Studies of a series of [Ni(P(R)2N(Ph)2)2(CH3CN)]2+ complexes as electrocatalysts for H2 production: substituent variation at the phosphorus atom of the P2N2 ligand

A series of [Ni(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) complexes containing the cyclic diphosphine ligands [P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2) = 1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; R = benzyl (Bn), n-butyl (n-Bu), 2-phenylethyl (PE), 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl (TP), and cyclohexyl (Cy)] have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the cations of [Ni(P(Bn)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(P(n-Bu)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) have distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometries. The Ni(0) complex [Ni(P(Bn)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)] was also synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction studies and shown to have a distorted tetrahedral structure. These complexes, with the exception of [Ni(P(Cy)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), all exhibit reversible electron transfer processes for both the Ni(II/I) and Ni(I/0) couples and are electrocatalysts for the production of H(2) in acidic acetonitrile solutions. The heterolytic cleavage of H(2) by [Ni(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) complexes in the presence of p-anisidine or p-bromoaniline was used to determine the hydride donor abilities of the corresponding [HNi(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)](BF(4)) complexes. However, for the catalysts with the most bulky R groups, the turnover frequencies do not parallel the driving force for elimination of H(2), suggesting that steric interactions between the alkyl substituents on phosphorus and the nitrogen atom of the pendant amines play an important role in determining the overall catalytic rate.     

Coordination algorithms control molecular architecture: [CuI4(L2)4]4+ grid complex versus [MII2(L2)2X4]y+ side-by-side complexes (M=Mn,Co, Ni,Zn; X=solvent or anion) and [FeII(L2)3][Cl3FeIIIOFeIIICl3

The synthesis and characterisation of a pyridazine-containing two-armed grid ligand L2 (prepared from one equivalent of 3,6-diformylpyridazine and two equivalents of p-anisidine) and the resulting transition metal (Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) complexes (1-9) are reported. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed that the copper(I) complex had self-assembled as a [2 x 2] grid, [Cu(I) (4)(L2)(4)][PF(6)](4).(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25) (2.(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25)), whereas the [Zn(2)(L2)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O)(2)][ClO(4)](4).CH(3)CN (1.CH(3)CN), [Ni(II) (2)(L2)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)][BF(4)](4).(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25) (5 a.(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25)) and [Co(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][ClO(4)](4).(H(2)O)(CH(3)CN)(0.5) (6 a.(H(2)O)(CH(3)CN)(0.5)) complexes adopt a side-by-side architecture; iron(II) forms a monometallic cation binding three L2 ligands, [Fe(II)(L2)(3)][Fe(III)Cl(3)OCl(3)Fe(III)].CH(3)CN (7.CH(3)CN). A more soluble salt of the cation of 7, the diamagnetic complex [Fe(II)(L2)(3)][BF(4)](2).2 H(2)O (8), was prepared, as well as two derivatives of 2, [Cu(I) (2)(L2)(2)(NCS)(2)].H(2)O (3) and [Cu(I) (2)(L2)(NCS)(2)] (4). The manganese complex, [Mn(II) (2)(L2)(2)Cl(4)].3 H(2)O (9), was not structurally characterised, but is proposed to adopt a side-by-side architecture. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility studies yielded small negative J values for the side-by-side complexes: J=-21.6 cm(-1) and g=2.17 for S=1 dinickel(II) complex [Ni(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][BF(4)](4) (5 b) (fraction monomer 0.02); J=-7.6 cm(-1) and g=2.44 for S= 3/2 dicobalt(II) complex [Co(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][ClO(4)](4) (6 b) (fraction monomer 0.02); J=-3.2 cm(-1) and g=1.95 for S= 5/2 dimanganese(II) complex 9 (fraction monomer 0.02). The double salt, mixed valent iron complex 7.H(2)O gave J=-75 cm(-1) and g=1.81 for the S= 5/2 diiron(III) anion (fraction monomer=0.025). These parameters are lower than normal for Fe(III)OFe(III) species because of fitting of superimposed monomer and dimer susceptibilities arising from trace impurities. The iron(II) centre in 7.H(2)O is low spin and hence diamagnetic, a fact confirmed by the preparation and characterisation of the simple diamagnetic iron(II) complex 8. M?ssbauer measurements at 77 K confirmed that there are two iron sites in 7.H(2)O, a low-spin iron(II) site and a high-spin diiron(III) site. A full electrochemical investigation was undertaken for complexes 1, 2, 5 b, 6 b and 8 and this showed that multiple redox processes are a feature of all of them.     

