S = (3)/(2) <= => S = (1)/(2) spin crossover behavior in five-coordinate halido- and pseudohalido-bis(o-iminobenzosemiquinonato)iron(III) complexes

Five-coordinate halido- and pseudohalido-bis(o-iminobenzosemiquinonato)iron(III) complexes Fe(III)X(L(ISQ))(2)] (X = Cl(-) (1), Br(-) (2a, 2b), I(-) (3), N(3)(-) (4), and NCS(-) (5)) have been synthesized where (L(ISQ))(1)(*)(-) represents the pi radical anion N-phenyl-o-imino(4,6-di-tert-butyl)benzosemiquinonate(1-). The molecular structures of the two polymorphs 2a and 2b have been determined at 100, 220, and 295 K, respectively, by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility data reveal the following electronic ground states, S(t): For 1, it is (3)/(2). Polymorph 2a contains a 1:1 mixture of (3)/(2) and (1)/(2) forms in the range 4.2 to approximately 150 K; above 150 K the latter form undergoes a spin crossover (1)/(2) --> (3)/(2). Polymorph 2b contains only the S(t) = (3)/(2) form (4-300 K). Complex 3 contains the S(t) = (1)/(2) form in the range 4-130 K, but above 130 K, a spin crossover to the (3)/(2) form is observed which is confirmed by three crystal structure determinations at 100, 220, and 295 K. Complex 4 possesses an S(t) = (1)/(2) ground state at 80 K and undergoes a spin crossover at higher temperatures. Complex 5 has a temperature-independent S(t) = (3)/(2) ground state. All crystal structures of 1, 2a, 2b, 3, 4, and 5, regardless at which temperature the data sets have been measured, show that two o-iminobenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radical anions are N,O-coordinated in all of these neutral iron complexes. The Fe-N and Fe-O bond distances are longer in the S(t) = (3)/(2) and shorter in the S(t) = (1)/(2) forms. The S(t) = (3)/(2) ground state is attained via intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling between a high spin ferric ion (S(Fe) = (5)/(2)) and two ligand pi radicals whereas the S(t) = (1)/(2) form is generated from exchange coupling between an intermediate spin ferric ion (S(Fe) = (3)/(2)) and two ligand radicals.