Syntheses,characterization and crystal structures of mixed-ligand Cu(II), Ni(II) and Mn(II) complexes of N-(1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-propenylidene-5-pyrazolone)-salicylidene hydrazide containing ethanol or pyridine as a co-ligand

Five new mixed-ligand complexes [CuL(EtOH)] (1), [NiL(EtOH)₃] (2), [Mn₂L₂(μ₂-EtOH)₂(EtOH)₂] (3), [CuL(Py)] · MeOH (4) and [NiL(Py)₃] (5) (L²⁻ = N-(1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-propenylidene-5-pyrazolone)-salicylidene hydrazide anion, Py = pyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, thermal analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystallographic structural analyses of these complexes reveal that the ligand (H₂L) itself undergoes isomerization from the keto form to the enol form in the reaction, then loses two protons and acts as a double negatively charged tridentate chelating agent coordinated to the metal ion in the solution. The final results show that when a co-ligand was present in the synthetic reaction, other coordination sites around the metal ions Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ were completed either by the ethanol or pyridine molecules under the common solvent reaction or solvothermal syntheses conditions, respectively. In the case of the Mn²⁺ ion, it was still coordinated with the solvent molecules regardless of whether it was synthesized under the common solvent reaction or solvothermal syntheses with pyridine. The reason for this difference might be attributed to the fact that the coordination modes and bonding effect of the co-ligand with the metal ions are different, the final complexes tend to form the most stable compound.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Mixed-Ligand Ni(II) Complex of N-(1-Phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzylidene-5-pyrazolone) p-Nitrobezoylhydrazide and Pyridine

A novel mixed-ligand nickel complex, [Ni(PMBP—PNH) (Py)₃], [PMBP—PNH=N-(1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzylidene-5-pyrazolone) p-nitrobezoylhydrazide; Py = pyridine], has been synthesized by the hydrothermal method and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectrum, thermal analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The X-ray diffraction reveals that the nickel (II) ion in the title complex is in a slightly distorted octahedral arrangement of the ONO donor atoms of primary ligand PMBP-PNH and three N-donor atoms in the secondary ligand pyridine.     

Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)aminopyridines

N-(2-Hydroxybenzyl)aminopyridines (Lⁱ) react with Cu(II) and Pd(II) ions to form complexes in the compositions Cu(Lⁱ)₂(CH₃COO)₂ · nH₂O (n = 0, 2, 4), Pd(Lⁱ)₂Cl₂ · nC₂H₅OH (n = 0, 2) and Pd(L²)₂Cl₂ · 2H₂O. In the complexes, the ligands are neutral and monodentate which coordinate through pyridinic nitrogen. Crystal data of the complexes obtained from 2-amino pyridine derivative have pointed such a coordinating route and comparison of the spectral data suggests the validity of similar complexation modes of other analog ligands. Cu(II) complex of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-2-aminopyridine (L¹), [Cu(L¹)₂(CH₃COO)₂] has slightly distorted square planar cis-mononuclear structure which is built by two oxygen atoms of two monodentate carboxylic groups disposed in cis-position and two nitrogen atoms of two pyridine rings. The remaining two oxygen atoms of two carboxylic groups form two Cu and H bridges containing cycles which joint at same four coordinated copper(II) ion. IR and electronic spectral data and the magnetic moments as well as the thermogravimetric analyses also specify on mononuclear octahedric structure of complexes [Cu(L²)₂(CH₃COO)₂ · 2H₂O] and [Cu(L³)₂(CH₃COO)₂ · 4H₂O] where L² and L³ are N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-2- or 3-aminopyridines, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterisation of dinuclear and mononuclear Cobalt (II) benzoate complexes