Dinuclear cyano complexes of cobalt(III) and Iron(III) containing noninnocent 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(2-pyridinecarboxamido)benzene bridging ligands

Two new dinucleating ligands 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(2-pyridinecarboxamido)benzene, H(4)(tpb), and 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(4-tert-butyl-2-pyridinecarboxamido)benzene, H(4)(tbpb), have been synthesized, and the following dinuclear cyano complexes of cobalt(III) and iron(III) have been isolated: Na(2)[Co(III)(2)(tpb)(CN)(4)] (1); [N(n-Bu)(4)](2)[Co(III)(2)(tbpb)(CN)(4)] (2); [Co(III)(2)(tbpb(ox2))(CN)(4)] (3); [N(n-Bu)(4)](2)[Fe(III)(2)(tpb)(N(3))(4)] (4); [N(n-Bu)(4)](2)[Fe(III)(2)(tpb)(CN)(4)] (5); [N(n-Bu)(4)](2)[Fe(III)(2)(tbpb)(CN)(4)] (6). Complexes 2-4 and 6 have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography at 100 K. From electrochemical and spectroscopic (UV-vis, IR, EPR, M?ssbauer) and magnetochemical investigations it is established that the coordinated central 1,2,4,5-tetraamidobenzene entity in the cyano complexes can be oxidized in two successive one-electron steps yielding paramagnetic (tbpb(ox1))(3)(-) and diamagnetic (tbpb(ox2))(2)(-) anions. Thus, complex 6 exists in five characterized oxidation levels: [Fe(III)(2)(tbpb(ox2))(CN)(4)](0) (S = 0); [Fe(III)(2)(tbpb(ox1))(CN)(4)](-) (S = (1)/(2)); [Fe(III)(2)(tbpb)(CN)(4)](2)(-) (S = 0); [Fe(III)Fe(II)(tbpb)(CN)(4)](3)(-) (S = (1)/(2)); [Fe(II)(2)(tbpb)(CN)(4)](4)(-) (S = 0). The iron(II) and (III) ions are always low-spin configurated. The electronic structure of the paramagnetic iron(III) ions and the exchange interaction of the three-spin system [Fe(III)(2)(tbpb(ox1))(CN)(4)](-) are characterized in detail. Similarly, for 2 three oxidation levels have been identified and fully characterized: [Co(III)(2)(tbpb)(CN)(4)](2)(-) (S = 0); [Co(III)(2)(tbpb(ox1))(CN)(4)](-) (S = (1)/(2)); [Co(III)(2)(tbpb(ox2))(CN)(4)](0). The crystal structures of 2 and 3 clearly show that the two electron oxidation of 2 yielding 3 affects only the central tetraamidobenzene part of the ligand.     

Cluster-to-metal magnetic coupling: synthesis and characterization of 25-electron [Re6-nOsnSe8(CN)6](5-n)-(n = 1, 2) clusters and (Re6-nOsnSe8[CNCu(Me6tren)]6)9+(n = 0, 1, 2) assemblies

The first face-capped octahedral clusters with 25 metal-based valence electrons are shown to provide versatile building units capable of engaging in magnetic exchange coupling. Reactions of [Re(5)OsSe(8)Cl(6)](3-) and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)Cl(6)](2-) with NaCN in a melt of NaNO(3) or KCF(3)SO(3) afford the 24-electron clusters [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-) and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-). The 13C NMR spectrum of a 13C-labeled version of the latter species indicates a 1:2 mixture of cis and trans isomers. Cyclic voltammograms of the clusters in acetonitrile display reversible [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-/4-), cis-[Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-/3-), and trans-[Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-/3-) couples at E(1/2) = -1.843, -0.760, and -1.031 V vs FeCp(2)(0/+), respectively, in addition to other redox processes. Accordingly, reduction of [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-) with sodium amalgam and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](2-) with cobaltocene produces the 25-electron clusters [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](4-) and [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)(CN)(6)](3-). EPR spectra of these S = 1/2 species in frozen DMF solutions exhibit isotropic signals with g = 1.46 for the monoosmium cluster and g = 1.74 and 1.09 for the respective cis and trans isomers of the diosmium cluster. In each case, results from DFT calculations show the unpaired spin to delocalize to some extent into the pi* orbitals of the cyanide ligands, suggesting the possibility of magnetic superexchange. Reaction of [Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](3-) with [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) in aqueous solution generates the porous Prussian blue analogue Ni(3)[Re(5)OsSe(8)(CN)(6)](2).32H(2)O; however, the tendency of the 25-electron clusters to oxidize in water prohibits their use in reactions of this type. Instead, a series of cyano-bridged assemblies, [Re(6-n)Os(n)Se(8)[CNCu(Me(6)tren)](6)](9+) (n = 0, 1, 2; Me(6)tren = tris(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)amine), were synthesized to permit comparison of the exchange coupling abilities of clusters with 23-25 electrons. As expected, the results of magnetic susceptibility measurements show no evidence for exchange coupling in the assemblies containing the 23- and 24-electron clusters, but reveal the presence of weak ferromagnetic coupling in [Re(4)Os(2)Se(8)[CNCu(Me(6)tren)](6)](9+). Assuming all cluster-Cu(II) exchange interactions to be equivalent, the data were fit to give an estimated coupling strength of J = 0.4 cm(-1). To our knowledge, the ability of such clusters to participate in magnetic exchange coupling has never previously been demonstrated.     

Electronic and structural variation among copper(II) complexes with substituted phenanthrolines

A series of copper(II) complexes with substituted phenanthroline ligands has been synthesized and characterized electronically and structurally. The compounds that have been prepared include the monosubstituted ligand complexes of the general formula [Cu(5-R-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), where R = NO(2), Cl, H, or Me, and the disubstituted ligand complex [Cu(5,6-Me(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2). The complexes [Cu(5-NO(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN](BF(4))(2) (1), [Cu(5-Cl-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (2), [Cu(o-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (3), and [Cu(5-Me-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (4) each crystallize in the space group C2/c with compounds 1, 2, and 4 comprising an isomorphous set. The disubstituted complex [Cu(5,6-Me(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (5) crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c. Each structure is characterized by a distorted trigonal bipyramidal arrangement of ligands around the central copper atom with approximate or exact C(2) symmetry. The progression from electron-withdrawing to electron-donating substituents on the phenanthroline ligands correlates with less accessible reduction potentials for the bis-chelate complexes.     

