Axial and equatorial carbene ligands of dimanganese and dirhenium monocarbene complexes: Synthesis, characterisation and structural studies

The binuclear alkoxycarbene complexes [M₂(CO)₉{C(OEt)C₄H₃Y}] (M = Mn, Y = S(1), O(2); Re, Y = S(3), O(4)) were synthesised and characterised, giving axial carbene ligands for the dimanganese complexes, and equatorial carbene ligands for the dirhenium complexes. Aminolysis of these complexes with ammonia and n-propylamine yielded complexes [M₂(CO)₉{C(NHR)C₄H₃Y}] (R = H, M = Mn, Y = S(5), O(6); Re, Y = S(7), O(8); R = propyl, M = Mn, Y = S(9), O(10); Re, Y = S(11), O(12)). For the smaller NH₂-substituted carbene ligands, the X-ray structures determined showed equatorial carbene ligands for both dimanganese and dirhenium complexes, while the NHPr-substituted carbene complexes retained the original configurations of the precursor alkoxy carbene complex, indicating that the steric effects of both the M(CO)₅-fragment and the carbene ligand substituent can affect the coordination site of the carbene ligands of Group VII transition metal complexes in the solid state.     

Synthesis,structural, electrochemical,and spectroscopic studies of some (diimine)ruthenium nitrile complexes

The syntheses of cationic ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(Me₂-bpy)(PPh₃)₂RR?][PF₆]_x {Me₂-bpy = 4,4?-dimethyl-2,2?-bipyridine, (3) R = Cl, R? = N≡CMe, x = 1, (4) R = Cl, R? = N≡CPh, x = 1, (5) R = R? = N≡CMe, x = 2} and [Ru(Me₂-bpy)(κ²-dppf)RR?][PF₆]_x {dppf = 1,1?-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene, (6) R = Cl, R? = N≡CMe, x = 1, (7) R = Cl, R? = N≡CPh, x = 1, (8) R = R? = N≡CMe, x = 2} are reported, together with their structural confirmation by NMR (³¹P, ¹H) and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and, in the case of trans-[Ru(Me₂-bpy)(PPh₃)₂(N≡CCH₃)Cl][PF₆] (3), by X-ray crystallography. Electronic absorption and emission spectra of the complexes reveal that all complexes except 4 and 6 are emissive in the range 370–400 nm with 8 exhibiting an emission in the blue. Cyclic voltammetry studies of 3–8 show reversible or quasi-reversible redox processes at ca. 1 V, assigned to the Ru(II/III) couple.     

Synthesis,crystal structures,and magnetic properties of three new iron(II) complexes with pyrrolyl-substituted triaryltriazoles

Three pyrrolyl-substituted triaryltriazoles, 3-(N-methyl-2-pyrrolyl)-4-(p-R-phenyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole (L¹: R = MeO; L²: R = Cl; L³: R = Br), and their mononuclear iron(II) complexes, trans-[Fe(L^1–3)₂(NCS)₂]?2MeOH (1: L¹; 2: L²; 3: L³), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ESI-MS, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Crystallographic studies revealed that 1–3 are isomorphous and crystallize in the triclinic space group P-1. All the complexes have a similar octahedral [FeN₆] core with two trans-NCS^? ions. Each ligand adopts a chelating bidentate coordination mode via the pyridyl N and one N of the triazole. Intermolecular O–H?O hydrogen bonding and C–H?π interactions link the molecules of 1–3 to form a 1-D chain or 2-D framework. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated that all the complexes remained in a high-spin state from 1.8 to 300 K and had a weak antiferromagnetic interaction.     

A new phenylimidorhenium(V) compound containing the 2-[(2-hydroxyethylimino)methyl]phenol Schiff-base ligand: experimental and theoretical aspects

