Tetranuclear complexes of [Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]+ with TCNX ligands (TCNX=TCNE, TCNQ, TCNB): intramolecular electron transfer alternatives in compounds (mu4-TCNX)[MLn]4

The complexes {(mu4-TCNX)[Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]4}(BF4)4 were prepared as light-sensitive materials from [Fe(CO)2(C5H5) (THF)](BF4) and the corresponding TCNX ligands (TCNE = tetracyanoethene, TCNQ=7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane, TCNB=1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene). Whereas the TCNE and TCNQ complexes are extremely easily reduced species with reduction potentials>+0.3 V vs ferrocenium/ferrocene, the tetranuclear complex of TCNB exhibits a significantly more negative reduction potential at about -1.0 V. Even for the complexes with strongly pi-accepting TCNE and TCNQ, the very positive reduction potentials, the unusually high nitrile stretching frequencies>2235 cm(-1), and the high-energy charge-transfer transitions indicate negligible metal-to-ligand electron transfer in the ground state, corresponding to a largely unperturbed (TCNX degrees)(FeII)4 formulation of oxidation states as caused by orthogonality between the metal-centered HOMO and the pi* LUMO of TCNX. M?ssbauer spectroscopy confirms the low-spin iron(II) state, and DFT calculations suggest coplanar TCNE and TCNQ bridging ligands in the complex tetracations. One-electron reduction to the 3+ forms of the TCNE and TCNQ complexes produces EPR spectra which confirm the predominant ligand character of the then singly occupied MO through isotropic g values slightly below 2, in addition to a negligible g anisotropy of frozen solutions at frequencies up to 285 GHz and also through an unusually well-resolved solution X band EPR spectrum of {(mu4-TCNE)[Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]4}3+ which shows the presence of four equivalent [Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]+ moieties through 57Fe and 13C(CO) hyperfine coupling in nonenriched material. DFT calculations reproduce the experimental EPR data. A survey of discrete TCNE and TCNQ complexes [(mu4-TCNX)(MLn)4] exhibits a dichotomy between the systems {(mu4-TCNX)[Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]4}4+ and {(mu4-TCNQ)[Re(CO)3(bpy)]4}4+ with their negligible metal-to-ligand electron transfer and several other compounds of TCNE or TCNQ with Mn, Ru, Os, or Cu complex fragments which display evidence for a strong such interaction, i.e., an appreciable value delta in the formulation {(mu4-TCNXdelta-)[Mx+delta/4Ln]4}. Irreversibility of the first reduction of {(mu4-TCNB)[Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]4}(BF4)4 precluded spectroelectrochemical studies; however, the high-energy CN stretching frequencies and charge transfer absorptions of that TCNB analogue also confirm the exceptional position of the complexes {(mu4-TCNX)[Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]4}(BF4)4.     

Electron transfer reactions of (C5R5)2(CO)2Ti (R=H or Me) with TCNE or TCNQ: Spectroelectrochemical assignment of metal and ligand oxidation states in [(C5Me5)2(CO)Ti(TCNX)]

The TCNX ligands TCNE (tetracyanoethene) and TCNQ (7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane) react instantaneously with (C₅R₅)₂(CO)₂Ti, R=H or Me, to yield highly air-sensitive mononuclear complexes (C₅R₅)₂(CO)Ti(TCNX) of which the soluble species (R=Me) were characterized also in the oxidized and reduced forms through cyclic voltammetry, EPR, IR and UV-vis spectroelectrochemistry. While oxidation at rather low potentials yields labile carbonyltitanium(IV) species of the TCNX⁻ ligands, the reduction occurs stepwise at unusually negative potentials, first on the ligand (to yield coordinated TCNX²⁻) and then on the metal (to form Ti^II). For the neutral complexes (C₅R₅)₂(CO)Ti^2+q(TCNX^−q) the results support a rather large amount of charge transfer 1<q<2 from the metal to the acceptors TCNX. Evidence for the previously formulated {(μ-TCNE²⁻)[(C₅H₅)₂Ti^IV(CO)]₂}(TCNE²⁻) could not be found. The complexes (C₅R₅)₂(CO)Ti(TCNE) are compared with related compounds (C₅R₅)₂BrV(TCNE), (C₆R₆)(CO)₂Cr(TCNE) and (C₅R₅)(CO)₂Mn(TCNE).     

