinate complexes of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II)

Treatment of either RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃ or MPhCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with HSiMeCl₂ produces the five-coordinate dichloro(methyl)silyl complexes, M(SiMeCl₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (1a, M = Ru; 1b, M = Os). 1a and 1b react readily with hydroxide ions and with ethanol to give M(SiMe[OH]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2a, M = Ru; 2b, M = Os) and M(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (3a, M = Ru; 3b, M = Os), respectively. 3b adds CO to form the six-coordinate complex, Os(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (4b) and crystal structure determinations of 3b and 4b reveal very different Os-Si distances in the five-coordinate complex (2.3196(11) Å) and in the six-coordinate complex (2.4901(8) Å). Reaction between 1a and 1b and 8-aminoquinoline results in displacement of a triphenylphosphine ligand and formation of the six-coordinate chelate complexes M(SiMeCl₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N)-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (5a, M = Ru; 5b, M = Os), respectively. Crystal structure determination of 5a reveals that the amino function of the chelating 8-aminoquinoline ligand is located adjacent to the reactive Si-Cl bonds of the dichloro(methyl)silyl ligand but no reaction between these functions is observed. However, 5a and 5b react readily with ethanol to give ultimately M(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (6a, M = Ru; 6b, M = Os). In the case of ruthenium only, the intermediate ethanolysis product Ru(SiMeCl[OEt])Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (6c) was also isolated. The crystal structure of 6c was determined. Reaction between 1b and excess 2-aminopyridine results in condensation between the Si-Cl bonds and the N-H bonds with formation of a novel tridentate “NSiN” ligand in the complex Os(κ³(Si,N,N)-SiMe[NH(2-C₅H₄N)]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃) (7b). Crystal structure determination of 7b shows that the “NSiN” ligand coordinates to osmium with a “facial” arrangement and with chloride trans to the silyl ligand.     

Copper(II) complexes of N4 tetradentate ligands with flexible alkyl spacers: Crystal structure,DNA binding and cleavage studies

Mononuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu L1] (ClO₄)₂ (1), [Cu L2] (ClO₄)₂ (2) and [Cu L3] (ClO₄)₂ (3) with quadridentate Schiff base ligands L1 (N,N′-bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-butane-1,4-diimine), L2 (N,N′-bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-pentane-1,5-diimine) and L3 (N,N′-bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-hexane-1,6-diimine) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure data of 1 reveals the existence of the complex in two different geometries, namely a square pyramid and a distorted octahedron, which eventually leads to the packing of the molecule into helical and anti-parallel structures respectively. Absorption titration studies with calf thymus DNA for all three complexes are suggestive of groove binding with binding constant values for 1, 2 and 3 being 2.6 ± 0.2 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, 11.5 ± 0.2 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ and 1.83 ± 0.2 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ respectively. Control cleavage experiments using pBR 322 plasmid DNA and distamycin suggest minor groove binding for these complexes. In the presence of ascorbic acid, the complexes show efficient DNA cleavage, the order of efficiency being 1 > 2 ≅ 3.     

Synthesis, characterization and Schlenk equilibrium studies of methylmagnesium compounds with O- and N-donor ligands - the unexpected behavior of [MgMeBr(pmdta)] (pmdta = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine)

