Two cyano-bridged heterotrinuclear complexes built from [(Tp)Fe(CN)3] (Tp = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate): synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties

Using an anionic precursor [(Tp)Fe^III(CN)₃]⁻ (1) as a building block, two cyano-bridged centrosymmetric heterotrinuclear complexes, (2) and (3) (en = ethylenediamine), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. In each complex, [TpFe(CN)₃]⁻ acts as a monodentate ligand toward a central [Mn(C₂H₅OH)₄]²⁺ or [Ni(en)₂]²⁺ core through one of its three cyanide groups, the other two cyanides remaining terminal. The intramolecular Fe-Mn and Fe-Ni distances are 5.2354(4) and 5.0669(11) Å, respectively. The magnetic properties of complexes 2 and 3 have been investigated in the temperature range of 2.0-300 K. A weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the Mn(II) and Fe(III) ions has been found in complex 2. The magnetic data of 2 can be fitted with the isotropic Hamiltonian: where J and J′ are the intramolecular exchange coupling parameters between adjacent and peripheral spin carriers, respectively. This leads to values of J = −1.37 cm⁻¹ and g = 2.05. The same fitting method is applied to complex 3 to give values of J = 1.2 cm⁻¹ and g = 2.25, showing that there is a ferromagnetic interaction between the Fe(III) and Ni(II) ions.     

First example of thiostannates with lanthanide-containing counter cations: Solvothermal synthesis, crystal structures and properties of thiostannates with neodymium(III) and gadolinium(III) complexes of bidentate and tridentate amino ligands

Three new lanthanide thiostannates [Ln₂(en)₆(μ₂-OH)₂]Sn₂S₆ (Ln = Nd (1), Gd (2); en = ethylenediamine) and [Gd(dien)₃]₂[(Sn₂S₆)Cl₂] (3) (dien = diethylenetriamine) were first synthesized by treating LnCl₃ with SnCl₄ and S under mild solvothermal conditions. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural. They consist of a binuclear lanthanide(III) complex [Ln₂(en)₆(μ₂-OH)₂]⁴⁺ cation and a dimeric [Sn₂S₆]⁴⁻ anion. The anion is built up by two SnS₄ tetrahedra sharing a common edge. The Nd³⁺ and Gd³⁺ ions are in an eight-coordinated environment forming distorted bicapped trigonal prisms. Compound 3 is composed of two monouclear [Gd(dien)₃]³⁺ complex cations, a [Sn₂S₆]⁴⁻ anion, and two chlorine ions. The Gd³⁺ ion has a nine-coordinated environment forming a distorted tricapped trigonal prism. In compounds 1-3, extensive hydrogen bonds are formed leading to three-dimensional networks of anions and cations. The band gaps of 2.42 eV for 1 and 3.17 eV for 2 have been derived from optical absorption spectra. The new lanthanide compounds might be the precursors for ternary lanthanide thiostannates by the heat treatment under nitrogen atmosphere to get rid of organic components.     

Three Co(III)-Fe(II) complexes based on hexacyanoferrates: Syntheses, spectroscopic and structural characterizations

Red or orange crystals of [Co(NH₃)₆]₂Cl₂[Fe(CN)₆] · 4H₂O (1), [Co(en)₃]₂Cl₂[Fe(CN)₆] · 2H₂O (2) and [Co(en)₃]₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃ · 21.6H₂O (3) were isolated from the aqueous systems Co³⁺-L_N-[Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ (L_N = NH₃, en = 1,2-diaminoethane). In all isolated samples the combination of Mössbauer (δ values were from the range −0.07 to −0.08 mm/s) and IR spectra (ν(CN) stretching vibrations in the range 2015-2047 cm⁻¹) confirms the presence of low spin Fe(II) in [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ anions. X-ray structure analyses corroborate the ionic character of all studied compounds. These contain diamagnetic [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ (1) or [Co(en)₃]³⁺ (2 and 3) complex cations and diamagnetic [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ complex anions. In compounds 1 and 2 chloride anions are present, too. All three compounds contain water of crystallization, in compound 3 as many as 21.6 molecules per formula unit.     