Structure and magnetic ordering of a 2-D Mn(II)(TCNE)I(OH2) (TCNE = tetracyanoethylene) organic-based magnet (T(c) = 171 K)

Mn(II)(TCNE)I(OH(2)) was isolated from the reaction of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and MnI(2)(THF)(3), and has a 2-D structure possessing an unusual, asymmetric bonded μ(4)-[TCNE]˙(-). Direct antiferromagnetic coupling between the S = 5/2 Mn(II) and S = 1/2 [TCNE]˙(-) leads to magnetic ordering as a canted antiferrimagnet at a T(c) of 171 K.     

Proof of innocence for the quintessential noninnocent ligand TCNQ in its tetranuclear complex with four [fac-Re(CO)3(bpy)]+ groups: unusually different reactivity of the TCNX ligands (TCNX = TCNE, TCNQ, TCNB)

The reactions of [fac-Re(CO)(3)(bpy)(MeOH)](PF(6)), bpy = 2.2'-bipyridine, with the TCNX ligands (TCNE = tetracyanoethene, TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane, and TCNB = 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene) in CH(2)Cl(2) gave very different results. No reaction was observed with TCNB whereas TCNE produced very labile intermediates which converted under mild conditions to structurally characterized [(mu-CN)[fac-Re(CO)(3)(bpy)](2)](PF(6)) with an eclipsed conformation relative to the almost linear Re-CN-Re axis (Re-N(NC) 2.134(8) A, Re-C(CN) 2.098(8) A). With TCNQ, a stable tetranuclear complex [(mu(4)-TCNQ)[Re(CO)(3)(bpy)](4)](BF(4))(4) was obtained. Its structural, electrochemical, and spectroscopic analysis indicates only negligible charge transfer from the rhenium(I) centers to the extremely strong pi acceptor TCNQ. Evidence includes a calculated charge of only -0.09 for coordinated TCNQ according to the empirical structure/charge correlation of Kistenmacher, a high-energy nitrile stretching band nu(CN) = 2235 cm(-1), and unprecedented large anodic shifts >0.7 V of the reduction potentials. DFT calculations were used to confirm and explain the absence of electron delocalization from the electron-rich metals to the TCNQ acceptor bridge. Correspondingly, the X-band and high-frequency (285 GHz) EPR data (g = 2.007) as well as the IR and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical results (marginal nu(CO) shifts, TCNQ(*-) chromophore bands) support the almost exclusive confinement of the added electron in [(mu(4)-TCNQ)[Re(CO)(3)(bpy)](4)](3+) to the TCNQ bridge.     

Iron pentacarbonyl as a precursor for molecule-based magnets: formation of Fe[TCNE](2) (T(c) = 100 K) and Fe[TCNQ](2) (T(c) = 35 K) magnets

The reaction of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (TCNQ) with Fe(CO)(5) leads to formation of magnetically ordered materials of Fe[TCNE](2) (T(c) = 100 K) and Fe[TCNQ](2) (T(c) = 35 K) composition, respectively. In contrast, the reaction with 1,2-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) leads to a paramagnetic material.     

A general and modular synthesis of monoimidouranium(IV) dihalides

The conproportionation reaction between the dimeric diimidouranium(V) species [U(N(t)Bu)(2)(I)((t)Bu(2)bpy)](2) ((t)Bu(2)bpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl) and UI(3)(THF)(4) in the presence of additional (t)Bu(2)bpy yields U(N(t)Bu)(I)(2)((t)Bu(2)bpy)(THF)(2) (2), an unprecedented example of a monoimidouranium(IV) dihalide complex. The general synthesis of this family of uranium(IV) derivatives can be achieved more readily by adding 2 equiv of MN(H)R (M = Li, K; R = (t)Bu, 2,6-(i)PrC(6)H(3), 2-(t)BuC(6)H(4)) to UX(4) in the presence of coordinating Lewis bases to give complexes with the general formula U(NR)(X)(2)(L)(n) (X = Cl, I; L = (t)Bu(2)bpy, n = 1; L = THF, n = 2). The complexes were characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of compounds 2 and {U[N(2,6-(i)PrC(6)H(3))](Cl)(2)(THF)(2)}(2) (4). (The X-ray structures of 5 and 6 are reported in the Supporting Information.)     

