Reaction with dioxygen of a Cu(I) complex of 1-benzyl-[3-(2'-pyridyl)]pyrazole triggers ethyl acetate hydrolysis: acetato-/pyrazolato-, dihydroxo- and diacetato-bridged Cu(II) complexes

A copper(I) compound [(L2)Cu(MeCN)2][ClO4] (1) containing a new bidentate N-donor ligand L2, 1-benzyl-[3-(2'-pyridyl)]pyrazole, derived from the condensation of HL1 [HL1 = 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole] and benzyl chloride, has been synthesized. Structural analysis reveals that in the copper(I) centre is coordinated by a pyridine and a pyrazole nitrogen from L2 and two MeCN molecules, providing a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Reaction of with dioxygen in N,N'-dimethylformamide (dmf) at 25 degrees C and subsequent workup with MeCO2Et afforded an acetato-/pyrazolato-bridged polymeric copper(II) compound [(mu-L1)Cu(mu-O2CMe)]n (2). Notably, the deprotonated form of HL(1) and MeCO2- have originated from debenzylation of L2 and hydrolysis of MeCO2Et, respectively. The structural analysis of reveals a near-planar {Cu2(mu-L1)2}2+ core unit in which two adjacent Cu(II) ions are bridged by the deprotonated N,N-bidentate pyridylpyrazole units of two L1 and each such {Cu2(mu-L1)2}2+ unit is bridged by MeCO2- in a monodentate bridging mode [Cu...Cu separations (A): 3.9232(4) pyrazolate bridge; 3.3418(4) acetate bridge], providing a polymeric network. Careful oxygenation of in MeCN led to the isolation of a dihydroxo-bridged dicopper(II) compound [{(L2)Cu(mu-OH)(OClO3)}2] (3). Interestingly, complex brings about hydrolysis of MeCO2Et under mild conditions (dmf, ca. 60 degrees C), generating a bis-mu-1,3-acetato-bridged dicopper(II) complex, [{(L2)Cu(dmf)(mu-O2CMe)}2][ClO4]2.dmf.0.5MeCO2H (4). Compounds and have {Cu2(mu-OH)2}2+ [Cu...Cu separation of 2.8474(9) A] and {Cu2(mu-O2CMe)2}2+ cores [Cu...Cu separation: 3.0988(26) and 3.0792(29) A (two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit)] in which each Cu(II) centre is terminally coordinated by L2. A rationale has been provided for the observed debenzylation of L2 and hydrolysis of MeCO(2)Et. The intramolecular magnetic coupling between the Cu(II) (S = 1/2) ions was found to be ferromagnetic (2J = 82 cm(-1)) in the case of , but antiferromagnetic for (2J = -158 cm(-1)) and (2J = -96 cm(-1)). Absorption and EPR spectroscopic properties of the copper(II) compounds have also been investigated.     

Magnetostructural Correlations in Bis(&mgr;(2)-phenoxide)-Bridged Macrocyclic Dinuclear Copper(II) Complexes. Influence of Electron-Withdrawing Substituents on Exchange Coupling

Macrocyclic dicopper(II) complexes derived from 2,6-di(R)formylphenols and various linking diamines are surveyed and their magnetic and structural properties assessed. For those systems with "flat" dinuclear centers and no electronic perturbations associated with electron-withdrawing ligands or ligand groups, the complexes exhibit a "straight-line" relationship between exchange integral and phenoxide bridge angle. Within the angle range 98.8-104.7 degrees, 11 complexes are included with -2J in the range 689-902 cm(-)(1). When electron-withdrawing species are present, either as ligands or as groups bound to the macrocycle itself, considerable suppression of the antiferromagnetic exchange component is observed. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies are reported for three complexes. [Cu(2)(L1)(H(2)O)(2)]F(2)(CH(3)OH)(2) (1) crystallized in the triclinic system, space group P&onemacr;, with a = 8.1878(5) ?, b = 9.0346(7) ?, c = 10.4048(7) ?, alpha = 103.672(6) degrees, beta = 101.163(5) degrees, gamma = 104.017(5) degrees, and Z = 1. [Cu(2)(L2)Cl(2)] [Cu(2)(L2) (H(2)O)(2)]Cl(ClO(4)).5.5H(2)O (2) crystallized in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 14.4305(5) ?, b = 24.3149(8) ?, c = 18.6584(8) ?, beta = 111.282(3) degrees, and Z = 4. [Cu(2)(L3)(H(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(2) (3) crystallized in the triclinic system, space group P&onemacr;, with a = 8.6127(4) ?, b = 8.6321(7) ?, c = 10.8430(10) ?, a = 74.390(10) degrees, beta = 86.050(10) degrees, gamma = 76.350(10) degrees, and Z = 2. Square pyramidal copper ion stereochemistries are observed in all cases, with axially coordinated halogens or water molecules. Strong antiferromagnetic exchange is observed for all complexes (-2J = 784(8) cm(-)(1), Cu-O-Cu 103.65(10) degrees (1); -2J = 801(11) cm(-)(1), Cu-O-Cu 102.4(3), 107.5(3), 102.9(3), 106.1(3) degrees (2); -2J = 689(3) cm(-)(1), Cu-O-Cu 98.8(4) degrees (3)). The presence of electron-withdrawing CN groups on the periphery of the macrocyclic ligand leads to substantially reduced antiferromagnetic exchange.     

