Synthesis and crystal structure of maleonitriledithiolate metal complexes with N-methylacridine as cations

The synthesis of [N-MeA]₂[M(mnt)₂] (N-MeA=N-methylacridine; M=Ni (II), Zn (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II); mnt=maleonitriledithiolate) and crystal structure analysis of the Ni (1) and Zn (2) complexes are reported. The conductivities of almost all the complexes under 4 MPa pressure are above 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹, which are characteristic of intrinsic semi-conductors. The complexes exhibit charge transfer transitions in both their absorption spectra and fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Ni(dmit)2 salts with chiral stilbazolium- and ferrocenyl-based chromophores as countercations

Four 1:1, two-component salts combining the [Ni(dmit)₂]⁻ anion (dmit²⁻ = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato) and chiral stilbazolium-based countercations (HPMS⁺ = 4′-[2-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidinyl]-1-methylstilbazolium and MPMS⁺ = 4′-[2-(methoxy-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]-1-methylstilbazolium), or chiral ferrocenyl-based countercations (2⁺ = (E)-1-((R)-2-methylferrocenyl)-2-(1-methyl-4-pyridiniumyl)ethene; 3⁺ = (E)-1-((S)-2-trimethylsilylferrocenyl)-2-(1-methyl-4-pyridiniumyl)ethene) were prepared. Semiconducting behaviour (2·10⁻⁴ S·cm⁻¹ measured on compressed pellets for [Ni(dmit)₂] (MPMS), for example) is secured by the presence of the [Ni(dmit)₂]⁻ anions. The chiral nature of the countercations ensures non-centrosymmetry of the structures (space group P1 for [Ni(dmit)₂](2) and [Ni(dmit)₂](3), for example). A ubiquitous antiparallel arrangement of the cations, which are thus packed in a pseudo-centrosymmetrical environment, results in almost vanishing second-order susceptibilities χ⁽²⁾, and therefore zero efficiencies in second harmonic generation.     

Transition metal complexes with the thiosemicarbazide-based ligands—I. Nickel(II) complexes with the quadridentate ligands based on S-methylisothiosemicarbazide; X-ray crystal structure of (acetyl-acetone N(1)-salicylidene-S-methylizothiosemicarbazonato) nickel(II)

The reaction of a warm ethanolic solution of [Ni(SALSMeTSC-H)Py]Cl·0.5Py (SALSMeTSC = salicylaldehyde S-methylisothiosemicarbazone) with salicylaldehyde and acetylacetone (HACAC), yielded the corresponding square-planar complexes [Ni(SAL₂SMeTSC-2H)] (A) and [Ni(SALACACSMeTSC-2H)] (B) (SAL₂SMeTSC, and SALACACSMeTSC = quadridentate 2O2N ligand: N(1),N(3)-bis(salicylidene)-S-methylisothiosemicarbazide, and acetylacetone N(1)-salicylidene-S-methylisothiosemicarbazone, respectively). An X-ray analysis of complex B showed that in the reaction of the starting complex with HACAC a rearrangement of the salicylaldehyde moiety takes place (while the CN(3) bond of the azomethine group is ruptured) and its binding to the N(1) nitrogen. At the same time, HACAC is simultaneously bonded to the liberated N(3)-nitrogen of the hydrazine fragment. Crystal data for the complex B (NiC₁₄H₁₅N₃O₂S) are: M_r = 348.0, orthorhombic, space group Pna2₁, a = 7.484(3), b = 21.995(8), c = 8.866(3) Å; V = 1459.44 ų, Z = 4, F(000) = 720, Dc = 1.58 g cm⁻¹, Do = 1.56 g cm⁻¹, μ(MoKα) = 14.45 cm⁻¹. The structure was solved by the heavy-atom method and refined anisotropically to an R value of 0.078 for 1174 non-zero reflections. The complex molecules are planar, the NiNi distance of nearest molecules being about 3.76 Å. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis as well as by IR and electronic spectra.     

