Intense fluorescence of metal-to-ligand charge transfer in [Pt(0)(binap)(2)] [binap = 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl

[Pt(0)(binap)(2)] (binap = 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl) is found to exhibit a luminescence from metal-to-ligand charge transfer state (MLCT) with a quantum yield of 0.12 and a lifetime of 1.2 micros in toluene at an ambient temperature. Prompt fluorescence with a quantum yield of 1.6 x 10(-)(4) is observed by means of a picosecond time-correlated single photon counting technique. The spectrum of the steady-state luminescence is almost identical to that of the prompt fluorescence, indicating that the intense luminescence is mainly delayed fluorescence from thermally activated (1)MLCT. The analysis of the temperature-dependent emission indicates that the energy difference between the (1)MLCT and (3)MLCT is 1.15 x 10(3) cm(-)(1). The lifetime of the prompt fluorescence is determined to be 3.2 ps from the decay of stimulated emission overlapped on subpicosecond transient absorption spectra. The lifetime of the (1)MLCT is much longer than expected from the large spin-orbit coupling constant of 5d (Pt) electrons (4000 cm(-)(1)). Theoretical analysis based on density functional theory reveals that structural distortion in the MLCT states causes large energy splitting between HOMO and HOMO - 1, which prevents a very fast ISC induced by strong spin-orbit interactions between these orbitals. The relatively slow ISC is therefore induced by weak spin-orbit interactions (ca. 50 cm(-)(1)) between ligand-centered molecular orbitals. Theoretical calculations indicate that the phosphorescence observed at lower temperatures is due to intensity borrowing from 4(1)B(2) --> GS transition. However, the large energy difference between HOMO and HOMO - 2 reduces the extent of mixing between the lowest (3)MLCT and 4(1)B(2) due to spin-orbit interaction, thereby decreasing the radiative rate of the phosphorescence.     

Systematic investigation of the metal-structure-photophysics relationship of emissive d10-complexes of group 11 elements: the prospect of application in organic light emitting devices

A series of new emissive group 11 transition metal d(10)-complexes 1-8 bearing functionalized 2-pyridyl pyrrolide together with phosphine ancillary such as bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl] ether (POP) or PPh(3) are reported. The titled complexes are categorized into three classes, i.e. Cu(I) complexes (1-3), Ag(I) complexes (4 and 5), and Au(I) metal complexes (6-8). Via combination of experimental and theoretical approaches, the group 11 d(10)-metal ions versus their structural variation, stability, and corresponding photophysical properties have been investigated in a systematic and comprehensive manner. The results conclude that, along the same family, how much a metal d-orbital is involved in the electronic transition plays a more important role than how heavy the metal atom is, i.e. the atomic number, in enhancing the spin-orbit coupling. The metal ions with and without involvement of a d orbital in the lowest lying electronic transition are thus classified into internal and external heavy atoms, respectively. Cu(I) complexes 1-3 show an appreciable metal d contribution (i.e., MLCT) in the lowest lying transition, so that Cu(I) acts as an internal heavy atom. Despite its smallest atomic number among group 11 elements, Cu(I) complexes 1-3 exhibit a substantially larger rate of intersystem crossing (ISC) and phosphorescence radiative decay rate constant (k(r)(p)) than those of Ag(I) (4 and 5) and Au(I) (6-8) complexes possessing pure π → π* character in the lowest transition. Since Ag(I) and Au(I) act only as external heavy atoms in the titled complexes, the spin-orbit coupling is mainly governed by the atomic number, such that complexes associated with the heavier Au(I) (6-8) show faster ISC and larger k(r)(p) than the Ag(I) complexes (4 and 5). This trend of correlation should be universal and has been firmly supported by experimental data in combination with empirical derivation. Along this line, Cu(I) complex 1 exhibits intensive phosphorescence (Φ(p) = 0.35 in solid state) and has been successfully utilized for fabrication of OLEDs, attaining peak EL efficiencies of 6.6%, 20.0 cd/A, and 14.9 lm/W for the forward directions.     

