A Carbon Electrode Functionalized by a Tricopper Cluster Complex: Overcoming Overpotential and Production of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

A study of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on a screen printed carbon electrode surface mediated by the tricopper cluster complex Cu₃(7‐N‐Etppz(CH₂OH)) dispersed on electrochemically reduced carbon black, where 7‐N‐Etppz(CH₂OH) is the ligand 3,3′‐(6‐(hydroxymethyl)‐1,4‐diazepane‐1,4‐diyl)bis(1‐(4‐ethyl piperazin‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ol), is described. Onset oxygen reduction potentials of about 0.92 V and about 0.77 V are observed at pH 13 and pH 7 vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode, which are comparable to the best values reported for any synthetic copper complex. Based on half‐wave potentials (E_1/2), the corresponding overpotentials are about 0.42 V and about 0.68 V, respectively. Kinetic studies indicate that the trinuclear copper catalyst can accomplish the 4 e^? reduction of O₂ efficiently and the ORR is accompanied by the production of only small amounts of H₂O₂. The involvement of the copper triad in the O₂ activation process is also verified.     

The dangers of using KBr,KI and CaI2 as mulling agents during the preparation of infrared discs of complexes

Tribochemical reactions of KBr, KI and CaI₂ with [Cu(L)Cl₂(EtOH)_3/2(H₂O)]1/2H₂O (L = formylhydrazine) give novel Cu^I and Cu^II complexes, which have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (i.r., u.v.–vis., ¹H-n.m.r.) and magnetic measurements. The i.r. spectra indicate that (L) behaves in a monodentate manner, coordinating via the azomethine nitrogen (C-N) group in the Cu^II complexes, but behaving as a bidentate ligand, via the carbonyl oxygen and NH₂ groups in the Cu^I complexes. KI and CaI₂ react with [Cu(L)Cl₂(EtOH)_3/2(H₂O)]-1/2H₂O in the solid state, accompanied by a colour change, substitution of the chloride by iodide ions, and reduction of Cu^II to Cu^I to give complexes with formulae [Cu(L)I(EtOH)_1/2] and [Cu_1.7(L)I_1.7(EtOH)_1/2]. On the other hand, the tribochemical reaction of KBr with [Cu(L)Cl₂(EtOH)_3/2(H₂O)]1/2H₂O is accompanied by a colour change; substitution of the chloride by bromide ions, but without reduction of Cu^II and yields a complex of formula [Cu(L)₂Br₂(EtOH)(H₂O)]1/2EtOH. The spectral and magnetic results suggest a distorted octahedral geometry for the Cu^II complexes while a tetrahedral geometry around the Cu^I ion. The non-stoichiometric structure of [Cu_1.7(L)I_1.7(EtOH)_1/2] is discussed.     

CoII Complexes as Liposomal CEST Agents

Three paramagnetic Co^II macrocyclic complexes containing 2‐hydroxypropyl pendant groups, 1,1′,1′′,1′′′‐(1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane‐1,4,8,11‐tetrayl)tetrakis‐ (propan‐2‐ol) ([Co(L1)]²⁺, 1,1′‐(4,11‐dibenzyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane‐1,8‐diyl)bis(propan‐2‐ol) ([Co(L2)]²⁺), and 1,1′‐(4,11‐dibenzyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane‐1,8‐diyl)bis(octadecan‐2‐ol) ([Co(L3)]²⁺) were synthesized to prepare transition metal liposomal chemical exchange saturation transfer (lipoCEST) agents. In solution, ([Co(L1)]²⁺) forms two isomers as shown by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. X‐ray crystallographic studies show one isomer with 1,8‐pendants in cis‐configuration and a second isomer with 1,4‐pendants in trans‐configuration. The [Co(L2)]²⁺ complex has 1,8‐pendants in a cis‐configuration. Remarkably, the paramagnetic‐induced shift of water ¹H NMR resonances in the presence of the [Co(L1)]²⁺ complex is as large as that observed for one of the most effective Ln^III water proton shift agents. Incorporation of [Co(L1)]²⁺ into the liposome aqueous core, followed by dialysis against a solution of 300 mOsm L^?1 produces a CEST peak at 3.5 ppm. Incorporation of the amphiphilic [Co(L3)]²⁺ complex into the liposome bilayer produces a more highly shifted CEST peak at ?13 ppm. Taken together, these data demonstrate the feasibility of preparing Co^II lipoCEST agents.     

