Synthesis and Characterization of Heteroleptic Ru(II) Complexes Based on 4,4′‐Bis((E)‐styryl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine as Ancillary Ligand and Application for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Heteroleptic Ru(II) complexes were designed based on 4,4′‐bis((E)‐styryl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine (bsbpy) as an ancillary ligand for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and those Ru(II) sensitizers, [Ru(L)(bsbpy)(NCS)₂][TBA] (TBA; tetrabutylammonium), were synthesized according to a typical one‐pot reaction of [RuCl₂(p‐cymene)]₂ with the corresponding anchoring ligands (where L = 4,4′‐dicarboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine (dcbpy), 4,4′‐bis((E)‐carboxyvinyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine (dcvbpy), 4,7‐dicarboxy‐1,10‐phenanthroline (dcphen), or 4,7‐bis((E)‐carboxyvinyl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline (dcvphen)). The new Ru(II) dyes, [Ru(L)(bsbpy)(NCS)₂][TBA] that incorporated vinyl spacer(s) into ancillary and/or anchoring ligand displayed red‐shifted bands over the overall UV/VIS region relative to the absorption spectra of N719 . A combination of bsbpy ancillary and dcphen anchoring ligand showed the best result for the overall power conversion efficiency (η); i.e., a DSSC fabricated with [Ru(dcphen)(bsbpy)(NCS)₂][TBA] exhibited a power conversion efficiency (η) of 2.98% (compare to N719 , 4.82%).     

DFT/TD‐DFT investigation on Ir(III) complexes with N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands: Geometries,electronic structures,absorption, and phosphorescence properties

Iridium(III) complexes with N‐heterocyclic (NHC) ligands including fac‐Ir(pmb)₃ (1), mer‐Ir(pmb)₃ (2), (pmb)₂Ir(acac) (3), mer‐Ir(pypi)₃ (4), and fac‐Ir(pypi)₃ (5) [pmb = 1‐phenyl‐3H‐benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene, acac = acetoylacetonate, pypi = 1‐phenyl‐5H‐benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene; fac = facial, mer = meridional] were investigated theoretically. The geometry structures of 1–5 in the ground and excited state were optimized with restricted and unrestricted DFT (density functional theory) methods, respectively (LANL2DZ for Ir atom and 6‐31G for other atoms). The HOMOs (highest occupied molecular orbitals) of 1–3 are composed of d(Ir) and π(phenyl), while those of 4 and 5 are contributed by d(Ir) and π(carbene). The LUMOs (lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals) of 1, 2, 4, and 5 are localized on carbene, but that of 3 is localized on acac. The calculated lowest‐lying absorptions with TD‐DFT method based on Perdew‐Burke‐Erzenrhof (PBE) functional of 1 (310 nm), 2 (332 nm), and 3 (347 nm) have ML_carbeneCT/IL_{phenyl→carbene}CT (MLCT = metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer; ILCT = intraligand charge transfer) transition characters, whereas those of 4 (385 nm) and 5 (389 nm) are assigned to ML_carbeneCT/IL_{carbene→carbene}CT transitions. The phosphorescences calculated by TD‐DFT method with PBE0 functional of 1 (386 nm) and 2 (388 nm) originate from ³ML_carbeneCT/³IL_{phenyl→carbene}CT excited states, but those of 4 (575 nm) and 5 (578 nm) come from ³ML_carbeneCT/³IL_{carbene→carbene}CT excited states. The calculated results showed that the carbene and phenyl groups act as two independent chromophores in transition processes. Compared with 1 and 2, the absorptions of 4 and 5 are red‐shifted by increasing the effective π‐conjugation groups near the C_carbene atom. We predicated that (pmb)₂Ir(acac) is nonemissive, because the LUMO of 3 is contributed by the nonemissive acac ligand. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010     

Experimental and DFT Evidence for the Fractional Non‐Innocence of a β‐Diketonate Ligand

