甲苯基重氮盐及其与冠醚络合物光解活泼自由基的ESR研究

本文以2,3,5,6-四甲基亚硝基苯(ND)和苯亚甲基叔丁基氮氧化物(PBN)作自由基捕捉剂研究了甲苯基重氮盐及共冠醚络合物光解的自由基历程。ESR结果表明光解可产生相应的甲苯基自由基,并能被ND或PBN所捕获。由共ESR谱可得到甲基取代苯环上的甲基质子通过超共轭作用产生的超精细裂分,共裂分值与苯环上相同位置质子与未偶电子间极化偶合作用引起的裂分值相近。即:α_(p-)~H≈α_(P-)~(CH):α_(o-)~H≈α_(o-)~(CH)3;α_(m-)~H≈α_(m-)~(CH)3.同时还存在下列关系式:α_(p-)~H≈α_(o-)~H>α_(m-)~H.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Electrochemical Properties of Sterically Protected Molybdenum Trihydride Redox Pairs: A Paramagnetic “Stretched” Dihydrogen Complex?

Complexes [MoCp(#)(PMe(3))(2)H(3)] (Cp(#)=1,2,4-C(5)H(2)tBu(3), 2 a; C(5)HiPr(4), 2 b) have been synthesized from the corresponding compounds [MoCp(#)Cl(4)] (1 a, 1 b) and fully characterized, including by X-ray crystallography and by a neutron diffraction study for 2 a. Protonation of 2 a led to complex [Mo(1,2,4-C(5)H(2)tBu(3))(PMe(3))(2)H(4)](+) (3 a) in THF and to [Mo(1,2,4-C(5)H(2)tBu(3))(PMe(3))(2)(MeCN)H(2)](+) (4 a) in MeCN. Complex 4 b analogously derives from protonation of 2 b in MeCN, whereas the tetrahydride complex 3 b is unstable. One-electron oxidation of 2 a and 2 b by [FeCp(2)]PF(6) produces the EPR-active 17-electron complexes 2 a(+) and 2 b(+). The former is thermally more stable than the latter and could be crystallographically characterized as the PF(6) (-) salt by X-ray diffraction, providing evidence for the presence of a stretched dihydrogen ligand (H...H=1.36(6) angstroms). Controlled thermal decomposition of 2 a(+) yielded the product of H(2) elimination, the 15-electron monohydride complex [Mo(1,2,4-C(5)H(2)tBu(3))(PMe(3))(2)H]PF(6) (5 a), which was characterized by X-ray crystallography and by EPR spectroscopy at liquid He temperature. The compound establishes an equilibrium with the solvent adduct in THF. An electrochemical study by cyclic voltammetry provides further evidence for a rapid H(2) elimination process from the 17-electron complexes. In contrast to the previously investigated [MoCp*(dppe)H(3)](+) system (dppe=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl), the decomposition of 2 a(+) by H(2) substitution with a solvent molecule appears to follow a dissociative pathway in MeCN.     

Determination of the intrinsic site pK(a) value and cooperativity of the symmetrical hexadentate chelator N,N',N'-tris[2-(3-hydroxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridin-1-yl)acetamido]ethylamine

The three overlapping pK(a) values of N,N',N'-tris[2-(3-hydroxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridin-1-yl)acetamido]ethylamine, a tripodal hexadentate chelator formed from three 3-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinone moieties amide linked to tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine, were determined by simultaneous spectrophotometric and potentiometric titration. The data was analysed by non-linear regression with constraints to deal with (a) the highly correlated absorptivities and (b) the highly correlated pK(a) values. The three pK(a) values were optimized first from the spectrophotometric data (absorbance vs. pH) by non-linear regression to a model in which the molar absorptivity of the ith species ((i)) was constrained by the correlation equation (i) = epsilon (0) + (epsilon (3) - epsilon (0))i 3 with i = 0, 1, 2, 3, where (3) and (0) represent the molar absorptivities of the most protonated and least protonated species, respectively. The molar absorbitivity of the four species defined by three pK(a) values is, therefore, linearly related to proton stoichiometry. The pK(a) values were then optimized from the potentiometric data (pH vs. titrant volume) by non-linear regression to a model in which the three pK(a) values were constrained by the correlation equation pK(a(i)) = pK(a(int)) + b(i - 1) + (i - 2)log(3) where i = 1, 2 or 3. This expresses the three pK(a) values in terms of only two optimizable parameters, the intrinsic site pK(a) (pK(a(int))) and the interaction energy between sites (b). The fixed term (i - 2)log(3) accounts for the statistical effect on the pK(a) values of three equivalent ionizable sites. The modified analytical derivatives required for optimization of these parameters by the Gauss-Newton-Marquardt algorithm and the merits of optimizing pK(a) values with these two correlation equations are discussed. The optimized pK(a) values were 9.31 +/- 0.01, 8.75 +/- 0.01 and 8.19 +/- 0.01. The separation between pK(a) values is 0.58 comprising 0.477 for the statistical effect and 0.081 for the interaction energy while the intrinsic site pK(a) is 8.672 +/- 0.005. The tertiary amine at the centre of the tripodal backbone has a pK(a) of 5.88 +/- 0.03.     