MgMe₂ (1) was found to react with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (dabco) in tetrahydrofuran (thf) yielding a binuclear complex [{MgMe₂(thf)}₂(μ-dabco)] (2). Furthermore, from reactions of MgMeBr with diglyme (diethylene glycol dimethyl ether), NEt₃, and tmeda (N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) in etheral solvents compounds MgMeBr(L), (L = diglyme (5); NEt₃ (6); tmeda (7)) were obtained as highly air- and moisture-sensitive white powders. From a thf solution of 7 crystals of [MgMeBr(thf)(tmeda)] (8) were obtained. Reactions of MgMeBr with pmdta (N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) in thf resulted in formation of [MgMeBr(pmdta)] (9) in nearly quantitative yield. On the other hand, the same reaction in diethyl ether gave MgMeBr(pmdta) · MgBr₂(pmdta) (10) and [{MgMe₂(pmdta)}₇{MgMeBr(pmdta)}] (11) in 24% and 2% yield, respectively, as well as [MgMe₂(pmdta)] (12) as colorless needle-like crystals in about 26% yield. The synthesized methylmagnesium compounds were characterized by microanalysis and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The coordination-induced shifts of the ¹H and ¹³C nuclei of the ligands are small; the largest ones were found in the tmeda and pmdta complexes. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed in 2 a tetrahedral environment of the Mg atoms with a bridging dabco ligand and in 8 a trigonal-bipyramidal coordination of the Mg atom. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of [MgMe₂(pmdta)] (12) and [MgBr₂(pmdta)] (13) showed them to be monomeric with five-coordinate Mg atoms. The square-pyramidal coordination polyhedra are built up of three N and two C atoms in 12 and three N and two Br atoms in 13. The apical positions are occupied by methyl and bromo ligands, respectively. Temperature-dependent ¹H NMR spectroscopic measurements (from 27 to −80 °C) of methylmagnesium bromide complexes MgMeBr(L) (L = thf (4); diglyme (5); NEt₃ (6); tmeda (7)) in thf-d₈ solutions indicated that the deeper the temperature the more the Schlenk equilibria are shifted to the dimethylmagnesium/dibromomagnesium species. Furthermore, at −80 °C the dimethylmagnesium compounds are predominant in the solutions of Grignard compounds 4-6 whereas in the case of the tmeda complex7 the equilibrium constant was roughly estimated to be 0.25. In contrast, [MgMeBr(pmdta)] (9) in thf-d₈ revealed no dismutation into [MgMe₂(pmdta)] (12) and [MgBr₂(pmdta)] (13) even up to −100 °C. In accordance with this unexpected behavior, 1:1 mixtures of 12 and 13 were found to react in thf at room temperature yielding quantitatively the corresponding Grignard compound 9. Moreover, the structures of [MgMeBr(pmdta)] (9c), [MgMe₂(pmdta)] (12c), and [MgBr₂(pmdta)] (13c) were calculated on the DFT level of theory. The calculated structures 12c and 13c are in a good agreement with the experimentally observed structures 12 and 13. The equilibrium constant of the Schlenk equilibrium (2 9c ? 12c + 13c) was calculated to be K_gas = 2.0 × 10⁻³ (298 K) in the gas phase. Considering the solvent effects of both thf and diethyl ether using a polarized continuum model (PCM) the corresponding equilibrium constants were calculated to be K_thf = 1.2 × 10⁻³ and K_ether = 3.2 × 10⁻³ (298 K), respectively.     

A “sodium trap” based on benzo-15-crown-5 with an exocyclic N-(thiophosphoryl)thiourea moiety

For N-(thio)phosphorylthioureas of the common formula RC(S)NHP(X)(OiPr)₂HL^I (R = N-(4′-aminobenzo-15-crown-5), X = S), HL^II (R = N-(4′-aminobenzo-15-crown-5), X = O), HL^III (R = PhNH, X = S), HL^IV (R = PhNH, X = O), and (N,N′-bis-[C(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂]₂-1,10-diaza-18-crown-6) H₂L^V, salts LiL^I,III,IV, NaL^I–IV, KL^I–IVM₂L^V (M = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺), Ba(L^I,III,IV)₂, and BaL^V have been synthesized and investigated. Compounds NaL^I,II quantitatively drop out as a deposit in ethanol medium, allowing the separation of Na⁺ and K⁺ cations. This effect is not displayed for the other compounds. The crystal structures of HL^III and the solvate of the composition [K(Me₂CO)L^III] have been investigated by X-ray crystallography.     

Novel organic dyes containing bis-dimethylfluorenyl amino benzo[b]thiophene for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cell

Novel organic dyes, JK-16 and JK-17 containing bis-dimethylfluorenyl amino benzo[b]thiophene are designed and synthesized. Under standard global AM 1.5 solar condition, the JK-16 sensitized cell gave a short circuit photocurrent density (J_sc) of 15.33 mA cm⁻², open circuit voltage (V_oc) of 0.74 V, and a fill factor of 0.66, corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency η of 7.43%, and the JK-17 sensitized cell gave a J_sc of 12.66 mA cm⁻², V_oc of 0.67 V, and a fill factor of 0.65, corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency η of 5.49%.     