New compounds [Ru(pap)₂(L)](ClO₄), [Ru(pap)(L)₂], and [Ru(acac)₂(L)] (pap=2‐phenylazopyridine, L^?=9‐oxidophenalenone, acac^?=2,4‐pentanedionate) have been prepared and studied regarding their electron‐transfer behavior, both experimentally and by using DFT calculations. [Ru(pap)₂(L)](ClO₄) and [Ru(acac)₂(L)] were characterized by crystal‐structure analysis. Spectroelectrochemistry (EPR, UV/Vis/NIR), in conjunction with cyclic voltammetry, showed a wide range of about 2 V for the potential of the Ru^III/II couple, which was in agreement with the very different characteristics of the strongly π‐accepting pap ligand and the σ‐donating acac^? ligand. At the rather high potential of +1.35 V versus SCE, the oxidation of L^? into L^. could be deduced from the near‐IR absorption of [Ru^III(pap)(L^.)(L^?)]²⁺. Other intense long‐wavelength transitions, including LMCT (L^?→Ru^III) and LL/CT (pap^.?→L^?) processes, were confirmed by TD‐DFT results. DFT calculations and EPR data for the paramagnetic intermediates allowed us to assess the spin densities, which revealed two cases with considerable contributions from L‐radical‐involving forms, that is, [Ru^III(pap⁰)₂(L^?)]²⁺?[Ru^II(pap⁰)₂(L^.)]²⁺ and [Ru^III(pap⁰)(L^?)₂]⁺?[Ru^II(pap⁰)(L^?)(L^?)]⁺. Calculations of electrogenerated complex [Ru^II(pap^.?)(pap⁰)(L^?)] displayed considerable negative spin density (?0.188) at the bridging metal.     

Iron(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes of N‐Alkylimidazoles and 1‐Methyl‐1H‐1, 2, 4‐Triazole: X‐ray Studies,Magnetic Characterization,and DFT Calculations

Using the ligands N‐methylimidazole ( MeIm ), N‐ethylimidazole ( EtIm ), N‐propylimidazole ( PrIm ), and 1‐methyl‐1H‐1, 2, 4‐triazole ( MeTz ) three series with a total of 13 iron(II) complexes were isolated. The series comprise of the following complexes: (a) [Fe( MeIm )₆](ClO₄)₂ ( 1 ), [Fe( EtIm )₆](ClO₄)₂ ( 2 ), [Fe( PrIm )₆](ClO₄)₂( 3 ), [Fe( MeTz )₆](ClO₄)₂ ( 4 ), [Fe( MeIm )₆](MeSO₃)₂ ( 5 ), [Fe( EtIm )₆](MeSO₃)₂ ( 6 ), and [Fe( MeTz )₆](BF₄)₂ ( 10 ); (b) [Fe( MeIm )₄(MeSO₃)₂]( 7 ), [Fe( EtIm )₄(MeSO₃)₂] ( 8 ), and [Fe( PrIm )₄(MeSO₃)₂] ( 9 ); (c) [Fe( MeIm )₄(NCS)₂] ( 15 ), [Fe( EtIm )₄(NCS)₂] ( 16 ), and [Fe( MeTz )₄(NCS)₂] ( 17 ). Single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies were performed on 7 – 10 and 15 – 17 . Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed on selective examples of all series, and confirmed them to be in the HS state over the range 6–300 K. DFT calculations were performed at BP86/def‐SV(P) and TPSSh/def2‐TZVPP level on all [Fe L ₆]²⁺ complex cations and the neutral complexes 7 – 9 and 15 – 17 . Additionally the four homoleptic nickel(II) complexes [Ni L ₆](ClO₄)₂ ( 11 : L = MeIm ; 12 : L = EtIm ; 13 : L = PrIm ; 14 : L = MeTz ) were synthesized and compounds 11 – 13 structurally characterized. UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopic measurements were carried out on all homoleptic iron(II) and nickel(II) complexes. The 10Dq values were determined to be in the range of 11547–11574 and 10471–10834 cm^–1 for the iron(II) and nickel(II) complexes, respectively.     

Class III Delocalization in a Cyanide‐Bridged Trimetallic Mixed‐Valence Complex

The NIR and IR spectroscopic properties of the cyanide‐bridged complex, trans‐[Ru(dmap)₄{(μ‐CN)Ru(py)₄Cl}₂]³⁺ (py=pyridine, dmap=4‐dimethylaminopyridine) provide strong evidence that this trimetallic ion behaves as a Class III mixed‐valence species, the first example reported of a cyanide‐bridged system. This has been accomplished by tuning the energy of the fragments in the trimetallic complex to compensate for the intrinsic asymmetry of the cyanide bridge. Moreover, (TD)DFT calculations accurately predict the spectra of the trans‐[Ru(dmap)₄{(μ‐CN)Ru(py)₄Cl}₂]³⁺ ion and confirms its delocalized nature.     

