Isomeric separation in donor–acceptor systems of Pd(II) and Pt(II) and a combined structural, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical study

Compounds of the form [(pap)M(Q2−)] (pap = phenylazopyridine; Q = 3,5-di-tert- butyl-benzoquinone, M = Pd, 1a and 1b, M = Pt, 2a and 2b; Q = 4-tert-butyl- benzoquinone, M = Pd, 3a and 3b; M = Pt, 4a and 4b) were synthesized in a one- pot reaction. The geometrical isomers, which are possible because of the built in asymmetry of these ligands, have been separated by using different temperatures and variable solubility. Structural characterization of 1b shows that the metal centers are in a square planar environment, the pap ligand is in the unreduced neutral state and the quinones are in the doubly reduced, Q2−catecholate form. Cyclic voltammetric measurements on the complexes display two one-electron oxidations and two one-electron reductions. EPR and vis-NIR spectra of the one-electron oxidized forms of the complexes indicate that the first oxidation takes place on the Q2− ligands to produce a metal bound semiquinone (Q˙−) radical. Reduction takes place on the pap ligand, generating metal bound pap˙− as seen from the 14N (I = 1) coupling in their EPR spectrum. All the complexes in their [(pap)M(Q2−)] neutral forms show strong absorptions in the NIR region which are largely LLCT (ligand to ligand charge transfer) in origin. These NIR bands can be tuned over a wide energy range by varying the metal center as well as the Q ligand. In addition, the intensity of NIR bands can be switched on and off by a simple electron transfer at relatively low potentials. DFT studies were used to corroborate these findings

a combined structural, electrochemical and spectroscopic study

Reactions of [(az-H)Pd(μ-Cl)2Pd(az-H)] (az = azobenzene) with the zwitterionic, p-benzoquinonemonoimine-type ligands 4-(n-butylamino)-6(n-butylimino)-3-oxocyclohexa-1,4-dien-1-olate (Q1) or 4-(isopropylamino)-6(isopropylimino)-3-oxocyclohexa-1,4-dien-1-olate) (Q2) in the presence of a base leads to the formation of the mononuclear complexes [(az-H)Pd(Q1-H)] (1) and [(az-H)Pd(Q2-H)] (2) respectively. Structural characterization of 2 shows an almost square planar coordination geometry around the Pd(II) centre, a short Pd–C bond, a slight elongation of the N[double bond, length as m-dash]N double bond of the az-H ligand and localization of the double bonds within the Q2-H ligand. Additionally, intermolecular N–H–O interactions exist between the uncoordinated N–H and O groups of two different molecules. Cyclic voltammetry of the complexes reveals an irreversible oxidation and two reversible reduction processes. A combination of electrochemical and UV-vis-NIR and EPR spectroelectrochemical studies are used to show that both coordinated ligands participate successively in the redox processes, thus revealing their non-innocent character

weak intermolecular interactions and catalytic ethylene oligomerisation

The ligands 1-(cyclohexyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole (1), 1-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole (2), 1-(4-butoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole (3) and 1-(methyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole (4) were synthesized by the Cu(I) catalyzed “Click” reaction between 2-pyridylacetylene and the corresponding azides. The ligands were then reacted with NiBr2·3H2O to generate the complexes (1)2NiBr2 (1a), (2)2NiBr2 (2a), (3)2NiBr2 (3a) and (4)2NiBr2 (4a). Structural characterization of 1a confirmed the mononuclear and distorted octahedral environment around the Ni(II) center, with the pyridyl-triazole ligands coordinating in a bis-chelating fashion. Bond length analysis inside the 1,2,3-triazole ring shows a short N[double bond, length as m-dash]N double bond that is flanked by two longer C–N and N–N bonds pointing to the existence of “azo” character in the ring. The highly polar five-membered 1,2,3-triazole ring makes its C–H bond acidic, and these bonds participate in an extended weak intermolecular C–HBr interactions with the Br-groups of neighboring molecules, resulting in a 3-D network. The nickel complexes with these “Click” ligands were tested as pre-catalysts for ethylene oligomerization, and the complexes showed moderate activity in that reaction with good selectivity towards C4 oligomers

Influencing the coordination mode of tbta (tbta = tris[(1-benzyl- 1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]amine) in dicobalt complexes through changes in metal oxidation states

