Synthesis and characterization of SrCu2(O2CR)3(bdmap)3 and Bi2(O2CCH3)4(bdmap)2(H2O) (R = CH3, CF3; bdmap = 1,3-bis(dimethylamino)-2-propanolato)

New mixed metal complexes SrCu₂(O₂CR)₃(bdmap)₃ (R = CF₃ (1a), CH₃ (1b)) and a new dinuclear bismuth complex Bi₂(O₂CCH₃)₄(bdmap)₂(H₂O) (2) have been synthesized. Their crystal structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Thermal decomposition behaviors of these complexes have been examined by TGA and X-ray powder diffraction analyses. While compound 1a decomposes to SrF₂ and CuO at about 380°C, compound 1b decomposes to the corresponding oxides above 800°C. Compound 2 decomposes cleanly to Bi₂O₃ at 330°C. The magnetism of 1a was examined by the measurement of susceptibility from 5–300 K. Theoretical fitting for the susceptibility data revealed that 1a is an antiferromagnetically coupled system with g = 2.012(7), −2J = 34.0(8) cm⁻¹. Crystal data for 1a: C₂₇H₅₁N₆O₉F₉Cu₂Sr/THF, monoclinic space group P2₁/m, A = 10.708(6), B = 15.20(1), C = 15.404(7) Å, β = 107.94(4)°, V = 2386(2) ų, Z = 2; for 1b: C₂₇H₆₀N₆O₉Cu₂Sr/THF, orthorhombic space group Pbcn, A = 19.164(9), B = 26.829(8), C = 17.240(9) Å, V = 8864(5) ų, Z = 8; for 2: C₂₂H₄₈O₁₁N₄Bi₂, monoclinic space group P2₁/c, A = 17.614(9), B = 10.741(3), C = 18.910(7) Å, β = 109.99(3)°, V = 3362(2) ų, Z = 4.     

Polynuclear copper(II) complexes with μ2-1,1-azide bridges. Structural and magnetic properties

Two novel, weakly antiferromagnetically coupled, tetranuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu₄(PAP)₂(μ₂-1,1-N₃)₂(μ₂-1,3-N₃)₂(μ₂-CH₃OH)₂(N₃)₄ (1) (PAP = 1,4-bis-(2′-pyridylamino)phthalazine) and [Cu₄(PAP3Me)₂ (μ₂-1,1-N₃)₂(μ₂-1,3-N₃)₂(H₂O)₂(NO₂)₂]- (NO₃)₂ (2) (PAP3Me = 1,4-bis-(3′-methyl-2′-pyridyl)aminophthalazine) contain a unique structural with two μ₂-1,1-azide intramolecular bridges, and two μ₂-1,3-azide intermolecular bridges linking pairs of copper(II) centers. Four terminal azide groups complete the five-coordinate structures in 1, while two terminal waters and two nitrates complete the coordination spheres in 2. The dinuclear complexes [Cu₂(PPD)(μ₂-1,1-N₃)(N₃)₂(CF₃SO₃)]CH₃OH) (3) and [Cu₂(PPD)(μ₂-1,1-N₃)(N₃)₂(H₂O)(ClO₄)] (4) (PPD = 3,6-bis-(1′-pyrazolyl)pyridazine) contain pairs of copper centers with intramolecular μ₂-1,1-azid and pyridazine bridges, and exhibit strong antiferromagnetic coupling. A one-dimensional chain structure in 3 occurs through intermolecular μ₂-1,1-azide bridging interactions. Intramolecular Cu-N₃-Cu bridge angles in 1 and 2 are small (107.9 and 109.4°, respectively), but very large in 3 and 4 (122.5 and 123.2°, respectively), in keeping with the magnetic properties. 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c with a = 26.71(1), b = 13.51(3), c = 16.84(1) Å, β = 117.35(3)° and R = 0.070, R_w = 0.050. 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c with a = 8.42(1), b = 20.808(9), c = 12.615(4) Å, β = 102.95(5)° and R = 0.045, R_w = 0.039. 4crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1, with a = 10.253(3), b = 12.338(5), c = 8.072(4) Å, = 100.65(4), β = 101.93(3), γ = 87.82(3)° and R = 0.038, R_w = 0.036 . The magnetic properties of 1 and 2 indicate the presence of weak net antiferromagnetic exchange, as indicated by the presence of a low temperature maximum in χ_m (80 K (1), 65 K (2)), but the data do not fit the Bleaney-Bowers equation unless the exchange integral is treated as a temperature dependent term. A similar situation has been observed for other related compounds, and various approaches to the problem will be discussed. Magnetically 3 and 4 are well described by the Bleaney-Bowers equation, exhibiting very strong antiferromagnetic exchange (− 2J = 768(24) cm⁻¹ (3); − 2J = 829(11) cm⁻¹ (4)).     