Spectroscopic study of (two-dimensional) molecule-based magnets: [M(II)(TCNE)(NCMe)2][SbF6] (M = Fe, Mn, Ni)

The M-[TCNE] (M = 3d metal; TCNE = tetracyanoethylene) system is one of the most interesting classes of molecule-based magnets, exhibiting a plethora of compositions and structures (inorganic polymer chains, 2D layers, 3D networks, and amorphous solids) with a wide range of magnetic ordering temperatures (up to 400 K). A systematic study of vibrational (both infrared and, for the first time, Raman) properties of the family of new TCNE-based magnets of M(II)(TCNE) (NCMe)(2)[SbF(6)] [M = Mn, Fe, Ni] composition is discussed in conjunction with their magnetic behavior and newly reso-lved crystal structures. The vibrational properties of the isolated TCNE(●-) anion in the paramagnetic Bu(4)N [TCNE(●-)] salt and recently characterized 2D layered magnet Fe(II)(TCNE)(NCMe)(2)[FeCl(4)] are also reported for comparison. Additionally, a linear correlation between ν(C=C) (a(g)) frequency of the TCNE ligand and its formal charge Z (the spin density on the π* orbital), Z = [1571 - ν(C=C) (a(g))]/154.5 [e], is presented. It is shown that monitoring Z by Raman spectroscopy is of great use in providing information that allows understanding the peculiarity of the superexchange interaction in M-[TCNE] magnets and establishing the structure-magnetic properties correlations in this class of magnetic material.     

Synthesis and molecular and electronic structures of a series of Mo3CoSe4 cluster complexes with three different metal electron populations

The synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of [Mo 3(CoCO)Se 4(dmpe) 3Cl 3] ( 1), [Mo 3(CoCl)Se 4(dmpe) 3Cl 3] ( 2), and [Mo 3(CoCl)Se 4(dmpe) 3Cl 3](TCNQ) ([ 2](TCNQ)) (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane; TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinomethane) cubane-type complexes with 16, 15, and 14 metal electrons, respectively, are reported. These compounds complete the series of cobalt-containing Mo 3CoQ 4 (Q = S, Se) cubane-type complexes, which allows a complete analysis of the consequences of replacing the inner chalcogen and the metal electron count on the structural, magnetic, and electrochemical properties. The experimental evidence is theoretically supported and rationalized on the basis of density-functional theory calculations. For the 15-metal electron [Mo 3(CoCl)Se 4(dmpe) 3Cl 3] complex with S = (1)/ 2, both electron paramagnetic resonance and theoretical studies give support to a spin density mainly located on the heteroatom. The nature of the highest occupied molecular orbital upon chalcogen exchange within the Mo 3CoQ 4 (Q = S, Se) series remains essentially unchanged, whereas the nature of the ligand attached to Co (Cl or CO) results in a different ordering of the molecular orbital scheme. This behavior is explained by the absence of backdonation between an occupied d orbital of Co to an empty pi* Cl orbital, to yield frontier orbitals that differ from those of previous models.     

Theoretical analysis of the electronic structure and bonding stability of the TCNE dimer dianion (TCNE) 2 2-

The (TCNE)(2)(2)(-) dimer dianion formed by connecting two TCNE(-) anions via a four-center, two-electron pi-orbital bond is studied using ab initio theoretical methods and a model designed to simulate the stabilization due to surrounding counterions. (TCNE)(2)(2)(-) is examined as an isolated species and in a solvation environment representative of tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent. The intrinsic strength of this novel bond and the influences of internal Coulomb repulsions, of solvent stabilization and screening, and of counterion stabilization are all considered. The geometry, electronic and thermodynamic stabilities, electronic absorption spectra, and electron detachment energies of this novel dianion are examined to help understand recent experimental findings. Our findings lead us to conclude that the (TCNE)(2)(2)(-) dianion's observation in solid materials is likely a result of its stabilization by surrounding countercations. Moreover, our results suggest the dianion is geometrically metastable in THF solution, with a barrier to dissociation into two TCNE(-) anions that can be quickly surmounted at room temperature but not at 77 K. This finding is consistent with what is observed in laboratory studies of low- and room-temperature solutions of salts containing this dianion. Finally, we assign two peaks observed (at 77 K in methyl-THF glass) in the UV-vis region to (1) electronic transitions involving the four-center orbitals and (2) detachment of an electron from the four-center pi-bonding orbital to generate (TCNE)(2)(-) + e(-).     

