New coordination polymers with extended arm cyclotriguaiacyclene ligands: 1D chains, and interpenetrating or polycatenating 2D (4(2).6(2))(4.6(2))2 networks

A series of new 1D chain and 2D coordination polymers with cyclotriguaiacylene-type ligands are reported. A zig-zag 1D coordination chain is found in complex [Cd(2)(4ph4py)(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)(2)(DMA)(2)]·(NO(3))·(DMA)(4), where 4ph4py = tris[4-(4-pyridyl)benzoyl]-cyclotriguaiacylene and DMA = dimethylacetamide, while complex [Zn(4ph4py)(2)(CF(3)COO)(H(2)O)]·(CF(3)COO)(NMP)(7), where NMP = N-methylpyrrolidone, has a doubly bridged coordination chain structure. Complexes [M(3ph3py)(NO(3))(2)]·(NMP)(4) where M = Co or Zn, 3ph3py = tris[3-(3-pyridyl)benzoyl]cyclotriguaiacylene, are isostructural and feature 1D ladder coordination chains. Complexes [Cd(2)(4ph4py)(2)(NO(3))(4)(NMP)]·(NMP)(9)(H(2)O)(4) and [Co(4ph4py)(H(2)O)(2)]·(NO(3))(2)·(DMF)(2), where DMF = dimethylformamide, both have (3,4)-connected 2D coordination polymers with a rare (4(2).6(2))(4.6(2))(2) topology. A 2D coordination polymer with this topology is also found in complex [Co(2)(3ph4py)(2)(NO(3))(H(2)O)(5)]·(NO(3))(3)·(DMF)(9) where 3ph4py = tris[3-(4-pyridyl)benzoyl]cyclotriguaiacylene. All 2D coordination polymer complexes are interpenetrating or polycatenating. [Co(2)(3ph4py)(2)(NO(3))(H(2)O)(5)](3+)polymers form a 2D→3D polycatenation showing self-complementary "hand-shake" interactions between the host-type ligands.     

XAFS studies of anti-inflammatory dinuclear and mononuclear Zn(II) complexes of indomethacin

Zinc K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) experiments were performed in the solid and solution states at low temperature (10 K), on dimeric and monomeric anti-inflammatory Zn(II) complexes of indomethacin [1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-acetic acid=IndoH] of the formula [Zn2(Indo)4L2] [L=pyridine (Py), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA)], [Zn(Indo)2L2] [L=ethanol (EtOH), methanol (MeOH)], and Zn(II) acetate dihydrate [Zn(OAc)2(OH2)2]. The bond distances and angles obtained from multiple-scattering fits to the XAFS data of the Zn(II) dimeric complexes in the solid and solution states exhibit excellent correspondence with those obtained from single crystal diffraction studies. The Zn...Zn separations of 2.97 and 2.96 A and carboxylate group O-C-O angles of 125 degrees for powdered [Zn2(Indo)4(Py)2] and [Zn2(Indo)4(DMA)2] agree well with the XRD values of 2.969(1) and 2.9686(6) A and 125.8(4) degrees and 126.1(2) degrees, respectively. The calculated Zn-O(RCOO) and Zn-L bond distances of 2.03 and 2.04 A, or 2.02 and 1.98 A for Py or DMA complexes, respectively, also agree well with crystallographic data. The X-ray powder diffraction data on samples of the monomers exhibited additional reflections apart from those due to the crystallographically characterized cis-[Zn(eta2-O,O'-Indo)2L2], but microanalyses were consistent with this formulation. Therefore, mixed models that contained the cis complex and a second component consisting of a trans-six-coordinate complex, a five-coordinate complex, or a four-coordinate complex were used to model the XAFS. The best fits to the XAFS data were obtained with a mixture of the cis-six-coordinate complex and a four-coordinate complex containing two monodentate Indo ligands. The bond lengths for the six-coordinate structure were consistent with those determined on a single crystal, and those for the four-coordinate complexes were consistent with related four-coordinate structures with two monodentate carboxylate ligands. Dissolution of the dimer (DMA adduct) in DMF resulted in a mixture of dimer and monomer species as shown by MS XAFS fitting. This is the first time that solution structures have been determined for anti-inflammatory Zn(II) complexes, and this is an important first step in understanding the pharmacology of the complexes.     

