Synthesis, structure and redox properties of an unexpected trinuclear copper(II) complex with aspartame: [Cu(apm)2Cu(μ-N,O:O′-apm)2(H2O)Cu(apm)2(H2O)] · 5H2O

Structural, magnetic and spectroscopic data of a new trinuclear copper(II) complex with the ligand aspartame (apm) are described. [Cu(apm)₂Cu(μ-N,O:O′-apm)₂(H₂O)Cu(apm)₂(H₂O)] · 5H₂O crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1 (#1) with a = 7.3300(1) Å, b = 15.6840(1) Å, c = 21.5280(1) Å, α = 93.02(1)°, β = 93.21(1)°, γ = 92.66(1)° and Z = 1. Aspartame coordinates to Cu(II) through the carboxylate and β-amino groups. The carboxylate groups of the two central ligands act as bidentate bridges in a syn-anti conformation while the carboxylate groups of the four peripheral ligands are monodentate in a syn conformation. The central copper ion is in a distorted square pyramidal geometry with the apical position being occupied by one oxygen atom of the water molecule. The two terminal copper(II) atoms are coordinated to the ligands in the same position but their coordination sphere differs from each other due to the fact that one copper atom has a water molecule in an apical position leading to an octahedral coordination sphere while the other copper atom is exclusively coordinated to aspartame ligands forming a distorted square pyramidal coordination sphere. Thermal analysis is consistent with the X-ray structure. EPR spectra and CV curves indicate a rupture of the trinuclear framework when this complex is dissolved in ethanol or DMF, forming a mononuclear species, with a tetragonal structure.     

A new hydrated phase of cobalt(II) oxalate: crystal structure, thermal behavior and magnetic properties of {[Co(μ-ox)(H2O)2] · 2H2O}n

A cobalt-oxalato complex of formula {[Co(μ-ox)(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O}_n (1) (ox=oxalate dianion) has been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, thermoanalytical techniques and variable temperature susceptibility measurements. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group with cell parameters: a=6.627(1), b=8.715(2), c=11.106(2) Å, α=69.86(1), β=83.45(1), γ=72.33(1)°. Its crystal structure consists of crystallization water molecules and one-dimensional linear chains of [Co(H₂O)₂]²⁺ units linked by bis-bidentate oxalato ligands. These structural units are held together by an extensive network of hydrogen bonds. The magnetic properties show the occurrence of antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal centers.     

Mono- and binuclear copper(II) complexes containing di(2-pyridyl)sulfide (DPS) as chelating ligand: Spectroscopic characterization and crystal structures of [Cu(DPS)(H2O)Cl2] · H2O and [{Cu(DPS)Cl}2μ-(Cl)2]

The complexes [Cu(DPS)(H₂O)Cl₂] · H₂O (1a) and [{Cu(DPS)Cl}₂μ-(Cl)₂] (1b) where DPS = Di(2-pyridyl)sulfide have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, thermal analysis (TG/DSC), vibrational and electronic spectroscopies as well as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Additionally, the crystal and molecular structures of both compounds have been determined by X-ray diffraction techniques.     

A novel tetranuclear hydrogenphosphate-bridged Cu(II) cluster. Synthesis, structure, spectroscopy and magnetism of [Cu4(dpyam)4(μ4,η-HPO4)2(μ-X)2]X2(H2O)6 (X = Cl, Br)

Two novel tetranuclear compounds with an unprecedented mode of a hydrogenphosphato bridge, [Cu₄(dpyam)₄(μ₄,η³-HPO₄)₂(μ-X)₂]²⁺ (in which dpyam = di-2-pyridylamine and X = Cl (1), Br (2)) have been synthesised and characterised structurally and magnetically. The Cu(II) ions in the structures each display a square-pyramidal geometry, with two tridentate hydrogenphosphato groups bridging four copper atoms in a μ₄,η³ coordination mode which is rarely found in hydrogenphosphate metal compounds. Each (different) pair of Cu(II) ions is additionally bridged by halide ions, with relatively long Cu-X distances (2.551(3)-2.604(3) Å for 1 and 2.707(1)-2.766(2) Å for 2) and subsequently also a small Cu-X-Cu angle (65.7(1)° and 65.1(1)° for 1 and 61.6(1)° and 62.4(1) for 2) and a large Cu-X-Cu angle (95.5(1)° and 96.5(1)° for 1 and 91.1(1)° and 92.6(1)° for 2). Cu?Cu distances in the tetranuclear units varies from 2.802(3) to 5.232(3) Å for 1 and from 2.834(1) to5.233(1) Å in 2. The lattice structures are stabilised by extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The magnetic susceptibility measurements down to 5 K revealed a weak ferromagnetic interaction between the outer pairs of Cu(II) ions which vary from 22 to 46 cm⁻¹ in 1 and 12 to 33 cm⁻¹ in 2 and a moderately strong antiferromagnetic interaction between the inner Cu(II) ions of −79 cm⁻¹ in 1 and −83 cm⁻¹ in 2, via the Cu-O-P-O-Cu pathway.     