Correlation of structure and emission in solid state copper(I) complexes; [Cu4I4(CH3CN)2(L)2], L = aniline derivative

Four complexes of the type [Cu₄I₄(CH₃CN)₂(L)₂], L = aniline derivative: Cu₄I₄(CH₃CN)₂(2,6-dimethylaniline)₂ (I), triclinic, , a = 12.449(3), B = 14.108(6), C = 10.606(4) Å, = 73.46(3), β = 95.00(2), γ = 73.42(3)°, V = 1682.3(10) ų; Cu₄I₄(CH₃CN)₂(o-ethylaniline)₂ (II), triclinic,

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, V = 1734.0(8) ų; Cu₄I₄(CH₃CN)₂(6-ethyl-o-toluidine)₂ (III), orthorhombic, Pnam, a = 14.976(6), b = 21.187(6), C = 12.545(2) Å, V = 3980.7(2) ų; Cu₄I₄(CH₃CN)₂(p-anisidine)₂ (IV), monoclinic, A2/a, A = 20.032(10), B = 7.863(1), C = 18.715(9) Å, β = 101.56(4)°, V = 2888.0(2) ų; were examined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes I and II have no internal symmetry elements, III has an internal mirror and IV has a two-fold axis. Ab initio calculations based on the atomic positional parameters of complexes containing the three types of symmetry elements reveal HOMO orbitals to be dominated by the p orbitals of the iodine atoms whereas the LUMO orbitals contain major contributions from copper based p orbitals.     

Tetrakis-[1-methylimidazoline-2(3H)-thione]-μ2-[1-methylimidazoline- 2(3H)-thione]-Di-Copper(I) sulphate trihydrate: Preparation, thermal analysis and crystal structure

1-emthylimidazoline-2(3H)-thione (mimtH) reacts with copper(II) sulphate pentahydrate in aqueous acetone to produce the dinuclear complex, Cu₂(mimtH)₅SO₄ · 3H₂O; the formula has been established by a combination of chemical and thermal analysis. The monoclinic crystals, (space group P_c, Z = 2), contain dinuclear cations, sulphate ions and water molecules. The dinuclear cation, Cu₂(mimtH)₅²⁺, consists of two trigonal copper(I) atoms, four terminal, monodentate, S-donating mimtH molecules and one S-bridging (μ₂) mimtH molecule. Some average dimensions are:Cu---S, 2.258 Å and S---Cu---S, 120.0°; the Cu---S---Cu bridging angle is 94.8° and the Cu---Cu separation distance is 3.308 Å.     

A dicopper complex of N,N′-bis[2,2-dimethyl-4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-aza-3-buten] oxamide. Structure and magnetic behaviour of the mono hydrated form

The ligand N, N′-bis[2,2-dimethyl-4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-aza-3-buten] oxamide with two identical coordination sites reacts with copper ions in its tetradeprotonated form to yield the dinuclear complex [Cu₂(C₂₄H₂₆N₄O₄)]·H₂O. The structure of this compound has been determined by the X-ray diffraction method. The crystals are orthorhombic with a = 11.744(1), B = 16.369(2), C = 26.340(3) Å, V = 5064(1) ų, Z = 8, space group Pbca. The oxamide is in a trans conformation with two different environments for the copper centres, a (4 + 1) coordination mode for the first one and a square planar environment for the other one. The water molecule is not directly bound to a copper centre, but involved in hydrogen bonding with the two oxygen atoms of an N₂O₂ coordination site. Indeed, extra coordination comes from a phenolic oxygen atom belonging to an adjacent dinuclear unit. Static susceptibility measurements point to a strong intrapair antiferromagnetic exchange interaction of 2J = −520(±4) cm⁻¹ and possibly an interpair ferromagnetic exchange interaction of 10(±5) cm⁻¹.     