Reversible copper(II)/(I) electrochemical potential switching driven by visible light-induced coordinated ring rotation

We here describe the first metal complex system in which electronic signals can be repeatedly extracted by converting bistable states related to an intramolecular ligand rotational motion, which is fueled by visible light. The molecular structure for relating an electron transfer and a motion consists of a copper center and a coordinated unsymmetrically substituted pyrimidine derivative, whose rotational isomerization causes an electrochemical potential shift. To harness light energy effectively through metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excitation, we prepared a simple copper(I) complex coordinated by a 4-methyl-2-(6'-methyl-2'-pyridyl)pyrimidine and a bulky diimine. The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of redox and rotational reactions were analyzed by cyclic voltammograms at variable temperatures, by considering four stable isomers related to copper(II)/(I) states and rotational isomeric states. The key feature of this compound is that the rotation is frozen in the copper(I) state (rate constant for the rotation, k(Ii→o) = 10(-4) s(-1)) but is active in the copper(II) state (k(IIi→o) = 10(-1) s(-1)) at 203 K. The compound makes a bypass route to the isomeric metastable copper(I) state, via a tentative copper(II) state formed by photoelectron transfer (PET) in the presence of a redox mediator, decamethylferrocenium ion (DMFc(+)), or upon a partial oxidation of the complex. Light- and heat-driven rotation in the copper(I) state with a potential shift (ΔE°' = 0.14 V) was analyzed by electrochemical measurements of the complex in the solution state. The rotor could be reset to the initial state by heating, thereby completing the cycle and enabling repeated operation fueled by light energy. A significant redox potential shift associated with the copper(II)/(I) transition accompanied the rotation, thereby providing a new type of molecular signaling system.     

Synthesis of some 4-substituted-2-(o-halogenophenyl)-1,2,3-triazoles

Mesoaldehyde 1,3-dioxime was treated with either 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl- (a), o-fluorophenyl- (b), or o-bromophenyl- (c) hydrazine to give the corresponding mesoaldehyde 1,3-dioxime-2-halogenophenylhydrazones (1a,b,c). The latter were O-acetylated with acetic anhydride, and cyclized to triazole 4-oximes (3b, c) or triazole 4-O-acetyloximes ( 6a,b,c ) with cesium carbonate, then converted to nitriles ( 7a,b,c ) by refluxing with acetic anhydride followed by pyrolysis, or to aldehydes ( 4a,b,c ) by hydrolysis. The nitriles ( 7a,b,c ) were also converted to acids ( 9a,b,c ), esters ( 10a,b,c ), amides ( 8a,c ), an alcohol (11a), and an amine ( 12a ). In addition, tetrazoles of two types were prepared. The first ( 13d,e ) were obtained from the acid chlorides by the action of 5-aminotetrazole, whereas the second ( 14f ) was produced from the respective nitrile by the action of ammonium azide.     

Persilylated phosphoranyl radicals: the first persistent noncyclic phosphoranyl radicals

Persistent noncyclic phosphoranyl radicals have been prepared and observed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) for the first time. They were obtained by UV-photolysis of a solution containing a bis(trialkylsilyl) peroxide (R = Me, Et) and a tris(trialkylsilyl) phosphite (R = Me, Et, iPr). EPR parameters (a(P) approximately 100 mT) are typical of phosphoranyl radicals exhibiting a trigonal-bipyramidal structure, with the odd electron in an equatorial site. Analysis of the pseudo-first-order decay shows that these phosphoranyl radicals decay by S(H)2 homolytic substitution on the bis(trialkylsilyl) peroxide and by loss of a trialkylsilyloxyl radical (alpha-scission reaction). Both the S(H)2 and alpha-scission reactions depend on the steric bulk of the alkyl groups, that is, the bulkier the alkyl group, the slower the S(H)2 and alpha-scission reactions.     