First FT-Raman and H NMR comparative investigations in ring opening metathesis polymerization

Kinetics of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of exo,exo-5,6-di(methoxycarbonyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, promoted by the Grubbs’ 1st generation precatalyst, has been effectively monitored by FT-Raman and NMR spectroscopy. Both techniques evidenced similar monomer conversions to be attained under the same reaction conditions. The present FT-Raman study provided information on the polymer steric configuration, the Raman bands at 1670 and 1677 cm⁻¹ being specifically assigned to stretching vibrations of double bonds from the cis- and trans-polymer, respectively. The trans/cis ratio observed by FT-Raman parallels the corresponding result from ¹H NMR. For the first time, a comparison was made on application of these complementary methods on the same ROMP reaction, evidencing their assets and disadvantages and reliability of FT-Raman.     

Near infrared fourier transform Raman spectroscopy of human artery

We report the first near IR FT-Raman spectroscopy of normal diseased human artery. In normal human aorta, two bands at 1669 cm⁻¹ and 1452 cm⁻¹ dominate the spectrum and can be assigned to protein amide I and C-H in-plane bending vibrations, respectively. Weaker bands are also observed between 1250 and 1350 cm⁻¹. Non-calcified atherosclerotic lesions with a large amount of necrotic debris below the tissue surface show a relative increase in the intensity of the 1452 cm⁻¹ band. In atherosclerotic aortas which contain calcified deposits several hundred microns below the tissue surface, a strong 961 cm⁻¹ band is observed due to the symmetric stretch of phosphate groups in the calcified salts. The results show that this method provides the capability to probe biological substituents several hundred microns below the tissue surface.     

Investigation of anharmonicity in rotational phonon mode for BaWO4 crystal

Spontaneous Raman spectra in the BaWO₄ were measured in the temperature range from 4 K to 280 K, and the temperature dependence of the linewidth of the A_g (191 cm⁻¹) Raman mode was analyzed using the lattice dynamical perturbative approach and one-phonon density of states (PDOS). The linewidth slope for the 191 cm⁻¹ peak for an external mode is 7.2 times larger than that for the 926 cm⁻¹ peak for a breathing mode. The different behaviors of these two modes in the case of temperature broadening could be attributed to the large energy band gap in the one-phonon density of states (PDOS) resulting in different anharmonic interactions. The origin may be that the ratio of up-conversion TDOS to down-conversion TDOS for Eg mode (191 cm⁻¹) is more than that for A_g (926 cm⁻¹). The peak of the Eg mode (191 cm⁻¹) is attributed to the coupling mode both a rotation of the Barium and an out-of-phase rotation of the oxygen in x–y plane as a librational mode.     

Ruthenium(II/III) bipyridine complexes incorporating thiol-based imine functions: Synthesis,spectroscopic and redox properties

A group of five new ruthenium(II) bipyridine heterochelates of the type [Ru^II(bpy)₂L]⁺ 1a–1e have been synthesized (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine; L=anionic form of the thiol-based imine ligands, HS–C₆H₄NC(H)C₆H₄(R) (R=OMe, Me, H, Cl, NO₂). The complexes 1a−1e are 1:1 conducting and diamagnetic. The complexes 1a−1e exhibit strong MLCT transitions in the visible region and intra-ligand transitions in the UV region. In acetonitrile solvent complexes show a reversible ruthenium(III)–ruthenium(II) couple in the range 0.2–0.4 V and irreversible ruthenium(III)→ruthenium(IV) oxidation in the range 1.15–1.73 V vs. SCE. Two successive bipyridine reductions are observed in the ranges −1.43 to −1.57 and −1.67 to −1.78 V vs. SCE. The complexes are susceptible to undergo stereoretentive oxidations to the trivalent ruthenium(III) congeners. The isolated one-electron paramagnetic ruthenium(III) complex, 1c⁺ exhibits weak rhombic EPR spectrum at 77 K (g₁=2.106, g₂=2.093, g₃=1.966) in 1:1 chloroform–toluene. The EPR spectrum of 1c⁺ has been analyzed to furnish values of distortion parameters (Δ=8988 cm⁻¹; V=0.8833 cm⁻¹) and energy of the expected ligand field transitions (ν₁=1028 nm and ν₂=1186 nm) within the t₂ shell. One of the ligand field transitions has been experimentally observed at 1265 nm.     