The azidopentacyanoferrate(III) ion as a tecton in constructing heterometallic complexes: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of [Mn(valphen)(H2O)2]2[(H2O)(valphen)Mn(μ-CN)Fe(CN)4(N3)]·8H2O

By employing the common precursor Na₃[Fe(CN)₅(NH₃)]·3H₂O in a new synthetic approach, the azidopentacyanoferrate(III) ion has been isolated and structurally characterized as (Ph₄As)₂[Na(H₂O)₄][Fe(CN)₅(N₃)] 1. In order to confirm its building block ability, compound 1 has been reacted with the mononuclear complex [Mn(valphen)(H₂O)₂]ClO₄ (H₂valphen represents the Schiff base resulting from the condensation of o-vanillin with 1,2-phenylenediamine in a 2:1 M ratio) to afford the new Mn^III-Fe^III heterometallic system [Mn(valphen)(H₂O)₂]₂[(H₂O)(valphen)Mn(μ-CN)Fe(CN)₄(N₃)]·8H₂O 2. The crystal structure of compound 2 reveals a supramolecular assembly generated by [(H₂O)(valphen)Mn(μ-CN)Fe(CN)₄(N₃)]²⁻ dianions and discrete [Mn(valphen)(H₂O)₂]⁺ counterions. The dynamic magnetic measurements of compound 2 point to a slow relaxation of the magnetization.     

A one-dimensional copper (II) coordination polymer [Cu3(ampym)2(μ1,1-N3)4(μ1,3-N3)2(dmf)2]n (ampym = 2-aminopyrimidine) containing both end-on and end-to-end azido bridges

A new polynuclear copper (II) complex, derived from the azido-bridging ligand and 2-aminopyrimidine, has been synthesized and its 3-D structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods at two different temperatures. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system space group, with the central copper atom lying on an inversion centre. The crystal structure is built up by trinuclear units (each of them contains two double end-on azido bridges) linked through two azide ions in an end-to-end (EE) fashion, to yield the polymer chain [Cu₃(ampym)₂(μ_1,1-N₃)₄(μ_1,3-N₃)₂(dmf)₂]_n. Magnetic susceptibility measurement shows a ferromagnetic interaction above 30 K, whereas a weak anti-ferromagnetic interaction prevails in the range of 30-2 K.     

Thiotungstates containing the syn-[W2(O/S)2(μ-S)2] (E = O, S) and cuboidal [W2Cu2(μ3-S)4] cores

Reaction of [W^VIS₄]²⁻ with ethane-1,2-dithiol edtH₂ in the presence of the sulfide scavenger Cd²⁺ yielded the dinuclear tungstate syn-[{(edt)W^V(O/S)}₂(μ-S)₂]²⁻ (1), with the terminal S/O disordered over the two tungsten sites in the ratio 0.8:02. In the presence of thiocyanate, phosphine and CuI, the anionic cuboidal clusters of composition [{(SCN)₃W^V}₂{Cu^I(PPh₃)}₂(μ₃-S)₄]²⁻ (2) and (3, diphos = 1,2-bis(o-diphenylphosphinophenyl)ethane), and possibly via an intermediate [{(SCN)₃W^VS}₂(μ-S)₂]⁴⁻. The crystal and molecular structures of [Et₄N]₂1, [Et₄N]₂2 · H₂O and [Et₄N]₂3 · H₂O have been determined.     

Molecular structure of tetranuclear [{Mo2O(S2CNEt2)(η-O2CCF3)(μ-N-o-tol)2}2(μ-O)(μ-O2CCF3)2] formed upon addition of trifluoroacetic acid to syn-[MoO(μ-N-o-tol)(S2CNEt2)]2

Addition of trifluoroacetic acid to syn-[MoO(μ-N-o-tol)(S₂CNEt₂)]₂ in chloroform affords tetranuclear [{Mo₂O(S₂CNEt₂)(η¹-O₂CCF₃)(μ-N-o-tol)₂}₂(μ-O)(μ-O₂CCF₃)₂] which has been crystallographically characterised. It consists of four molybdenum(V) centres linked via bridging imido, trifluoroacetate and oxo ligands and results from replacement of a dithiocarbamate by two trifluoroacetate ligands.     

