Syntheses and characterizations of nine coordination polymers of transition metals with carboxylate anions and bis(imidazole) ligands

Nine new compounds, namely [CuL1(biim-6)] · H₂O (1), [ZnL1(biim-6)] · H₂O (2), [MnL1(biim-6)] · H₂O (3), [MnL1(biim-4)] (4), [Co₂(L2)₂(biim-5)₃ · 6H₂O] · 8H₂O (5), [ZnL3(biim-6)] (6), [ZnL3(biim-5)] (7), [CdL3(biim-5) · 1.5H₂O] · 0.5H₂O (8) and [CdL4(biim-6) · 2H₂O] (9) [where L1 = oxalate anion, L2 = fumarate anion, L3 = phthalate anion, L4 = p-phthalate anion, biim-4 = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), biim-5 = 1,1′-(1,5-pentanedidyl)bis(imidazole) and biim-6 = 1,1′-(1,6-hexanedidyl)bis(imidazole)] were successfully synthesized. Compounds 1–3 are isostructural, and display 2D polymeric structures. Compound 4 shows a threefold interpenetrating diamondoid framework. In compound 5, the anions act as counterions, and the metal cations are bridged by bis(imidazole) ligands to form 1D polymeric chains. Compounds 6–9 show 2D polymeric structures. The magnetic properties for 1, 3 and 4 and luminescent properties for 2 and 6–9 are discussed. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) for these compounds are also discussed.     

F NMR spectroscopy as useful tool for determining the structure in solution of coordination compounds of MF5 (M = Nb, Ta)

The salts [S(NMe₂)₃][MF₆] (M = Nb, 2a; M = Ta, 2b) and [S(NMe₂)₃][M₂F₁₁] (M = Nb, 2c; M = Ta, 2d) have been prepared by reacting MF₅ (M = Nb, 1a; M = Ta, 1b) with [S(NMe₂)₃][SiMe₃F₂] (TASF reagent) in the appropriate molar ratio. The solid state structure of 2b has been ascertained by X-ray diffraction. The 1:1 molar ratio reactions of 1a with a variety of organic compounds (L) give the neutral adducts NbF₅L [L = Me₂CO, 3a; L = MeCHO, 3b; L = Ph₂CO, 3c; L = tetrahydrofuran (thf), 3d; L = MeOH, 3e; L = EtOH, 3f; L = HOCH₂CH₂OMe, 3g; L = Ph₃PO, 3h; L = NCMe, 3i] in good yields. The complexes MF₅L [M = Nb, L = HCONMe₂, 3j; M = Nb, L = (NMe₂)₂CO, 3k; M = Ta, L = (NMe₂)₂CO, 3l; M = Nb, L = OC(Me)CHCMe₂, 3m] have been detected in solution in admixture with other unidentified products, upon 2:1 molar reaction of 1 with the appropriate reagent L. The ionic complexes [NbF₄(tht)₂][NbF₆], 4a, and [NbF₄(tht)₂][Nb₂F₁₁], 4b, have been obtained by combination of tetrahydrothiophene (tht) and 1a, in 1:1 and 2:3 molar ratios, respectively. The treatment of 1 with a two-fold excess of L leads to the species [MF₄L₄][MF₆] [M = Nb, L = HCONMe₂, 5a; M = Ta, L = HCONMe₂, 5b; M = Nb, L = thf, 5c; M = Ta, L = thf, 5d; M = Nb, L = OEt₂, 5e]. The new complexes have been fully characterised by NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the revised ¹⁹F NMR features of the known compounds MF₅L [M = Ta, L = Me₂CO, 3n; M = Ta, L = Ph₂CO, 3o; M = Ta, L = MePhCO, 3p; M = Ta, L = thf, 3q; M = Nb, L = CH₃CO₂H, 3r; M = Nb, L = CH₂ClCO₂H, 3s; M = Ta, L = CH₂ClCO₂H, 3t], TaF₄(acac), TaF₄(Me-acac) and [TaF(Me-acac)₃][TaF₆] (Me-acac = methylacetylacetonato anion) are reported.     

Rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes with bispyridine ligands attached to sulfur-rich core: Syntheses, structures and properties

Rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes with bispyridine ligands bearing sulfur-rich pendant, Re(CO)₃(Medpydt)X (Medpydt = dimethyl 2-(di(2-pyridyl)methylene)-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dicarboxylate; X = Cl, 1; X = Br, 2) and Re(CO)₃(MebpyTTF)X (MebpyTTF = 4,5-bis(methyloxycabonyl)-4′,5′-(4′-methyl-2,2′-dipyrid-4-ylethylenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene; X = Cl, 5; X = Br, 6), were prepared from the reactions between Re(CO)₅X (X = Cl, Br) and Medpydt or MebpyTTF, respectively. Hydrolysis of the above complexes afforded the analogues with carboxylate derivatives, Re(CO)₃(H₂dpydt)X (X = Cl, 3; X = Br, 4) and Re(CO)₃(H₂bpyTTF)X (X = Cl, 7; X = Br, 8). The crystal structures for complexes 1 · 2H₂O, 5 and 6 were determined using X-ray single crystal diffraction. UV-Vis absorption spectra of the rhenium complexes show the intraligand and MLCT transitions. Electrochemical behaviors of all new compounds were studied with cyclic voltammetry. Upon irradiation, complexes 3-6 exhibit blue to red emissions in fluid solutions at the room temperature. The performance of complexes 3, 4, 7 and 8 as photosensitizers for anatase TiO₂ solar cells was preliminarily investigated as well.     

Syntheses and structural characterizations of rhenium carbonyl complexes of a bitopic ferrocene-linked bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligand

The reaction between Fe[C₅H₄CH(pz)₂]₂ (pz = pyrazolyl ring) and two equivalents of Re(CO)₅Br in refluxing toluene produces Fe[C₅H₄CH(pz)₂Re(CO)₃Br]₂ (1) in high yield. A similar reaction with a ligand/rhenium ratio of slightly greater than one yields mainly 1 and a low yield of Fe[C₅H₄CH(pz)₂Re(CO)₃Br][C₅H₄CH(pz)₂] (2). The compound H₂C(pz)₂Re(CO)₃Br (3) was prepared by the reaction of H₂C(pz)₂ and Re(CO)₅Br. Compounds 1 and 2 show a reversible oxidation at ca. 0.9 V (Ag/AgCl) that can be assigned to the oxidation of the ferrocene moiety and one irreversible oxidation at ca. 1.4 V assigned to the oxidation of the rhenium metal center. The solid-state structures of 1 · CH₃NO₂, 1 · 2CH₃NO₂, 1 · 2CH₃CN and 2 · 1/2Et₂O · 1/2C₃H₆O have been determined, with 1 · 2CH₃NO₂ and 1 · 2CH₃CN being isomorphous. All four are organized into supramolecular structures by the interactions of the acidic hydrogens of the pyrazolyl and methine groups with either the bromine atoms or carbonyl ligand oxygen atoms, and in 2 the lone pairs on the uncomplexed bis(pyrazolyl)methane units.     

Anion effect on the construction of copper(II) coordination polymers with the twisted ligand bis(4-pyridylthio)methane

The reaction of CuSO₄ · H₂O with 4-bpytm [4-bpytm = bis(4-pyridylthio)methane] in EtOH afforded the complex [Cu(SO₄)(4-bpytm)(H₂O)₃] · H₂O (1 · H₂O) while the reaction of 4-bpytm with Cu(NO₃)₂ · 3H₂O in EtOH afforded the complex [Cu(NO₃)₂(4-bpytm)₂] · H₂O (2 · H₂O). The reaction of 4-bpytm with Cu(NO₃)₂ · 3H₂O in EtOH/dmf under microwave irradiation afforded the pseudo-polymorph [Cu(NO₃)₂(4-bpytm)₂] · Solv (2 · Solv). Compound 1 · H₂O forms helical chains while compounds 2 · H₂O and 2 · Solv are 2D coordination polymers with a (4,4) topology based on rhombic grids in 2 · H₂O and on a parquet motif in 2 · Solv. The 3D supramolecular organization through hydrogen bonding is analyzed for the three compounds and their thermal behaviour was also investigated.     

Crystal structures,theoretical calculations,spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of Cr(III) complexes with dipicolinic acid and 1,10-phenantroline

The crystal structures of compounds Na[Cr(dipic)₂] · 2H₂O (1) and [Cr(dipic)(phen)Cl] · 1/2H₂O (2), dipic = dipicolinate, phen = 1,10-phenantroline, were determined. In both complexes, Cr(III) is in a distorted octahedral environment. In complex (1), the metal is coordinated to two nearly perpendicular dipic anions acting as tridentate ligands through one oxygen of each carboxylate group and the pyridinic nitrogen atom. In complex (2), Cr(III) ion is similarly coordinated to a dipic anion, defining a ligand equatorial plane. The phen molecule bridges the remaining equatorial coordination site and one of the axial positions through its N-atoms. The other axial position is occupied by a chloride ion.     

