Preparation,electrochemical behavior and variable temperature magnetic properties of transition metal complexes containing 2-phenyl-4,5-di-(2-pyridyl)imidazole

We report the synthesis of three new complexes featuring first row transition metal ions (Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, or V³⁺) and a 2-pyridyl-substituted imidazole ligand. We investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of the complexes via electronic spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry and density functional theory calculations. Complexes with Fe²⁺ or V³⁺ are redox active, and we observe spin crossover from the variable temperature magnetic susceptibility data for the complex with Fe²⁺. We intend to use these complexes as precursors to bimetallic mixed-valent materials.