Photocatalytical decomposition of hydrazine in K4[Mo(CN)8] solution: X-ray crystal structure of (PPh4)2[Mo(CN)4O(NH3)] · 2H2O

Ligand-field photolysis of K₄[Mo(CN)₈] · 2H₂O in 98% N₂H₄ · H₂O yields the catalytical decomposition of N₂H₄ into NH₃ and N₂. From irradiated solutions of octacyanomolybdate(IV) both in NH₃(aq) and 98% N₂H₄ · H₂O(l) as solvents, the salt of the formula (PPh₄)₂[Mo(CN)₄O(NH₃)] · 2H₂O was isolated. The salt is not formed by direct ligand replacement in tetracyanooxomolybdate(IV) ions derived from K₃Na[Mo(CN)₄O₂] · 6H₂O as the solute in similar conditions. The X-ray crystal structure and spectral properties of (PPh₄)₂[Mo(CN)₄O(NH₃)] · 2H₂O are described. The improved method of the synthesis of K₄[Mo(CN)₈] · 2H₂O is also presented.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of cyano-bridged cluster-metal layered coordination polymers [Cu(dien)]3[W4Te4(CN)12] · 9H2O and [Ni(en)(NH3)]3[W4Se4(CN)12] · 7.5H2O

Two new tetrahedral tungsten cyanide cluster compounds, [Cu(dien)]₃[W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂] · 9H₂O (1) (dien=diethylenetriamine) and [Ni(en)(NH₃)]₃[W₄Se₄(CN)₁₂] · 7.5H₂O (2) (en=ethylenediamine), were synthesized by treating aqueous solutions of the saltlike cluster compound K₆[W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂] · 5H₂O/K₆[W₄Se₄(CN)₁₂] · 6H₂O with copper(II)/nickel(II) chloride in aqueous ammonia containing dien/en. The cyano-bridged layered coordination polymeric compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis: monoclinic, space group P2₁ for 1; trigonal, space group for 2. Structures of 1 and 2 consist of infinite neutral layers of cluster components {W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂}/{W₄Se₄(CN)₁₂} connected, one another by {Cu(dien)} or {Ni(en)(NH₃)} fragments, respectively.     

Long-range superexchanged magnetic interaction observed in heterometallic complex: {[Fe(Tpms)(CN)3][Mn(H2O)2(DMF)2]} · DMF

A new tri-cyanometalate building block for heterometallic complexes, [PPh₄]₂[Fe^II(Tpms)(CN)₃] (2) (PPh₄ = tetraphenylphosphonium; Tpms = tris(pyrazolyl) methanesulfonate), has been prepared. Using it as a building block, a one-dimensional chain compound, {[Fe^II(Tpms)(CN)₃][Mn^II(H₂O)₂( DMF)₂]} · DMF (3), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The magnetic properties of 3 correspond to a ferromagnetic chain with weak long-range superexchanged magnetic interaction between the high-spin manganese(II) ions.     

Hydrolytic stability of SnCl4 and GaCl3 in the formation of [cis-SnCl4(H2O)2] · 18-crown-6 · 2H2O and [[2,2,2]cryptand + 2H][GaCl4]2

The combination of anhydrous SnCl₄ with 18-crown-6 in aqueous conditions results in formation of the non-hydrolysed product [cis-SnCl₄(H₂O)₂] · 18-crown-6 · 2H₂O. The X-ray crystal structure shows extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding involving the cis-octahedral SnCl₄(H₂O)₂ units, the uncoordinated water molecules and the crown ether. Similarly, [2,2,2]cryptand reacts with an aqueous solution formed by adding anhydrous GaCl₃ to slightly acidic water, affording [[2,2,2]cryptand + 2H⁺][GaCl₄]₂.     

3D hydrogen bonded metal-organic frameworks constructed from [M(H2O)6][M′(dipicolinate)2] · mH2O (M/M′ = Zn/Ni or Ni/Ni). Identification of intercalated acyclic (H2O)6/(H2O)10 clusters

