Polyunsaturated dicarboxylate tethers connecting dimolybdenum redox and chromophoric centers: absorption spectra and electronic structures

The absorption spectra of a series of compounds of the type [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](O(2)CXCO(2))[Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)] (DAniF = N,N '-di-p-anisylformamidinate) have been measured and revealed a strong dependence of the electronic transitions and, therefore, the colors upon the chemical nature of the dicarboxylate linker. The more intense colors and lower energy absorptions are observed with those compounds having unsaturated dicarboxylate linkers. Static and time-dependent DFT calculations were undertaken to identify the electronic excitations responsible for the observed colors. For those compounds with chemically unsaturated and fully conjugated dicarboxylate linkers (oxalate, 6; fumarate, 8; acetylene dicarboxylate, 9; cis,cis-muconate, 11; trans,trans-muconate, 12; tamuate, 13; texate, 14; terephthalate, 15), the lowest energy absorptions are Mo(2)(4+) delta --> dicarboxylate pi metal-to-ligand charge transfer transitions. Those compounds with chemically saturated linkers (succinate, 20) have delta --> delta transitions as their lowest energy absorptions with essentially independent and noninteracting Mo(2)(4+) chromophores.     

Systematic preparation of Mo 2 4+ building blocks for supramolecular assemblies

The preparation of additional and useful building blocks for the construction of supramolecular entities with quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) units has been explored, and five new mixed-ligand complexes with three types of ligands and various basicities are reported. The ligands used were the DAniF (N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) anion, the acetate anion, and neutral acetonitrile molecules. The formamidinate ligands are the least labile, and the acetonitrile molecules are the most labile. This difference as well as a relatively strong trans directing influence by the formamidinate anions in ligand substitution reactions allows designed synthesis of various mixed-ligand building blocks, including rare pairs of cis and trans isomers. The new compounds are cis-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2) (1), trans-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2) (2), trans-[Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(CH(3)CN(eq)())(2)]BF(4) (3), trans-[Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(CH(3)CN(eq)())(4)](BF(4))(2) (4), and [Mo(2)(O(2)CH(3))(CH(3)CN(eq)())(6)(CH(3)CN(ax)())](BF(4))(3) (5), where eq and ax designate equatorial and axial ligands, respectively. A comparison with some previously synthesized complexes is given along with a discussion of the overall reactivity of all compounds.     

An unusual trigonal D3 assembly composed of molybdate anions and multiply bonded dimolybdenum units

Oxidation of the molybdate-linked pair having two quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) units, [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](2)(micro(2)-MoO(4)), (DAniF = N,N'-di-(p-anisyl)formamidinate) leads to the formation of a species consisting of three oxidized Mo(2)(5+) units connected by two micro(3)-MoO(4)(2-) dianions, {[Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](3)(micro(3)-MoO(4))(2)}(2+). This cation displays overall D(3) point group symmetry due to a slight twisting of the three Mo(2)(5+) units about the threefold symmetry axis. This distortion removes all mirror symmetry but preserves all C(2) axes orthogonal to the unique C(3) axis. Cyclic voltammetry of {[Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](3)(micro(3)-MoO(4))(2)}(2+) in CH(2)Cl(2) reveals three reversible one-electron redox processes, corresponding to successive reduction of each of the three Mo(2)(5+) units, with DeltaE(1/2) separations of 0.36 V and 0.41 V.     

Quadridentate bridging EO(4)(2-) (E = S, Mo, W) ligands and their role as electronic bridges

Three compounds containing two quadruply bonded Mo(2)(DAniF)(3) (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) units linked by tetrahedral EO(4)(2-) anions (E = S, Mo, W) have been prepared and characterized by crystallography and NMR. The linkers in these [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](2)(mu-EO(4)) compounds hold the Mo(2) units in an approximately perpendicular orientation and mediate strong electrochemical communication between them. Each of the three compounds shows two quasireversible (mu-SO(4)) or fully reversible (mu-MoO(4), mu-WO(4)) features in its cyclic voltammogram corresponding to successive oxidation of each of its Mo(2) units. The DeltaE(1/2) values are the largest thus far measured for Mo(2)-X-Mo(2) bridged complexes and may be sufficiently large to permit isolation of the singly oxidized species.     