Reaction of equimolar trans-[Re(NPh)(PPh₃)₂Cl₃] with H₂L, a 1?:?1 Schiff-base condensate of salicylaldehyde and ethanolamine, in chloroform gives trans-[Re(NPh)(HL)(PPh₃)Cl₂] (1a) in good yield. 1a has been characterized by C, H, and N microanalyses, FTIR and UV–vis spectra. The X-ray crystal structure of 1a reveals that it is an octahedral trans-Cl,Cl phenylimidorhenium(V) complex. The rhenium center has an ‘N₂OCl₂P’ coordination sphere. 1a crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 11.2391(5), b = 16.4848(7), c = 16.3761(8) Å, V = 3034.0(2) ų and Z = 4. The electrochemical aspects of 1a have been studied. Electrochemical studies of 1a in dichloromethane show a quasi-reversible Re(V) to Re(VI) oxidation at 1.128 V versus Ag/AgCl. This redox potential reasonably matches the calculated redox potential, 1.186 V versus Ag/AgCl. Geometry optimization of the trans-Cl,Cl 1a vis-à-vis its cis analog, cis-Cl,Cl 1b, have been performed at the level of density functional theory (DFT). It is revealed that 1a is more stable than 1b by 21.6 kcal per mole of energy in the gas phase.     

Coordination and inclusion compounds formed by addition of quinoline (Q) or isoquinoline (Iq) to a metal(II) dibenzoylmethanate (Co, Ni, Zn, Cd)

Three isomorphous series of new compounds are reported: complexes [M(DBM)₂Q₂] and [M(DBM)₂Iq₂] (M = M(II) = Co, Ni, Zn, Cd; DBM is C₆H₅COCHCOC₆H₅ ^?) and inclusion compounds [M(DBM)₂Q₂]*Q (M = Co, Zn, Cd). All the compounds comprise a trans configured octahedral complex molecule. Inclusion compounds of modified Zn and Cd DBM complexes are reported for the first time and their inclusion ability is attributed to the trans isomeric state induced by the bulky Q or Iq ligand. The TG measurements indicate the following order of thermal stability of the complexes defined by the strength of the metal–ligand bonds: Ni > Co > Cd > Zn. The inclusion compounds do not follow this trend.     

Photochemical reactions of metal carbonyls with heteroaromatic methanesulfonylhydrazone-based ligands

Three new heteroaromatic methanesulfonylhydrazone derivatives: thiophene-2-carboxy aldehydemethanesulfonylhydrazone (msh 1), 2-acetylthiophenemethanesulfonylhdrazone (msh 2), and 2-acetyl-5-methylthiophenemethanesulfonylhydrazone (msh 3) were prepared and their metal carbonyl complexes ([M(CO)₅(msh 1)] M = Cr, 1a; Mo, 1b; W, 1c); ([M(CO)₅(msh 2)] M = Cr, 2a; Mo, 2b; W, 2c); and ([M(CO)₅(msh 3)] M = Cr, 3a; Mo, 3b; W, 3c) were synthesized by photochemical reactions of [M(CO)₆ M = Cr, Mo, W] with msh 1–3. Heteroaromatic methanesulfonylhydrazones, msh 1–3, and their metal carbonyl complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, IR, and ¹H and ¹³C–{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. According to all the spectroscopic data, msh 1–3 are monodentate and coordinate via thiophene ring sulfur. The msh 1–3 must act as two-electron donors to satisfy the 18-electron rule.     

Syntheses,structures, thermal stabilities and bacteriostatic activities of four lanthanide complexes

Four lanthanide complexes, [La₂(2,4-DClBA)₆(5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₂]·2C₂H₅OH (1) and [Ln(2,4-DClBA)₃(5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)(C₂H₅OH)]₂ (Ln = Pr(2), Sm(3), Gd(4); 2,4-DClBA = 2,4-dichlorobenzoate; 5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy = 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), were synthesized and characterized via elemental analysis, infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The crystal structures of 1 and 2–4 are different; Each La³⁺ is nine-coordinate adopting a distorted mono-capped square antiprism, while the Ln³⁺ ions of 2–4 are all eight-coordinate with a distorted square antiprismatic molecular geometry. There are subtle changes in the local coordination geometry of the lanthanide–5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy complexes. Binuclear 1 complexes are stitched together via two kinds of hydrogen bonding interactions (OH?O and CH?O) to form 1-D chains along the y axis, while the units of 2–4 are stitched together via CH?O to form 1-D chains along the x axis. TG analysis revealed thermal decomposition processes and thermal stabilities of the complexes. The bacteriostatic activities of the complexes were evaluated against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.     

