Synthesis and characterization of Fe(III)(3-CH3O-qsal)2PF6 · nH2O (n = 0, 2)

Compounds Fe^III(3-CH₃O-qsal)₂PF₆ · nH₂O (n = 0, 2) (1, 1 · 2H₂O) were synthesized and characterized: the structure of 1 and the magnetic properties of both compounds were determined. Compound 1 · 2H₂O presents properties characteristic of high-spin Fe(III), while 1 presents properties of low-spin Fe(III) with an onset of a gradual spin crossover at ca. 300 K.     

Complexes of the {ReOX2} (X = Cl, Br) core with single amino acid chelate derivatives

The reactions of 1 equiv. of the ligand 3-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amino)-propionic acid methyl ester (2) with the Re(V) starting materials [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) in refluxing chloroform yielded the Re(V)-oxo dihalide complexes [ReOX₂{(C₅H₄NCH₂)N(CH₂CO₂)(C₂H₄CO₂CH₃)}] (X = Cl, 3; X = Br, 4). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR and IR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and X-ray crystallography. Complex 3 displays distorted octahedral coordination geometry with the tridentate ligand coordinating facially to the Re(V) center. The carboxylate oxygen atom occupies an axial site trans to the ReO bond. The two chlorine atoms consequently adopt a cis configuration.     

Effect of the central metal ion on the cleavage of DNA by [M(TPA)Cl]ClO4 complexes (M = Co, Cu and Zn, TPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine): An efficient artificial nuclease for DNA cleavage

[M(TPA)Cl]ClO₄·nH₂O complexes (1: M = Co^II, n = 0; 2: M = Cu^II, n = ½; 3: M = Zn^II, n = 0) where TPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, were synthesized and structurally characterized. The molecular structure of [Cu(TPA)Cl]ClO₄·½H₂O was determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. In aqueous solution, the complex ions [M(TPA)Cl]⁺ (M = Co^II or Cu^II) are hydrolyzed to the corresponding aqua species [M(TPA)(H₂O)]²⁺. In contrast to the TBP [Cu(TPA)(H₂O)]²⁺, the corresponding TBP cobalt(II) species showed severe distortion towards tetrahedral geometry. The interactions of the three complexes with DNA have been investigated at pH 7.0 (1.0 mM Tris-Cl buffer) and 37 °C. Significant DNA cleavages were obtained for complexes 1 and 2, whereas complex 3 did not show any detectable cleavage for DNA. Under pseudo Michaelis-Menten kinetic conditions, the kinetic parameters k_cat and K_M were determined as k_cat = 6.59 h⁻¹ and K_M = 2.20 × 10⁻⁴ M for 1 and the corresponding parameters for 2 are k_cat = 5.7 × 10⁻² h⁻¹ and K_M = 6.9 × 10⁻⁵ M, and the reactivity of the complexes in promoting the cleavage of DNA decreases in the order 1 > 2 ? 3. The rate enhancements for the DNA cleavage by 1 and 2 correspond to 1.8 × 10⁸ and 1.6 × 10⁶, respectively, over the non-catalyzed DNA. The reactivity of the two complexes was discussed in relation to other related artificial nucleases.     

Two-dimensional oxides constructed from octamolybdate clusters and M/tetrapyridylpyrazine subunits (M = Co, Ni: n = 2; M = Cu: n = 1)

The hydrothermal reactions of MoO₃, tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine (tpyprz) and M(CH₃CO₂)₂ · 2H₂O (M = Co, Ni) yielded the two-dimensional oxides [M₂(tpyprz)(H₂O)₂Mo₈O₂₆] · xH₂O [M = Co, x = 1.8 (1); M = Ni, x = 0.6 (2)]. However, the reaction of (NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄ · 4H₂O, tpyprz and Cu(CH₃CO₂)₂ · H₂O produced [{Cu₂(tpyprz)}₂Mo₈O₂₆] · 2H₂O (3 · 2H₂O). The isomorphous structures of 1 and 2 are constructed from clusters linked through {M₂(tpyprz)(H₂O)₂}⁴⁺ subunits into two-dimensional networks. While the structure of 3 is also two-dimensional, the molybdate building block is present as the δ-isomer and the secondary-metal/ligand component consists of a one-dimensional chain. The structure of 3 is compared to that of the previously reported three-dimensional material [{Cu₂(tpyprz)}₂Mo₈O₂₆] · 7H₂O which contains clusters and structurally distinct chains.     