Mechanistic insight into the reactivity of oxotransferases by novel asymmetric dioxomolybdenum(VI) model complexes

The asymmetric molybdenum(VI) dioxo complexes of the bis(phenolate) ligands 1,4‐bis(2‐hydroxybenzyl)‐1,4‐diazepane, 1,4‐bis(2‐hydroxy‐4‐methylbenzyl)‐1,4‐diazepane, 1,4‐bis(2‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethylbenzyl)‐1,4‐diazepane, 1,4‐bis(2‐hydroxy‐3,5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzyl)‐1,4‐diazepane, 1,4‐bis(2‐hydroxy‐4‐flurobenzyl)‐1,4‐diazepane, and 1,4‐bis(2‐hydroxy‐4‐chlorobenzyl)‐1,4‐diazepane (H₂(L1)–H₂(L6), respectively) have been isolated and studied as functional models for molybdenum oxotransferase enzymes. These complexes have been characterized as asymmetric complexes of type [MoO₂(L)] 1–6 by using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and electrochemical methods. The molecular structures of [MoO₂(L)] 1–4 have been successfully determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses, which show them to exhibit a distorted octahedral coordination geometry around molybdenum(VI) in an asymmetrical cis‐β configuration. The Mo? O_oxo bond lengths differ only by ≈0.01 Å. Complexes 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 exhibit two successive Mo^VI/Mo^V (E_1/2, ?1.141 to ?1.848 V) and Mo^V/Mo^IV (E_1/2, ?1.531 to ?2.114 V) redox processes. However, only the Mo^VI/Mo^V redox couple was observed for 3 and 4 , suggesting that the subsequent reduction of the molybdenum(V) species is difficult. Complexes 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 elicit efficient catalytic oxygen‐atom transfer (OAT) from dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to PMe₃ at 65 °C at a significantly faster rate than the symmetric molybdenum(VI) complexes of the analogous linear bis(phenolate) ligands known so far to exhibit OAT reactions at a higher temperature (130 °C). However, complexes 3 and 4 fail to perform the OAT reaction from DMSO to PMe₃ at 65 °C. DFT/B3LYP calculations on the OAT mechanism reveal a strong trans effect.     

Transformations in Chemically Responsive Copper‐Calixarene Architectures

Self‐assembly of bis‐picolyl‐appended calix[4]arene ( L ) with Cu^I or Cu^II salts resulted in a collection of multinuclear architectures capable of expressing structural reconfigurations in response to various chemical stimuli: addition of copper salt, solvents, or oxidation. Coordination of L to CuX (X=Br, I) selectively yielded dinuclear macrocycles Cu^I ₂ L₂Br₂ ( 1 ) and Cu^I ₂ L₂I₂ ( 3 ) that were transformed into tetranuclear assemblies Cu^I ₄ L₂Br₄ ( 2 ) and Cu^I ₄ L₂I₄ ( 4 ) upon further addition of CuX. These supramolecules persist as robust and discrete entities in solution that display red emission; notably, 4 exhibits luminescence thermochromism. Assembly of L with CuCl₂ produced macrocycle Cu^II ₂ L₂Cl₄ ( 5 ), which crystallised as cage [Cu^II ₂ L₄(μ‐Cl)]³⁺ ( 6 ) in the presence of MeOH. Two chemical signals—introduction of CuCl₂ and addition of CH₃CN—regenerated macrocycle 5 . Coordination of L to Cu(OTf) yielded macrocycle Cu^I ₂ L₂(OTf)₂ ( 7 ) that also crystallised as cage 6 upon oxidation in CHCl₃.     