Squarato-bridged polymeric networks of iron(II) with N-donor coligands: Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties

Two new squarato-bridged Fe(II) polymeric networks of molecular formula [Fe(squarate)(bpp)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) and [Fe(squarate)(bpee)(H₂O)₂] (2) [bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane; bpee = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene; ] have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies and low temperature (300-2 K) magnetic measurements. Complex 1 is a 1D coordination chain of Fe(H₂O)₂ units connected by μ-O,O″ squarate dianions with monocoordinated bpp ligands dangling from the polymer. These 1D chains ultimately transform to a thick 2D layer through π-π interaction of pyridyl rings as well as through hydrogen bonds. Whereas structural determination of complex 2 reveals an inclined interpenetrated 3D architecture. Magnetic data for both the complexes 1 and 2 have been fitted using the Fisher formula for S = 2 system and show antiferromagnetic coupling for both the complexes. The best fit parameters are J = −0.40 cm⁻¹, g = 2.30 and R = 0.01 for complex 1 and J = −0.49 cm⁻¹, g = 2.08 and R = 1.9 × 10⁻³ for complex 2.     

2D crystal structure, magnetic behavior and theoretic analysis of two new molecular solids based on Ni(maleonitriledithiolate)2 monoanion with substituted 2-aminopyridinium

Two new molecular solids, [BzPyNH₂][Ni(mnt)₂](1) and [2-NpCH₂PyNH₂][Ni(mnt)₂](2) (mnt²⁻ = maleonitriledithiolate, [BzPyNH₂]⁺ = 1-benzyl-2-aminopyridinium and [2-NpCH₂PyNH₂]⁺ = 1-(2′-naphthylmethylene)-2-aminopyridinium) have been characterized structurally and magnetically. The Ni(Ш) ions of 1 and 2 form a 1D magnetic chain within a [Ni(mnt)₂]⁻ column through Ni?N or π?π interactions. Some weak interactions observed in 1 and 2 give further rise to a 2D structure. The overlapping fashions of the [Ni(mnt)₂]⁻ anions are different when the 2-aminopyridine ring was fixed and the phenyl ring changed into the naphthyl ring of the cation. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 2-300 K show that 1 is weak antiferromagnetic coupling, while 2 exhibits a novel and interesting spin-gap transition around 140 K with Δ/k_b = 381.4 K.     

Spontaneous resolution of a chiral polyoxometalate: Synthesis, crystal structures and properties

Two enantiomerically pure chiral POM-based compounds, [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₁₀[Zr(PW₁₁O₃₉)₂] · 10H₂O (Left-1, L-1 for short and Right-1, R-1 for short) have been prepared by conventional aqueous solution method without a chiral auxiliary and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structures of L-1 and R-1 contain two lacunary [PW₁₁O₃₉]⁷⁻ units, each acting as a tetra-dentate ligand, the Zr^IV cation sandwiched between two [PW₁₁O₃₉]⁷⁻ anions is of eight coordination and occupies a distorted square antiprismatic geometry. The circular dichroism spectra confirmed the occurrence of spontaneous resolution and the enantiomeric nature of L-1 and R-1. Cyclic voltammetric experiment for 1 represents two redox peaks corresponding to the redox processes of [PW₁₁O₃₉]⁷⁻ in the potential range from −1000 to 1000 mV.     