New heterodinuclear Zn^II/Ni^II (1) and homodinuclear Ni^II/Ni^II (2) water-soluble and air stable compounds of general formula [M(H₂O)₆][M′(dipic)₂] · mH₂O have been easily prepared by self-assembly of the corresponding metal(II) nitrates with dipicolinic acid (H₂dipic) in water solution at room temperature.  The compounds have been characterized by IR, UV/Vis and atomic absorption spectroscopies, elemental and X-ray single crystal diffraction (for 1 · 4H₂O and 2 · 5H₂O) analyses.  3D infinite polymeric networks are formed via extensive hydrogen bonding interactions involving all coordinated and crystallization water molecules, and all dipicolinate oxygens, thus contributing to additional stabilization of dimeric units, metal-organic chains and 2D layers.  In 1 · 4H₂O, the latter represent a rectangular-grid 2D framework with multiple channels if viewed along the c crystallographic axis, while in 2 · 5H₂O intercalated crystallization water molecules are associated to form acyclic nonplanar hexameric water clusters and water dimers which occupy voids in the host metal-organic matrix, with a structure stabilizing effect via host-guest interactions.  The hexameric cluster extends to the larger (H₂O)₁₀ one with an unusual geometry (acyclic helical octamer with two pendent water molecules) by taking into account the hydrogen bonds to water ligands in [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺.  The obtained Zn/Ni compound 1 relates to the recently reported family of heterodimetallic complexes [M(H₂O)₅M′(dipic)₂] · mH₂O (M/M′ = Cu/Co, Cu/Ni, Cu/Zn, Zn/Co, Ni/Co, m = 2, 3), what now allows to establish the orders of the metal affinity towards the formation of chelates with dipicolinic acid (Co^II > Ni^II > Zn^II > Cu^II) or aqua species (Co^II < Ni^II < Zn^II < Cu^II).     

Aqueous acid-base chemistry involving dioxovanadium(V) complexes of 2,6-pyridinedimethanol, and the X-ray structures of Na[VO2{2,6-(OCH2)2NC5H3}] · 4H2O and [1-H-2,6-(HOCH2)2NC5H3]Cl

Reaction of NH₄VO₃ with 2,6-pyridinedimethanol in water at 85 °C followed by the room temperature addition of HCl (aq) yields [HVO₂(pydim)]_x (pydim = 2,6-pyridinedimethanolato dianion), as a sparingly soluble off-white solid. This acid may be deprotonated by titration with NaOH (aq), yielding Na[VO₂(pydim)] · 4H₂O, which has been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Treating Na[VO₂(pydim)] · 4H₂O with HCl (aq) regenerates [HVO₂(pydim)]_x, but reaction with additional NaOH (aq) displaces the pyridinedimethanolato ligand from the vanadium center. Similarly, treating [HVO₂(pydim)]_x with excess HCl (aq) strips the pyridinedimethanolato ligand from the vanadium center and yields the adduct [H₃(pydim)]⁺Cl⁻ as one component in a mixture of products. This adduct has been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The optimum pH range for stable dioxovanadium(V) complexes stabilized by the 2,6-pyridinedimethanolato ligand is at least 1.5-9.4.     

Structure and magnetic properties of Ln2[Cu(opba)]3(DMSO)6(H2O) · (H2O) compounds with LnLa-Lu exhibiting ladder-like molecular motifs

The reaction of Ln(III) ions with the precursor [Cu(opba)]²⁻ in DMSO has afforded a series of isostructural compounds of general chemical formula Ln₂[Cu(opba)]₃(DMSO)₆(H₂O) · (H₂O), where Ln(III) stands for a lanthanide ion and opba stands for ortho-phenylenebis(oxamato). The crystal structure has been solved for the Gd(III) containing compound. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pbn2₁ (No. 33) with a = 9.4183(2) Å, b = 21.2326(4) Å, c = 37.9387(8) Å and Z = 4. The structure consists of ladder-like molecular motifs parallel to each other. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Ln(III)Cu(II) coordination polymer family exhibiting the same crystal structure over the whole lanthanide series. The magnetic properties of the compounds have been investigated and the magnetic behavior of the Gd(III) containing compound was studied in more detail.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a chain coordination polymer {[Cu4L2(H2O)] · H2O}n

A chain coordination polymer with the chemical formula {[Cu₄L₂(H₂O)] · H₂O}_n, has been synthesized by the assembly reaction of K₂CuL · 1.5H₂O and Cu(OAC)₂ · H₂O with a 1:1 mole ratio in methanol, where H₄L = 2-hydroxy-3-[(E)-({2-[(2-hydroxybenzoyl)imino]ethyl}imino)methyl] benzoic acid, OAC⁻ = CH₃COO⁻. The crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, the compound has chain molecular structure formed by dissymmetrical tetranuclear units. The magnetic measurements showed that Cu-Cu of the complex exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions, and satisfactory fittings to the observed magnetic susceptibility data were obtained by assuming a binuclear system, and further using molecular field approximation to deal with magnetic exchange interactions between binuclear systems.     