Cyclic polyamidato dianions as bridges between Mo(2)(4+) units: synthesis,crystal structures,electrochemistry, absorption spectra,and electronic structures

Compounds in which quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) units, Mo(2)(DAniF)(3) (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate), are linked by cyclic diamidate anions have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic methods. As identified by the diamidate linker, these compounds are 4,6-dioxypyrimidinate (2), 2,3-dioxypyrazinate (3), 2,3-dioxyquinoxalinate (4), 2,3-dioxy-5,6-dicyanopyrazinate (5), and cyanurate (6). With uracilate, a dinuclear unlinked 1:1 adduct is formed, Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)(uracilate) (1). The cyclic voltammograms of 3-5 reveal significantly larger DeltaE(1/2) values (258 mV-308 mV) than that of the oxalate linked analogue (212 mV), which is indicative of greater charge delocalization in the mixed valent Mo(2)(4+)/Mo(2)(5+) species and hence greater communication between the two Mo(2) units. DeltaE(1/2) for 2 is substantially lower than those for 3-5. This difference is attributed to the meta disposition of the two amidate groups in 4,6-dioxypyrimidinate as compared to their ortho arrangement in the pyrazinate-type linkers. The absorption spectra of the linked compounds 3-5 are more complex than those of the analogous polyunsaturated dicarboxylate linked compounds and reveal at least two significant absorption bands within the region 420-550 nm. Compound 2 also has two bands but with significantly lower intensity. Time dependent DFT calculations upon 2 and 3 indicate rather different electronic structures for these two structural isomers. The two bands for 3 have delta --> pi character, and the pi type orbitals have substantial contributions from the Mo(2) units as well as from the diamidate linker. The excitations observed in 2 are mainly metal based. The differences between the electronic spectra of 2 and 3 are consistent with the electrochemistry in underscoring the profound physical effect of changing the symmetry of the diamidate linker.     

Dicarboxylate-bridged (Mo2)n (n = 2, 3, 4) paddle-wheel complexes: potential intermediate building blocks for metal-organic frameworks

The treatment of the dimeric paddle-wheel (PW) compound [Mo(2)(NCCH(3))(10)][BF(4)](4)1 with oxalic acid (0.5 equiv.), 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid (1 equiv.), 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid (1 equiv.) (m-bdc-OH) or 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalic acid (0.5 or 1 equiv.) leads to the formation of macromolecular dicarboxylate-linked (Mo(2))(n) entities (n = 2, 3, 4). The structure of the compounds depends on the length and geometry of the organic linkers. In the case of oxalic acid, the dimeric compound [(CH(3)CN)(8)Mo(2)(OOC-COO)Mo(2)(NCCH(3))(8)][BF(4)](6)2 is formed selectively, whereas the use of 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalic acid affords the square-shaped complex [(CH(3)CN)(6)Mo(2)(OOC-C(6)F(4)-COO)](4)[BF(4)](8)3. Bent linkers with a bridging angle of 109° and 120°, respectively, lead to the formation of the molecular loop [(CH(3)CN)(6)Mo(2)(OOC-C(4)H(6)-COO)](2)[BF(4)](4)4 and the bowl-shaped molecular triangle [(CH(3)CN)(6)Mo(2)(m-bdc-OH)](3)[BF(4)](6)5. All complexes are characterised by X-ray single crystal diffraction, NMR ((1)H, (11)B, (13)C and (19)F) and UV-Vis spectroscopy.     

The simplest supramolecular complexes containing pairs of Mo(2)(formamidinate)(3) units linked with various dicarboxylates: preparative methods, structures, and electrochemistry

Twelve compounds containing two quadruply bonded Mo(2)(DAniF)(3) (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) units linked by dicarboxylate anions have been prepared in high purity and good yields. All of these compounds have been characterized by crystallography and NMR. The dinuclear pairs display electrochemical behavior which is controlled by the nature of the bridging dicarboxylate group. As described by the linkers, the compounds are oxalate, 1; acetylene dicarboxylate, 2; fumarate, 3; tetrafluorophthalate, 4; carborane dicarboxylate, 5; ferrocene dicarboxylate, 6; malonate, 7; succinate, 8; propane-1,3-dicarboxylate, 9; tetrafluorosuccinate, 10; bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1,3-dicarboxylate, 11; and trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, 12.     