Vanadium 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (V[TCNQ]2)-based magnets

A new family of molecule-based magnets of general formula V[TCNQR(2)](2).zCH(2)Cl(2) has been synthesized and characterized (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane; R = H, Br, Me, Et, i-Pr, OMe, OEt, and OPh). In addition, solid solutions of V[TCNQ](x)()[TCNQ(OEt)(2)](2)(-)(x)().zCH(2)Cl(2) composition have been prepared. Except R = Br, magnetic ordering was observed for all materials, with T(c) values between 7.5 K (R = Me) and 106 K (R = OEt), with R = H at 52 K. The substitution of electron-donating OMe and OEt groups for H in TCNQ increased T(c), whereas the substitution of less electron-donating alkyl groups (with respect to alkoxy groups) decreased T(c). The results of MO calculations indicate that neither the spin nor charge densities of the disubstituted TCNQs are sufficiently different to explain the wide range of critical temperatures. Although the structures of the amorphous materials are not known, it is proposed that the oxygen atom of the [TCNQR(2)](*)(-) acceptor (R = OMe and OEt) and the V(II) interact to form a seven-membered ring. This interaction could stabilize the structure and enhance the magnetic coupling, leading to an increased T(c). The magnetic properties of V[TCNQ](x)()[TCNQ(OEt)(2)](2)(-)(x)().zCH(2)Cl(2) deviated from the expected linear relationship with respect to x, exhibiting magnetic behavior more characteristic of a step function in a plot of T(c) versus x.     

Magnetically ordered molecule-based assemblies

The development of molecules and assemblies of molecules exhibiting technologically important bulk properties, such as magnetic ordering, is an important worldwide research focus. Organic- and molecule-based magnets have been discovered and several families have been reported with magnetic ordering temperatures exceeding room temperature and as high as approximately 125 degrees C. Examples of both hard and soft magnets have been reported with coercivities as high at 27 000 Oe (and exceeding commercially available magnets) have been reported. Several examples are based on the radical anion of tetracyanoethylene, S = 1/2 [TCNE].-. The include ionic zero-dimensional (0-D) [FeCp*2]*+[TCNE]*- (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienide), 1-D [MnTPP]+[TCNE]*- [TPP = meso-tetraphenylporphinato] coordination polymers, and 3-D extended network structured M[TCNE](x).ySolvent (M = V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Dy). This Perspective focuses on work in our laboratory that will be discussed at the Dalton Discussion 9 meeting entitled "Functional Molecular Assemblies." In addition to the overview of TCNE-based organic magnets, the targeted design, preparation, and chemical as well as magnetic characterization of a new family of magnets based on S = 3/2 mixed-valent [Ru(II/III)2(O2CR)4]+ (R = Me, Bu(t)) is described. In particular [Ru2(O2CMe)4]3[Cr(CN)6] prepared from aqueous media possess two interpenetrating cubic lattices and magnetically orders at 33 K. In contrast, [Ru2(O2CBu(t))4]3[Cr(CN)6] forms a 2-D layered lattice and orders at 37.5 K. Both exhibit hysteretic behavior, however, this is quite anomalous for the former cubic lattice. This as well as other anomalous magnetic behaviors is attributed to the presence of the second interpenetrating lattice.     

Magnetically ordered molecule-based materials

Magnets composed of molecular components that provide both electron spins and spin-coupling pathways can stabilize bulk magnetic ordering. This was first reported for the ionic, zero-dimensional (0-D) electron transfer salt [Fe(C(5)Me(5))(2)](+)[TCNE]˙(-) (TCNE = tetracyanoethylene), which orders as a ferromagnet at T(c) = 4.8 K. Later V[TCNE](x) (x ～ 2) was characterized to order above room temperature at 400 K (127 °C). Subsequently, numerous examples of organic- and molecule-based magnets have been characterized. In this critical review, after a discussion of the important aspects of magnetism pertaining to molecule-based magnets, including the determination of the magnetic ordering temperature (T(c)) these magnetically ordered materials are reviewed from a perspective of the structural dimensionality (208 references).     

