Catalytic and electrochemical properties of new manganese(III) compounds of 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-oxazoline (Hphox or HClphox). Molecular structures of [Mn(Clphox)2(MeOH)2](ClO4) and [Mn(phox)2(MeOH)2][Mn(phox)2(ClO4)2](H2O)2

New manganese(III) complexes of Hphox (2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-oxazoline) and HClphox (2-(5′-chloro-2′-hydroxyphenyl)-oxazoline) have been synthesised. The X-ray structures of [Mn(phox)₂(MeOH)₂][Mn(phox)₂(ClO₄)₂](H₂O)₂ and [Mn(Clphox)₂(MeOH)₂](ClO₄) show the manganese(III) ions to be octahedrally coordinated with methanol or perchlorate at the axial coordination sites. The cyclic voltammograms of the complexes, with the exception of [Mn(phox)₂(acac)] (Hacac=2,4-pentanedione), show an irreversible reduction wave of manganese(III) to manganese(II). After addition of an excess of 1-methylimidazole (1-Meim), the reduction process shifts towards lower potentials and becomes (quasi-) reversible, indicating that the presence of 1-Meim affects the catalytic efficiency of the complexes. The complexes catalyse the epoxidation of styrene by dihydrogen peroxide. The cumulative turnover numbers towards styrene oxide obtained after 15 min. vary from 16 for [Mn(Clphox)₂(MeOH)₂](ClO₄) to 26 for [Mn(phox)₂(acac)]. Ligand degradation appears to be the limiting factor for obtaining higher turnover numbers.     

Syntheses, spectra and crystal structures of ruthenium(II) complexes with polypyridyl: [Ru(bipy)2(phen)](ClO4)2 · H2O and [Ru(bipy)2(Me-phen)](ClO4)2

Two ruthenium(II) complexes with polypyridyl, Ru(bipy)₂(phen)](ClO₄)₂·H₂O (1) and [Ru(bipy)₂(Me-phen)](ClO₄)₂ (2), (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, Me-phen = 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline), were synthesized and characterized by IR, MS and NMR spectra. Their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The strong steric interaction between the polypyridyl ligands was relieved neither by the elongation of the Ru---N bonds nor increase of the N---Ru---N bite angles. The coordination sphere was distorted to relieve the ligand interaction by forming specific angles (δ) between the polypyridyl ligand planes and coordination planes (N---Ru---N), and forming larger twisted angles between the two pyridine rings for each bipy. The bond distances of Ru---N(bipy) and Ru---N(phen) were virtually identical with experimental error, as expected of π back-bonding interactions which statistically involve each of the ligands present in the coordination sphere.     

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.     

Electrochemical synthesis and crystal structure of (3-trimethylsilylpyridine-2-thiolato) copper(I), [Cu4(3-Me3Sipyt)4]

(3-Trimethylsilyl-pyridine-2-thiolato-S,N)copper(I), [Cu(3-Me₃Sipyt)], was obtained by electrochemical oxidation of copper metal in an acetonitrile solution of the neutral ligand. The compound is tetrameric and the four copper atoms are arranged with distorted tetrahedral geometry, each copper atom being trigonally coordinated to one nitrogen and two sulfur atoms of three different ligands. Crystal data: 14₁/a, a=14.608(2), C=19.366(4) Å, V=4133(2), Å, Z=4, D_calc=1.581 g cm⁻³, R=0.0397 for 848 reflections.     

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.     

Design and properties of mixed metal multinuclear molecules: Part 1. Molecular structures of [Ag(PR3)2]2[Ni(mnt)2] type complexes (R=Me, Et, Cy and MNT=maleonitriledithiolate) and [AgL]2[Ni(mnt)2] type complexes with chelating diphosphines (L=dppf and dppm)

The trinuclear complexes [Ag(PR₃)₂]₂[Ni(mnt)₂] and [AgL]₂[Ni(mnt)₂] have been prepared by reactions of (NEt₄)₂[Ni(mnt)₂] and Ag₂SO₄ with alkyl phosphines (PR₃=P(CH₃)₃ (PMe₃) for 1, P(C₂H₅)₃ (PEt₃) for 2 and P(C₆H₁₁)₃ (PCy₃) for 3), or with chelating diphosphines (L=1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) for 4 and bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) for 5). The structures of all the complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Interactions between the [Ag(PR₃)₂]⁺ and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ groups occur in compounds 1 and 2 with Ni---Ag distances of 3.063(4) and 2.9311(6) Å, respectively. Only one sulfur atom of each mnt ligand bridged [Ag(PR₃)₂]⁺ cations and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ anions in compound 1 through 3 with Ag---S distances of about 2.7 Å. There is no interaction between Ag and Ni in compound 3 due to the flexibility of the cyclohexyl groups. Interactions between [AgL]⁺ and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ groups also occur in compound 4 with a much shorter Ag---Ni distance of 2.7213(7) Å, while silver atoms and the NiS₄ plane in compound 4 make a chair conformation with Ag---S distances of about 2.8 Å. In compound 5, dppm bridges two silver atoms, and interaction between silver atoms occurs at a distance of 2.9859(11) Å, and only one sulfur atom of mnt is used to bridge Ni and Ag atoms with Ag---S distances of 2.582(3) and 2.663(3) Å.     