Thallium(III) complexes of the metalloligands [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4] and [Pt2(μ-Se)2(PPh3)4]

Reactions of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] with the diarylthallium(III) bromides Ar₂TlBr [Ar = Ph and p-ClC₆H₄] in methanol gave good yields of the thallium(III) adducts [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄TlAr₂]⁺, isolated as their salts. The corresponding selenide complex [Pt₂(μ-Se)₂(PPh₃)₄TlPh₂]BPh₄ was similarly synthesised from [Pt₂(μ-Se)₂(PPh₃)₄], Ph₂TlBr and NaBPh₄. The reaction of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] with PhTlBr₂ gave [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄TlBrPh]⁺, while reaction with TlBr₃ gave the dibromothallium(III) adduct [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄TlBr₂]⁺[TlBr₄]⁻. The latter complex is a rare example of a thallium(III) dihalide complex stabilised solely by sulfur donor ligands. X-ray crystal structure determinations on the complexes [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄TlPh₂]BPh₄, [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄TlBrPh]BPh₄ and [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄TlBr₂][TlBr₄] reveal a greater interaction between the thallium(III) centre and the two sulfide ligands on stepwise replacement of Ph by Br, as indicated by shorter Tl-S and Pt?Tl distances, and an increasing S-Tl-S bond angle. Investigations of the ESI MS fragmentation behaviour of the thallium(III) complexes are reported.     

Succinate bridged dimeric Cu(II) system containing sandwiched non-coordinating succinate dianion: Crystal structure, spectroscopic and thermal studies of [(phen)2Cu(μ-L)Cu(phen)2]L · 12.5H2O (H2L = succinic acid; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline)

A mixed ligand and dimeric Cu^II complex [(phen)₂Cu(μ-L)Cu(phen)₂]L · 12.5H₂O (H₂L = succinic acid) containing bridging succinate moiety and also non-coordinated succinate dianion was prepared from polymeric Cu(II) succinate by nucleophilic reaction with o-phenanthroline (phen) followed by depolymerization. The dimeric product was characterized by crystallographic, spectroscopic and thermoanalytical studies. The complex crystallizes in triclinic crystal system and is composed of succinate bridged [(phen)₂Cu(μ-L)Cu(phen)₂]²⁺ complex cations, non-coordinated succinate anions and hydrogen bonded water molecules. Within the dimeric cationic unit, each of the Cu atoms is octahedrally coordinated by four N atoms of both phen ligands and both O atoms of a carboxylate moiety of the bridging succinate group in chelating form. Through intermolecular π-π stacking interactions, the complex cations form positively charged 2-D layers, between which the non-coordinating succinate anions and water molecules are sandwiched. Both the electronic and EPR studies indicate that the dimeric complex undergoes partial dissociation in solution state to exist in two structural forms. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters involved in three stage thermal decompositions of the dimeric complex could also be evaluated using Coats-Redfern method.     

N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethylethylendiamine adducts of amido calcium bases - Synthesis of monomeric [(tmeda)Ca{N(SiMe3)2}2], [(tmeda)Ca{NiPr2}2], and dimeric Hauser base-type [(tmeda)Ca(tmp)(μ-I)]2 (tmp = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide)

The metathetical reaction of calcium diiodide with KNR₂ in the presence of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylendiamine yields the corresponding amido calcium bases [(tmeda)Ca(tmp)₂] (1), [(tmeda)Ca{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (3), and [(tmeda)Ca(NiPr₂)₂] (4) regardless of the stoichiometric ratio of the starting compounds. All compounds are highly air and moisture sensitive. Only in the case of NR₂ being a tmp group very few crystals of the Hauser base-type dimeric derivative [(tmeda)Ca(tmp)(μ-I)]₂ (2) with bridging iodide ions can be isolated. In all these calcium complexes the amides are bound terminally and contain planarily coordinated nitrogen atoms. The calcium complex [(tmeda)Ca(NiPr₂)₂] (4) is much more reactive than the lighter magnesium congener and therefore, it has to be stored below 0 °C in order to avoid decomposition reactions.     