Mixed anion lanthanide(III) crown ether complexes: crystal structures of [LaCl2(NO3)(12-crown-4)]2, [La(NO3)(OH2)4-(12-crown-4)]Cl2·CH3CN and [LaCl2(NO3)(18-crown-6)]

Reaction of LaCl₃·7H₂O containing small amounts of La(NO₃)₃·7H₂O as an impurity with 12-crown-4 or 18-crown-6 in 3:1 CH₃CN:CH₃OH resulted in the isolation of the mixed anion complexes [LaCl₂(NO₃)(12-crown-4)]₂, [La(NO₃)(OH₂)₄(12-crown-4)]Cl₂·CH₃CN and [LaCl₂(NO₃)(18-crown-6)]. The nine-coordinate dimer, [LaCl₂(NO₃)(12-crown-4)]₂, has all of the anions in the inner coordination sphere and La³⁺ has a capped square antiprismatic geometry. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with (at −150 °C) a = 12.938(6), B = 15.704(3), C = 13.962(2) Å, and D_calc = 2.08 g cm⁻³ for Z = 4. The second complex isolated from the same reaction, [La(NO₃)(OH₂)₄(12-crown-4)]Cl₂·CH₃CN, has the bidentate nitrate anion in the inner coordination sphere but the two chloride anions are in a hydrogen bonded outer sphere. This complex is ten-coordinate 4A,6B-expanded dodecahedral and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁ with (at 20 °C) A = 7.651(2), B = 11.704(7), C = 11.608(4) Å, β = 95.11(2)°, and D_calc = 1.80 g cm⁻³ for Z = 2. The 18-crown-6 complex, [LaCl₂(NO₃)(18-crown-6)], has all inner sphere anions and has ten-coordinate 4A,6B-expanded dodecahedral La³⁺ centers. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with (at 20 °C) a = 14.122(7), B = 13.563(5), C = 19.311(9) Å, and D_calc = 1.89 g cm⁻³ for Z = 8.     

Pyrazolonato complexes of lead. Crystal structures of bis(1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acetyl pyrazolonato)lead(II) and bis(1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-butanoylpyrazolonato)lead(II)

The structures of the complexes [PbL₂], L = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acylpyrazolonato, RCOC₁₀H₈N₂O, R = Me (2) or Pr (3), have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. Compound 2 is monoclinic, space group P2₁, A = 11.285(4), B = 14.727(4), C = 20.749(5) Å, β = 95.83(3)°, R = 0.039 for 4486 reflections, and 3 is monoclinic, space group C2/c, A = 27.528(11), B = 7.245(11), C = 14.264(7) Å, β = 113.6(3)°, R = 0.021 for 2118 reflections. There are three different lead environments in 2 but only one in 3. In each case the lead atom makes four strong bonds to oxygen and two weaker bonds to either oxygen or nitrogen in adjacent molecules.     

Dinuclear silver(I) complexes of 24-membered bibracchial tetraimine Schiff base macrocycles derived from 2,5-diformylthiophene

The cyclocondensation of 2,5-diformylthiophene and the amines N,N-bis-(2-aminoethyl)-2-phenylethylamine, N,N-bis-(2aminoethyl)-t-butyl-amine and N,N-bis-(2-aminoethyl)-t-butyl-amine in the presence of silver(I) salts yields homodinuclear bibracchial tetraimine Schiff base macrocyclic complexes. The structures of two such complexes are also reported. The complex Ag₂L⁴(NO₃)(PF₆) (2) crystallises in the triclinic space group , No. 2) and has unit-cell dimensions a = 12.834(6), B = 13.183(6), C = 14.588(7) Å, = 64.86(4), β = 79.77(4), γ = 69.44(3)° with Z = 2; there is a monodentate and singly bridging nitrate anion present and the Ag---Ag separation is 4.161 Å. The complex Ag₂L⁴(CH₃CN)₂(BF₄)₂·CH₃CN (9) crystallises in the triclinic space group , No. 2) and has unit-cell dimensions a = 9.297(4), B = 12.985(3), C = 21.770(5) Å, = 91.570(10), β = 92.33(3), γ = 97.92(3) ° with Z = 2; there is a strongly bonded acetonitrile molecule coordinated to each silver atom and the Ag---Ag separation is 4.920 Å.     