A new basic motif in cyanometallate coordination polymers: structure and magnetic behavior of M(mu-OH2)2[Au(CN)2]2 (M=Cu, Ni)

The structures of two cyanoaurate-based coordination polymers, M(mu-OH(2))(2)[Au(CN)(2)](2) (M=Cu, Ni), were determined by using a combination of powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The basic structural motif for both polymers contains rarely observed M(mu-OH(2))(2)M double aqua-bridges, which generate an infinite chain; two trans [Au(CN)(2)](-) units also dangle from each metal center. The chains form ribbons that interact three dimensionally through CNH hydrogen bonding. The magnetic properties of both compounds and of the dehydrated analogue Cu[Au(CN)(2)](2) were investigated by direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) magnetometry; muon spin-relaxation data was also obtained to probe their magnetic properties in zero-field. In M(mu-OH(2))(2)[Au(CN)(2)](2), ferromagnetic chains of M(mu-OH(2))(2)M are present below 20 K. Interchain magnetic interactions mediated through hydrogen bonding, involving water and cyanoaurate units, yield a long-range magnetically ordered system in Cu(mu-OH(2))(2)[Au(CN)(2)](2) below 0.20 K, as indicated by precession in the muon spin polarization decay. Ni(mu-OH(2))(2)[Au(CN)(2)](2) undergoes a transition to a spin-glass state in zero-field at 3.6 K, as indicated by a combination of muon spin-relaxation and ac-susceptibility data. This transition is probably due to competing interactions that lead to spin frustration. A phase transition to a paramagnetic state is possible for Ni(mu-OH(2))(2)[Au(CN)(2)](2) upon application of an external field; the critical field was determined to be 700 Oe at 1.8 K. The dehydrated compound Cu[Au(CN)(2)](2) shows weak antiferromagnetic interactions at low temperatures.     

Triangular,ferromagnetically-coupled CuII 3-pyrazolato complexes as possible models of particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO)

Magnetic susceptibility and EPR studies show that trinuclear Cu(II)-pyrazolato complexes with a Cu(3)(mu3-X)2 core (X = Cl, Br) are ferromagnetically coupled: J(Cu-Cu) = +28.6 cm(-1) (X = Cl), +3.1 cm(-1) (X = Br). The orderly transition from an antiferromagnetic to a ferromagnetic exchange among the Cu centers of Cu(3)(mu3-X) complexes, X = O, OH, Cl, Br, follows the change of the Cu-X-Cu angle from 120 degrees to approximately 80 degrees. The crystal structures of [Bu4N]2"[Cu3(mu3-Br)2(mu-pz*)3Br3] (pz* = pz (1a) or 4-O2N-pz (1b), pz = pyrazolato anion, C(3)H(3)N(2)(1-)) are presented.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of a new family of heterometallic cyanide-bridged Fe(III)2M(II)2 (M=Mn, Ni, and Co) square complexes