Structural Control of (1)A(2u)-to-(3)A(2u) Intersystem Crossing in Diplatinum(II,II) Complexes

Analysis of variable-temperature fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime data for per(difluoroboro)tetrakis(pyrophosphito)diplatinate(II) ([Pt(2)(μ-P(2)O(5)(BF(2))(2))(4)](4-), abbreviated Pt(pop-BF(2))), yields a radiative decay rate (k(r) = 1.7 × 10(8) s(-1)) an order of magnitude greater than that of the parent complex, Pt(pop). Its temperature-independent and activated intersystem crossing (ISC) pathways are at least 18 and 142 times slower than those of Pt(pop) [ISC activation energies: 2230 cm(-1) for Pt(pop-BF(2)); 1190 cm(-1) for Pt(pop)]. The slowdown in the temperature-independent ISC channel is attributed to two factors: (1) reduced spin-orbit coupling between the (1)A(2u) state and the mediating triplet(s), owing to increases of LMCT energies relative to the excited singlet; and (2) diminished access to solvent, which for Pt(pop) facilitates dissipation of the excess energy into solvent vibrational modes. The dramatic increase in E(a) is attributed to increased P-O-P framework rigidity, which impedes symmetry-lowering distortions, in particular asymmetric vibrations in the Pt(2)(P-O-P)(4) core that would allow direct (1)A(2u)-(3)A(2u) spin-orbit coupling.     

Excited-state dynamics in fac-[Re(CO)3(Me4phen)(L)]+

Excited-state dynamics in fac-[Re(CO)(3)(Me(4)phen)(cis-L)](+) (Me(4)phen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, L = 4-styrylpyridine (stpy) or 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe)) were investigated by steady-state and time-resolved techniques. A complex equilibrium among three closely lying excited states, (3)IL(cis-L), (3)MLCT(Re→Me(4)phen), and (3)IL(Me(4)phen), has been established. Under UV irradiation, cis-to-trans isomerization of coordinated cis-L is observed with a quantum yield of 0.15 in acetonitrile solutions. This photoreaction competes with radiative decay from (3)MLCT(Re→Me(4)phen) and (3)IL(Me(4)phen) excited states, leading to a decrease in the emission quantum yield relative to the nonisomerizable complex fac-[Re(CO)(3)(Me(4)phen)(bpa)](+) (bpa = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane). From temperature-dependent time-resolved emission measurements in solution and in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films, energy barriers (ΔE(a)) for interconversion between (3)MLCT(Re→Me(4)phen) and (3)IL(Me(4)phen) emitting states were determined. For L = cis-stpy, ΔE(a) = 11 (920 cm(-1)) and 15 kJ mol(-1) (1254 cm(-1)) in 5:4 propionitrile/butyronitrile and PMMA, respectively. For L = cis-bpe, ΔE(a) = 13 kJ mol(-1) (1087 cm(-1)) in 5:4 propionitrile/butyronitrile. These energy barriers are sufficient to decrease the rate constant for internal conversion from higher-lying (3)IL(Me(4)phen) state to (3)MLCT(Re→Me(4)phen), k(i) ? 10(6) s(-1). The decrease in rate allows for the observation of intraligand phosphorescence, even in fluid medium at room temperature. Our results provide additional insight into the role of energy gap and excited-state dynamics on the photochemical and photophysical properties of Re(I) polypyridyl complexes.     

Magneto-structural studies on heterobimetallic malonate-bridged M(II)Re(IV) complexes (M = Mn, Co, Ni and Cu)

The mononuclear Re(IV) compound of formula (PPh(4))(2)[ReBr(4)(mal)] (1) was used as a ligand to obtain the heterobimetallic species [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Co(dmphen)(2)]· MeCN (2), [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Ni(dmphen)(2)] (3), [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Mn(dmphen)(2)] (4a), [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Mn(dmphen)(H(2)O)(2)]·dmphen·MeCN·H(2)O (4b), [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Cu(phen)(2)]·1/4H(2)O (5) and [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)Cu(bipy)(2)] (6) (mal = malonate dianion, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine). The structures of 2 and 5 (single-crystal X-ray diffraction) are made up of neutral [ReBr(4)(μ-mal)M(AA)] dinuclear units [AA = dmphen with M = Co (2) and AA = phen with M = Cu (5)] where the metal ions are connected through a malonate ligand which exhibits simultaneously the bidentate [at the Re(IV)] and monodentate [at the M(II)] coordination modes. The carboxylate-malonate group in them adopts the anti-syn conformation with intramolecular ReM separation of 5.098(8) (2) and 4.947(2) ? (5). The magnetic properties of 1-6 were investigated in the temperature range 1.9-295 K. The magnetic behaviour of 1 is the expected for a magnetically isolated Re(IV) complex with a large value of the zero-field splitting (2D ca. -70 cm(-1)) whereas weak antiferromagnetic interactions between Re(IV) and M(II) are observed in the heterobimetallic compounds 2 (J = -0.63 cm(-1)), 3 (J = -1.37 cm(-1)), 4a (J = -1.29 cm(-1)), 5 (J = -1.83 cm(-1)) and 6 (J = -0.26 cm(-1)). Remarkably, 4b behaves as a ferrimagnetic chain with regular alternating Re(IV) and Mn(II) cations (J = -2.64 cm(-1)).     

