The key role of the intermolecular pi-pi interactions in the presence of spin crossover in neutral [Fe(abpt)2A2] complexes (A = terminal monoanion N ligand)

New iron(II) complexes of formulas [Fe(abpt) 2(tcm) 2] ( 1), [Fe(abpt) 2(tcnome) 2] ( 2), and [Fe(abpt) 2(tcnoet) 2] ( 3) (abpt = 4-amino-3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole, tcm (-) = [C(CN) 3] (-) = tricyanomethanide anion; tcnome (-) = [(NC) 2CC(OCH 3)C(CN) 2] (-) = 1,1,3,3-tetracyano-2-methoxypropenide anion; tcnoet (-) = [(NC) 2CC(OC 2H 5)C(CN) 2] (-) = 1,1,3,3-tetracyano-2-ethoxypropenide anion) have been synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, magnetic properties and by variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure determinations of 1 and 2 reveal in both cases centrosymmetric discrete iron(II) monomeric structures in which two abpt chelating ligands stand in the equatorial plane and two terminal polynitrile ligands complete the distorted octahedral environment in trans positions. For 3, the crystallographic studies revealed two polymorphs, 3- A and 3- B, exhibiting similar discrete molecular structures to those found for 1 and 2 but with different molecular arrangements. In agreement with the variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, the magnetic susceptibility measurements, performed in the temperature range 2-400 K, showed a spin-crossover phenomenon above room temperature for complexes 1, 3- A, and 3- B with a T 1/2 of 336, 377, and 383 K, respectively, while complex 2 remains in the high-spin ground state ( S = 2) in the whole temperature range. To understand further the magnetic behaviors of 1, 3-A, and 3-B, single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements were performed at high temperatures. The crystal structures of both polymorphs could not be obtained above 400 K because the crystals decomposed. However, single-crystal X-ray data have been collected for compound 1, which reaches the full high-spin state at lower temperatures. Its crystal structure, solved at 400 K, showed a strong modification of the iron coordination sphere (average Fe-N = 2.157(3) A vs 1.986(3) A at 293 K). In agreement with the magnetic properties. Such structural behavior is a signature of the spin-state transition from low-spin (LS) to high-spin (HS). On the basis of the intermolecular pi stacking observed for the series described in this paper and for related complexes involving similar discrete structures, we have shown that complexes displaying frontal pi stacking present spin transition such as 1, 3-A, and 3-B and those involving sideways pi stacking such as complex 2 remain in the HS state.     

Cooperative spin crossover and order-disorder phenomena in a mononuclear compound [Fe(DAPP)(abpt)](ClO(4))(2) [DAPP = [bis(3-aminopropyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine], abpt = 4-amino-3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole

The synthesis and detailed characterization of the new spin crossover mononuclear complex [Fe(II)(DAPP)(abpt)](ClO(4))(2), where DAPP = [bis(3-aminopropyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine] and abpt = 4-amino-3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole, are reported. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and M?ssbauer spectroscopy have revealed the occurrence of an abrupt spin transition with a hysteresis loop. The hysteresis width derived from magnetic susceptibility measurements is 10 K, the transition being centered at T(c) downward arrow = 171 K for decreasing and T(c) upward arrow = 181 K for increasing temperatures. The crystal structure was resolved in the high-spin (293 and 183 K) and low-spin (123 K) states. Both spin-state structures belong to the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (Z = 4). The thermal spin transition is accompanied by the shortening of the mean Fe-N distances by 0.177 A. The two main structural characteristics of [Fe(DAPP)(abpt)](ClO(4))(2) are a branched network of intermolecular links in the crystal lattice and the occurrence of two types of order-disorder transitions (in the DAPP ligand and in the perchlorate anions) accompanying the thermal spin change. These features are discussed relative to the magnetic properties of the complex. The electronic structure calculations show that the structural disorder in the DAPP ligand modulates the energy gap between the HS and LS states. In line with previous studies, the order-disorder phenomena and the spin transition in [Fe(DAPP)(abpt)](ClO(4))(2) are found to be interrelated.     

Structure and physical properties of [micro-tris(1,4-bis(tetrazol-1-yl)butane-N4,N4')iron(II)] bis(hexafluorophosphate), a new Fe(II) spin-crossover compound with a three-dimensional threefold interlocked crystal lattice

