Crystal structure, optical, magnetic, and photochemical properties of the complex pentakis(dimethyl sulfoxide)nitrosylchromium(2+) hexafluorophosphate

The nitrosyl complex [Cr(dmso)₅(NO)](PF₆)₂ (1) (dmso = dimethyl sulfoxide) has been prepared by the solvolysis of [Cr(NCCH₃)₅(NO)](PF₆)₂ in neat dmso. The optical absorption spectrum of 1 in dmso shows maxima at 734, 567, 450, 413, and 337 nm. Continuous photolysis of 1 with λ = 365-580 nm light in dmso solution results in a release of NO with quantum yield, Φ, in the range 0.034-0.108 mol Einstein⁻¹. Irradiation of a deoxygenated CH₃CN solution of [Cr(NCCH₃)₅(NO)](PF₆)₂ in the presence of excess of [Fe(S₂CNEt₂)₂] results in a transfer of NO to the iron centre as shown from the characteristic EPR spectrum of [Fe(S₂CNEt₂)₂(NO)] with A_iso(¹⁴N) = 12.2 × 10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹. The EPR parameters of 1 were determined: g_iso, g_‖ and g_⊥ : 1.96725, 1.91881(4) and 1.992763(2); A_iso(⁵³Cr), A_‖ (⁵³Cr) and A_⊥(⁵³Cr): 22.8 × 10⁻⁴, 39 × 10⁻⁴ and 15.8 × 10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹; A_iso(¹⁴N), A_‖ (¹⁴N) and A_⊥(¹⁴N): 5.9 × 10⁻⁴, 2 × 10⁻⁴ and 7.540(4) × 10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹.     

Synthesis, spectral and magnetical characterization of monomeric [Cu(2-NO2bz)2(nia)2(H2O)2] and structural analysis of similar [Cu(RCOO)2(L-N)2(H2O)2] complexes

A new complex of composition [Cu(2-NO₂bz)₂(nia)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) (nia = nicotinamide, 2-NO₂bz = 2-nitrobenzoate) has been prepared and its composition and stereochemistry as well as coordination mode have been determined by elemental analysis, electronic, infrared and EPR spectroscopy, magnetization measurements over the temperature range 1.8-300 K, and its structure has been solved, as well. The complex structure consists of the centrosymmetric molecules with Cu(II) atom monodentately coordinated by the pair of 2-nitrobenzoato anions and by the pair of nicotinamide molecules, forming nearly tetragonal basal plane, and by a pair of water molecules that complete tetragonal-bipyramidal coordination polyhedron about the copper atom. The complex 1 exhibits magnetic moment μ_eff = 1.86 B.M. at 300 K which decreases to μ_eff = 1.83 B.M. at 1.8 K. The magnetic susceptibility temperature dependence obeys Curie-Weiss law with Curie constant of 0.442 cm³ K mol⁻¹ and with Weiss constant of −1.0 K. EPR spectra at room temperature as well as at 77 K are of axial type with g_⊥ = 2.065 and g_∥ = 2.280 and exhibit clearly, but partially resolved parallel hyperfine splitting with A_II = 160 G, that is consistent with the determined molecular structure of 1. In order to analyze the factors influencing the degree of tetragonal distortion of coordination polyhedron, the dataset of 72 structures similar to that of 1 was extracted from CCD and analyzed. A significant correlation between the average Cu-O_ax bond length and tetragonality parameter τ which was found as a consequence of the Jahn-Teller effect.     

Structure and magnetic properties of a tetranuclear Cu4O4 open-cubane in [Cu(L)]4·4H2O with L = (E)-N′-(2-oxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide

The in-situ formed hydrazone Schiff base ligand (E)-N′-(2-oxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide (L²⁻) reacts with copper(II) acetate to a tetranuclear open cubane [Cu(L)]₄ complex which crystallizes as two symmetry-independent (Z′ = 2) S₄-symmetrical molecules in different twofold special positions with a homodromic water tetramer. The two independent (A and B) open- or pseudo-cubanes with Cu₄O₄ cores of 4 + 2 class (Ruiz classification) each have three different magnetic exchange pathways leading to an overall antiferromagnetic coupling with J_1B = J_2B = −17.2 cm⁻¹, J_1A = −36.7 cm⁻¹, J_2A = −159 cm⁻¹, J_3A = J_3B = 33.5 cm⁻¹, g = 2.40 and ρ = 0.0687. The magnetic properties have been analysed using the H = −Σ_i,jJ_ij(S_iS_j) spin Hamiltonian.     

