Synthesis and molecular structures of mononitrosyl (N2S2)M(NO) complexes (M = Fe, Co)

A series of tetragonally distorted square pyramids of formula N2S2M(NO) (M = Fe, Co) is prepared and characterized by nu(NO) IR and EPR spectroscopies, magnetism and electrochemical properties, as well as solid-state crystal structure determinations. While the nu(NO) IR frequencies and the angleM-N-O angles indicate differences in the electronic environment of NO consistent with the Enemark-Feltham notation of Fe(NO)]7 and Co(NO)]8, the reduction potentials, assigned to Fe(NO)]7 + e- <==> Fe(NO)]8 and Co(NO)]8 + e- <==> Co(NO)]9 respectively, are very similar, and in cases identical, for most members of the series. Coupled with the potential for the M(NO) units to breathe out of and into the N2S2 core plane are unique S-M-N-O torsional arrangements and concomitant pi-bonding interactions which may account for the unusual coherence of reduction potentials within the series.