Mixed-ligand complexes of osmium(III/IV)8-quinolinolates with one ketoximate ligand

Summary A group of mixed-tris chelates of type OsAQ₂] A = isonitrosoacetophenonate (A¹) and isonitroso-propiophenonate (A²); Q = deprotonated 8-quinolinol (Q¹) and 2-methyl-8-quinolinol (Q²)] have been prepared by two distinct synthetic approaches. OsAQ₂]⁺, obtained by Ce^IV oxidation of OsAQ₂], can be regenerated by hydrazine hydrate reduction of the former. The complexes, characterized by physico-chemical, magnetic and spectroscopic methods, exhibit several spin-allowed and spin-forbidden charge transfer transitions in their electronic spectra. In MeCN solution the OsN₃O₃ unit displays a nearly-reversible Os^IV-Os^III change and an Os^III-Os^II couple in the ca. -1.0– + 0.3V range versus s.c.e. The stability of the metal oxidation levels is discussed in terms of the chemical and electrochemical results.