[micro-Tris(1,4-bis(tetrazol-1-yl)butane-N4,N4')iron(II)] bis(hexafluorophosphate), [Fe(btzb)(3)](PF(6))(2), crystallizes in a three-dimensional 3-fold interlocked structure featuring a sharp two-step spin-crossover behavior. The spin conversion takes place between 164 and 182 K showing a discontinuity at about T(1/2) = 174 K and a hysteresis of about 4 K between T(1/2) and the low-spin state. The spin transition has been independently followed by magnetic susceptibility measurements, (57)Fe-M?ssbauer spectroscopy, and variable temperature far and midrange FTIR spectroscopy. The title compound crystallizes in the trigonal space group P3 (No. 147) with a unit cell content of one formula unit plus a small amount of disordered solvent. The lattice parameters were determined by X-ray diffraction at several temperatures between 100 and 300 K. Complete crystal structures were resolved for 9 of these temperatures between 100 (only low spin, LS) and 300 K (only high spin, HS), Z = 1 [Fe(btzb)(3)](PF(6))(2): 300 K (HS), a = 11.258(6) A, c = 8.948(6) A, V = 982.2(10) A(3); 100 K (LS), a = 10.989(3) A, c = 8.702(2) A, V = 910.1(4) A(3). The molecular structure consists of octahedral coordinated iron(II) centers bridged by six N4,N4' coordinating bis(tetrazole) ligands to form three 3-dimensional networks. Each of these three networks is symmetry related and interpenetrates each other within a unit cell to form the interlocked structure. The Fe-N bond lengths change between 1.993(1) A at 100 K in the LS state and 2.193(2) A at 300 K in the HS state. The nearest Fe separation is along the c-axis and identical with the lattice parameter c.     

Designing dinuclear iron(II) spin crossover complexes. Structure and magnetism of dinitrile-, dicyanamido-, tricyanomethanide-, bipyrimidine- and tetrazine-bridged compounds

In order to expand the few known examples of dinuclear iron(II) compounds displaying (weak) intradinuclear exchange coupling and spin-crossover on one or both of the iron(II) centres, various dinuclear compounds have been synthesised and assessed for their spin-crossover and exchange coupling behaviour. The key aim of the work was to prepare and structurally characterise 'weakly linked' and 'covalently bridged' systems incorporating bridging ligands such as alkyldinitriles (e.g.NC(CH(2))(4)CN), bipyrimidine (bpym), dicyanamide (dca(-)), tricyanomethanide (tcm(-)), 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)tetrazine (bptz) and 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)2,5-dihydrotetrazine (H(2)bptz). The 'end groups', which complete the Fe(ii)N(6) chromophores, include tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa), di(2-pyridylethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa'), 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole (pypzH), 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10-phen), tris(pyrazolyl)methane (tpm) and NCX(-)(X = S, Se). It was quite difficult to achieve the spin-crossover condition, many ligand combinations yielding high-spin/high-spin (HS-HS) Fe(II)Fe(II) spin states at all temperatures (300-2 K) with very weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J < -1 cm(-1)), two such being the crystallographically characterised [(dca)(tpm)Fe(mu(1,5)-dca)(2)Fe(tpm)(dca)], 5, and [(tpa')Fe(mu(1,5)-tcm)(2)Fe(tpa')](tcm)(2)(H(2)O)(2), 6. In contrast, a strong field was created around the Fe(II) centres in [(tpa)Fe(mu-(NC(CH(2))(4)CN))(2)Fe(tpa)](ClO(4))(4).NC(CH(2))(4)CN, 1, and the Fe-N bond distances, at 173 K, reflected this. This weakly-linked dinitrile example showed a spin-crossover beginning above 300 K. 'Half crossover' examples, yielding HS-LS states below the spin transition, similar to those noted by Real and coworkers in some mu-bpym systems, were noted for [(1,10-phen)(NCS)(2)Fe(mu-bpym)Fe(NCS)(2)(1,10-phen)], 2, [(pypzH)(NCSe)(2)Fe(mu-bpym)Fe(NCSe)(2)(pypzH)], 4, and [(tpa)Fe(mu-H(2)bptz)Fe(tpa)](ClO(4))(4), 8. Interestingly, the mu-bptz analogue, 7, remained LS-LS at all temperatures with the start of a broad spin crossover evident above 300 K. No thermal hysteresis was evident in the spin transitions of these new dinuclear crossover species indicating a lack of intra- or interdinuclear cooperativity.     

Spin crossover phenomenon accompanying order-disorder phase transition in the ligand of [FeII(DAPP)(abpt)](ClO4)2 compound (DAPP = bis(3-aminopropyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, abpt = 4-amino-3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole) and its successive self-grinding effect