The complexes [(tbta)Co(μ-CA-2H)Co(tbta)(CH3CN)](BF4)21 and [(tbta)Co(μ-OH)2Co(tbta)](BF4)42 (tbta = tris[(1-benzyl- 1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]amine and CA = chloranilic acid) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, SQUID magnetometry and NMR spectroscopy. The reactions to form these complexes deliver 1 as a paramagnetic species containing two high spin Co(II) centers, and 2 as a diamagnetic compound with two low spin Co(III) centers. Structural analysis shows that in 1 the capped-octahedral environment around the Co(II) centers is highly distorted with rather long bonds between the metal and donor atoms. The tbta ligand binds to the Co(II) centers through the three triazole nitrogen donor atoms in a facial form, with the Co–N(amine) distance of 2.494(2) Å acting as a capping bond to the octahedron. In the crystal an unusual observation of one acetonitrile molecule statistically occupying the coordination sites at both Co(II) centers is made. 1 displays a series of intermolecular C–HCl and π–π interactions leading to extended three- dimensional structures in the solid state. These interactions lead to the formation of voids and explain why only one acetonitrile molecule can be bound to the dinuclear complexes. In contrast to 1, the cobalt centers in 2 display a more regular octahedral environment with shorter cobalt–donor atom distances, as would be expected for a low spin Co(III) situation. The tbta ligand acts as a perfect tetradentate ligand in this case with the cobalt–N(amine) distance of 2.012(3) Å falling in the range of a normal bond. Thus, we present the rare instances where the ligand tbta has been observed to bind in a perfectly tetradentate fashion in its metal complexes. The room temperature magnetic moment of 6.30 μB for 1 shows values typical of two high spin Co(II) centers, and this value decreases at temperatures lower than 30 K indicating a weak antiferromagnetic coupling and zero field splitting. Mass spectrometric analysis of 2 provided evidence for the formation of an oxo- bridged dicobalt complex in the gas phase

Influencing the coordination mode of tbta (tbta = tris[(1-benzyl- 1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]amine) in dicobalt complexes through changes in metal oxidation states

The complexes [(tbta)Co(μ-CA-2H)Co(tbta)(CH3CN)](BF4)21 and [(tbta)Co(μ-OH)2Co(tbta)](BF4)42 (tbta = tris[(1-benzyl- 1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]amine and CA = chloranilic acid) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, SQUID magnetometry and NMR spectroscopy. The reactions to form these complexes deliver 1 as a paramagnetic species containing two high spin Co(II) centers, and 2 as a diamagnetic compound with two low spin Co(III) centers. Structural analysis shows that in 1 the capped-octahedral environment around the Co(II) centers is highly distorted with rather long bonds between the metal and donor atoms. The tbta ligand binds to the Co(II) centers through the three triazole nitrogen donor atoms in a facial form, with the Co–N(amine) distance of 2.494(2) Å acting as a capping bond to the octahedron. In the crystal an unusual observation of one acetonitrile molecule statistically occupying the coordination sites at both Co(II) centers is made. 1 displays a series of intermolecular C–HCl and π–π interactions leading to extended three- dimensional structures in the solid state. These interactions lead to the formation of voids and explain why only one acetonitrile molecule can be bound to the dinuclear complexes. In contrast to 1, the cobalt centers in 2 display a more regular octahedral environment with shorter cobalt–donor atom distances, as would be expected for a low spin Co(III) situation. The tbta ligand acts as a perfect tetradentate ligand in this case with the cobalt–N(amine) distance of 2.012(3) Å falling in the range of a normal bond. Thus, we present the rare instances where the ligand tbta has been observed to bind in a perfectly tetradentate fashion in its metal complexes. The room temperature magnetic moment of 6.30 μB for 1 shows values typical of two high spin Co(II) centers, and this value decreases at temperatures lower than 30 K indicating a weak antiferromagnetic coupling and zero field splitting. Mass spectrometric analysis of 2 provided evidence for the formation of an oxo- bridged dicobalt complex in the gas phase

Sensing external spins with nitrogen-vacancy diamond

A single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center is used to sense individual, as well as small ensembles of, electron spins placed outside the diamond lattice. Applying double electron–electron resonance techniques, we were able to observe Rabi nutations of these external spins as well as the coupling strength between the external spins and the NV sensor, via modulations and accelerated decay of the NV spin echo. Echo modulation frequencies as large as 600 kHz have been observed, being equivalent to a few nanometers distance between the NV and an unpaired electron spin. Upon surface modification, the coupling disappears, suggesting the spins to be localized at surface defects. The present study is important for understanding the properties of diamond surface spins so that their effects on NV sensors can eventually be mitigated. This would enable potential applications such as the imaging and tracking of single atoms and molecules in living cells or the use of NVs on scanning probe tips to entangle remote spins for scalable room temperature quantum computers