X-ray and solution structures of Cu(II) GHK and Cu(II) DAHK complexes: influence on their redox properties

The Gly‐His‐Lys (GHK) peptide and the Asp‐Ala‐His‐Lys (DAHK) sequences are naturally occurring high‐affinity copper(II) chelators found in the blood plasma and are hence of biological interest. A structural study of the copper complexes of these peptides was conducted in the solid state and in solution by determining their X‐ray structures, and by using a large range of spectroscopies, including EPR and HYSCORE (hyperfine sub‐level correlation), X‐ray absorption and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The results indicate that the structures of [Cu^II(DAHK)] in the solid state and in solution are similar and confirm the equatorial coordination sphere of NH₂, two amidyl N and one imidazole N. Additionally, a water molecule is bound apically to Cu^II as revealed by the X‐ray structure. As reported previously in the literature, [Cu^II(GHK)], which exhibits a dimeric structure in the solid state, forms a monomeric complex in solution with three nitrogen ligands: NH₂, amidyl and imidazole. The fourth equatorial site is occupied by a labile oxygen atom from a carboxylate ligand in the solid state. We probe that fourth position and study ternary complexes of [Cu^II(GHK)] with glycine or histidine. The Cu^II exchange reaction between different DAHK peptides is very slow, in contrast to [Cu^II(GHK)], in which the fast exchange was attributed to the presence of a [Cu^II(GHK)₂] complex. The redox properties of [Cu^II(GHK)] and [Cu^II(DAHK)] were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and by measuring the ascorbate oxidation in the presence of molecular oxygen. The measurements indicate that both Cu^II complexes are inert under moderate redox potentials. In contrast to [Cu^II(DAHK)], [Cu^II(GHK)] could be reduced to Cu^I around ?0.62 V (versus AgCl/Ag) with subsequent release of the Cu ion. These complete analyses of structure and redox activity of those complexes gave new insights with biological impact and can serve as models for other more complicated Cu^II–peptide interactions.     

Copper coordination polymers from cavitand ligands: hierarchical spaces from cage and capsule motifs,and other topologies

The cyclotriveratrylene-type ligands (±)-tris(iso-nicotinoyl)cyclotriguaiacylene L1 (±)-tris(4-pyridylmethyl)cyclotriguaiacylene L2 and (±)-tris{4-(4-pyridyl)benzyl}cyclotriguaiacylene L3 all feature 4-pyridyl donor groups and all form coordination polymers with Cu^I and/or Cu^II cations that show a remarkable range of framework topologies and structures. Complex [Cu^I ₄Cu^II _1.5(L1)₃(CN)₆]·CN·n(DMF) 1 features a novel 3,4-connected framework of cyano-linked hexagonal metallo-cages. In complexes [Cu₃(L2)₄(H₂O)₃]·6(OTf)·n(DMSO) 2 and [Cu₂(L3)₂Br₂(H₂O)(DMSO)]·2Br·n(DMSO) 3 capsule-like metallo-cryptophane motifs are formed which linked through their metal vertices into a hexagonal 2D network of (4³.12³)(4².12²) topology or a coordination chain. Complex [Cu₂(L1)₂(OTf)₂(NMP)₂(H₂O)₂]·2(OTf)·2NMP 4 has an interpenetrating 2D 3,4-connected framework of (4.6².8)(6².8)(4.6².8²) topology with tubular channels. Complex [Cu(L1)(NCMe)]·BF₄·2(CH₃CN)·H₂O 5 features a 2D network of 6³ topology while the Cu^II analogue [Cu₂(L1)₂(NMP)(H₂O)]·4BF₄·12NMP·1.5H₂O 6 has an interpenetrating (10,3)-b type structure and complex [Cu₂(L2)₂Br₃(DMSO)]·Br·n(DMSO) 7 has a 2D network of 4.8² topology. Strategies for formation of coordination polymers with hierarchical spaces emerge in this work and complex 2 is shown to absorb fullerene-C₆₀ through soaking the crystals in a toluene solution.     