New phenoxido-bridged quasi-tetrahedral and rhomboidal [Cu4] compounds bearing μ4-oxido or μ(1,1)-azido ligands: synthesis, chemical reactivity, and magnetic studies

[Cu(2)(μ(4)-O)Cu(2)] and [Cu(2)(μ(1,1)-N(3))(4)Cu(2)] geometrical arrangements are found in a new family of tetranuclear copper(II) complexes: [Cu(4)(μ(4)-O)(μ-cip)(2)Cl(4)] (1), [Cu(4)(μ(4)-O)(μ-cip)(2)(μ(1,3)-O(2)CPh)(4)]·2CH(3)OH (2·2CH(3)OH), and [Cu(4)(μ(1,1)-N(3))(4)(μ-cip)(2)(N(3))(2)]·DMF (3·DMF) [Hcip = 2,6-bis(cyclohexyliminomethylene)-4-methylphenol; CH(3)OH = methanol; DMF = dimethylformamide]. These complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, and their magnetic properties have been studied. 1 and 2 form quasi-tetrahedral [Cu(4)(μ(4)-O)] complexes, and 3 is the first example of a rhomboidal [Cu(4)(μ(1,1)-N(3))] compound. Formation of the [Cu(4)] compounds is achieved via ligand-exchange reactions. The relative binding strength of the three ancillary ligands as N(3)(-) > PhCO(2)(-) > Cl(-) has been demonstrated from the core-conversion and peripheral ligand-exchange reactions. For the three complexes, the magnetic susceptibility measurements in the range of 1.8-300 K have been performed and modeled using two isolated S = (1)/(2) dimers based on the spin Hamiltonian H = -2J{S(Cu,1)·S(Cu,2)} with J/k(B) = -513, -340, and -315 K for 1-3, respectively (where J is the exchange constant through the oxido-phenoxido and azido-phenoxido bridges, respectively).     

Direct cupration of fluoroform

We have found the first reaction of direct cupration of fluoroform, the most attractive CF(3) source for the introduction of the trifluoromethyl group into organic molecules. Treatment of CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) with 2 equiv of MOR (M = K, Na) in DMF or NMP produces novel alkoxycuprates that readily react with CF(3)H at room temperature and atmospheric pressure to give CuCF(3) derivatives. The CuCl and t-BuOK (1:2) combination provides best results, furnishing the CuCF(3) product within seconds in nearly quantitative yield. As demonstrated, neither CF(3)(-) nor CF(2) mediate the Cu-CF(3) bond formation, which accounts for its remarkably high selectivity. The fluoroform-derived CuCF(3) solutions can be efficiently stabilized with TREAT HF to produce CuCF(3) reagents that readily trifluoromethylate organic and inorganic electrophiles in the absence of additional ligands such as phenanthroline. A series of novel Cu(I) complexes have been structurally characterized, including K(DMF)[Cu(OBu-t)(2)] (1), Na(DMF)(2)[Cu(OBu-t)(2)] (2), [K(8)Cu(6)(OBu-t)(12)(DMF)(8)(I)](+) I(-) (3), and [Cu(4)(CF(3))(2)(C(OBu-t)(2))(2)(μ(3)-OBu-t)(2)] (7).     

Highly porous 4,8-connected metal-organic frameworks: synthesis, characterization, and hydrogen uptake

A series of highly porous 4,8-connected isoreticular MOFs of the scu topology [Cu(4)(L(1))(H(2)O)(4)]·20DEF, [Cu(4)(L(2))(H(2)O)(4)]·16DMF·5H(2)O, and [Cu(4)(L(3))(H(2)O)(4)]·14DMF (L(1)-L(3) are (R)-1,1'-binaphthyl-derived octacarboxylate bridging ligands) were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Although the frameworks exhibit some distortion during the solvent removal process, the high-connectivity nature of the building blocks helps in stabilizing the frameworks, leading to high surface areas (S(BET) = 1189-2448 m(2)/g) and significant hydrogen uptake of up to 1.8 wt % (77 K, 1 atm).     