Metalla-supramolecular rectangles as electron reservoirs for multielectron reduction and oxidation

The electron-transfer capacity of molecular rectangle ions [Pt(II)(4)(PEt(3))(8)(mu-anth(2-))(2)(mu-L)(2)](4+) with anth = anthracene-1,8-diyl and L = 4,4'-bipyridine (bp) or 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene (bpe) was investigated in acetonitrile and dichloromethane using cyclic voltammetry, EPR, and UV-vis-near-IR spectroelectrochemistry. The compounds can be reversibly reduced, first in a two-electron process and then via two closely separated one-electron steps. Oxidation was also possible at rather low potentials in a reversible two-electron step, followed by an electrochemically irreversible process. The spectroscopic results indicate reduction at the neutral acceptor ligands L and oxidation at the formally dianionic anthracene "clips". In contrast, the prototypical molecular square ([Pt(triphos)(mu-bp)](4))(8+) undergoes only irreversible reduction.     

Metal-hydride bond activation and metal-metal interaction in dinuclear iron complexes with linking dinitriles: a synthetic,electrochemical, and theoretical study

The dinuclear iron(II)-hydride complexes [[FeH(dppe)(2)](2)(mu-LL)][BF(4)](2) (LL = NCCH=CHCN (1a), NCC(6)H(4)CN (1b), NCCH(2)CH(2)CN (1c); dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)) and the corresponding mononuclear ones, trans-[FeH(LL)(dppe)(2)][BF(4)] (2a-c) were prepared by treatment of trans-[FeHCl(dppe)(2)], in tetrahydrofuran (thf) and in the presence of Tl[BF(4)], with the appropriate dinitrile (in molar deficiency or excess, respectively). Metal-metal interaction was detected by cyclic voltammetry for 1a, which, upon single-electron reversible oxidation, forms the mixed valent Fe(II)/Fe(III) 1a(+) complex. The latter either undergoes heterolytic Fe-H bond cleavage (loss of H(+)) or further oxidation, at a higher potential, also followed by hydride-proton evolution, according to ECECE or EECECEC mechanistic processes, respectively, which were established by digital simulation. Anodically induced Fe-H bond rupture was also observed for the other complexes and the detailed electrochemical behavior, as well as the metal-metal interaction (for 1a), were rationalized by ab initio calculations for model compounds and oxidized derivatives. These calculations were used to generate the structural parameters (full geometry optimization), the most stable isomeric forms, the ionization potentials, the effective atomic charges, and the molecular orbital diagrams, as well as to predict the nature of the other electron-transfer induced chemical steps, i.e. geometric isomerization and nucleophilic addition, by BF(4)(-), to the unsaturated iron center resulting from hydride-proton loss. From the values of the oxidation potential of the complexes, the electrochemical P(L) and E(L) ligand parameters were also estimated for the dinitrile ligands (LL) and for their mononuclear complexes 2 considered as ligands toward a second binding metal center.     

Di- and tetra-nuclear copper(II), nickel(II), and cobalt(II) complexes of four bis-tetradentate triazole-based ligands: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Four bis-tetradentate N(4)-substituted-3,5-{bis[bis-N-(2-pyridinemethyl)]aminomethyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole ligands, L(Tz1)-L(Tz4), differing only in the triazole N(4) substituent R (where R is amino, pyrrolyl, phenyl, or 4-tertbutylphenyl, respectively) have been synthesized, characterized, and reacted with M(II)(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O (M(II) = Cu, Ni or Co) and Co(SCN)(2). Experiments using all 16 possible combinations of metal salt and L(TzR) were carried out: 14 pure complexes were obtained, 11 of which are dinuclear, while the other three are tetranuclear. The dinuclear complexes include two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4) (2), [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(2) (4); two nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(H(2)O)(3)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(4)·0.5(CH(3)CN) (5) and [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4)·H(2)O (8); and seven cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·H(2)O (9), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·2H(2)O (10), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(H(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(4) (11), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·3H(2)O (12), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(SCN)(4)]·3H(2)O (13), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(SCN)(4)]·2H(2)O (14), and [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(SCN)(4)]·H(2)O (15). The tetranuclear complexes are [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz1))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(6) (1), [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(μ-F)(2)](BF(4))(6)·0.5H(2)O (3), and [Ni(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)(μ-F(2))](BF(4))(6)·6.5H(2)O (7). Single crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed different solvent content from that found by microanalysis of the bulk sample after drying under a vacuum and confirmed that 5', 8', 9', 11', 12', and 15' are dinuclear while 1' and 7' are tetranuclear. As expected, magnetic measurements showed that weak antiferromagnetic intracomplex interactions are present in 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8, stabilizing a singlet spin ground state. All seven of the dinuclear cobalt(II) complexes, 9-15, have similar magnetic behavior and remain in the [HS-HS] state between 300 and 1.8 K.     