Supramolecular diversity and magnetic properties of novel heterometallic Cu(II)/Cr(III) complexes prepared from copper powder, Reineckes salt and ethylenediamine

Three novel heterometallic complexes [Cu(en)₂Cr(NCS)₄(NH₃)₂][Cr(NCS)₄(NH₃)₂] · 6dmf (1), [Cu(en)₂Cr(NCS)₄(NH₃)₂](OAc) (2) and [{Cu(en)₂}₃{Cr(NCS)₄(NH₃)₂}₂(NCS)₂](NCS)₂ (3) have been synthesized in a one-pot reaction from copper powder, Reineckes salt, NH₄X [X⁻ = OAc⁻ (2), NCS⁻ (3)] in a dmf (1) or CH₃CN (2, 3) solution of ethylenediamine (en). X-ray studies showed that 1 and 2 consist of cationic polymeric chains, formed by and building blocks that bridged through thiocyanate anions. In both complexes, distinct hydrogen bonds are present and serve to increase the dimensionality of the compound from one to two (in 1) or three (in 2). The main structural feature of 3 is the pentanuclear Cu₃Cr₂ cation which is H-bonded with uncoordinated thiocyanate groups generating a 3D supramolecular assembly. The shortest Cu?Cr distances are 5.840(1) Å for 1, 5.856(1) and 6.018(3) Å for 2 and 6.009(9) and 6.465(9) Å for 3. Compounds 1 and 2 are essentially paramagnets whereas compound 3 shows a weak antiferromagnetic coupling. The magnetic properties are simulated and discussed in terms of the structural features.     

UV-Vis and fluorimetric Al, Zn, Cd and Pb complexation studies of two 3-hydroxyflavones and a 3-hydroxythioflavone

The complexation of Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ by the 3-hydroxyflavones: 3-hydroxy-2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (H1) and 3-hydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (H2), and by the 3-methoxythioflavone: 3-hydroxy-2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-thione (H3) have been studied spectrophotometrically and fluorimetrically to determine the corresponding complexation constants, K_sp and K_fl, in 5:95 water:ethanol (v/v) solution for which [HClO₄] was either 10⁻² or 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³ and I = 0.10 mol dm⁻³ (NaClO₄) at 298.2 K. Complexation occurs dominantly through the deprotonated ligand for [Al(1)]²⁺ and [Al(2)]²⁺ for which log K_sp = 4.51 and 4.73, respectively, in 10⁻² mol dm⁻³ HClO₄ and 4.21 and 4.61 in 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³ HClO₄. For Pb²⁺ complexation by H1, H2 and H3 is characterized by log K_sp = 2.20, 2.57 and 3.22, respectively, in 10⁻² mol dm⁻³ HClO₄ and 4.70, 5.38 and 5.74 in 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³ HClO₄. Equilibrium mixtures of [Pb(H1)]²⁺ and [Pb1]⁺, [Pb(H2)]²⁺ and [Pb2]⁺, and [Pb(H3)]²⁺ and [Pb3]⁺ appear to be formed. Complexation of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ by all three ligands was only detected in 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³ HClO₄. For Zn²⁺ complexation by H1, H2 and H3 log K_sp = 3.22, 3.74 and 4.46 and for Cd²⁺ the corresponding values are 2.39, 2.40 and 3.72 for Cd²⁺. Only [Al1]²⁺ and [Al2]²⁺ show significant fluorescence and are characterized by log K_fl = 6.30 and 7.49 in 10⁻² mol dm⁻³ HClO₄.     

Probing valence and spin situations in selective ruthenium-iminoquinonoid frameworks. An experimental and DFT analysis