Strong steric hindrance effect on excited state structural dynamics of Cu(I) diimine complexes

The metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state of Cu(I) diimine complexes is known to undergo structural reorganization, transforming from a pseudotetrahedral D(2d) symmetry in the ground state to a flattened D(2) symmetry in the MLCT state, which allows ligation with a solvent molecule, forming an exciplex intermediate. Therefore, the structural factors that influence the coordination geometry change and the solvent accessibility to the copper center in the MLCT state could be used to control the excited state properties. In this study, we investigated an extreme case of the steric hindrance caused by attaching bulky tert-butyl groups in bis(2,9-di-tert-butyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(I), [Cu(I)(dtbp)(2)](+). The two bulky tert-butyl groups on the dtbp ligand lock the MLCT state into the pseudotetrahedral coordination geometry and completely block the solvent access to the copper center in the MLCT state of [Cu(I)(dtbp)(2)](+). Using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy and time-resolved emission spectroscopy, we investigated the MLCT state property changes due to the steric hindrance and demonstrated that [Cu(I)(dtbp)(2)](+) exhibited a long-lived emission but no subpicosecond component that was previously assigned as the flattening of the pseudotetrahedral coordination geometry. This suggests the retention of its pseudotetrahedral D(2d) symmetry and the blockage of the solvent accessibility. We made a comparison between the excited state dynamics of [Cu(I)(dtbp)(2)](+) with its mono-tert-butyl counterpart, bis(2-tert-butyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(I) [Cu(I)(tbp)(2)](+). The subpicosecond component assigned to the flattening of the D(2d) coordination geometry in the MLCT excited state was again present in the latter because the absence of a tert-butyl on the phenanthroline allows flattening to the pseudotetrahedral coordination geometry. Unlike the [Cu(I)(dtbp)(2)](+), [Cu(I)(tbp)(2)](+) exhibited no detectable emission at room temperature in solution. These results provide new insights into the manipulation of various excited state properties in Cu diimine complexes by certain key structural factors, enabling optimization of these systems for solar energy conversion applications.     

Femtosecond fluorescence and intersystem crossing in rhenium(I) carbonyl-bipyridine complexes

Ultrafast electronic-vibrational relaxation upon excitation of the singlet charge-transfer b (1)A' state of [Re(L)(CO) 3(bpy)] ( n ) (L = Cl, Br, I, n = 0; L = 4-Et-pyridine, n = 1+) in acetonitrile was investigated using the femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion technique with polychromatic detection. In addition, energies, characters, and molecular structures of the emitting states were calculated by TD-DFT. The luminescence is characterized by a broad fluorescence band at very short times, and evolves to the steady-state phosphorescence spectrum from the a (3)A" state at longer times. The analysis of the data allows us to identify three spectral components. The first two are characterized by decay times tau 1 = 85-150 fs and tau 2 = 340-1200 fs, depending on L, and are identified as fluorescence from the initially excited singlet state and phosphorescence from a higher triplet state (b (3)A"), respectively. The third component corresponds to the long-lived phosphorescence from the lowest a (3)A" state. In addition, it is found that the fluorescence decay time (tau 1) corresponds to the intersystem crossing (ISC) time to the two emissive triplet states. tau 2 corresponds to internal conversion among triplet states. DFT results show that ISC involves electron exchange in orthogonal, largely Re-localized, molecular orbitals, whereby the total electron momentum is conserved. Surprisingly, the measured ISC rates scale inversely with the spin-orbit coupling constant of the ligand L, but we find a clear correlation between the ISC times and the vibrational periods of the Re-L mode, suggesting that the latter may mediate the ISC in a strongly nonadiabatic regime.     