A three‐dimensional mixed‐valence CuII/CuI coordination polymer constructed from biphenyl‐3,4′,5‐tricarboxylate and 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene ligands

Coordination polymers (CPs) built by coordination bonds between metal ions/clusters and multidentate organic ligands exhibit fascinating structural topologies and potential applications as functional solid materials. The title coordination polymer, poly[diaquabis(μ₄‐biphenyl‐3,4′,5‐tricarboxylato‐κ⁴O³:O^3′:O^4′:O⁵)tris[μ₂‐1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene‐κ²N³:N^3′]dicopper(II)dicopper(I)], [Cu^II₂Cu^I₂(C₁₅H₇O₆)₂(C₁₂H₁₀N₄)₃(H₂O)₂]_n, was crystallized from a mixture of biphenyl‐3,4′,5‐tricarboxylic acid (H₃bpt), 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene (1,4‐bib) and copper(II) chloride in a water–CH₃CN mixture under solvothermal reaction conditions. The asymmetric unit consists of two crystallographically independent Cu atoms, one of which is Cu^II, while the other has been reduced to the Cu^I ion. The Cu^II centre is pentacoordinated by three O atoms from three bpt³⁻ ligands, one N atom from a 1,4‐bib ligand and one O atom from a coordinated water molecule, and the coordination geometry can be described as distorted trigonal bipyramidal. The Cu^I atom exhibits a T‐shaped geometry (CuN₂O) coordinated by one O atom from a bpt³⁻ ligand and two N atoms from two 1,4‐bib ligands. The Cu^II atoms are extended by bpt³⁻ and 1,4‐bib linkers to generate a two‐dimensional network, while the Cu^I atoms are linked by 1,4‐bib ligands, forming one‐dimensional chains along the [20] direction. In addition, the completely deprotonated μ₄‐η¹:η¹:η¹:η¹ bpt³⁻ ligands bridge one Cu^I and three Cu^II cations along the a (or [100]) direction to form a three‐dimensional framework with a (10³)₂(10)₂(4².6.10².12)₂(4².6.8².10)₂(8) topology via a 2,2,3,4,4‐connected net. An investigation of the magnetic properties indicated a very weak ferromagnetic behaviour.     

Copper(II) and Sodium(I) Complexes based on 3,7‐Diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐5‐oxide: Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Activity

The reaction of 3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (DAPTA) with metal salts of Cu^II or Na^I/Ni^II under mild conditions led to the oxidized phosphane derivative 3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐5‐oxide (DAPTA=O) and to the first examples of metal complexes based on the DAPTA=O ligand, that is, [Cu^II(μ‐CH₃COO)₂(κO‐DAPTA=O)]₂ ( 1 ) and [Na(1κOO′;2κO‐DAPTA=O)(MeOH)]₂(BPh₄)₂ ( 2 ). The catalytic activity of 1 was tested in the Henry reaction and for the aerobic 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐mediated oxidation of benzyl alcohol. Compound 1 was also evaluated as a model system for the catechol oxidase enzyme by using 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol as the substrate. The kinetic data fitted the Michaelis–Menten equation and enabled the obtainment of a rate constant for the catalytic reaction; this rate constant is among the highest obtained for this substrate with the use of dinuclear Cu^II complexes. DFT calculations discarded a bridging mode binding type of the substrate and suggested a mixed‐valence Cu^II/Cu^I complex intermediate, in which the spin electron density is mostly concentrated at one of the Cu atoms and at the organic ligand.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of coordination compounds containing 2,2′-bis(3-aminopyridyl) diselenide as ligand