Aqua-bridged binuclear cobalt (II) benzoate complexes having pyridine as auxiliary ligands are synthesised through solid state reactions and characterised. The binuclear core in these complexes comprise of two bridging benzoates and an aqua bridge. Each of the cobalt (II) centre is further co-ordinated to one benzoate and two pyridine ligands. The aqua-bridged cobalt (II) benzoate complex [Co₂(μ-H₂O)(μ-OBz)₂(OBz)₂(Py)₄] ·  (C₆H₆)(BzOH) (1a) is inclusion compounds with benzoic acid and benzene (where OBz  =  benzoate, py  =  pyridine). Analogous complex [Co₂(μ-H₂O)(μ-OBz)₂(OBz)₂(Py)₄] · 1.5(C₆H₆) without benzoic acid included is also prepared by an alternative method and structurally characterised. Analogous aqua-bridged complex derived from p-chlorobenzoic acid in unsolvated form is characterised. The Co–O–Co separation in these complexes is in the range of 3.55–3.64 Å with angles Co–O–Co varying from 111.8° to 116.4°. While similar reaction in solution leads to the formation of mononuclear complex having composition [Co(OBz)₂(Py)₂(H₂O)]. The unsubstituted benzoate complex 1a can be easily oxidised to form a tetrameric cobalt (III) complex having benzoate and oxo-bridged structure with a Co₄O₄ core.     

Kinetics of thermal decomposition of mixed-ligand nikkel(II) and copper(II) complexes of 4-acyl pyrazolone derivative and pyridine

Thermal behaviors of two mixed-ligand complexes, [Ni(PMPP-SAL)(Py)₃] and [Cu(PMPP-SAL)Py]·MeOH, (PMPP-SAL=1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(salicylidene hydrazide)-propenylidene-pyrazolone-5, Py=pyridine), were studied by TG-DTG-DTA in dynamic air atmosphere. The complexes show the loss of pyridine molecule is followed by the decomposition of the PMPP-SAL anion and give respective metal oxides as residues. Meanwhile, the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall model-free analyses and multivariate non-linear regressions were applied to perform single and overall steps optimization. Kinetic parameters were given and the most probable mechanism functions were suggested in this study.     

The synthesis,characterization and melting properties of thiophene-containing dithiocarboxylate complexes of nickel(II)

The reactions of a series of 5-alkyl-2-thiophenedithiocarboxylates with nickel(II) chloride afforded two types of complexes, blue nickel(II) complexes with two terminal dithiocarboxylate ligands, [Ni(S₂CTR)₂] and violet nickel(II) complexes with perthio- and dithiocarboxylate ligands, [Ni(S₂CTR)(S₃CTR)] (where T = 2,5-disubstituted thiophene, R = C_nH_2n+1, n = 4, 6, 8, 12, 16). The blue monomers are preferred for the shorter chains (C₄ and C₆) and the violet compounds form exclusively for the longer chains (C₈, C₁₂, and C₁₆) in the alkylthiophene complexes. In addition to the above series, [Ni(S₂CTCH₃)₂], was prepared in a one-pot reaction in THF and both the blue and violet products were isolated. It was possible to convert the blue complexes [Ni(S₂CTR)₂] (R = butyl, hexyl) into the corresponding violet complexes [Ni(S₂CTR)(S₃CTR)] after stirring in THF solutions for prolonged periods of time. Liquid-crystalline properties of these complexes were examined by DSC and POM. The violet complexes with C₈ and C₁₂ alkyl chains showed liquid-crystalline properties.     

Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of unsymmetrical tetradentate reduced Schiff base ligands

Two new reduced Schiff base ligands, [HL¹ = 4-{2-[(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-amino]-ethylimino}-pentan-2-one and HL² = 4-[2-(1-pyridin-2-yl-ethylamino)-ethylimino]-pentan-2-one] have been prepared by reduction of the corresponding tetradentate unsymmetrical Schiff bases derived from 1:1: 1 condensation of 1,2-ethanediamine, acetylacetone and pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde/2-acetyl pyridine. Four complexes, [Ni(L¹)]ClO₄ (1), [Cu(L¹)]ClO₄ (2), [Ni(L²)]ClO₄ (3), and [Cu(L²)]ClO₄ (4) with these two reduced Schiff base ligands have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The mono-negative ligands L¹ and L² are chelated in all four complexes through the four donor atoms to form square planar nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes. Structures of 3 and 4 reveal that enantiomeric pairs are crystallized together with opposite chirality in the nitrogen and carbon atoms. The two Cu^II complexes (2 and 4) exhibit both irreversible reductive (Cu^II/Cu^I; E_pc, −1.00 and −1.04 V) and oxidative (Cu^II/Cu^III; E_pa, +1.22 and +1.17 V, respectively) responses in cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemically generated Cu^I species for both the complexes are unstable and undergo disproportionation.     