Self-assembly of unprecedented [8+12] Cu-metallamacrocycle-based 3D metal-organic frameworks

[8+12]-metallamacrocycle-based 3D frameworks {[Cu(4)(pbt)(2)(SO(4))(2)(DMF)(2)(CH(3)OH)]·7H(2)O·DMF}(n) (1) and [12]-macrocycle 3D {[Cu(2)(pbt)(SO(4))(DMSO)(CH(3)OH)(2)]·5H(2)O·CH(3)OH}(n) (2) have been obtained. Both complexes display antiferromagnetic couplings and high catalytic activity in the oxidative coupling reaction of 1-ethynylbenzene and oxazolidin-2-one.     

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and preliminary reactivity behaviour of new heteropolytopic ligands based on the 1,3,5-triazine spacer and pyrazolyl, tris-pyrazolylmethyl and tris-pyrazolylethoxy bonding fragments

Four new potentially polytopic nitrogen donor ligands based on the 1,3,5-triazine fragment, L(1)-L(4) (L(1) = 2-chloro-4,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine, L(2) = N,N'-bis(4,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diamine, L(3) = 2,4,6-tris(tri(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-1,3,5-triazine, and L(4) = 2,4,6-tris(2,2,2-tri(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethoxy)-1,3,5-triazine) have been synthesized and characterized. The X-ray crystal structure of L(3) confirms that its molecular nature consists of a 1,3,5-triazine ring bearing three tripodal tris(pyrazolyl) arms. L(1), L(2), and L(4) react with Cu(I), Cu(II), Pd(II) and Ag(I) salts yielding mono-, di-, and oligonuclear derivatives: [Cu(L(1))(Cy(3)P)]ClO(4), [{Ag(2)(L(2))}(CF(3)SO(3))(2)]·H(2)O, [Cu(2)(L(2))(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(2)·H(2)O, [Cu(2)(L(2))(CH(3)COO)(2)](CH(3)COO)(2)·3H(2)O, [Pd(2)(L(2))(Cl)(4)]·2H(2)O, [Ru(L(2))(Cl)(OH)]·CH(3)OH, [Ag(3)(L(4))(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(3) and [Ag(3)(L(4))(2)](BF(4))(3). The interaction of L(3) with Ag(I), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ru(II) complexes unexpectedly produced the hydrolysis of the ligand with formation, in all cases, of tris(pyrazolyl)methane (TPM) derivatives. In detail, the already known [Ag(TPM)(2)](CF(3)SO(3)) and [Cu(TPM)(2)](NO(3))(2), as well as the new [Zn(TPM)(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2) and [Ru(TMP)(p-cymene)]Cl(OH)·2H(2)O complexes have been isolated. Single-crystal XRD determinations on the latter derivatives confirm their formulation, evidencing, for the Ru(II) complex, an interesting supramolecular arrangement of the anions and crystallization water molecules.     

Rational assembly of soluble copper(II) phosphonates: synthesis, structure and magnetism of molecular tetranuclear copper(II) phosphonates