Synthesis,structures and luminescent properties of 4d–4f heterometallic coordination frameworks based on lanthanide oxalate substructures with nicotinate bridging ligands

Four transition–lanthanide metal–organic coordination polymers, namely [Ag₂Ln(nic)₄(H₂O)₄ · (ClO₄) · H₂O] [Ln = Eu (1), Gd (2)] and [AgLn(nic)₂(ox)_0.5(H₂O)₂ · (ClO₄) · H₂O] [Ln = Tb (3), Yb (4)] (nic = nicotinate; ox = oxalate) have been synthesized by the hydrothermal reactions of 4d and 4f metal salts with N-/O-donor ligands. The isostructural complexes 1 and 2 exhibit novel 2D wave-like heterometallic layers constructed by the assembly of 1D chains of lanthanide–carboxylate with Ag(nic)₂ subunits. Complexes 3 and 4 show another unusual 3D heterometallic coordination framework constructed from 2D lanthanide–oxalate layers and pillar-like Ag(nic)₂ subunits. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of complexes 1 and 3 were studied.     

Reverse Kocheshkov reaction - Redistribution reactions between RSn(OCH2CH2NMe2)2Cl (R = Alk, Ar) and PhSnCl3: Experimental and DFT study

A series of organotin compounds bearing two intramolecular N → Sn coordination bonds RSn(OCH₂CH₂NMe₂)₂Cl (R = Me (4), n-Bu (5), Mes (6)) were synthesized in good yields. These compounds as well as 2 (R = Ph) react with PhSnCl₃ to give redistribution products RPhSnCl₂ and (Me₂NCH₂CH₂O)₂SnCl₂ (3). The direction of redistribution reactions is reverse to Kocheshkov reaction. DFT calculations have shown that the driving force of the reactions is formation of intramolecular N → Sn coordination bonds in (RO)₂SnCl₂ (3), the Lewis acid stronger than RSn(OR)₂Cl (2, 4-6). The mechanism of the redistribution reaction between 2 and PhSnCl₃ consists of two steps: (1) initial exchange of OCH₂CH₂NMe₂ and Cl to give PhSn(OCH₂CH₂NMe₂)Cl₂ (7) followed by (2). Ph and OCH₂CH₂NMe₂ exchange.     

Synthesis and protonolysis of neutral aluminum dihydride compounds stabilized by tridentate-substituted pyrrolyl ligands: Synthesis, structural characterization and ring-opening polymerization of ?-caprolactone

A series of aluminum compounds containing tridentate pyrrolyl ligands were obtained from related aluminum dihydride compounds via protonolysis. Treatment of tetranuclear aluminum compound [C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}Al₂H₅]₂ (1) with two equivalents of [C₄H₃N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}] in methylene chloride at 0 °C led to the formation of [C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}]AlH₂ (2). Similarly, when the deuterated aluminum compound 1D was used, the corresponding aluminum compound [C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}]AlD₂ (2D) could be isolated. The reaction of 2 with one or two equivalents of phenylethyne, triphenylmethanethiol, 2,6-diisopropylaniline, or triphenylsilanol generated mononuclear aluminum compounds [[C₄H₂N{2,5-(CH₂NMe₂)₂}]AlRR′ (3, R = -CCPh, R′ = H; 4, R = R′ = -CCPh; 5, R = -SCPh₃, R′ = H; 6, R = R′ = -SCPh₃; 7, R = -NH(2,6-ⁱPr₂Ph), R′ = H; 8, R = R′ = -NH(2,6-ⁱPr₂Ph); 9, R = -OSiPh₃, R′ = H; 10, R = R′ = -OSiPh₃). Related Al-D compounds of 3, 5, 7 and 9 were also synthesized and corresponding IR spectroscopic data well matched in comparison of the stretching frequencies of Al-H and Al-D. The molecular structures of 2D, 4, 5, 5D, 7, and 10 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 2, 5, and 7 initiated the ring-opening polymerization of ?-caprolactone and produced high-molecular weight of poly-?-caprolactone.     