Electron-transfer salts of 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylferrocene, Fe(II)(C5Me5)(C5H5). Structure and magnetic properties of two 1:1 and two 2:3 Fe(C5Me5)(C5H5) electron-transfer salts of tetracyanoethylene

The reaction of Fe(II)(C5Me5)(C5H5), FeCpCp, with percyano acceptors, A [A = C4(CN)6 (hexacyanobutadiene), TCNQF4 (perfluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane), and DDQ (2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone)], results in formation of 1:1 charge-transfer salts of [Fe(III)CpCp]*]*+[A]*- composition. With A = TCNQ (7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane) a 1:2 electron-transfer salt with FeCpCp forms. With A = TCNE (tetracyanoethylene) a pair of 1:1 salts as well as a pair of 2:3 salts of [FeCpCp]2[TCNE]3.S (S = CH2Cl2, THF) have been isolated and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [FeCpCp][TCNE] consists of parallel 1-D.D(*+)A(*-)D(*+)A(*-)D(*+)A(*-). chains, while [FeCpCp][TCNE].MeCN has a herringbone array of D(*+)A2(2-)D(*+) dimers separated by solvent molecules. Although each [TCNE](-) is disordered, the diamagnetic [TCNE]2(2-) dimer is structurally different from those observed earlier with an intradimer separation of 2.79 A. The [TCNE](-) in the 2:3 [FeCpCp]2[TCNE]3.S exists as an eclipsed diamagnetic [TCNE]2(2-) dimer with an intradimer ethylene C.C separation of 2.833 and 2.903 A for the CH2Cl2- and THF-containing materials, respectively. The bond distances and angles for all the cations are essentially equivalent, and the distances are essentially equivalent to those previously reported for [FeCp2](*+) and [FeCp2](*+) cations. The average Fe-C5H5-ring and Fe-C5Me5-ring centroid distances are 1.71 and 1.69 A, respectively, which are 0.05 A longer than reported for Fe(II)CpCp. The one-electron reduction potential for Fe(II)CpCp is 0.11 V (vs SCE). The 5 K EPR of [FeCpCp](*+)[BF4](-) exhibits an axially symmetric powder pattern with g(parallel) = 4.36 and g(perpendicular) = 1.24, and the EPR parameters are essentially identical to those reported for ferrocenium and decamethylferrocenium. The high-temperature magnetic susceptibility for polycrystalline samples of these complexes can be fit by the Curie-Weiss law, chi = C/(T - theta), with low theta values and mu(eff) values from 2.08 to 3.43 mu(B), suggesting that the polycrystalline samples measured had varying degrees of orientation. [FeCpCp][TCNE] exhibits the highest effective moment of 3.43 mu(B)/Fe and weak ferromagnetic coupling, as evidenced from the theta of 3.3 K; however, unexpectedly, it does not magnetically order above 2 K. The formation of the four phases comprising FeCpCp and TCNE emphasizes the diversity of materials that may form and the present inability to predict neither solid-state compositions nor structure types.     

Uranium(III)/(IV) nitrile adducts including UI4(N[triple bond]CPh)4, a synthetically useful uranium(IV) complex