Reaction of aminodihydropentalenes with HB(C6F5)2: the crucial role of dihydrogen elimination

The aminodihydropentalene derivative 1a reacts with the Lewis acidic RB(C(6)F(5))(2) boranes (2a-c) by C-C bond cleavage to yield the formal borylene insertion products 3. In contrast, 1a,b react with HB(C(6)F(5))(2) at 55 °C by elimination of dihydrogen to yield the iminium-stabilized zwitterionic heterofulvenes 10a,b. The reaction pathways were studied by preparation of the kinetically controlled intermediates 7a,b and the thermodynamically controlled products 9a,b, monitored by variable-temperature NMR experiments, and supported by DFT calculations. The trapping reactions of 9a with HCl and PhCHO, respectively, led to the addition products 13 and 14. Compounds 3c, 7a,b, 10a,b, 11, 13, and 14 were characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

Different Types of Nickel,Cobalt, and Manganese Complexes originating from 2‐Imidazolecarboxaldiimine of Triethylenetetraamine

The reactivity of the 2‐imidazolecarboxaldiimine of triethylenetetraamine (H2imida) towards divalent manganese, cobalt, and nickel ions differs. It forms a cationic nickel(II) complex by acting as a hexa‐dentate ligand, whereas the cobalt(II) complex formation took place by deprotonation of the H2imida forming a neutral complex with imida. Deprotonation of the ligand by H2imida by cobalt(II) ions caused quenching of the fluorescence emission at 312 nm, such a quenching effect was not observed with the nickel ions. On the other hand, a mononuclear manganese(II) complex of a new tetradentate ligand was formed by manganese(II) assisted intramolecular cyclization reactions of H2imida.     

Interaction of 1,3,2,4-benzodithiadiazines and their 1-Se congeners with Ph3P and some properties of the iminophosphorane products

Interaction between Ph(3)P and 1,3,2,4-benzodithiadiazine (1); its 6,7-difluoro (2), 5,6,8-trifluoro (3) and 5,6,7,8-tetrafluoro (4) derivatives; and 5,6,8-trifluoro-3,1,2,4-benzothiaselenadiazine (5) proceeded via a 1:1 condensation to give Ph(3)P═N-R iminophosphoranes (1a-5a, R = corresponding 1,2,3-benzodichalcogenazol-2-yls), which are inaccessible by general approaches based on the Staudinger and Kirsanov reactions. In contrast, neither Ph(3)As nor Ph(3)Sb reacted with 1 and 4. Molecular structures of 1a-5a and 5 were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystals formed by chiral molecules of 2a-5a were racemic, whereas the crystal of 1a was formed by a single enantiomer. In all of the Ph(3)P═N-R derivatives, one of the Ph rings is oriented face-to-face to the hetero ring, R. Upon heating to ～120 °C in squalane (1a, 3a, 4a) or dissolving in chloroform at ambient temperatures (1a, 2a, 4a), the Ph(3)P═N-R derivatives generated the 1,2,3-benzodithiazolyls (1b-4b, respectively) whose identity was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). 2,1,3-Benzothiaselenazolyls 5b and 6b were detected by EPR as the main paramagnetic products of solution thermolysis of 5 and its 5,6,7,8-tetrafluoro congener (6), respectively. Passing a chloroform solution of 4a through silica column unexpectedly gave 5-6-6-6 tetracyclic (9) and 6-10-6 tricyclic (10) sulfur-nitrogen compounds, which were characterized by XRD.     