Polymeric bidimensional self-assembling of [Hg(RC6H4NNNC6H4R)2Py] (R = m-acetyl) through metal-η,η-arene π-interactions and non classical C-H?O bonding: Synthesis and X-ray characterization of a bis diaryl symmetric-substituted triazenide complex of Hg(II)

Deprotonated 1,3-bis(3-acetylphenyl)triazene reacts with Hg(CH₃COO)₂ and pyridine to give light-yellow crystals of {[Hg^II(RC₆H₄NNNC₆H₄R)₂Py]}_n (R = acetyl). The tectons [Hg^II(RC₆H₄NNNC₆H₄R)₂Py] [R = CH₃C(O)] are linked to pairs as centrosymmetric dimers through reciprocal metal-η²-arene π-interactions. The dimeric units are operated by a screw axis 2₁ parallel to the crystallographic direction [0 1 0], also through a reflection-translation plane parallel to the c-axis, resulting a supramolecular bidimensional (2D) assembling of the dimeric tectons through non classical C-H?(O)CCH₃ bonding.     

Synthesis, crystal, molecular and electronic structures of hydride carbonyl ruthenium(II) complexes with pyridine and its derivative ligands

[RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(py)], [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(pyIm)] and [RuCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(pyoh)]·2CH₃OH complexes (where py = pyridine, pyIm = imidazo[1,2-α]pyridine, pyoh = 2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine) have been prepared and studied by IR, NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Electronic structures and bonding of the complexes were defined on the basis of DFT method, and the pyridine derivative ligands were compared on the basis of their donor-acceptor properties. Values of the ligand field parameter 10Dq and Racah’s parameters were estimated for the studied compounds, and the luminescence properties were determined.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of (CH2)n-bridged indenyl-pyrazoles and their cyclopentadienyl nickel(II) complexes

A new class of (CH₂)_n-bridged indenyl-pyrazoles [4-{Ind-(CH₂)_n}-RR′PzH] (Ind = 1H-inden-3-yl, n = 1-3, RR′Pz = 3,5-disubstituted pyrazolato) were synthesized. Reactions of the indenyl-functionalized pyrazoles with nickelocene in refluxing toluene afforded trimetallic and dimetallic cyclopentadienyl nickel(II) complexes, i.e., [CpNi{4-(Ind-(CH₂)_n)-RR′Pz}₂]₂Ni and [CpNi{4-(Ind-(CH₂)_n)-RR′Pz}]₂, depending on the steric hindrance from the 3,5-disubstituents on the pyrazolato rings. In the CpNi(II) complexes, pyrazolato ligands exhibit μ-η¹:η¹ coordination to the metal centers and the indenyl moieties demonstrate no interaction with the metals. All the indenyl-pyrazoles and their complexes were characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods including X-ray crystallographic study.     

Polymerization of acrylate monomers with MAO activated iron(II) and cobalt(II) complexes bearing tri- and tetradentate nitrogen ligands

Octahedral iron(II) and cobalt(II) based complexes, [N,N′-di(quinoline-2-methylene)-1,2-phenylenediimine]MCl₂, and [N,N′-di(quinoline-2-methylene)diiminocyclohexane]MCl₂ (M = Co and Fe), bearing tetradentate diimino nitrogen ligands were prepared and used in tert-butylacrylate (t-BA) polymerization after activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO). In general, polyacrylates with high molar mass and narrow molar mass distribution (MMD ≈ 2) were obtained. In order to understand the influence of the ligand on the polymerization process, polymerization behaviour of the hexacoordinated complexes was compared to pentacoordinated iron(II) and cobalt(II) complexes, 2,6-bis[1-(cyclohexylimido)ethyl]pyridine MCl₂ (M = Co and Fe), bearing tridentate diimine nitrogen ligands as well as to free iron(II) chloride. The ability of the MAO activated hexacoordinated complexes to polymerize methylacrylate (MA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) was also considered, but reduced activities as well as lower molar mass polymers were obtained than in the experiments with t-BA.     