Studies of the oxovanadium(IV)—oxalate system: syntheses and crystal structures of binuclear (Ph4P)2[(VO)2(H2O)2(C2O4)3]·4H2O and of the one-dimensional chain material, (Ph4P)[VOCl(C2O4)]

The hydrothermal reactions of (Ph₄P)[VO₂Cl₂] and H₂C₂O₄ at 150 and 125°C yield (Ph₄P)₂[V₂O₂(H₂O)₂(C₂O₄)₃]·4H₂O (1) and (Ph₄P)[VOCl(C₂O₄)] (2), respectively. The structure of the molecular anion of 1 consists of a binuclear unit of oxovanadium(IV) octahedra bridged by a bisbidentate oxalate group. The VO₆ coordination geometry at each vanadium site is defined by a terminal oxo group, an aquo ligand, and four oxygen donors — two from the bisbidentate bridging oxalate and two from the terminal bidentate oxalate. The structure of 2 consists of discrete Ph₄P⁺ cations occupying regions between [VOCl(C₂O₄)]⁻_∞ spiral chains. The structure of the one-dimensional anionic chain exhibits V(IV) octahedra bridged by bisbidentate oxalate groups. Crystal data: 1·4H₂O, monoclinic P2₁/n, A = 12.694(3), B = 12.531(3), C = 17.17(3) Å, β = 106.32(2)°, V = 2621.3(13) ų, Z = 2, D_calc = 1.501 g cm⁻³, structure solution and refinement converged at a conventional residual of 0.0518; 2, tetragonal P4₃, A = 12.145(2), C = 15.991(3) Å, V = 2358.7(12) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0452.     

Syntheses and structures of palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with tridentate (Ph2PCH2CH2CH2)2S and its arsenic analogue

A series of square-planar complexes [MLCl]ClO₄ (M = Pd(II), Pt(II); L = bis(3-(diphenylphosphino)propyl)sulfide (psp), bis(3-(diphenylarsino)propyl)sulfide (asa)) have been prepared and characterized. The X-ray crystal structures of two of them have been determined: [Pd(psp)Cl]ClO₄, P2₁/c, A = 12.519(2), B = 15.766(2), C = 16.501(2) Å, β = 105.22(1)°, Z = 4; and [Pt(asa)Cl]ClO₄, P2₁/c, a = 12.583(5), B = 16.007(6), C = 16.549(6) Å, β = 104.89(3)°, Z = 4. In both structures, there is a conformational disorder between the chair and skew-boat orientation in one of the two six-membered chelate rings. The C---H…O hydrogen bond between the hybrid ligand and the perchlorate counter ion that induces the conformational disorder is discussed.     

Bis[dihydrobis(1-pyrazolyl)borate]cadmium(II): a monomeric, severely distorted tetrahedral complex of cadmium(II)

The crystal structure of the complex [H₂B(pz)₂]₂Cd has been determined: orthorhombic, Pbca, A = 16.052(3), B = 13.935(3), C = 14.974(4) Å, V = 3349.4(13) ų, Z = 8, R(F) = 3.61%. It is the first structurally characterized non-porphyrin CdN₄ complex. It is monomeric in the solid state with a pseudotetrahedral geometry about the cadmium atom. The N---Cd---N angles are distorted by the approximate 93° bite angle of the ligand; the interligand N---Cd---N angles also are distorted, ranging from 106.9 to 131.7°. These distortions are the result of intermolecular packing forces and are facilitated by the spherical set of valence orbitals for Cd²⁺.     

Molecular structures of Fe(II) complexes with mono- and di-protonated ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate (Hedta and H2edta), as determined by X-ray crystal analyses

The molecular structure of the title complexes [Fe(H₂O)₄][Fe(Hedta)(H₂O)]₂ · 4H₂O (I) and [Fe(H[₂edta)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (II) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The crystal data are as follows: I: monoclinic, P2₁/n, A = 11.794(2), B = 15.990(2), C = 9.206(2) Å, β = 90.33(1)°, V = 1736.1(5) ų, Z = 2 and R = 0.030; II: monoclinic, C2/c, A = 11.074(2), B = 9.856(2), C = 14.399(2) Å, β = 95.86(1)°, V = 1563.3(4) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.025. I is found to be isomorphous with the Mn^II analog reported earlier and to contain a seven-coordinate and approximately pentagonal-bipyramidal (PB) [Fe^II(Hedta)(H₂O]⁻ unit in which Hedta acts as a hexadentate ligand. The [Fe^II(H₂edta)(H₂O)] unit in II has also a seven-coordinate PB structure with the two protonated equatorial glycine arms both remaining coordinated, and thus bears a structural resemblance to the seven-coordinate [Co^II(H₂edta)(H₂O)] reported previously.     