The ReH6[P(C6H5)3]2 ion as a ligand: complexes with M(CO)3 fragments (M = Cr, Mo, W)

The reactions of [(H₅C₆)₃P]₂ReH₆⁻ with (CH₃CN)₃Cr(CO)₃, (diglyme)Mo(CO)₃ or (C₃H₇CN)₃W(CO)₃ led to the formation of [(H₅C₆)₃P]₂ReH₆M(CO)₃⁻ (M = Cr, Mo, W) complexes. These have been characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopies, as well as elemental analyses. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study has also been carried out for the M = Cr complex as a K(18-crown-6)⁺ salt. The complex crystallizes as a THF monosolvate in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 22.323(6), B = 9.523(2), C = 27.502(5) Å, β = 104.98(2)⁰ and V = 5648 ų for Z = 4. The Re---Cr separation is 2.5745(12) Å, and the two phosphine ligands are oriented unsymmetrically. Although the hydride ligands were not found, the presence of three bridging hydrides and a dodecahedral coordination geometry about rhenium could be inferred. Low temperature ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopic studies did not reveal the low symmetry of the solid state structure.     

Copper(II) complexes with (2-hydroxybenzyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine–Hbpa: syntheses, characterization and crystal structures of the ligand and [Cu(II)(Hbpa)2](ClO4)2·2H2O

Copper(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR and visible spectroscopies, EPR and electrochemistry, as well as X-ray structure crystallography. The group consists of discrete mononuclear units with the general formula [Cu(II)(Hbpa)₂](A)₂·nH₂O, where Hbpa=(2-hydroxybenzyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine and A=ClO₄ ⁻, n=2 (1), CH₃COO⁻, n=3 (2), NO₃ ⁻, n=2 (3) and SO₄ ²⁻, n=3 (4). The structures of the ligand Hbpa and complex 1 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1–4 have had their UV–Vis spectra measured in both MeCN and DMF. It was observed that the compounds interact with basic solvents, such that molecules coordinate to the metal in axial positions in which phenol oxygen atoms are coordinated in the protonated forms. The values were all less than 1000 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹. EPR measurements on powdered samples of 1–3 gave g/A values between 105 and 135 cm⁻¹, typical for square planar coordination environments. Complex 4·3H₂O exhibits a behaviour typical for tetrahedral coordination. The electrochemical behaviour for complexes 1 and 2 was studied showing irreversible redox waves for both compounds.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of the first structurally characterized 1,2-dithiocroconato-containing Cu(II) complex, [Cu(bpca)(H2O)]2[Cu(1,2-dtcr)2]·2H2O

The first crystal and molecular structure of a transition metal complex containing 1,2-dithiocroconate (1,2-dtcr, dianion of 1,2-dimercaptocylopent-1-ene-3,4,5-trione), [Cu(bpca)(H₂O)]₂[Cu(1,2-dtcr)₂]·2H₂O (where bpca is the bis(2-pyrdidylcarbonyl)amide anion), has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The compound crystallizesin the monoclinic syste, space group P2₁/c, with a = 11.661(3), b = 20.255(6), c = 8.265(3) Å, ß = 107.26(2)° and Z = 2. The structure is formally built of [Cu(1,2-dtcr)₂]²⁻ and [Cu(bpca)(H₂O)]⁺ ions and water of hydration. The copper atom of the anion is situated at a crystallographic inversion centre, bonded to four sulfur atoms in a planar, approximately square arrangement. In the cation the copper equatorial plane is formed by the three nitrogen atoms of the bpca ligand and a water oxygen atom. In addition there is a very weak axial bond to one of the sulfur atoms of a 1,2-dtcr ligand in the anion. Through these latter weak bonds each anion is connected to, and sandwiched between, two cations, resulting in neutral, trinuclear, centrosymmetric formula units. The triple-decker molecules are arranged in stacks along the crystallographic a-axis creating close contacts between the terminal copper atoms and bpca groups of the neighbouring molecules. This intermolecular interaction is, however, too weak to define the structure as a chain compound. The distance between adjacent copper atoms within the trinuclear unit is 4.189(1) Å, while the shortest intra-stack metal-metal separation between terminal copper atoms is 5.281(1) Å. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature r.2–140 K reveal that a Curie law is followed; with three non-interacting copper(II) ions in the formula unit.     

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.     

