Investigating magnetostructural correlations in the pseudooctahedral trans-[Ni(II){(OPPh2)(EPPh2)N}2(sol)2] complexes (E = S, Se; sol = DMF, THF) by magnetometry, HFEPR, and ab initio quantum chemistry

In this work, magnetometry and high-frequency and -field electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (HFEPR) have been employed in order to determine the spin Hamiltonian (SH) parameters of the non-Kramers, S = 1, pseudooctahedral trans-[Ni(II){(OPPh(2))(EPPh(2))N}(2)(sol)(2)] (E = S, Se; sol = DMF, THF) complexes. X-ray crystallographic studies on these compounds revealed a highly anisotropic NiO(4)E(2) coordination environment, as well as subtle structural differences, owing to the nature of the Ni(II)-coordinated solvent molecule or ligand E atoms. The effects of these structural characteristics on the magnetic properties of the complexes were investigated. The accurately HFEPR-determined SH zero-field-splitting (zfs) D and E parameters, along with the structural data, provided the basis for a systematic density functional theory (DFT) and multiconfigurational ab initio computational analysis, aimed at further elucidating the electronic structure of the complexes. DFT methods yielded only qualitatively useful data. However, already entry level ab initio methods yielded good results for the investigated magnetic properties, provided that the property calculations are taken beyond a second-order treatment of the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) interaction. This was achieved by quasi-degenerate perturbation theory, in conjunction with state-averaged complete active space self-consistent-field calculations. The accuracy in the calculated D parameters improves upon recovering dynamic correlation with multiconfigurational ab initio methods, such as the second-order N-electron valence perturbation theory NEVPT2, the difference dedicated configuration interaction, and the spectroscopy-oriented configuration interaction. The calculations showed that the magnitude of D (～3-7 cm(-1)) in these complexes is mainly dominated by multiple SOC contributions, the origin of which was analyzed in detail. In addition, the observed largely rhombic regime (E/D = 0.16-0.33) is attributed to the highly distorted metal coordination sphere. Of special importance is the insight by this work on the zfs effects of Se coordination to Ni(II). Overall, a combined experimental and theoretical methodology is provided, as a means to probe the electronic structure of octahedral Ni(II) complexes.     

Syntheses and characterization of the metal maleonitrilediselenolates [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)]2[M(Se2C2(CN)2)2] (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) and [Ni(dmf)(5)Cl]2[Ni(Se2C2(CN)2)2

Reaction of KNH(2), K(2)Se, Se, [2.2.2]-cryptand, and a metal source yields the metal bis(maleonitrilediselenolates) [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)](2)[M(Se(2)C(2)(CN)(2))(2)] (M = Ni, 1; Pd, 2, Pt, 3). These compounds are isostructural and crystallize with four formula units in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c in cells at T = 153 K with parameters (a (A), b (A), c (A), beta (deg), V (A(3))) of 12.220(1), 15.860(2), 15.306(1), 107.64(2), 2827(1) for 1; 12.291(1), 15.669(1), 15.548(1), 108.55(1), 2839(1) for 2; and 12.292(3), 15.671(3), 15.569(3), 108.59(3), 2842(1) for 3. The cation of 1 has been substituted to yield [Ni(dmf)(5)Cl](2)[Ni(Se(2)C(2)(CN)(2))(2)] (4). [Ni(dmf)(5)Cl](2)[Ni(Se(2)C(2)(CN)(2))(2)] (4) crystallizes with one molecule in the triclinic space group P1 in a cell with parameters (T = 153 K) of a = 8.842(2) A, b =13.161(3) A, c = 13.831(3) A, alpha = 110.08(3) degrees, beta = 95.23(3) degrees, gamma = 93.72(3) degrees, V = 1484(1) A(3). The electronic absorption and infrared spectra are characteristic of metal maleonitrilediselenolates. Cyclic voltammetry shows that the maleonitrilediselenolate (mns) complexes are more easily oxidized than their maleonitriledithiolate (mnt) analogues.     