Molecular structures and some properties of tris(2-aminoethyl) amine cobalt(III) complexes with thiocarboxylato-O,S such as 3-mercaptopropionato, 2-mercaptoacetato and their derivatives

Cobalt(III) complexes with a thiolate or thioether ligand, t-[Co(mp)(tren)]⁺ (2), t-[Co(mtp)(tren)]²⁺ (1Me) and t-[Co(mta)(tren)]²⁺ (2Me), (mp = 3-mercaptopropionate, MA = 3-(methylthio)propionate and MTA = 2-(methylthio)acetate) have been prepared in aqueous solutions. The crystal structures of 1, 2, 1Me and 2Me were determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The crystal data are as follows, t-[Co(mp)(tren)]ClO₄ (1CIO₄): monoclinic, P2₁/n, A = 10.877(8), B = 11.570(4), c = 12.173(7) Å, β = 92.20(5)°, V = 1531(1) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.060; t-[Co(ma)(tren)]Cl·3H₂O (2Cl·3H₂O): monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 7.7688(8), B = 27.128(2), C = 7.858(1) Å, β = 100.63(1)°, V = 1627.7(3) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.066; (+)₄₆₅^CD-t-[Co(mtp)(tren)](ClO₄)₂ ((+)₄₆₅^CD-1Me(ClO₄)₂): orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, A = 10.6610(7), B = 11.746(1), C = 15.555(1) Å, V = 1947.9(3) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.068; (+)₄₆₅^CD-t-[Co(mta)(tren)](ClO₄)₂ ((+)₄₆₅^CD-2Me(ClO₄)₂): orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, a = 10.564(1), B = 11.375(1), C = 15.434(2) Å, V = 1854.7(4) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.047. All central Co(III) atoms have approximately octahedral geometry, coordinated by four N, one O, and one S atoms. All of the complexes are only isomer, of which the sulfur atom in the didentate-O,S ligands are located at the trans position to the tertiary amine nitrogen atom of tren. 1 and 1Me contain six-membered chelate ring, and 2 and 2Me do five-membered chelate ring in the didentate ligand. The chirality of the asymmetric sulfur donor atom in (+)₄₆₅^CD-1Me is the S configuration and that in (+)₄₆₅^CD-2Me is the R one. The ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and electronic absorption spectral behaviors and electrochemical properties of the present complexes are discussed in relation to their stereochemistries.     

The monofunctionalized 1,4,7-triazacyclononane derivatives 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N-acetate (L) and N-(2-hydroxybenzyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (HL) and their complexes with vanadium(IV)/(V). Localized and delocalized electronic structures in compounds containing the mixed valent [OV---O---VO] core