The reaction between 2,2′-bis(3-aminopyridyl) diselenide (L) and metal transition salts results in the formation of molecular or cluster complexes. The structural elucidation of the synthesized complexes [CuCl₂(L)] ( 1 ), [Cu(3-NH₂PySeO₂)₂]·2H₂O ( 2 ), [Cu₄(3-NH₂PySe)₄]·dimethylformamide ( 3 ), [CoCl₂(L)] ( 4 ), [ZnCl₂(L)] ( 5 ), and [Ag₆(3-NH₂PySe)₆] ( 6 ) demonstrates the coordination of nitrogen atoms to Cu^II, Co^II, and Zn^II, and that of the selenium atoms to Cu^I and Ag^I, which agrees with Pearson’s hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) theory. Furthermore, the oxidation of selenium with the formation of 3-aminopyridylseleninate [3-NH₂PySeO₂]⁻ bonded to the copper atom was observed in complex 2 . The antimicrobial action of complexes 1 , 2 , 4 , and 5 was evaluated against Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium massiliense, and Mycobacterium abscessus. It was observed that all these complexes have potential antimicrobial activity compared with the free ligand and metal salts used in the synthesis.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Characterization of Two Oxamido‐bridged NiIICuIINiII Heteronuclear Complexes

Two new trinuclear complexes [Cu^II(Ni^IIX₁)₂(C₂H₅OH)₂]· (ClO₄)₂·2(CH₃OH) ( 1 ) and [Cu^II(Ni^IIX₂)₂(H₂O)]·(ClO₄)₂· 0.75(H₂O) ( 2 ) (X₁ = dianion of 5,6;13,14‐dibenzo‐7,12‐bis(ethoxycarboxyl)‐9‐methyl‐2,3‐dioxo‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradeca‐7,11‐diene. X₂ = dianion of 5,6;13,14‐dibenzo‐9,10‐cyclohexano‐7,12‐bis(ethoxycarboxyl)‐2,3‐dioxo‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradeca7,11‐diene.) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray analysis, elemental analysis, IR, UV and EPR spectroscopies. The complexes consist of Ni^IICu^IINi^II heteronuclear cationic entities. The central Cu^II atom of 1 lies in an octahedral coordination environment, while that of 2 resides in a square‐pyramidal coordination sphere. The adjacent trinuclear units of 1 are linked together through π‐π stacking interactions resulting in a 1D supramolecular chain, whereas the π‐π stacking interactions between the contiguous units of 2 lead to a 2D structure. The EPR spectra of the two complexes show a signal of an axially elongated octahedral Cu^II system in 1 and an axially elongated square‐pyramidal Cu^II system in 2 , respectively. The hyperfine splitting of the Cu^II atoms (I^Cu = 3/2) has also been observed in the EPR spectra.     

几个金属卤素簇的合成与性能研究

The hydrothermal reaction of CuBr2 and CuBr with phen·H2O （phen= 1,10-phenanthroline） in a molar ratio of 1：1：1.5 gave birth to the first copper-halo cationic cluster [Cu2^Ⅱ Cu2^Br4 （phen）4 ] ^2＋（1） with tetranuclear anionic cluster [Cu4Br6]^2-. Changing the precursors or their molar ratios, two mononuclear complexes [Cu（phen）2Br]Br·H2O （2） and [Ni（phen）3][CuCl2]2 （3） as well as two unusual copper-halo chains found in polymers [Cu2Br2（phen）]∞ （4） and [Cu^ⅡCu3^ⅠBr2Ⅰ3 （phen）2 ]∞ （5） were obtained. The （Cu2Br2）∞ chain of 4 looks like a linearar ray of hexagons based on fused Cu3Br3 units, and the linear （Cu3Ⅰ3Br^-）∞ chain of 5 is an alternate combination of the rhombic Cu2I2 cores and the Cu4I4Br2^2- units. In addition, the hydrothermal reaction of CuBr2 with NA（NA=nicotinic acid） or INA （INA =isonicotinic acid） resulted in the syntheses of two compounds [CuBr（NA）] （6） and [CuBr（INA）]∞（7） containing staircase chain. Among them the third-order non-linear optical properties of 2, 5, 6 and 7 were investigated and all exhibit the reverse saturable absorption （α2〉0） and self-defocusing performance （n2〈0）.     