The synthesis of complexes used to elucidate an understanding of fundamental An(III) and An(IV) coordination chemistry requires the development of suitable organic-soluble precursors. The reaction of oxide-free uranium metal turnings with 1.3 equivalents of elemental iodine in acetonitrile provided the U(III)/U(IV) complex salt, [U(N[triple bond]CMe)9][UI6][I] (1), in which the U(III) cation is surrounded by nine acetonitrile molecules in a tricapped trigonal prismatic arrangement, a [UI6]2- counterion, and a noncoordinating iodide. The U-N distances for the prismatic and capping nitrogens are 2.55(3) and 2.71(5) A, respectively. The same reaction performed in benzonitrile afforded crystalline UI4(N[triple bond]CPh)4 (3) in 78% isolated yield. In the solid state, 3 shows an eight-coordinate U(IV) atom in a "puckered" square antiprismatic geometry with U-N and U-I distances of 2.56(1) and 3.027(1) A, respectively. This benzonitrile UI4 adduct is a versatile U(IV) synthon that is soluble in methylene chloride, benzonitrile, and tetrahydrofuran, and moderately soluble in toluene and benzene, but decomposes in benzonitrile at 198 degrees C to [UI(N[triple bond]CPh)8][UI]6 (4), a U(III)/U(IV) salt analogous to 1. A toluene slurry of 3 treated with 2.2 equiv of Cp*MgCl.THF (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienide) provided Cp*2UI2(N[triple bond]CPh) (5) in low yields. Single-crystal X-ray structure determination shows that the iodide ligands in 5 are in a rare cis configuration with an acute I-U-I angle of 83.16(7) degrees . Treatment of a methylene chloride solution of 3 with KTp* (Tp* = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylborate)) formed green TpUI3 (6) which was converted to yellow Tp*UI3(N[triple bond]CMe) (7) by rinsing with acetonitrile. Addition of 2.2 equiv of KTp* to a toluene solution of 3 followed by heating at 95 degrees C, filtration, and crystallization led to the isolation of the dinuclear species [Tp*UI(dmpz)]2[mu-O] (9) (dmpz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazolide), presumably formed by hydrolytic cleavage of excess KTp* by adventitious water. The Tp* complexes 6, 7, and 9 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR, FT-IR, and optical absorbance spectroscopies.     

Synthesis and reactivity of the imido analogues of the uranyl ion

Addition of 1.5 equiv of I2 to a THF solution of UI3(THF)4, containing either 6 equiv of tBuNH2 or 2 equiv of RNH2 (R = Ph, 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, 2,6-(iPr)2C6H3) and 4 equiv of NEt3, generates orange solutions containing U(NtBu)2I2(THF)2 (1) or U(NAr)2I2(THF)3 (Ar = Ph, 2; 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, 3; 2,6-(iPr)2C6H3, 4), respectively, all of which can be isolated in good yields. Alternatively, 1 can be prepared by reaction of uranium metal with 3 equiv of I2 and 6 equiv of tBuNH2, also in good yield. Complexes 1-4 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, and each of these complexes exhibits linear N-U-N linkages and short U-N bonds. Using density functional theory simulations of complexes 1 and 2, two triple bonds between the metal center and the nitrogen ligands were identified. Complexes 1 and 2 readily react with neutral Lewis bases such as pyridine or Ph3PO to form U(NR)2I2(L)2 (R = tBu, L = py, 5; Ph3PO, 7; R = Ph, L = py, 6; Ph3PO, 8), and with PMe3 to form U(NR)2I2(THF)(PMe3)2 (R = tBu, 9; Ph, 10). The solid-state molecular structures of 5, 7, and 9 have been determined by X-ray crystallography, and these complexes, like their parent compounds, exhibit linear N-U-N angles and short U-N bonds. Complexes 1 and 2 also react with AgOTf in CH2Cl2, forming U(NR)2(OTf)2(THF)3 (R = tBu, 11; Ph, 12) after recrystallization from THF. Crystals of 12 grown from CH2Cl2 were found to contain a dimer, [U(NPh)2(OTf)2(THF)2]2, a complex possessing bridging triflate groups.     

The role of neutral coligands on the stabilization of mono-Tp(i)Pr2 U(III) complexes