The reactions of the dinuclear copper complexes [Cu(2)(L)(OAc)] [H(3)L = N,N'-(2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl)bis(salicylaldimine) or [Cu(2)(L')(OAc)] (H(3)L' = N,N'-(2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl)bis(4,5-dimethylsalicylaldimine)] with various phosphonic acids, RPO(3)H(2) (R = t-Bu, Ph, c-C(5)H(9), c-C(6)H(11) or 2,4,6-i-Pr(3)-C(6)H(2)), leads to the replacement of the acetate bridge affording tetranuclear copper(II) phosphonates, [Cu(4)(L)(2)(t-BuPO(3))](CH(3)OH)(2)(C(6)H(6)) (1), [Cu(4)(L)(2)(PhPO(3))(H(2)O)(2)(NMe(2)CHO)](H(2)O)(2) (2), [Cu(4)(L')(2)(C(5)H(9)PO(3))](CH(3)OH)(2) (3), [Cu(4)(L')(2)(C(6)H(11)PO(3)](MeOH)(4)(H(2)O)(2) (4) and [Cu(4)(L')(2)(C(30)H(46)P(2)O(5))](PhCH(3)) (5). The molecular structures of 1-4 reveal that a [RPO(3)](2-) ligand is involved in holding the four copper atoms together by a 4.211 coordination mode. In 5, an in situ formed [(RPO(2))(2)O](4-) ligand bridges two pairs of the dinuclear subunits. Magnetic studies on these complexes reveal that the phosphonate ligand is an effective conduit for magnetic interaction among the four copper centers present; a predominantly antiferromagnetic interaction is observed at low temperatures.     

First Cu(II) diamondoid net with 2-fold interpenetrating frameworks. The role of anions in the construction of the supramolecular arrays

The synthesis and crystal structure of the three-dimensional coordination polymer of an angular dipyridyl ligand 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (L) and Cu(ClO(4))(2), exhibiting the first Cu(II) diamondoid network with 2-fold interpenetration, ([Cu(L)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(OH)(H(2)O)(2.5))(n) (1), together with the Cu(OAc)(2) complex of L, [Cu(L)(2)(OAc)(2)(H(2)O)](H(2)O)(2)(CH(3)OH) (2), with an unexpected mononuclear structure, are reported. Crystal data for 1: tetragonal, space group I4(1)/a, a = b = 13.477(3) A, c = 46.167(13) A, Z = 8. Crystal data for 2: triclinic, space group P(-)1, a = 7.847(2) A, b = 13.189(4) A, c = 15.948(5) A, alpha = 75.225(7) degrees, beta = 79.945(6) degrees, gamma = 77.540(5) degrees, Z = 2. The magnetic properties and anion effect are also discussed.     

Aroylhydrazone derivative as fluorescent sensor for highly selective recognition of Zn2+ ions: syntheses, characterization, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties

A new Zn(2+) fluorescent chemosensor N'-(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-2-hydroxybenzoylhydrazine (H(3)L(1)) and its complexes [Zn(HL(1))C(2)H(5)OH](∞) (1) and [Cu(HL(1))(H(2)O)]CH(3)OH (2) have been synthesized and characterized in terms of their crystal structures, absorption and emission spectra. H(3)L(1) displays high selectivity for Zn(2+) over Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+) and other transition metal ions in Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH = 7.13, EtOH-H(2)O = 8?:?2 v/v). To obtain insight into the relation between the structure and selectivity, a similar ligand 3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene benzoylhydrazine (H(2)L(2)), which lacks the hydroxyl group substituent in salicyloyl hydrazide compared with H(3)L(1), and its complex [Zn(2)(HL(2))(2)(CH(3)COO)(2)(C(2)H(5)OH)] (3), [Co(L(2))(2)][Co(DMF)(4)(C(2)H(5)OH)(H(2)O)] (4), [Fe(HL(2))(2)]Cl·2CH(3)OH (5), have also been investigated as a reference. H(3)L(1) exhibits improved selectivity for Zn(2+) compared to H(2)L(2). The findings indicate that the hydroxyl group substituent exerts an effect on the spectroscopic properties, complex structures and selectivity of the fluorescent sensor.     