Chiral self-assembly of enantiomerically pure (4S,7R)-campho[2,3-c]pyrazole in the solid state: a vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and computational study

NH-Indazoles in solid phase usually form NH⋯N hydrogen bonds between positions 1 and 2, which determine the secondary structure, forming dimers, trimers, or catemers (chains). Thus, the difficulty of the experimental analysis of the structure of the family of 1H-indazoles is clear. We have outlined a complete strategy by using different techniques of vibrational spectroscopy that are sensitive (VCD) and not sensitive (IR, FarIR, and Raman) to the chirality together with quantum chemical calculations. We have studied the chiral structure of (4S,7R)-campho[2,3-c]pyrazole both in solution (CCl₄) and in the solid phase (crystal). This compound crystallizes as a chiral trimer (LABHEB), with the monomer also being chiral. Herein, Far-IR, IR, and Raman spectra in solution and in the solid state are assigned using the support of B3LYP/6-31G(d) and B97D/6-31+G(d,p) calculations of (4S,7R)-campho[2,3-c]pyrazole monomers, dimers, and trimers, these last cyclamers being partially and fully optimized. Later, analysis of the vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra allowed us to determine the chiral self-assembly of (4S,7R)-campho[2,3-c]pyrazole crystals (LABHEB). In the crystal, only the trimers are present while in solution, the monomer predominates. We have highlighted the importance of the analysis of the low frequency region (700–25 cm⁻¹) in the FT-Raman and Far-IR spectra, because it provides relevant information in order to confirm the presence of the trimers in the solid phase.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a polar Os(II,III) complex,Os2(fhp)4Cl

The title compound was prepared by prolonged reaction of Os₂(CH₃COO)₄Cl₂ with Hfhp (Hfhp = 6-fluoro-2-hydroxypyridine) in refluxing toluene in the presence of LiCl. The product, Os₂(fhp)₄Cl (1), is a result of ligand displacement with a concomitant core reduction of Os₂⁶⁺ to Os₂⁵⁺. Crystals were grown by slow diffusion of hexane into a dichloromethane solution of 1. Crystallographic data are as follows: tetragonal crystal system, space group I4mm (No. 107), a = b = 11.000(3) Å, c = 13.142(2) Å, V= 1590(1) ų, Z = 2. The molecule possesses crystallographic 4mm symmetry, with the OsOs bonds lying along the four-fold axes. The four fhp ligands are arranged in a polar fashion around the diosmium core, blocking one axial site. The second axial position is occupied by a chloride ion. The principal distances in 1 are: Os(1)Os(2) = 2.341(1) Å, Os(1)N = 2.027(12) Å, Os(2)O = 2.014(5) Å, Os(2)Cl = 2.487(7) Å. The title compound was also investigated by several physical methods. The electrochemistry as determined by cyclic voltammetry revealed two processes: a reversible, one-electron reduction at E_ox = −0.63 V in dichloromethane and an irreversible oxidation at E_ox = +0.95 V in dichloromethane vs Ag-AgCl at room temperature. The electronic spectrum shows strong bands at 413 nm (ε = 4290 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹), 309 nm (ε = 23,560 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) and at 294 nm (ε = 26,500 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) as well as shoulders at 334 and 261 nm.     

A modular design of ruthenium(II) catalysts with chiral C2-symmetric phosphinite ligands for effective asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones

Hydrogen-transfer reduction processes are attracting increasing interest from synthetic chemists in view of their operational simplicity. The new chiral C₂-symmetric ligands N,N′-bis-[(1S)-1-sec-butyl-2-O-(diphenylphosphinite)ethyl]ethanediamide, 1 and N,N′-bis-[(1S)-1-phenyl-2-O-(diphenylphosphinite)ethyl]ethanediamide, 2 and the corresponding ruthenium complexes 3 and 4 have been prepared and their structures have been elucidated by a combination of multi-nuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. ¹H–³¹P NMR, DEPT, ¹H–¹³C HETCOR, or ¹H–¹H COSY correlation experiments were used to confirm the spectral assignments. The catalytic activity of complexes 3 and 4 in transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives by iso-PrOH has also been studied. Under optimized conditions, these chiral ruthenium complexes serve as catalyst precursors for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives in iso-PrOH and act as excellent catalysts, giving the corresponding chiral alcohols in 99% yield and up to 75% ee. This transfer hydrogenation is characterized by low reversibility under these conditions.     