Photophysical properties and computational investigations of tricarbonylrhenium(I)[2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzo[d]-X-azole]L and tricarbonylrhenium(I)[2-(benzo[d]-X-azol-2-yl)-4-methylquinoline]L derivatives (X = N-CH3, O, or S; L = Cl, pyridine)

We report a combined experimental and computational study of new rhenium tricarbonyl complexes based on the bidentate heterocyclic N-N ligands 2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzo[d]-X-azole (X = N-CH₃, O, or S) and 2-(benzo[d]-X-azol-2-yl)-4-methylquinoline (X = N-CH₃, O, or S). Two sets of complexes are reported. Chloro complexes, described by the general formula Re(CO)₃[2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzo[d]-X-azole]Cl (X = N-CH₃, 1; X = O, 2; X = S, 3) and Re(CO)₃[2-(benzo[d]-X-azol-2-yl)-4-methylquinoline]Cl (X = N-CH₃, 4; X = O, 5; X = S, 6) were synthesized heating at reflux Re(CO)₅Cl with the appropriate N-N ligand in toluene. The corresponding pyridine set {Re(CO)₃[2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzo-X-azole]py}PF₆ (X = N-CH₃, 7; X = O, 8; X = S, 9) and {Re(CO)₃[2-(benzo[d]-X-azol-2-yl)-4-methylquinoline]py}PF₆ (X = N-CH₃, 10; X = O, 11; X = S, 12) was synthesized by halide abstraction with silver nitrate of 1-6 followed by heating in pyridine and isolated as their hexafluorophosphate salts. All complexes have been fully characterized by IR, NMR, electrochemical techniques and luminescence. The crystal structures of 1 and 7 were obtained by X-ray diffraction. DFT and time-dependent (TD) DFT calculations were carried out for investigating the effect of the organic ligand on the optical properties and electronic structure of the reported complexes.     

Preparation and structural characterization of nickel(II), cobalt(II), zinc(II) and tin(IV) complexes of the isatin Schiff bases of S-methyl and S-benzyldithiocarbazates

The molecular structures of the isatin Schiff bases of S-methyldithiocarbazate (Hisasme) and S-benzyldithiocarbazate (Hisasbz) have been determined by X-ray diffraction and their complexes of general formula [ML₂]·n(solvate) [M = Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺; L = anionic forms of Hisasme or Hisasbz; solvate = DMF, DMSO; n = 1, 2] and [Sn(L)Ph₂Cl]·nMeOH (n = 0, 1) have been synthesized and characterized by a variety of physicochemical techniques and X-ray diffraction. The bis-ligand complexes, [Ni(isasbz)₂]·2DMSO and [Co(isasme)₂]·DMF have a six-coordinate, distorted octahedral geometry with the two uninegatively charged tridentate ONS ligands coordinated to the metal ions meridionally via the amide O-atoms, the azomethine nitrogen atoms and the thiolate sulfur atoms. By contrast, the crystal structure of [Zn(isasbz)₂]·2DMF shows a four-coordinate distorted tetrahedral geometry with the two Schiff bases coordinated as NS bidentate ligands via the azomethine nitrogen atoms and the thiolate sulfur atoms. Steric constraints of the rigid tridentate ligands lead to unusual ‘pseudo-coordination’ of the O-donors which occupy sites close to the metal but too distant to be considered as true coordinate bonds.The crystal structures of the tin(IV) complexes [SnLPh₂Cl]·nMeOH (L = isasme and isasbz; n = 0, 1) also show that the Schiff bases act as monoanionic bidentate NS chelating agents coordinating the tin(IV) ion via the azomethine nitrogen atoms and the thiolate sulfur atoms, the tin atom in each complex is five-coordinate with a highly distorted geometry intermediate of square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal. Again Sn?O contacts are weak and do not qualify as coordinate bonds.     

Formation and structures of Pd(II) N,S-heterocyclic carbene-pyridyl mixed-ligand complexes

Mononuclear mixed-ligand complexes of Pd(II) containing a N,S-heterocyclic carbene (NSHC) with a secondary alkyl N-substituent and pyridyl ligand, with the general formula [PdI₂(C₁₀H₁₁NS)L] (C₁₀H₁₁NS = 3-isopropylbenzothiazolin-2-ylidene; L = pyridine, 2-aminopyridine, 3-iodopyridine and 4-tert-butyl-pyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray single-crystal crystallography. Both solution and solid-state structures, as evident from their ¹H NMR spectra and X-ray structures, show anagostic γ-hydrogen interactions of metal with methine of the substituent on the carbene or pyridyl ligand giving 5-membered-chelate-like structures.     