Connecting pairs of dimetal units to form molecular loops

Four compounds consisting of molecular loops formed from two quadruply bonded Mo2(DAniF)2 (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) units linked by two dicarboxylate anions have been prepared in high purity and essentially quantitative yields. These compounds have been characterized by crystallography and NMR spectroscopy and display electrochemical behavior dependent on the nature of the dicarboxylate anion. However, the electronic communication between the two Mo2(4+) units is not strong. As denoted by the dicarboxylate linkers, the compounds are malonate, 1, 1,4-phenylendiacetate, 2, homophthalate, 3, and trans-cyclopentane-1,2-dicarboxylate, 4.     

Solid-state coordination chemistry of the oxomolybdate-organodiphosphonate/nickel-organoimine system: structural influences of the secondary metal coordination cation and diphosphonate tether lengths

The hydrothermal reactions of a molybdate source, a nickel(II) salt, tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine (tpyprz), and organodiphosphonic acids H(2)O(3)P(CH(2))(n)()PO(3)H(2) (n = 1-5) of varying tether lengths yielded a series of organic-inorganic hybrid materials of the nickel-molybdophosphonate family. A persistent characteristic of the structural chemistry is the presence of the [Mo(5)O(15)(O(3)PR)(2)](4)(-) cluster as a molecular building block, as noted for the one-dimensional materials [[Ni(2)(tpyprz)(2)]Mo(5)O(15)[O(3)P(CH(2))(4)PO(3)]]x6.65H(2)O (6x6.65H(2)O) and [[Ni(2)(tpyprz)(2)]Mo(5)O(15)[O(3)P(CH(2))(5)PO(3)]]x3.75H(2)O (8x3.75H(2)O), the two-dimensional phases [[Ni(4)(tpyprz)(3)][Mo(5)O(15)(O(3)PCH(2)CH(2)PO(3))](2)]x23H(2)O (3x23H(2)O) and [[Ni(3)(tpyprz)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](Mo(5)O(15))(Mo(2)O(4)F(2))[O(3)P(CH(2))(3)PO(3)](2)]x8H(2)O (5x8H(2)O), and the three-dimensional structures [[Ni(2)(tpyprz)(H(2)O)(3)]Mo(5)O(15)[O(3)P(CH(2))(3)PO(3))]]xH(2)O (4xH(2)O) and [[Ni(2)(tpyprz)(H(2)O)(2)]Mo(5)O(15) [O(3)P(CH(2))(4)PO(3)]]x2.25H(2)O (7x2.25H(2)O). In the case of methylenediphosphonic acid, the inability of this ligand to tether adjacent pentanuclear clusters precludes the formation of the common molybdophosphonate building block, manifesting in contrast a second structural motif, the trinuclear [(Mo(3)O(8))(x)(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))(y)] subunit of [[Ni(tpyprz)(H(2)O)(2)](Mo(3)O(8))(2) (O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))(2)] (1) which had been previously observed in the corresponding methylenediphosphonate phases of the copper-molybdophosphonate family. Methylenediphosphonic acid also provides a second phase, [Ni(2)(tpyprz)(2)][Mo(7)O(21)(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))]x3.5H(2)O (9x5H(2)O), which contains a new heptamolybdate cluster [Mo(7)O(21)(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))](4)(-) and a cationic linear chain [Ni(tpyprz)](n)(4n+) substructure. The structural chemistry of the nickel-molybdophosphonate series contrasts with that of the corresponding copper-molybdophosphonate materials, reflecting in general the different coordination preferences of Ni(II) and Cu(II). Consequently, while the Cu(II)-organic complex building block of the copper family is invariably the binuclear [Cu(2)(tpyprz)](4+) subunit, the Ni(II) chemistry with tpyprz exhibits a distinct tendency toward catenation to provide [Ni(3)(tpyprz)(2)](6+), [Ni(4)(tpyprz)(3)](8+), and [Ni(tpyprz)](n)(4n+) building blocks as well as the common [Ni(2)(tpyprz)](4+) moiety. This results in a distinct structural chemistry for the nickel(II)-molybdophosphonate series with the exception of the methylenediphosphonate derivative 1 which is isostructural with the corresponding copper compound [[Cu(2)(tpyprz)(H(2)O)(2)](Mo(3)O(8))(2)(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))] (2). The structural chemistry of the nickel(II) series also reflects variability in the number of attachment sites at the molybdophosphonate clusters, in the extent of aqua ligation to the Ni(II) tpyprz subunit, and in the participation of phosphate oxygen atoms as well as molybdate oxo groups in linking to the nickel sites.     