The spin crossover phenomenon of the recently described spin crossover complex [FeII(DAPP)(abpt)](ClO4)2 [DAPP = bis(3-aminopropyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, abpt = 4-amino-3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole] accompanying an order-disorder phase transition of the ligand was investigated by adiabatic heat capacity calorimetry, far-IR, IR, and Raman spectroscopies, and normal vibrational mode calculation. A large heat capacity peak due to the spin crossover transition was observed at T(trs) = 185.61 K. The transition enthalpy and entropy amounted to Delta(trs)H = 15.44 kJ mol-1 and Delta(trs)S = 83.74 J K-1 mol-1, respectively. The transition entropy is larger than the expected value 60.66 J K-1 mol-1, which is contributed from the spin multiplicity (R ln 5; R: the gas constant), disordering of the carbon atom of the six-membered metallocycle in the DAPP ligand, and one of the two perchlorate anions (2R ln 2), and change of the normal vibrational modes between the high-spin (HS) and low-spin (LS) states (35.75 J K-1 mol-1). The remaining entropy would be ascribed to changes of the lattice vibrations and molecular librations between the HS and LS states. Furthermore, [Fe(DAPP)(abpt)](ClO4)2 crystals disintegrated and became smaller crystallites whenever they experienced the phase transition. This may be regarded as a successive self-grinding effect, evidenced by adiabatic calorimetry, DSC, magnetic susceptibility, and microscope observation. The relationship between the crystal size and the physical quantities is discussed.     

Two novel iron(II) materials based on dianionic N4O2 Schiff bases: structural properties and spin-crossover characteristics in the series [Fe(3-X,5-NO2-sal-N(1,4,7,10)] (X = H, 3-MeO, 3-EtO)

Two spin-crossover (SCO) complexes [Fe(II)(3-MeO,5-NO2-sal-N(1,4,7,10)] (1) and [Fe(II)(3-EtO,5-NO2-sal-N(1,4,7,10)] (2) have been prepared and studied (3-MeO,5-NO2-sal-N(1,4,7,10) and 3-EtO,5-NO2-sal-N(1,4,7,10) are deprotonated 2-[12-(hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-2,5,8,11-tetraazadodeca-1,11-dien-1-yl]-2-methoxy-4-nitrophenol and 2-[12-(hydroxy-3-ethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-2,5,8,11-tetraazadodeca-1,11-dien-1-yl]-2-ethoxy-4-nitrophenol, respectively). The X-ray diffraction analysis of complex 1 (C22H26N6O8Fe) evidenced the same Pbnb orthorhombic system at 160 K (high-spin (HS) state) and 100 K (low-spin (LS) state). At 160 K, a = 8.4810(9) A, b = 14.7704(14) A, c = 18.769(2) A, V = 2351.2(4) A3, and Z = 4. At 100 K, a = 8.5317(8) A, b = 14.4674(15) A, c = 18.814(2) A, and V = 2322.2(4) A3. Complex 2 (C28H38N6O9Fe) crystallizes in the P1 triclinic system. At 160 K (HS state), a = 10.265(4) A, b = 10.861(4) A, c = 14.181(5) A, alpha = 84.18(4) degrees, beta = 70.53(5) degrees, gamma = 88.95(5) degrees, V = 1482.6(10) A3, and Z = 2. The iron(II) coordination sphere is distorted octahedral in 1 and 2 with a cis-alpha arrangement of the N4O2 donor set of the hexadentate ligand. The molecules are connected into 1D infinite chains through hydrogen contacts involving the secondary amine functions and O(nitro) atoms of the ligands in adjacent molecules. Investigation of their magnetic properties and Mossbauer spectra has revealed very different SCO behaviors: complex 1 exhibits a cooperative SCO without residual LS or HS fraction; complex 2 shows a LS <--> HS SCO involving approximately 5% of the Fe(II) ions in the 30-150 K range. The phenomenological cooperative interaction parameter J = 138 K evaluated from the area of the hysteresis loop indicates a cooperative effect weaker in 1 than in [Fe(II)(5NO2-sal-N(1,4,7,10))]. The theoretical approach to the SCO in 2 indicates a HS ground state and a LS first excited level 53 K above: the thermal dependence of the system occurs through population of vibrational states. Comparison of the structural and electronic properties of the ferrous SCO materials with parent N4O2 ligands shows that the properties of SCO are closely related to intermolecular interactions and crystal packing.     

Magnetostructural relationship in the spin-crossover complex t-{Fe(abpt)2[N(CN)2]2}: polymorphism and disorder phenomenon

t-{Fe(abpt)(2)[N(CN)(2)](2)} [abpt = 4-amino-3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole] is an intriguing spin-crossover system that crystallizes in two polymorphs. Polymorph A is paramagnetic; its crystal structure consists of a single molecule located at the center of inversion symmetry. Polymorph B, on the other hand, exhibits a rather complicated two-step-like spin transition; its crystal structure consists of two symmetry-independent molecules. The crystal structure of polymorph B has been derived in the different spin states: above the high-temperature step (300 K), between the two steps (90 K), below the incomplete low-temperature step (50 K), in the light-induced metastable state (15 K), in the thermally quenched metastable state (15 K), and after relaxation from the quenched state (15 K). The correlation between the structure and magnetic properties is precisely established, allowing the complicated magnetic behavior of polymorph B to be well understood. A unique order-disorder phase transition, resulting in a modulation of the metastable state structures, is detected for the first time on such spin-transition compounds. The modulation of the structure originates from a particular ordering of the dicyanamide ligand at one of the two Fe sites.     