Supramolecular Networks Extended by N–H···O Interactions between Cu‐Benzimidazole Subunits and Keggin Anions

Three new 2D/3D supramolecular architectures derived from Cu‐organic subunits and Keggin anions, [Cu^II₂(biz)₈(HPMo^VI₁₀Mo^V₂O₄₀)(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O ( 1 ), [Cu^I₄(biz)₈(SiW₁₂O₄₀)] · 2H₂O ( 2 ) and [Cu^I₂(dmbiz)₄(Hdmbiz)₂(SiW₁₂O₄₀)] ( 3 ) (biz = benzimidazole, dmbiz = 5, 6‐dimethyl benzimidazole), were obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that compound 1 has two kinds of [Cu^II(biz)₂]²⁺ cations, which are further extended by Keggin anions into a 2D (4, 8)‐connected supramolecular network by hydrogen bonding interactions. In compound 2 , four types of [Cu^I(biz)₂]⁺ subunits link the [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4– anions to form a 3D (2, 6)‐connected supramolecular structure. Compound 3 shows a 3D supramolecular network with a NaCl‐type topology constructed by [Cu^I(dmbiz)₂]⁺ subunits, anions, and discrete [Hdmbiz]⁺ cations. Moreover, the electrochemical and photocatalytic properties of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated.     

A series of new organic–inorganic compounds templated by the [SiW12O40]4− polyanion

Two couples of new compounds templated by the polyanion [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4?,[Hbix][Cu^I(bix)]₃[SiW₁₂O₄₀]·4H₂O (1) and [Cu^II(H₂O)(Hbix)₂(bix)]₂[Cu^II(H₂O)₂(Hbix)₂(bix)][SiW₁₂O₄₀]₃·4H₂O (2) (bix = 1,4-Bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), [Cu^I(bbi)]₄[SiW₁₂O₄₀]·2H₂O (3) and [Cu^II(bbi₂)]₂[SiW₁₂O₄₀] (4) (bbi = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole)) were hydrothermally synthesized, and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses and single X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 were synthesized from the same reactants but exhibited distinct structures which could be ascribed to the different ratios of the reactant bix to Cu^II. In compound 1, the higher ratio of bix results in the transformation of the Cu^II to Cu^I, the [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4? templates direct the Cu^I–bix coordination polymers to form a 3D supramolecular framework with grid-like channels along two directions. The [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4? templates in compound 2 locate in the voids of the 3D supramolecular network constructed by Cu^II–bix coordination polymers, which exhibits the interdigitation fashion in both the formation of the 2D layer and the 3D framework. Compounds 3 and 4 were synthesized similar to 1 and 2, except for the change of bix to bbi. In compound 3, the Cu^I–bbi polymers form a supramolecular metal–organic host framework with rhombic channels in which the SiW₁₂ templates reside. Compound 4 shows a framework with hexagonal channels constructed by Cu^II–bbi coordination polymers which accommodated the SiW₁₂ templates.     

Products of complexation in the Cu(CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>CОО)<Subscript>2</Subscript>–2-(7-bromo-2-oxo-5-phenyl-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-1-yl)acetohydrazide–salicylaldehyde–isopropanol system

Copper(II) complexes isolated from the Cu(CH₃COO)₂–2-(7-bromo-2-oxo-5-phenyl-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-1-yl)acetohydrazide (Hydr)–salicylaldehyde (HSal)–isopropanol system [Cu₂(HydrSal)₂(μ-CH₃COO)] (I), [Cu(HydrSal)₂] (II) (HydrSal (hydrazone)is the condensation product of hydrazide and salicylaldehide) are synthesized and investigated. The complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, electrical conductivity measurements, and IR spectroscopy. The composition and structure of the Cu²⁺ coordination core are determined by ESR spectroscopy (I), magnetic susceptibility measurements and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy (II).     