矩形多环芳烃的合成

本文用3,4-二苯基-2,5-二(3,5-二溴苯基)环戊二烯酮(4a)与二苯乙炔(5a)通过Diels-Alder环加成反应得到1,2,4,5-四苯基-3,6-二(3,5-二溴苯基)苯(6a)。化合物6a通过经典的Suzuki偶联反应得到1,2,4,5-四苯基-3,6-二(3,5-二(4-十二烷基噻吩))苯基苯(8a),再利用Fe Cl3作为氧化剂发生Scholl氧化脱氢关环反应,得到目标化合物1a。采用类似合成方法,得到目标化合物1b。化合物的结构均通过1H NMR和MALDI-TOF MS表征,并对其光谱特征、热性能及电学性能进行了初步研究。     

Synthesis of chitosan resin possessing a phenylarsonic acid moiety for collection/concentration of uranium and its determination by ICP-AES

A chitosan resin possessing a phenylarsonic acid moiety (phenylarsonic acid type chitosan resin) was developed for the collection and concentration of trace uranium prior to inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrometry (AES) measurement. The adsorption behavior of 52 elements was systematically examined by packing it in a minicolumn and measuring the elements in the effluent by ICP mass spectrometry. The resin could adsorb several cationic species by a chelating mechanism, and several oxo acids, such as Ti(IV), V(V), Mo(VI), and W(VI), by an anion-exchange mechanism and/or a chelating mechanism. Especially, U(VI) could be adsorbed almost 100% over a wide pH region from pH 4 to 8. Uranium adsorbed was easily eluted with 1 M nitric acid (10 mL), and the 25-fold preconcentration of uranium was achieved by using a proposed column procedure, which could be applied to the determination of trace uranium in seawater by ICP-AES. The limit of detection was 0.1 ng mL⁻¹ for measurement by ICP-AES coupled with 25-fold column preconcentration.     

Poly(phenylacetylene)s bearing a peptide pendant: helical conformational changes of the polymer backbone stimulated by the pendant conformational change

Optically active, cis-transoid poly(phenylacetylene) derivatives bearing a poly(gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate) [poly(PBGAm)] or poly(L-glutamic acid) [poly(PGAm)] chain as the pendant were prepared by polymerisation of the corresponding macromonomer with a rhodium catalyst followed by hydrolysis of the pendant ester groups. Their conformational changes in solution, induced by a helix-coil transition of the pendant polypeptides, were investigated using circular dichroism (CD) and absorption spectroscopies. A series of macromonomers with a different peptide chain lengths was synthesised by the polymerisation of the N-carboxyanhydride of gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate with a phenylacetylene bearing an alanine residue as the initiator. The obtained macromonomers (PBGAm) were further polymerised with a rhodium catalyst in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to yield novel poly(phenylacetylene)s [poly(PBGAm)] with a poly(gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate) pendant. The poly(PBGAm) exhibited an induced circular dichroism (ICD) in the UV/Vis region of the polymer backbone in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), probably due to the prevailing one-handed helix formation. The Cotton effect signs of a DMSO solution of the poly(PBGAm) were inverted and accompanied by a visible colour change in the presence of an increasing amount of chloroform or DMF containing lithium chloride. The results suggest that poly(PBGAm) may undergo a conformational change such as a helix-helix transition with a different helical pitch responding to a change in the alpha-helix content of the poly(gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate) pendant. Moreover, a water-soluble poly(PGAm) also showed a similar, but dramatic change in its helical conformation with a visible colour change stimulated by a helix-coil transition of the pendant poly(L-glutamic acid) chains by changing the pH in water.     

Generation and characterisation of the phenoxyl-radical containing Cu(ii) complex [Cu(triaz)(2)](+) (triaz(-) = O,N chelating triazole-phenolate)

The new copper complex [Cu(triaz)(2)] (Htriaz = 2,4-di-(tert-butyl)-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)phenol) was investigated in detail by single crystal XRD, EPR-, UV/Vis-absorption-, CV-, and spectroelectrochemistry. The oxidised species [Cu(triaz)(2)](+) was characterised by UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry and contains a phenoxyl-radical bound to Cu(ii). This quite stable species was chemically generated by two different methods: aerial oxidation of a Cu(i) precursor in the presence of Htriaz (and base) or from [Cu(triaz)(2)] by adding a Cu(ii) salt (disproportionation). The efficiency for the latter reaction has been studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy, XAS and catalytic test reactions (oxidation of benzyl alcohol).     