The reactivity of NbX5 (X = F, Cl) with lactons, lactams, and the synthesis of the first nucleobase-containing niobium complex

NbX₅ (X = F, 1a; X = Cl, 1b) reacted with γ-butyrolactone (but), ε-caprolactam (cap), δ-valerolactam (val) in 1:1 M ratio in chlorinated solvent, affording either the neutral coordination adducts NbCl₅L (L = but, 2a; L = val, 2b) or the ionic ones [NbX₄L₂][NbX₆] (X = F, L = but, 3a; X = F, L = val, 3b; X = F, L = cap, 3c; X = Cl, L = cap, 3d). The reaction of 1a with equimolar amount of guanine (gua) in CH₃CN resulted in the formation of the complex [NbF₄(gua)₂][NbF₆], 3e. The addition of two equivalents of organic substrate to 1 gave selectively the compounds NbCl₅L₂ (L = but, 4a; L = val, 4b) or [NbF₄L₄][NbF₆] (L = but, 5a; L = val, 5b; L = cap, 5c). The 1:2 M reaction of 1b with ε-caprolactam proceeded with C-N bond activation and afforded the derivative , 6, in high yield.     

A series of d transition metal coordination complexes: Structures and comparative study of surface electron behaviors (n = 9, 8, 7, 6, 5)

Ten transition metal coordination complexes [Cu₂(phen)(p-tpha)(μ-O)]_n1, [Cu(m-tpha)(imH)₂]_n2, [Ni(5-Haipa)₂(H₂O)₂]_n3, [Ni(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]·btc·[Ni(H₂O)₆]_0.5·9H₂O 4, [Co(2,5-pdc)(H₂O)₂]_n·nH₂O 5, [Co₂(2,5-pdc)₂(H₂O)₆]_n·2nH₂O 6, [Fe(2,5-Hpdc)₂(H₂O)₂]·H₂O 7, [Co(C₆H₄NO₂)₃]·H₂O 8, [Fe₂(μ₂-btec)(μ₂-H₂btec)(bipy)₂(H₂O)₂]_n9, [Mn(phen)(2,5-pdc)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O 10 (H₄btec = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,5-H₂pdc = 2,5-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid, p-tpha = p-phthalic acid, m-tpha = m-phthalic acid, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 5-H₂aipa = 5-aminoisophthalic acid, imH = imidazole, H₃btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) were synthesized through hydrothermal method. They were characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectra, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and surface photovoltage spectra (SPS). Structural analysis indicated that the complexes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9 were linked into infinite structures bridged by organic acid ligands. The other four complexes were molecular complexes and further connected to 2D or 3D structures by the hydrogen bonds. The SPS of complexes 1-10 indicate that there are positive response bands in the range of 300-800 nm showing different levels of photo-electric conversion properties. The intensity, position, shape and the number of the response bands in SPS are obviously different since the structure, species, valence, dⁿ electrons configuration and coordinated environment of the center metals are different. There are good relationships between SPS and UV-Vis spectra.     

Synthesis, structures and DNA binding of ternary transition metal complexes M(II)L with the 2,2′-bipyridylamine (L = p-aminobenzenecarboxylic acid, M = Ni, Cu and Zn)

New ternary transition metal complexes of formulations [Ni(bpa)(p-AB)Cl]_n · 3nH₂O (bpa = 2,2′-bipyridylamine, p-AB = aminobenzenecarboxylic acid) (1), [Cu(bpa)(p-AB)Cl] · H₂O (2), [Zn(bpa)(p-AB)₂] · H₂O (3) are prepared, their structural features are characterized by crystal structural studies, and their DNA binding propensity has been evaluated by fluorescence and viscosity method. In complex 2 and 3, both bpa and p-AB act as the bidentate N and O-donor ligand, respectively. While in complex 1, p-AB acts as a rare tridentate ligand. In the packing pattern of each complex, π-π interaction in their solid state is also described. The complexes show the competitive inhibition of ethidium binding to DNA, and the DNA binding propensity can be reflected as the relative order: 1 > 2 > 3.     