The synthesis of the tetradentate pendant arm macrocycles 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N-acetate (L¹) and N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (HL²) and their coordination chemistry with vanadium(IV) and (V) are reported. The following mononuclear species have been prepared and characterized by UV-Vis, IR spectroscopy: [L¹V^IVO(NCS)] (1), [L¹VO₂]·H₂O (2), [L²VO(NCS)] (3), [L²VO(NCS)]Cl (4), and [L²VO₂] (5). In addition, the dinuclear, mixed valent complexes [L₂¹V₂O₃]Br (6), [L₂²V₂O₃](ClO₄)·0.5acetone (7), and the homovalent complex [L₂²V₂O₃](ClO₄)₂ (8) have been synthesized. Complexes 2, 3, 6 and 7 have been characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Crystal data: 2, space group P2₁c,a=9.944(4),b=6.701(3),c=18.207(8)Å, β=102.88(3)°, V=1182.7 ų, Z=4, D_calc=1.51 g cm⁻³, R=0.049 based on 4760 reflections; 3, space group Pbca, A=11.003(6), b=14.295(7), C=20.21(1) Å, V=3178.8 ų, Z=8, D_calc=1,50 g cm⁻³, R=0.057 based on 1049 reflections; 6, space Pbcn, a=12.922(3), B=13.852(3), C=12.739(3) Å, V=2280.3 ų, Z=4, D_calc=1,75 g cm⁻³, R=0.047 based on 1172 reflections; 7, space group C2/c, A=23.553(9), B=13.497(5), C=20.951(8) Å, β=90.03(3)°, V=6660.2 ų, Z=8, D_calc=1.49 g cm⁻³, R=0.053 based on 3698 reflections. Complexes 6 and 7 are mixed valent V(IV)/(V) complexes containing the [OV---O---VO]³⁺ core. In the solid state 6 belongs to class III (delocalized) and 7 to class I (localized) according to the Robin and Day classification of mixed valent compounds. A rationale for these differing electronic structures is given.     

X-ray crystal structure of Cu2(medpco-2H)Cl2, (medpco = N,N′-bis(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide 1-oxide. Copper(II) complexes of a deprotonated binucleating pyridine N-oxide ligand

The X-ray structure is reported for the complex Cu₂(medpco-2H)Cl₂, (medpco = N,N′-bis-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide 1-oxide. The complex is triclinic, , a=8.313(4), B=11.403(5), C=11.611(3) Å, =91.66(3), β=108.99(4), γ=109.60(3)° and Z=2. The deprotonated ligand (medpco-2H)²⁻ acts as a binulceating ligand, producing an N-oxide-bridged complex. Each copper in Cu₂(medpco-2H)Cl₂ is five-coordinate, being coordinated by a bridging N-oxide oxygen, a deprotonated amide nitrogen, a tertiary amine nitrogen and two bridging chlorides. The complex does not exhibit significant magnetic interaction, and this may be the result of distortion of the bridging geometry from planarity. A range of other, apparently N-oxide-bridged, complexes of the type Cu₂(medpco-2H)X₂ is reported. The complex Cu₂(medpco-2H)Br₂·H₂O is strongly antiferromagnetic, with magnetic data closely fitting the expected binuclear structure.     

A new dinuclear unsymmetric copper(II) complex as model for the active site of catechol oxidase

The crystal structure, magnetic, redox and spectroscopic properties of a novel unsymmetrical dinuclear copper(II) complex, prepared by the reaction between copper(II) perchlorate, sodium acetate and the unsymmetrical, binucleating ligand HTPPNOL, where HTPPNOL is N,N,N′-tris-(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol, is reported. HTPPNOL (1 equiv.) reacted with 1 equiv. of copper(II) ion, in methanol, and produced the mononuclear copper complex [Cu(TPPNOL)](ClO₄)(BPh₄) (1). On the other hand, the reaction of 1 equiv. of HTPPNOL with 2 equiv. each of copper (II) ion and acetate, in methanol, produced the dinuclear complex [Cu₂(TPPNOL)(OOCCH₃)](ClO₄)₂ (2), whose structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction. In complex 2, as a result of the inherent asymmetry of the ligand HTPPNOL, one copper ion is five-coordinated (distorted trigonal-bipyramidal) while the other copper is four-coordinated (distorted square-planar). Then, as a result of the presence of distinct geometries for the metal centres, complex 2 exhibits a ferromagnetic coupling (J=+25.41 cm⁻¹). Titration experiments carried out on the dinuclear complex suggest a pK_a=8.0, which was related to the aquo/hydroxo equilibrium. Complex 2 is able to oxidise 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol to the respective o-quinone. The oxidation reaction was studied by following the appearance of the quinone spectrophotometrically, at pH 8.0 and 25 °C.     