几种新的4-酰代吡唑啉酮衍生物的合成与结构

利用4-酰代吡唑啉酮与氨基硫脲类化合物反应制备了新的吡唑啉酮类衍生物,并用IR,NMR,MS和元素分析进行表征,最后用X射线四圆衍射对其中的2个化合物进行了晶体结构测定。     

Tripodal borate ligands from tris(dimethylamino)borane: the first synthesis of a chiral tris(methimazolyl)borate ligand, and the crystal structure of a single diastereomer pseudo-C3-symmetric Ru(II) complex

The activation of tris(dimethylamino)borane towards reaction with a chiral methimazole by N-methylimidazole has been used to prepare the first example of a chiral tris(methimazolyl)borate ligand. Coordination of this neutral ligand to Ru(II) has been achieved by reaction with [(p-cymene)RuCl(2)](2) to provide a single diastereomer complex in which the chirality of the methimazolyl substituents dictate the chirality of the bicyclo[3.3.3]cage formed by the ligand on coordination to the metal. The alternative approach to chiral tris(methimazolyl)borate ligands involving the introduction of a chiral group onto the boron atom has been explored by replacing N-methylimidazole in the above reaction by chiral oxazolines as activating bases in reaction with simple methimazole. However, although the B(NMe(2))(3) is activated to reaction with methimazole by these oxazolines, an intramolecular oxazoline ring-opening by a coordinated methimazolyl sulfur occurs and prevents the successful synthesis of these ligands.     

Extremely bent cyanide coordination at a preorganized dinickel site and assembly of a starlike nonanuclear complex from the constrained dinickel building blocks

An extremely bent cyanide coordination at a dinickel scaffold is reported. Preorganization of two nickel ions is achieved by means of a compartmental dinucleating pyrazolate ligand L(-), setting up a bimetallic coordination pocket with constrained metal-metal separation. The mixed-spin dinickel(II) complex [LNi2(CN)(MeCN)](ClO4)2 (1) has been characterized by X-ray diffraction. The MeCN bound to the high-spin nickel(II) ion can be removed or replaced by other ligands, e.g., by the cyanide ligand of a tetracyanonickelate(II) moiety to give the starlike nonanuclear complex ([LNi2(CN)]4[Ni(CN)4])(ClO4)6 (2) that contains four of the constrained pyrazolate-based dinickel(II) fragments grouped around a central tetracyanonickelate(II) unit, as revealed by X-ray crystallography. Spectral and electrochemical properties of 1 and 2 are reported, and the formation of reduced mixed-valent Ni(I)Ni(II) species is investigated by IR and UV/vis spectroelectrochemistry.     

Nanohole structure prepared by a polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) mixture film

Cylindrical nanoporous structures were prepared by using a mixture film of polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer (PS-b-PMMA) and PMMA homopolymer (hPMMA), and they were analyzed by transmission electron microtomography (TEMT), X-ray reflectivity (XR), and grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. For this purpose, the mixture film was spin-coated onto a silicon wafer modified by a neutral brush for PS and PMMA blocks, which generates PMMA cylindrical microdomains oriented normal to the substrate. Two methods were employed to prepare nanoporous structures: (1) all of the PMMA phase (PMMA block and PMMA homopolymer) in the film was removed by UV irradiation, followed by rinsing with a selective solvent (acetic acid) to PMMA and (2) only PMMA homopolymer was removed by selective solvent etching without UV irradiation. We found via TEMT and XR that the nanoporous structure in the film prepared by UV irradiation exhibited almost perfect cylindrical shape throughout the entire film thickness. However, when the film was rinsed with a selective solvent, nanoporous structures were not straight cylinders but had a funnel shape in which the diameter of nanopores located near the top of the film was larger than that located near the bottom of the film.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of novel Re(i) tricarbonyl complexes anchored on a phosphinoarylbenzylamine and a phosphinoaryloxazoline generated in situ

Reduction of the amide or replacement of the hydroxyl by a bromide in 2-(diphenylphosphanyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzamide (H2PNO) yielded the compounds 2-(diphenylphosphanyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzylamine (H2CH2PNO, 1) and N-(2-bromoethyl)-2-(diphenylphosphanyl)benzamide (HPNBr, 2), respectively. Compound 2 is obtained in low yield and, depending on the reaction conditions, is mixed with starting material or with a product which has been identified as 2-(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)oxazoline (PPh3oxaz, 3). Compounds 1 and 2 react with (NEt(4))(2)[ReBr(3)(CO)(3)], leading to the complexes [Re(CO)(3)(kappa(2)-H(2)CH(2)PNO)Br] (4) and [Re(CO)(3)(kappa(2)-PPh(3)oxazBr)] (5), fully characterized by (1)H and (31)P NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Complex 5 is the first example of a Re(I) tricarbonyl anchored on a phosphorus-oxazoline ligand, which has been generated during the course of complex formation. In the unexpected and unusual complex 5, the Re atom is stabilized by a bidentate 2-(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)oxazoline, by a bromide, and by three facially arranged carbonyl groups. In complex 4, the carbonyl groups are also facially coordinated to the metal center and the other three remaining coordination positions are occupied by a bromide and by the bidentate (P, N) ligand 2-(diphenylphosphanyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzylamine.     