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.     

Palladium(II), platinum(II), ruthenium(II) and mercury(II) complexes of potentially tridentate Schiff base ligands of (E, N, O) type (E = S, Se, Te): Synthesis, crystal structures and applications in Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions

Schiff bases of 2-hydroxybenzophenone (HBP) (C₆H₅)(2-HOC₆H₄)CN(CH₂)_nEAr (L1/L2: E = S, Ar = Ph, n = 2/3; L3/L4: E = Se, Ar = Ph, n = 2/3; L5/L6: E = Te, Ar = 4-MeOC₆H₄, n = 2/3) and their complexes [PdCl(L-H)] (L = L1−L6; 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11), [PtCl(L3-H/L5-H)] (4/8), [PtCl₂(L4/L6)₂] (6/12), [(p-cymene)RuCl(L5/L6)]Cl (9/13) and [HgBr₂(L5/L6)₂] (10/14) have been synthesized and characterized by proton, carbon-13, selenium-77 and tellurium-125 NMR, IR and mass spectra. Single crystal structures of L1, 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were solved. The Pd-E bond distances (Å): 2.2563(6) (E = S), 2.3575(6)−2.392(2) (E = Se); 2.5117(5)−2.5198(5) (E = Te) are near the lower end of the bond length range known for them. The Pt-Se bond length, 2.3470(8) Å, is also closer to the short values reported so far. The Heck and Suzuki reaction were carried out using complexes 1, 3, 5 and 7 as catalysts under aerobic condition. The percentage yields for trans product in Heck reaction were found upto 85%.     

1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione complexes of middle transition elements: Mono- and dinuclear derivatives

The synthesis and the characterization of several mono- and dinuclear middle transition metal derivatives of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, 1, are presented. The reaction of 1 with CrCl₂(THF)₂ gives CrCl₂(O,O′-C₁₂H₆N₂O₂)(THF)₂, 2, while the halides of iron(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) afford adducts of general formula MX₂(N,N′-C₁₂H₆N₂O₂), M = Fe, 4, Co, 5, X = Cl; M = Ni, 6, X = Br. DFT calculations on CrCl₂(L)(THF)₂ with L = O,O′-C₁₂H₆N₂O₂ or O,O′-C₁₄H₈O₂ allowed a direct comparison of the coordination properties of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone and 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione to be made. Dinuclear compounds of general formula CrCl₂(THF)₂(O,O′-C₁₂H₆N₂O₂-N,N′)MX_nL_m, M = Zr, 7, X = Cl, n = 4, m = 0; M = Cr, 8, X = Cl, n = 2, L = THF, m = 2; M = Fe, 9, Co, 10, X = Cl, n = 2, m = 0; M = Ni, 11, X = Br, n = 2, m = 0, are prepared from 2 and the corresponding metal halide, while VCp₂(O,O′-C₁₂H₆N₂O₂-N,N′)FeCl₂, 12, is synthesized by reacting 4 with VCp₂. The electronic properties of the different complexes are investigated by magnetic moment measurements and EPR spectroscopy.     