Synthesis and characterization of HN(SPiPr2)(SePPh2) and [Te[N(SPiPr2)(SePPh2)]2

The compound HN(SP(i)Pr(2))(SePPh(2)) has been synthesized from the reaction of Ph(2)P(Se)NH(2) with (i)()Pr(2)P(S)Cl in the presence of NaH in THF. HN(SP(i)Pr(2))(SePPh(2)) crystallizes with eight formula units in space group Pbca of the orthorhombic system in a cell of dimensions at -120 degrees C of a = 9.9560(6) A, b = 17.9053(10) A, c = 22.4156(13) A, and V = 3995.9(4) A(3). The square-planar Te(II) complex [Te[N(SP(i)Pr(2))(SePPh(2))](2)] has been isolated from the reaction of Te(tu)(4)Cl(2) x 2H(2)O (tu = thiourea) with the anion [N(SP(i)Pr(2))(SePPh(2))](-), generated in situ from HN(SP(i)Pr(2))(SePPh(2)) in the presence of KO(t)Bu. [Te[N(SP(i)Pr(2))(SePPh(2))](2)] is dimorphic, crystallizing with one formula unit in space group P1 of the triclinic system in a cell of dimensions at -120 degrees C of a = 9.8476(9) A, b = 10.3296(9) A, c = 11.3429(10) A, alpha = 101.903(1) degrees, beta = 115.471(1) degrees, gamma = 92.281(2) degrees, and V = 1008.4(2) A(3) and also crystallizing with two formula units in space group P2(1)/n of the monoclinic system in a cell of dimensions at -120 degrees C of a = 8.7931(5) A, b = 17.1830(10) A, c = 14,1026(9) A, beta = 104.696(1) degrees, and V = 2061.1(2) A(3). In each instance, the [Te[N(SP(i)Pr(2))(SePPh(2))](2)] molecule possesses a center of symmetry, comprising a Te center liganded in a trans manner by two bidentate N(SP(i)Pr(2))(SePPh(2)) groups. However, the (31)P, (77)Se, and (125)Te NMR spectra of [Te[N(SP(i)Pr(2))(SePPh(2))](2)] show two sets of resonances at 25 degrees C. The (31)P VT NMR spectra show two sets of resonances between -50 and +50 degrees C that coalesce between 80 and 100 degrees C, consistent with the presence of the cis as well as the trans isomer in solution.     

Reactions of Elemental Indium and Indium(I) Bromide with Nickel-Bromine Bonds: Structure of (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(Ph(3)P)Ni-InBr(2)(O=PPh(3))

The reactions of elemental indium and In(I)Br with the carbonyl-free organonickel complexes (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PR(3))Ni-Br (R = CH(3), C(6)H(5)) have been studied in some detail. Either redox reactions to yield the ionic products [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PR(3))(2)Ni][InBr(4)] (2a,b) occurred or the Ni-In bound systems (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PPh(3))Ni-InBr(2)(OPPh(3)) (3a) and [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PPh(3))Ni](2)InBr (4) were obtained in good yields. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, and mass spectrometry. A short Ni-In bond of 244.65(9) pm was found for 3a. Single crystal data for (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(PPh(3))Ni-InBr(2)(OPPh(3)).THF (3a): triclinic, P1 with a = 1124.9(3), b = 1353.2(4), c = 1476.4(4) pm, alpha = 94.74(2) degrees, beta = 101.78(2) degrees, gamma = 109.64(1) degrees, V = 2044(1) x 10(6) pm(3), Z = 2, R = 0.053 (R(w) = 0.063).     

Coordinative flexibility of 1,2-bis[1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl]propan-2-ol in mononuclear and binuclear Ni(II) complexes

Reaction of 1,2-bis[1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl]propan-2-ol hexabromide (T(2)PrOH.6HBr) with Ni(ClO(4))(2)[middle dot]6H(2)O and adjustment of the pH to 7 resulted in the crystallization of pink and blue products from the one reaction mixture. The analytical data and X-ray structure determinations establish compositions corresponding to [Ni(T(2)PrOH)]Br(ClO(4))xH(2)O (pink crystals) and [Ni(2)(T(2)PrO)(OH(2))(3)Br]Br(ClO(4))x2H(2)O (blue crystals). A repeat synthesis of the latter yielded the diperchlorate monohydrate [Ni(2)(T(2)PrO)(OH(2))(3)Br](ClO(4))(2)xH(2)O. In the mononuclear complex, the 2-propanol group connecting the two 1,4,7-trizacyclononane (tacn) rings is protonated, the six nitrogen donors from the T(2)PrOH ligand coordinating to a single Ni(II) centre in a distorted octahedral geometry. In the binuclear complexes and, three coordination sites on each distorted octahedral Ni(II) centre are occupied fac by three nitrogen donors from the one tacn ring, the two metal centres being linked by an endogenous alkoxo bridge. A notable common feature of the two identical cations is that for one Ni(II) centre the remaining two sites are occupied by two water ligands, while in the other a bromo ligand replaces one ligated water. Similar binuclear systems have been recently defined [Zn(2)(T(2)PrO)X(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2)(X = Cl, Br), two complexes that exhibit coordination asymmetry with one pseudo-octahedral and one pseudo-square pyramidal Zn(ii) centre. The weak antiferromagnetic coupling in and is discussed and compared to di-phenoxo-bridged Ni(II) examples.     