Synthesis, structures, and properties of two three-dimensional metal-organic frameworks, based on concurrent ligand extension

A tritopic carboxylate ligand, tris(4'-carboxybiphenyl)amine (L-H(3)), has been synthesized and applied in the construction of microporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Two novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Zn(2)(L)(OH)]·2DMF·H(2)O}(∞) (1) and {[Cu(L-H)(DMA)]·DMA·2H(2)O}(∞) (2), have been constructed out of L-H(3), Zn(2+), and Cu(2+), respectively. 1 has a 2-fold interpenetrating three-dimensional framework formed by L connectors and the [Zn(2)(CO(2))(3)] secondary building units (SBUs). As for 1, it is worth pointing out that one μ(2)-OH group links two Zn atoms between two neighboring SBUs to produce interesting Zn-O-Zn zigzag chains in the structure. 2 has a two-dimensional grid sheet formed by L-H connectors and the typical paddle-wheel [Cu(2)(CO(2))(4)] SBUs. Two-dimensional (2D) sheets nest with each other, which finally forms a three-dimensional (3D) nested framework. Two MOFs are characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, single-crystal and elemental analyses, and powder X-ray diffraction methods. Framework 1' exhibits high permanent porosity (Langmuir surface area = 848 m(2)/g), high thermal stability (up to 450 °C), highly active properties for Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction, as well as the potential application for the CO(2) gas storage and luminescent material. The catalytic results reveal that 2' is indeed an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for olefin epoxidation reactions.     

para-Benzene disulfonic acid and its tetrachloro and tetrafluoro derivatives--studies towards polyhalogenated metal-organic-frameworks with sulfo analogues of terephthalic acid

We developed convenient synthetic routes for the preparation of para-benzene disulfonic acid (H(2)BDS) and its tetrachloro (H(2)BDSCl(4)) and tetrafluoro (H(2)BDSF(4)) derivatives. The reaction of these acids with zinc nitrate in DMF led to single crystals of [Zn(BDS)(DMF)(2)] (triclinic, P ?1[combining macron], Z=2, a=976.62(4), b=986.85(4), c=1014.40(4), α=69.106(2)°, β=68.746(2)°, γ=86.295(2)°, wR(2)=0.0627), [Zn(BDSCl(4))(DMF)(4)] (triclinic, P ?1[combining macron], Z=1, a=831.5(1), b=905.2(1), c=989.6(1), α=90.44(2)°, β=91.41 (2)°, γ=106.72(2)°, wR(2)=0.0635), and [Zn(BDSF(4))(DMF)(4)] (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z=2, a=889.01(3), b=968.91(3), c=1633.07(5) pm, β=106.524(2)°, wR(2)=0.0948). While [Zn(BDS)(DMF)(2)] exhibits a layer structure, the disulfonate linkers connect the zinc ions into chains in the crystal structures of [Zn(BDSCl(4))(DMF)(4)] and [Zn(BDSF(4))(DMF)(4)]. Thermoanalytical investigations revealed that desolvation of the compounds occurs in a temperature range between 100 and 200 °C. The solvent free sulfonates show remarkably high stabilities, [Zn(BDS)(DMF)(2)] is stable up to nearly 600 °C. The halogenated acids were also used to prepare copper salts from aqueous solutions and Cu(2)(OH)(2)(CO(3)) (malachite) as a copper source. The crystal structure of [Cu(H(2)O)(6)](BDSF(4)) (triclinic, P ?1[combining macron], Z=1, a=510.45(2), b=744.68(3), c=1077.77(4) pm, α=85.627 (2)°, β=77.449 (2)°, γ=76.015 (2)°) exhibits complex cations and uncoordinated sulfonate anions, while in [Cu(BDSCl(4))(H(2)O)(4)] (orthorhombic, Pnma, Z=4, a=721.27(2), b=2147.81(6), c=979.42(3) pm) the Cu(2+) ions are linked to infinite chains in the crystal structure. The most interesting structural feature of [Cu(BDSCl(4))(H(2)O)(4)] is the significant deviation from planarity of the disulfonate dianion. Theoretical investigations revealed that a boat conformation is favoured due to steric hindrance in cases where a syn coordination of the sulfonate groups occurs. The thermal behaviour of the copper compounds was also investigated by DTA/TG measurements and X-ray powder diffraction.     