Reactivity of M(en)Cl2 (M = Pd/Pt,en = 1,2-diaminoethane) with N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-p-phenylenediamine: Binding with hexafluorobenzene

Schiff base N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-p-phenylenediamine (LH₂) complexed with Pt(en)Cl₂ and Pd(en)Cl₂ provided [Pt(en)L]₂ · 4PF₆ (1) and Pd(Salen) (2) (Salen = N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-ethylenediamine), respectively, which were characterized by their elemental analysis, spectroscopic data and X-ray data. A solid complex obtained by the reaction of hexafluorobenzene (hfb) with the representative complex 1 has been isolated and characterized as 3 (1 · hfb) using UV–Vis, NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹F) data. A solid complex of hfb with a reported Zn-cyclophane 4 has also been prepared and characterized 5 (4 · hfb) for comparison with complex 3. The association of hfb with 1 and 4 has also been monitored using UV–Vis and luminescence data.     

Fe Spin crossover materials based on dissymmetrical N4 Schiff bases including 2-pyridyl and 2R-imidazol-4-yl rings: Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic and Mössbauer properties

The synthesis and characterization of new symmetrical Fe^II complexes, [FeL^A(NCS)₂] (1), and [FeL^Bx(NCS)₂] (2–4), are reported (L^A is the tetradentate Schiff base N,N′-bis(1-pyridin-2-ylethylidene)-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine, and L^Bx stands for the family of tetradentate Schiff bases N,N′-bis[(2-R-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylene]-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine, with: R = H for L^B1 in 2, R = Me for L^B2 in 3, and R = Ph for L^B3 in 4). Single-crystal X-ray structures have been determined for 1 (low-spin state at 293 K), 2 (high-spin (HS) state at 200 K), and 3 (HS state at 180 K). These complexes remain in the same spin-state over the whole temperature range [80–400 K]. The dissymmetrical tetradentate Schiff base ligands L^Cx, N-[(2-R₂-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylene]-N′-(1-pyridin-2-ylethylidene)-2,2-R₁-propane-1,3-diamine (R₁ = H, Me; R₂ = H, Me, Ph), containing both pyridine and imidazole rings were obtained as their [FeL^Cx(NCS)₂] complexes, 5–10, through reaction of the isolated aminal type ligands 2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-ylhexahydropyrimidine (R₁ = H, 5–7) or 2,5,5-trimethyl-2-pyridin-2-ylhexahydropyrimidine (R₁ = Me, 8–10) with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde (R₂ = H: 5, 8), 2-methylimidazole-4-carboxaldehyde (R₂ = Me: 6, 9), and 2-phenyl-imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde (R₂ = Ph: 7, 10) in the presence of iron(II) thiocyanate. Together with the single-crystal X-ray structures of 7 and 9, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer studies of 5–10 showed that it is possible to tune the spin crossover properties in the [FeL^Cx(NCS)₂] series by changing the 2-imidazole and/or C2-propylene susbtituent of L^Cx.     

Novel iridium complex with carboxyl pyridyl ligand for dye-sensitized solar cells: High fluorescence intensity, high electron injection efficiency?

Novel iridium-based sensitizers Iridium(III) bis[2-phenylpyridinato-N,C^2′]-5-carboxylpicolinate) (Ir1), Iridium(III) bis[2-(naphthalen-1-yl) pyridinato-N,C^2′]-5-carboxyl-picolinate) (Ir2), Iridium(III) bis[2-phenylpyridinato-N,C^2′]-4,4′-(dicarboxylicacid)-2,2′-bipyridine (Ir3) were synthesized for sensitization of mesoscopic titanium dioxide injection solar cells. By changing the ligand, the absorption spectra can be extended and molar extinction coefficient was enhanced. The dye-sensitized nanocrystalline TiO₂ solar cells (DSSCs) based on dye Ir3 showed the best photovoltaic performance: a maximum monochromatic incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 85%, a short-circuit photocurrent density (J_sc) of 9.59 mA cm⁻², an open-circuit photovoltage (V_oc) of 0.552 V, and a fill factor (ff) of 0.54, corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency of 2.86% under AM 1.5 sun light. Moreover, the HOMO and LUMO energy levels tuning can be conveniently accomplished by alternating the ligand. The high oxidative potential of Ir3 enables it to be used along with redox electrolyte and the photovoltage was found to be enhanced greatly.     