Lowest electronic excited states of platinum(II) diimine complexes

Absorption and emission spectra of Pt(diimine)L2 complexes (diimine = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) or 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (dmbpy); L = pyrazolate (pz-), 3,5-dimethylpyrazolate (dmpz-), or 3,4,5-trimethylpyrazolate (tmpz-)) have been measured. Solvent-sensitive absorption bands (370-440 nm) are attributed to spin-allowed metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (1MLCT) transitions. As solids and in 77 K glassy solution, Pt(bpy)(pz)2 and Pt(dmbpy)(pz)2 exhibit highly structured emission systems (lambda max approximately 494 nm) similar to those of the diprotonated forms of these complexes. The highly structured bands (spacings 1000-1400 cm-1) indicate that the transition originates in a diimine-centered 3(pi-->pi*) (3LL) excited state. The intense solid-state and 77 K glassy solution emissions from 3MLCT[d(Pt)-->pi*(bpy)] excited states of complexes with dmpz- and tmpz- ligands occur at longer wavelengths (lambda max = 500-610 nm), with much broader vibronic structure. These findings are consistent with increasing electron donation of the pyrazolate ligands, leading to a distinct crossover from a lowest 3LL to a 3MLCT excited state.     

Os(bipy)(CN)4]2- and its relatives as components of polynuclear assemblies: structural and photophysical properties

A series of diimine-tetracyanoosmate anions [Os(diimine)(CN)4]2- [diimine=2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpym), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), and 4,4'-tBu2-2,2'-bipyridine (tBu2bpy)] were prepared and isolated as their Na+ salts (water soluble) or PPN+ salts (soluble in organic solvents). Several examples were crystallographically characterized; the Na+ salts form a range of 1D, 2D, or 3D infinite coordination polymers via coordination of the cyanide groups to Na+ cations in either an end-on or a side-on manner. The [Os(diimine)(CN)4]2- anions are solvatochromic, showing three MLCT absorptions, which are considerably blue-shifted in water compared to organic solvents, in the same way as is well-known for the analogous [Ru(diimine)(CN)4]2- anions. Luminescence in the red region of the spectrum is very weak but (following the expected solvatochromic behavior) is higher energy and more intense in water. However, by exploiting the effect of metallochromism (ref 4), the emission from [Os(tBu2bpy)(CN)4]2- in MeCN can be very substantially boosted in energy, intensity, and lifetime in the presence of Lewis-acidic metal cations (Na+, Ba2+, Zn2+), which, in a relatively noncompetitive solvent, coordinate to the cyanide groups of [Os(tBu2bpy)(CN)4]2-. This has an effect similar in principle to hydrogen bonding of the cyanides to delta+ protons of water, but very much stronger, such that in the presence of Zn2+ ions in MeCN the 1MLCT and 3MLCT absorptions are blue-shifted by ca. 7000 cm(-1), and the luminescence moves from 970 nm (vanishingly weak) to 610 nm with a lifetime of 120 ns (dominant component). Thus, the binding of metal cations to the cyanides provides a mechanism to incorporate [Os(diimine)(CN)4]2- complexes into polynuclear assemblies and simultaneously increases their 3MLCT energy and lifetime to an extent that makes them comparable to much-stronger luminophores such as Ru(II)-polypyridines.     

Mechanistic changeover for the water substitution on fac-[(CO)3Re(H2O)3]+ revealed by high-pressure NMR

The complex formation in water between the stable tricarbonyltriaqua fac-[(CO)(3)Re(H(2)O)(3)](+) (1) complex and N- and S-donor ligands has been studied by high-pressure (1)H NMR. Rate and equilibrium constants for the formation of [(CO)(3)Re(Pyz)(H(2)O)(2)](+), [(CO)(3)(H(2)O)(2)Re(mu-Pyz)Re(H(2)O)(2)(CO)(3)](2+), [(CO)(3)Re(THT)(H(2)O)(2)](+), and [(CO)(3)Re(DMS)(n)()(H(2)O)(3-n)](+) (n = 1-3) (Pyz = pyrazine, THT = tetrahydrothiophene, DMS = dimethyl sulfide) have been determined and are in accord with previous results (Salignac, B.; Grundler, P. V.; Cayemittes, S.; Frey, U.; Scopelliti, R.; Merbach, A. E.; Hedinger, R.; Hegetschweiler, K.; Alberto, R.; Prinz, U.; Raabe, G.; K?lle, U.; Hall, S. Inorg. Chem. 2003, 42, 3516). The calculated interchange rate constant k(1)' (Eigen-Wilkins mechanism) increases from the hard O- and N-donors to the soft S-donors, as exemplified by the following series: TFA (trifluoroacetate) (k(1)' = 2.9 x 10(-3) s(-1)) < Br(-) < CH(3)CN < Pyz < THT < DMS < TU (thiourea) (k(1)' = 41.5 x 10(-3) s(-1)). On the other hand, values remain close to that of water exchange k(ex) on 1 (k(ex) = 6.3 x 10(-3) s(-1)). Thus, an I(d) mechanism was assigned, suggesting however the possibility of a slight deviation toward an associatively activated mechanism with the S-donor ligands. Activation volumes determined by high-pressure NMR, for Pyz as Delta V(++)(f,1) = +5.4 +/- 1.5, Delta V(++)(r,1) = +7.9 +/- 1.2 cm(3) mol(-)(1), for THT as Delta V(++)(f,1) = -6.6 +/- 1, Delta V(++)(r,1) = -6.2 +/- 1 cm(3) mol(-1), and for DMS as Delta V(++)(f,1) = -12 +/- 1, Delta V(++)(r,1) = -10 +/- 2 cm(3) mol(-1) revealed the ambivalent character of 1 toward water substitution. Hence, these findings are interpreted as a gradual changeover of the reaction mechanism from a dissociatively activated one (I(d)), with the hard O- and N-donor ligands, to an associatively activated one (I(a)), with the soft S-donor ligands.     

