Unusual monodentate binding mode of 2,2'-dipyridylamine (L) in isomeric trans-(acac)2RuII(L)2, trans-[(acac)2RuIII(L)2]ClO4, and cis-(acac)2RuII(L)2 (acac = acetylacetonate). synthesis, structures, and spectroscopic, electrochemical, and magnetic aspects

The reaction of cis-Ru(acac)2(CH3CN)2 (acac = acetylacetonate) with 2,2'-dipyridylamine (L) in ethanolic medium resulted in facile one-pot synthesis of stable [(acac)2RuIII(L)]ClO4 ([1]ClO4), trans-[(acac)2RuII(L)2] (2), trans-[(acac)2RuIII)L)2]ClO4 ([2]ClO4), and cis-[(acac)2RuII(L)2] (3). The bivalent congener 1 was generated via electrochemical reduction of [1]ClO4. Although in [1]+ the dipyridylamine ligand (L) is bonded to the metal ion in usual bidentate fashion, in 2/[2]+ and 3, the unusual monodentate binding mode of L has been preferentially stabilized. Moreover, in 2/[2]+ and 3, two such monodentate L's have been oriented in the trans- and cis-configurations, respectively. The binding mode of L and the isomeric geometries of the complexes were established by their single-crystal X-ray structures. The redox stability of the Ru(II) state follows the order 1 < 2 < 3. In contrast to the magnetic moment obtained for [1]ClO4, mu = 1.84 muB at 298 K, typical for low-spin Ru(III) species, the compound [2]ClO4 exhibited an anomalous magnetic moment of 2.71 muB at 300 K in the solid state. The variable-temperature magnetic measurements showed a pronounced decrease of the magnetic moment with the temperature, and that dropped to 1.59 muB at 3 K. The experimental data can be fitted satisfactorily using eq 2 that considered nonquenched spin-orbit coupling and Weiss constant in addition to the temperature-independent paramagnetism. [1]ClO4 and [2]ClO4 displayed rhombic and axial EPR spectra, respectively, in both the solid and the solution states at 77 K.     

On the Integration of Dielectrometry into Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy to Obtain Characteristic Properties of a Dielectric Thin Film

We demonstrate a novel impedimetric approach providing unprecedented insight into characteristic properties of dielectric thin films covering electrode surfaces. The concept is based on the joint interpretation of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) together with dielectrometry (DEM) whose informative value is mutually interconnected. The advantage lies in the synergistic compensation of individual shortcomings adversely affecting conventional impedimetric analysis strategies relying exclusively on either DEM or the traditional EIS approach, which in turn allows a reliable determination of thickness and permittivity values. The versatility of the method proposed is showcased by an in-situ growth-monitoring of a nanoporous, crystalline thin film (HKUST-1) on an interdigitated electrode geometry.     

Conformational adaptation and selective adatom capturing of tetrapyridyl-porphyrin molecules on a copper (111) surface

We present a combined low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and near-edge X-ray adsorption fine structure study on the interaction of tetrapyridyl-porphyrin (TPyP) molecules with a Cu(111) surface. A novel approach using data from complementary experimental techniques and charge density calculations allows us to determine the adsorption geometry of TPyP on Cu(111). The molecules are centered on "bridge" sites of the substrate lattice and exhibit a strong deformation involving a saddle-shaped macrocycle distortion as well as considerable rotation and tilting of the meso-substituents. We propose a bonding mechanism based on the pyridyl-surface interaction, which mediates the molecular deformation upon adsorption. Accordingly, a functionalization by pyridyl groups opens up pathways to control the anchoring of large organic molecules on metal surfaces and tune their conformational state. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the affinity of the terminal groups for metal centers permits the selective capture of individual iron atoms at low temperature.     

A Molecular Photosensitizer in a Porous Block Copolymer Matrix-Implications for the Design of Photocatalytically Active Membranes

Recently, porous photocatalytically active block copolymer membranes were introduced, based on heterogenized molecular catalysts. Here, we report the integration of the photosensitizer, i. e., the light absorbing unit in an intermolecular photocatalytic system into block copolymer membranes in a covalent manner. We study the resulting structure and evaluate the orientational mobility of the photosensitizer as integral part of the photocatalytic system in such membranes. To this end we utilize transient absorption anisotropy, highlighting the temporal reorientation of the transition dipole moment probed in a femtosecond pump-probe experiment. Our findings indicate that the photosensitizer is rigidly bound to the polymer membrane and shows a large heterogeneity of absolute anisotropy values as a function of location probed within the matrix. This reflects the sample inhomogeneity arising from different protonation states of the photosensitizer and different intermolecular interactions of the photosensitizers within the block copolymer membrane scaffold.     

High-throughput Synthesis of Solution-Processable van der Waals Heterostructures through Electrochemistry

Two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (2D vdWHs) have recently gained widespread attention because of their abundant and exotic properties, which open up many new possibilities for next-generation nanoelectronics. However, practical applications remain challenging due to the lack of high-throughput techniques for fabricating high-quality vdWHs. Here, we demonstrate a general electrochemical strategy to prepare solution-processable high-quality vdWHs, in which electrostatic forces drive the stacking of electrochemically exfoliated individual assemblies with intact structures and clean interfaces into vdWHs with strong interlayer interactions. Thanks to the excellent combination of strong light absorption, interfacial charge transfer, and decent charge transport properties in individual layers, thin-film photodetectors based on graphene/In₂Se₃ vdWHs exhibit great promise for near-infrared (NIR) photodetection, owing to a high responsivity (267 mA W⁻¹), fast rise (72 ms) and decay (426 ms) times under NIR illumination. This approach enables various hybrid systems, including graphene/In₂Se₃, graphene/MoS₂ and graphene/MoSe₂ vdWHs, providing a broad avenue for exploring emerging electronic, photonic, and exotic quantum phenomena.     

Atroposelective PIII/PV=O Redox Catalysis for the Isoquinoline-Forming Staudinger–aza-Wittig Reaction

Herein, we describe the feasibility of atroposelective P^III/P^V=O redox organocatalysis by the Staudinger–aza-Wittig reaction. The formation of isoquinoline heterocycles thereby enables the synthesis of a broad range of valuable atropisomers under mild conditions with enantioselectivities of up to 98 : 2 e.r. Readily prepared azido cinnamate substrates convert in high yield with stereocontrol by a chiral phosphine catalyst, which is regenerated using a silane reductant under Brønsted acid co-catalysis. The reaction provides access to diversified aryl isoquinolines, as well as benzoisoquinoline and naphthyridine atropisomers. The products are expeditiously transformed into N-oxides, naphthol and triaryl phosphine variants of prevalent catalysts and ligands. With dinitrogen release and aromatization as ideal driving forces, it is anticipated that atroposelective redox organocatalysis provides access to a multitude of aromatic heterocycles with precise control over their configuration.