Oxidative nuclease activity of ferromagnetically coupled μ-hydroxo-μ-propionato copper(II) complexes [Cu3(L)2(μ-OH)2(μ-propionato)2] (L = N-(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)R-sulfonamidato, R = benzene, toluene, naphthalene)

Three doubly-bridged, trinuclear copper(II) compounds with hydroxo and carboxylato bridges, ^∞₁[Cu₃(L1)₂(μ-OH)₂(μ-propionato)₂](1), [Cu₃(L2)₂(μ-OH)₂(μ-propionato)₂(DMF)₂] (2) and ^∞₁{[Cu₃(L3)₂(μ-OH)₂(μ-propionato)₂]} [Cu₃(L3)₂(μ-OH)₂(μ-propionato)₂(DMF)₂]} (3) [HL1 = N-(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)benzenesulfonylamide, HL2 = N-(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)toluenesulfonylamide, HL3 = N-(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)naphthalenesulfonylamide], have been synthesized and characterized. 1 is built from [Cu₃(L1)₂(μ-OH)₂(μ-propionato)₂] clusters. Each unit contains three copper(II) with two different coordination environments: the terminal centers are square-base pyramidal whereas the central copper is square planar. 2 presents a similar square-base pyramidal geometry in the terminal centers, but the central copper is six-coordinate. 3 shows an unusual 1D coordination polymer comprised of two distinct building blocks: one similar to that found in 1 and the other similar to that found in 2. The magnetic susceptibility measurements (2-300 K) reveal a ferromagnetic interaction between the Cu(II) ions with J values of 76.0, 55.0, and 48.0 cm⁻¹ for 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Emission spectroscopy, thermal denaturation, viscosimetry and cyclic voltammetry show an interaction of the complexes with DNA through the sugar-phosphate backbone. All three Cu(II) complexes were found to be very efficient agents of plasmid DNA cleavage in the presence of ascorbato or mercaptopropionic acid. Both the kinetics and the mechanism of the cleavage reaction have also been examined.     

Spin crossover behavior of a one-dimensional polymeric-chain compound {[Fe(abpt)2(μ-Ni(CN)4)]·xH2O}n (x = 0.5 → 0): Synthesis, spectral, thermal and magnetic properties

A one-dimensional polymeric-chain iron(II)-nickel(II) cyanido-bridged complex of the composition {[Fe(abpt)₂(μ-Ni(CN)₄)]·0.5H₂O}_n (1·0.5H₂O), where abpt = 4-amino-3,5-di-2-pyridyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole, was prepared and characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, FTIR and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopies, and magnetic measurements. The incomplete spin crossover phenomenon was observed with approximately 12% of the frozen high-spin fraction at low temperatures and with the spin transition critical temperature above room temperature.     

Thiolato-bridged “Linear” trinuclear platinum complexes [Pt3(μ-SR)4(dppm)2]

Thiolato-bridged tri- and dinuclear platinum complexes of the types [Pt₃(μ-SR)₄(dppm)₂]²⁺ (1) and [Pt₂(μ-ER)₂(dppm)₂]²⁺ (2) (E=S or Se; R=alkyl or aryl; dppm=bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) have been prepared using the mononuclear precursors [Pt(ER)₂(dppm)]. The complexes have been characterized by NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, ¹⁹⁵Pt), FT-IR and FAB mass spectral data. The structure of [Pt₃(μ-SC₆H₄CH₃-4)₄(dppm)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ · 6CH₂Cl₂ (1d), has been established through X-ray crystallography, revealing a zig-zag arrangement of the three coordination spheres around the platinum atoms.     

Low temperature matrix photochemistry of M2(CO)4(μ-S-t-Bu)2 and [M(CO)2Cl2] anions, where M = Rh and Ir

Photolysis of M₂(CO)₄(μ-S-t-Bu)₂, where M = Rh or Ir, in Nujol matrices at ca. 90 K results in simple CO loss to form a tricarbonyl intermediate analogous to that observed for Rh₂(CO)₄(μ-Cl)₂. Photolysis of the anions, [M(CO)₂Cl₂]¹⁻, where M = Rh or Ir, in inert ionic matrices at ca. 90 K, results in CO-loss to form an intermediate analogous to that formed by Rh(CO)₂(i-Pr₂HN)Cl. Finally, photolysis of trans-Ir(CO)(PMe₃)₂Cl in a Nujol matrix at ca. 90 K gives rise to a new species whose carbonyl band is shifted slightly down in energy as has been observed for trans-Rh(CO)(PMe₃)₂Cl. In all cases the iridium compounds behave similarly to the rhodium species although the photon energy for iridium photochemistry is typically above that of the rhodium compounds.     