Involvement of a binuclear species with the Re-C(O)O-Re moiety in CO2 reduction catalyzed by tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes with diimine ligands: strikingly slow formation of the Re-Re and Re-C(O)O-Re species from Re(dmb)(CO)3S (dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, S = solvent)

Excited-state properties of fac-[Re(dmb)(CO)(3)(CH(3)CN)]PF(6), [Re(dmb)(CO)(3)](2) (where dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), and other tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes were investigated by transient FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy in CH(3)CN or THF. The one-electron reduced monomer, Re(dmb)(CO)(3)S (S = CH(3)CN or THF), can be prepared either by reductive quenching of the excited states of fac-[Re(dmb)(CO)(3)(CH(3)CN)]PF(6) or by homolysis of [Re(dmb)(CO)(3)](2). In the reduced monomer's ground state, the odd electron resides on the dmb ligand rather than on the metal center. Re(dmb)(CO)(3)S dimerizes slowly in THF, k(d) = 40 +/- 5 M(-1) s(-1). This rate constant is much smaller than those of other organometallic radicals which are typically 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). The slower rate suggests that the equilibrium between the ligand-centered and metal-centered radicals is very unfavorable (K approximately 10(-4)). The reaction of Re(dmb)(CO)(3)S with CO(2) is slow and competes with the dimerization. Photolysis of [Re(dmb)(CO)(3)](2) in the presence of CO(2) produces CO with a 25-50% yield based on [Re]. A CO(2) bridged dimer, (CO)(3)(dmb)Re-CO(O)-Re(dmb)(CO)(3) is identified as an intermediate. Both [Re(dmb)(CO)(3)](2)(OCO(2)) and Re(dmb)(CO)(3)(OC(O)OH) are detected as oxidation products; however, the previously reported formato-rhenium species is not detected.     

Tetracyanomanganate(II) and its salts of divalent first-row transition metal ions

The first known paramagnetic, tetrahedral cyanide complex, [Mn(II)(CN)(4)](2)(-), is formed by the photoinduced decomposition of [Mn(IV)(CN)(6)](2)(-) in nonaqueous solutions or by thermal decomposition in the solid state. In acetonitrile or dichloromethane, photoexcitation into the ligand-to-metal charge transfer band (lambda(max) = 25 700 cm(-1), epsilon = 3700 cm(-1) M(-1)) causes the homolytic cleavage of cyanide radicals and reduction of Mn(IV). Free cyanide in dichloromethane leads to the isolation of polycyanide oligomers such as [C(12)N(12)](2)(-) and [C(4)N(4)](-), which was crystallographically characterized as the PPN(+) salt C(40)H(30)N(5)P(2): monoclinic space group = I2/a, a = 18.6314(2) A, b = 9.1926(1) A, c = 20.8006(1), beta =106.176(2) degrees, Z = 4]. In the solid state Mn(IV)-CN bond homolysis is thermally activated above 122 degrees C, according to differential scanning calorimetry measurements, leading to the reductive elimination of cyanogen. The [Mn(II)(CN)(4)](2-) ion has a dynamic solution behavior, as evidenced by its concentration-dependent electronic and electron paramagnetic spectra, that can be attributed to aggregation of the coordinatively and electronically unsaturated (four-coordinate, 13-electron) metal center. Due to dynamics and lability of [Mn(II)(CN)(4)](2-) in solution, its reaction with divalent first-row transition metal cations leads to the formation of lattice compounds with both tetrahedral and square planar local coordination geometries of the metal ions and multiple structural and cyano-linkage isomers. alpha-Mn(II)[Mn(II)(CN)(4)] has an interpenetrating sphalerite- or diamond-like network structure with a unit cell parameter of a = 6.123 A (P43m space group) while a beta-phase of this material has a noninterpenetrating disordered lattice containing tetrahedral [Mn(II)(CN)(4)](2-). Linkage isomerization or cyanide abstraction during formation results in alpha-Mn(II)[Co(II)(CN)(4)] and Mn(II)[Ni(II)(CN)(4)] lattice compounds, both containing square planar tetracyanometalate centers. alpha-Mn(II)[Co(II)(CN)(4)] is irreversibly transformed to its beta-phase in the solid state by heating to 135 degrees C, which causes a geometric isomerization of [Co(II)(CN)(4)](2)(-) from square planar (nu(CN) = 2114 cm(-1), S = (1)/(2)) to tetrahedral (nu(CN) = 2158 cm(-1), S = (3)/(2)) as evidenced by infrared and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Mn(II)[Ni(II)(CN)(4)] is the only phase formed with Ni(II) due to the high thermodynamic stability of square planar [Ni(II)(CN)(4)](2)(-).     