The Rearrangement of 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐[(E)‐2‐phenylethenyl]cyclopropane to 3,4,4‐Triphenylcyclopent‐1‐ene: a DFT Analysis

A computational study on the rearrangement of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐[(E)‐2‐phenylethenyl]cyclopropane ( 1 ) is presented, using density functional theory (DFT), (U)B3LYP with the 6‐31G* basis set (DFT1) and (U)M05‐2X with the 6‐311+G** basis set (DFT2). In agreement with a biradical character of the transition structure (TS) or intermediate, the potential‐energy hypersurface is lowered by the influence of three conjugated Ph groups. Surprisingly, two conformations of the geminal diphenyl group (different twist angles) induce two different minimum‐energy pathways for the rearrangement. Independent of the functional used, the first hypersurface harbors true biradical intermediates, whereas the second energy surface is a flat, slightly ascending slope from the starting material to the TS. The functional (U)M05‐2X with the basis set 6‐311+G** provides realistic energies which seem to be close to experiment. The activation energy for racemization of enantiomers of 1 is lower than that of rearrangement by 2.5 kcal mol^?1, in agreement with experiment.     

η4‐HBCC‐σ,π‐Borataallyl Complexes of Ruthenium Comprising an Agostic Interaction

Thermolysis of [Cp*Ru(PPh₂(CH₂)PPh₂)BH₂(L₂)] 1 (Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅; L=C₇H₄NS₂), with terminal alkynes led to the formation of η⁴‐σ,π‐borataallyl complexes [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)B{R‐C=CH₂}(L)₂] ( 2 a – c ) and η²‐vinylborane complexes [Cp*Ru(R‐C=CH₂)BH(L)₂] ( 3 a – c ) ( 2 a , 3 a : R=Ph; 2 b , 3 b : R=COOCH₃; 2 c , 3 c : R=p‐CH₃‐C₆H₄; L=C₇H₄NS₂) through hydroboration reaction. Ruthenium and the HBCC unit of the vinylborane moiety in 2 a – c are linked by a unique η⁴‐interaction. Conversions of 1 into 3 a – c proceed through the formation of intermediates 2 a – c . Furthermore, in an attempt to expand the library of these novel complexes, chemistry of σ‐borane complex [Cp*RuCO(μ‐H)BH₂L] 4 (L=C₇H₄NS₂) was investigated with both internal and terminal alkynes. Interestingly, under photolytic conditions, 4 reacts with methyl propiolate to generate the η⁴‐σ,π‐borataallyl complexes [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)BH{R‐C=CH₂}(L)] 5 and [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)BH{HC=CH‐R}(L)] 6 (R=COOCH₃; L=C₇H₄NS₂) by Markovnikov and anti‐Markovnikov hydroboration. In an extension, photolysis of 4 in the presence of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate yielded η⁴‐σ,π‐borataallyl complex [Cp*Ru(μ‐H)BH{R‐C=CH‐R}(L)] 7 (R=COOCH₃; L=C₇H₄NS₂). An agostic interaction was also found to be present in 2 a – c and 5 – 7 , which is rare among the borataallyl complexes. All the new compounds have been characterized in solution by IR, ¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and the structural types were unequivocally established by crystallographic analysis of 2 b , 3 a – c and 5 – 7 . DFT calculations were performed to evaluate possible bonding and electronic structures of the new compounds.     

Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Novel 2,4‐Dihydro‐5‐[4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ones and Potentiometric Determination of Their pKa in Nonaqueous Solvents

The novel 4‐amino‐ or 4‐aryl‐substituted 2,4‐dihydro‐5‐[(4‐trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ones 3a – 3g were synthesized by reaction of N‐(ethoxycarbonyl)‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzenehydrazonic acid ethyl ester ( 2 ) and primary amines or hydrazine by microwave irradiation. Compounds 3a – 3g were potentiometrically titrated with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (Bu₄NOH) in four nonaqueous solvents, i.e., ⁱPrOH, ^tBuOH, MeCN, and N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF). Also half‐neutralization potential values and the corresponding pK_a values were determined in all cases.     