Synthesis,characterization and superoxide dismutase activity of some octahedral nickel(II) complexes

Four new mixed ligand nickel(II) complexes viz., [Ni(tren)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ni(tren)(bipy)](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Ni(SAA)(PMDT)] · 2H₂O (3) and [Ni(SAA)(TPTZ)] (4) (tren = tris(2-aminoethylamine), phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, SAA = salicylidene anthranilic acid, PMDT = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, TPTZ = 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine) have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, spectroscopic, magnetic susceptibility and cyclic voltammetric measurements. Single crystal X-ray analysis of [Ni(tren)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ (1) and [Ni(SAA)(PMDT)] · 2H₂O (3) has revealed the presence of a distorted octahedral geometry. Superoxide dismutase activity of these complexes has also been measured.     

Synthesis, spectroscopy and structures of palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes containing mercapto-o-carborane

The reactions of [M₂Cl₂(μ-Cl)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂] with mercapto-o-carboranes in the presence of pyridine afforded mono-nuclear complexes of composition, [MCl(SCb°R)(py)(PMe₂Ph)] (M = Pd or Pt; Cb° = o-C₂B₁₀H₁₀; R = H or Ph). The treatment of [PdCl₂(PEt₃)₂] with PhCb°SH yielded trans-[Pd(SCb°Ph)₂(PEt₃)₂] (4) which when left in solution in the presence of pyridine gave another substitution product, [Pd(SCb°Ph)₂(py)(PEt₃)] (5). The structures of [PdCl(SCb°Ph)(py)(PMe₂Ph)] (1), [Pd(SCb°Ph)₂(PEt₃)₂] (4) and [Pd(SCb^oPh)₂(py)(PEt₃)] (5) were established unambiguously by X-ray crystallography. The palladium atom in these complexes adopts a distorted square-planar configuration with neutral donor atoms occupying the trans positions. Thermolysis of [PdCl(SCb°)(py)(PMe₂Ph)] (2) in TOPO (trioctylphosphine oxide) at 200 °C gave nanocrystals of TOPO capped Pd₄S which were characterized by XRD pattern and SEM.     

Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)-orotate complexes with N-methylimidazole: Synthesis, crystal structures and antimicrobial activities

Three Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes of orotate with the N-methylimidazole ligand were synthesized and characterized by means of elemental and thermal analysis, magnetic susceptibilities, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopic and antimicrobial activity studies. The crystal structures of [Co(HOr)(H₂O)₂(Nmeim)₂]₃·H₂O (1), [Ni(HOr)(H₂O)₂(Nmeim)₂] (2) and [Zn(HOr)(H₂O)(Nmeim)₂] (3) were determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique (H₃Or = orotic acid and Nmeim = N-methylimidazole). In complexes 1 and 2, the Co(II) and Ni(II) ions have distorted octahedral geometries with two Nmeim, one orotate and two aqua ligands. Complex 3 has a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry with two N-methylimidazole, one orotate and one aqua ligands. In the complexes, the orotate is coordinated to the metal(II) ions through the deprotonated nitrogen atom of the pyrimidine ring and the oxygen atom of the carboxylate group as a bidentate ligand. The complexes form a three-dimensional framework by hydrogen bonding, C-H?π and π?π stacking interactions. The MIC values of the complexes against selected microorganisms were determined to be in range 300-2400 μg/mL.     