Theoretical study on photoinduced magnetization process: Possible meta-stable molecular structure for a photomagnetic high-spin molecule [MoIV(CN)2(CN-CuL)6]8+

An intermediate in photoinduced magnetization process for the photomagnetic high-spin molecule [Mo^IV(CN)₂(CN-CuL)₆]⁸⁺ is studied with quantum chemistry calculations of the density functional theory and the ab initio multireference configuration interaction methods. It is found that the intramolecular electronic transfer from Mo^IV to Cu^II leads one trigonal-bipyamid coordinated Cu^II to be changed to the tetrahedral coordinated Cu^I with the light irradiation. The calculated magnetic properties show that the paramagnetic system [Mo^IV(CN)₂(CN-Cu^IIL)₆]⁸⁺ with six isolated spin 1/2 Cu ions is changed to ferromagnetic coupling high-spin system [Mo^V(CN)₂(CN-Cu^IIL)₅(CN-Cu^IL)]⁸⁺. These calculations will help to understand photoinduced magnetization phenomenon and provide a clue for the synthesization of new reversible photoinduced magnetic compounds.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of two heterometallic iodoplumbates containing mixed‐valence copper(I/II)

Mixed‐valence copper(I/II) atoms have been introduced successfully into a Pb/I skeleton to obtain two heterometallic iodoplumbates, namely poly[bis(tetra‐n‐butylammonium) [bis(μ₃‐dimethyldithiocarbamato)dodeca‐μ₃‐iodido‐hexa‐μ₂‐iodido‐tetracopper(I)copper(II)hexalead(II)]], {(C₁₆H₃₆N)₂[Cu₄^ICu^IIPb₆(C₃H₆NS₂)₂I₁₈]}_n , (I), and poly[[μ₃‐iodido‐tri‐μ₂‐iodido‐iodido[bis(1,10‐phenanthroline)copper(I)]copper(I)copper(II)lead(II)] hemiiodine], {[Cu^ICu^IIPbI₅(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂]·0.5I₂}_n , (II), under solution and solvothermal conditions, respectively. Compound (I) contains two‐dimensional anionic layers, which are built upon the linkages of Cu^II(S₂CNMe₂)₂ units and one‐dimensional anionic Pb/I/Cu^I chains. Tetra‐n‐butylammonium cations are located between the anionic layers and connected to them via C—H…I hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Compound (II) exhibits a one‐dimensional neutral structure, which is composed of [PbI₅] square pyramids, [Cu^II₄] tetrahedra and [Cu^IIN₄I] trigonal bipyramids. Face‐to‐face aromatic π–π stacking interactions between adjacent 1,10‐phenanthroline ligands stabilize the structure and assemble compound (II) into a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. I₂ molecules lie in the voids of the structure.     

Protonation of a Biologically Relevant CuII μ‐Thiolate Complex: Ligand Dissociation or Formation of a Protonated CuI Disulfide Species?

The proton‐induced electron‐transfer reaction of a Cu^II μ‐thiolate complex to a Cu^I‐containing species has been investigated, both experimentally and computationally. The Cu^II μ‐thiolate complex [Cu^II₂( L^MeS )₂]²⁺ is isolated with the new pyridyl‐containing ligand L^MeSSL^Me , which can form both Cu^II thiolate and Cu^I disulfide complexes, depending on the solvent. Both the Cu^II and the Cu^I complexes show reactivity upon addition of protons. The multivalent tetranuclear complex [Cu^I₂Cu^II₂( LS )₂(CH₃CN)₆]⁴⁺ crystallizes after addition of two equivalents of strong acid to a solution containing the μ‐thiolate complex [Cu^II₂( LS )₂]²⁺ and is further analyzed in solution. This study shows that, upon addition of protons to the Cu^II thiolate compound, the ligand dissociates from the copper centers, in contrast to an earlier report describing redox isomerization to a Cu^I disulfide species that is protonated at the pyridyl moieties. Computational studies of the protonated Cu^II μ‐thiolate and Cu^I disulfide species with LSSL show that already upon addition of two equivalents of protons, ligand dissociation forming [Cu^I(CH₃CN)₄]⁺ and protonated ligand is energetically favored over conversion to a protonated Cu^I disulfide complex.     