One pot-synthesis of chiral Ni6 clusters involving Ni3 subunits: a combined structural, magnetic and DFT study

Ni(6) clusters of the general formula [{Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(X)(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)] (n = 1, 2; X = Cl(-) or N(3)(-), (L(n))(3-) = hexadentate tritopic ligands) can be isolated by spontaneous self-assembly, from mixtures of Ni(OAc)(2), H(3)L(n), NMe(4)OH·5H(2)O and NaX in adequate molar ratios. Thus, four new hexanuclear complexes [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·7.5H(2)O (1·7.5H(2)O), [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)Cl(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH (2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH), [{Ni(3)L(1)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·6H(2)O (3·6H(2)O) and [{Ni(3)L(2)(OAc)(OH)}(2)(N(3))(OAc)(H(2)O)(2)]·4H(2)O (4·4H(2)O) were obtained and fully characterised. 1·7.5H(2)O and 2·2H(2)O·7.5MeOH were isolated in the form of single crystals, the latter losing solvate on drying, to yield 2·2H(2)O. Recrystallisation of 3·6H(2)O in MeCN/MeOH also generates single crystals of 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN. Their X-ray characterisation shows that these Ni(6) clusters can be considered to be built from two triangular trinuclear [Ni(3)L(n)(OAc)(OH)](+) subunits with different connectors. In addition, these studies demonstrate that the (L(n))(3-) ligands behave as trinucleating, adopting such a conformation that induces chirality in the isolated compounds. In this way, 3·H(2)O·2MeOH·2MeCN appears particularly interesting, since it emerges as homochiral after undergoing spontaneous resolution upon crystallisation. The magnetic characterisation of 1·7.5H(2)O to 3·6H(2)O reveals that the three compounds present an overall antiferromagnetic coupling. The intricate magnetic behaviour of these clusters, mediated by a total of 14 bridges of different kinds, was analysed and satisfactorily interpreted in light of DFT calculations.     

Nitrate-Bridged "Pseudo-Double-Propeller"-Type Lanthanide(III)-Copper(II) Heterometallic Clusters: Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties

Two discrete nitrate-bridged novel "pseudo-double-propeller"-shaped hexanuclear Cu/Ln clusters of the formula [Cu(4)Ln(2)L(4)L'(4)(NO(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)]·3NO(3)·4H(2)O [Ln = Dy, Gd; LH = o-vanilin; L'H = 2-(hydroxyethyl)pyridine] were synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed the trimeric half-propeller-type Cu(2)/Ln core connected to other opposite-handed similar trimers by a bridging nitrate ligand. The Dy analogue, [Cu(4)Dy(2)L(4)L'(4)(NO(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)]·3NO(3)·4H(2)O, shows frequency-dependent out-of-phase alternating-current magnetic susceptibility, which indicates that this novel discrete [Cu(4)Dy(2)] heterometallic cluster may exhibit single-molecule-magnet behavior.     

Metal-free and dicopper(II) complexes of Schiff base [2 + 2] macrocycles derived from 2,2'-iminobisbenzaldehyde: syntheses, structures, and electrochemistry

Three new bis-terdentate Schiff base [2 + 2] macrocycles (H(2)L(Et), H(2)L(Pr), and H(2)L(Bu)) have been prepared in high yields by 1:1 condensation of 2,2'-iminobisbenzaldehyde with 1,2-diaminoethane, 1,3-diaminopropane, and 1,4-diaminobutane, respectively. Metalation of these macrocycles yields the corresponding dicopper(II) acetate (1, 2, and 3) and tetrafluoroborate (4, 5, and 6) complexes. The structures of H(2)L(Et), H(2)L(Pr), H(2)L(Bu), [Cu(II)(2)L(i)(OAc)(2)]·solvents (where i is Et, Pr or Bu) and [Cu(II)(2)L(Pr)(DMF)(4)] (BF(4))(2)·0.5H(2)O are reported. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding is a feature of the metal-free macrocycles. The copper(II) centers in [Cu(II)(2)L(i)(OAc)(2)]·solvents are four coordinate, and the macrocycles have U-shaped (Et, Bu) or stepped (Pr) conformations. Complex 5 crystallizes with two dimethylformamide (DMF) molecules bound per five coordinate copper(II) center. Electrochemical studies revealed ligand based oxidations for all of the macrocycles and complexes. Complexes 1 and 2 undergo two quasi-reversible oxidations in DCM which are associated with the deposition of a visible film on the electrode after multiple scans in this oxidative region, suggestive of electropolymerization. Complexes 4-6, studied in MeCN, have Cu(II) → Cu(I) redox potentials at more positive potentials than for 1-3.     