Ethoxy‐substituted Oligo‐phenylenevinylene‐Bridged Organic Dyes for Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Organic dyes with ethoxy‐substituted oligo‐phenylenevinylene as chromophores were synthesized for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and the detailed relationships between the dye structures, photophysical properties, electrochemical properties, and performances of DSSCs were described. The dye S3O showed broad IPCE spectra in the spectral range of 350–750 nm, and the dye S1P showed solar energy‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency (() of up to 4.23% under AM 1.5 irradiation (100 mW/cm²) in comparison with the reference Ru‐complex (N719 dye) with an η value of 5.90% under similar experimental conditions.     

Exceedingly Facile PhX Activation (X=Cl,Br, I) with Ruthenium(II): Arresting Kinetics,Autocatalysis, and Mechanisms

[(Ph₃P)₃Ru(L)(H)₂] (where L=H₂ ( 1 ) in the presence of styrene, Ph₃P ( 3 ), and N₂ ( 4 )) cleave the Ph? X bond (X=Cl, Br, I) at RT to give [(Ph₃P)₃RuH(X)] ( 2 ) and PhH. A combined experimental and DFT study points to [(Ph₃P)₃Ru(H)₂] as the reactive species generated upon spontaneous loss of L from 3 and 4 . The reaction of 3 with excess PhI displays striking kinetics which initially appears zeroth order in Ru. However mechanistic studies reveal that this is due to autocatalysis comprising two factors: 1) complex 2 , originating from the initial PhI activation with 3 , is roughly as reactive toward PhI as 3 itself; and 2) the Ph? I bond cleavage with the just‐produced 2 gives rise to [(Ph₃P)₂RuI₂], which quickly comproportionates with the still‐present 3 to recover 2 . Both the initial and onward activation reactions involve PPh₃ dissociation, PhI coordination to Ru through I, rearrangement to a η²‐PhI intermediate, and Ph? I oxidative addition.     

Sterically Less‐Hindered Half‐Titanocene(IV) Phenoxides: Ancillary‐Ligand Effect on Mono‐, Bis‐, and Tris(2‐Alkyl‐/arylphenoxy) Titanium(IV) Chloride Complexes

A series of mono‐, bis‐, and tris(phenoxy)–titanium(IV) chlorides of the type [Cp*Ti(2‐R? PhO)_nCl_3?n] (n=1–3; Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) was prepared, in which R=Me, iPr, tBu, and Ph. The formation of each mono‐, bis‐, and tris(2‐alkyl‐/arylphenoxy) series was authenticated by structural studies on representative examples of the phenyl series including [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)Cl₂] ( 1 PhCl2 ), [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)₂Cl] ( 2 PhCl ), and [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)₃] ( 3 Ph ). The metal‐coordination geometry of each compound is best described as pseudotetrahedral with the Cp* ring and the 2‐Ph? PhO and chloride ligands occupying three leg positions in a piano‐stool geometry. The mean Ti? O distances, observed with an increasing number of 2‐Ph? PhO groups, are 1.784(3), 1.802(4), and 1.799(3) Å for 1 PhCl2 , 2 PhCl , and 3 Ph , respectively. All four alkyl/aryl series with Me, iPr, tBu, and Ph substituents were tested for ethylene homopolymerization after activation with Ph₃C⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? and modified methyaluminoxane (7% aluminum in isopar E; mMAO‐7) at 140 °C. The phenyl series showed much higher catalytic activity, which ranged from 43.2 and 65.4 kg (mmol of Ti?h)^?1, than the Me, iPr, and tBu series (19.2 and 36.6 kg (mmol of Ti?h)^?1). Among the phenyl series, the bis(phenoxide) complex of 2 PhCl showed the highest activity of 65.4 kg (mmol of Ti?h)^?1. Therefore, the catalyst precursors of the phenyl series were examined by treating them with a variety of alkylating reagents, such as trimethylaluminum (TMA), triisobutylaluminum (TIBA), and methylaluminoxane (MAO). In all cases, 2 PhCl produced the most catalytically active alkylated species, [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)MeCl]. This enhancement was further supported by DFT calculations based on the simplified model with TMA.     