Synthesis and problematic crystal structures of [Al(CH3CN)6][MCl6]3(CH3CN)3 (M=Ta, Nb or Sb)

Compounds of formula [Al(CH₃CN)₆][MCl₆]₃(CH₃CN)₃ (M=Ta (1); Nb (2); Sb (3)) have been synthesized from the reactions of MCl₅ and AlCl₃ in acetonitrile and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/mbm with a = B = 10.408(2), C = 7.670(3) Å, V = 830.9(4) ų and Z = 2/3. Complex 2 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/mnc with a = B = 330(a), C = 15.320(3) ų V = 1634.8(4) ų and Z = 4/3. Complex 3 also crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/mnc with a = B = 10.313(1), C = 15.238(2) Å, V = 1621.0(1) ų and Z = 4/3. The non-integer Z values for complexes 1–3 result unusual problems of disorder and/or twinning in these crystal structures due to their high symmetry. The M---Cl distances range from 2.329(3) Å in the Ta complex to 2.355(1) Å in the Sb complex, while the Al---N distances are similar in all three complexes, ranging from 1.92(1) to 1.97(1) Å, respectively. Complexes 1–3 are the first structurally characterized complexes that contain a (hexaacetonitrile)aluminum(III) cation.     

Synthesis of one dimensional tin selenides in supercritical amines

Three new crystalline tin selenide salts have been prepared from the reactions of [PPh₄]₂[Sn(Se₄₃] in supercritical solvents. The starting material pyrolyzes in supercritical acetonitrile to form [PPh₄]₄[Sn₆Se₂₁] (I), and it also reacts with SnSe in supercritical ammonia leading to a mixture of [PPh₄]₄[Sn₃Se₁₁]₂ (II). and [PPh₄]₂[Sn(Se₄)(Se₆)₂] (III). All three compounds have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic data: for I, C₉₆H₉₀P₄Se₂₁Sn₆, space group triclinic, P-1, A = 18.763(3), B = 24.600(4), C = 13.137(1) Å, = 102.63(1), β = 93.66(1), γ = 108.72(1)°, V = 5544(1) ų, Z = 2, R = 0.0350, R_W = 0.0317: for II, C₉₆H₈₀P₄Se₂₂Sn₆, space group monoclinic P2₁/c, A = 31.500(4), B = 16.572(3), C = 22.352(3) Å, β = 103.53(1)°, V = 11344(3) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0771, R_W = 0.0664: for III, C₄₈H₄₀P₂Se₁₆Sn, space group monoclinic, C2/c, A = 25.381(2), B = 13.934(4), C = 19.465(3) Å, β = 121.587(8)°, V = 5867(2) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0807, R_W = 0.0650. One of the compounds, [PPh₄]₂[Sn(Se₄(Se₆₂], is a molecular cluster while the other two complexes [PPh₄]₄[Sn₃Se₁₁]₂ and [PPh₄]₄[Sn₆Se₂₁], are one dimensional tin selenide chains. The structures of the two chains are related and consits of tetrahedral and distorted trigonal bipyramidal tin(IV) centers bridged by Se²⁻, Se₂²⁻ and Se₃²⁻ chains.     

Convenient preparation of [CuX(PCy3)2](X = Br, I, SCN, N3) complexes. X-ray crystal structure of [Cu(N3)(PCy3)2] (Cy = cyclo-C6H11)

The labile cations [Cu(F-BF₃)(PCy₃)₂] and [Cu(OTf)(PCy₃)₂] are versatile precursors for the formation of [Cu(X)(PCy₃)₂] (X = Br, I, SCN, N₃) complexes by metathesis with NaX. The azide [Cu(N₃)(PCy₃)₂] is triclinic, space group , a = 9.755(4), B = 22.78(1), C = 9.284(6) Å, = 96.76(3), β = 115.36(3), γ = 94.20(5)°, Z = 2.     

Crystal and molecular structure of μ-propane-1,3-diamine Di[bis(propane1,3-diamine) copper(II)]perchlorate complex

The title compound, [Cu₂(1,3-pn)₅](ClO₄)₄, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with Z = 8 formula units in a cell of dimensions: a = 30.88(9), b = 14.664(6), c = 15.737(6) Å. The structure was solved by the heavy-atom method and refined by least-squares calculations to R = 0.082 for 3156 counter data. It consists of discrete dinuclear [Cu₂(1,3-pn)₅]⁴⁺ cations and ClO₄⁻ anions. In the dinuclear cation two propane diamine molecules act as chelating to each copper atom in the basal plane; the fifth amine molecule in an extended form, with its nitrogen atoms located at the apices of two square-pyramides, bridges two copper atoms. Magnetic and spectroscopic data are also discussed.