Ligand substitution in hexahalorhenate(IV) complexes: Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties of NBu4[ReX5(DMF)] (X = Cl and Br)

The preparation, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of two rhenium(IV) mononuclear compounds of formula NBu₄[ReX₅(DMF)] with X = Cl (1) and Br (2) are reported. 1 and 2 are isostructural complexes which crystallize in the monoclinic system with the space group P2₁/n. The rhenium atom is six-coordinated with five X atoms and a DMF molecule forming a somewhat distorted octahedral surrounding [values of Re-X varying in the ranges 2.317(1)-2.358(1) (1) and 2.495(1)-2.518(1) Å (2)]. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on samples of 1 and 2 in the temperature range 1.9-300 K are interpreted in terms of magnetically isolated spin quartets with large values of the zero-field-splitting (|2D| is ca. 20.2 and 39.2 cm⁻¹ for 1 and 2, respectively).     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of heterobimetallic Fe2M (M = Cu, Mn) chains based on tetracyanometallic building block

Using the tetracyanometalate precursor [Fe(4,4′-dmbipy)(CN)₄]^- (4,4′-dmbipy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) as the building block, two new cyano-bridged one-dimensional heterobimetallic coordination polymers, [M(CH₃OH)₂Fe₂(4,4′-dmbipy)₂(CN)₈]_n (M = Cu, 1; Mn, 2), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. X-ray crystallography reveals that complexes 1 and 2 consist of heterobimetallic chains of squares, and the central M^II ion is six-coordinated as an elongated distorted octahedral geometry. Magnetic studies show ferromagnetic coupling between Fe^III and Cu^II ions in complex 1. Complex 2 exhibits ferrimagnetic behavior caused by the noncompensation of the local interacting spins (S_Mn = 5/2 and S_Fe = 1/2), which interact antiferromagnetically through bridging cyanide groups. magpack program has been employed to investigate the magnetic nature of squares chain structure.     

Assembly of metal coordination framework, [M(C5O5)(dpe)], with a 2D bi-layer architecture: Thermal stability and magnetic properties (M = Mn, Fe, Cd and Co; dpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane)

A series of coordination polymers, [M(C₅O₅)(dpe)] (M = Mn 1, Fe 2, Cd 3 and Co 4; dpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane) with a 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Structural determination reveals that compounds 1-4 are isostructural and possess a 2D brick-wall-like layered framework with a rectangle grid as the basic building unit through the connectivity of metal ions with μ₃-, μ₄-croconates and anti-dpe ligands. Two 2D layers are then cross-linkaged by gauche-dpe ligands to complete a 2D bi-layered MOF and then extended to a 3D supramolecular architecture through π-π and C-H?O interactions between the croconate and pyridyl rings of dpe, which exhibit high thermo-stability and keep their crystalline forms up to 350 °C. The magnetic exchange coupling between the metal centers for compounds 1, 2 and 4 was analyzed and based on the Curie-Weiss expression and a binuclear magnetic model. The negative values of the Weiss constant and the magnetic exchange coupling constant indicate the antiferromagnetic nature between the metal ions via the bridges of bis-bidentate adjacent μ₃-croconate ligands.     

Formation and stabilization of five-coordinate iron(II) verdoheme analogues by axial weakly coordinating anion ligation. X-ray crystal structures of [(OEOPFe)2O](X)2 (X = AsF6, SbF6)

The effect of weakly coordinating anions, , as axial ligands on the formation and coordination chemistry of verdoheme analogues have been examined. Two new five-coordinate and stable iron(II) verdoheme analogues, [OEOPFe^IIX], where OEOP is the monoanion of octaethyloxoporphyrin and X = AsF₆ and SbF₆, have been isolated. The compounds have been characterized by different spectroscopic methods as well as elemental analysis. ¹H NMR spectroscopy and magnetic moment measurements show that the [OEOPFe^IIX] are paramagnetic and iron is five-coordinate. Exposure of dichloromethane solutions of [OEOPFe^IIX] (X = AsF₆ (2), SbF₆ (3)) to dioxygen result in their transformation into the μ-oxo bridged compounds, [(OEOPFe)₂O](X)₂ (X = AsF₆ (4), SbF₆ (5)). The structures of 4 and 5 have been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, both are structurally similar with a P2₁/c space group in the monoclinic crystal system.     