Dinuclear amine-thiophenolate complexes coligated by ferrocenemonocarboxylate and 1,1'-ferrocenedicarboxylate anions: preparation, characterization and structures of trinuclear [LMII 2(O2CC5H4FeCp)]+ and Pentanuclear [(LMII 2)2(O2CC5H4)2Fe]2+ complexes (M=Co, Ni, Zn)

A series of novel tri- and pentanuclear complexes composed of dinuclear LM(2) units (M=Co, Ni, Zn; L=24-membered macrocyclic hexaazadithiophenolate ligand) and ferrocenecarboxylate ([CpFeC(5)H(4)CO(2)](-)) or 1,1'-ferrocenedicarboxylate ([Fe(C(5)H(4)CO(2))(2)](2-)) groups is reported. The complexes [LM(II) (2)(O(2)CC(5)H(4)FeCp)](+) (M=Co (6), Ni (7), Zn (8)) and [(LM(II) (2))(2)(O(2)CC(5)H(4))(2)Fe](2+) (M=Co (9), Ni (10)) have been prepared by substitution reactions from labile [LM(II) (2)L'](+) precursors (L'=Cl, OAc) and the respective ferrocenecarboxylate anions in methanol. Mixed-valent [(LCo(II)Co(III))(2)(O(2)CC(5)H(4))(2)Fe](4+) (11) was prepared by oxidation of 9 with bromine. Complexes 7[BPh(4)], 8[BPh(4)], 9[BPh(4)](2), 10[BPh(4)](2), and 11[ClO(4)](4) have been characterized by X-ray crystallography; showing that the ferrocenyl carboxylates act as bidentate (7, 8) or bis-bidentate (9-11) bridging ligands towards one or two bioctahedral LM(2) subunits, respectively. The structures are retained in solution as indicated by NMR spectroscopic studies on the diamagnetic Zn(2)Fe complex 8[ClO(4)]. Electrochemical studies reveal significant anodic potential shifts for the oxidation potential of the ferrocenyl moieties upon complexation and the magnitude of the potential shift appears to correlate with the charge of the LM(2) subunits. This is qualitatively explained in terms of destabilizing electrostatic (Coulomb) interactions between the M(2+) ions of the LM(2) unit and the proximate ferrocenium fragment. An analysis of the temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility data for 10[BPh(4)](2) shows the presence of weak ferromagnetic magnetic exchange interactions between the Ni(II) ions in the LNi(2) units. The exchange coupling across the ferrocenedicarboxylate bridge is negligible.     

First row wheels, [((t)Bu(3)SiS)MX](12)(M = Co, X = Cl; M = Ni, X = Br), are common amongst both simpler and more complex aggregates

[((t)Bu(3)SiS)MX[(12) are wheels for first row transition metals (M = Co, X = Cl; M = Ni, X = Br), but for nickel, simpler [e.g. [((t)Bu(3)SiS)Ni](2)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))(2)[ and more complicated [e.g. [(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))Ni](5)(mu(5)-S)] structures are by-products.     

Tetra- and dinuclear nickel(II)-vanadium(IV/V) heterometal complexes of a phenol-based N2O2 ligand: synthesis, structures, and magnetic and redox properties