2,3‐Di(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazine: A NN‐CNN‐Type Bridging Ligand for Dinuclear Transition‐Metal Complexes

A new bridging ligand, 2,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazine (dpppzH), has been synthesized. This ligand was designed so that it could bind two metals through a NN‐CNN‐type coordination mode. The reaction of dpppzH with cis‐[(bpy)₂RuCl₂] (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) affords monoruthenium complex [(bpy)₂Ru(dpppzH)]²⁺ ( 12+ ) in 64 % yield, in which dpppzH behaves as a NN bidentate ligand. The asymmetric biruthenium complex [(bpy)₂Ru(dpppz)Ru(Mebip)]³⁺ ( 23+ ) was prepared from complex 12+ and [(Mebip)RuCl₃] (Mebip=bis(N‐methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine), in which one hydrogen atom on the phenyl ring of dpppzH is lost and the bridging ligand binds to the second ruthenium atom in a CNN tridentate fashion. In addition, the RuPt heterobimetallic complex [(bpy)₂Ru(dpppz)Pt(C?CPh)]²⁺ ( 42+ ) has been prepared from complex 12+ , in which the bridging ligand binds to the platinum atom through a CNN binding mode. The electronic properties of these complexes have been probed by using electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques and studied by theoretical calculations. Complex 12+ is emissive at room temperature, with an emission λ_max=695 nm. No emission was detected for complex 23+ at room temperature in MeCN, whereas complex 42+ displayed an emission at about 750 nm. The emission properties of these complexes are compared to those of previously reported Ru and RuPt bimetallic complexes with a related ligand, 2,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐5,6‐diphenylpyrazine.     

Near‐IR Absorbing Ruthenium Complexes of Non‐Innocent 6,12‐Di(pyridin‐2‐yl)indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole: Variation as a Function of Co‐Ligands

This article deals with the hitherto unexplored metal complexes of deprotonated 6,12‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5,11‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (H₂L). The synthesis and structural, optical, electrochemical characterization of dimeric [{Ru^III(acac)₂}₂(μ‐L^.?)]ClO₄ ([ 1 ]ClO₄, S=1/2), [{Ru^II(bpy)₂}₂(μ‐L^.?)](ClO₄)₃ ([ 2 ](ClO₄)₃, S=1/2), [{Ru^II(pap)₂}₂(μ‐L^2?)](ClO₄)₂ ([ 4 ](ClO₄)₂, S=0), and monomeric [(bpy)₂Ru^II(HL^?)]ClO₄ ([ 3 ]ClO₄, S=0), [(pap)₂Ru^II(HL^?)]ClO₄ ([ 5 ]ClO₄, S=0) (acac=σ‐donating acetylacetonate, bpy=moderately π‐accepting 2,2’‐bipyridine, pap=strongly π‐accepting 2‐phenylazopyridine) are reported. The radical and dianionic states of deprotonated L in isolated dimeric 1 ⁺/ 2 ³⁺ and 4 ²⁺, respectively, could be attributed to the varying electronic features of the ancillary (acac, bpy, and pap) ligands, as was reflected in their redox potentials. Perturbation of the energy level of the deprotonated L or HL upon coordination with {Ru(acac)₂}, {Ru(bpy)₂}, or {Ru(pap)₂} led to the smaller energy gap in the frontier molecular orbitals (FMO), resulting in bathochromically shifted NIR absorption bands (800–2000 nm) in the accessible redox states of the complexes, which varied to some extent as a function of the ancillary ligands. Spectroelectrochemical (UV/Vis/NIR, EPR) studies along with DFT/TD‐DFT calculations revealed (i) involvement of deprotonated L or HL in the oxidation processes owing to its redox non‐innocent potential and (ii) metal (Ru^III/Ru^II) or bpy/pap dominated reduction processes in 1 ⁺ or 2 ²⁺/ 3 ⁺/ 4 ²⁺/ 5 ⁺, respectively.     