Syntheses and X-ray structures of heteroleptic octahedral Mn(II)-xanthato complexes involving N-donor ligands

A series of octahedral manganese(II) complexes involving xanthates and N-donor ligands, [Mn(S₂COiBu)₂(phen)] (1), [Mn(S₂COiBu)₂(2,2′-bpy)] (2), [Mn(S₂COnPr)₂(phen)] (3), [Mn(S₂COnPr)₂(2,2′-bpy)] (4), [Mn(S₂COMe)₂(2,2′-bpy)] (5), [Mn(S₂COnPr)₂(4,4′-bpy)]_n, and [Mn₂(S₂COnPr)₄(4,4′-bpy)₃] (6) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = bipyridine) was prepared. Complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, TG/DSC analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structures are built of monomeric molecules of the complexes, except for 6 with the 4,4′-bipyridine ligand, which contains a binuclear complex and 1D polymeric zigzag chain in one crystal.     

Synthesis,X-ray structural and DFT studies of n-membered ring P,C-chelated complexes of Pd(II) and Pt(II) derived from unsymmetrical phosphorus ylides and application of Pd(II) complexes as catalyst in Suzuki reaction

The phosphonium salts [Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂CH₂C(O)C₆H₄-m-OMe]Br (n = 1 (S₁) and n = 2 (S₂)) were synthesized in the reaction of bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) and bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) with 2-bromo-3?-methoxy acetophenone, respectively. Further treatment with NEt₃ gave the phosphorus ylides Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂C(H)C(O)C₆H₄-m-OMe (n = 1 (Y₁) and n = 2 (Y₂)). These ligands were treated with [MCl₂(cod)] (M = Pd or Pt; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) to give the P, C-chelated complexes, [MCl₂(Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂C(H)C(O)C₆H₄-m-OMe)] (n = 1, M = Pd (3), Pt (4), and n = 2, M = Pd (5), Pt (6)). These compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods, UV–visible, and fluorescence emission spectra. Further, the structures of complexes 3 and 6 were characterized crystallographically. The palladium complexes 3 and 5 proved to be excellent catalysts for the Suzuki reactions of various aryl chlorides. Also, a theoretical study on the structure of complexes 3–6 has been investigated at the BP86/def2-SVP level of theory. The strength and nature of donor?acceptor bonds between the phosphorus ylides (L) and MCl₂ fragment in the [LMCl₂] (M = Pd, Pt, L = Y₁, Y₂) were studied by NBO and energy decomposition analysis (EDA), as well as their natural orbitals for chemical valence variation (EDA-NOCV).     

Tricarbonylrhenium(I) complexes with the N,6-dimethylpyridine-2-carbothioamide ligand: combined experimental and calculation studies

Abstract

A new series of tricarbonyl complexes of rhenium(I) in the “2 + 1” system with the bidentate ligand N,6-dimethylpyridine-2-carbothioamide ((CH₃)NC₅H₄-CS-NH-CH₃, MeLH(Me)_NS) and a monodentate ligand (halides Cl, Br, or I, and the pseudohalide NCS anion) was synthesized. The use of mixed ligands led to the formation of neutral tricarbonylrhenium(I) complexes [Re(CO)₃(MeLH(Me)_NS)X] (X = Cl, Br, I, NCS) (1–4). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the crystal structures of all four compounds and those results were compared with molecular structures obtained from DFT calculations using the PBE0/def2-TZVPD approach. The complexes were also characterized by spectroscopic (FT-IR, NMR, and UV–vis) and analytical (HPLC, TGA, EA, ESI-MS) techniques. IR and UV–vis spectra were also calculated by DFT and TD-DFT methods. The cytotoxicity of these complexes was estimated using human ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and A2780cis), cervical cancer cells (HeLa), and non-cancerous human embryonic kidney cells (Hek-293). The toxicity of most complexes was moderate or low toward cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ = 46–231 μM) and similar against non-cancerous cells (IC₅₀ = 41-121 μM). Only the complex with chlorido ligand remarkably inhibited growth of ovarian cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 3 and 12 μM for A2780 and A2780cis, respectively). The cytotoxicity of 1 was higher than that of cisplatin.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA binding studies and in vitro cytotoxicity of platinum(II)-dihalogenido complexes containing bidentate chelating N-donor ligands