LZnX complexes of tripodal ligands with intramolecular RN-H hydrogen bonding groups: structural implications of a hydrogen bonding cavity, and of X/R in the hydrogen bonding geometry/strength

Tripodal ligands N(CH2Py)3-n(CH2Py-6-NHR)n(R=H, n=1-3 L1-3, n=0 tpa; R=CH2tBu, n=1-3 L'1-3) are used to investigate the effect of different hydrogen bonding microenvironments on structural features of their LZnX complexes (X=Cl-, NO3-, OH-). The X-ray structures of [(L2)Zn(Cl)](BPh4)2.0.5(H2O.CH3CN), [(L3)Zn(Cl)](BPh4)3.CH3CN, [(L'1)Zn(Cl)](BPh4) 1', [(L'2)Zn(Cl)](BPh4)2'.CH3OH, and [(L'3)Zn(Cl)](BPh4)3' have been determined and exhibit trigonal bipyramidal geometries with intramolecular (internal) N-HCl-Zn hydrogen bonds. The structure of [(L'2)Zn(ONO2)]NO3 4'.H2O with two internal N-HO-Zn hydrogen bonds has also been determined. The axial Zn-Cl distance lengthens from 2.275 A in [(tpa)Zn(Cl)](BPh4) to 2.280-2.347 A in 1-3, 1'-3'. Notably, the average Zn-N(py) distance is also progressively lengthened from 2.069 A in [(tpa)Zn(Cl)](BPh4) to 2.159 and 2.182 A in the triply hydrogen bonding cavity of 3 and 3', respectively. Lengthening of the Zn-Cl and Zn-N(py) bonds is accompanied by a progressive shortening of the trans Zn-N bond from 2.271 A in [(tpa)Zn(Cl)](BPh4) to 2.115 A in 3 (2.113 A in 3'). As a result of the triply hydrogen bonding microenvironment the Zn-Cl and Zn-N(py) distances of 3 are at the upper end of the range observed for axial Zn-Cl bonds, whereas the axial Zn-N distance is one of shortest among N4 ligands that induce a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Despite the rigidity of these tripodal ligands, the geometry of the intramolecular RN-HX-Zn hydrogen bonds (X=Cl-, OH-, NO3-) is strongly dependent on the nature of X, however, on average, similar for R=H, CH2tBu.     

Ruthenium tris(pyrazolyl)borate diazo complexes: preparation of aryldiazenido, aryldiazene, and hydrazine derivatives