Synthesis, characterization and photophysical properties of PPh2-C2-(C6H4)n-C2-PPh2 based bimetallic Au(I) complexes

A family of the diphosphines PPh(2)C(2)(C(6)H(4))(n)C(2)PPh(2) (n = 0-3), which possess a dialkynyl-arene spacer between the phosphorus atoms, was used for the synthesis of a series of bimetallic gold(I) complexes 1-7. Unlike the corresponding polynuclear Au(i) clusters, which show unique phosphorescence, 1-7 reveal dual emissions consisting of fluorescence and phosphorescence. The results are rationalized, in a semi-quantitative manner, by the trace (1-3) to zero (4-7) contribution of MLCT varying with the number of conjugated phenylene rings. As a result, unlike typical polynuclear Au(I) clusters with 100% triplet state population, the rate constant of the S(1)→T(1) intersystem crossing is drastically reduced to 10(9) s(-1) (4-7)-10(10) s(-1) (1-3), so that the fluorescence radiative decay rate can compete or even dominates. The drastic O(2) quenching of phosphorescence demonstrates the unprotected nature of the emission chromophores in 1-7, as opposed to the well protected, O(2) independent phosphorescence in most multimetallic Au(I) clusters.     

Syntheses and properties of emissive iridium(III) complexes with tridentate benzimidazole derivatives

A series of novel emissive Ir(III) complexes having the coordination environments of [Ir(N--N--N)2]3+, [Ir(N--N--N)(N--N)Cl]2+, and [Ir(N--N--N)(N--C--N)]2+ with 2,6-bis(1-methyl-benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine (L1, N--N--N), 1,3-bis(1-methyl-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene (L2H, N--C--N), 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine (ttpy, N--N--N), and 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy, N--N) have been synthesized and their photophysical and electrochemical properties studied. The Ir(III) complexes exhibited phosphorescent emissions in the 500-600 nm region, with lifetimes ranging from approximately 1-10 micros at 295 K. Analysis of the 0-0 energies and the redox potentials indicated that the lowest excited state of [Ir(L1)(L2)]2+ possessed the highest contribution of 3MLCT (MLCT = metal-to-ligand charge transfer) among the Ir(III) complexes, reflecting the sigma-donating ability of the tridentate ligand, ttpy < L1 < L2. The emission quantum yields (phi) of the Ir(III) complexes ranged from 0.037 to 0.19, and the highest phi value (0.19) was obtained for [Ir(L1)(bpy)Cl]2+. Radiative rate constants (k(r)) were 1.2 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(ttpy)2]3+, 3.7 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(L1)(bpy)Cl]2+, 3.8 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(ttpy)(bpy)Cl]2+, 3.9 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(L1)2]3+, and 6.6 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(L1)(L2)]2+. The highest radiative rate for [Ir(L1)(L2)]2+ with the highest contribution of 3MLCT could be explained in terms of the singlet-triplet mixing induced by spin-orbit coupling of 5d electrons in the MLCT electronic configurations.     