New heterobimetallic tetranuclear complexes of formula [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Mn(II)(bpy)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·CH(3)CN (1), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2a), [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Ni(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (2b), [Fe(III){HB(pz)(3)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3a), and [Fe(III){B(pz)(4)}(CN)(2)(μ-CN)Co(II)(dmphen)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2)·2CH(3)OH (3b), [HB(pz)(3)(-) = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate, B(Pz)(4)(-) = tetrakis(1-pyrazolyl)borate, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine] have been synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized. Complexes 1-3b have been prepared by following a rational route based on the self-assembly of the tricyanometalate precursor fac-[Fe(III)(L)(CN)(3)](-) (L = tridentate anionic ligand) and cationic preformed complexes [M(II)(L')(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (L' = bidentate α-diimine type ligand), this last species having four blocked coordination sites and two labile ones located in cis positions. The structures of 1-3b consist of cationic tetranuclear Fe(III)(2)M(II)(2) square complexes [M = Mn (1), Ni (2a and 2b), Co (3a and 3b)] where corners are defined by the metal ions and the edges by the Fe-CN-M units. The charge is balanced by free perchlorate anions. The [Fe(L)(CN)(3)](-) complex in 1-3b acts as a ligand through two cyanide groups toward two divalent metal complexes. The magnetic properties of 1-3b have been investigated in the temperature range 2-300 K. A moderately strong antiferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Mn(II) (S = 5/2) ions has been found for 1 leading to an S = 4 ground state (J(1) = -6.2 and J(2) = -2.7 cm(-1)), whereas a moderately strong ferromagnetic interaction between the low-spin Fe(III) (S = 1/2) and high-spin Ni(II) (S = 1) and Co(II) (S = 3/2) ions has been found for complexes 2a-3b with S = 3 (2a and 2b) and S = 4 (3a and 3b) ground spin states [J(1) = +21.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +19.4 cm(-1) (2a); J(1) = +17.0 cm(-1) and J(2) = +12.5 cm(-1) (2b); J(1) = +5.4 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.1 cm(-1) (3a); J(1) = +8.1 cm(-1) and J(2) = +11.0 cm(-1) (3b)] [the exchange Hamiltonian being of the type H? = -J(S?(i)·S?(j))]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to substantiate the nature and magnitude of the exchange magnetic coupling observed in 1-3b and also to analyze the dependence of the exchange magnetic coupling on the structural parameters of the Fe-C-N-M skeleton.     

A missing high-spin molecule in the family of cyanido-bridged heptanuclear heterometal complexes, [(LCu(II))₆Fe(III)(CN)₆]3+, and its Co(III) and Cr(III) analogues, accompanied in the crystal by a novel octameric water cluster

Three isostructural cyanido-bridged heptanuclear complexes, [{Cu(II)(saldmen)(H?O)}?{M(III)(CN)?}]-(ClO?)?·8H?O (M= Fe(III) 2; Co(III), 3; Cr(III) 4), have been obtained by reacting the dinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu?(saldmen)?(μ-H?O)(H?O)?](ClO?)?·2H?O 1, with K?[Co(CN)?], K?[Fe(CN)?], and K?[Cr(CN)?], respectively (Hsaldmen is the Schiff base resulting from the condensation of salicylaldehyde with N,N-dimethylethylenediamine). A unique octameric water cluster, with bicyclo[2,2,2]octane-like structure, is sandwiched between the heptanuclear cations in 2, 3 and 4. The cryomagnetic investigations of compounds 2 and 4 reveal ferromagnetic couplings of the central Fe(III) or Cr(III) ions with the Cu(II) ions (J(CuFe) = +0.87 cm?1, J(CuCr) = +30.4 cm?1). The intramolecular Cu···Cu exchange interaction in 3, across the diamagnetic cobalt(III) ion, is -0.3 cm?1. The solid-state 1H-NMR spectra of compounds 2 and 3 have been investigated.     

Syntheses and magneto-structural study of several polynuclear copper(II) complexes derived from 1,3-Bis(dimethylamino)-2-propanolato