Tris(pyrazolyl)borate aryldiazenido complexes [RuTpLL'(ArN(2))](BF(4))(2) (1-3) [Ar = C(6)H(5), 4-CH(3)C(6)H(4); Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate; L = P(OEt)(3) or PPh(OEt)(2), L' = PPh(3); L = L' = P(OEt)(3)] were prepared by allowing dihydrogen [RuTp(eta(2)-H(2))LL'](+) derivatives to react with aryldiazonium cations. Spectroscopic characterization (IR, (15)N NMR) using the (15)N-labeled derivatives strongly supports the presence of a linear [Ru]-NN-Ar aryldiazenido group. Hydrazine complexes [RuTp(RNHNH(2))LL']BPh(4) (4-6) [R = H, CH(3), C(6)H(5), 4-NO(2)C(6)H(4); L = P(OEt)(3) or PPh(OEt)(2), L' = PPh(3); L = L' = P(OEt)(3)] were also prepared by reacting the [RuTp(eta(2)-H(2))LL'](+) cation with an excess of hydrazine. The complexes were characterized spectroscopically (IR and NMR) and by X-ray crystal structure determination of the [RuTp(CH(3)NHNH(2))[P(OEt)(3)](PPh(3))]BPh(4) (4d) derivative. Tris(pyrazolyl)borate aryldiazene complexes [RuTp(ArN=NH)LL']BPh(4) (7-9) (Ar = C(6)H(5), 4-CH(3)C(6)H(4)) were prepared following three different methods: (i). by allowing hydride species RuHTpLL' to react with aryldiazonium cations in CH(2)Cl(2); (ii). by treating aryldiazenido [RuTpLL'(ArN(2))](BF(4))(2) with LiBHEt(3) in CH(2)Cl(2); (iii). by oxidizing arylhydrazine [RuTp(ArNHNH(2))LL']BPh(4) complexes with Pb(OAc)(4) in CH(2)Cl(2) at -30 degrees C. Methyldiazene complexes [RuTp(CH(3)N=NH)LL']BPh(4) were also prepared by the oxidation of the corresponding methylhydrazine [RuTp(CH(3)NHNH(2))LL']BPh(4) with Pb(OAc)(4).     

Diazo complexes of rhenium: preparations and crystal structures of the bis(dinitrogen), [Re(N2)2(PPh(OEt)2)4][BPh4] and methyldiazenido [ReCl(CH3N2)(CH3NHNH2)(PPh(OEt)2)3][BPh4] derivatives

Depending on experimental conditions and the nature of the hydrazine, the reactions of ReCl3P3 [P = PPh(OEt)2] with RNHNH2 (R = H, CH3, tBu) afford the bis(dinitrogen) [Re(N2)2P4]+ (2+), dinitrogen ReClN2P4 (3), and methyldiazenido [ReCl(CH3N2)(CH3NHNH2)P3]+ (1+) derivatives. In contrast, reactions of ReCl3P3 [P = PPh(OEt)2, PPh2OEt] with arylhydrazines ArNHNH2 (Ar = Ph, p-tolyl) give the aryldiazenido cations [ReCl(ArN2)(ArNHNH2)P3]+ (4+) and [ReCl(ArN2)P4]+ (7+) and the bis(aryldiazenido) cations [Re(ArN2)2P3]+ (5+, 6+). These complexes were characterized spectroscopically (IR; 1H and 31P NMR), and the BPh4 complexes 1, 2, and 7 were characterized crystallographically. The methyldiazenido derivative [ReCl(CH3N2)(CH3NHNH2)(PPh(OEt)2)3][BPh4] (1) crystallizes in space group P1 with a = 15.396(5) A, b = 16.986(5) A, c = 11.560(5) A, alpha = 93.96(5) degrees, beta = 93.99(5) degrees, gamma = 93.09(5) degrees, and Z = 2 and contains a singly bent CH3N2, group bonded to an octahedral central metal. One methylhydrazine ligand, one Cl- trans to the CH3N2, and three PPh(OEt)2 ligands complete the coordination. The complex [Re(N2)2(PPh(OEt)2)4][BPh4] (2) crystallizes in space group Pbaa with a = 23.008(5) A, b = 23.367(5) A, c = 12.863(3) A, and Z = 4. The structure displays octahedral coordination with two end-on N2 ligands in mutually trans positions. [ReCl(PhN2)(PPh(OEt)2)4][BPh4] (7) crystallizes in space group P2(1)/n with a = 19.613(5) A, b = 20.101(5) A, c = 19.918(5) A, beta = 115.12(2) degrees, and Z = 4. The structure shows a singly bent phenyldiazenido group trans to the Cl- ligand in an octahedral environment. The dinitrogen complex ReClN2P4 (3) reacts with CF3SO3CH3 to give the unstable methyldiazenido derivative [ReCl(CH3N2)P4][BPh4]. Reaction of the methylhydrazine complex [ReCl(CH3N2)(CH3NHNH2)P3][BPh4] (1) with Pb(OAc)4 at -30 degrees C results in selective oxidation of the hydrazine, affording the corresponding methyldiazene derivative [ReCl(CH3N=NH)(CH3N2)P3][BPh4] (8). In contrast, treatment with Pb(OAc)4 of the related arylhydrazines [ReCl(ArN2)(ArNHNH2)P3][BPh4] (4) [P = PPh(OEt)2] gives the bis(aryldiazenido) complexes [Re(ArN2)2P3][BPh4] (5). Possible protonation reactions of Br?nsted acids HX with all diazenides, 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8, were investigated and found to proceed only in the cases of the bis(aryldiazenido) complexes 5 and 6, affording, with HCl, the octahedral [ReCl(ArN=NH)(ArN2)P3][BPh4] or [ReCl(Ar(H)NN)(ArN2)P3][BPh4] (10) (Ar = Ph; P = PPh2OEt) derivative.     