The coordination chemistry of cationic main group clusters: syntheses and structures of [Fe3(Se2)2(CO)10] and [Fe4(Se2)3(CO)12]

The reactions of the polysulfur and selenium cationic clusters S₈²⁺ and Se₈²⁺ with various iron carbonyls were investigated. Several new chalcogen containing iron carbonyl cluster cations were isolated, depending on the nature of the counteranion. In the presence of SbF₆⁻ as a counterion, the cluster [Fe₃(E₂)₂(CO)₁₀] [SbF₆]₂·SO₂ (E = S, Se) could be isolated from the reaction of E₈²⁺ and excess iron carbonyl. The cluster is a picnic-basket shaped molecule of two iron centers linked by two Se₂ groups, with the whole fragment capped by an Fe(CO)₄ group. Crystallographic data for C₁₀O₁₂Fe₃Se₄Sb₂F₁₂S (I): space group monoclinic P2₁/c, A = 11.810(9), b = 24.023(6), c = 10.853(7) Å, β = 107.15(5)°, V = 2942(3) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0426, R_w = 0.0503. When Sb₂F₁₁⁻ is present as the counterion, or Se₄[Sb₂F₁₁]₂ is used as the cluster cation source, a different cluster can be isolated, which has the formula [Fe₄(Se₂)₃(CO)₁₂] [SbF₆]₂·3SO₂. The dication contains two Fe₂Se₂ fragments bridged by an Se₂ group. Crystallographic data for C₁₂O₁₈Fe₄Se₆Sb₂F₁₂S₃ (III): space group triclinic , b = 18.400(9), C = 10.253(4) Å, = 93.10(4), β = 103.74(3), γ = 93.98(3)°, V = 1995(1) ų, Z = 2, R = 0.0328, R_w = 0.0325. The CO stretches in the IR spectrum all show a large shift to higher wavenumbers, suggesting almost no τ backbonding from the metals. This also correlates with the observed bond distances. All the compounds are extremely sensitive to air and water, and readily lose SO₂ when removed from the solvent. Thus all the crystals were handled at −100°C. The clusters seem to be either insoluble or unstable in all solvents investigated.     

Chemistry in environmentally benign media Part 1. Synthesis and characterization of 1,2-bis[bis(hydroxymethyl)phosphino]ethane (‘HMPE’). X-ray structure of [Pt{(HOH2C)2PCH2CH2P(CH2OH)2}2](Cl)2

The water-soluble bisphosphine, 1,2-bis(bis(hydroxymethyl)phosphino)ethane (1), was synthesized in near quantitative yield by the reaction of bisphosphine, H₂PCH₂CH₂PH₂, with an aqueous formaldehyde in the presence of K₂PtCl₄. The reaction of this water-soluble bisphosphine 1 with cis-Pt(COD)Cl₂ affords the mononuclear bischelate complex, [Pt{(HOH₂C)₂PCH₂CH₂P(CH₂OH)₂}₂](Cl)₂ (2), in near quantitative yield. The new ligand and complex have been characterized spectroscopically and the structure of the metal complex, 2, was determined by X-ray crystallography. The Pt(II) complex 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca(a=14.623(1), B=16.216(2), C=9.319(4) Å) with Z=4. The final R value is 0.024.     

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.     

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.     

Spectroscopic and structural analyses of the copper(II) 2-D coordination polymer {[Cu2(BPP)4(NCS)4]}n (BPP = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane) comprising interpenetrated layers of (4, 4) topology

The synthesis and structural characterization of the 2-D Cu(II) coordination polymer namely {[Cu₂(BPP)₄(NCS)₄]}_n, where BPP is the nitrogen ligand 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, are described. Single crystal diffraction analysis shows that the asymmetric unit consists on two crystallographically independent Cu(II) ions that adopt a distorted octahedral geometry. Each Cu(II) center is coordinated by four nitrogen atoms from different BPP ligands and by other two nitrogen atoms from isothiocyanate groups. The BPP ligands link the metal centers generating an undulated two-dimensional net of (4, 4) topology. Two sets of two-dimensional sheets interlock each other in the same plane, giving rise to a twofold parallel interpenetrating network. EPR spectra indicate no magnetic coupling of the two individual Cu²⁺ centers.     

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.     

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.     