X-ray powder and single crystal structures of two unprecedented families of bpca-based 1-D magnetic chains (Hbpca = bis(2-pyridylcarbonyl)amine)

Two unprecedented families of bpca-based mono-dimensional complexes Cu(bpca)(X) (X = CN, 1; N₃, 2) and [Cu_1 − xFe_x(bpca)](ClO₄) (x = 0, 3; 0.23, 4) were synthesised. The structure of 1 was solved ab initio from X-ray powder diffraction data and refined by Rietveld methods. The complexes 3-4 were characterised by X-ray single crystal diffraction. In 1 the cyano ligand coordinates the metal centres, the Cu centres forming a zigzag 1-D chain along the (0 0 1) direction, while in 3-4, the bpca ligand itself acts as the link towards the metal ions which are arranged in a linear 1-D chain running parallel to the (0 0 1) direction. An infrared spectroscopy study confirmed these coordination modes. The magnetic properties of both chain families were studied. 1-2 do not show significant magnetic interactions, whereas the magnetic behaviour for 3-4 suggests dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal ions within the chains. The magnetic behaviour of 3 was analysed using the Padé approximation of the Bonner-Fisher model for S = 1/2 antiferromagnetic chains. The J value was estimated as 10 K.     

Syntheses and structure of heterobimetallic helical polymeric Mo-M(II) (M = Mn, Co, Zn, Cd or Ni) complexes using a flexidentate metalloligand

A series of heterobimetallic polymeric complexes of manganese, cobalt, zinc, cadmium and nickel, [M(Mo₂O₅L₂)(MeOH)₂(H₂O)₂]_n·nH₂O {M = Mn (2), n = 1, Co (3), n = 0, Zn (4), n = 1 and Cd (5), n = 1} and [Ni(Mo₂O₅L₂)(MeOH)(H₂O)₃]_n·2H₂O·MeOH (6) have been synthesized form the reaction of [{Na₄(H₂O)₄(μ-H₂O)₂} ⊂ (Mo₂O₅L₂)₂] (1) {LH₂ = 2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylamino)acetic acid} with the corresponding metal salts. The complexes have been structurally characterized. The Complexes, 3 and 6 undergo thermal decomposition to afford mixed oxides of the type, MMoO₄·MoO₃ {M = Co or Ni}.     

Hybrid materials composed of tetravanadate motifs: Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of the open framework structure solids [{M(C5H5N)4}2]V4O12 (M = Cu, Co)

Two new inorganic-organic hybrid materials - [{M(C₅H₅N)₄}₂]V₄O₁₂ (M = Cu, 1; M = Co, 2) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods, X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetry, magnetometry and complete single crystal structure analysis. The structures of 1-2 are comprised of layers containing centrosymmetric {V₄O₁₂} rings connected to {M(C₅H₅N)₄} units by V-O-M bridges (M = Cu, 1; M = Co, 2). The layers are parallel to the (1 0 1) crystal planes and there are pyridine stacking interactions between layers. The effective magnetic moment, μ_eff, values for 1 and 2 are 1.9 μ_B and 3.9 μ_B, respectively, indicating some orbital contributions in each case. Both compounds exhibit Curie-Weiss magnetic behavior over the entire range above the critical temperature.     

Heterobimetallic Fe-Pd and Fe-Pt NCN pincer complexes (NCN = [C6H2(CH2NMe2)2-2,6])

The meta-diaminoaryl ferrocenes Fc-NCN-H (3) and Fc-CC-NCN-H (5) (Fc = (η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe, NCN-H = C₆H₃(CH₂NMe₂)₂-3,5) can be used as precursors in the preparation of heterobimetallic transition metal complexes of structural type Fc-NCN-MX (NCN = [C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6]⁻; MX = PdCl (7), PtCl (8), PtI (9)) and Fc-CC-NCN-MX (MX = PdCl (11), PdI (12), PtCl (13)), respectively. They are accessible by applying different synthesis procedures, including oxidative addition and metallation-transmetallation processes.Cyclovoltammetric studies show that the ferrocene moieties in 3, 5, 7-9 and 11-13 can reversibly be oxidised. The potential of the Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couple decreases with increasing electron density at the NCN pincer unit. The use of 8 as a possible (electro)chemical sensor in the detection of SO₂ is discussed as well.The solid-state structures of 8 and 13 are reported. The crystals of 8 contain two molecules of 8 in the asymmetric unit. The plane of the C₆H₂ moiety is with 27.2(3)° and 38.2(3)° tilted towards the C₅H₄ entity, while in 13 an angle of 45.9(3)° can be found. The d⁸-electron configured platinum atoms possess a somewhat distorted square-planar surrounding, setup by two Me₂NCH₂ortho-substituents, the NCN C_ipso carbon atom and the chloride ligand.     