Monomeric five-coordinate rhenium diazenido and hydrazido complexes with aromatic thiolate ligands: X-ray structures of [Re(NNC6H4-Br)2(SC6H3-2,5-Me2)(PPh3)2] and [ReO(NNMePh)(SPh)3], and of the synthetic precursor [Re(NNC6H4-4-Br)2Cl(PPh3)2]

Reaction of [ReOCl₃(PPh₃)₂] with bromophenylhydrazine in methanol yields [ReCl(N₂C₆H₄Br)₂(PPh₃)₂] (1). Complex 1 reacts with arylthiolates to give mixtures of [Re(SAr)(N₂C₆H₄Br)₂(PPh₃)₂] (2) and [Re₂(SAr)₇(NNR)₂]⁻. Complexes 1 and 2 display trigonal bipyramidal geometries with the phosphine ligands occupying the axial sites. A significant feature of the structures is the nonequivalence of the rhenium-diazenido moieties, such that for 1 the ReN(1) and N(1)N(2) distances are 1.80(2) and 1.24(3) Å, while ReN(3) and N(3)N(4) are 1.73(2) and 1.32(3) Å, and for 2 the ReN distances are 1.73(1) and 1.80(2)° with corresponding NN distances of 1.32(2) and 1.25(2) Å. Reaction of (PPh₄)[ReO(SPh)₄] (3) with unsymmetrically disubstituted hydrazines affords complexes of the type [ReO(SPh)₃(NMRR′)] (R = Me, R′ = Ph for 4). Complexes 3 and 4 display distorted square pyramidal geometries with the oxo groups apical. The significant feature of the structure of 4 is the nonlinear ReN(1)N(2) linkage, exhibiting an angle of 145.6(10)°. The angle does not appear to correlate with a significant contribution from a valence form with sp² hybridization at the α-nitrogen. Crystal data: 1: monoclinic space group, P2₁/n, a = 12.216(2) Å, b = 19.098(2) Å, c = 20.257(4) Å, β = 106.20(1)°, V = 4538.3(8) ų to give Z = 4; structure solution and refinement based on 1905 reflections converged at R = 0.070. 2: monoclinic space group P2₁/n, a = 14.393(2) Å, b = 18.842(3) Å, c = 20.717(4)Å, β = 110.26(1)°, V = 5270.5(8) ų to give Z = 4 for D = 1.53 g cm⁻¹; structure solution and refinement based on 4249 reflections to give R = 0.070. 3: monoclinic space group P2₁/n, a = 12.531(2) Å, b = 24.577(4) Å, c = 16.922(3) Å, β = 99.06(1)°, V = 5146.2(9) ų, D = 1.36 g cm⁻³ for Z = 4, 2912 reflections, R = 0.050. 4: monoclinic space group p2₁/n, a = 16.137(2) Å, b = 9.863(2) Å, c = 16.668(2) Å, β = 111.12(1)°, V = 2474.7(6) ų, D = 1.74 g cm⁻³ for Z = 4, 2940 reflections, R = 0.066.     

Synthesis,spectral, electrochemical and magnetic properties of new symmetrical and unsymmetrical dinuclear copper(II) complexes derived from binucleating ligands with phenol and benzimidazole donors

New symmetrical 2,6-bis{N-[2-(2-benzimidazolyl)-phenyl]iminomethyl}-4-methylphenol (L¹) and unsymmetrical 2-N-[2-(2-benzimidazoyl)phenyl]iminomethyl-6-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-methyl]-4-methylphenol (L²) binucleating ligands have been synthesized. Complexation of these ligands with Cu(II) perchlorate and appropriate sodium salt offered the binuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂L(X)](ClO₄)₂, (X=Cl, OH and OAc 1–6). Their spectral, electrochemical and magnetic properties have been studied. Two distinct reduction peaks were observed at negative potentials. The electrochemical data shows that the complexes of L² undergo reduction at less negative potential (E¹_pc=−0.15 to −0.25 V, E²_pc=−0.45 to −0.65 V) when compared to the complexes of L¹ (E¹_pc=−0.45 to −0.58 V, E²_pc=−1.07 to −1.103 V). A variable temperature magnetic study on the complexes of the ligand L¹ showed strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the copper atoms (−2J=285–295 cm⁻¹), in contrast, the complexes of the ligand L² showed weak antiferromagnetic interaction (−2J=60–85 cm⁻¹). Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra (RT) of the complexes of ligand L¹ showed no signal and the complexes of ligand L² showed a broad feature.     