Fe(II)(TRIM)(2)]F(2), the First Example of Spin Conversion Monitored by Molecular Vibrations

The new [Fe(II)(TRIM)(2)]F(2) spin-crossover complex (TRIM = 4-(4-imidazolylmethyl)-2-(2-imidazolylmethyl)imidazole) has been synthesized, crystallizing in the monoclinic system, space group P2/n, with Z = 2, a = 9.798(2) ?, b = 8.433(2) ?, c = 14.597(3) ?, and beta = 90.46(1) degrees. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to conventional agreement indices R = 0.032 and R(w) = 0.034 with 1378 unique reflections for which I > 3sigma(I). The molecular structure consists of [Fe(TRIM)(2)](2+) complex cations hydrogen-bonded to six fluoride anions. The crystal packing results from this highly symmetrical and dense 3D network of hydrogen bonds. The coordination geometry of the iron(II) center can be described as a weakly distorted octahedron, including six nitrogen atoms originating from the two TRIM ligands coordinated to Fe(II) through their imine nitrogen atoms. Investigation of [Fe(II)(TRIM)(2)]F(2) by magnetic susceptibility measurements and M?ssbauer spectroscopy as a function of temperature indicates a 5% thermal variation of the spin fraction between 50 and 150 K, at variance with all previous litterature data. The spin conversion is gradual with 6% LS fraction below 50 K and less than 1% above 150 K. A theoretical approach based on the Ising-like model, completed with harmonic oscillators associated with the 15 vibration modes of the FeN(6) coordination octahedron, successfully fits the data with an energy gap of approximately 40 K between the lowest LS and HS electrovibrational states, an average vibration frequency omega(LS) of 232 K in the LS state, and an average omega(LS)/omega(HS) ratio of 1.3. Taking these results into account, the computed molar entropy change DeltaS associated with a complete conversion between the HS and LS states of Fe(II)(TRIM)(2)F(2) ( approximately 40 J.K(-)(1).mol(-)(1)) is in fair agreement with the expected value.     

Thermal- and pressure-induced cooperative spin transition in the 2D and 3D coordination polymers {Fe(5-Br-pmd)z[M(CN)x]y} (M=AgI, AuI, NiII, PdII, PtII)

A new family of cyanide-based spin-crossover polymers with the general formula {Fe(5-Br-pmd)z[M(CN)x]y} [M=AgI (1), AuI (2), NiII (3), PdII (4), PtII (5); 5-Br-pmd=5-bromopyrimidine; z=1 or 2, x=2 or 4, and y=2 or 1] have been synthesized and characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), magnetic susceptibility measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). At 293 K, compound 1 presents the monoclinic space group C2/c, whereas at 120 K, it changes to the monoclinic space group P21/c. At 293 K, the crystal structure of 1 displays an uninodal three-dimensional network whose nodes, constituted of FeII, lie at the inversion center of an elongated octahedron. The equatorial bond lengths are defined by the N atoms of four [AgI(CN)2]- groups belonging to two crystallographically nonequivalent AgI atoms, Ag(1) and Ag(2). They are shorter than those of the axial positions occupied by the N atoms of the 5-Br-pmd ligands. The Fe-N average bond length of 2.1657(7) A is consistent with a high-spin (HS) state for the FeII ions. At 120 K, the crystal structure changes refer mainly to the FeII environment. There are two crystallographically independent FeII ions at this temperature, Fe(1) and Fe(2), which adopt the HS and low-spin (LS) states, respectively. The average Fe-N bond length for Fe(1) [2.174(5) A] and Fe(2) [1.955(5) A] agrees well with the reported magnetic data at this temperature. The spin transition of the FeII ions labeled as Fe(1) is found to be centered at Tc downward arrow=149 K and Tc upward arrow=167 K and accompanied by a drastic change of color from orange (HS) to red (LS). Magnetic susceptibility measurements under applied hydrostatic pressure performed on 1 have shown a linear displacement of the transition to higher temperatures while the hysteresis width remains unaltered in the interval of pressures of 105 Pa to 0.34 GPa. A further increase of the pressure induces the spin transition in the Fe(2) ions, which is completely accomplished at 1.12 GPa (T1/2=162 K). Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, but 2 does not exhibit spin-transition properties; the FeII centers remain in the HS state in the temperature range investigated, 5-300 K. Compounds 3-5 are not similar or isostructural with 1. A two-dimensional structure for 3-5 has been proposed on the basis of analytical data and the XRPD patterns. Compounds 3-5 undergo first-order spin transition where the critical temperatures for the cooling (Tc downward arrow) and warming (Tc upward arrow) modes are 170 and 180 K (3), 204 and 214 K (4), and 197 and 223 K (5), respectively. It is worth mentioning the color change from yellow to orange observed in 3-5 upon spin transition. The thermodynamic parameters associated with the spin transition estimated from DSC measurements are DeltaH=6 kJ mol(-1) (1), 11 kJ mol(-1) (3), 16 kJ mol(-1) (4), and 16 kJ mol(-1) (5) and DeltaS=38 J K(-1) mol(-1) (1), 62 J K(-1) mol(-1) (3), 76 J K-1 mol(-1) (4), and 81 J K(-1) mol(-1) (5).     