Platinum(II) complexes, [Pt(L_x)X₂] (1–6), where X = Br or I and L_x = 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives (5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (5-Mebpy), 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (4-Mebpy), and 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline (5-NH₂phen)) were prepared. The complexes were characterized by the elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, infrared, and multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹⁵Pt) 1-D and 2-D NMR spectroscopies, and by single-crystal X-ray analysis of [Pt(4-Mebpy)I₂] (4). All the platinum(II) complexes (1–6) were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines A2780 and A2780R, and against non-malignant MRC5 cell line. All the complexes were nontoxic up to the 50 μM concentration, although they were found to readily bind to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA), as determined by spectrophotometric titration (K_b ≈ 10⁷ M^?1) and ethidium bromide displacement assay.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and antibacterial activities of two new Mn(II) complexes based on triaryltriazoles

Two new Mn(II) complexes, trans-[Mn(L1-L2)₂(NCS)₂] (1–2) with triaryltriazole (1, L1 = 3-(p-bromophenyl)-4-phenyl-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole; 2, L2 = 3,4-bis(p-methylphenyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ESI-MS, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Crystallographic studies revealed that both 1 and 2 contain a distorted octahedral [MnN₆] core with two trans-disposed NCS^? ions. The L1 ligand, 1 and 2, together with four known homologous Mn(II) complexes, trans-[Mn(L3-L6)₂(NCS)₂] (3–6) (3, L3 = 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(p-chlorophenyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole; 4, L4 = 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(p-bromophenyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole; 5, L5 = 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-4-(p-methylphenyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole; 6, L6 = 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-methylphenyl)-1,2,4-triazole), were tested in vitro for their antibacterial activities against two Gram-positive bacterial strains and two Gram-negative bacterial strains by the MTT method. The results indicate that 1 exhibited better activity than Penicillin and Kanamycin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and also better than its free L1 ligand.     

Perfluormethyl‐Element‐Liganden. XLIII [1] Neue Synthesewege zu Zweikernkomplexen des Typs MM′(CO)8ER2X (M/M′ = Mn/Mn,Mn/Re,Re/Re; E = P,As; R = CF3, Me; X = Hal)

Perfluoromethyl Element Ligands. XLIII [1] Novel Synthetic Routes to Binuclear Complexes of the Type MM′(CO)₈ER₂X (M/M′ = Mn/Mn, Mn/Re, Re/Re; E = P, As; R = CF₃, Me; X = Hal, ) Mn(CO)₅I reacts with compounds of the type (CF₃)₂EAsMe₂ (E = P, As) as with the symmetric E₂(CF₃)₄ ligands in the first step with cleavage of the E‐As bond to yield the pro ducts (CO)₅MnE(CF₃)₂ and Me₂AsI. Reaction of the mononuclear complexes with excess of Mn(CO)₅I leads in good yields to the known dinuclear compounds (CO)₄Mn[E(CF₃)₂, I]Mn(CO)₄ and CO. Me₂AsI, the second product of the EAs cleavage, attacks the starting compound Mn(CO)₅I giving cis‐Mn(CO)₄I(AsMe₂I) and CO. This result encouraged us to thoroughly investigate the preparation of cis‐M(CO)₄X(EMe₂Y) complexes with most of the possible combinations of M = Mn, Re; E = P, As and X, Y = Cl, Br, I. An alternative route to these compounds was opened by the cleavage of the dinuclear manganese or rhenium halides M₂(CO)₈X₂ with the halophosphanes or ‐arsanes Me₂EY. This route was found to be especially advantageous for the preparation of the rheniumcarbonyl precursors, since milder conditions than for the CO‐substitution in Re(CO)₅X compounds are sufficient for the halogen‐bridged dinuclear complexes. Cis‐M(CO)₄X(EMe₂Y) complexes were used as precursors for the synthesis of novel homo‐ and heterodinuclear complexes of the type (CO)₄M(EMe₂, X)M′(CO)₄ by reacting the EY function with transition metal carbonylates Kat[M′(CO)₅] (Kat = Na, Bu₄N, Ph₄As). Thus the preparation of a wide range of complexes was possible, which before had been successfully prepared by the direct reaction of Mn₂(CO)₁₀ with Me₂EX only in few cases, e. g. with Me₂AsI. Spectroscopic investigations, using the CO valence frequencies and the ¹H‐NMR data of the ligands EMe₂Y or of the Me₂E bridges, were applied to study the influence of the variables M, M′, E, X, Y and Kat on the reactivity of the mononuclear complexes and the bonding situation in both the mono‐ and the dinuclear systems. The new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic (IR, NMR, MS) and analytic methods (C, H).     