Strong metal–metal coupling in mixed-valent intermediates [Cl(L)Ru(μ-tppz)Ru(L)Cl]+, L = β-diketonato ligands, tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine

Five diruthenium(II) complexes [Cl(L)Ru(μ-tppz)Ru(L)Cl] (1–5) containing differently substituted β-diketonato derivatives (1: L = 2,4-pentanedionato; 2: L = 3,5-heptanedionato; 3: L = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato; 4: L = 3-methyl-2,4-pentanedionato; 5: L = 3-ethyl-2,4-pentanedionato) as ancillary ligands (L) were synthesized and studied by spectroelectrochemistry (UV-Vis- NIR, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)). X-ray structural characterisation revealed anti (1, 2, 5) or syn (3) configuration as well as non-planarity of the bis-tridentate tppz bridge and strong dπ(RuII) → π*(pyrazine, tppz) back- bonding. The widely separated one-electron oxidation steps, RuIIRuII/RuIIRuIII and RuIIRuIII/RuIIIRuIII, result in large comproportionation constants (Kc) of ≥1010 for the mixed-valent intermediates. The syn-configurated 3n exhibits a particularly high Kc of 1012 for n = 1+, accompanied by density functional theory (DFT)-calculated minimum Ru–N bond lengths for this RuIIRuIII intermediate. The electrogenerated mixed-valent states 1+–5+ exhibit anisotropic EPR spectra at 110 K with average values of 2.304–2.234 and g anisotropies Δg = g1–g3 of 0.82–0.99. Metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) absorptions occur for 1+–5+ in the NIR region at 1660 nm–1750 nm (ε ≈ 2700 dm3 mol−1 cm−1, Δν1/2 ≈ 1800 cm−1). DFT calculations of 1+ and 3+ yield comparable Mulliken spin densities of about 0.60 for the metal ions, corresponding to valence-delocalised situations (Ru2.5)2. Rather large spin densities of about −0.4 were calculated for the tppz bridges in 1+ and 3+. The calculated electronic interaction values (VAB) for 1+–5+ are about 3000 cm−1, comparable to that for the Creutz–Taube ion at 3185 cm−1. The DFT calculations predict that the RuIIIRuIII forms in 12+–52+ prefer a triplet (S = 1) ground state with ΔE (S = 0 − S = 1) [similar]5000 cm−1. One-electron reduction takes place at the tppz bridge which results in species [Cl(L)RuII(μ-tppz˙−)RuII(L)Cl]− (1˙−–3˙−, 5˙−) which exhibit free radical-type EPR signals and NIR transitions typical of the tppz radical anion. The system 4n is distinguished by lability of the Ru–Cl bonds

Cymantrene–Triazole "Click" Products: Structural Characterization and Electrochemical Properties

We report the first known examples of triazole-derivatized cymantrene complexes (η5-[4-substituted triazol-1-yl]cyclopentadienyl)tricarbonylmanganese(I), obtained via a “click” chemical synthesis, bearing a phenyl, 3-aminophenyl, or 4-aminophenyl moiety at the 4-position of the triazole ring. Structural characterization data using multinuclear NMR, UV–vis, ATR-IR, and mass spectrometric methods are provided, as well as crystallographic data for (η5-[4-phenyltriazol-1-yl]cyclopentadienyl)tricarbonylmanganese(I) and (η5-[4-(3-aminophenyl)triazol-1-yl]cyclopentadienyl)tricarbonylmanganese(I). Cyclic voltammetric characterization of the redox behavior of each of the three cymantrene–triazole complexes is presented together with digital simulations, in situ infrared spectroelectrochemistry, and DFT calculations to extract the associated kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. The trypanocidal activity of each cymantrene–triazole complex is also examined, and these complexes are found to be more active than cymantrene alone

Valence and spin situations in isomeric [(bpy)Ru(Q′)2]n (Q′ = 3,5-di-tert- butyl-N-aryl-1,2-benzoquinonemonoimine). An experimental and DFT analysis