Variable-temperature x-ray structural investigation of [Fe[HC(3,5-Me2pz)3]2](BF4)2 (pz= pyrazolyl ring): observation of a thermally induced spin state change from all high spin to an equal high spin-low spin mixture, concomitant with the onset of nonmerohedral twinning

The complex [Fe[HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)](2)](BF(4))(2) (pz = pyrazolyl ring) undergoes a phase transition that occurs concomitantly with a thermally induced spin conversion between the high-spin (HS, S = 2) and low-spin (LS, S = 0) states. Above 204 K the compound is completely HS with the structure in the C2/c space group with Z = 4. A crystal structure determination of this phase was performed at 220 K yielding the cell constants a = 20.338(2) A, b = 10.332(1) A, c = 19.644(2) A, beta = 111.097(2) degrees, and V = 3851.5(6) A(3). There is one unique iron(II) site at this temperature. Below 206 K the compound converts to a 50:50 mixture of HS and LS. The radical change in the coordination sphere for half of the iron(II) sites, most notably a shortening of the Fe-N bond distances by ca. 0.2 A, that accompanies this magnetic transition causes a phase transition. The crystal system changes from C-centered monoclinic to primitive triclinic with Z = 2 with two half-molecules on independent inversion centers. A crystal structure determination was performed at 173 K in space group P1 with a = 10.287(2) A, b = 11.355(3) A, c = 18.949(4) A, alpha = 90.852(4) degrees, beta = 105.245(4) degrees, gamma = 116.304(4) degrees, and V = 1892.3(8) A(3). All specimens investigated below the phase transition temperature were determined to be nonmerohedral twins. Temperature cycling between these two forms does not appear to degrade crystal quality. Previous magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a second, irreversible increase in the magnetic moment the first time the crystals are cooled below 85 K. A crystal structure determination at 220 K of a specimen precooled to 78 K was not significantly different from those not cooled below 220 K.     

Tris(5-methylpyrazolyl)methane: synthesis and properties of its iron(II) complex

The new ligand, tris(5-methylpyrazolyl)methane (1), has been prepared by the reaction of n-butyl lithium with tris(pyrazolyl)methane followed by trimethylation of the tetralithiated species with methyl iodide. The BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), and BPh(3)CN(-) salts of the Fe(II) complex of this ligand were also synthesized. The X-ray crystal structure of the BF(4)(-) complex (2) at 100 K had Fe-N bond lengths of 1.976 ?, indicative of a low spin Fe(II) complex, while at room temperature, the structure of this complex had a Fe-N bond distance close to 2.07 ?, indicative of an admixture of approximately 50% low-spin and 50% high-spin. The solid-state structure of the complex with a ClO(4)(-) counterion was determined at 5 different temperatures between 173 and 293 K, which allowed the thermodynamic parameters for the spin-crossover to be estimated. M?ssbauer spectra of the BF(4)(-) complex further support spin-state crossover in the solid state with a transition temperature near 300 K. UV-visible spectroscopy and (1)H NMR studies of 2 show that the transition temperature in solution is closer to 400 K. No spin-crossover was observed for [Fe(1)(2)](2+)·2BPh(3)CN(-). The results allow the separation of effects of groups in the 3-position from those in the 5-position on tpm ligands, and also point toward a small cooperative effect in the spin-crossover for the Fe(II) complex.     

Structural study of the thermal and photochemical spin states in the spin crossover complex [Fe(phen)2(NCSe)2

The first structural data for [Fe(phen)(2)(NCSe)(2)] (obtained using the extraction method of sample preparation) in its high-spin, low-spin and LIESST induced metastable high-spin states have been recorded using synchrotron radiation single crystal diffraction. The space group for all of the spin states was found to be Pbcn. On cooling from the high-spin state (HS-1) at 292 K through the spin crossover at about 235 K to the low-spin state at 100 K (LS-1) the iron coordination environment changed to a more regular octahedral geometry and the Fe-N bond lengths decreased by 0.216 and 0.196 A (Fe-N(phen)) and 0.147 A (Fe-N(CSe)). When the low-spin state was illuminated with visible light at about 26 K, the structure of this LIESST induced metastable high-spin state (HS-2) was very similar to that of HS-1 with regards to the Fe-phen bond lengths, but there were some differences in the bond lengths in the Fe-NCSe unit between HS-1 and HS-2. When HS-2 was warmed in the dark to 50 K, the resultant low-spin state (LS-2) had an essentially identical structure to LS-1. In all spin states, all of the shortest intermolecular contacts (in terms of van der Waals radii) involved the NCSe ligand, which may be important in describing the cooperativity in the solid state. The quality of the samples was confirmed by magnetic susceptibility and IR measurements.     