Supramolecular squares with Mo2(4+) corners

Seven complexes obtained by reacting the quadruply bonded complex [Mo2(cis-DAniF)2(CH3CN)4](BF4)2 (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) and (Bun4N+)2(Carb2-), where Carb2- is a dicarboxylate anion, have been found to have a ratio of dimetal unit to dicarboxylate of 1:1. As noted by the carboxylate linker, the compounds are oxalate, 1, fumarate, 2, ferrocene dicarboxylate, 3, 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate, 4, acetylenedicarboxylate, 5, tetrafluorophthalate, 6, and carborane dicarboxylate, 7. Structural characterization of 1-4 revealed a square of dimolybdenum units linked by the dicarboxylate anions, each having an interstice capable of accommodating specific solvent molecules. Results of NMR studies of all seven compounds are consistent with the presence of a highly symmetrical structure. These compounds display a rich electrochemical behavior that is affected by the nature of the carboxylate group.     

Substitution chemistry of MM quadruply bonded complexes (M = Mo or W) supported by the anion of 2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine

The compounds M(2)(mhp)(4), where M = Mo or W and mhp is the anion formed from deprotonation of 2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine, are shown to react with carboxylic acids RCOOH to give an equilibrium mixture of products M(2)(O(2)CR)(n)(mhp)(4-n) where R = 2-thienyl and phenyl. The equilibrium can be moved in favor of M(2)(O(2)CR)(4) by the addition of excess acid or by the favorable crystallization of these products. The latter provides a facile synthesis of the W(2)(O(2)CR)(4) compound where R = 9-anthracene. Reactions involving 2,4,6-triisopropyl benzoic acid, TiPBH, yield M(2)(TiPB)(2)(mhp)(2) compounds as thermodynamic products. Reactions involving Me(3)OBF(4) (1 and 2 equiv.) yield the complexes Mo(2)(mhp)(3)(CH(3)CN)(2)BF(4) and Mo(2)(mhp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)(BF(4))(2), respectively. The latter compound has been structurally characterized and shown to have mirror symmetry with two cis mhp ligands: MoMo = 2.1242(5) A, Mo-O = 2.035(2) A, Mo-N(mhp) = 2.161(2) A, and Mo-N(CH(3)CN) = 2.160(3) and 2.170(3) A. Reactions involving Mo(2)(mhp)(3)(CH(3)CN)(2)(2+) and Mo(2)(mhp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)(2+) with (n)Bu(4)NO(2)CMe (1 and 2 equiv.) yield the complexes Mo(2)(mhp)(3)(O(2)CMe) and Mo(2)(mhp)(2)(O(2)CMe)(2) which are shown to be kinetically labile to ligand scrambling. Reactions between Mo(2)(mhp)(3)(CH(3)CN)(2)(+)BF(4)(-) (2 equiv.) and [(n)Bu(4)N(+)](2)[O(2)C-X-CO(2)](2-) yielded dimers of dimers [Mo(2)(mhp)(3)](2)(micro-O(2)C-X-CO(2)] where X = nothing, 2,5- or 3,4-thienyl and 1,4-C(6)H(4). Reactions between Mo(2)(mhp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)(2+)(BF(4)(-))(2) and tetra-n-butylammonium oxalate and terephthalate yield compounds [Mo(mhp)(2)bridge](n) which by MALDI-TOF MS are proposed to be a mixture of molecular squares (n = 4) and triangles (n = 3) along with minor products of [Mo(2)(mhp)(3)](2)(bridge) and Mo(2)(mhp)(4) that arise from ligand scrambling.     