Synthesis and spectral characterization of platinum(II) complexes containing eugenol,a natural allylphenol

For the first time, eugenol, a natural bioactive allylphenol, was introduced into coordination with platinum(II) by replacement of ethylene from Zeise’s salt with eugenol (Eug). The obtained complex, K[PtCl₃(Eug)] (1), was used as the key compound for preparation of the series of trans-[PtCl₂(Eug)(Amine)] (2–11), [PtCl(Eug)(8-O-quinoline)] (12) and [PtCl(Eug)(2-O₂C-quinoline)] (13). The synthesized complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, HSQS, HMBC, NOESY, and MS spectra. In 1–13 eugenol coordinates with Pt(II) at ethylenic double bond of the allyl group, the donor N of the amines is in trans-position in comparison with the double bond. A display of the trans-effect on the chemical shift of ¹H and ¹³C was remarked. Seven complexes were tested for cell in vitro cytotoxicity on human cancer cells. Complexes 3 and 12 exhibit high activities on Hep-G2 with IC₅₀ = 3.12 and 5.29 μM; 12 gives high activity against KB, Lu and MCF-7 with IC₅₀ = 0.43, 2.95 and 1.84 μM, respectively. Most of these IC₅₀ are lower than those of cisplatin.     

Hetero-trinuclear Zn(II)-M(II) (M = Sr,Ba) complexes based on a mononuclear Zn(II) complex metallohost: syntheses,structures and fluorescence properties

A new mononuclear Zn(II) complex, [ZnL(HOAc)] (1) (H₂L = 6,6′-diethoxy-2,2′-[1,2-ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol), was synthesized by reaction of H₂L and Zn(II) acetate under solvothermal conditions. Complex 1 acts as a metallohost possessing a pentadentate O₅ donor. Complex 1 molecules bonded to one Sr(II) or Ba(II) form two new hetero-trinuclear complexes, [(ZnL)₂M(OAc)₂] (M = Sr (2), Ba (3)). In 2 and 3, Zn(II) ions are 5-coordinate, but the Sr(II) or Ba(II) ion is 10-coordinate by four μ-phenolic oxygens from two L^2? units, four oxygens from four ethoxy groups and two oxygens from two μ-acetato ligands. Furthermore, 1–3 exhibit blue emissions with the maximum emission wavelengths λ_max = 477, 500, and 471 nm when excited at 360 nm.     

Metal–organic Coordination Polymers Assembled from Divalent Transition Salts with a Flexible Spacer Ligand: Hydrothermal Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Luminescent and Magnetic Properties

Seven new metal-organic coordination polymers, [M(tzda)(H₂O)₄] _n [M = Co(1), Ni (2) and Zn(3)], [Zn(tzda)(4,4′-bipy)] _n (4), [Cd(tzda)(4,4′-bipy)_0.5(H₂O)] _n (5) and [M(tzda)(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)] _n [M = Co(6), Ni(7)] [H₂tzda = (1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-diyldithio)diacetic acid, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine] have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Compounds 1–3 display similar 1D zigzag chain structure. Compound 4 possesses a 2D-layered architecture generated from [Zn(tzda)] _n moiety with double-chain structure cross-linking 4,4′-bipy spacers, while compound 5 consists of –Cd–OCO–Cd–OCO– chains cross-linked through –CH₂SC₂N₂SSCH₂– spacers of tzda anions and 4,4′-bipy, also showing a 2D-layered structure. The structures of 6 and 7 seem more complicated, in which the [M(tzda)] _n layered subunits are extended to unique 3D framework by the bridging 4,4′-bipy ligand. Photoluminescence investigations reveal that 4 and 5 both display strong blue emissions in the solid state at room temperature, which could be significant in the field of luminescent materials. The magnetic studies of 6 and 7 show both display the characteristics of a weak antiferromagnetic coupling between metal ions in the system mediated by carboxylate bridges.     

