Spin State Tunes Oxygen Atom Transfer towards FeIVO Formation in FeII Complexes

Oxoiron(IV) complexes bearing tetradentate ligands have been extensively studied as models for the active oxidants in non-heme iron-dependent enzymes. These species are commonly generated by oxidation of their ferrous precursors. The mechanisms of these reactions have seldom been investigated. In this work, the reaction kinetics of complexes [Fe^II(CH₃CN)₂L](SbF₆)₂ ( [1](SbF₆)₂ and [2](SbF₆)₂ ) and [Fe^II(CF₃SO₃)₂L] ( [1](OTf)₂ and [2](OTf)₂ ( 1 , L=^Me,HPytacn; 2 , L=^nP,HPytacn; ^R,R′Pytacn=1-[(6-R′-2-pyridyl)methyl]-4,7- di-R-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) with Bu₄NIO₄ to form the corresponding [Fe^IV(O)(CH₃CN)L]²⁺ ( 3 , L=^Me,HPytacn; 4 , L=^nP,HPytacn) species was studied in acetonitrile/acetone at low temperatures. The reactions occur in a single kinetic step with activation parameters independent of the nature of the anion and similar to those obtained for the substitution reaction with Cl⁻ as entering ligand, which indicates that formation of [Fe^IV(O)(CH₃CN)L]²⁺ is kinetically controlled by substitution in the starting complex to form [Fe^II(IO₄)(CH₃CN)L]⁺ intermediates that are converted rapidly to oxo complexes 3 and 4 . The kinetics of the reaction is strongly dependent on the spin state of the starting complex. A detailed analysis of the magnetic susceptibility and kinetic data for the triflate complexes reveals that the experimental values of the activation parameters for both complexes are the result of partial compensation of the contributions from the thermodynamic parameters for the spin-crossover equilibrium and the activation parameters for substitution. The observation of these opposite and compensating effects by modifying the steric hindrance at the ligand illustrates so far unconsidered factors governing the mechanism of oxygen atom transfer leading to high-valent iron oxo species.     

New Penta(tetrathiafulvalenyl)[60]fullerenes for Supramolecular Materials

New penta(organo)fullerenes donor–acceptor systems bearing five tetrathiafulvalene recognition units have been synthesized to promote self‐assemblies similar in appearance to shuttlecocks nested into each other thanks to the conical host cavity created around the fullerene together with the π–π and electronic interactions.     

Nonstoichiometric spinel ferrites obtained from alpha-NaFeO2 via molten media reactions

Different solid/liquid "exchange" reactions involving divalent cations, protons, or ammonium ions have been performed at low/moderate temperatures (between 80 and 500 degrees C) on alpha-NaFeO2 dipped in molten salts (or acid) media. Several ferrites have been obtained which are nonstoichiometric with partially inverse spinel structures. When sodium is replaced by divalent cations (Mg2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+), the obtained ferrites are hyperstoichiometric (cation/oxygen ratio higher than 3/4) whereas proton or ammonium reactions result in hypostoichiometric materials (cation/oxygen lower than 3/4). All these ferrites present a platelet-like morphology and show ferrimagnetic, soft magnet behavior.     

Synthesis of series of 1- and 3-differently substituted xanthines from imidazoles

A new and general method is described for the synthesis, in three steps and in good overall yields, of tetrasubstituted xanthines from an easily prepared imidazole precursor. The method is especially useful for the preparation in standardized conditions of series of xanthines combining a broad variety of primary or secondary alkyl, benzyl or aryl groups at N1 and of alkyl or arylmethyl groups at N3, that are not readily available by other methods.     

Synthetic applications of o- and p-halobenzyl sulfones as zwitterionic synthons: preparation of ortho-substituted cinnamates and biarylacetic acids

The synthetic applications of o-halobenzyl and p-halobenzyl sulfones as precursors of 1,3- and 1,5-zwitterionic synthons, respectively, are described. Their alpha-sulfonyl carbanions, generated by means of the phosphazene base P2-Et or BuLi or K2CO3 under PTC conditions, reacted with different electrophiles such as alkyl halides, aldehydes, and electrophilic olefins. Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling processes such as Heck, Suzuki, and Sonogashira reactions can be efficiently performed at the halogen atom. These two sequential functionalization processes are applied to the synthesis of ortho-substituted cinnamates and pharmaceuticals belonging to the family of p-biarylacetic acids such as 4-biphenylacetic acid, namoxyrate, xenyhexenic acid, and biphenylpropionic acid.     

Intramolecular dealkylation of chelating diamines with Ru(II) complexes

N,N, N',N'-Tetraethylethylenediamine undergoes simple or double intramolecular dealkylation reactions in the presence of the complexes [RuCl2(diene)]n (diene = cod, nbd) or trans-[RuCl2(diene)(morfoline)2 at 80 degrees C to afford chelating amine ligands which contains one or two N-H functionalities.     

Productive trapping of NAD-type radicals. Non-biomimetic reduction of pyridinium salts

One-electron reduction of pyridinium salts (NAD+ analogues) generates dihydropyridyl radicals which may then be engaged in radical addition processes to regioselectively form gamma-substituted dihydropyridines.     

Synthesis and characterization of [Cu(Me2oxpn)Ni(NO2)(tmen)](ClO4): a single ferrimagnetic dinuclear CuII-NiII complex acting as weak molecule-based magnet

The new heterodinuclear complex [Cu(Me2oxpn)Ni(NO2)(tmen)](ClO4), that exhibits strong antiferromagnetic intramolecular coupling between CuII and NiII ions (ferrimagnetic behavior), shows ferromagnetic ordering at low temperature, due likely to a small canting phenomenon; it is one of the very few compounds made from isolated molecules that lead to cooperative magnetic behavior.