FT-Raman and infrared spectra,r0 structural parameters,ab initio calculations and vibrational assignment for nitryl chloride

The FT-Raman spectra (2000-30 cm⁻¹) of liquid and solid nitryl chloride, ClNO₂, along with the infrared spectra (2000-80 cm⁻¹) of the gas and solid have been recorded. All six fundamentals are confidently identified and the potential energy distributions determined from the force fields obtained from ab initio calculations. Several different basis sets have been utilized to determine the harmonic frequencies and force constants which are compared to the previously reported valence force constants. Structural parameters have been calculated with these basis sets including electron correlation with MP2, MP3 and MP4 perturbation. The calculated equilibrium structural parameters are compared to the experimental r₀ structural parameters. The spectra of the solid indicate that there are at least two molecules per primitive cell. All of these results are compared to the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.     

Infrared spectroscopic detection of sulphone groups in doped polybenzo[c]thiophenes

By reaction of 1,3-dihydrobenzo[c]thiophene with FeCl₃, air or TCNQ the oxidatively doped polybenzo[c]thiophenes (1a, b, d, e) were prepared. Their infrared spectra showed two strong absorptions in the ranges 1265–1337 cm⁻¹ and 1142–1184 cm⁻¹. Efficient drying did not change these absorptions but reaction of 1a, b, d, e with LiAlH₄ resulted in their decrease to weak bands. According to these results and by comparison with the infrared spectra of reference compounds data, 1a—e were found to contain sulphone groups.     

Vibrational spectroscopic study of brazilin and brazilein,the main constituents of brazilwood from Brazil

In this work, the vibrational spectra (FT-Raman and infrared spectra) of brazilin, the major component of brazilwood Caesalpinia echinata (from Bahia, Brazil), and brazilein, the oxidised pigment, are investigated. The FT-Raman spectra of the compounds show different patterns in the carbonyl stretching region, where brazilein presents a Raman feature at 1697 cm⁻¹ that is tentatively assigned to a coupled vibrational mode described by CO and aromatic CC stretching. Infrared measurements are used to support this assignment. The spectral region between 1700 and 1500 cm⁻¹ is also proposed as a fingerprint for brazilin and brazilein. Comparisons with some quinones and polyalcohols as parent molecules and other deep red resin pigments such as “dragon’s blood” are undertaken to assist the vibrational assignment. As a test of the spectroscopic protocol for the identification of these pigments in natural brazilwoods, an 80-year-old archival specimen of Caesalpinia echinata was analysed non-destructively and the feature of brazilein shown from the Raman spectrum.     

Influence of the N-[methylpyridyl]acetamide ligands on the photoluminescent properties of Eu(III)-perchlorate complexes

This work reports the synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic studies of Eu(III)-perchlorate complexes with amide ligands derived from N-[x-methylpyridyl]acetamide where x=3, 4 and 6. The Eu(ClO₄)₃3(x-mpa) complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, TG analyses and vibrational spectroscopy. Raman and infrared data show that the perchlorate ion, (ClO₄ ⁻), is bonded to Eu(III) as a monodentate ligand and that in these three complexes water molecules are not coordinated to the rare earth ion. The profiles of the emission spectra of the complexes with 3- and 4-mpa ligands are very similar but they differ from the complex containing 6-mpa ligand. This spectroscopic behavior can be rationalized in terms of the Ω_λ (λ=2 and 4) and R₀₂ experimental intensity parameters. The values of Ω₂ (∼6.5×10⁻²⁰ cm²) in these complexes are smaller than in Eu(III)-TTA compounds (Ω₂∼35.0×10⁻²⁰ cm²), indicating that in the former case the rare earth ion is in a chemical environment less polarizable. Lifetime and emission quantum efficiency measurements for the emitting level ⁵D₀ were carried out and the results are discussed.     