Relationship between the broad OH stretching band of methanol and hydrogen-bonding patterns in the liquid phase

The OH stretching (nu(OH)) band of methanol observed in condensed phase has been analyzed in terms of hydrogen-bonding patterns. Quantum chemical calculations for methanol clusters have revealed that broadening of the nu(OH) envelope is reasonably reproduced by considering nearest and next-nearest neighbor interactions through hydrogen bonding. Because the hydrogen bond formed between donor (D) and acceptor (A) is cooperatively strengthened or weakened by a newly formed hydrogen bond at D or A, we have proposed the following notation for hydrogen-bonding patterns of monohydric alcohols: a(D)DAd(A)a(A), where a is the number of protons accepted by D (a(D)) or A (a(A)), and d(A) is the number of protons donated by A. The indicator of the hydrogen-bond strength, which is given by M(OH) = a(D) + d(A) - a(A), is correlated well with the nu(OH) wavenumber of the methanol molecule D participating in the a(D)DAd(A)a(A) pattern. The correlation between M(OH) and the hydrogen-bonding energy of the a(D)DAd(A)a(A) pattern has also been deduced from the calculation results for the clusters. The nu(OH) bands of methanol measured in the CCl4 solution and pure liquid have been successfully analyzed by the method proposed here.     

Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of an aqua ligand exchange and oxidatively induced deprotonation in diiron complexes

Reaction of the unsymmetrical phenol ligand 2-((bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino)methyl)-6-(((2-pyridylmethyl)benzylamino)methyl)-4-methylphenol (HL-Bn) or its 2,6-dichlorobenzyl analogue (HL-BnCl(2)) with Fe(H(2)O)(6)(ClO(4))(2) in the presence of disodium m-phenylenedipropionate (Na(2)(mpdp)) followed by exposure to atmosphere affords the diiron(II,III) complexes [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2) and [Fe(2)(L-BnCl(2))(mpdp)(CH(3)OH)](ClO(4))(2), respectively. The latter complex has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 13.3095(14) A, b = 20.1073(19) A, c = 19.4997(19) A, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 94.471(2) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees, V = 5202.6(9) A(3), and Z = 4. The structure of the compound is very similar to that of [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](BPh(4))(2) determined earlier, except for the replacement of a water by a methanol on the ferrous site. Magnetic measurements of [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](BPh(4))(2) reveal that the two high-spin Fe ions are moderately antiferromagnetically coupled (J = -3.2(2) cm(-)(1)). Upon dissolution in acetonitrile the terminal ligand on the ferrous site is replaced by a solvent molecule. The acetonitrile-water exchange has been investigated by various spectroscopic techniques (UV-visible, NMR, M?ssbauer) and electrochemistry. The substitution of acetonitrile by water is clearly evidenced by M?ssbauer spectroscopy by a reduction of the quadrupole splitting value from 3.14 to 2.41 mm/s. In addition, it causes a 210 mV downshift of the oxidation potential of the ferrous site and a similar reduction of the stability domain of the mixed-valence state. Exhaustive electrolysis of a solution of [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](2+) shows that the aqua diferric species is not stable and undergoes a chemical reaction which can be partly reversed by reduction to the mixed-valent state. This and other electrochemical observations suggest that upon oxidation of the diiron center to the diferric state the aqua ligand is deprotonated to a hydroxo. This hypothesis is supported by M?ssbauer spectroscopy. Indeed, this species possesses a large quadrupole splitting value (DeltaE(Q) >or= 1.0 mm.s(-)(1)) similar to that of analogous complexes with a terminal phenolate ligand. This study illustrates the drastic effects of aqua ligand exchange and deprotonation on the electronic structure and redox potentials of diiron centers.