The tetra- and binuclear heterometallic complexes of nickel(II)-vanadium(IV/V) combinations involving a phenol-based primary ligand, viz., N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)ethylenediamine (H2L1), are reported in this work. Carboxylates and beta-diketonates have been used as ancillary ligands to obtain the tetranuclear complexes [Ni(II)(2)V(V)(2)(RCOO)(2)(L(1))(2)O(4)] (R = Ph, 1; R = Me(3)C, 2) and the binuclear types [(beta-diket)Ni(II)L(1)V(IV)O(beta-diket)] (3 and 4), respectively. X-ray crystallography shows that the tetranuclear complexes are constructed about an unprecedented heterometallic eight-membered Ni(2)V(2)O(4) core in which the (L(1))(2)- ligands are bound to the Ni center in a N(2)O(2) mode and simultaneously bridge a V atom via the phenoxide O atoms. The cis-N(2)O(4) coordination geometry for Ni is completed by an O atom derived from the bridging carboxylate ligand and an oxo O atom. The latter two atoms, along with a terminal oxide group, complete the O5 square-pyramidal coordination geometry for V. Each of the dinuclear compounds, [(acac)Ni(II)L(1)V(IV)O(acac)] (3) and [(dbm)Ni(II)L(1)V(IV)O(dbm)] (4) [Hdbm = dibenzoylmethane], also features a tetradentate (L(1))(2)- ligand, Ni in an octahedral cis-N(2)O(4) coordination geometry, and V in an O(5) square-pyramidal geometry. In 3 and 4, the bridges between the Ni and V atoms are provided by the (L(1))(2)- ligand. The Ni...V separations in the structures lie in the narrow range of 2.9222(4) A (3) to 2.9637(5) A (4). The paramagnetic Ni centers (S = 1) in 1 and 2 are widely separated (Ni...Ni separations are 5.423 and 5.403 A) by the double V(V)O(4) bridge that leads to weak antiferromagnetic interactions (J = -3.6 and -3.9 cm-1) and thus an ST = 0 ground state for these systems. In 3 and 4, the interactions between paramagnetic centers (Ni(II) and V(IV)) are also antiferromagnetic (J = -8.9 and -10.0 cm-1), leading to an S(T) = 1/2 ground state. Compound 4 undergoes two one-electron redox processes at E(1/2) = +0.66 and -1.34 V vs Ag/AgCl reference due to a V(IV/V) oxidation and a Ni(II)/I reduction, respectively, as indicated by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry.     

Synthesis and characterization of copper-, zinc-, manganese-, and cobalt-substituted dimeric heteropolyanions, [(alpha-XW9O33)2M3(H2O)3](n-) (n = 12, X =As(III), Sb(III), M = Cu(2+), Zn(2+); n = 10, X = Se(IV), Te(IV), M = Cu(2+) and [(alpha-AsW9O33)2WO(H2O)M2(H2O)2](10-) (M = Zn(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+)

Interaction of the lacunary [alpha-XW9O33](9-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)) with Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) ions in neutral, aqueous medium leads to the formation of dimeric polyoxoanions, [(alpha-XW9O33)2M3(H2O)3](12-) (M = Cu(2+), Zn(2+); X = As(III), Sb(III)), in high yield. The selenium and tellurium analogues of the copper-containing heteropolyanions are also reported: [(alpha-XW9O33)2Cu3(H2O)3](10-) (X = Se(IV), Te(IV)). The polyanions consist of two [alpha-XW9O33] units joined by three equivalent Cu(2+) (X = As, Sb, Se, Te) or Zn(2+) (X = As, Sb) ions. All copper and zinc ions have one terminal water molecule resulting in square-pyramidal coordination geometry. Therefore, the title anions have idealized D3h symmetry. The space between the three transition metal ions is occupied by three sodium ions (M = Cu(2+), Zn(2+); X = As(III), Sb(III)) or potassium ions (M = Cu(2+); X = Se(IV), Te(IV)) leading to a central belt of six metal atoms alternating in position. Reaction of [alpha-AsW9O33](9-) with Zn(2+), Co(2+), and Mn(2+) ions in acidic medium (pH = 4-5) results in the same structural type but with a lower degree of transition-metal substitution, [(alpha-AsW9O33)2WO(H2O)M2(H2O)2](10-) (M = Zn(2+), Co(2+), Mn(2+)). All nine compounds are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The solution properties of [(alpha-XW9O33)2Zn3(H2O)3](12-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)) were also studied by 183W-NMR spectroscopy.     

Simplest homoleptic metal-centered tetrahedrons, [M(OH2)4]2+, in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid (M = Co, Ni, Cu)

Dissolution of a tetrafluoroborate or perchlorate salt of [M(OH(2))(6)](2+) (M = Co, Ni, Cu) in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetraluforoborate ionic liquid ([emim]BF(4)) results in significant solvatochromism and increasing intensity of color. These observations arise from partial dehydration from the octahedral [M(OH(2))(6)](2+) and formation of the tetrahedral [M(OH(2))(4)](2+). This reaction was monitored by the intense absorption band due to the d-d transition in the UV-vis absorption spectrum. The EXAFS investigation clarified the coordination structures around M(2+) {[Co(OH(2))(4)](2+), R(Co-O) = 2.17 ?, N = 4.2; [Cu(OH(2))(4)](2+), R(Cu-O) = 2.09 ?, N = 3.8}. (1)H and (19)F NMR study suggested that both [emim](+) and BF(4)(-) are randomly arranged in the second-coordination sphere of [M(OH(2))(4)](2+).     