Mn(II) complexes of monoanionic bidentate chelators: X-ray crystal structures of Mn(dha)2(CH3OH)2 (Hdha = dehydroacetic acid) and [Mn(ema)2(H2O)]2 · 2H2O (Hema = 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyrone)

This report describes synthesis and characterization of bis-ligand Mn(II) complexes of bidentate chelators: maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone), ethylmaltol (2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyrone), 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone (DMHP) and dehydroacetic acid. All four Mn(II) complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV/Vis, EPR, cyclic voltammetry, and X-ray crystallography in cases of Mn(dha)₂(CH₃OH)₂ and [Mn(ema)₂(H₂O)]₂ · 2H₂O. The bidentate chelator plays a significant role in the solid state structure of its Mn(II) complex. For example, dha forms the monomeric complex Mn(dha)₂(CH₃OH)₂ while ethylmaltol forms the dimeric complex [Mn(ema)₂(H₂O)]₂. Because of smaller size, maltol ligands in Mn(ma)₂ are able to bridge adjacent Mn(II) centers to give a polymeric structure in solid state. Despite of the difference in their solid state structures, both Mn(ema)₂ and Mn(ma)₂ exist in solution as monomeric Mn(II) species, Mn(ema)₂(H₂O)₂ and Mn(ma)₂(H₂O)₂. This assumption is supported by the similarity in their UV/Vis spectra, EPR data and electrochemical properties. Replacing maltol with DMHP results in a decrease (by ∼100 mV) in the redox potential for the Mn(II)/Mn(III) couple, suggesting that DMHP stabilizes Mn(III) better than maltol. Since Mn(DMHP)₂(H₂O)₂ is readily oxidized to form the more stable Mn(III) complex Mn(DMHP)₃, DMHP has the potential as a chelator for removal of excess Mn(II) from patients with chronic Mn toxicity.     

Self assembly of a Fe(L) complex with octacyano metallates [M(CN)8] (L = pentadentate macrocyclic ligand, M = Mo, W): Crystal structure and magnetic properties

The self assembly of [Fe^III(L)]Cl₂ClO₄ (L = pentadentate macrocyclic ligand) with octacyano metallates [M^IV(CN)₈]⁴⁻ (M = Mo, W) leads to bimetallic cyano-bridged 2-D coordination polymers of formula [{Fe(L)}₃{M(CN)₈}₂]Cl·xH₂O with M = Mo (2), or W (3). The structure of the tungsten analogue has been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The magnetic properties for both Mo and W derivative are reported.     

Functionalised dithiocarbamate complexes: Synthesis and molecular structures of bis(2-methoxyethyl)dithiocarbamate complexes [M{S2CN(CH2CH2OMe)2}2] (M = Ni, Cu, Zn) and [Cu{S2CN(CH2CH2OMe)2}2][ClO4]

The bis(2-methoxyethyl)dithiocarbamate complexes [M{S₂CN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂}₂] (M = Ni, Cu, Zn, Pd) are readily prepared and the three lighter complexes have been crystallographically characterised. Disproportionation of [Cu{S₂CN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂}₂] upon addition of Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O affords the copper(III) complex [Cu{S₂CN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂}₂][ClO₄] which has also been crystallographically characterised. Unlike other copper(III) dithiocarbamate salts, there are no intermolecular cation-cation or cation-anion interactions.     

Synthesis and characterization of a polyoxotungstate-supported metal compound [{Cu(enMe)2(H2O)}{Cu(enMe)2}3P2W18O62] · nH2O

A new polyoxotungstate formed by Wells-Dawson clusters and copper(II) complexes, [{Cu(enMe)₂(H₂O)}{Cu(enMe)₂}₃P₂W₁₈O₆₂] · nH₂O (enMe = 1,2-diaminopropane, n = 0.81) has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that one terminal and three bridging oxygen atoms of the Wells-Dawson cluster in the title compound are coordinated to copper(II) atoms, and forming a unique tetrasupporting polyoxometalate structure. Its cyclic voltammetric behavior in aqueous electrolyte demonstrated that its modified carbon paste electrode has a good stability. It was exhibited that the compound has catalytic activity in epoxidation of maleic anhydride.     