Metal Complexes of Mesitylphosphine: Synthesis, Structure, and Spectroscopy

A series of primary phosphine homoleptic complexes [ML(4)](n)()(+)X(n)() (1, M = Ni, n = 0; 2, M = Pd, n = 2, X = BF(4); 3, M = Cu, n = 1, X = PF(6); 4, M = Ag, n = 1, X = BF(4); L = PH(2)Mes, Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)] was prepared from mesitylphosphine and Ni(COD)(2), [Pd(NCMe)(4)][BF(4)](2), [Cu(NCMe)(4)]PF(6), and AgBF(4), respectively. Reactions of 1-4 with MeC(CH(2)PPh(2))(3) (triphos) or [P(CH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))(3)] (tetraphos) afforded the derivatives [M(L')L](n)()(+)X(n)() (L' = triphos; 6, M = Ni, n = 0; 7, M = Cu, n = 1, X = PF(6); 8, M = Ag, n = 1, X = BF(4); L' = tetraphos; 9, M = Pd, n = 2, X = BF(4)). Addition of NOBF(4) to 1 yielded the nitrosyl compound [NiL(3)(NO)]BF(4), 5. The solution structure and dynamics of 1-9 were studied by (31)P NMR spectroscopy (including the first reported analyses of a 12-spin system for 1-2). Complexes 1, 3, 6, and 7.solvent were characterized crystallographically. The structural and spectroscopic studies suggest that the coordination properties of L are dominated by its relatively small cone angle and that the basicity of L is comparable to that of more commonly used tertiary phosphines.     

Nine non-symmetric pyrazine-pyridine imide-based complexes: reversible redox and isolation of [M(II/III)(pypzca)2](0/+) when M = Co, Fe

The non-symmetric imide ligand Hpypzca (N-(2-pyrazylcarbonyl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide) has been deliberately synthesised and used to produce nine first row transition metal complexes: [M(II)(pypzca)(2)], M = Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe; [M(III)(pypzca)(2)]Y, M = Co and Y = BF(4), M = Fe and Y = ClO(4); [Cu(II)(pypzca)(H(2)O)(2)]BF(4), [Mn(II)(pypzca)(Cl)(2)]HNEt(3). These are the first deliberately prepared complexes of a non-symmetric imide ligand. X-ray crystal structures of [Cu(II)(pypzca)(2)]·H(2)O, [Co(II)(pypzca)(2)], [Co(III)(pypzca)(2)]BF(4), [Cu(II)(pypzca)(H(2)O)(2)]BF(4)·H(2)O and [Mn(II)(pypzca)Cl(2)]HNEt(3) show that each of the (pypzca)(-) ligands binds in a meridional fashion via the N(3) donors. In the first three complexes, two such ligands are bound such that the 'spare' pyrazine nitrogen atoms are positioned approximately orthogonally to one another and also to the imide oxygen atoms. In MeCN the [M(II/III)(pypzca)(2)](0/+) complexes, where M = Ni, Co or Fe, exhibit one reversible metal based M(II/III) process and two distinct, quasi-reversible ligand based reduction processes, the latter also observed for M(II) = Zn. [Mn(II)(pypzca)Cl(2)]HNEt(3) displays a quasi-reversible oxidation process in MeCN, along with several irreversible processes. Both copper(II) complexes show only irreversible processes. Variable temperature magnetic measurements show that [Fe(III)(pypzca)(2)]ClO(4) undergoes a gradual spin crossover from partially high spin at 298 K (3.00 BM) to fully low spin at 2 K (1.96 BM), and that [Co(II)(pypzca)(2)] remains high spin from 298 to 4 K. All of the complexes are weakly coloured, other than [Fe(II)(pypzca)(2)] which is dark purple and absorbs strongly in the visible region.     

Enhancement of metal-metal coupling at a considerable distance by using 4-pyridinealdazine as a bridging ligand in polynuclear complexes of rhenium and ruthenium

Novel polynuclear complexes of rhenium and ruthenium containing PCA (PCA = 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde azine or 4-pyridinealdazine or 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene) as a bridging ligand have been synthesized as PF(6-) salts and characterized by spectroscopic, electrochemical, and photophysical techniques. The precursor mononuclear complex, of formula [Re(Me(2)bpy)(CO)(3)(PCA)](+) (Me(2)bpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), does not emit at room temperature in CH(3)CN, and the transient spectrum found by flash photolysis at lambda(exc) = 355 nm can be assigned to a MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) excited state [(Me(2)bpy)(CO)(3)Re(II)(PCA(-))](+), with lambda(max) = 460 nm and tau < 10 ns. The spectral properties of the related complexes [[Re(Me(2)bpy)(CO)(3)}(2)(PCA)](2+), [Re(CO)(3)(PCA)(2)Cl], and [Re(CO)(3)Cl](3)(PCA)(4) confirm the existence of this low-energy MLCT state. The dinuclear complex, of formula [(Me(2)bpy)(CO)(3)Re(I)(PCA)Ru(II)(NH(3))(5)](3+), presents an intense absorption in the visible spectrum that can be assigned to a MLCT d(pi)(Ru) --> pi(PCA); in CH(3)CN, the value of lambda (max) = 560 nm is intermediate between those determined for [Ru(NH(3))(5)(PCA)](2+) (lambda(max) = 536 nm) and [(NH(3))(5)Ru(PCA)Ru(NH(3))(5)](4+) (lambda(max) = 574 nm), indicating a significant decrease in the energy of the pi-orbital of PCA. The mixed-valent species, of formula [(Me(2)bpy)(CO)(3)Re(I)(PCA)Ru(III)(NH(3))(5)](4+), was obtained in CH(3)CN solution, by bromine oxidation or by controlled-potential electrolysis at 0.8 V in a OTTLE cell of the [Re(I),Ru(II)] precursor; the band at lambda(max) = 560 nm disappears completely, and a new band appears at lambda(max) = 483 nm, assignable to a MMCT band (metal-to-metal charge transfer) Re(I) --> Ru(III). By using the Marcus-Hush formalism, both the electronic coupling (H(AB)) and the reorganization energy (lambda) for the metal-to-metal intramolecular electron transfer have been calculated. Despite the considerable distance between both metal centers (approximately 15.0 Angstroms), there is a moderate coupling that, together with the comproportionation constant of the mixed-valent species [(NH(3))(5)Ru(PCA)Ru(NH(3))(5)](5+) (K(c) approximately 10(2), in CH(3)CN), puts into evidence an unusual enhancement of the metal-metal coupling in the bridged PCA complexes. This effect can be accounted for by the large extent of "metal-ligand interface", as shown by DFT calculations on free PCA. Moreover, lambda is lower than the driving force -DeltaG degrees for the recombination charge reaction [Re(II),Ru(II)] --> [Re(I),Ru(III)] that follows light excitation of the mixed-valent species. It is then predicted that this reverse reaction falls in the Marcus inverted region, making the heterodinuclear [Re(I),Ru(III)] complex a promising model for controlling the efficiency of charge-separation processes.     