Dinuclear complexes of chiral tetradentate pyridylimine ligands: diastereoselectivity, positive cooperativity, anion selectivity, ligand self-sorting based on chirality, and magnetism

The synthesis and coordination chemistry of two chiral tetradentate pyridylimine Schiff base ligands are reported. The ligands were prepared by the nucleophilic displacement of both bromides of 1,3-bis(bromomethyl)benzene (2) or 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluene (3) by the anion of (S)-valinol, followed by capping of both amine groups with pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde. Both ligands react with CoCl(2) and NiCl(2) to give [M(2)L(2)Cl(2)](2+) complexes. Remarkably, neither fluoride nor bromide ions can act as bridging ligands. The formation of [Co(2)((S)-3)(2)Cl(2)](2+) is highly diastereoselective, and X-ray crystallography shows that both metal centers in the [Co(2)((S)-3)(2)Cl(2)](CoCl(4)) complex adopt the lambda configuration (crystal data: [Co(2)(C(31)H(40)N(4)O(2))(2)Cl(2)](CoCl(4)).(CH(3)CN)(3), monoclinic, P2(1), a = 11.595(2) A, b = 22.246(4) A, c = 15.350(2) A, V = 3705(1) A(3), beta = 110.643(3) degrees, Z = 2). Structurally, the dinuclear complex can be viewed as a helicate with the helical axis running perpendicular to the [Co(2)Cl(2)] plane. The reaction of racemic 2 with CoCl(2) was shown by (1)H NMR spectroscopy to yield a racemic mixture of Lambda,Lambda-[Co(2)((S)-2)(2)Cl(2)](2+) and delta,delta-[Co(2)((R)-2)(2)Cl(2)](2+) complexes; that is, a homochiral recognition process takes place. Spectrophotometric titrations were performed by titrating (S)-3 with Co(ClO(4))(2) followed by Bu(4)NCl, and the global stability constants of [Co((S)-3)](2+) (log beta(110) = 5.7), [Co((S)-3)(2)](2+) (log beta(120) = 11.6), and [Co(2)((S)-3)(2)Cl(2)](2+) (log beta(110) = 23.8) were calculated. The results revealed a strong positive cooperativity in the formation of [Co(2)((S)-3)(2)Cl(2)](2+). Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility curves for [Co(2)((S)-2)(2)Cl(2)](BPh(4))(2) and [Co(2)((S)-3)(2)Cl(2)](BPh(4))(2) are very similar and indicate that there are no significant magnetic interactions between the cobalt(II) centers.     

Syntheses, characterization, and magnetic studies of copper(II) complexes with the ligand N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-benzenediamine (1,3-tpbd) and its phenol derivative 2,6-bis[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-p-cresol] (2,6-Htpcd)