The syntheses, structural characterization, and magnetic behavior of the three new polynuclear copper(II) complexes with formulas [Cu(4)(eta(2):mu-CH(3)COO)(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-OH(2))(mu-bdmap)(2)](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (1), [Cu(8)(NCO)(2)(eta(1):mu-NCO)(4)(mu-OH)(2)(mu(3)-OH)(2)(mu-OH(2))(3)(mu-bdmap)(4)](ClO(4))(2)x2H(2)O (2), and [Cu(9)(eta(1):mu-NCO)(8)(mu(3)-OH)(4)(OH(2))(2)(mu-bdmap)(4)](ClO(4))(2).4H(2)O (3), in which bdmapH is 1,3-bis(dimethylamino)-2-propanol, are reported. Tetranuclear complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P, with unit cell parameters a = 12.160(1) A, b = 13.051(1) A, c = 13.235(1) A, alpha = 110.745(1) degrees , beta = 109.683(1) degrees , gamma = 97.014(1), and Z = 2. Octanuclear complex 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c, with unit cell parameters a = 26.609(1) A, b = 14.496(1) A, c = 16.652(1) A, beta = 97.814(1) degrees , and Z = 4, and nonanuclear complex 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c, with unit cell parameters a = 24.104(1) A, b = 13.542(1) A, c = 24.355(1) A, beta = 109.98(1) degrees , and Z = 4. The magnetic behavior of the three complexes has been checked showing strong antiferromagnetic coupling in all the cases.     

An unprecedented copper(I,II)-octacyanotungstate(V) 2-D network: crystal structure and magnetism of [CuII(tren)]{CuI[W(V)(CN)8]} . 1.5H2O

A novel two-dimensional cyanide-bridged polymer [CuII(tren)]{CuI[W(V)(CN)8]} . 1.5H2O (tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine) formed via the simultaneous in situ metal-ligand redox reaction of [Cu(tren)(OH2)]2+ and self-assembly with [W(V)(CN)8]3- consists of a {CuI[W(V)(CN)8]} square grid built of CuI centres of tetrahedral geometry coordinatively saturated by CN bridges and [W(V)(CN)8]3- capped by [CuII(tren)]2+ moieties; it exhibits ferromagnetic coupling J1 = +5.8(1) cm(-1) within the CuII-W(V) dinuclear subunits and weak antiferromagnetic coupling J2 = -0.03(1) cm(-1) between them through diamagnetic CuI spacers.     

Dimetallic complexes of acyclic pyridine-armed ligands derived from 3,6-diformylpyridazine

A bis(pyridine-armed) acyclic Schiff base ligand L1 has been synthesised from 3,6-diformylpyridazine and two equivalents of 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine. Reduction of this ligand using NaBH(4) resulted in the formation of the amine analogue L2. Complexes of the form [M(2)L1(mu-X)]Y(2)ClO(4)[where: M = Cu(II), X = OH(-) and Y = ClO(4)(-) 1, Cl(-) 2, Br(-) 3 or I(-) 4; M = Co(II), X = OH(-) and Y = ClO(4)(-) 5; M = Ni(II), X = SCN(-) 6 or X = N(3)(-) 7 and Y = ClO(4)(-)], and [Cu(2)L2(mu-OH)](ClO(4))(3) 8 were prepared and characterised. The complexes 1 and 5-7 have been characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The acyclic L1 ligand provides three nitrogen donor atoms per metal centre, including a pyridazine bridge between the metal centres, and the anion X also bridges the two metal centres. As required, coordinating solvent molecules or additional anions make up the remainder of the coordination sphere. The two copper centres of 1 are very strongly antiferromagnetically coupled (2J=-1146 cm(-1))via the pyridazine and hydroxide ion bridges, whereas the competing antiferromagnetic pyridazine bridging pathway and ferromagnetic 1,1-bridging azide pathway resulted in the observation of weak antiferromagnetic exchange in the dinickel(II) complex 7 (2J=-14 cm(-1)). Electrochemical examination of L1, L2 and complexes 1 and 5-8 revealed multiple redox processes. These have been tentatively assigned to a mixture of metal centred and ligand centred redox processes on the basis of cyclic voltammetry and coulometry results and comparisons with literature examples.     