The ruthenium-iminoquinone complexes, [Ru(tpm)(Cl)(Q)]⁺ [tpm = tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane, Q = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-N-aryl-1,2-benzoquinonemonoimine, where aryl = C₆H₅, [1]⁺; m-(OCH₃)₂C₆H₃, [2]⁺; m-(Cl)₂C₆H₃, [3]⁺] have been synthesized. The sensitive bond distances of “Q” in [1](ClO₄) and [2](ClO₄), C-O: 1.294(8), 1.281(2) Å; C-N: 1.352(8), 1.335(2) Å; and C-C(meta): 1.366(10)/1.367(9) Å, 1.364(2)/1.353(2) Å, respectively, and other analytical as well as theoretical (DFT) events suggest the valence configuration of [Ru^III(tpm)(Cl)(Q_Sq⁻)]⁺ for [1]⁺-[3]⁺. The paramagnetic [1]⁺-[3]⁺ show sharp ¹H NMR spectra with strikingly small J of 1.8-3.0 Hz. The DFT calculations on [1]⁺ predict that the triplet (S = 1) state exists above (1004 cm⁻¹) the singlet (S = 0) ground state. [1]⁺ exhibits μ = 2.2 BM at 300 K which diminishes to 0.3 BM near 2 K due to the steady decrease in the ratio of triplet to singlet population with the lowering of temperature. [1]⁺-[3]⁺ exhibit one oxidation and two successive reductions each in CH₃CN. Experimental and DFT analyses collectively establish the valence configurations at the non-innocent {Ru-Q} interface along the redox chain as [(tpm)(Cl)Ru^III(Q_Q^o)]²⁺ ([1]²⁺-[3]²⁺) → [(tpm)(Cl)Ru^III(Q_Sq⁻)]⁺ ([1]⁺-[3]⁺) → [(tpm)(Cl)Ru^II(Q_Sq⁻)] ↔ [(tpm)(Cl)Ru^III(Q_Cat)] (1-3) → [(tpm)(Cl)Ru^II(Q_Cat)]⁻ ([1]⁻-[3]⁻). The spectral features of [1]ⁿ-[3]ⁿ (n = +2, +1, 0) have been addressed based on the TD-DFT calculations on [1]ⁿ.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of three Mn(II) complexes with 2-hydroxynicotinate

Three new Mn(II) complexes [Mn(HnicO)₂(H₂O)₂] (1), [Mn₂(HnicO)₂SO₄(H₂O)₂]_n (2), and [NaMn(HnicO)₃]_n (3) (H₂nicO = 2-hydroxynicotinic acid) have been synthesized and determined by X-ray diffraction. For complex 1, the mononuclear units with two bidentate HnicO⁻ ions and two water molecules are assembled into a 3D architecture via hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. For 2, Mn(II) ions are connected by μ₃-HnicO⁻ and bridging ligands, producing a 2D (6,3) coordination network. For 3, binuclear Na(I)-Mn(II) units with three carbonyl oxygen bridges are interlinked by carboxylate groups, resulting in a 3D 6-connected coordination network with distorted α-Po topology. The magnetic properties of 2 are discussed.     

Ni(II) coordination compounds based on mixed phthalate and aromatic amine ligands: synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties

Three new coordination compounds, [Ni(Pht)(Py)₂(H₂O)₃] (1), [Ni(Pht)(β- Pic)₂(H₂O)₃] · H₂O (2) and [Ni(Pht)(1-MeIm)₂(H₂O)₃] (3) (where Pht²⁻ = dianion of o-phthalic acid; Py = pyridine, β-Pic = 3-methylpyridine, 1-MeIm = 1-methylimidazole), have been synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Crystallographic studies 1-3 reveal that each Ni(II) center has a distorted octahedral geometry being coordinated by two nitrogen atoms of aromatic amines, one oxygen atom from a carboxylate group of a phthalate ligand and three water molecules. Pht²⁻ anions act as monodentate ligands, while the remaining uncoordinated carboxylate oxygen atoms participate in the formation of hydrogen bonding. The uncoordinated oxygen atoms form hydrogen bonds with the coordinated water molecules from adjacent complexes creating a centrosymmetric dimer unit. Further, these dimer units are connected by O-H?O hydrogen bonds in double-chains. Depending on the nature of aromatic amines, the arrangement of these double-chains differs. The double-chains are held together only by van der Waals interactions in 1. In contrast, in 2 these chains form layers by π-π interactions between antiparallel molecules of β-Pic as well as by π-π interactions between β-Pic and Pht aromatic rings. In complex 3, the double-chains are knitted together via C-H?O hydrogen bonds between the methyl group of 1-MeIm and the coordinated carboxylate oxygen atom of Pht, as well as π-π contacts involving antiparallel 1-MeIm cycles. The thermal dependence of the magnetic susceptibilities for compounds 1 and 2 shows a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the two Ni²⁺ ions of the hydrogen bonded dimers. For compound 3, a ferromagnetic interaction could be observed. Modeling the experimental data with MAGPACK resulted in: g = 2.22, |D| = 4.11 cm⁻¹ and J = −0.29 cm⁻¹ for compound 1, g = 2.215, |D| = 3.85 cm⁻¹ and J = −0.1 cm⁻¹ for compound 2 and g = 2.23, |D| = 4.6 cm⁻¹ and J = 0.22 cm⁻¹ for compound 3.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and luminescent properties of two cadmium thiocyanate coordination polymers with benzylpyridyl cations