The arylation of [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4]

Routes to the synthesis of the mixed sulfide-phenylthiolate complex [Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SPh)(PPh₃)₄]⁺ have been explored; reaction of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] with excess Ph₂IBr proceeds readily to selectively produce this complex, which was structurally characterised as its PF₆⁻ salt. Reactions of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] with other potent arylating reagents (1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene) also produce the corresponding nitroaryl-thiolate complexes [Pt₂(μ-S){μ-SC₆H₂(NO₂)₂X}(PPh₃)₄]⁺ (X = H, F). The complex [Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SPh)(PPh₃)₄]⁺ reacts with Me₂SO₄ to produce the mixed alkyl/aryl bis-thiolate complex [Pt₂(μ-SMe)(μ-SPh)(PPh₃)₄]²⁺, but corresponding reactions with the nitroaryl-thiolate complexes are plagued by elimination of the nitroaryl group and formation of [Pt₂(μ-SMe)₂(PPh₃)₄]²⁺. [Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SPh)(PPh₃)₄]⁺ also reacts with Ph₃PAuCl to give [Pt₂(μ-SAuPPh₃)(μ-SPh)(PPh₃)₄]²⁺.     

Oxidative addition of thiols to (CO)3Mo(μ-dppm)2Ru(CO)3 with formation of hydrido, bridged-thiolate complexes (dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2)

The room temperature reactions of RSH (R = Et, Ph) with (CO)₃Mo(μ-dppm)₂Ru(CO)₃ (1) in toluene yield (CO)₂Mo(μ-SR)(μ-CO)(μ-dppm)₂Ru(H)(CO) [R = Et (3); Ph (4)], which are characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR and IR spectroscopies and, in the case of 3, by X-ray crystallography. The complexes contain a trans,trans-Mo(μ-dppm)₂Ru unit with a bridging thiolate, a terminal hydride at the Ru, three terminal CO ligands (two at the Mo, and one at the Ru), and one semi-bridged CO closer to the Mo.     

The complexes with end-to-end dicyanamide bridges: syntheses, characterization and crystal structures of [Cu(μ1,5-dca)2(phen)]n and [Cd(μ1,5-dca)2(py)2]n (phen=phenanthroline; py=pyridine; dca=dicyanamide, N(CN)2 )

Two new dicyanamide (dicyanamide=[N(CN)₂]⁻, dca) bridged complexes, [Cu(μ_1,5-dca)₂(phen)]_n (1) and [Cd(μ_1,5-dca)₂(py)₂]_n (2) have been synthesized and their structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography diffraction. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a=10.1502(3), b=10.9815(4), c=14.5839(4) Å and Z=4. The adjacent copper atoms are connected by single end-to-end dca bridges to form a chain structure along the b axis. The chains are linked via Cu?N weak interactions to give rise to a 2D layer structure, which furthermore into a 3D structure by the π-π interaction between aromatic rings of adjacent layers. Complex 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m with a=6.6849(10), b=17.476(2), c=13.231(2) Å and Z=4. The cadmium(II) center is six-coordinated with a distorted octahedral geometry, bounded to four N atoms of four dca ligands and two N atoms of two-chelated py ligands. Neighbor Cd(II) atoms are linked by the double end-to-end dca bridges to generate a chain structure, which result in a 2D layer structure through the π-π interactions between the adjacent chains with distances 3.641 Å. EPR and magnetic results of 1 suggest that the complex exhibits a weak ferromagnetic interaction through CuNCNCNCu pathways.     

A versatile entry into aqueous niobium chemistry: isolation and structure of the intermediate Nb4(μ2-O)2(μ2-OC2H5)4Cl4(OC2H5)4(HOC2H5)4

The reduction of ethanolic solutions of niobium pentachloride with zinc, followed by treatment with aqueous acids serves as a versatile entry into the aqueous solution chemistry of niobium. From the zinc-reduced solution, the major intermediate, Nb₄(μ₂-O)₂(μ₂-OC₂H₅)₄Cl₄(OC₂H₅)₄(HOC₂H₅)₄, was isolated and the crystal structure determined by X-ray crystallography. The complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pccn, with Z=4, a=21.0105(9), b=11.0387(5), c=19.1389(8), V=4438.9(3) ų, M_r=1090.19,R₁=0.0327 and wR₂=0.0876. The structure revealed a centrosymmetric tetrameric Nb(IV) complex, consisting of a pair of edge-sharing bi-octahedral Nb₂(μ₂-OC₂H₅)₄Cl₂(OC₂H₅)₂(HOC₂H₅)₂ units that are joined by two axial oxo ligands. The Nb-Nb distance of 2.7458(3) Å is consistent with a single metal-metal bond.