Anion influence on the structure and magnetic properties of a series of multidimensional pyrimidine-2-carboxylato-bridged copper(II) complexes

Seven new polynuclear copper(II) complexes of formula [Cu(mu-pymca)2] (1) (pymca(-) = pyrimidine-2-carboxylato), [Cu(mu-pymca)Br] (2), [Cu(mu-pymca)Cl] (3), [Cu(mu-pymca)(SCN)(H2O)] x 4 H2O (4), [Cu(mu-pymca)N3] (5), [Cu2(mu1,5-dca)2(pymca)2] (6) (dca = dicyanamide), and K{[mu-Au(CN)2]2[(Cu(NH3)2)2(mu-pymca)]}[Au(CN)2]2 (7) have been synthesized by reactions of K-pymca with copper(II) ions in the presence of different counteranions. Compound 1 is a linear neutral chain with a carboxylato bridging ligand in a syn-anti coordination mode, whereas complexes 2 and 3 consist of cationic linear chains with cis and trans bis(chelating) pymca bridging ligands. Complex 4 adopts a helical pymca-bridged chain structure. In complex 5, zigzag pymca-bridged chains are connected by double end-on azide bridging ligands to afford a unique honeycomb layer structure. Complex 6 is a centrosymmetric dinuclear system with double mu 1,5-dicyanamide bridging ligands and pymca end-cap ligands. Complex 7 is made of pymca-bridged dinuclear [Cu(NH3)2(mu-pymca)Cu(NH3)2](3+) units connected by [Au(CN)2](-) anions to four other dinuclear units, giving rise to cationic (4,4) rectangular nets, which are linked by aurophilic interactions to afford a singular 3D network. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements show that complex 1 exhibits a very weak antiferromagnetic coupling through the syn-anti (equatorial-axial) carboxylate bridge (J = -0.57 cm(-1)), whereas complexes 2-4 and 7 exhibit weak to strong antiferromagnetic couplings through the bis(chelating) pymca bridging ligand J = -17.5-276.1 cm(-1)). Quantum Monte Carlo methods have been used to analyze the experimental magnetic data for 5, leading to an antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -34 cm(-1)) through the pymca ligand and to a ferromagnetic coupling (J = 71 cm(-1)) through the azide bridging ligands. Complex 6 exhibits a very weak antiferromagnetic coupling through the dicyanamide bridging ligands (J = -5.1 cm(-1)). The magnitudes of the magnetic couplings in complexes 2-5 have been explained on the basis of the overlapping between magnetic orbitals and DFT theoretical calculations.     

One-dimensional octacyanomolybdate-based Cu(II)--Mo(V) bimetallic assembly with a novel rope-ladder chain structure

A new type of one-dimensional cyanide-bridged Cu(II)--Mo(V) bimetallic assembly, [Cu(cyclam)](3)[Mo(CN)(8)](2)x5H(2)O (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), was prepared by self-assembling Mo(CN)(8)(3)(-) and Cu(cyclam)(2+) ions in a 2:3 stoichiometric ratio. The overall molecular view is delineated as a novel rope-ladder chain structure. It displays a dominant ferromagnetic behavior within a pentanuclear Cu(3)Mo(2) unit (J(p) = 3.88 cm(-)(1)). Interunit ferromagnetic interactions (J(c) = -0.03 cm(-)(1)) through a longer magnetic pathway of Cu--Mo and weak antiferromagnetic couplings (zJ' = -0.46 cm(-)(1)) resulting from interchain interactions are obtained.     

Binuclear copper(II) oxidation products from copper(I) complexes with tridentate ligands. Magnetostructural characterization

The bis-pyridine tridentate ligands (6-R-2-pyridylmethyl)-(2-pyridylmethyl) benzylamine (RDPMA, where R = CH(3), CF(3)), (6-R-2-pyridylmethyl)-(2-pyridylethyl) benzylamine (RPMPEA, where R = CH(3), CF(3)), and the bidentate ligand di-benzyl-(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (BiBzMePMA) have been synthesized and their copper(I) complexes oxidized in a methanol solution to afford self-assembled bis-micro-methoxo-binuclear copper(II) complexes (1, 2, 4, 6) or hydroxo- binuclear copper(II) complexes (3). Oxidation of the nonsubstituted DPMA (R = H) in dichloromethane gives a chloride-bridged complex (5). The crystal structures for [Cu(MeDPMA)(MeO)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (1), [Cu(RPMPEA)(MeO)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (for 2, R= Me, and for 4, R = CF(3)), [Cu(BiBzMePMA)(MeO)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (6), [Cu(FDPMA)(OH)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (3), and [Cu(DPMA)(Cl)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (5) have been determined, and their variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility has been measured in the temperature range of 10-300 K. The copper coordination geometries are best described as square pyramidal, except for 6, which is square planar, because of the lack of one pyridine ring in the bidentate ligand. In 1-4 and 6, the basal plane is formed by two pyridine N atoms and two O atoms from the bridging methoxo or hydroxo groups, whereas in 5, the bridging Cl atoms occupy axial-equatorial sites. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that the Cu atoms are strongly coupled antiferromagnetically in the bis-methoxo complexes 1, 2, 4, and 6, with -2J > 600 cm(-)(1), whereas for the hydroxo complex 3, -2J = 195 cm(-)(1) and the chloride-bridged complex 5 shows a weak ferromagnetic coupling, with 2J = 21 cm(-)(1) (2J is an indicator of the magnetic interaction between the Cu centers).     