A new series of iodocarbonyl ruthenium (II) complexes with unsymmetrical phosphine-phosphine sulfide ligands of the type Ph2P(CH2)nP(S)Ph2, n = 1-4: Isolation and structural investigation

Hexa-coordinated chelate complex cis-[Ru(CO)₂I₂(P∩S)] (1a) {P∩S = η²-(P,S)-coordinated} and penta-coordinated non-chelate complexes cis-[Ru(CO)₂I₂(P∼S)] (1b-d) {P∼S = η¹-(P)-coordinated} are produced by the reaction of polymeric [Ru(CO)₂I₂]_n with equimolar quantity of the ligands Ph₂P(CH₂)_nP(S)Ph₂ {n = 1(a), 2(b), 3(c), 4(d)} in dichloromethane at room temperature. The bidentate nature of the ligand a in the complex 1a leads to the formation of five-membered chelate ring which confers extra stability to the complex. On the other hand, 1:2 (Ru:L) molar ratio reaction affords the hexa-coordinated non-chelate complexes cis,cis,trans-[Ru(CO)₂I₂(P∼S)₂] (2a-d) irrespective of the ligands. All the complexes show two equally intense terminal ν(CO) bands in the range 2028-2103 cm⁻¹. The ν(PS) band of complex 1a occurs 23 cm⁻¹ lower region compared to the corresponding free ligand suggesting chelation via metal-sulfur bond formation. X-ray crystallography reveals that the Ru(II) atom occupies the center of a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The complexes have also been characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy.     

Magnetic and optical properties of trans-RSSR-[CrCl2(cyclam)]2ZnCl4 (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) attributed to counterion via hydrogen bonding

This is the first reported example of a photochromic property presented by the change of a counterion in a coordination compound: the colour of the trans-[CrCl₂(cyclam)]₂ZnCl₄ (1) is dark green while the trans-[CrCl₂(cyclam)]Cl (2) is a reddish purple. The dark green colour of 1 under a fluorescent lamp changes to a deep purple when it is irradiated with an incandescent lamp; when the latter light is turned off, the dark green colour reappears instantaneously, this being a reversible process. Besides, the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of these polycrystalline samples show a very broad isotropic peak centred at g = 1.995 for 1 and for 2 a rhombic one at g = 4.309, 3.107 and 1.223. Their molar magnetic susceptibilities, χ_Mdc, against temperature (2-300 K) follow Curie Weiss behaviour. For 1, a low antiferromagnetic coupling (θ = −2.78 K) in the solid state was found as it approaches 2 K, while for 2, there was found a smaller antiferromagnetic coupling (θ = −0.40 K). From the luminescence studies at 17 K, the lifetime for 1 was found to be twice that for 2. The crystal and molecular structure of 2 were determined and discussed. Compounds 1 and 2 show the same trans-RSSR configuration with different hydrogen bonding networks. In 1 the supramolecular array includes intermolecular interactions in which the chromium atoms interact through the zinc atom of the tetrachlorozincate counterion via hydrogen bonding with the extraordinary consequence of showing the previously described physical properties. This has been supported by theoretical calculations, in which it is clearly observed that the HOMO orbital of 1 is a highly delocalised molecular orbital among Cr(III)?Zn(II)?Cr(III), thus giving even more evidence for the strong Cr(III)-Cr(III) interaction through the ZnCl₄ moiety via hydrogen bonding.