Mixed-ligand complexes of osmium(III/II)8-quinolinolates with one diimine/azoimine ligand

Summary Paramagnetic [Os^IIIDQ₂]⁺ and diamagnetic [Os^IIAQ₂] (Q = deprotonated 8-quinolinols, D = diimines and A = azoimines) complexes were prepared and characterised by physicochemical, magnetic and spectroscopic methods. The complexes exhibit several spin-allowed and spinforbidden charge-transfer transitions in the visible region. In MeCN solution the OsN₄O₂ unit displays nearly reversible Os^IV-Os^III and Os^III-Os^II couples in the ca. -0.4 to +1.1 V range versus SCE. An anodic shift of these responses is seen in going from diimines to azoimines. The stability of metal oxidation levels is correlated on the basis of -acceptor properties of these ligands.