Copper(II) complexes of tridentate selenobisphenolate ligand in mixed ligand environments: Synthesis, crystal structure, EPR and electrochemical studies

A series of square-pyramidal copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L^Se)(N^∧N)] (H₂L^Se = seleno-bisphenolate; N^∧N = bipyridyl, phenanthroline or N,N-dimethylethylenediamine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic measurements, IR, EPR, and electronic spectral studies. Single crystal X-ray structures of [Cu(L^Se)(bpy)]·H₂O (2), [Cu(L^Se)(phen)]·CH₂Cl₂ (3) and [Cu(L^Se)(N,N-Me₂en)] (4) showed that all the complexes have approximately square-pyramidal geometry. In complexes 2 and 3, the square plane is occupied by O(1), O(2), N(1) and N(2) and the apical position by Se atom of L^{Se 2−} ligand. The asymmetric unit of complex 4 contains two crystallographically independent discrete molecules A and B with CuN₂OSe chromophore comprising the square plane and the axial position being occupied by another phenolate oxygen atom. Complexes 2, 3 and 4 are found to be paramagnetic and EPR parameters extracted are: g_∥ = 2.232, g_⊥ = 2.069; 〈g_eff〉 = 1.95; and g_∥ = 2.232, g_⊥ = 2.083 for complexes 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Both the complexes 2 and 4 show three reduction processes: (a) a quasi-reversible reduction of Cu^II to Cu^I, (b) an irreversible reduction of Cu^I to Cu⁰ with the release of free ligand, and (c) a reduction process occurs at this coordinated ligand. They also show a well-defined quasi-reversible oxidation of Cu^II to Cu^III and an irreversible oxidation peak at ∼1.30 and 1.40 V vs. Ag/AgCl for 4 and 2, respectively, with no cathodic counterpart, and were attributed to the oxidation of the metal coordinated ligand.     

Synthesis and structures of some sterically hindered zinc complexes containing 6-membered and rings

Zinc β-diketiminates containing the N,N′-chelating ligand [{N(SiMe₃)C(Ph)}₂CH]⁻ (≡LL⁻) [Zn(LL)(μ-Cl)]₂ (1) and [ZnEt(LL)thf] (2) were prepared from 2ZnCl₂ + [Li(LL)]₂ and ZnEt₂ + H(LL), respectively. The new phenols 2-(N-R-piperazinyl-N′-methyl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol [R = Ph (3a), Me (3b)] and 2,2-[μ-N,N′-piperazindiyldimethyl]-bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol) (4) were obtained from 2,4-tBu₂C₆H₃OH, (CH₂O)_n and the appropriate piperazine. Zinc phenoxides 5, 7 and 8 were derived from 2ZnEt₂ with 2(3a), 2(3b) and 4, respectively. Controlled methanolysis of 5 furnished the bis(phenoxo)zinc compound Zn[OC₆H₂tBu₂-2,4-{CH₂N(CH₂CH₂)₂NPh}-6]₂ (6). The X-ray structures of the crystalline zinc compounds 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8, are presented; each of 5-8 contains two six-membered rings. The centrosymmetric molecule 1 has a rhomboidal (ZnCl)₂ core with exceptionally different Zn-Cl and Zn-Cl′ bond lengths of 2.248(1) and 2.509(1) Å, respectively. None of 1, 2 or 5-8 was an effective catalyst for the copolymerisation of an oxirane and CO₂.     

Structural diversity in Cu(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) coordination complexes with the rigid N,N′-bis(2/3-aryl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide ligand

The syntheses and structures of a series of metal complexes, namely Cu₂Cl₄(L¹)(DMSO)₂·2DMSO (L¹ = N,N′-bis(2-pyridinyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide), 1; {[Cu(L²)_1.5(DMF)₂][ClO₄]₂·3DMF}_∞ (L² = N,N′-bis(3-pyridinyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide), 2; {[Cd(NO₃)₂(L³)]·2DMF}_∞ (L³ = N,N′-bis-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide), 3; {[HgBr₂(L³)]·H₂O}_∞, 4, and {[Na(L³)₂][Hg₂X₅]·2DMF}_∞ (X = Br, 5; I, 6) are reported. All the complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is dinuclear and the molecules are interlinked through S?S interactions. In 2, the Cu(II) ions are linked through the L² ligands to form 1-D ladder-like chains with 60-membered metallocycles, whereas complexes 3 and 4 form 1-D zigzag chains. In complexes 5 and 6, the Na(I) ions are linked by the L³ ligands to form 2-D layer structures in which the [Hg₂X₅]⁻ anions are in the cavities. The L² ligand acts only as a bridging ligand, while L¹ and L³ show both chelating and bridging bonding modes. The L¹ ligand in 1 adopts a trans-anti conformation and the L² ligand in 2 adopts both the cis-syn and trans-anti conformations, whereas the L³ ligands in 3–6 adopt the trans conformation.     