Solvothermal syntheses and crystal structures of new Cu(II) complexes with phenylsuccinic acid

Five new Cu(II) complexes [Cu(psa)(phen)] · 3H₂O (1), [Cu(psa)(2bpy)] · 0.5H₂O (2), [Cu(psa)(2bpy)(H₂O)] · 3H₂O (3), [Cu(psa)(4bpy)] · H₂O (4), and [Cu(psa)_0.5(N₃)(2bpy)] (5) (H₂psa = phenylsuccinic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, and 4bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were obtained under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 2 and 3 were formed by one-pot reaction. In complex 2, Cu(II) ion is four-coordinated and locates at a slightly distorted square center. In complex 3, the coordinated water molecule occupies the axial site of Cu(II) ion forming a tetragonal pyramid geometry. Complexes 1 and 3 are of 1D chain structures, and extended into 2D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds. Complex 2 is of zipper structure, and further assembled into 2D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. Complex 4 is a 3D CdSO₄-like structure with twofold interpenetration, while complex 5 is a dinuclear compound. The different structures of complexes 1–5 can be attributed to using the auxiliary ligands, indicating an important role of the auxiliary ligands in assembly and structure of the title complexes.     

Syntheses,supramolecular structures and properties of six coordination complexes based on 5-sulfosalicylic acid and bipyridyl-like chelates

Six new complexes constructed by 5-sulfosalicylic acid and bipyridyl-like ligands (2,2′-bipy and 1,10-phen), namely [Cu₄(OH)₂(ssal)₂(phen)₄ · 7H₂O] (1), [Cu₄(OH)₂(ssal)₂(bipy)₄ · 2H₂O] (2), [Cd(Hssal)(bipy)] (3), [Cd(HL)₂(phen)₂] (4), [Cr(ssal)(bipy)(H₂O)₂ · 2H₂O] (5) and [Cr(ssal)(phen)₂] (6) (H₃ssal = 5-sulfosalicylic acid, H₂L = p-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid, bipy = 2,2′-bipy, phen = 1,10-phen) were prepared under hydrothermal conditions and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 are both tetranuclear copper complexes with a stepped topology. In complex 3, a new coordination mode of the Hssal²⁻ group is reported in this work. During the synthetic process of complex 4, in situ decarboxylation of 5-sulfosalicylic acid into p-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid is involved. Two chromium 5-sulfosalicylates (5 and 6) are reported for the first time. These new complexes display different supramolecular structures by O–H?O, C–H?O hydrogen bonds as well as π?π, C–H?π and O?π interactions. The results of magnetic determination show that ferromagnetic interactions exist in complex 1, however, antiferromagnetic interactions exist in 2.     

Olefin-aminocarbyne coupling in diiron complexes: Synthesis of new bridging aminoallylidene complexes

The bridging aminocarbyne complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 1a; Xyl, 1b; 4-C₆H₄OMe, 1c; Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆ H₃) react with acrylonitrile or methyl acrylate, in the presence of Me₃NO and NaH, to give the corresponding μ-allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³- C_α(N(Me)(R))C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R′)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Me, R′ = CN, 3a; R = Xyl, R′ = CN, 3b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = CN, 3c; R = Me, R′ = CO₂Me, 3d; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = CO₂Me, 3e). Likewise, 1a reacts with styrene or diethyl maleate, under the same reaction conditions, affording the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(R′)C_γ(H)(R″)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = H, R″ = C₆H₅, 3f; R′ = R″ = CO₂Et, 3g). The corresponding reactions of [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1d) with acrylonitrile or methyl acrylate afford the complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(Me)(CH₂Ph))C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R′)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = CN, 3h; CO₂Me, 3i), respectively.The coupling reaction of olefin with the carbyne carbon is regio- and stereospecific, leading to the formation of only one isomer. C-C bond formation occurs selectively between the less substituted alkene carbon and the aminocarbyne, and the C_β-H, C_γ-H hydrogen atoms are mutually trans.The reactions with acrylonitrile, leading to 3a-c and 3h involve, as intermediate species, the nitrile complexes [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NC-CHCH₂)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (M = Fe, R = Me, 4a; M = Fe, R = Xyl, 4b; M = Fe, R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, 4c; M = Ru, R = CH₂C₆H₅, 4d).Compounds 3a, 3d and 3f undergo methylation (by CH₃SO₃CF₃) and protonation (by HSO₃CF₃) at the nitrogen atom, leading to the formation of the cationic complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(Me)₃)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CN, 5a; R = CO₂Me, 5b; R = C₆H₅, 5c) and [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(H)(Me)₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CN, 6a; R = CO₂Me, 6b; R = C₆H₅, 6c), respectively.Complex 3a, adds the fragment [Fe(CO)₂(THF)(Cp)]⁺, through the nitrile functionality of the bridging ligand, leading to the formation of the complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(CNFe(CO)₂Cp)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (9).In an analogous reaction, 3a and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃], in the presence of Me₃NO, are assembled to give the tetrameric species [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(CN[Fe₂{μ- CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂])}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 10a; R = Xyl, 10b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, 10c).The molecular structures of 3a and 3b have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Structural and spectral investigations on some new Ni(II) complexes of di-2-pyridyl ketone N(4)-phenylthiosemicarbazone