Structural characterization, electrochemistry, and spectroelectrochemistry of trans-dioxorhenium(V) complex with 4-methoxypyridine, [ReO2(4-MeOpy)4]PF6, and characterization of [ReO2(4-MeOpy)4] generated electrochemically

Crystal structure of [ReO₂(4-MeOpy)₄][PF₆] (4-MeOpy = 4-methoxypyridine) complex has been examined by the single crystal X-ray analytical method. This complex shows a trans-dioxo geometry (average Re-O bond length = 1.766(2) Å) and its equatorial plane is occupied by four 4-MeOpy molecules (average Re-N bond length = 2.156(4) Å). Electrochemical reaction of [ReO₂(4-MeOpy)₄]⁺ in CH₃CN solution containing tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate as a supporting electrolyte has been studied using cyclic voltammetry at 24 °C. Cyclic voltammograms show one redox couple around 0.65 V (E_pa) and 0.58 V (E_pc) [versus ferrocene/ferrocenium ion redox couple, (Fc/Fc⁺)]. Potential differences between two peaks (ΔE_p) at scan rates in the range from 0.01 to 0.10 V s⁻¹ are 65 mV, which is almost consistent with the theoretical ΔE_p value (59 mV) for the reversible one electron transfer reaction at 24 °C. The ratio of anodic peak currents to cathodic ones is 1.04 ± 0.03 and the (E_pa + E_pc)/2 value is constant, 0.613 ± 0.001 V versus Fc/Fc⁺, regardless of the scan rate. Spectroelectrochemical experiments have also been carried out by applying potentials from 0.40 to 0.77 V versus Fc/Fc⁺ with an optically transparent thin layer electrode. It was found that the UV-visible absorption spectra show clear isosbestic points at 228, 276, and 384 nm, and that the electron stoichiometry is evaluated as 1.03 from the Nernstian plot. These results indicate that the [ReO₂(4-MeOpy)₄]⁺ complex is oxidized reversibly to the [ReO₂(4-MeOpy)₄]²⁺ complex. Furthermore, it was clarified that the [ReO₂(4-MeOpy)₄]²⁺ in CH₃CN has the characteristic absorption bands at 236, 278, 330, 478, and 543 nm and their molar absorption coefficients are 4.3 × 10⁴, 4.5 × 10³, 1.0 × 10⁴, and 6.1 × 10³ M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ (M = mol dm⁻³), respectively.     

pH dependent copper binding properties of a CuA azurin variant with both bridging cysteines replaced with serines

A double mutant of Cu_A azurin was prepared in which both bridging cysteine thiolate ligands of the binuclear Cu_A center were replaced by serine. The copper binding properties of this protein were investigated, and shown to be pH dependent. At lower pH (5.2 ± 0.1), the protein binds one copper per protein molecule as demonstrated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Copper titrations resulted in electronic absorptions at 730 nm (peak) and ca. 330 nm (shoulder) in the UV-Vis spectrum. EPR data show a four line pattern with hyperfine A_∥ = 150 G and g_∥ and g_⊥ values 2.32 and 2.03, characteristic of a type II (T2) copper. Superhyperfines to two nitrogen atoms were also observed. At higher pH (8.5 ± 0.1), the protein binds upto two copper atoms per protein molecule, and copper titrations exhibit a blue transition at 595 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. The EPR data are consistent with two monomeric sites very similar to one another having hyperfines A_∥ = 182 and 150 G, g_∥ = 2.24 and 2.22 and a similar g_⊥ value of 2.01. These results indicate that both bridging cysteines play a critical role in the Cu_A center, and replacing them with serines is not enough to maintain the symmetrical diamond core structure or the characteristic electronic and functional properties of the Cu_A center.     