New Cu(II) complexes based on the hydroxo-bridged dinuclear [Cu(OH)2Cu] units: step-like di- and trimerizations of [Cu(OH)2Cu] units

Four new Cu(II) complexes {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(NO(3))(2)(C(7)H(5)O(2))(2)·6H(2)O 1, {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(NO(3))(2)(C(5)H(6)O(4))·8H(2)O 2, {[Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]}(C(5)H(6)O(4))(2)·16H(2)O 3 and {[Cu(6)(bpy)(6)(OH)(6)(H(2)O)(2)]}(C(8)H(7)O(2))(6)·12H(2)O 4 were synthesized (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, H(2)(C(5)H(6)O(4)) = glutaric acid, H(C(7)H(5)O(2)) = benzoic acid, H(C(8)H(7)O(2)) = phenyl acetic acid). The building units in 1-3 are the tetranuclear [Cu(4)(bpy)(4)(H(2)O)(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)](4+) complex cations, and in 4 the hexanuclear [Cu(6)(bpy)(6)(H(2)O)(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)](6+) complex cations, respectively. The tetra- and hexanuclear cluster cores [Cu(4)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)] and [Cu(6)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)] in the complex cations could be viewed as from step-like di- and trimerization of the well-known hydroxo-bridged dinuclear [Cu(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)] entities via the out-of-plane Cu-O(H) bonds. The complex cations are supramolecularly assembled into (4,4) topological networks via intercationic ππ stacking interactions. The counteranions and lattice H(2)O molecules are sandwiched between the 2D cationic networks to form hydrogen-bonded networks in 1-3, while the phenyl acetate anions and the lattice H(2)O molecules generate 3D hydrogen-bonded anionic framework to interpenetrate with the (4,4) topological cationic networks with the hexanuclear complex cations in the channels. The ferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) ions in the [Cu(4)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)] cores of 1-3 is significantly stronger via equatorial-equatorial OH(-) bridges than via equatorial-apical ones. The outer and the central [Cu(2)(OH)(2)] unit within the [Cu(6)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(4)] cluster cores in 4 exhibit weak ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions, respectively. Results about i.r. spectra, thermal and elemental analyses are presented.     

A family of 13 tetranuclear zinc(II)-lanthanide(III) complexes of a [3+3] Schiff-base macrocycle derived from 1,4-diformyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzene

A family of thirteen tetranuclear heterometallic zinc(II)-lanthanide(III) complexes of the hexa-imine macrocycle (L(Pr))(6-), with general formula Zn(II)(3)Ln(III)(L(Pr))(NO(3))(3)·xsolvents (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm or Yb), were prepared in a one-pot synthesis using a 3:1:3:3 reaction of zinc(II) acetate, the appropriate lanthanide(III) nitrate, the dialdehyde 1,4-diformyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzene (H(2)L(1)) and 1,3-diaminopropane. A hexanuclear homometallic zinc(II) macrocyclic complex [Zn(6)(L(Pr))(OAc)(5)(OH)(H(2)O)]·3H(2)O was obtained using a 2:0:1:1 ratio of the same reagents. A control experiment using a 1:0:1:1 ratio failed to generate the lanthanide-free [Zn(3)(L(Pr))] macrocyclic complex. The reaction of H(2)L(1) and zinc(II) acetate in a 1:1 ratio yielded the pentanuclear homometallic complex of the dialdehyde H(2)L(1), [Zn(5)(L(1))(5)(H(2)O)(6)]·3H(2)O. An X-ray crystal structure determination revealed [Zn(3)(II)Pr(III)(L(Pr))(NO(3))(2)(DMF)(3)](NO(3))·0.9DMF has the large ten-coordinate lanthanide(III) ion bound in the central O(6) site with two bidentate nitrate anions completing the O(10) coordination sphere. The three square pyramidal zinc(II) ions are in the outer N(2)O(2) sites with a fifth donor from DMF. Measurement of the magnetic properties of [Zn(II)(3)Dy(III)(L(Pr))(NO(3))(3)(MeOH)(3)]·4H(2)O with a weak external dc field showed that it has a frequency-dependent out-of-phase component of ac susceptibility, indicative of slow relaxation of the magnetization (SMM behaviour). Likewise, the Er and Yb analogues are field-induced SMMs; the latter is only the second example of a Yb-based SMM. The neodymium, ytterbium and erbium complexes are luminescent in the solid phase, but only the ytterbium and neodymium complexes show strong lanthanide-centred luminescence in DMF solution.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and optical properties of [Ag(UO2)3(OAc)9][Zn(H2O)4(CH3CH2OH)2]: a novel compound containing closed-shell 3d10, 4d10 and 5d10 metal ions