Novel octahedral nickel(II) dithiocarbamates with bi- or tetradentate N-donor ligands: X-ray structures of [Ni(Bzppzdtc)(phen)2]ClO4 · CHCl3 and [Ni(Bz2dtc)2(cyclam)]

A series of novel octahedral nickel(II) dithiocarbamate complexes involving bidentate nitrogen-donor ligands (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) or a tetradentate ligand (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacycloteradecane) of the composition [Ni(BzMetdtc)(phen)₂]ClO₄ (1), [Ni(Pe₂dtc)(phen)₂]ClO₄ (2), [Ni(Bzppzdtc)(phen)₂]ClO₄ · CHCl₃ (3), [Ni(Bzppzdtc)(phen)₂](SCN) (4), [Ni(BzMetdtc)(bpy)₂]ClO₄ · 2H₂O (5), [Ni(Pe₂dtc)(cyclam)]ClO₄ (6), [Ni(BzMetdtc)₂(cyclam)] (7), [Ni(Bz₂dtc)₂(cyclam)] (8) and [Ni(Bz₂dtc)₂(phen)] (9) (BzMetdtc = N,N-benzyl-methyldithiocarbamate(1-) anion, Pe₂dtc = N,N-dipentyldithiocarbamate(1-) anion, Bz₂dtc = N,N-dibenzyldithiocarbamate(1-) anion, Bzppzdtc = 4-benzylpiperazinedithiocarbamate(1-) anion), have been synthesized. Spectroscopic (electronic and infrared), magnetic moment and molar conductivity data, and thermal behaviour of the complexes are discussed. Single crystal X-ray analysis of 3 and 8 confirmed a distorted octahedral arrangement in the vicinity of the nickel atom with a N₄S₂ donor set. They represent the first X-ray structures of such type complexes. The catalytic influence of complexes 2, 3, 6, and 7 on graphite oxidation was studied and discussed.     

Trinuclear Schiff base complexes with uranium(V) and copper(II) or zinc(II) ions

Treatment of the uranium(IV) complexes [{ML¹(py)}₂U^IV] (M = Cu, Zn; L¹ = N,N′-bis(3-hydroxysalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine) with silver nitrate in pyridine led to the formation of the corresponding cationic uranium(V) species which were found to be thermally unstable and were converted back into the parent U^IV complexes; no electron transfer was observed in solution between the U^IV and U^V compounds. In the crystals of [{ML¹(py)}₂U^IV][{ML¹(py)}₂U^V][NO₃], the neutral U^IV and cationic U^V species are clearly identified by the distinct U–O distances. Similar reaction of [{ZnL²(py)}₂U^IV] [L² = N,N′-bis(3-hydroxysalicylidene)-1,4-butanediamine] with AgNO₃ gave crystals of [{ZnL²(py)}U^V{ZnL²(py)₂}][NO₃] but the copper counterpart was not isolated. Crystals of [{ZnL¹(py)}₂U^V][OTf] · THF (OTf = OSO₂CF₃) were obtained fortuitously from the reaction of [Zn(H₂L¹)] and U(OTf)₃.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of dinickel(II) macrocyclic complexes with two 2-thiophenoethyl pendant arms

Three dinickel(II) macrocyclic complexes [Ni₂L(μ-OAc)]ClO₄•X (L = L¹, L² and L³) with two 2-thiophenoethyl pendant arms, have been synthesized by cyclocondensation between N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)-2-thiophenoethylamine and 2,6-diformyl-4-R-phenol (where R = Me, Cl and F and X = MeOH, 2MeCN and H₂O, respectively), in the presence of nickel(II) ions. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction techniques. The geometry around both of the Ni(II) ions in each molecule is a slightly distorted octahedral and the thiopheno groups do not coordinate to the Ni(II) ions, resulting that the complexes display contorted saddle-form configurations. The distances between the Ni?Ni centers for the complexes are 3.145, 3.171 and 3.155 Å, respectively. The influences of the substituted groups R in the benzene rings of the macrocyclic units on the structure, electrochemistry, magnetism, cleavage and antibacterial property to DNA have been investigated. The ES-MS results of the complexes confirm that [Ni₂L]²⁺ species in methanol solution are very stable because all the peaks in ES-MS spectra contain this kind of units. The reduction potentials of the complexes shift towards anode upon increasing the drawing electronic ability of substituted groups. Magnetic measurements in the 2-300 K range indicate weak antiferromagnetism for the dinuclear Ni(II) complexes and the magnetic exchange interactions enhance with the decrease of the Ni-Ni distances. These complexes exhibit cleavage activities towards plasmid pBR322 DNA and antibacterial activities.