Time-resolved infrared study of reactive species produced by flash photolysis of the hydroformylation catalyst precursor Co2(CO)6(PMePh2)2

Flash photolysis with time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectroscopy was used to elucidate the photochemical reactivity of the hydroformylation catalyst precursor Co₂(CO)₆(PMePh₂)₂. Depending on reaction conditions, the net products of photolysis varied significantly. A model is presented that accounts for the net reactivity with two initial photoproducts, the 17-electron species Co(CO)₃(PMePh₂) and the coordinatively unsaturated dimer Co₂(CO)₅(PMePh₂)₂. No evidence was found for photochemical formation of Co₂(CO)₆(PMePh₂). Time-resolved spectroscopic studies allowed for the direct observation of transient species and for kinetics studies of certain reactions; for example, the reactions of Co(CO)₃PMePh₂ with CO and with PMePh₂ gave the respective rate constants 1.5 × 10⁵ and 1.2 × 10⁷ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, while the analogous reactions with Co₂(CO)₅(PMePh₂)₂ gave the rate constants of 2.6 × 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 3.9 × 10⁷ M⁻¹ s⁻¹.     

Hydrogen bonding: further evidence for the cause of the color change of nitrosylpentaamminechromium (III) compounds. Crystal structures of [Cr(NO)(NH3)5](PF6)2 and [Cr(NO)(NH3)5]Cl(PF6)

The crystal structures of [Cr(NO)(NH₃)₅](PF₆)₂ (red) and [Cr(NO)(NH₃)₅]Cl(PF₆) (brown) have been determined. The [Cr(NO)(NH₃)₅]²⁺(A) complex cations in these compounds have a slightly distorted octahedral geometry with a strictly linear Cr-N-O arrangement (from symmetry). The short interatomic distances (2.399 Å × 4) between the O (nitrosyl) and H (ammonia in adjacent complex cations) atoms in A(PF₆)₂ indicate the existence of hydrogen bonds, while the interatomic distances (3.258 Å × 8) between those in ACl(PF₆) are much longer, and the hydrogen bonds should be weak in spite of the presence of the smaller counter anion of chloride ion in ACl(PF₆). Comparisons of the five crystal structures of A(PF₆)₂, ACl₂, ACl(ClO₄), ACl(PF₆), and A(ClO₄)₂ have led to the conclusion that the existence of the strong hydrogen bonds gives red crystals of A(PF₆)₂, while the absence of hydrogen bonds results in the formation of green crystals of A(ClO₄)₂ (O ? H, 3.595 Å × 2). The color change of the crystals (from red to green) with the change of outer sphere anions is attributed to the change of the strength of the hydrogen bonding between the complex cations.     

Solvent exchange, solvent interchange, aquation and isomerisation reactions of cis- and trans-[Co(tmen)2(NCMe)2] in water, Me2SO and MeCN: kinetics and stereochemistry

The synthesis and characterisation of cis- and trans-[Co(tmen)₂(NCCH₃)₂](ClO₄)₃ are described. Solvolysis rates have been measured by both ¹H NMR spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectrophotometry in dimethyl sulfoxide at 298.2 K. The cis isomer undergoes solvolysis by consecutive first-order reactions, k₁=5.61 × 10⁻⁴ and k₂=5.35 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹, each with steric retention. The measured solvolysis rate (single step reaction) for the trans isomer is k=1.54 × 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹. The solvent exchange rates have been measured by ¹H NMR spectroscopy in CD₃CN at 298.2 K: k_ex(cis)=k_ct + k_cc=2.0 × 10⁻⁵ and k_ex(trans)=k_tc + k_tt=4.56 × 10⁻⁶ s⁻¹. From these data, the measured cis-trans isomerisation rate (1.71 × 10⁻⁶ s⁻¹) and equilibrium position in CH₃CN (17% trans), the steric course for substitution in the exchange processes has been determined: trans reactant - 69% trans product; cis reactant - 99% cis product. Aquation rates for cis- and trans-[Co(tmen)₂(NCCH₃)₂](ClO₄)₃ have also been determined spectrophotometrically and by NMR; k_cis=1.3 × 10⁻⁴ and k_trans=2.7 × 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹. In both cases the steric course for the primary aquation step is indeterminate because the subsequent steps are faster. Where data are available, the [Co(tmen)₂X₂]ⁿ⁺ complexes are found to be consistently much more reactive than their [Co(en)₂X₂]ⁿ⁺ analogues.     