The reaction of [UI(3)(THF)(4)] with 1 equiv of KTp()i(Pr)()2 in toluene in the presence of several neutral coligands allowed the synthesis of a novel family of mono-Tp()i(Pr)()2 complexes, [UI(2)Tp()i(Pr)()2(L)(x)()] [L = OPPh(3), x = 1 (3); L = C(5)H(5)N, x = 2 (4); L = Hpz()t(Bu,Me), x = 2 (5); and L = bipy, x = 1 (6)]. The adduct with THF, [UI(2)Tp()i(Pr)()2(THF)(2)(-)(3)] (1), could also be isolated by reacting [UI(3)(THF)(4)] with 1 equiv of KTp()i(Pr)()2 in tetrahydrofuran. However, complex 1 is not a good starting material to enter into the mono-Tp()i(Pr)()2 U(III) complexes as it decomposes in solution, leading to mixtures of U(III) species coordinated with Hpz()i(Pr)()2. The solid-state structures of 3, 4, and 6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and revealed that this family of mono-Tp()i(Pr)()2 complexes can be six- (3) or seven-coordinated (4 and 6), depending on the nature of the neutral coligand. Complex 3 displays distorted octahedral coordination geometry, while 4 and 6 display distorted pentagonal bipyramid and capped octahedral geometries, respectively. Complexes 3 and 6 are static in solution, and the patterns of the (1)H NMR spectra are consistent with the C(s)() symmetry found in the solid state. The other complexes (1, 4, and 5) are fluxional, but the dynamic processes involved can be slowed by decreasing the temperature.     

Mn(III)(tetra-biphenyl-porphyrin)-TCNE single-chain magnet via suppression of the interchain interactions

A single-chain magnet (SCM) of [Mn(TBPP)(TCNE)]·4m-PhCl(2) (1), where TBPP(2-) = meso-tetra(4-biphenyl)porphyrinate; TCNE(?-) = tetracyanoethenide radical anion; m-PhCl(2) = meta-dichlorobenzene, was prepared via suppression of interchain interactions. 1 has a one-dimensional alternating Mn(III)(porphrin)-TCNE(?-)chain structure similar to those of a family of complexes reported by Miller and co-workers. From a comparison of the static magnetic properties of 1 with other Mn(III)(porphyrin)-TCNE(?-) chains, a magneto-structural correlation between the intrachain magnetic exchange and both the dihedral angle between the mean plane on [Mn(TBPP)(TCNE)] and Mn-N≡C was observed. The ac magnetic susceptibility data of 1 could be fit with the Arrhenius law, indicating that slow magnetic relaxation and ruling out three-dimensional long-range ordering and spin-glass-like behavior. The Cole-Cole plot for 1 was semicircular, verifying that it is an SCM. Therefore, 1 is an ideal single-chain magnet with significantly strong intrachain magnetic exchange interactions beyond the Ising limit.     

Charge separation in mesoporous aluminosilicates

EPR spectroscopy has been used to investigate spontaneous and/or photo-induced electron transfer between adsorbed organic molecules and the mesoporous aluminosilicate MCM-41 host. Spontaneous electron transfer occurs from the host to electron acceptor molecules with sufficiently favourable reduction potentials (TCNE, TCNQ, 1,4-benzoquinone, 1,4-naphthaquinone and 1,4-anthraquinone), provided the MCM-41 contains aluminium and the radical anion yield correlates with the aluminium content of the host. The semiquinone radical anions are interacting strongly with exposed Al³⁺ sites, whereas the TCNE and TCNQ radical anions are loosely bound and can be washed from the host. Radical cation formation is observed when electron donor molecules with favourable oxidation potentials are adsorbed in MCM-41 containing aluminium, and the radical cations formed interact with exposed Al³⁺ sites. This work shows that aluminium-containing MCM-41 contains both electron donating and electron accepting sites which may intervene in intra-molecular charge separation processes in adsorbed organic molecules.     

过渡金属吡啶配离子的TCNQ电荷转移盐的合成和物理性质

合成了通式为[M(Py)_m][TCNQ]_n(M=Mn,m＝4;M＝Co,Ni,Cu,m＝2;TCNQ＝7,7,8,8-四氰基对苯醌二甲烷,n＝2,3)的8个过渡金属吡啶配离子的TCNQ电荷转移盐,通过元素分析、红外光谱、顺磁共振谱、光电子能谱、磁化率和电导率对这些电荷转移盐进行了表征,结果表明,在这些电荷转移盐分子中存在TCNQ^-和TCNQ⁰,且TCNQ^-与TCNQ⁰相互作用形成结构单元[TCNQ]_n^2-(n＝2,3),各个结构单元沿一维方向堆积形成分子柱,部分电荷从[TCNQ]_n^2-向[M(Py)_m]²⁺转移,导致化合物中的金属表现为混合价态.其中3个电荷转移盐具有良好的导电性.