Three AgI,CuI and CdII coordination polymers based on the new asymmetrical ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole: syntheses,characterization and emission properties

The new asymmetrical organic ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole ( L , C₁₇H₁₃N₅O), containing pyridine and imidazole terminal groups, as well as potential oxdiazole coordination sites, was designed and synthesized. The coordination chemistry of L with soft Ag^I, Cu^I and Cd^II metal ions was investigated and three new coordination polymers (CPs), namely, catena‐poly[[silver(I)‐μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole] hexafluoridophosphate], {[Ag( L )]PF₆}_n, catena‐poly[[copper(I)‐di‐μ‐iodido‐copper(I)‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)] 1,4‐dioxane monosolvate], {[Cu₂I₂( L )₂]·C₄H₈O₂}_n, and catena‐poly[[[dinitratocopper(II)]‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)]–methanol–water (1/1/0.65)], {[Cd( L )₂(NO₃)₂]·2CH₄O·0.65H₂O}_n, were obtained. The experimental results show that ligand L coordinates easily with linear Ag^I, tetrahedral Cu^I and octahedral Cd^II metal atoms to form one‐dimensional polymeric structures. The intermediate oxadiazole ring does not participate in the coordination interactions with the metal ions. In all three CPs, weak π–π interactions between the nearly coplanar pyridine, oxadiazole and benzene rings play an important role in the packing of the polymeric chains.     

X‐ray characterization and magnetic properties of dioxygen‐bridged CuII and MnIII Schiff base complexes

The coordination chemistry of multinuclear metal compounds is important because of their relevance to the multi‐metal active sites of various metalloproteins and metalloenzymes. Multinuclear Cu^II and Mn^III compounds are of interest due to their various properties in the fields of coordination chemistry, inorganic biochemistry, catalysis, and optical and magnetic materials. Oxygen‐bridged binuclear Mn^III complexes generally exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions and a few examples of ferromagnetic interactions have also been reported. Binuclear Cu^II complexes are important due to the fact that they provide examples of the simplest case of magnetic interaction involving only two unpaired electrons. Two novel dioxygen‐bridged copper(II) and manganese(III) Schiff base complexes, namely bis(μ‐4‐bromo‐2‐{[(3‐oxidopropyl)imino]methyl}phenolato)dicopper(II), [Cu₂(C₁₀H₁₀BrNO₂)₂], (1), and bis(diaqua{4,4′‐dichloro‐2,2′‐[(1,1‐dimethylethane‐1,2‐diyl)bis(nitrilomethanylylidene)]diphenolato}manganese(III)) bis{μ‐4,4′‐dichloro‐2,2′‐[(1,1‐dimethylethane‐1,2‐diyl)bis(nitrilomethanylylidene)]diphenolato}bis[aquamanganese(III)] tetrakis(perchlorate) ethanol disolvate, [Mn(C₁₈H₁₆Cl₂N₂O₂)(H₂O)₂]₂[Mn₂(C₁₈H₁₆Cl₂N₂O₂)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₄·2C₂H₅OH, (2), have been synthesized and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction has been used to analyze their crystal structures. The structure analyses of (1) and (2) show that each Cu^II atom is four‐coordinated, with long weak Cu…O interactions of 2.8631 (13) Å linking the dinuclear halves of the centrosymmetric tetranucelar molecules, while each Mn^III atom is six‐coordinated. The shortest intra‐ and intermolecular nonbonding Mn…Mn separations are 3.3277 (16) and 5.1763 (19) Å for (2), while the Cu…Cu separations are 3.0237 (3) and 3.4846 (3) Å for (1). The magnetic susceptibilities of (1) and (2) in the solid state were measured in the temperature range 2–300 K and reveal the presence of antiferromagnetic spin‐exchange interactions between the transition metal ions.