Spin-crossover iron(II) complexes [Fe(Medpq)(py)2(NCS)2] and [Fe(Medpq)(py)2(NCSe)2]: syntheses, characterization and magnetic properties

Two new spin-crossover complexes, [Fe(Medpq)(py)₂(NCS)₂] · py · 0.5H₂O (1) and [Fe(Medpq)(py)₂(NCSe)₂] · py (2) (Medpq = 2-methyldipyrido[3,2-f:2′,3′-h]-quinoxaline, py = pyridine), have been synthesized. The crystal structures were determined at both room temperature (298 K) and low temperature (110 K). Complexes 1 and 2 crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbca and monoclinic space group P2₁/n, respectively. In both complexes, the distorted [FeN₆] octahedron is formed by six nitrogen atoms from Medpq, the trans pyridine molecules and the cis NCX⁻ groups. The thermal spin transition is accompanied by the shortening of the mean Fe–N distances by 0.194 Å for 2. The mononuclear [Fe(Medpq)(py)₂(NCS)₂] and [Fe(Medpq)(py)₂(NCSe)₂] neutral species interact each other via π-stacking, resulting in a one-dimensional extended structure for both 1 and 2. There exist C–HX (X = S, Se) hydrogen bonds for both complexes. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy reveal the occurrence of a gradual spin transition. The transitions are centered at T_1/2 = 120 K for 1 and T_1/2 = 180 K for 2, respectively.     

Reactions of the haloalcohols HO(CH2)nCl (n = 2, 3) with platinum(II) - alkynyl and -alkyne complexes. X-ray crystal structure of trans-[Pt(Me) {C(OCH2CH2Cl) (CH2Ph)} (PPh3)2] [BF4]

The chloro complexes trans-[Pt(Me)(Cl)(PPh₃)₂], after treatment with AgBF₄, react with 1-alkynes HC---C---R in the presence of NEt₃ to afford the corresponding acetylide derivatives trans-[Pt(Me) (C---C---R) (PPh₃)₂] (R = p-tolyl (1), Ph (2), C(CH₃)₃ (3)). These complexes, with the exception of the t-butylacetylide complex, react with the chloroalcohols HO(CH₂)_nCl (n = 2, 3) in the presence of 1 equiv. of HBF₄ to afford the alkyl(chloroalkoxy)carbene complexes trans-[Pt(Me) {C[O(CH₂)_nCl](CH₂R) } (PPh₃)₂][BF₄] (R = p-tolyl, N = 2 (4), N = 3 (5); R=Ph, N = 2 (6)). A similar reaction of the bis(acetylide) complex trans-[Pt(C---C---Ph)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂] with 2 equiv. HBF₄ and 3-chloro-1-propanol affords trans-[Pt(C---CPh) {C(OCH₂CH₂CH₂Cl)(CH₂Ph) } (PMe₂Ph)₂][BF₄] (7). T alkyl(chloroalkoxy)-carbene complex trans-[Pt(Me) {C(OCH₂CH₂Cl)(CH₂Ph) } (PPh₃)₂][BF₄] (8) is formed by reaction of trans-[Pt(Me)(Cl)(PPh₃)₂], after treatment with AgBF₄ in HOCH₂CH₂Cl, with phenylacetylene in the presence of 1 equiv. of n-BuLi. The reaction of the dimer [Pt(Cl)(μ-Cl)(PMe₂Ph)]₂ with p-tolylacetylene and 3-chloro-1-propanol yields cis-[PtCl₂{C(OCH₂CH₂CH₂Cl)(CH₂C₆H₄-p-Me}(PMe₂Ph)] (9). The X-ray molecular structure of (8) has been determined. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pna2₁, with a = 11.785(2), B = 29.418(4), C = 15.409(3) Å, V = 4889(1) ų and Z = 4. The carbene ligand is perpendicular to the Pt(II) coordination plane; the PtC(carbene) bond distance is 2.01(1) Å and the short C(carbene)-O bond distance of 1.30(1) Å suggests extensive electronic delocalization within the Pt---C(carbene)---O moietry.     

Crystal growth in aqueous hydrofluoric acid and (HF)x · pyridine solutions: syntheses and crystal structures of [Ni(H2O)6][MF6] (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) and Ni3(py)12F6 · 7H2O

The syntheses and structures of [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺[MF₆]²⁻ (M = Ti,Zr,Hf) and Ni₃(py)₁₂F₆·7H₂O are reported. The former three compounds are isostructural, crystallizing in the trigonal space group (No. 148) with Z = 3. The lattice parameters are a = 9.489(4), C = 9.764(7) Å, with V = 761(1) ų for Ti; a = 9.727(2), C = 10.051(3) Å, with V = 823.6(6) ų for Zr; and a = 9.724(3), C = 10.028(4)Å, with V = 821.2(8)ų for Hf. The structures consist of discrete [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺ and [MF₆]²⁻ octahedra joined by O---HF hydrogen bond Large single crystals were grown in an aqueous hydrofluoric acid solution. Ni₃(py)₁₂F₆·7H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/a (No. 15) with Z = 4. The lattice parameters are a = 16.117(4), B = 8.529(3), C = 46.220(7) Å, β = 92.46(2)°, and V = 6348(5) ų. The structure consists of discrete Ni(py)₄F₂ octahedra linked through H---O---HF and H---O---HO hydrogen bonding interactions. Single c were grown from a (HF)_x·pyridine/pyridine/water solution.