Vibrational and structural mapping of [Os(bpy)3] and [Os(phen)3]

Structural changes between [Os^IIL₃]²⁺ and [Os^IIIL₃]³⁺ (L: 2,2′-bipyridine; 1,10-phenanthroline) and molecular and electronic structures of the Os^III complexes [Os^III(bpy)₃]³⁺ and [Os^III(phen)₃]³⁺ are discussed in this paper. Mid-infrared spectra in the ν(bpy) and ν(phen) ring stretching region for [Os^II(bpy)₃](PF₆)₂, [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃, [Os^II(phen)₃](PF₆)₂, and [Os^III(phen)₃](PF₆)₃ are compared, as are X-ray crystal structures. Absorption spectra in the UV region for [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃ and [Os^III(phen)₃](PF₆)₃ are dominated by very intense absorptions (ε = 40 000-50 000 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) due to bpy and phen intra-ligand π → π^∗ transitions. In the visible region, relatively narrow bands with vibronic progressions of ∼1500 cm⁻¹ appear, and have been assigned to bpy or phen-based, spin-orbit coupling enhanced, ¹π → ³π^∗ electronic transitions. Also present in the visible region are ligand-to-metal charge transfer bands (LMCT) arising from π(bpy) → t_2g(Os^III) or π(phen) → t_2g(Os^III) transitions. In the near infrared, two broad absorption features appear for oxidized forms [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃ and [Os^III(phen)₃](PF₆)₃ arising from dπ-dπ interconfigurational bands characteristic of dπ⁵Os^III. They are observed at 4580 and 5090 cm⁻¹ for [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃ and at 4400 and 4990 cm⁻¹ for [Os^III(phen)₃](PF₆)₃. The bpy and phen infrared vibrational bands shift to higher energy upon oxidation of Os(II) to Os(III). In the cation structure in [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃, the Os^III atom resides at a distorted octahedral site, as judged by ∠N-Os-N, which varies from 78.78(22)° to 96.61(22)°. Os-N bond lengths are also in general longer for [Os^III(bpy)₃](PF₆)₃ compared to [Os^II(bpy)₃](PF₆)₂ (0.010 Å), and for [Os^III(phen)₃](PF₆)₃ compared to [Os^II(phen)₃](PF₆)₂ (0.014 Å). Structural changes in the ligands between oxidation states are discussed as originating from a combination of dπ(Os^II) → π^∗ (bpy or phen) backbonding and charge redistribution on the ligands as calculated by natural population analysis.     

Octahedral cyanohydroxo cluster complex trans-[Re6Se8(CN)4(OH)2]: Synthesis, crystal structure, and properties

A hexarhenium cyanohydroxo anionic cluster complex [Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]⁴⁻ was synthesized for the first time starting from [Re₆Se₈(OH)₆]⁴⁻, which was crystallized as a salt of the composition Cs_2.75K_1.25[Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]·H₂O (1). The reaction of the complex with Cu²⁺ in an aqueous ammonia or methylamine solutions afforded [Cu(NH₃)₅]₂[Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]·8H₂O (2) or [{Cu(CH₃NH₂)₄}₂Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂] (3), respectively. All of these three compounds were characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. Compound 1 is crystallized in the tetragonal space group I4/m with eight formula units per cell (a = b = 17.4823(14) Å, c = 19.430(2) Å, V = 5938.3(10) Å³); compound 2 is crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with two formula units per cell (a = 12.1845(13) Å, b = 8.6554(9) Å, c = 19.2568(19) Å, β = 91.081(2)°, V = 2030.5(4) Å³); compound 3 is crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with four formula units per cell (a = 19.816(4) Å, b = 14.611(3) Å, c = 13.751(3) Å, V = 3981.2(13) Å³). The luminescence properties of 1 were studied in both aqueous solution and solid state. In addition, the electronic structure of [Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]⁴⁻ was elucidated by DFT calculations.     