A two‐dimensional cadmium(II) coordination polymer based on 1‐cyanomethyl‐4‐aza‐1‐azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane and thiocyanate ligands

A cadmium–thiocyanate complex, poly[(1‐cyanomethyl‐4‐aza‐1‐azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐κ⁴N)octakis‐μ₂‐thiocyanato‐κ⁸N:S;κ⁸S:N‐tricadmium(II)], [Cd₃(C₈H₁₄N₃)₂(NCS)₈]_n, was synthesized by the reaction of 1‐cyanomethyl‐4‐aza‐1‐azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride, cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate and potassium thiocyanide in aqueous solution. In the crystal structure, there are two independent types of Cd^II cation (one on a centre of inversion and one in a general position) and both are in distorted octahedral coordination environments, coordinated by N and S atoms from different ligands. Neighbouring Cd^II cations are linked together by thiocyanate bridges to form a two‐dimensional network. Hydrogen‐bonding interactions are involved in the formation of a three‐dimensional supramolecular network.     

A one‐dimensional CdII coordination polymer constructed from 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridinium‐1‐acetate ligands and thiocyanate coordination bridges

A new cadmium–thiocyanate complex, namely catena‐poly[1‐carboxymethyl‐4‐(dimethylamino)pyridinium [cadmium(II)‐tri‐μ‐thiocyanato‐κ⁴N:S;κ²S:N] [[[4‐(dimethylamino)pyridinium‐1‐acetate‐κ²O,O′]cadmium(II)]‐di‐μ‐thiocyanato‐κ²N:S;κ²S:N]], {(C₉H₁₃N₂O₂)[Cd(NCS)₃][Cd(NCS)₂(C₉H₁₂N₂O₂)]}_n, was synthesized by the reaction of 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridinium‐1‐acetate, cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate and potassium thiocyanide in aqueous solution. In the crystal structure, two types of Cd^II atoms are observed in distorted octahedral coordination environments. One type of Cd^II atom is coordinated by two O atoms from the carboxylate group of the 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridinium‐1‐acetate ligand and by two N atoms and two S atoms from four different thiocyanate ligands, while the second type of Cd^II atom is coordinated by three N atoms and three S atoms from six different thiocyanate ligands. Neighbouring Cd^II atoms are linked by thiocyanate bridges to form a one‐dimensional zigzag chain and a one‐dimensional coordination polymer. Hydrogen‐bond interactions are involved in the formation of the supramolecular network.     

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.     

Two dinuclear copper (II) and nickel (II) complexes based on 4‐(diethylamino)salicylaldehyde: X‐ray structures,spectroscopic, electrochemical,antibacterial, Hirshfeld surfaces analyses,and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations

The quinazoline‐type ligand 2‐(4‐diethylamino‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinazoline 3‐oxide ( HL ¹ ; H is the deprotonatable hydrogen) was prepared. Two 2‐D supramolecular complexes [Cu₂( L ² )₂(NO₃)₂] ( 1 ) and [Ni₂( L ² )₂(CH₃COO)₂] ( 2 ) ( L ² = 1‐(2‐{[(E)‐(4‐diethylamino‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene]amino} phenyl)ethanone oxime) were synthesized using HL ¹ and characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. It revealed that 1 had coordinated two nitrate ions whereas 2 had acetate ions. In the crystal structures, six‐coordinated Cu (II) complex 1 formed an infinite 2‐D and X‐shaped 3‐D supramolecular frameworks. Simultaneously, Ni (II) complex 2 assembled into wavy 2‐D networks. Furthermore, electrochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of all compounds were as well investigated. Afterwards, the electrophilic and nucleophilic attack sites identified by electrostatic potential (ESP) calculations confirmed that hydrogen bonds were observed in the optimized structure of the crystal, and the closest contact between the active atoms of both complexes was confirmed through Hirshfeld surface analysis and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations.     