Single molecule magnet: Heterodinuclear cyano-bridged cubic cluster [(Tp)8Fe4Ni4(CN)12] (Tp = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate)

The octanuclear cyano-bridged cluster [(Tp)₈Fe₄Ni₄(CN)₁₂] · H₂O · 24CH₃CN (1) (Tp = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate) showing magnetic properties of single-molecule magnet has been synthesized by reaction of [fac-Fe(Tp)(CN)₃]⁻ with {(Tp)Ni(NO₃)} species formed from an equimolar reaction mixture of Ni(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and KTp in MeCN. The X-ray analysis of 1 shows molecular cube structure in which Fe^III and Ni^II ions reside in alternate corners. The average intramolecular Fe?Ni distance is 5.124 Å. Out-of-phase ac susceptibility and reduce magnetization measurements show that 1 is a single molecule magnet with ground spin state S = 6 and spin reversal energy barrier U = 14 K. Magnetic hysteresis loops were also observed by applying fast sweeping field.     

Investigation of the MSO4 · xH2O (M = Zn, x = 7; M = Cd, x = 8/3)/methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime reaction system: A novel Cd(II) coordination polymer versus mononuclear and dinuclear Zn(II) complexes

The reactions of methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime, (py)C(Me)NOH, with MSO₄ · xH₂O (M = Zn, x = 7; M = Cd, x = 8/3), in the absence of an external base, have been investigated. The synthetic study has led to the two new complexes [Zn(SO₄){(py)C(Me)NOH}(H₂O)₃] · H₂O (1 · H₂O) and [Zn₂(SO₄)₂{(py)C(Me)NOH}₄] · (py)C(Me)NOH [2 · (py)C(Me)NOH], and the coordination polymer [Cd(SO₄){(py)C(Me)NOH}(H₂O)]_n · [Cd(SO₄){(py)C(Me)NOH}(H₂O)₂]_n (3). In the three complexes the organic ligand chelates through its nitrogen atoms. The sulfate anion in 1 · H₂O is monodentate; the complex molecule is the mer isomer considering the positions of the aqua ligands. The Zn^II centers in 2 · (py)C(Me)NOH are bridged by two syn, anti η¹:η¹:μ₂ ligands; each metal ion has the cis-cis-trans disposition of the coordinated sulfate oxygen, pyridyl nitrogen and oxime nitrogens, respectively. The molecular structure of 3 is unique consisting of two different linear and ladder - type chains. π-π stacking interactions and/or hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of interesting supramolecular architectures in the three complexes. The thermal decomposition of complex 3 has been studied. Characteristic vibrational (IR, Raman) bands are discussed in terms of the nature of bonding and the structures of the three complexes.     

Zinc complexes of 6-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid. Crystal structure of [Zn(MeC5H3NCOO)2(H2O)] · H2O

Reaction of Zn(AcO)₂ · 2H₂O with 6-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid (L) yielded a new compound [Zn(MeC₅H₃NCOO)₂(H₂O)] · H₂O. This complex was characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, infrared, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure consists of discrete molecules involving a pentacoordinated Zn atom with a geometry intermediate between a trigonal bipyramid and a square pyramid and with the two N_py atoms occupying the apical sites. Treatment of the complex [Zn(MeC₅H₃NCOO)₂(H₂O)] · H₂O with 2,2^′-bipyridine (bpy) produced [Zn(MeC₅H₃NCOO)₂(bpy)]. The metallic atom in this complex displays a distorted octahedral geometry and is coordinated to two ligands (L) via the pyridine nitrogen and the carbonyl oxygen atoms and to one 2,2^′-bypyridine (bpy).     

Formation and structural chemistry of the unusual cyanide-bridged dinuclear species [Ru2(NN)2(CN)7] (NN = 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline)