Crystal structure and magnetic behavior of a copper(II)-(pyrazine 2,3-dicarboxylate) coordination polymer: 3D architecture stabilized by H-bonding

Reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O and pyrazine 2,3-dicarboxylate (pzdc) in aqueous ammonia medium results [Cu(pyrazine 2,3-dicarboxylate)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (1). The X-ray single crystal structure reveals that the compound is a 1D polymeric sinusoidal infinite chain which through intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonding interactions, involving lattice and coordinated water molecules with dicarboxylate oxygens and pyrazine nitrogens, gives rise to a 3D architecture. The variable temperature magnetic measurements show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) centers. The best fit parameters through the typical equation for a uniform copper (II) chain are: J=−0.25 cm⁻¹, g=2.17, R=1.3×10−6. The EPR spectrum does not alter with temperature (from r.t. to 4 K). The spectra are typical for square-pyramidal geometry of copper(II) ions, g_∥=2.24 and g_⊥=2.10 (average g=2.15, in good agreement to the value obtained by susceptibility fit).     

Kinetic studies of tris(2,2′-bipyridine)iron(III) perchlorate with cobaloxime, [Co(dmgBF2)2(H2O)2]

The kinetics of the reduction of by Co(dmgBF₂)₂(H₂O)₂ in 0.041 M HNO₃/NaNO₃ was found to be first-order in both the oxidizing and reducing agents and the second-order rate constant is given by k_obs = k₁ + k₂K[Cl⁻], with k₁=1.59 × 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹and k₂K = 1.83 × 10⁸ M⁻² s⁻¹, at 25 °C. The term that is first-order in [Cl⁻] is attributed to the formation of an ion-pair between and Cl⁻. For k₁, the activation parameters ΔH* and ΔS* are 2.22 ± 0.02 kcal mol⁻¹ and −22.7 ± 0.8 cal mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, respectively. The self-exchange rate constant of k₂₂ ≈ 8.7 × 10⁻³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for was estimated using Marcus theory and the known self-exchange rate constant for .     

Electrochemical reduction properties of A-frame compounds and crystal structure of Pd2(dppm)2(Me)2(Br) dimer

Two series of A-frame complexes, [Pd₂(dppm)₂(R)₂(μ-X)]⁺ (R = Me and X = Cl, Br, I, H; R = Mes and X = Br, I), were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The 2-electron reduction potentials for the first series increase from I (−1.10), Br (−1.17), Cl (−1.25) to H (−1.65 V versus SCE, in CHCl₃), as well as in the second series; Br (−1.35) and I (−1.38 V versus SCE, in THF). The nature of the LUMO where the electron reduction takes place is qualitatively addressed by DFT on the corresponding model complexes [Pd₂(H₂PCH₂PH₂)₂(R)₂(μ-X)]⁺. The LUMO and (LUMO + 1) of the halide derivatives exhibit the presence of Pd d_x²-y² atomic orbitals interacting in an anti-bonding fashion with the n-donor orbitals of X⁻, P, and Me⁻, explaining in part the observed reactivity upon reduction. The X-ray structure of [Pd₂(dppm)₂(Me)₂(μ-Br)]⁺ compound exhibits the typical A-frame structure with a Pd?Pd non-bonding distance of 3.036(1) Å, and long Pd-Br bonds of 2.5623(5) and 2.5793(5) Å.     

Kinetic studies of the reduction of hexaaquacobalt(III) perchlorate by a cobaloxime, [Co(dmgBF2)2(H2O)2]

The reaction of with Co(dmgBF₂)₂(H₂O)₂ in 1.0 M HClO₄/LiClO₄ was found to be first-order in both reactants and the [H⁺] dependence of the second-order rate constant is given by k_2obs = b/[H⁺], b at 25 °C is 9.23 ± 0.14 × 10² s⁻¹. The [H⁺] dependence at lower temperatures shows some saturation effect that allowed an estimate of the hydrolysis constant for as K_a = 9.5 × 10⁻³ M at 10 and 15 °C. Marcus theory and the known self-exchange rate constant for Co(OH₂)₅OH^2+/+ were used to estimate an electron self-exchange rate constant of k₂₂ = 1.7 × 10⁻⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for .     