A phosphorus supported multisite coordinating tris hydrazone P(S)[N(Me)N=CH-C6H4-o-OH]3 as an efficient ligand for the assembly of trinuclear metal complexes: synthesis, structure, and magnetism

A phosphorus supported multisite coordinating ligand P(S)[N(Me)N=CH-C(6)H(4)-o-OH](3) (2) was prepared by the condensation of the phosphorus tris hydrazide P(S)[N(Me)NH(2)](3) (1) with o-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The reaction of 2 with M(OAc)(2).xH(2)O (M = Mn, Co, Ni, x = 4; M = Zn, x = 2) afforded neutral trinuclear complexes [P(S)[N(Me)N=CH-C(6)H(4)-o-O](3)](2)M(3) [M = Mn (3), Co (4), Ni (5), and Zn (6)]. The X-ray crystal structures of compounds 2-6 have been determined. The structures of 3-6 reveal that the trinculear metal assemblies are nearly linear. The two terminal metal ions in a given assembly have an N(3)O(3) ligand environment in a distorted octahedral geometry while the central metal ion has an O(6) ligand environment also in a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. In all the complexes, ligand 2 coordinates to the metal ions through three imino nitrogens and three phenolate oxygens; the latter act as bridging ligands to connect the terminal and central metal ions. The compounds 2-6 also show intermolecular C-H...S=P contacts in the solid-state which lead to the formation of polymeric supramolecular architectures. The observed magnetic data for the (s = 5/2)3 L(2)(Mn(II))(3) derivative, 3, show an antiferromagnetic nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor exchange (J = -4.0 K and J' = -0.15 K; using the spin Hamiltonian H(HDvV) = -2J(S(1)S(2) + S(2)S(3)) - 2J'S(1)S(3)). In contrast, the (s = 1)(3) L(2)(Ni(II))(3) derivative, 5, displays ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor and antiferromagnetic next-nearest-neighbor exchange interactions (J = 4.43 K and J' = -0.28 K; H = H(HDvV)+ S(1)DS(1) + S(2)DS(2)+ S(3)DS(3)). The magnetic behavior of the L(2)(Co(II))(3) derivative, 4, reveals only antiferromagnetic exchange analogous to 3 (J = -4.5, J' = -1.4; same Hamiltonian as for 3).     

Metal-metal interactions in dinuclear d(8) metal cyanide complexes supported by phosphine ligands. Spectroscopic properties and ab initio calculations of [M(2)(mu-diphosphine)(2)(CN)(4)] and trans-[M(phosphine)(2)(CN)(2)] (M = Pt,Ni)

Structural, spectroscopic properties on the dinuclear [M(2)(dcpm)(2)(CN)(4)] (M = Pt, 1a; Ni, 2a, dcpm = bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)methane) and [M(2)(dmpm)(2)(CN)(4)] (M = Pt, 1b; Ni, 2b, dmpm = bis(dimethylphosphino)methane) and the mononuclear trans-[M(PCy(3))(2)(CN)(2)] (M = Pt, 3; Ni, 4, PCy(3) = tricyclohexylphosphine) and theoretical investigations on the corresponding model compounds are described. X-ray structural analyses reveal Pt.Pt and Ni.Ni distances of 3.0565(4)/3.189(1) A and 2.957(1)/3.209(8) A for 1a/1b and 2a/2b, respectively. The UV-vis absorption bands at 337 nm (epsilon 2.41 x 10(4) dm(3) mol(-)(1) cm(-)(1)) for 1a and 328 nm (epsilon 2.43 x 10(4) dm(3) mol(-)(1) cm(-)(1)) for 1b in CH(2)Cl(2) are assigned to (1)(5d(sigma) --> 6p(sigma)) electronic transitions originating from Pt(II)-Pt(II) interactions. Resonance Raman spectroscopy of 1a, in which all the Raman intensity appears in the Pt-Pt stretch fundamental (93 cm(-)(1)) and overtone bands, verifies this metal-metal interaction. Complexes 1a and 1b exhibit photoluminescence in the solid state and solution. For the dinuclear nickel(II) complexes 2a and 2b, neither spectroscopic data nor theoretical calculation suggests the presence of Ni(II)-Ni(II) interactions. The intense absorption bands at lambda > 320 nm in the UV-vis spectra of 2a and 2b are tentatively assigned to d --> d transitions.     