Two luminescent Cd(II) complexes [RBzPy][Cd(SCN)₃] for R = Cl (1) and Br (2) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The Cd atoms are all N3S3 hexa-coordinated with six bridging SCN⁻ and form infinite [Cd(SCN)₃]_∞ polymeric chains. The layer arrangement of the anionic chains was obtained using the larger halogenated benzylpyridyl cations. The luminescent properties of 1 and 2 in the solid state were investigated.     

Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate and perchlorate bridged hydrogen bonded 1D chains involving manganese(III)-cyclam moiety: synthesis, X-ray crystal structures and magnetic study

Two compounds H[Mn(cyclam)(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate)₂] · H₂O (1) and [Mn^III(cyclam)Cl₂]ClO₄ (2) (where cyclam=1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a=11.4328(11), b=14.4275(14), c=8.5782(9) Å, , Z=2, R=0.0453. Complex 1 is octahedral in which [Mn(cyclam)]³⁺ unit occupies the basal plane having two pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate anions in the axial positions. Molecular packing of the crystal is dominated by string of molecules along the b-axis. The strings are held together by extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving N-H ? O, N-H ? N and O-H ? O which impart it an infinite 1D chain. Complex 2 on the other hand crystallizes in the space group P2₁2₁2₁ (No. 19) of the orthorhombic system. Mn(III) ions occupy the center of a distorted octahedron and two chloride ions occupy the axial positions. The packing diagram of 2 reveals that the complex is percholrate-bridged hydrogen bonded 1D chain along a-axis. Cyclic voltammogram of complex 1 shows a reduction wave at −0.25 V coupled to an oxidation wave at −0.05 V versus SCE in aqueous solution. The complex 2 is characterized by an irreversible reduction wave at −0.11 V versus SCE and is identical to that observed for [Mn^III(cyclam)Cl₂]Cl · 5H₂O. The magnetic measurements in the temperature range 1.9-300 K have been carried out for complex 1 which exhibits a very weak ferromagnetic interaction at low temperature. Complex 2 shows room temperature magnetic moment value of 4.92 BM consistent with the high spin d⁴ electronic configuration.     

Hydrogen-bonding assemblies constructed from metalloligand building blocks and H2O

New hydrogen-bonding assemblies were synthesized from the reaction of a metalloligand, [Cu(2,4-pydca)₂]²⁻ (L^Cu) (2,4-pydca = 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylate), with a Fe^II ion or an imidazole in an aqueous medium and crystallographically characterized. The obtained compounds, [Fe(H₂O)₆][Cu(2,4-pydca)₂] (1) and [Cu(2,4-pydca)(imidazole)₂] · 2H₂O (2), have metalloligand dimer units, [Cu₂(2,4-pydca)₄]⁴⁻ and [Cu₂(2,4-pydca)₂(imidazole)₄], respectively, each of which assembles by π-π (1) and hydrogen-bonding (2) interactions to form 1-D metalloligand arrays. The 1-D metalloligand arrays are linked by rich hydrogen-bonding interactions via H₂O molecules.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and properties of two sandwich-type tungstovanadates

Two dimeric tungstovanadates of the form [M₄(H₂O)₂(VW₉O₃₄)₂]¹⁰⁻ (M = Mn^II, Co^II) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy. X-ray single crystal analysis revealed that the two polyanion clusters with isomorphic structure consist of two lacunary [VW₉O₃₄]⁹⁻ Keggin moieties linked by four Mn^II or Co^II ions, forming a sandwich-type structure. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements showed a dominant antiferromagnetic interaction in complex 1, while ferromagnetic interactions were found in complex 2. The electrochemical behaviors of complexes 1 and 2 were investigated in buffer solution at pH 4.8. Surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS) and electric field-induced SPS (EFISPS) revealed that complex 1 bears the behavior of an n-type semiconductor, while complex 2 shows no obvious signal.     