Tracking the dissolution–recrystallization structural transformation (DRST) of copper(II) complexes: a combined crystallographic,mass spectrometric and DFT study

Methanol‐ and temperature‐induced dissolution–recrystallization structural transformation (DRST) was observed among two novel Cu^II complexes. This is first time that the combination of X‐ray crystallography, mass spectrometry and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations has been used to describe the fragmentation and recombination of a mononuclear Cu^II complex at 60 °C in methanol to obtain a binuclear copper(II) complex. Combining time‐dependent high‐resolution electrospray mass spectrometry, we propose a possible mechanism for the conversion of bis(8‐methoxyquinoline‐κ²N,O)bis(thiocyanato‐κN)copper(II), [Cu(NCS)₂(C₁₀H₉NO)₂], Cu1 , to di‐μ‐methanolato‐κ⁴O:O‐bis[(8‐methoxyquinoline‐κ²N,O)(thiocyanato‐κN)copper(II)], [Cu₂(CH₃O)₂(NCS)₂(C₁₀H₉NO)₂], Cu2 , viz. [Cu(SCN)₂( L )₂] ( Cu1 ) → [Cu( L )₂] → [Cu( L )]/ L → [Cu₂(CH₃O)₂(NCS)₂( L )₂] ( Cu2 ). We screened the antitumour activities of L (8‐methoxyquinoline), Cu1 and Cu2 and found that the antiproliferative effect of Cu2 on some tumour cells was much greater than that of L and Cu1 .     

X‐ray structures,spectroscopic, electrochemical,thermal, antibacterial,and DFT studies of two nickel(II) and cobalt(III) complexes constructed from a new quinazoline‐type ligand

Two two‐dimensional supramolecular Nickel(II) and Cobalt(III) complexes, [Ni( L ² )₂]·2CH₃OH ( 1 ) and [2Co( L ² )₂] ( 2 ) ( HL ²  = 1‐(2‐{[(E)‐3‐bromo‐5‐chloro‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene]amino}phenyl)ethanone oxime), were synthesized via complexation of salts acetate with HL ¹ (2‐(3‐bromo‐5‐chloro‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinazoline 3‐oxide, H is the deprotonatable hydrogen). During the reaction, the C–N bond in HL ¹ is converted into the C=N–OH group in HL ² . The spectroscopic data of both complexes were compared with the ligand HL ¹ . HL ¹ and both complexes were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The differently geometric features of the obtained complexes 1 and 2 are observed. In the crystal structure, 1 and 2 form an infinite 1‐D chain‐like and 2‐D supramolecular frameworks. EPR spectroscopy of 2 was investigated. Moreover, electrochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of both complexes were also studied. In addition, the calculated HOMO and LUMO energies show the character of HL ¹ , complexes 1 and 2 . The electronic transitions and spectral features of HL ¹ and both complexes were discussed by TD‐DFT calculations.     

Copper(II) and cadmium(II) isothiocyanate coordination polymers with 4,4′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole

The coordination polymers catena‐poly[[[(4,4′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole‐κN¹)bis(thiocyanato‐κN)copper(II)]‐μ‐4,4′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole‐κ²N¹:N^1′] dihydrate], {[Cu(NCS)₂(C₄H₄N₆)₂]·2H₂O}_n, (I), and poly[tetrakis(μ‐4,4′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole‐κ²N¹:N^1′)bis(μ‐thiocyanato‐κ²N:S)tetrakis(thiocyanato‐κN)tricadmium(II)], [Cd₃(NCS)₆(C₄H₄N₆)₄]_n, (II), exhibit chain and two‐dimensional layer structures, respectively. The differentiation of the Lewis acidic nature of Cu^II and Cd^II has an influence on the coordination modes of the triazole and thiocyanate ligands, leading to topologically different polymeric motifs. In (I), copper ions are linked by bitriazole N:N′‐bridges into zigzag chains and the tetragonal–pyramidal CuN₅ environment is composed of two thiocyanate N atoms and three triazole N atoms [basal Cu—N = 1.9530 (18)–2.0390 (14) Å and apical Cu—N = 2.2637 (15) Å]. The structure of (II) contains two types of crystallographically unique Cd^II atoms. One type lies on an inversion center in a distorted CdN₆ octahedral environment, with bitriazole ligands in the equatorial plane and terminal isothiocyanate N atoms in the axial positions. The other type lies on a general position and forms centrosymmetric binuclear [Cd₂(μ‐NCS‐κ²N:S)₂(NCS)₂] units (tetragonal–pyramidal CdN₄S coordination). N:N′‐Bridging bitriazole ligands link the Cd centers into a flat (4,4)‐network.