Extension of the experimental electron density analysis to metastable states: a case example of the spin crossover complex Fe(btr)2(NCS)2.H2O

An experimental electron density (ED) analysis of the spin crossover coordination complex Fe(btr)(2)(NCS)(2).H(2)O has been performed in the ground low-spin (LS) state and in the metastable thermally quenched high-spin (HS) state at 15 K by fitting a multipolar model to high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements. The ED has been quantitatively analyzed using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules. This is the first time the ED distribution of a molecular metastable state has been experimentally investigated. The electron deformation densities and derived Fe 3d orbital populations are characteristic of LS (t(2g)(6) e(g)(0)) and HS (t(2g)(4) e(g)(2)) electron configurations and indicate significant sigma donation to the Fe d(x)2(-)(y)2 and d(z)2 atomic orbitals. The Fe-N(NCS) and Fe-N(btr) coordination interactions are characterized using the laplacian distribution of the ED, the molecular electrostatic potential, and the fragment charges obtained by integration over the topological atomic basins. A combination of electrostatic and covalent contributions to these interactions is pointed out. Interlayer interactions are evidenced by the presence of bond critical points in N...H hydrogen bonds involving the non-coordinated water molecule. Systematic differences in the atomic displacement parameters between the LS and HS states have been described and rationalized in terms of modifications of bond force constants.     

Structural, thermal, and magnetic study of solvation processes in spin-crossover [Fe(bpp)(2)][Cr(L)(ox)(2)](2).nH(2)O complexes

The influence of lattice water in the magnetic properties of spin-crossover [Fe(bpp)2]X2.nH2O salts [bpp = 2,6-bis(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine] is well-documented. In most cases, it stabilizes the low-spin state compared to the anhydrous compound. In other cases, it is rather the contrary. Unraveling this mystery implies the study of the microscopic changes that accompany the loss of water. This might be difficult from an experimental point of view. Our strategy is to focus on some salts that undergo a nonreversible dehydration-hydration process without loss of crystallinity. By comparison of the structural and magnetic properties of original and rehydrated samples, several rules concerning the role of water at the microscopic level can be deduced. This paper reports on the crystal structure, thermal studies, and magnetic properties of [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(bpy)(ox)2]2.2H2O (1), [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(phen)(ox)2]2.0.5H2O.0.5MeOH (2), and [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(phen)(ox)2]2.5.5H2O.2.5MeOH (3). Salt 1 contains both high-spin (HS) and low-spin (LS) Fe2+ cations in a 1:1 ratio. Dehydration yields the anhydrous spin-crossover compound with T1/2 downward arrow = 353 K and T1/2 upward arrow = 369 K. Rehydration affords the dihydrate [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(bpy)(ox)2]2.2H2O (1r) with 100% HS Fe2+ sites. Salt 2 also contains both HS and LS Fe2+ cations in a 1:1 ratio. Dehydration yields the anhydrous spin-crossover compound with T1/2 downward arrow = 343 K and T1/2 upward arrow = 348 K. Rehydration affords [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(phen)(ox)2]2.0.5H2O (2r) with 72% Fe2+ sites in the LS configuration. The structural, magnetic, and thermal properties of these rehydrated compounds 1r and 2r are also discussed. Finally, 1 has been dehydrated and resolvated with MeOH to give [Fe(bpp)2][Cr(bpy)(ox)2]2.MeOH (1s) with 33% HS Fe2+ sites. The influence of the guest solvent in the Fe2+ spin state can anticipate the future applications of these compounds in solvent sensing.     

Tuning of the critical temperature in iron(II) spin-crossover materials based on bridging polycyanidometallates: pentacyanidonitrosylferrate(II) and hexacyanidoplatinate(IV)

The reactions of iron(II) sulfate, 4-amino-3,5-di-2-pyridyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (abpt), and pentacyanidonitrosylferrate(II) or hexacyanidoplatinate(IV) resulted in the formation of one-dimensional iron(II) spin-crossover compounds [Fe(abpt)(2)(μ-Fe(CN)(5)(NO))](n) (1) and [Fe(abpt)(2)(μ-Pt(CN)(6))](n) (2) with the spin-transition critical temperature near or above room temperature accompanied by thermochromism. Furthermore, it has been proven that the critical temperature T(c) is influenced by the type of dianionic polycyanidometallate within the series of discussed systems, and it changes in the sequence of [Fe(CN)(5)(NO)](2-) < [Pt(CN)(6))](2-) < [Ni(CN)(4))](2-) ≈ [Pd(CN)(4))](2-) ≈ [Pt(CN)(4))](2-).     