Cyano-bridged homodinuclear copper(II) complexes

The synthesis and structural analysis (single crystal X-ray data) of two mononuclear ([Cu(L(1))(CN)]BF(4) and [Cu(L(3))(CN)](BF(4))) and three related, cyanide-bridged homodinuclear complexes ([{Cu(L(1))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3)·1.35 H(2)O, [{Cu(L(2))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3) and [{Ni(L(3))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3)) with a tetradentate (L(1)) and two isomeric pentadentate bispidine ligands (L(2), L(3); bispidines are 3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives) are reported, together with experimental magnetic, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and electronic spectroscopic data and a ligand-field-theory-based analysis. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibilities and EPR transitions of the dicopper(II) complexes, together with the simulation of the EPR spectra of the mono- and dinuclear complexes leads to an anisotropic set of g- and A-values, zero-field splitting (ZFS) and magnetic exchange parameters (Cu1: g(z) = 2.055, g(x) = 2.096, g(y) = 2.260, A(z) = 8, A(x) = 8, A(y) = 195 × 10(-4) cm(-1), Cu2: g and A as for Cu(1) but rotated by the Euler angles α = -6°, β = 100°, D(exc) = -0.07 cm(-1), E(exc)/D(exc) = 0.205 for [{Cu(L(1))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3)·1.35 H(2)O; Cu1,2: g(z) = 2.025, g(x) = 2.096, g(y) = 2.240, A(z) = 8, A(x) = 8, A(y) = 190 × 10(-4)cm(-1), D(exc) = -0.159 cm(-1), E(exc)/D(exc) = 0.080 for [{Cu(L(2))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3)). Thorough ligand-field-theory-based analyses, involving all micro states and all relevant interactions (Jahn-Teller and spin-orbit coupling) and DFT calculations of the magnetic exchange leads to good agreement between the experimental observations and theoretical predictions. The direction of the symmetric magnetic anisotropy tensor D(exc) in [{Cu(L(2))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3) is close to the Cu···Cu vector (22°), that is, nearly perpendicular to the Jahn-Teller axis of each of the two Cu(II) centers, and this reflects the crystallographically observed geometry. Antisymmetric exchange in [{Cu(L(1))}(2)(CN)](BF(4))(3)·1.35 H(2)O causes a mixing between the singlet ground state and the triplet excited state, and this also reflects the observed geometry with a rotation of the two Cu(II) sites around the Cu···Cu axis.     

Preparation of a family of hexanuclear rhenium cluster complexes containing 5-(phenyl)tetrazol-2-yl ligands and alkylation of 5-substituted tetrazolate ligands

The preparation of two new families of hexanuclear rhenium cluster complexes containing benzonitrile and phenyl-substituted tetrazolate ligands is described. Specifically, we report the preparation of a series of cluster complexes with the formula [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)L](2+) where L = benzonitrile, p-aminobenzonitrile, p-methoxybenzonitrile, p-acetylbenzonitrile, or p-nitrobenzonitrile. All of these complexes undergo a [2 + 3] cycloaddition with N(3)(-) to generate the corresponding [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(5-(p-X-phenyl)tetrazol-2-yl)](+) (or [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(2,5-p-X-phenyltetrazolate)](+)) cluster complexes, where X = NH(2), OMe, H, COCH(3), or NO(2). Crystal structure data are reported for three compounds: [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(p-acetylbenzonitrile)](BF(4))(2)?MeCN, [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(2,5-phenyltetrazolate)](BF(4))?CH(2)Cl(2), and [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(2,5-p-aminophenyltetrazolate)](BF(4)). Treatment of [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(2,5-phenyltetrazolate)](BF(4)) with HBF(4) in CD(3)CN at 100 °C leads to protonation of the tetrazolate ring and formation of [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(CD(3)CN)](2+). Surprisingly, alkylation of the phenyl and methyl tetrazolate complexes ([Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(2,5-N(4)CPh)](BF(4)) and [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(1,5-N(4)CMe)](BF(4))) with methyl iodide and benzyl bromide, leads to the formation of mixtures of 1,5- and 2,5-disubstituted tetrazoles.     