Crystallisation of simple cyanoruthenate complex anions [Ru(NN)(CN)₄]²⁻ (NN = 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline) in the presence of Lewis-acidic cations such as Ln(III) or guanidinium cations results, in addition to the expected [Ru(NN)(CN)₄]²⁻ salts, in the formation of small amounts of salts of the dinuclear species [Ru₂(NN)₂(CN)₇]³⁻. These cyanide-bridged anions have arisen from the combination of two monomer units [Ru(NN)(CN)₄]²⁻ following the loss of one cyanide, presumably as HCN. The crystal structures of [Nd(H₂O)_5.5][Ru₂(bipy)₂(CN)₇] · 11H₂O and [Pr(H₂O)₆][Ru₂(phen)₂(CN)₇] · 9H₂O show that the cyanoruthenate anions form Ru-CN-Ln bridges to the Ln(III) cations, resulting in infinite coordination polymers consisting of fused Ru₂Ln₂(μ-CN)₄ squares and Ru₄Ln₂(μ-CN)₆ hexagons, which alternate to form a one-dimensional chain. In [CH₆N₃]₃[Ru₂(bipy)₂(CN)₇] · 2H₂O in contrast the discrete complex anions are involved in an extensive network of hydrogen-bonding involving terminal cyanide ligands, water molecules, and guanidinium cations. In the [Ru₂(NN)₂(CN)₇]³⁻ anions themselves the two NN ligands are approximately eclipsed, lying on the same side of the central Ru-CN-Ru axis, such that their peripheries are in close contact. Consequently, when NN = 4,4′-^tBu₂-2,2′-bipyridine the steric bulk of the t-butyl groups prevents the formation of the dinuclear anions, and the only product is the simple salt of the monomer, [CH₆N₃]₂[Ru(^tBu₂bipy)(CN)₄] · 2H₂O. We demonstrated by electrospray mass spectrometry that the dinuclear by-product [Ru₂(phen)₂(CN)₇]³⁻ could be formed in significant amounts during the synthesis of monomeric [Ru(phen)(CN)₄]²⁻ if the reaction time was too long or the medium too acidic. In the solid state the luminescence properties of [Ru₂(bipy)₂(CN)₇]³⁻ (as its guanidinium salt) are comparable to those of monomeric [Ru(bipy)(CN)₄]²⁻, with a ³MLCT emission at 581 nm.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure of a novel one-dimensional arsenic vanadate decorated with organonitrogen ligand: [H3V3O26(AsO4)4(phen)8(H2O)2] · 2H2O (phen=phenanthroline)

A novel organic-inorganic hybrid vanadium arsenate [H₃V₃O₂₆(AsO₄)₄(phen)₈(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O 1 (phen=phenanthroline) was synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of V₂O₅, VOSO₄, Na₂HAsO₄ · 7H₂O, phen and water. Its structure was determined by elemental analyses, XPS spectra, EPR spectrum, TG analysis, IR spectrum and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

K2[Zn(CV)2(H2O)2] · 2H2O: The first Zn(II) complex structurally characterized containing the pseudo-oxocarbon Croconate Violet (CV)

The synthesis, thermal behavior, spectroscopic characterization and crystal and molecular structure of a Zn(II) complex containing the pseudo-oxocarbon Croconate Violet (CV²⁻) dianion, namely K₂[Zn(CV)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O are reported. Thermal analysis has shown that the complex structure presents coordination and lattice water molecules. According to vibrational spectroscopy the Croconate Violet dianion is coordinated to Zn(II) center through the vicinal oxygen atoms in a chelating fashion with no involvement of CN moieties. The complex structure has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The dianionic units [Zn(CV)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁻ adopt an slight distorted octahedral geometry in which the metallic center is surrounded by six oxygen atoms. These discrete dianionic units are connected through intermolecular hydrogen bonding giving rise to a supramolecular array extended along the crystallographic a axis.     

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).     

Square-planar copper(II) complexes with tetradentate amido-carboxylate ligands. Crystal structure of Na2[Cu(obap)]2 · 2H2O. Strain analysis and spectral assignments of complexes

Novel N-N-N-O-type of tetradentate ligands H₃obap (H₃obap = oxamido-N-aminopropyl-N′-benzoic acid) and H₃maeb (H₃maeb = malamido-N-aminoethyl-N′-benzoic acid) and the corresponding square-planar copper(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The obap³⁻ and maeb³⁻ ligands coordinate to the copper(II) ion via four ligating atoms (three deprotonated atoms: one carboxylate oxygen and two deprotonated amide nitrogens; one amine nitrogen) with in-plane square chelation. A four coordinate, square-planar geometry has been established crystallographically for the binuclear Na₂[Cu(obap)]₂ · 2H₂O complex. Structural data correlating the square-planar geometry of the [Cu(obap)]⁻ unit and an extensive strain analysis are discussed in relation to the information obtained for similar complexes. The infrared and electronic absorption spectra of the complexes are discussed in comparison to the related complexes of known geometries. Antibacterial activity of ligands and copper(II) complexes towards common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria are reported as well.