Ni(II) complexes (1–5) of di-2-pyridyl ketone N(4)-phenylthiosemicarbazone (HL) have been synthesized and spectrochemically characterized. Elemental analyses revealed a NiL₂ · 2H₂O stoichiometry for compound 1. However, the single crystals isolated revealed a composition NiL₂ · 0.5(H₂O)0.5(DMF). The compound crystallizes into a monoclinic lattice with the space group P2₁/n. Complexes 2, 3 and 4 are observed to show a 1:1:1 ratio of metal:thiosemicarbazone:gegenion, with the general formula NiLX · yH₂O [X = NCS, y = 2 for 2; X = Cl, y = 3 for 3 and X = N₃, y = 4.5 for 4]. Compound 5 is a dimer with a metal:thiosemicarbazone:gegenion ratio of 2:2:1, with the formula [Ni₂L₂(SO₄)] · 4H₂O.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and luminescent properties of two novel lanthanide/4-pya complexes: [Ln(4-pya)3(H2O)2]2 (Ln = Eu, La; 4-pya = trans-4-pyridylacrylate)

Reactions of Ln₂O₃ and trans-4-pyridylacrylic acid (4-Hpya) in EtOH/H₂O or MeOH/H₂O produced two new lanthanide/4-pya complexes [Ln(4-pya)₃(H₂O)₂]₂ (1: Ln = Eu; 2: Ln = La) in low yields. However, reactions of LnCl₃ · 6H₂O with 4-Hpya/aqueous ammonia in EtOH/H₂O or MeOH/H₂O gave rise to 1 or 2 in higher yields. Both compounds were structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and X-ray analysis. Compounds 1 · 2EtOH · 2H₂O and 2 · 2MeOH · 2H₂O were confirmed to possess one-dimensional polymeric chain structures. In the structure of 1, each Eu(III) adopts a monocapped square-antiprism coordination geometry and each dimer [Eu(4-pya)₃(H₂O)₂]₂ within the chain is interconnected by two pairs of different bridging 4-pya ligands. On the other hand, each La(III) of 2 takes a bicapped square-antiprism coordination geometry and each dimer [La(4-pya)₃(H₂O)₂]₂ within the chain is linked by two pairs of tridentate bridging 4-pya ligands. The luminescent properties of 1 and 2 in the solid state were investigated.     

Assembly and structures of five new Cu(II) complexes based on the V-shaped building block [Cu(dbsf)]

Five new copper(II) complexes [Cu(dbsf)(H₂O)]_n · 0.5n(i-C₃H₇OH) (1), [Cu(dbsf)(4,4′-bpy)_0.5]_n · nH₂O (2), [Cu(dbsf)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]₂ · (n-C₃H₇OH) · 0.5H₂O (3), [Cu(dbsf)(phen)(H₂O)]₂ · 1.5H₂O (4) and [Cu(dbsf)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]_n · n(i-C₃H₇OH) (5) (H₂dbsf = 4,4′-dicarboxybiphenyl sulfone, 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, i-C₃H₇OH = isopropanol, n-C₃H₇OH = n-propanol) have been synthesized under hydro/solvothermal conditions. All of the complexes are assembled from V-shaped building blocks, [Cu(dbsf)]. Complex 1 is composed of 1D double-chains. In complex 2, dbsf²⁻ ligands and 4,4′-bpy ligands connect Cu(II) ions into catenane-like 2D layers. These catenane-like 2D layers stack in an ABAB fashion to form a 3D supramolecular network. Complexes 3 and 4 are 0D dimers, in which two [Cu(dbsf)] units encircle to form dimetal macrocyclic molecules. However, in complex 5, the V-shaped building blocks [Cu(dbsf)] are joined head-to-tail, resulting in the formation of infinite tooth-like chains. The different structures of complexes 3 and 5 may be attributed to the different solvent molecules included.     