Thermal and Light-Induced Spin Transition in the High- and Low-Temperature Structure of [Fe(0.35)Ni(0.65)(mtz)(6)](ClO(4))(2)

The thermal and light induced spin transition in [Fe(0.35)Ni(0.65)(mtz)(6)](ClO(4))(2) (mtz = 1-methyl-1H-tetrazole) was studied by (57)Fe M?ssbauer spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. In addition to the spin transition of the iron(II) complexes the compound undergoes a structural phase transition. The high-temperature structure could be determined by X-ray crystallography of the isomorphous [Fe(0.25)Ni(0.75)(mtz)(6)](ClO(4))(2) complex at room temperature. The X-ray structural analysis shows this complex to be rhombohedric, space group R&thremacr;, with a = 10.865(2) ? and c = 23.65(1) ? with three molecules in the unit cell. The transition to the low-temperature structure occurs at approximately 60 K without changing the spin state of the molecules. By subsequent heating of the complex the high-temperature structure is reached again between ca. 170 and 200 K. The spin transition behavior is strongly influenced by the structural changes, and the observed spin transition curves are completely different for the high- and low-temperature phases. In the high-temperature structure a complete and gradual spin transition between 220 and 120 K (T(1/2)(gamma(HS) = 0.5) = 185 K) is detected; the high-spin (HS) state is represented by one HS doublet in the M?ssbauer spectra. In the low-temperature structure a two-step transition curve is detected in the heating mode. About 36% of the molecules show a LS (low-spin) --> HS transition between ca 50 and 75 K. Then the HS fraction stays constant up to 150 K. A further increase in the high-spin fraction is observed at temperatures above 150 K. In this structural phase the HS state is represented by two different HS doublets in the M?ssbauer spectra. The formation of metastable HS states by making use of the LIESST effect is only possible in the low-temperature structure. By excitation of the LS molecules with green light, two different HS states are populated which show very different relaxation behavior. One HS state shows a relaxation to the LS state even at 10 K; the other HS state shows a very slow HS --> LS relaxation at 60 K (within days), leading to the HS fraction corresponding to the thermal equilibrium value.     

Lattice-solvent controlled spin transitions in iron(II) complexes

A series of spin transition (ST) iron(II) compounds of the type [FeII2](X)2.{S}2 (where is 4'-(4'-cyanophenyl)-1,2':6'1'-bispyrazolylpyridine, X=ClO4- or BF4-, and S is acetonitrile) was synthesized and magnetically investigated. The effects of the removal of the lattice-solvent molecules and of their different positions relative to the iron(II) cations on the ST process were investigated. Crystallization yields orange block (A.{S}2) crystals of the composition [FeII()2](ClO4)2.{S}2, and two polymorphic compounds of the stoichiometry [FeII()2](BF4)2.{S}2 as red coffin (B.{S}2) and orange block (C.{S}2) crystals. The Fe-N bond distances of A.{S}2 (from 1.921(9) to 1.992(3) A; at 150 K), B.{S}2 (from 1.943(2) to 2.017(2) A; at 180 K) and C.{S}2 (from 1.883(3) to 1.962(3) A; at 180 K) indicate low spin (LS) states of the respective iron(II) ions. Notably, the observed small difference in the Fe-N distances at 180 K for the two polymorphs B.{S}2and C.{S}2 are due to different positions of the acetonitrile molecules in the crystal lattices and illustrate the sensitivity of the spin transition properties on lattice-solvent effects. Variable-temperature single crystal X-ray studies display single-crystal thermochroism (red (LS)<-->orange (HS)) for A.{S}2 and B.{S}2 and ca. 3.6% decrease in the unit cell volume of A.{S}2 from 4403 A3 at 300 K to 4278 A3 at 150 K. The temperature dependent magnetic susceptibilities of A.{S}2 and B.{S}2 demonstrate systematic increase of the spin transition temperatures (T1/2) and continuous decreases of the hysteresis loop width (DeltaT1/2) upon slow lattice-solvent exclusion.     