A tetracopper(II) complex with N,N′-bis(picolinoyl)hydrazine

Synthesis, physical properties and X-ray structure of a hydrated tetranuclear copper(II) complex [Cu₄(μ-diph)₂(μ-H₂O)₂(O₂CCH₃)₄(H₂O)₂]·4H₂O with N,N′-bis(picolinoyl)hydrazine (H₂diph) are reported. The centrosymmetric complex has two types of copper(II) centres with distorted square-pyramidal N₂O₃ coordination spheres. The dinucleating trans planar diph²⁻ ligands are parallel to each other and act as N₂O-donor to one metal centre and N₂-donor to the other metal centre. The complex has a rectangular {Cu₄(μ-N-N)₂(μ-OH₂)₂} core with Cu···Cu distances as 4.834(1) and 3.762(1) Å. Solid state as well as solution electronic spectra show several transitions in the wavelength range 700-280 nm. The room temperature (298 K) solid state magnetic moment is 3.55 μ_B. The powder EPR spectra at 298 and 130 K are very similar and axial (g_∥ = 2.25 and g_⊥ = 2.08) in character.     

Kinetics study of the substitution reaction of fac-[Fe(CN)2(CO)3I] with PPh3

Substitution reaction of fac-[Fe^II(CN)₂(CO)₃I]⁻ with triphenylphosphine (PPh₃) produced mono phosphine substituted complex cis-cis-[Fe^II(CN)₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)I]⁻. Crystal structure of the product showed that carbonyl positioned trans- to iodide was replaced by PPh₃. The substitution reaction was monitored by quantitative infrared spectroscopic method, and the rate law for the substitution reaction was determined to be rate = k[[Fe^II(CN)₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)I]⁻][PPh₃]. Transition state enthalpy and entropy changes were obtained from Eyring equation k = (k_BT/h)exp(−ΔH^≠/RT + ΔS^≠/R) with ΔH^≠ = 119(4) kJ mol⁻¹ and ΔS^≠ = 102(10) J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹. Positive transition state entropy change suggests that the substitution reaction went through a dissociative pathway.     

A trinuclear copper(II) complex with 2,5-pyridine-dicarboxylato bridges - [Cu3(2,5-pydc)2(Me5dien)2(H2O)2(BF4)2] · H2O: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

A trinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu₃(2,5-pydc)₂(Me₅dien)₂(BF₄)₂(H₂O)₂] · H₂O 1, has been constructed from 2,5-pyridine-dicarboxylato bridges (2,5-pydc²⁻) and N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine (Me₅dien) acting as a blocking ligand. The copper ions, within the centrosymmetric trinuclear cations, are connected by two 2,5-pydc²⁻ bridges, with an intramolecular Cu···Cu separation of 8.432 Å. The central copper ion exhibits an elongated octahedral geometry, with semicoordinated ions, while the terminal ones are pentacoordinated (distorted square-pyramidal geometry). The cryomagnetic investigation of 1 reveals an antiferromagnetic coupling of the copper(II) ions (J = −5.9 cm⁻¹, H = −JS_Cu1S_Cu2 − JS_Cu2S_Cu1a).     

Preparation and structure of [Ru2(O2CMe)4]2[Fe(CN)5NO] and magnetically ordered Hx[Ru2(O2CMe)4]3−x[Cr(CN)5NO] possessing interpenetrating lattices

Reaction of [Ru₂(O₂CMe)₄]Cl with K₃[Cr(CN)₅NO] in water forms H_x[Ru^II/III₂(O₂CMe)₄]_3−x-[Cr(CN)₅NO]·zH₂O (x = 0.2) that magnetically orders at 4.0 K and possesses an interpenetrating body centered cubic [a = 13.2509(2) Å] structure with random locations of the bridging nitrosyl ligands, and x/3 vacant cation sites. Similarly, the aqueous reaction of [Ru₂(O₂CMe)₄]Cl with Na₂[Fe(CN)₅NO] forms paramagnetic [Ru₂(O₂CMe)₄]₂[Fe(CN)₅NO]·H₂O, which has a similar tetragonal interpenetrating structure [a = 13.0186(1) Å, c = 13.0699(2) Å] where the NO ligands are presumably nonbridging and 1/3 of the expected cation sites are unoccupied. The presence of uncoordinated NO sites in addition to missing neighboring [Ru₂(O₂CMe)₄]⁺ units, results in significant vacancies (or holes) in the lattice.     