Three ion-pair complexes containing bis(maleonitriledithiolate)copper(II) anion and substituted 4-dimethylaminopyridinium: Syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties

Three new ion-pair complexes, [4RBzDMAP]₂[Cu(mnt)₂] (mnt²⁻ = maleonitriledithiolate; [4RBzDMAP]⁺ = 1-(4′-R-benzyl)-4-dimethylaminopyridinium, R = F(1), Cl(2) and Br(3)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV, single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. The [Cu(mnt)₂]²⁻ anions and the cations stack alternately and form a 1D column via C-H···S, C-H···π or C-H···Cu interactions for 1 and 2. While the cations stack into a column though π···π or C-H···π interactions between pyridine and phenyl rings for 1 and 3. The change of the molecular topology of the counteraction when the 4-substituted group in the benzyl ring have been changed from F or Cl to Br atom, results in the difference in the crystal system, space group and the stacking mode of the cations and anions of 1, 2 and 3. Some weak hydrogen bonds between the adjacent columns further generate a 3D network structure. It is interesting that 1 and 2 exhibits antiferromagnetic coupling with θ = −2.372 K and θ = −14.732 K, while 3 shows weak ferromagnetic coupling feature with θ = 0.381 K.     

Iron(III), chromium(III) and cobalt(II) complexes with squarate: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

The preparation and variable temperature-magnetic investigation of three squarate-containing complexes of formula [Fe₂(OH)₂(C₄O₄)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (1) [Cr₂(OH)₂(C₄O₄)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (2) and [Co(C₄O₄)(H₂O)₄]_n (3) [H₂C₄O₄ = 3.4-dihydroxycyclobutene-1,2-dione (squaric acid)] together with the crystal structures of 1 and 3 are reported. Complex 1 contains discrete centrosymmetric [Fe₂(OH)₂(C₄O₄)₂(H₂O)₄] diiron(II) units where the iron pairs are joined by a di-μ-hydroxo bridge and two squarate ligands acting as bridging groups through adjacent oxygen atoms. Two coordinated water molecules in cis position complete the octahedral environment at each iron atom in 1. The iron-iron distance with the dinuclear unit is 3.0722(6) Å and the angle at the hydroxo bridge is 99.99(7)°, values which compare well with the corresponding ones in the isostructural compound 2 (2.998 Å and 99.47°) whose structure was reported previously. The crystal structure of 3 contains neutral chains of squarato-O¹,O³-bridged cobalt(II) ions where four coordinated water molecules complete the six-coordination at each cobalt atom. The cobalt-cobalt separation across the squarate bridge is 8.0595(4) Å. A relatively important intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling occurs in 1 whereas it is very weak in 2, the exchange pathway being the same [J = −14.4 (1) and −0.07 cm⁻¹ (2), the spin Hamiltonian being defined as ]. A weak intrachain antiferromagnetic interaction between the high-spin cobalt(II) ions occurs in 3 (J = −0.30 cm⁻¹). The magnitude and nature of these magnetic interactions are discussed in the light of their respective structures and they are compared with those reported for related systems.     