Realization of unusual ligand binding motifs in metalated container molecules: synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of the complexes [(LMe)Ni2(mu-L')]n+ with L'=NO3-, NO2-, N3-, N2H4, pyridazine, phthalazine, pyrazolate, and benzoate

A series of dinickel(II) complexes with the 24-membered macrocyclic hexaazadithiophenol ligand H(2)L(Me) was prepared and examined. The doubly deprotonated form (L(Me))(2-) forms complexes of the type [(L(Me))Ni2II(mu-L')](n+) with a bioctahedral N(3)Ni(II)(mu-SR)(2)(mu-L')Ni(II)N(3) core and an overall calixarene-like structure. The bridging coordination site L' is accessible for a wide range of exogenous coligands. In this study L'=NO(3)(-), NO(2)(-), N(3)(-), N(2)H(4), pyrazolate (pz), pyridazine (pydz), phthalazine (phtz), and benzoate (OBz). Crystallographic studies reveal that each substrate binds in a distinct fashion to the [(L(Me))Ni(2)](2+) portion: NO(2)(-), N(2)H(4), pz, pydz, and phtz form mu(1,2)-bridges, whereas NO(3)(-), N(3)(-), and OBz(-) are mu(1,3)-bridging. These distinctive binding motifs and the fact that some of the coligands adopt unusual conformations is discussed in terms of complementary host-guest interactions and the size and form of the binding pocket of the [(L(Me))Ni(2)](2+) fragment. UV/Vis and electrochemical studies reveal that the solid-state structures are retained in the solution state. The relative stabilities of the complexes indicate that the [(L(Me))Ni(2)](2+) fragment binds anionic coligands preferentially over neutral ones and strong-field ligands over weak-field ligands. Secondary van der Waals interactions also contribute to the stability of the complexes. Intramolecular ferromagnetic exchange interactions are present in the nitrito-, pyridazine-, and the benzoato-bridged complexes where J=+6.7, +3.5, and +5.8 cm(-1) (H=-2 JS(1)S(2), S(1)=S(2)=1) as indicated by magnetic susceptibility data taken from 300 to 2 K. In contrast, the azido bridge in [(L(Me))Ni(2)(mu(1,3)-N(3))](+) results in an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction J=-46.7 cm(-1). An explanation for this difference is qualitatively discussed in terms of bonding differences.     

Ni[(EPiPr2)2N]2 complexes: stereoisomers (E = Se) and square-planar coordination (E = Te)

The reaction of ((i)Pr 2PE) 2NM.TMEDA (M = Li, E = Se; M = Na, E = Te) with NiBr 2.DME in THF affords Ni[(SeP (i)Pr 2) 2N] 2 as either square-planar (green) or tetrahedral (red) stereoisomers, depending on the recrystallization solvent; the Te analogue is obtained as the square-planar complex Ni[(TeP (i)Pr 2) 2N] 2.     

Diruthenium complexes [((acac)2RuIII)2(mu-OC2H5)2], [((acac)(2RuIII)2(mu-L)](ClO4)2, and [((bpy)(2RuII)2(mu-L)](ClO4)4 [L = (NC5H4)2-N-C6H4-N-(NC5H4)2, acac = acetylacetonate, and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine]. synthesis, structure, magnetic, spectral, and photophysical aspects

Paramagnetic diruthenium(III) complexes (acac)(2)Ru(III)(mu-OC(2)H(5))(2)Ru(III)(acac)(2) (6) and [(acac)(2)Ru(III)(mu-L)Ru(III)(acac)(2)](ClO(4))(2), [7](ClO(4))(2), were obtained via the reaction of binucleating bridging ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetra(2-pyridyl)-1,4-phenylenediamine [(NC(5)H(4))(2)-N-C(6)H(4)-N-(NC(5)H(4))(2), L] with the monomeric metal precursor unit (acac)(2)Ru(II)(CH(3)CN)(2) in ethanol under aerobic conditions. However, the reaction of L with the metal fragment Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(EtOH)(2)(2+) resulted in the corresponding [(bpy)(2)Ru(II) (mu-L) Ru(II)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4))(4), [8](ClO(4))(4). Crystal structures of L and 6 show that, in each case, the asymmetric unit consists of two independent half-molecules. The Ru-Ru distances in the two crystallographically independent molecules (F and G) of 6 are found to be 2.6448(8) and 2.6515(8) A, respectively. Variable-temperature magnetic studies suggest that the ruthenium(III) centers in 6 and [7](ClO(4))(2) are very weakly antiferromagnetically coupled, having J = -0.45 and -0.63 cm(-)(1), respectively. The g value calculated for 6 by using the van Vleck equation turned out to be only 1.11, whereas for [7](ClO(4))(2), the g value is 2.4, as expected for paramagnetic Ru(III) complexes. The paramagnetic complexes 6 and [7](2+) exhibit rhombic EPR spectra at 77 K in CHCl(3) (g(1) = 2.420, g(2) = 2.192, g(3) = 1.710 for 6 and g(1) = 2.385, g(2) = 2.177, g(3) = 1.753 for [7](2+)). This indicates that 6 must have an intermolecular magnetic interaction, in fact, an antiferromagnetic interaction, along at least one of the crystal axes. This conclusion was supported by ZINDO/1-level calculations. The complexes 6, [7](2+), and [8](4+) display closely spaced Ru(III)/Ru(II) couples with 70, 110, and 80 mV separations in potentials between the successive couples, respectively, implying weak intermetallic electrochemical coupling in their mixed-valent states. The electrochemical stability of the Ru(II) state follows the order: [7](2+) < 6 < [8](4+). The bipyridine derivative [8](4+) exhibits a strong luminescence [quantum yield (phi) = 0.18] at 600 nm in EtOH/MeOH (4:1) glass (at 77 K), with an estimated excited-state lifetime of approximately 10 micros.     