[Ag(UO(2))(3) (OAc)(9)][Zn(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)CH(2)OH)(2)] (, OAc = CH(3)COO(-)) crystallized from an ethanol solution and its structure was determined by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and X-ray crystallography; it is composed of [Zn(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)CH(2)OH)(2)](2+) cations and [Ag(UO(2))(3)(OAc)(9)](2-) anions in which triuranyl [(UO(2))(OAc)(3)](3) clusters are linked by the Ag ion.     

Dicopper(II) complexes of a new pyrazolate-containing Schiff-base macrocycle and related acyclic ligand

Dicopper(II) complexes of two new 3,5-disubstituted-pyrazole-based ligands, bis(quadridentate) macrocyclic ligand (L1)(2-) and bis(terdentate) acyclic ligand (L2)(-), were synthesised by Schiff base condensation of 3,5-diformylpyrazole and either one equivalent of 1,3-diaminopropane or two equivalents of 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine in the presence of one or two equivalents of copper(II) ions, respectively. Copper(II) acetate monohydrate was employed in the synthesis of [Cu(2)(L1)(OAc)(2)], [Cu(2)(L2)(H(2)O)(2)(OAc)(3)] and [Cu(II)(2)(L1)(NCS)(2)]; in the last of these one equivalent of NaNCS per copper(II) ion was also added. The fourth complex, [Cu(2)(L2)(NCS)(2)(DMF)]BF(4), was prepared using copper(II) tetrafluoroborate hexahydrate, along with two equivalents of NaOH and six of NaSCN. All four of these dimetallic complexes have been characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction: the two macrocyclic complexes are the first such Schiff base complexes to be so characterised. A feature common to all four of the structures is bridging of the two copper(II) centres by the pyrazolate moiety/moieties. The structure determinations show that the coordination mode of the acetate groups in both [Cu(2)(L1)(OAc)(2)].2MeOH.H(2)O and [Cu(2)(L2)(H(2)O)(2)(OAc)(3)] is unidentate as had been tentatively predicted by analysis of the infrared spectra (DeltaOCO of 199 and 208 cm(-1), respectively). The magnetochemical studies of the macrocyclic complexes, over the temperature range 4-300 K, revealed strong antiferromagnetic coupling with J = -169 and -213 cm(-1) for [Cu(2)(L1)(OAc)(2)].2H(2)O and [Cu(II)(2)(L1)(NCS)(2)].DMF respectively. The J values have been discussed in relation to a published correlation involving the CuN(pyrazolate)N(pyrazolate) angles.     

Sulfate encapsulation in a metal-assisted capsule based on a mono-pyridylurea ligand

A sulfate-encapsulating complex, [Cu(1)L(6)]·3[Cu(2)L(2)(DMF)(4)](SO(4))(4) (1, L = N-(1-naphthyl)-N'-(3-pyridyl)urea) is synthesized in which two C(3)-clefts of the octahedral complexes interdigitate to form a cavity to encapsulate the sulfate ion by six urea groups.