The spin-orbit and rotational constants for the N2 C" 5Pi(ui) (v = 3) state

The spin-orbit (A = -16.4 cm(-1)) and rotational (B = 1.017 cm(-1)) constants for the N2 C" 5Pi(ui)(v = 3) level are determined by a fit to rotational lines in the C" 5Pi(u)-A' 5Sigma(g)+(3-1) band that terminate in J'Omega' = 3(3), 4(3), 3(2), and 4(2) levels of the C" state. The C"-state spin-orbit constant is consistent with semi-empirical estimates, based on spin-orbit constants observed in several other electronic states of N2 and the atomic spin-orbit coupling constant, zeta(N 2p). The C"-A' bands exhibit the unusual feature of oppositely degraded sub-band heads, Omega' = 3 (red) and Omega' = 1, 0, and -1 (blue). The unusually wide range of B(Omega)eff values, from 0.85 cm(-1) (Omega = 3) to 1.28 cm(-1) (Omega = -1) for C" 5Pi(v = 3) should be diagnostically useful for Omega'-assignments. The C" 5Pi(v = 3) level lies 14257.17 and 90599 cm(-1) above A' 5Sigma(g)+(v = 1) and X 1Sigma(g)+(v = 0), respectively, and Re(C" 5Pi) = 1.50 A.     

Real-time observation of the photoinduced structural change of bis(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(I) by femtosecond fluorescence spectroscopy: a realistic potential curve of the Jahn-Teller distortion

In copper(I) complex [Cu(dmphen)(2)]+ (dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline), a "flattening" structural change is induced with 1MLCT excitation, which is a prototype of the structural change accompanied with Cu(I)/Cu(II) conversion in copper complexes. Femtosecond and picosecond emission dynamics of this complex were investigated in solution at room temperature with optically allowed S(2) <-- S(0) photoexcitation. Time-resolved emission was measured in the whole visible region, and the lifetimes, intrinsic emission spectra, and radiative lifetimes of the transients were obtained by quantitative analysis. It was concluded that the initially populated S(2) state is relaxed with a time constant of 45 fs to generate the S1 state retaining the perpendicular structure, and the D(2d) --> D(2) structural change (the change of the dihedral angle between the two ligand planes) occurs in the S(1) state with a time constant of 660 fs. The intersystem crossing from the S(1) state to the T(1) state takes place after this structural distortion with a time constant of 7.4 ps. Importantly, the temporal spectral evolution relevant to the structural change clearly exhibited an isoemissive point around 675 nm. This manifests that there exists a shallow potential minimum at the perpendicular geometry on the S1 surface, and the S1 state stays undistorted for a finite period as long as 660 fs before the structural distortion. This situation is not expected for the structural change induced by the ordinary (pseudo-)Jahn-Teller effect, because the distortion should be induced by the spontaneous structural instability at the perpendicular structure. This result sheds new light on the present understanding on the structural change occurring in the metal complexes.     

Phosphorescent Cu(I) complexes of 2-(2'-pyridylbenzimidazolyl)benzene: impact of phosphine ancillary ligands on electronic and photophysical properties of the Cu(I) complexes

Four mononuclear Cu(I) complexes of 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolylbenzene (pbb) with four different ancillary phosphine ligands PPh(3), bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether (DPEphos), bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), and bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)diphenylborate (DPPMB) have been synthesized. The crystal structures of [Cu(pbb)(PPh(3))(2)][BF(4)] (1), [Cu(pbb)(dppe)][BF(4)] (2), [Cu(pbb)(DPEphos)][BF(4)] (3), and the neutral complex [Cu(pbb)(DPPMB)] (4) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The impact of the phosphine ligands on the structures of the copper(I) complexes was examined, revealing that the most significant impact of the phosphine ligands is on the P-Cu-P bond angle. The electronic and photophysical properties of the new complexes were examined by using UV-vis, fluorescence, and phosphorescence spectroscopies and electrochemical analysis. All four complexes display a weak MLCT absorption band that varies considerably with the phosphine ligand. At ambient temperature, no emission was observed for any of the complexes in solution. However, when doped into PMMA polymer (20 wt %), at ambient temperature, all four complexes emit light with a color ranging from green to red-orange, depending on the phosphine ligand. The emission of the new copper complexes has an exceptionally long decay lifetime (>200 micros). Ab initio MO calculations established that the lowest electronic transition in the copper(I) complexes is MLCT in nature. The electronic and photophysical properties of the new mononuclear Cu(I) complexes were compared with those of the corresponding polynuclear Cu(I) complexes based on the 2-(2'-dipyridyl)benzimidazolyl derivative ligands and the previously extensively studied phenanthroline-based Cu(I) complexes.     