Partial spin crossover behaviour in a dinuclear iron(II) triple helicate

Reported herein are the synthesis, structural, magnetic and M?ssbauer spectroscopic characterisation of a dinuclear Fe(II) triple helicate complex [Fe(2)(L)(3)](ClO(4))(4).xH(2)O (x = 1-4), 1(H(2)O), where L is a bis-bidentate imidazolimine ligand. Low temperature structural analysis (150 K) and M?ssbauer spectroscopy (4.5 K) are consistent with one of the Fe(II) centres within the helicate being in the low spin (LS) state with the other being in the high-spin (HS) state resulting in a [LS:HS] species. However, M?ssbauer spectroscopy (295 K) and variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements (4.5-300 K) reveal that 1(H(2)O) undergoes a reversible single step spin crossover at one Fe(II) centre at higher temperatures resulting in a [HS:HS] species. Indeed, the T(1/2)(SCO) values at this Fe(II) centre also vary as the degree of hydration, x, within 1(H(2)O) changes from 1 to 4 and are centred between ca. 210 K-265 K, respectively. The dehydration/hydration cycle is reversible and the fully hydrated phase of 1(H(2)O) may be recovered on exposure to water vapour. This magnetic behaviour is in contrast to that observed in the related compound [Fe(2)(L)(3)](ClO(4))(4)·2MeCN, 1(MeCN), whereby fully reversible SCO was observed at each Fe(II) centre to give [LS:LS] species at low temperature and [HS:HS] species at higher temperatures. Reasons for this differing behaviour between 1(H(2)O) and 1(MeCN) are discussed.     

Mass effect on the equienergetic high-spin/low-spin states of spin-crossover in 4,4'-bipyridine-bridged iron(II) polymeric compounds: synthesis,structure, and magnetic,Mössbauer,and theoretical studies

The suitability of the system [Fe(4,4'-bipy)(H(2)O)(2)(NCX)(2)].(4,4'-bipy), where 4,4'-bipy stands for 4,4'-bipyridine and X = S (1) and Se (2), as a precursor for the synthesis of new polymeric spin-crossover compounds has been studied. The reaction of 1 or 2 with bt (2,2'-bithiazoline) afforded the polymeric compounds of formula [Fe(4,4'-bipy)(bt)(NCX)(2)] (X = S (3), Se (4)). Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural, but only the crystal structure of 3 has been fully determined. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, Fdd2 space group, Z = 24, with a = 38.962(8) A, b = 11.545(2) A, c = 30.889(6) A, V = 13895(5) A(3). The structure consists of linear chains constituted by trans-4,4'-bipy linked iron(II) ions; two cis equatorial positions are occupied by two pseudohalide ligands, and the remaining positions are filled by the bidentate bt ligand. Investigation of their magnetic properties and M?ssbauer spectra has revealed the occurrence of a low-spin (LS) <--> high-spin (HS) conversion involving 12% (3, S) and 20% (4, Se) of the Fe(II) ions. The thermal variation of the HS fraction is gradual with onset temperatures as low as 60 K. A theoretical approach based on the Ising-like model, completed with molecular vibrations, through harmonic oscillators, fits the data successfully, leading to an energy gap of 65 cm(-1) (3) and 86 cm(-1) (4) between the lowest LS and HS levels, and an average vibration frequency ohgrmacr;(LS) of 382 cm(-1) (3) and 365 cm(-1) (4) in the LS state. The ca. 1.05 omega(LS(3))/omega(LS(4)) ratio is close to the ca. 1.09 Se/S molar mass ratio. The simple electrovibrational Ising-like model permits us to explain, for the first time, a mass effect through the molecular vibrations in a spin-crossover complex that is in the unusual situation of equienergy among the HS and LS states.     

First dicyanamide-bridged spin-crossover coordination polymer: synthesis, structural, magnetic, and spectroscopic studies

We report here on the synthesis and characterisation of a first iron(II) spin-crossover coordination polymer with the dca spacer ligand, having the formula [Fe(aqin)2(dca)]ClO4.MeOH (aqin=8-aminoquinoline, dca=dicyanamide), which displays a two-step complete spin transition. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and M?ssbauer spectroscopy have revealed that the two relatively gradual steps are centred at 215 and 186 K and are separated by an inflection point at about 201 K, at which 50 % of the complex molecules undergo a spin transition. The two steps are related to the existence of two crystallographically inequivalent metal sites, as confirmed by the structural and M?ssbauer studies. The crystal structure was resolved at 293 K (HS form) and 130 K (LS form). Both spin-state structures belong to the triclinic P1 space group (Z=2). The complex assumes a linear chain structure, in which the active iron(II) sites are linked to each other by anionic dicyanamide ligands acting as chemical bridges. The Fe-Fe distances through the dca ligand are 8.119(1) and 7.835(1) A in the high-spin and low-spin structures, respectively. The polymeric chains extend along a (1, 0, -1) axis and are packed in sheets, between which the perchlorate anions and methanol molecules are inserted. The complex molecules are linked together by pi-stacking interactions and H-bonding between the H-donor aqin ligands and the perchlorate ions. These structural features provide a basis for cooperative interactions in the crystal lattice. Analysis of the two-step spin-crossover character in this compound suggests that covalent interactions through the spacer ligand do not provide the main mechanism of cooperativity.