Ultrafast excited-state dynamics of photoisomerizing complexes fac-[Re(Cl)(CO)3(papy)2] and fac-[Re(papy)(CO)3(bpy)] (papy = trans-4-phenylazopyridine)

The character and dynamics of low-lying electronic excited states of the complexes fac-[Re(Cl)(CO)₃(papy)₂] and fac-[Re(papy)(CO)₃(bpy)]⁺ (papy = trans-4-phenylazopyridine) were investigated using stationary (UV-Vis absorption, resonance Raman) and ultrafast time-resolved (visible, IR absorption) spectroscopic methods. Excitation of [Re(Cl)(CO)₃(papy)₂] at 400 nm is directed to ¹ππ^∗(papy) and Re → papy ¹MLCT excited states. Ultrafast (?1.4 ps) intersystem crossing (ISC) to ³nπ^∗(papy) follows. Excitation of [Re(papy)(CO)₃(bpy)]⁺ is directed to ¹ππ^∗(papy), ¹MLCT(papy) and ¹MLCT(bpy). The states ³nπ^∗(papy) and ³MLCT(bpy) are then populated simultaneously in less then 0.8 ps. The ³MLCT(bpy) state decays to ³nπ^∗(papy) with a 3 ps time constant. ³nπ^∗(papy) is the lowest excited state for both complexes. It undergoes vibrational cooling and partial rotation around the -NN- bond, to form an intermediate with a nonplanar papy ligand in less than 40 ps. This species then undergoes ISC to the ground state potential energy surface, on which the trans and cis isomers are formed by reverse and forward intraligand papy rotation, respectively. This process occurs with a time constant of 120 and 100 ps for [Re(Cl)(CO)₃(papy)₂] and [Re(papy)(CO)₃(bpy)]⁺, respectively. It is concluded that coordination of papy to the Re center accelerates the ISC, switching the photochemistry from singlet to triplet excited states. Comparison with analogous 4-styrylpyridine complexes (M. Busby, P. Matousek, M. Towrie, A. Vl?ek Jr., J. Phys. Chem. A 109 (2005) 3000) reveals similarities of the decay mechanism of excited states of Re complexes with ligands containing -NN- and -CC- bonds. Both involve sub-picosecond ISC to triplets, partial rotation around the double bond and slower ISC to the trans or cis ground state. This process is about 200 times faster for the -NN- bonded papy ligand. The intramolecular energy transfer from the ³MLCT-excited ^∗Re(CO)₃(bpy) chromophore to the intraligand state of the axial ligand occurs for both L = stpy and papy with a comparable rate of a few ps.     

New insights in the DNA-[Cr(phen)2(dppz)] binding and photocleavage properties by the complex with an intercalating ligand

Due to the key role of DNA in cell life and pathological processes, the design of specific chemical nucleases, DNA probes and alkylating agents is an important research area for the development of new therapeutic agents and tools in Biochemistry. Hence, the interaction of small molecules with DNA has attracted in particular a great deal of attention.The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of [Cr(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺ to associate with DNA and to characterize it as photocleavage reagent for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).Chromium(III) complex [Cr(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺, (dppz = dipyridophenazine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), where dppz is a planar bidentate ligand with an extended π system, has been found to bind strongly to double strand oligonucleotides (ds-oligo) and plasmid DNA with intrinsic DNA binding constants, K_b, of (3.9 ± 0.3) × 10⁵ M⁻¹ and (1.1 ± 0.1) × 10⁵ M⁻¹, respectively. The binding properties to DNA were investigated by UV-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy and electrophoretic studies. UV-Vis absorption data provide clearly that the chromium(III) complex interacts with DNA intercalatively. Competitive binding experiments show that the enhancement in the emission intensity of ethidium bromide (EthBr) in the presence of DNA was quenched by [Cr(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺, indicating that the Cr(III) complex displaces EthBr from its binding site in plasmid DNA. Moreover, [Cr(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺, non-covalently bound to DNA, promotes the photocleavage of plasmid DNA under 457 nm irradiation. We also found that the irradiated Cr(III)-plasmid DNA association is able to impair the transforming capacity of bacteria. These results provide evidence confirming the responsible and essential role of the excited state of [Cr(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺ for damaging the DNA structure. The combination of DNA, [Cr(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺ and light, is necessary to induce damage. In addition, assays of the photosensitization of transformed bacterial suspensions suggest that Escherichia coli may be photoinactivated by irradiation in the presence of [Cr(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺. In sum, our results allow us to postulate the [Cr(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺ complex as a very attractive candidate for DNA photocleavage with potential applications in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).