Infinite chains constructed from flexible bis(benzimidazole)-based ligands

Two neutral ligands, L¹ · 2H₂O and L² · H₂O, and seven complexes, [Cu(pmb)₂(L¹)] (1), [Cu(pmb)₂(L²)] (2), [Cu(Ac)₂(L²)] · 4H₂O (3), [Cu(4-aba)₂(L²)] (4), [Ag(4-ts)(L¹)(H₂O)] (5), [Ag₂(epes)₂(L¹)] · 2H₂O (6), [Ag(1,5-nds)_0.5(L²)] · 0.5C₂H₅OH · H₂O (7) [where L¹ = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(2-methylbenzimidazole); L² = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(2-ethylbenzimidazole), pmb = p-methoxybenzoate anion; Ac = acetate anion; 4-aba = 4-aminobenzoate anion; 4-ts = p-toluenesulfonate anion; epes = N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N′-(2-ethanesulfonate) anion; 1,5-nds = 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate anion], have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The L¹ and L² ligands in compounds 1–7 act as bridging ligands, linking metal ions into chain structures. The chains in compounds 3, 4 and 6 interlace with each other by hydrogen bonds to generate 3D supramolecular structures. In compound 5, π–π interactions between adjacent L¹ ligands hold the chains to a supramolecular layer. In compound 7, the sulfonate anions act as counterions in the framework. The thermal stabilities of 3, 6 and 7, and the luminescent properties for 5–7 in the solid states are also discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of carboxy-functionalized diiron model complexes of [FeFe]-hydrogenases: Decarboxylation of Ph2PCH2COOH promoted by a diiron azadithiolate complex

Two carboxy-functionalized diiron complexes [{(μ-SCH₂)₂X}{Fe(CO)₃}{Fe(CO)₂L}] (X = NC₃H₇, L = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂COOH, 4; X = CH₂, L = Ph₂PCH₂COOH, 5) were prepared, as biomimetic models of the [FeFe] hydrogenase active site, from the CO-replacement of [{(μ-SCH₂)₂NC₃H₇}Fe₂(CO)₆] (1) and (μ-pdt)Fe₂(CO)₆ (2) by phosphine ligands in CH₃CN at 40 °C, respectively. In contrast, the reaction of 1 with Ph₂PCH₂COOH under the same condition afforded complex [{(μ-SCH₂)₂NC₃H₇}{Fe(CO)₃}{Fe(CO)₂(Ph₂PCH₃)}] (3) with a decarboxylated phosphine ligand. The molecular structures of complexes 3-5 were determined by X-ray crystallographic analyses, which show that they have similar frameworks with the phosphine ligand on the apical position. The interesting C-H···S contacts between the methylene hydrogen atoms of the PhCH₂COOH ligand and the μ-S atoms of the pdt-bridge are found in the crystal of 5. According to the experimental evidence, a plausible mechanism, via sequential phosphine coordination, N-protonation, and decarboxylation steps, is proposed for the formation of 3 and for explanation of the contrastive reactivities of the adt- (2-aza-1,3-propanedithiolato) and the pdt- (1,3-propanedithiolato) bridged diiron complexes toward decarboxylation of the Ph₂PCH₂COOH ligand.     

Syntheses, crystal structures of a series of copper(II) complexes and their catalytic activities in the green oxidative coupling of 2,6-dimethylphenol