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.     

Heterobimetallic oxalato-bridged M(II)Re(IV) complexes (M = Mn,Fe, Co,Ni): synthesis,crystal structure,and magnetic properties

Four rhenium(IV)-M(II) bimetallic complexes of formula [ReCl(4)(mu-ox)M(dmphen)(2)].CH(3)CN with M = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3), and Ni (4) (ox = oxalate anion, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and the crystal structures of 1 and 3 determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 and 3 are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 16.008(4) A, b = 12.729(2) A, c = 18.909(5) A, beta = 112.70(2) degrees, and Z = 4 for 1 and a = 15.998(4) A, b = 12.665(2) A, c = 18.693(5) A, beta = 112.33(2) degrees, and Z = 4, for 3. The structure of 1 and 3 is made up of neutral [ReCl(4)(mu-ox)M(dmphen)(2)] bimetallic units (M = Mn (1), Co (3)) and acetonitrile molecules of crystallization. M(II) and Re(IV) metal ions exhibit distorted octahedral coordination geometries being bridged by a bis(bidentate) oxalato ligand. The magnetic behavior of 1-4 has been investigated over the temperature range 2.0-300 K. A very weak antiferromagnetic coupling between Re(IV) and Mn(II) occurs in 1 (J = -0.1 cm(-)(1)), whereas a significant ferromagnetic interaction between Re(IV) and M(II) is observed in 2-4 [J = +2.8 (2), +5.2 (3), and +5.9 cm(-)(1) (4)].     

Blue-light emission of Cu(I) complexes and singlet harvesting

Strongly luminescent neutral copper(I) complexes of the type Cu(pop)(NN), with pop = bis(2-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl)ether and NN = bis(pyrazol-1-yl)borohydrate (pz(2)BH(2)), tetrakis(pyrazol-1-yl)borate (pz(4)B), or bis(pyrazol-1-yl)-biphenyl-borate (pz(2)Bph(2)), are readily accessible in reactions of Cu(acetonitrile)(4)(+) with equimolar amounts of the pop and NN ligands at ambient temperature. All products were characterized by means of single crystal X-ray diffractometry. The compounds exhibit very strong blue/white luminescence with emission quantum yields of up to 90%. Investigations of spectroscopic properties and the emission decay behavior in the temperature range between 1.6 K and ambient temperature allow us to assign the emitting electronic states. Below 100 K, the emission decay times are in the order of many hundreds of microseconds. Therefore, it is concluded that the emission stems from the lowest triplet state. This state is assigned to a metal-to-ligand charge-transfer state (3MLCT) involving Cu-3dand pop-π* orbitals. With temperature increase, the emission decay time is drastically reduced, e.g. to 13 μs [corrected] (Cu(pop)-(pz(2)Bph(2))), at ambient temperature. At this temperature, the complexes exhibit high emission quantum yields, as neat material or doped into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). This behavior is assigned to an efficient thermal population of a singlet state (being classified as (1)MLCT), which lies only 800 to 1300 cm(-1) above the triplet state, depending on the individual complex. Thus, the resulting emission at ambient temperature largely represents a fluorescence. For applications in OLEDs and LEECs, for example, this type of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) creates a new mechanism that allows to harvest both singlet and triplet excitons (excitations) in the lowest singlet state. This effect of singlet harvesting leads to drastically higher radiative rates than obtainable for emissions from triplet states of Cu(I) complexes.     

Relationship between symmetry of porphyrinic pi-conjugated systems and singlet oxygen (1Delta g) yields: low-symmetry tetraazaporphyrin derivatives