Hydrothermal syntheses and crystal structures of complex-linked three-Dimensional coordination vanadium selenites: M(4,4'-bipy)(H(2)O)V(2)Se(2)O(10) (M = Co,Ni)

Two inorganic-organic hybrid compounds with the formula M(4,4'-bipy)(H(2)O)V(2)Se(2)O(10) (M = Co, Ni) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds Co(4,4'-bipy)(H(2)O)V(2)Se(2)O(10) (1) and Ni(4,4'-bipy)(H(2)O)V(2)Se(2)O(10) (2), which are structural analogues, crystallize in the triclinic space group Ponemacr; with crystal data a = 7.9665(3) A, b = 8.1974(3) A, c = 13.8096(4) A, alpha = 85.704(2) degrees, beta = 73.5180(10) degrees, gamma = 75.645(2) degrees, V = 837.76(5) A(3), and Z = 2 and a = 7.9489(19) A, b = 8.128(2) A, c = 13.709 A, alpha = 85.838(6) degrees, beta = 73.736(8) degrees, gamma = 75.594(9) degrees, V = 823.5(4) A(3), and Z = 2, respectively. [M(4,4'-bipy)(H(2)O)V(2)Se(2)O(10)] (M = Co, Ni) have a three-dimensional structure and consist of two subunits, [(VO(2))(SeO(3))](-) infinite chains and [M(4,4'-bipy)(H(2)O)](2+) fragments. The [(VO(2))(SeO(3))](-) chains are composed of [V(2)Se(4)O(14)](4)(-) clusters linked by VO(4)N triangular bipyramids. The 4,4'-bipy molecule as a bifunctional organic ligand is directly linked to Co or Ni and V atoms, affording the three-dimensionality. The compounds were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses.     

Ni(P(Ph)2N(C6H4X)2)2]2+ complexes as electrocatalysts for H2 production: effect of substituents, acids, and water on catalytic rates

A series of mononuclear nickel(II) bis(diphosphine) complexes [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4X)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) (P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4X)(2) = 1,5-di(para-X-phenyl)-3,7-diphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; X = OMe, Me, CH(2)P(O)(OEt)(2), Br, and CF(3)) have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4Me)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4OMe)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) are tetracoordinate with distorted square planar geometries. The Ni(II/I) and Ni(I/0) redox couples of each complex are electrochemically reversible in acetonitrile with potentials that are increasingly cathodic as the electron-donating character of X is increased. Each of these complexes is an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen production at the potential of the Ni(II/I) couple. The catalytic rates generally increase as the electron-donating character of X is decreased, and this electronic effect results in the favorable but unusual situation of obtaining higher catalytic rates as overpotentials are decreased. Catalytic studies using acids with a range of pK(a) values reveal that turnover frequencies do not correlate with substrate acid pK(a) values but are highly dependent on the acid structure, with this effect being related to substrate size. Addition of water is shown to dramatically increase catalytic rates for all catalysts. With [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(C6H4CH2P(O)(OEt)2)(2))(2)](BF(4))(2) using [(DMF)H](+)OTf(-) as the acid and with added water, a turnover frequency of 1850 s(-1) was obtained.     