Three mixed-ligand Cu^II complexes bearing iminodiacetato (ida) and N-heterocyclic ligands, namely, [Cu₂(ida)₂(bbbm)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (1), [Cu₂(ida)₂(btx)(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O (2) and [Cu₂(ida)₂(pbbm)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O · 3CH₃OH (3) (bbbm = 1,1^′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole, btx = 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, pbbm = 1,1^′-(1,3-propanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole), in addition to three fcz-based Cu^II complexes, namely, {[Cu(fcz)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2NO₃}_n (4), {[Cu(fcz)₂(H₂O)] · SO₄ · DMF · 2CH₃OH · 2H₂O}_n (5) and {[Cu(fcz)₂Cl₂] · 2CH₃OH}_n (6) (fcz = 1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,1-bis[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-l-yl) methyl]ethanol) have been prepared according to appropriate synthetic strategies with the aim of exploiting new and potent catalysts. Single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that 1 and 2 possess similar binuclear structures, 3 features a 2D pleated network, and 4 exhibits a 1D polymeric double-chain structure. Complexes 1-6 are tested as catalysts in the green catalysis process of the oxidative coupling of 2,6-dimethylphenol (DMP). Under the optimized reaction conditions, these complexes are catalytically active by showing high conversion of DMP and high selectivity of PPE. The preliminary study of the catalytic-structural correlations suggests that the coordination environment of the copper center have important influences on their catalytic activities.     

Di-2-pyridyl ketone in actinide chemistry: Dinuclear uranyl complexes

Treatment of UO₂X₂ (X = OAc, Cl, NO₃) with 1 mol equiv of (py)₂CO in THF afforded the adducts [UO₂X₂{(py)₂CO}] in almost quantitative yields. The same reactions in MeOH, in the presence of NEt₃ for X = Cl and NO₃, gave yellow crystals of [(UO₂X)₂{μ-(py)₂C(OMe)O}₂]·MeOH (X = OAc, 1·MeOH and X = Cl, 2·MeOH) and [{UO₂(NO₃)}₂{μ-(py)₂C(OMe)O}₂] (3). Reactions of UO₂X₂ (X = OAc, Cl) with 2 mol equiv of (py)₂CO and NEt₃ in MeOH or further treatment of 1 and 2 with 1 mol equiv of (py)₂CO and NEt₃ afforded the methoxide derivative [{UO₂(OMe)}₂{μ-(py)₂C(OMe)O}₂] (4), while UO₂(NO₃)₂ was transformed into [{UO₂(NO₃)}{UO₂(OH)}{μ-(py)₂C(OMe)O}₂] (5). In these first structurally characterized actinide compounds with a (py)₂CO-based ligand, the uranium atoms are located at the center of pentagonal (X = Cl and OMe) or hexagonal (X = OAc and NO₃) bipyramids sharing one edge defined by the μ-alkoxo oxygen atoms. Crystals of [{UO₂(OMe)}₂{μ-(py)₂C(OMe)O}₂]·[(UO₂)₄{μ₂-(py)₂C(OMe)O}₂(μ₂-OAc)₂(μ₃-O)₂(MeOH)₂]·H₂O (6·H₂O) were serendipitously obtained in one experiment with [UO₂(OAc)₂(H₂O)₂] and (py)₂CO.     

Architecture of zero-, one-, two- and three-dimensional structures based on metal ions and pyrazine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid

Six new complexes: [Ln₂(pzda)₃(H₂O)₂] · 2.5H₂O (Ln = Nd, (1); Eu, (2)), [Co(pzda) (bpe)] · 0.125(bpe) · 1.75H₂O (3), [Mn(pzda)(H₂O)_1.5] (4), [Co₂(pzda)₂(bpe)(H₂O)₄] · 0.5(CH₃OH) · H₂O (5) and [Co(pzda)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)] · 0.5H₂O (6) (H₂pzda = pyrazine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) were obtained from metal salts and H₂pzda under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. The single crystal X-ray structural analysis reveals that the title complexes have different structures, ranging from zero- to three- dimensions, which are mainly due to the different metal ions, and especially the coordination modes of the pzda ligands. Complexes 1 and 2 have 3D metal-organic frameworks containing a 1D tri-strand array, in which the pzda ligand adopts a pentadentate mode to link lanthanide ions. Complex 3 has a 2D metal-organic framework, in which the pzda ligand acts in a tetradentate mode to connect Co(II) ions into 1D chains, which are further connected by bpe spacers into a 2D framework. While in 4, both of the two carboxylate groups of the pzda ligand adopt μ₂-O bridging modes to link Mn(II) ions into a 1D coordination polymer, which is further assembled into a 2D supramolecular network containing double-stranded hydrogen-bonded helical chains. In both 5 and 6, the pzda ligand binds metal ions as a tridentate ligand (ONO mode) to form zero dimensional structures. Complex 5 is a binuclear molecule, while 6 is a mononuclear complex, which can be attributed to the bridging ligand bpe for 5 and the terminal auxiliary ligand 2,2′-bpy for 6.