We have investigated the excited-state properties and singlet oxygen ((1)Delta(g)) generation mechanism in phthalocyanines (4M; M = H(2), Mg, or Zn) and in low-symmetry metal-free, magnesium, and zinc tetraazaporphyrins (TAPs), that is, monobenzo-substituted (1M), adjacently dibenzo-substituted (2AdM), oppositely dibenzo-substituted (2OpM), and tribenzo-substituted (3M) TAP derivatives, whose pi conjugated systems were altered by fusing benzo rings. The S(1)(x) and S(1)(y) states (these lowest excited singlet states are degenerate in D(4)(h) symmetry) split in the low-symmetry TAP derivatives. The excited-state energies were quantitatively determined from the electronic absorption spectra. The lowest excited triplet (T(1)(x)) energies were also determined from phosphorescence spectra, while the second lowest excited triplet (T(1)(y)) states were evaluated by using the energy splitting between the T(1)(x) and T(1)(y) states previously reported (Miwa, H.; Ishii, K.; Kobayashi, N. Chem. Eur. J. 2004, 10, 4422-4435). The singlet oxygen quantum yields (Phi(Delta)) are strongly dependent on the pi conjugated system. In particular, while the Phi(Delta) value of 2AdH(2) is smallest in our system, that of 2OpH(2), an isomer of 2AdH(2), is larger than that of 4Zn, in contrast to the heavy atom effect. The relationship between the molecular structure and Phi(Delta) values can be transformed into a relationship between the S(1)(x) --> T(1)(y) intersystem crossing rate constant (k(ISC)) and the energy difference between the S(1)(x) and T(1)(y) states (DeltaE(S)(x)(T)(y)). In each of the Zn, Mg, and metal-free compounds, the Phi(Delta)/tau(F) values (tau(F): fluorescence lifetime), which are related to the k(ISC) values, are proportional to exp(-DeltaE(S)(x)(T)(y)), indicating that singlet oxygen ((1)Delta(g)) is produced via the T(1)(y) state and that the S(1)(x) --> T(1)(y) ISC process follows the energy-gap law. From the viewpoint of photodynamic therapy, our methodology, where the Phi(Delta) value can be controlled by changing the symmetry of pi conjugated systems without heavy elements, appears useful for preparing novel photosensitizers.     

Luminescent heterotrinuclear complexes with Pt(diimine)(dithiolate) and metal diphosphine as components

Reactions of Pt(diimine)(tdt) (tdt =3,4-toluenedithiolate) with [M(2)(dppm)(2)(MeCN)(2)](2+) (M = Cu(I) or Ag(I), dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) gave heterotrinuclear complexes [PtCu(2)(tdt)(mu-SH)(dppm)(3)](ClO(4)) (1) and [PtCu(2)(diimine)(2)(tdt)(dppm)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (diimine = 2,2'-bpyridine (bpy) 2; 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (dmbpy) 3; phenanthroline (phen) 4, 5-bromophenanthroline (Brphen) 5) for M = Cu(I), but [PtAg(2)(tdt)(mu-SH)(dppm)(3)](SbF(6)) (6) and [PtAg(2)(diimine)(tdt)(dppm)(2)](SbF(6))(2) (diimine = bpy 7; dmbpy 8; phen 9; Brphen 10) for M = Ag(I). While the complexes [PtAg(2)(diimine)(tdt)(dppm)(2)](SbF(6))(2) (7-10) result from linkage of Pt(diimine)(tdt) and [M(2)(dppm)(2)(MeCN)(2)](2+) by tdt sulfur donors, formation of [PtCu(2)(diimine)(2)(tdt)(dppm)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2-5) is related to rupture of metal-ligand bonds in the metal components and recombination between the ligands and the metal atoms by self-assembly. The formation of 1 and 6 is involved not only in dissociation and recombination of the metal components, but also in disruption of C-S bonds in the dithiolate (tdt). The dithiolate tdt adopts a chelating and bridging coordination mode in anti conformation for [PtCu(2)(diimine)(2)(tdt)(dppm)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2-5), whereas there is the syn conformation for other complexes. Compounds 1 and 6 represent sparse examples of mu-SH-bridged heterotrinuclear Pt(II)M(I)(2) complexes, in which Pt(II)-M(I) centers are bridged by dppm and sulfur donors of tdt, whereas M(I)-M(I) (M = Cu for 1; Ag for 6) centers are linked by dppm and the mu-SH donor. The (31)P NMR spectra show typical platinum satellites (J(Pt-P) = 1450-1570 Hz) for 1-6 and Ag-P coupling for Pt(II)-Ag(I) (J(Ag-P) = 350-450 Hz) complexes 6-10. All of the complexes show intense emission in the solid state and in frozen glasses at 77 K. The complexes [PtAg(2)(diimine)(tdt)(dppm)(2)](SbF(6))(2) (7-10) also afford emission in fluid acetonitrile solutions at room temperature. Solid-state emission lifetimes at room temperature are in the microsecond range. It is revealed that emission energies of the trinuclear heterometallic complexes [PtAg(2)(diimine)(tdt)(dppm)(2)](SbF(6))(2) (7-10) exhibit a remarkable blue shift (0.10-0.35 eV) relative to those of the precursor compounds Pt(diimine)(tdt). The crystal structures of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9 were determined by X-ray crystallography.