Syntheses, characterization and crystal structures of di- and triorganotin (IV) derivatives with 6-amino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol

A series of organotin (IV) complexes with 6-amino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol of the type [(R_nSnCl_4−n)₂ (C₃H₂N₄S₂)] (n = 3: R = Me 1, n-Bu 2, PhCH₂3, Ph 4; n = 2: R = Me 5, n-Bu 6, PhCH₂7, Ph 8) have been synthesized. All the complexes 1-8 have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra. Among them complexes 1, 4, 5 and 8 have also been characterized by X-ray crystallography diffraction analyses, which revealed that the tin atoms of complexes 1, 4, 5 and 8 are all five-coordinated with distorted trigonal bipyramid geometries.     

Synthesis and characterization of aluminum complexes of 2-pyrazol-1-yl-ethenolate ligands

The synthesis and the characterization of some new aluminum complexes with bidentate 2-pyrazol-1-yl-ethenolate ligands are described. 2-(3,5-Disubstituted pyrazol-1-yl)-1-phenylethanones, 1-PhC(O)CH₂-3,5-R₂C₃HN₂ (1a, R = Me; 1b, R = Bu^t), were prepared by solventless reaction of 3,5-dimethyl pyrazole or 3,5-di-tert-butyl pyrazole with PhC(O)CH₂Br. Reaction of 1a or 1b with (R¹ = Me, Et) yielded N,O-chelate alkylaluminum complexes (2a, R = R¹ = Me; 2b, R = Bu^t, R¹ = Me; 2c, R = Me, R¹ = Et). Compound 1a was readily lithiated with LiBuⁿ in thf or toluene to give lithiated species 3. Treatment of 3 with 0.5 equiv of MeAlCl₂ or AlCl₃ yielded five-coordinated aluminum complexes [XAl(OC(Ph)CH{(3,5-Me₂C₃HN₂)-1})₂] (4, X = Me; 5, X = Cl). Reaction of 5 with an equiv of LiHBEt₃ generated [Al(OC(Ph)CH{(3,5-Me₂C₃HN₂)-1})₃] (6). Complex 6 was also obtained by reaction of 3 with 1/3 equiv of AlCl₃. Treatment of 5 with 2 equiv of AlMe₃ yielded complex 2a, whereas with an equiv of AlMe₃ afforded a mixture of 2a and [Me(Cl)AlOC(Ph)CH{(3,5-Me₂C₃HN₂)-1}] (7). Compounds 1a, 1b, 2a-2c and 4-6 were characterized by elemental analyses, NMR and IR (for 1a and 1b) spectroscopy. The structures of complexes 2a and 5 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Both 2a and 5 are monomeric in the solid state. The coordination geometries of the aluminum atoms are a distorted tetrahedron for 2a or a distorted trigonal bipyramid for 5.     

Syntheses,structures and electrochemistry of manganese(III) complexes derived from N,N′-o-phenylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine): Efficient catalyst for styrene epoxidation

Syntheses, characterizations, electrochemistry and catalytic properties for styrene epoxidation of three manganese(III) compounds [Mn^IIIL¹(H₂O)(MeOH)](ClO₄) (1) [Mn^IIIL¹(N₃)(H₂O)]·dmf (2) [Mn^IIIL¹(Cl)(H₂O)] (3) derived from the Schiff base compartmental ligand N,N′-o-phenylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine) (H₂L¹) are reported. The three compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, IR, mass and UV–Vis spectra and conductance values. Single crystal X-ray structures of 1 and 2 have been determined. The structures of 1 and 2 show that these are mononuclear compounds having a salen type structure. In both structures, a dinuclear species is formed by bifurcated hydrogen bonding involving coordinated water molecule. The coordination of chloride in 3 is shown by conductance measurements. The compounds have also been characterized by UV–Vis and mass spectroscopic studies. Cyclic voltammetric and square wave voltammetric studies of the three compounds reveal that these undergo Mn(III)/Mn(II) reduction reversibly with the order of the ease of reduction as 3 > 2 > 1. This order has been explained proposing the composition of active species in solution. Catalytic properties for epoxidation of styrene by all the three complexes using PhIO and NaOCl as oxidant have been studied. The order of both the styrene conversion and styrene epoxidation using the three title compounds is 3 > 1 > 2. Again, it has been observed that more efficient conversion and epoxidation take place when PhIO is used as oxidant.     