Influence of metal complex formation on the antimicrobial activity of nifuroxazide: spectroscopic,electrochemical, and DFT studies

[M(HL)₂] complexes (M = Co(II) (1), Ni(II) (2), and Cu(II) (3); H₂L = 4-hydroxybenzoic[(5-nitro-2-furanyl)methylene]hydrazide acid, nifuroxazide) were synthesized, characterized (by elemental analysis, TG, IR, UV–vis., EPR, magnetic, and conductance measurements) and tested for their antimicrobial activities. H₂L is a mono-negative bidentate ligand via hydrazone N and C–O^? forming intermediate complexes between tetrahedral and square-planar geometries (“flattened” tetrahedron, D_2d symmetry) for 1 and 2, as well as square-planar for Cu(II) complex 3. Natural bond orbital analysis revealed that the interaction of oxygen with metal ion is the main factor which determines the stability of 1–3 as the binding energy decreases with an increase in the M–O bond length. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations were carried out to understand the electronic transitions in related experimental observations. The reduction potential values of the nitro group are affected by the metal center. Ni(II) complex 2 displayed the highest activity among the tested complexes against Escherichia coli with a MIC₅₀ value of 0.098 μmol mL^?1 compared with 0.131 (1) and 0.117 μmol mL^?1 (3).     

Preparation,characterization, and structural analysis of d8 palladium and platinum compounds containing amino acid ester derivatized diimine ligands. Observation of liquid crystal behavior

Eight new compounds, M(pyca(CH₂)_xCOOR)Cl₂, M = Pd, Pt; R = Me, Et; x = 2, 3, 5, 11, were prepared. The resulting new complexes were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and each was also structurally elucidated by X-ray crystallography. The compounds share general structural features, but there are differences in the alignment of the alkyl chain; as the chain lengthens, the chain straightens relative to the plane of the metal complex. For the dodecanoic ester derivatives, a nearly linear alkyl chain was observed. These longer alkyl derivatives show mesogenic behavior.     

Elevated Catalytic Activity of Ruthenium(II)–Porphyrin‐Catalyzed Carbene/Nitrene Transfer and Insertion Reactions with N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands

Bis(NHC)ruthenium(II)–porphyrin complexes were designed, synthesized, and characterized. Owing to the strong donor strength of axial NHC ligands in stabilizing the trans M?CRR′/M?NR moiety, these complexes showed unprecedently high catalytic activity towards alkene cyclopropanation, carbene C? H, N? H, S? H, and O? H insertion, alkene aziridination, and nitrene C? H insertion with turnover frequencies up to 1950 min^?1. The use of chiral [Ru(D₄‐Por)(BIMe)₂] ( 1 g ) as a catalyst led to highly enantioselective carbene/nitrene transfer and insertion reactions with up to 98 % ee. Carbene modification of the N terminus of peptides at 37 °C was possible. DFT calculations revealed that the trans axial NHC ligand facilitates the decomposition of diazo compounds by stabilizing the metal–carbene reaction intermediate.     

Heteroleptic ruthenium(II)/(III) 2,2′-bipyridine/1,10-phenanthroline complexes incorporating bidentate Schiff base N,O-ligands

Eight substituted bidentate Schiff base ligands HOC₆H₄CH=N-R (HL) (HL1: R = 4-ClC₆H₄, HL2: R = 2-ClC₆H₄, HL3: R = 4-NO₂C₆H₄, HL4: R = 4-MeC₆H₄, HL5: R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃, HL6: R = 2,46-Me₃C₆H₂, HL7: R = CH₂C₆H₅, and HL8: R = n-Pr) were synthesized by the typical condensation reaction. Interaction of cis-[Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂]?2H₂O (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) with one equivalent of HL ligand in the presence of KPF₆ afforded the cationic ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [Ru(bpy)₂(L)](PF₆) (1–8). The reaction of cis-[Ru(phen)₂Cl₂]?2H₂O (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and HL1 under similar condition gave complex [(phen)₂Ru(L)](PF₆) (1a). Treatment of cis-[Ru(phen)₂Cl₂]?2H₂O with two equivalents of HL in the presence of KPF₆ resulted in isolation of the cationic ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [Ru(phen)(L)₂](PF₆) (9-16). All complexes have been spectroscopically characterized. The structures of 1a?CH₂Cl₂, 2?½CH₂Cl₂, 3?CH₃CN, 5?½H₂O, 6, 12?½HOCH₂CH₂OH, 13?CH₃CN, 15?H₂O, and 16 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.