Cationic assembly of metal complex aggregates: structural diversity,solution stability,and magnetic properties

The tetradentate imino-carboxylate ligand [L](2)(-) chelates the equatorial sites of Ni(II) to give the complex [Ni(L)(MeOH)(2)] in which a Ni(II) center is bound in an octahedral coordination environment with MeOH ligands occupying the axial sites. Lanthanide (Ln) and Group II metal ions (M) template the aggregation of six [Ni(L)] fragments into the octahedral cage aggregates (M[Ni(L)](6))(x)(+) (1: M = Sr(II); x = 2,2: M = Ba(II); x = 2, 3: M = La(III); x = 3, 4: M = Ce(III); x = 3, 5: M = Pr(III); x = 3, and 6: M = Nd(III); x = 3). In the presence of Group I cations, however, aggregates composed of the alkali metal-oxide cations template various cage compounds. Thus, Na(+) forms the trigonal bipyramidal [Na(5)O](3+) core within a tricapped trigonal prismatic [Ni(L)](9) aggregate to give ((Na(5)O) subset [Ni(L)](9)(MeOH)(3))(BF(4))(2).OH.CH(3)OH, 7. Li(+) and Na(+) together form a mixed Li(+)/Na(+) core comprising distorted trigonal bipyramidal [Na(3)Li(2)O](3+) within an approximately anti-square prismatic [Ni(L)](8) cage in ((Na(3)Li(2)O) subset [Ni(L)](8)(CH(3)OH)(1.3)(BF(4))(0.7))(BF(4))(2.3).(CH(3)OH)(2.75).(C(4)H(10)O)(0.5), 8, while in the presence of Li(+), a tetrahedral [Li(4)O](2+) core within a hexanuclear open cage [Ni(L)](6) in ((Li(4)O) subset [Ni(L)](6)(CH(3)OH)(3))2ClO(4).1.85CH(3)OH, 9, is produced. In the presence of H(2)O, the Cs(+) cation induces the aggregation of the [Ni(L)(H(2)O)(2)] monomer to give the cluster Cs(2)[Ni(L)(H(2)O)(2)](6).2I.4CH(3)OH.5.25H(2)O, 10. Analysis by electronic spectroscopy and mass spectrometry indicates that in solution the trend in stability follows the order 1-6 > 7 > 8 approximately 9. Magnetic susceptibility data indicate that there is net antiferromagnetic exchange between magnetic centers within the cages.     

Synthesis,characterization, and solution redox properties of (trimpsi)M(CO)(2)(NO) complexes [M = V,Nb, Ta; trimpsi = (t)BuSi(CH(2)PMe(2))(3)

Treatment of [Et(4)N][M(CO)(6)] (M = Nb, Ta) with I(2) in DME at -78 degrees C produces solutions of the bimetallic anions [M(2micro-I)(3)(CO)(8)](-). Addition of the tripodal phosphine (t)BuSi(CH(2)PMe(2))(3) (trimpsi) followed by refluxing affords (trimpsi)M(CO)(3)I [M = Nb (1), Ta (2)], which are isolable in good yields as air-stable, orange-red microcrystalline solids. Reduction of these complexes with 2 equiv of Na/Hg, followed by treatment with Diazald in THF, results in the formation of (trimpsi)M(CO)(2)(NO) [M = Nb (3), Ta (4)] in high isolated yields. The congeneric vanadium complex, (trimpsi)V(CO)(2)(NO) (5), can be prepared by reacting [Et(4)N][V(CO)(6)] with [NO][BF(4)] in CH(2)Cl(2) to form V(CO)(5)(NO). These solutions are treated with 1 equiv of trimpsi to obtain (eta(2)-trimpsi)V(CO)(3)(NO). Refluxing orange THF solutions of this material affords 5 in moderate yields. Reaction of (trimpsi)VCl(3)(THF) (6) with 4 equiv of sodium naphthalenide in THF in the presence of excess CO provides [Et(4)N][(trimpsi)V(CO)(3)] (7), (trimpsi)V(CO)(3)H, and [(trimpsi)V(micro-Cl)(3)V(trimpsi)][(eta(2)-trimpsi)V(CO)(4)].3THF ([8][9].3THF). All new complexes have been characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods, and the solid-state molecular structures of 2.(1)/(2)THF, 3-5, and [8][9].3THF have been established by X-ray diffraction analyses. The solution redox properties of 3-5 have also been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammograms of 3 and 4 both exhibit an irreversible oxidation feature in CH(2)Cl(2) (E(p,a) = -0.71 V at 0.5 V/s for 3, while E(p,a) = -0.55 V at 0.5 V/s for 4), while cyclic voltammograms of 5 in CH(2)Cl(2) show a reversible oxidation feature (E(1/2) = -0.74 V) followed by an irreversible feature (0.61 V at 0.5 V/s). The reversible feature corresponds to the formation of the 17e cation [(trimpsi)V(CO)(2)(NO)](+) ([5](+)()), and the irreversible feature likely involves the oxidation of [5](+)() to an unstable 16e dication. Treatment of 5 with [Cp(2)Fe][BF(4)] in CH(2)Cl(2) generates [5][BF(4)], which slowly decomposes once formed. Nevertheless, [5][BF(4)] has been characterized by IR and ESR spectroscopies.     