Chemistry of a Ni(II) acetohydroxamic acid complex: formation, reactivity with water, and attempted preparation of zinc and cobalt analogues

Mononuclear Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) complexes of the bppppa (N,N-bis[(6-phenyl-2-pyridyl)methyl]-N-[(6-pivaloylamido-2-pyridyl)methyl]amine) ligand have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, 1H NMR, UV-vis (Ni(II) and Co(II)) and infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Each complex has the empirical formula [(bppppa)M](ClO4)2 (M = Ni(II), 2; Zn(II), 3; Co(II), 4) and in the solid state exhibits a metal center having a coordination number of five; albeit, the cation of 2 also has a sixth weak interaction involving a perchlorate anion. Treatment of [(bppppa)Ni](ClO4)2 (2) with 1 equiv of acetohydroxamic acid results in the formation of [(bppppa)Ni(HONHC(O)CH3)](ClO4)2 (1), a novel Ni(II) complex having a coordinated neutral acetohydroxamic acid ligand. In 1, one phenyl-appended pyridyl donor of the bppppa chelate ligand is dissociated from the metal center and acts as a hydrogen bond acceptor for the hydroxyl group of the bound acetohydroxamic acid ligand. Treatment of 1 with excess water results in the formation of 2 and free acetohydroxamic acid. We hypothesize that this reaction occurs due to disruption of the intramolecular hydrogen bonding interaction involving the bound acid. In this series of reactions, the bppppa ligand exhibits behavior reminiscent of a type III hemilabile ligand in terms of one phenylpyridyl donor. Treatment of 3 or 4 with acetohydroxamic acid results in no reaction, indicating that the bppppa-ligated Ni(II) derivative 2 exhibits unique coordination chemistry with respect to reaction with acetohydroxamic acid within this series of complexes. We attribute this reactivity to the ability of the bppppa-ligated Ni(II) center to adopt a pseudo-octahedral geometry, whereas the Zn(II) and Co(II) complexes retain five coordinate metal centers.     

Oxidation products of calcium and strontium bis(diphenylphosphanide)

The tetrahydrofuran adducts [(thf)(4)M(PPh(2))(2)] (M = Ca, Sr) are air sensitive and can easily be oxidized by chalcogens. Metalation of diphenylphosphane oxide, diphenylphosphinic acid, and diphenyldithiophosphinic acid as well as salt metathetical approaches of the potassium salts with MI(2) allow the synthesis of [(thf)(4)Ca(OPPh(2))(2)] (1), [(dmso)(2)Ca(O(2)PPh(2))(2)] (2), [(thf)(3)Ca(O(2)PPh(2))I](2) (3), [(thf)(3)Ca(S(2)PPh(2))(2)] (4), [(thf)(2)Ca(Se(2)PPh(2))(2)] (5), [(thf)(3)Sr(S(2)PPh(2))(2)] (6), [(thf)(3)Sr(Se(2)PPh(2))(2)] (7), and [(thf)(2)Ca(O(2)PPh(2))(S(2)PPh(2))](2) (8), respectively. The diphenylphosphinite anion in 1 contains a phosphorus atom in a trigonal pyramidal environment and binds terminally via the oxygen atom to calcium. The diphenylphosphinate anions act as bridging ligands leading to polymeric structures of calcium bis(diphenylphosphinates). Therefore strong Lewis bases such as dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) are required to recrystallize this complex yielding chain-like 2. The chain structure can also be cut into smaller units by ligands which avoid bridging positions such as iodide and diphenyldithiophosphinate (3 and 8, respectively). In general, diphenyldithio- and -diselenophosphinate anions act as terminal ligands and allow the isolation of mononuclear complexes 4 to 7. In these molecules the alkaline earth metals show coordination numbers of six (5) and seven (4, 6, and 7).     

Synthesis and properties of palladium diselenolenes: X-ray crystal structures of [Pd[SeC(R(1))=C(R(2))Se](PBu(3))(2)] [R(1), R(2) = (CH(2))(n), n = 4, 5, 6

The reaction between [Pd(2)(dba)(3)] (dba = dibenzylideneacetone), tributylphosphine, and a bis(cycloalkeno)-1,4-diselenin leads to either a mononuclear diselenolene [Pd[SeC(R(1))=C(R(2))Se](PBu(3))(2)] or a dinuclear diselenolene [Pd(2)[SeC(R(1))=C(R(2))Se](2)(PBu(3))(2)] [R(1), R(2) = (CH(2))(n), n = 4, 5, 6] depending on the stoichiometry employed. Treatment of the dinuclear diselenolenes with 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) provides a high-yielding route to the mononuclear species [Pd[SeC(R(1))=C(R(2))Se](dppe)]. All new compounds have been characterized by standard spectroscopic and analytical techniques, in particular by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy; the structure of each of the mononuclear tributylphosphine complexes has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Computational studies show that the observed asymmetry of the diselenolenes in the solid state is a result primarily of intramolecular repulsive interactions between the ligands.