The copper(II) complexes [Cu(4)(1,3-tpbd)(2)(H(2)O)(4)(NO(3))(4)](n)(NO(3))(4n)·13nH(2)O (1), [Cu(4)(1,3-tpbd)(2)(AsO(4))(ClO(4))(3)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2)·2H(2)O·0.5CH(3)OH (2), [Cu(4)(1,3-tpbd)(2)(PO(4))(ClO(4))(3)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2)·2H(2)O·0.5CH(3)OH (3), [Cu(2)(1,3-tpbd){(PhO)(2)PO(2)}(2)](2)(ClO(4))(4) (4), and [Cu(2)(1,3-tpbd){(PhO)PO(3)}(2)(H(2)O)(0.69)(CH(3)CN)(0.31)](2)(BPh(4))(4)·Et(2)O·CH(3)CN (5) [1,3-tpbd = N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-benzenediamine, BPh(4)(-) = tetraphenylborate] were prepared and structurally characterized. Analyses of the magnetic data of 2, 3, 4, and [Cu(2)(2,6-tpcd)(H(2)O)Cl](ClO(4))(2) (6) [2,6-tpcd = 2,6-bis[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-p-cresolate] show the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the copper(II) ions, the bis-terdentate 1,3-tpbd/2,6-tpcd, μ(4)-XO(4) (X = As and P) μ(1,2)-OPO and μ-O(phenolate) appearing as poor mediators of exchange interactions in this series of compounds. Simple orbital symmetry considerations based on the structural knowledge account for the small magnitude of the magnetic couplings found in these copper(II) compounds.     

New hybrid layered molybdates based on (2/∞)[Mo(n)O(3n+1)]2- units (n = 7, 9) with systematic organic-inorganic interfaces

Two new hybrid organic-inorganic molybdates based on layered (2/∞)[Mo(n)O(3n+1)](2-) blocks and organoammonium cations (+)(Me(x)H(3-x)N)(CH(2))(6)(NH(3-x)Me(x))(+) (x = 0-1), namely, (H(3)N(CH(2))(6)NH(3))[Mo(7)O(22)]·H(2)O (1) and (MeH(2)N(CH(2))(6)NH(2)Me)[Mo(9)O(28)] (2), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The (2/∞)[Mo(9)O(28)](2-) unit in 2 is an unprecedented member of the (2/∞)[Mo(n)O(3n+1)](2-) family with the n value extended to 9. The structural filiation between the (2/∞)[Mo(n)O(3n+1)](2-) (n = 5, 7, 9) blocks is well established, and their structural similarity with the (2/∞)[MoO(3)] slabs in α-MoO(3) is also discussed. Single-crystal X-ray analyses show that the (2/∞)[Mo(n)O(3n+1)](2-) layers in 1 and 2 are pillared in the three-dimensional networks by the organic cations with a similar connection at the organic-inorganic interface. In addition, a correlation between the topology of the (2/∞)[Mo(n)O(3n+1)](2-) blocks in 1 and 2 and the overall sizes of the associated organic cations is pointed out. Finally, the efficiency of Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy to easily discriminate the different (2/∞)[Mo(n)O(3n+1)](2-) blocks (n = 5, 7, 9) in hybrid organic-inorganic layered molybdate materials is clearly evidenced.     

Strong electronic interaction between two dimolybdenum units linked by a tetraazatetracene

The large rigid dianion fluoflavinate, C(14)H(8)N(4)(2)(-), consisting of four fused and planar six-membered rings with four nitrogen donor atoms, has been used to link two metal-to-metal bonded and redox-active Mo(2)(n)()(+) units which are each locally bridged by three additional groups, collectively denoted [Mo(2)]. In 1, the [Mo(2)] units are Mo(2)(DAniF)(3) (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate), and in 5, they are trans-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3)) groups. These [Mo(2)](fluoflavinate)[Mo(2)] compounds show three reversible one-electron oxidation steps, one more than all other [Mo(2)](linker)[Mo(2)] species known to date. The first two redox processes are metal-based, and the third one has been assigned to a ligand oxidation by comparison to that of paddlewheel compound 4 which contains only one dimolybdenum unit with a monoanionic fluoflavinate ligand. Chemical oxidations of 1 produce the singly- and doubly-oxidized species 2 and 3, respectively. All compounds have been characterized by X-ray crystallography and, as appropriate, by various techniques such as NMR, EPR, near-IR, and UV-vis. The fluoflavinate ligand strongly mediates electronic communication between the dimetal units, and the mixed valence species 2 can be described as electronically delocalized. Calculations at the DFT level using a variety of functionals support such an assignment and indicate that a strong transition in the NIR for the singly oxidized species can be assigned to the HOMO-1 to SOMO transition.