Chemical and pharmacological aspects of novel hetero MLB complexes derived from NO2 type Schiff base and N2 type 1,10-phenanthroline ligands

A series of hetero ligand MLB complexes (1–5) were synthesised from tridentate NO₂ type Schiff base [H₂L: (E)-2-((2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methyleneamino)benzoic acid; derived from 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone and 2-aminobenzoic acid] and bidentate N₂ type 1,10-phenanthroline (B: phen) ligands. The structural characterization of the synthesised MLB complexes were carried out via analytical as well as various spectral studies. Additionally, the low molar conductance values (Λ_m = 14–22 Ω⁻¹ cm² mol⁻¹) imply that the complexes (1–5) are non-electrolytes. The obtained results reinforce that stoichiometry of the mononuclear hetero ligand complexes can be represented as [M(II)-Schiff base(L)-phen(B)·H₂O] and both H₂L and (B) ligands can act as tri and bidentates respectively. Moreover, both the ligands bind with metal(II) ions to build a stable six, six, five membered chelate rings with octahedral geometry. The existing solvent water molecule is confirmed from thermal as well as vibrational analysis. Their microcrystalline nature and uniform surface morphology were confirmed by both powder XRD and SEM studies. 3D molecular modeling and analysis of NiLB and CuLB complexes (3 and 4) were also studied. Mn(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes (1, 3 and 4) strongly interact with DNA through intercalation binding with strong binding constant values. The obtained K_app values were 5.23, 4.98, 6.36, 7.21 and 4.86 × 10⁵ mol⁻¹ for MLB complexes (1–5) respectively and the negative Δ³G values shown that all the complexes are strongly interact with DNA in a spontaneous manner. Further, remarkable biological, antioxidant and DNA activities were remarkably exhibited by MnLB, NiLB and CuLB complexes.     

Alkylation of 1-hydroxy-1H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-e][1,2,3,4]tetrazine 5,7-dioxide

Alkylation of 1-hydroxy-1H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-e][1,2,3,4]tetrazine 5,7-dioxide 1 and its silver salt 10 with different alkylating agents (diazomethane, diazoacetone, bromoacetone, α-bromoacetophenone, methyl iodide, methyl vinyl ketone) was studied. Alkylation of compound 1 with diazo compounds and salt 10 with halocompounds results predominantly in O-alkylation products, 1-alkoxy-1H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-e][1,2,3,4]tetrazine 5,7-dioxides. The Michael reaction of compound 1 with methyl vinyl ketone involves the triazole nitrogen atom to give 1-(3-oxobutyl)-1H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-e][1,2,3,4]tetrazine 3,4,6-trioxide. The structures of the compounds synthesized were established by ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁴N NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.     

Synthesis and properties of a monomeric and a μ-oxo-bridged dimeric iron(III) complex with a tetradentate pyridine amide in-plane ligand. X-ray structure of [Fe(bpc)Cl(DMF)] [H2bpc=4,5-dichloro-1,2-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamido)benzene]

The controlled nucleophilic halide displacement reaction of [NEt₄][Fe(bpc)Cl₂] [H₂bpc=4,5-dichloro-1,2-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamido) benzene] with AgClO₄ in MeCN afforded a crystalline iron(III) complex Fe(bpc)Cl·H₂O 1. The mixed chloro-dimethylformamide (DMF) axially ligated complex [Fe(bpc)Cl(DMF)] (obtained during recrystallization of 1 from DMF; however, it loses DMF quite readily to revert back to 1) has been structurally characterized. It belongs to only a handful of mononuclear high-spin iron(III) complexes having deprotonated picolinamide ligand. The iron(III) centre is co-ordinated in the equatorial plane by two pyridine nitrogens and two deprotonated amide nitrogens of the ligand, and two axial sites are co-ordinated by a chloride ion and a DMF molecule. The metal atom has a distorted octahedral geometry. Reaction of 1 with [ⁿBu₄N][OH] in MeOH afforded a μ-oxo-bridged diiron(III) complex, [Fe(bpc)]₂O·DMF·2H₂O, 2. The spin state and the co-ordination environment of the iron(III) centres in 1 and 2 have been determined by temperature-dependent (25–300 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements in the solid state (Faraday method) and Mössbauer spectral studies at 300 K. Complex 1 behaves as a perfect S=5/2 system, in the solid-state as well as in DMF solution. The two iron(III) centres in 2 are antiferromagnetically coupled (J=−117.8 cm⁻¹) and the bridged dimeric structure is retained in DMF solution. Bridge-cleavage reactions of 2 have been demonstrated by its ready reaction with mineral acids such as HCl and MeCO₂H to generate authentic S=5/2 complexes, [Fe(bpc)Cl₂]⁻ and [Fe(bpc)(O₂CMe)₂]⁻, respectively.