X-ray crystal structures, electron paramagnetic resonance, and magnetic studies on strongly antiferromagnetically coupled mixed mu-hydroxide-mu-N(1),N(2)-triazole-bridged one dimensional linear chain copper(II) complexes

Four new metal-organic polymeric complexes, {[Cu(mu-OH)(mu-ClPhtrz)][(H 2O)(BF 4)]} n ( 1), {[Cu(mu-OH)(mu-BrPhtrz)][(H 2O)(BF 4)]} n ( 2), {[Cu(mu-OH)(mu-ClPhtrz)(H 2O)](NO 3)} n ( 3), and {[Cu(mu-OH)(mu-BrPhtrz)(H 2O)](NO 3)} n ( 4) (ClPhtrz = N-[( E)-(4-chlorophenyl)methylidene]-4 H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine; BrPhtrz = N-[( E)-(4-bromophenyl)methylidene]-4 H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine), were synthesized in a reaction of substituted 1,2,4-triazole and various copper(II) salts in water/acetonitrile solutions. The structures of 1- 4 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The Cu(II) ions are linked both by single N (1), N (2)-1,2,4-triazole and hydroxide bridges yielding one dimensional (1D) linear chain polymers. The tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry of copper atoms is completed alternately by two water and two BF 4 (-) anion molecules in 1 and 2 but solely by two water molecules in 3 and 4. Magnetic properties of all complexes were studied by variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. The Cu(II) ions are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled with J = -419(1) cm (-1) ( 1), -412(2) cm (-1) ( 2), -391(3) cm (-1) ( 3), and -608(2) cm (-1) ( 4) (based on the Hamiltonian H = - J[ summation operator S i . S i+ 1]). The nature and the magnitude of the antiferromagnetic exchange were discussed on the basis of complementarity/countercomplementarity of the two competing bridges.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, magnetic properties, and EPR spectra of tetranuclear copper(II) complexes featuring pairs of "roof-shaped" Cu2X2 dimers with hydroxide, methoxide, and azide bridges

Hydroxo- and methoxo-bridged tetranuclear copper(II) complexes of the tetramacrocyclic ligand 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene (Ldur), have been prepared from [Cu4Ldur(H2O)8](ClO4)8.9H2O (1). Addition of base to an aqueous solution of 1 gave [Cu4Ldur(mu2-OH)4](ClO4)4 (2). Diffusion of MeOH into a DMF solution of 2 produces [Cu4Ldur(mu2-OMe)4](ClO4)4.HClO4.2/3MeOH (3), a complex which hydrolyzes on exposure to moisture regenerating 2. The structurally related azido-bridged complex, [Cu4Ldur(mu2-N3)4](PF6)4.4H2O.6CH3CN (4), was produced by reaction of Ldur with 4 molar equiv of Cu(OAc)2.H2O and NaN3 in the presence of excess KPF6. Compounds 2-4 crystallize in the triclinic space group P1 (No. 2) with a = 10.248(1) A, b = 12.130(2) A, c = 14.353(2) A, alpha = 82.23(1) degrees, beta = 80.79(1) degrees, gamma = 65.71(1) degrees, and Z = 1 for 2, a = 10.2985(4) A, b = 12.1182(4) A, c = 13.9705(3) A, alpha = 89.978(2) degrees, beta = 82.038(2) degrees, gamma = 65.095(2) degrees, and Z = 1 for 3, and a = 12.059(2) A, b = 12.554(2) A, c = 14.051(2) A, alpha = 91.85(1) degrees, beta = 98.22(1) degrees, gamma = 105.62(1) degrees, and Z = 1 for 4. The complexes feature pairs of isolated dibridged copper(II) dimers with "roof-shaped" Cu2(mu2-X)2 cores (X = OH-, OMe-, N3-), as indicated by the dihedral angle between the two CuX2 planes (159 degrees for 2, 161 degrees for 3, and 153 degrees for 4). This leads to Cu.Cu distances of 2.940(4) A for 2, 2.962(1) A for 3, and 3.006(5) A for 4. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -27 cm(-1)) for the hydroxo-bridged copper(II) centers in 2 and very strong antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -269 cm(-1)) for the methoxo-bridged copper(II) centers in 3. Pairs of copper(II) centers in 4 display the strongest ferromagnetic interaction (J = 94 cm(-1)) reported thus far for bis(mu2-1,1-azido)-bridged dicopper units. Spectral measurements on a neat powdered sample of 4 at 33.9 GHz or 90 Ghz confirm the spin-triplet ground state for the azido-bridged copper(II) pairs.     