Syntheses and characterization of [(η-C6Me6)Ru(μ-N3)(X)]2 (X = N3 and Cl) complexes and their reactions towards mono- and bidentate ligands

The reaction of the complex [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl}₂] 1 with sodium azide ligand gave two new dimers of the composition [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-N₃)(N₃)}₂] 2 and [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-N₃)Cl}₂] 3, depending upon the reaction conditions. Complex 3 with excess of sodium azide in ethanol yielded complex 2. These complexes undergo substitution reactions with monodentate ligands to yield monomeric complexes of the type [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(X)(N₃)(L)] {X = N₃, Cl, L = PPh₃ (4a, 9a); PMe₂Ph (4b, 9b); AsPh₃ (4c, 9c); X = N₃, L = pyrazole (Hpz) (5a); 3-methylpyrazole (3-Hmpz) (5b) and 3,5-dimethyl-pyrazole (3,5-Hdmpz) (5c)}. Complexes 2 and 3 also react with bidentate ligands to give bridging complexes of the type [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(N₃)(X)]₂(μ-L)} {X = N₃, Cl, L = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) (6, 10); 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) (7, 11); 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp) (8, 12); X = Cl, L = 4,4-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) (13)}. These complexes were characterized by FT-IR and FT-NMR spectroscopy as well as by analytical data.The molecular structures of the representative complexes [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-N₃)(N₃)}₂] 2, [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-N₃)Cl}₂] 3,[(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(N₃)₂(PPh₃)] 4a and [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(N₃)₂}₂ (μ-dppm)] 6 were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Synthesis of aluminium complexes bearing a piperazine-based ligand system

Aluminium complexes bearing the N,N-chelating ligand 1,4-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butyl)piperazine (1) have been synthesised. Both monometallic and bimetallic aluminium methyl complexes (2 and 3, respectively) were prepared by treatment of 1 with the appropriate amount of AlMe₃. Complex 2 can be converted to 3 by addition of excess AlMe₃. Bimetallic aluminium-ethyl complex 4 was also prepared. Treatment of 1 with AlEt₂Cl afforded the monometallic chloride complex 5. Treatment of this latter complex with potassium alkoxides (KOR, R = Me, Et, ⁱPr, ^tBu) or AgOTf afforded the corresponding aluminium alkoxide complexes (6, R = Et; 7, R = Me; 8, R = ⁱPr; 9, R = ^tBu; 10, R = OTf) in good yields. Aluminium ethoxide complex 6 was also synthesised by treatment of 1 with AlEt₂OEt. All of these complexes were tested as potential catalysts in the ring-opening polymerisation of rac-lactide and caprolactone with limited success.     

A NMR, X-ray, and DFT combined study on the regio-chemistry of nucleophilic addition to platinum(II) coordinated terminal olefins

The series of platinum complexes [PtCl(η²-CH₂CH-C₆H₄-X)(tmeda)](ClO₄) (X = H, 1b; 4-OMe, 1c; 3-OMe, 1d; 4-CF₃, 1e; 3-CF₃, 1f; 3-NO₂, 1g; tmeda = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,2-ethanediamine) has been considered. In the styrene complex (1b) both solution (NMR) and solid state (X-ray) data indicate a significant difference in the Pt-C bond lengths (the longer bond being that involving the olefin carbon atom carrying the phenyl ring). Such a difference increases when X is an electron donor group (EDG, 1c) and decreases when X is an electron withdrawing group (EWG, 1d-g). The attack of a nucleophile (MeO⁻) to the substituted carbon (Markovnikov type, M) is by far the most favoured in the case of unsubstituted (1b) or EDG-substituted (1c) styrenes. The presence of an EWG (compounds 1d-g) levels off the probability of M and anti-M type of attack. DFT calculations on 1b,c and 1e were also performed. The NLMO analysis reveals the crucial role of the interaction between the filled π orbital of the olefin and the empty d orbital of platinum; the carbon with greater electron density becoming less susceptible of nucleophilic attack.