Chromium(III) complexes with 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

The preparation, crystal structure and variable temperature-magnetic investigation of three 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole-containing chromium(III) complexes of formula PPh₄[Cr(pyim)(C₂O₄)₂]·H₂O (1), AsPh₄[Cr(pyim)(C₂O₄)₂]·H₂O (2) and [Cr₂(pyim)₂(C₂O₄)₂(OH₂)₂]·2pyim · 6H₂O (3) [pyim = 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole, , and ] are reported herein. The isomorphous compounds are made up of discrete [Cr(pyim)(C₂O₄)₂]⁻ anions, cations [X = P (1) and As (2)] and uncoordinated water molecules. The chromium environment in 1 and 2 is distorted octahedral with Cr-N and Cr-O bond distances varying in the ranges 2.040(3)-2.101(3) and 1.941(3)-1.959(3) Å, respectively. The angle subtended by the chromium(III) ion by the two didentate oxalate ligands cover the range 82.49(12)-82.95(12)°, values which are somewhat greater than those concerning the chelating pyim molecule [77.94(13) (1) and 78.50(13)° (2)]. Complex 3 contains discrete centrosymmetric [Cr₂(pyim)₂(C₂O₄)₂(OH)₂] neutral units where the two chromium(III) ions are joined by a di-μ-hydroxo bridge, the oxalate and pyim groups acting as peripheral didentate ligands. Uncoordinated water and pyim molecules are also present in 3 and they contribute to the stabilization of its structure by extensive hydrogen bonding and π-π type interactions. The values of the intramolecular chromium-chromium separation and angle at the hydroxo bridge in 3 are 2.9908(12) Å and 99.60(16)°, respectively. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1-3 in the temperature range 1.9-300 K show the occurrence of weak inter- (1 and 2) and intramolecular (3) antiferromagnetic couplings. The magnetic properties of 3 have been interpreted in terms of a temperature-dependent exchange integral, small changes of the angle at the hydroxo bridge upon cooling being most likely responsible for this peculiar magnetic behavior.     

Anion effects on construction of Zn compounds with a chelating ligand bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine and their catalytic activities

Three Zn^II complexes containing bispicam ligands (bispicam = bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine), [Zn(bispicam)₂](NO₃)₂·2CH₃OH 4A, [Zn(bispicam)(NO₃)₂] 4B, and [Zn(bispicam)₂](OTf)₂6, were obtained, and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. Complexes of the general formulation [Zn(bispicam)₂]X₂ (X = Cl⁻ (1), Br⁻ (2), I⁻ (3), NO₃⁻ (4A), ClO₄⁻ (5), and OTf⁻ (6)) show fac geometric isomers (a) or enantiomers (c) and (d) according to anions. Moreover, complexes 4-6 could carry out the catalytic transesterification of a range of esters with methanol under the mild conditions. Importantly, the catalyst 4B with an unsaturated structure has shown better efficiency than the catalysts, 4A, 5, and 6, having saturated structures. To explain this reactivity difference, two different reaction mechanisms have been proposed (metal-based vs. amide N-H-based).     

Four coordination polymers constructed from a multicarboxylate ligand and metal centers various from Ba, Cu, Zn to Gd: Syntheses, crystal structures and properties

Hydrothermal reactions between H₄ODPA (2,2′,3,3′-oxydiphthalic acid) and metal ion salts of Ba²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Gd³⁺ afford four novel coordination polymers [Ba(H₂ODPA)(H₂O)₄] · H₂O (1), [Cu₂(ODPA)(H₂O)₃] · H₂O (2), Zn₂(ODPA)(H₂O)₂ (3) and [Gd(HODPA)(H₂O)_3.5] · H₂O (4), accordingly. These polymers show great differences in regard to their structures and properties originated from the variation of size and coordination geometry of the metal ions. Compound 1 presents puckered achiral layer structure with (4.8²) topology with helices, 2 has a 6³ topology with copper tetramer as SBUs, 3 has chiral layer with two kinds of helices built up from Zn-binuclear “paddle-wheel” like SBUs, and 4 features a simple 1D helix with opposite chirality. Compound 3 shows obvious fluorescent emissions upon excitation. Compound 2 shows ferromagnetic interactions between Cu^II centers bridged by carboxylate groups, whereas compound 4 presents weak ferromagnetic interaction between Gd^III ions.