Reaction behaviour of dinuclear copper(I) complexes with m-xylyl-based ligands towards dioxygen

Intramolecular ligand hydroxylation was observed during the reactions of dioxygen with the dicopper(I) complexes of the ligands L(1)(L(1)=alpha,alpha'-bis[(2-pyridylethyl)amino]-m-xylene) and L(3)(L(3)=alpha, alpha'-bis[N-(2-pyridylethyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-m-xylene). The dinuclear copper(I) complex [Cu(2)L(3)](ClO(4))(2) and the dicopper(II) complex [Cu(2)(L(1)-O)(OH)(ClO(4))]ClO(4) were characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. Furthermore, phenolate-bridged complexes were synthesized with the ligand L(2)-OH (structurally characterized [Cu(2)(L(2)-O)Cl(3)] with L(2)=alpha, alpha'-bis[N-methyl-N-(2-pyridylethyl)amino]-m-xylene; synthesized from the reaction between [Cu(2)(L(2)-O)(OH)](ClO(4))(2) and Cl(-)) and Me-L(3)-OH: [Cu(2)(Me-L(3)-O)(mu-X)](ClO(4))(2)xnH(2)O (Me-L(3)-OH = 2,6-bis[N-(2-pyridylethyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-4-methylphenol and X = C(3)H(3)N(2)(-)(prz), MeCO(2)(-) and N(3)(-)). The magnetochemical characteristics of compounds were determined by temperature-dependent magnetic studies, revealing their antiferromagnetic behaviour [-2J(in cm(-1)) values: -92, -86 and -88; -374].     

3[(dx2-y2,dxy)(pz)] excited state of binuclear copper(I) phosphine complexes: effect of copper-ligand and copper-copper interactions on excited state properties and photocatalytic reductions of the 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridinium ion in alcohols

A comprehensive study of the structural and spectroscopic properties of two-, three-, and four-coordinate copper(I) complexes with aliphatic phosphine ligands is presented. All complexes described in this work are characterized by X-ray crystallography. The intramolecular Cu...Cu separations in [Cu2(dcpm)2]X2, [Cu2(dcpm)2-(CH3CN)2]X2, and [Cu2(dmpm)3]-(ClO4)2 (dcpm=bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)methane; dmpm=bis(dimethylphosphino)methane; X=ClO4- and PF6-) are in the range 2.639(2)-3.021(2) A. The anion...CuI interaction is weak, as evidenced by the nearest O...Cu separation of 2.558(6) A in [Cu2(dcpm)2](ClO4)2 and the closest Cu...F separation of 2.79(1) A in [Cu2(dcpm)2](PF6)2. The absorption bands of [Cu2(dcpm)2]X2 and [Cu2(dcpm)2(CH3CN)2]X2 (X=ClO4- and PF6-) at lambda max 307-311 nm in CH2Cl2 are assigned as 1[3d sigma* --> 4p sigma] transitions; this has been confirmed by resonance Raman spectroscopy. The triplet emissions in the visible region from these complexes exhibit long lifetimes and are sensitive to the environment. The lowest emissive excited state is tentatively ascribed as 3[(dx2-y2, dxy)(pz)] in nature. For [Cu2(dcpm)2]2+ salts in CH3CN, the emissive species is postulated to be [Cu2(dcpm)2(CH3CN)n]2+ (n > or = 3). Efficient photocatalytic reduction of MV2+ (4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridinium) to MV+ in alcoholic solutions by using [Cu2(dcpm)2](PF6)2 or [Cu2(dppm)2(CH3CN)4](ClO4)2 (dppm=bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) as a catalyst has been observed. The addition of CH3CN or use of [Cu2(dmpm)3]-(ClO4)2 as a catalyst did not allow photocatalytic reduction processes to occur.     