Encapsulation of cyanometalates by a tris-macrocyclic ligand tricopper(II) complex: syntheses, structural variation, and magnetic exchange coupling pathways

The reaction of [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Cr(3+), Mn(3+), Fe(3+), Co(3+)) and [M(CN)(8)](4-/3-) (M = Mo(4+/5+), W(4+/5+)) with the trinuclear copper(II) complex of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltris[3-(1,3,5,8,12-pentaazacyclotetradecane)] ([Cu(3)(L)](6+)) leads to partially encapsulated cyanometalates. With hexacyanometalate(III) complexes, [Cu(3)(L)](6+) forms the isostructural host-guest complexes [[[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))(2)][M(CN)(6)](2)][M(CN)(6)]][M(CN)(6)]30 H(2)O with one bridging, two partially encapsulated, and one isolated [M(CN)(6)](3-) unit. The octacyanometalates of Mo(4+/5+) and W(4+/5+) are encapsulated by two tris-macrocyclic host units. Due to the stability of the +IV oxidation state of Mo and W, only assemblies with [M(CN)(8)](4-) were obtained. The Mo(4+) and W(4+) complexes were crystallized in two different structural forms: [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[Mo(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(8)15 H(2)O with a structural motif that involves isolated spherical [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[M(CN)(8)]](8+) ions and a "string-of-pearls" type of structure [[[Cu(3)(L)](2)[M(CN)(8)]][M(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(4) 20 H(2)O, with [M(CN)(8)](4-) ions that bridge the encapsulated octacyanometalates in a two-dimensional network. The magnetic exchange coupling between the various paramagnetic centers is characterized by temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization data. Exchange between the CuCu pairs in the [Cu(3)(L)](6+) "ligand" is weakly antiferromagnetic. Ferromagnetic interactions are observed in the cyanometalate assemblies with Cr(3+), exchange coupling of Mn(3+) and Fe(3+) is very small, and the octacoordinate Mo(4+) and W(4+) systems have a closed-shell ground state.     

Unprecedented eta(1)-P(basal) coordination of P(4)X(3) molecules (X = S, Se). An experimental and theoretical study of the apical vs basal complexation dichotomy

Reaction of [(triphos)Re(CO)(2)(OTf)] (1) [triphos = MeC(CH(2)PPh(2))(3); OTf = OSO(2)CF(3)] with P(4)S(3) and P(4)Se(3) yields pairs of coordination isomers, namely, [(triphos)Re(CO)(2)[eta(1)-P(apical)-P(4)X(3)]](+) (X = S, 2; Se, 5) and [(triphos)Re(CO)(2)[eta(1)-P(basal)-P(4)X(3)]](+) (X = S, 3; Se, 6). The latter represent the first examples of the eta(1)-P(basal) coordination achieved by the P(4)X(3) molecular cage. Further reaction of 2/3 and 5/6 mixtures with 1 affords the dinuclear species [[(triphos)Re(CO)(2)](2)[mu,eta(1:1)-P(apical,)P(basal)-P(4)X(3)]](2+) (X = S, 4; Se, 7) in which the unprecedented M-eta(1)-P(basal)/eta(1)-P(apical)-M' bridging coordination of the P(4)X(3) molecule is accomplished. A theoretical analysis of the bonding properties of the two coordination isomers is also presented. The directionality of apical vs basal phosphorus lone pairs is also discussed in terms of MO arguments.     

Isolation of the novel dirhodium(II/II) thiolate compound Rh(2)(eta(1)-C(6)H(5)S)(2)(mu-C(6)H(5)S)(2)(bpy)(2)

The reaction of the anticancer active compound [Rh(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)(bpy)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][BF(4)](2) (1) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) with NaC(6)H(5)S under anaerobic conditions yields Rh(2)(eta(1)-C(6)H(5)S)(2)(mu-C(6)H(5)S)(2)(bpy)(2).CH(3)OH (2), which was characterized by UV-visible, IR, and (1)H NMR spectroscopies as well as single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Compound 2 crystallizes as dark red platelets in the monoclinic space group C2/c with cell parameters a = 20.398(4) A, b = 11.861(2) A, c = 17.417(4) A, beta = 108.98 degrees, V = 3984.9(14) A(3), Z = 4. The main structural features are the presence of a [Rh(2)](4+) core with a Rh-Rh distance of 2.549(2) A bridged by two benzene thiolate ligands in a butterfly-type arrangement. The axial positions of the [Rh(2)](4+) core are occupied by two terminal benzene thiolates. Cyclic voltammetric studies of 2 reveal that the compound exhibits an irreversible oxidation at +0.046 V in CH(3)CN, which is in accord with the fact that the compound readily oxidizes in the presence of O(2). The fact that this unusual dirhodium(II/II) thiolate compound is formed under these conditions is an important first step in understanding the metabolism of dirhodium anticancer active compounds with thiol-containing peptides and proteins.