The article deals with the ruthenium complexes, [(bpy)Ru(Q′)2] (1–3) incorporating two unsymmetrical redox-noninnocent iminoquinone moieties [bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; Q′ = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-N-aryl-1,2-benzoquinonemonoimine, aryl = C6H5 (Q′1), 1; m-Cl2C6H3 (Q′2), 2; m-(OCH3)2C6H3 (Q′3), 3]. 1 and 3 have been preferentially stabilised in the cc-isomeric form while both the ct- and cc-isomeric forms of 2 are isolated [ct: cis and trans and cc: cis and cis with respect to the mutual orientations of O and N donors of two Q′]. The isomeric identities of 1–3 have been authenticated by their single-crystal X-ray structures. The collective consideration of crystallographic and DFT data along with other analytical events reveals that 1–3 exhibit the valence configuration of [(bpy)RuII(Q′Sq)2]. The magnetization studies reveal a ferromagnetic response at 300 K and virtual diamagnetic behaviour at 2 K. DFT calculations on representative 2a and 2b predict that the excited triplet (S = 1) state is lying close to the singlet (S = 0) ground state with singlet–triplet separation of 0.038 eV and 0.075 eV, respectively. In corroboration with the paramagnetic features the complexes exhibit free radical EPR signals with g [similar]2 and 1HNMR spectra with broad aromatic proton signals associated with the Q′ at 300 K. Experimental results in conjunction with the DFT (for representative 2a and 2b) reveal iminoquinone based preferential electron-transfer processes leaving the ruthenium(II) ion mostly as a redox insensitive entity: [(bpy)RuII(Q′Q)2]2+ (12+–32+) [leftrightharpoons] [(bpy)RuII(Q′Sq)(Q′Q)]+ (1+–3+) [leftrightharpoons] [(bpy)RuII(Q′Sq)2] (1–3) [leftrightharpoons] [(bpy)RuII(Q′Sq)(Q′Cat)]−/[(bpy)RuIII(Q′Cat)2]− (1−–3−). The diamagnetic doubly oxidised state, [(bpy)RuII(Q′Q)2]2+ in 12+–32+ has been authenticated further by the crystal structure determination of the representative [(bpy)RuII(Q′3)2](ClO4)2 [3](ClO4)2 as well as by its sharp 1H NMR spectrum. The key electronic transitions in each redox state of 1n–3n have been assigned by TD–DFT calculations on representative 2a and 2b

The redox series [Ru(bpy)2(L)]n, n = +3, +2, +1, 0, with L = bipyridine, “click” derived pyridyl-triazole or bis-triazole: a combined structural, electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and DFT investigation

The compounds [Ru(bpy)2(L1)](ClO4)2 (1(ClO4)2), [Ru(bpy)2(L2)](ClO4)2 (2(ClO4)2), [Ru(bpy)2(L3)](ClO4)2 (3(ClO4)2), [Ru(bpy)2(L4)](ClO4)2 (4(ClO4)2), [Ru(bpy)2(L5)](ClO4)2 (5(ClO4)2), and [Ru(bpy)2(L6)](ClO4)26(ClO4)2 (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, L1 = 1-(4-isopropyl- phenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole, L2 = 1-(4-butoxy- phenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole, L3 = 1-(2-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole, L4 = 4,4′-bis-{1-(2,6-diisopropyl- phenyl)}-1,2,3-triazole, L5 = 4,4′-bis-{(1-phenyl)}-1,2,3-triazole, L6 = 4,4′-bis-{1-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)}-1,2,3-triazole) were synthesized from [Ru(bpy)2(EtOH)2](ClO4)2 and the corresponding “click”-derived pyridyl- triazole or bis-triazole ligands, and characterized by 1H-NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. Structural analysis showed a distorted octahedral coordination environment about the Ru(II) centers, and shorter Ru–N(triazole) bond distances compared to Ru–N(pyridine) distances in complexes of mixed-donor ligands. All the complexes were subjected to cyclic voltammetric studies, and the results were compared to the well-known [Ru(bpy)3]2+ compound. The oxidation and reduction potentials were found to be largely uninfluenced by ligand changes, with all the investigated complexes showing their oxidation and reduction steps at rather similar potentials. A combined UV-vis-NIR and EPR spectroelectrochemical investigation, together with DFT calculations, was used to determine the site of electron transfer in these complexes. These results provided insights into their electronic structures in the various investigated redox states, showed subtle differences in the spectroscopic signatures of these complexes despite their similar electrochemical properties, and provided clues to the unperturbed redox potentials in these complexes with respect to ligand substitutions. The reduced forms of the complexes display structured absorption bands in the NIR region. Additionally, we also present new synthetic routes for the ligands presented here using Cu-abnormal carbene catalysts