Heteroleptic pyrimidine-2-olate and 4,4[prime or minute]-bipyridine copper(II) layered metal-organic frameworks with swelling properties

One-pot reaction of CuX2 salts (X = NO3, Cl, ClO4, AcO, SO(4)/2), 2-Hydroxypyrimidine hydrochloride (2-Hpymo.HCl) and 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bpy), in H2O : ethanol : ammonia (20 : 10 : 5) solution, leads to isomorphous extended layered materials of type [Cu3(mu-OH)2(mu-Cl)2(mu-2-pymo)(mu-4,4'-bpy)3]nXn.mH2O (X = NO3 (1a), Cl (1b), ClO4 (1c), AcO (1d), SO(4)/2 (1e)). The single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis performed on species exemplifies that it is built by 2D [Cu3(mu-OH)2(mu-Cl)2(mu-2-pymo)(mu-4,4'-bpy)3]n(n+) cationic sheets, which pack in a staggered fashion, with non coordinated NO3- anions and crystallisation water molecules included in the interlayer voids. XRPD studies performed on the species show a swelling response along the crystallographic a axis concomitant to aliphatic alcohol inclusion. Additionally, we have also studied the magnetic properties of , which show that its magnetic behaviour is dominated by the strong antiferromagnetic interactions taking place in the Cu3(mu-OH)2(mu-Cl)2 trinuclear cores.     

First example of a 2:1 cocrystal of mixed Cu(I)/Cu(II) complexes and a novel ferromagnetic bis(mu-hydroxo)dicopper(II) complex with a bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane bidentate ligand

A unique 2:1 cocrystal of mixed Cu(I)/Cu(II) complexes [Cu(I)(H2CPz2)(MeCN)2](ClO4) (1) and [Cu(II)(H2CPz2)2(ClO4)2] (4), a novel ferromagnetic ClO(4-)-bridged bis(mu-hydroxo)dicopper(II) complex, [Cu2(H2CPz2)2(OH)2(ClO4)](ClO4)(CH3CN)(0.5) (5), and a bischelated copper(I) complex, [Cu(H2CPz2)2](ClO4) (2), prepared from a one-pot reaction of [Cu(MeCN)4](ClO4) and H2CPz2, are described. The structures of these complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallographic methods. The Cu(I)-N(acetonitrile) bond distances in complex 1 are nonequivalent (1.907(8) and 2.034(9) A), leading to the dissociation of one MeCN to form a Y-shaped complex, [Cu(I)(H2CPz2)(MeCN)](ClO4) (3), which is oxidized readily in air to form complex 5 with a butterfly Cu2O2 core.     

Structural comparison of copper(I) and copper(II) complexes with tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand

Copper(I) complexes with the tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA) ligand were synthesized and characterized to examine the effect of counteranions (Br(-), ClO(4)(-), and BPh(4)(-)), as well as auxiliary ligands (CH(3)CN, 4,4'-dipyridyl, and PPh(3)) on the molecular structures in both solid state and solution. Partial dissociation of one of the pyridyl arms in TPMA was not observed when small auxiliary ligands such as CH(3)CN or Br(-) were coordinated to copper(I), but was found to occur with larger ones such as PPh(3) or 4,4'-dipyridyl. All complexes were found to adopt a distorted tetrahedral geometry, with the exception of [Cu(I)(TPMA)][BPh(4)], which was found to be trigonal pyramidal because of stabilization via a long cuprophilic interaction with a bond length of 2.8323(12) ?. Copper(II) complexes with the general formula [Cu(II)(TPMA)X][Y] (X = Cl(-), Br(-) and Y = ClO(4)(-), BPh(4)(-)) were also synthesized to examine the effect of different counterions on the geometry of [Cu(II)(TPMA)X](+) cation, and were found to be isostructural with previously reported [Cu(II)(TPMA)X][X] (X = Cl(-) or Br(-)) complexes.     

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

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