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Mesoionic carbenes have found wide use as components of homogeneous catalysts. Recent discoveries have, however, shown that metal complexes of such ligands also have huge potential in photochemical research and in the activation of small molecules. We present here three Re I complexes with mesoionic pyridyl-carbene ligands. The complexes display reduction steps which were investigated via UV-vis-NIR-IR spectro-electrochemistry, and these results point toward an EC mechanism. The Re I compounds emit in the visible range in solution at room temperature with excited state lifetimes that are dependent on the substituents of the mesoionic carbenes. These complexes are also potent electrocatalysts for the selective reduction of CO 2 to CO. Whereas the substituents on the carbenes have no influence on the reduction potentials, the electrocatalytic efficiency is strongly dependent on the substituents. This fact is likely a result of catalyst instability. The results presented here thus introduce mesoionic carbenes as new potent ligands for the generation of emissive Re I complexes and for electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction.

Hexacarbonyldiiron bridged by a 1,1'-dithiolatoferrocene, [Fe(C 5 H 4 S) 2 {Fe(CO) 3 } 2 ] (1), was synthesized, and the electrochemistry showed reversible oxidation at the Fe(C 5 H 4 S) 2 site and quasi-reversible reduction at the hexacarbonyldiiron site. Spectroelectrochemical techniques showed reduction-induced ligand isomerization, where the thiolate ligand went from bridging to terminal and one carbon monoxide ligand moved to a quasi-bridging position; this mechanism was further supported by cyclic voltammetry simulation and density functional theory calculations. Complex 1 showed electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen-evolving reaction.

The complex ions [L 3 Ru(μ,η 3 :η 3 -BL)RuL 3 ] n+ (1 n+ , L 3 = 4,4',4″-tri- tert-butyl-2,6,2',6″-terpyridine and H 2 BL 2- = 1,2-bis(salicyloyl)hydrazide(2-)) were isolated with PF 6 - or ClO 4 - counterions ( n = 1) and as bis(hexafluorophosphate) ( n = 2). Structural, electrochemical, and spectroscopic characterization reveals the monocation as intermediate ( K c = 10 8.2 ) in the three-step reversible redox system 1 0/+/2+/3+ . The 1 + ion has the molecule-bridged (Ru- - -Ru 4.727 Å) ruthenium centers involved in five- and six-membered chelate rings, and it exhibits long-wavelength absorptions at λ max 2240, 1660, and 1530 nm (ε max = 1000, 3000, and 8000 M -1 cm -1 , respectively), which would be compatible with a Ru III Ru II mixed-valent situation or with a coordinated radical ion bridge. In fact, EPR and DFT analysis of 1 + reveals that the spin is equally distributed over the ligand bridge and over both metals. The oxidized paramagnetic ions 1 2+ and 1 3+ have been studied by 1 H NMR and EPR and by TD-DFT supported UV-vis-NIR and MIR (mid-IR) spectroelectrochemistry. The capacity of various kinds of bis( mer-tridentate) bridging ligands (π donors or π acceptors, cyclometalated or noncyclometalated) for mediating metal-metal interactions is discussed.

Recently we had reported the noninnocent behavior of 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) in Fe(CO) 3 dppf [Ringenberg et al., Inorg. Chem., 2017, 56, 7501]. Moving to the left in the periodic table, HMn(CO) 3 (dRpf) where dRpf = dppf (1H) and 1,1'-bis(diisopropylphosphino)ferrocene (dippf) (2H) were synthesized. The hydride ligand was removed by protonation with [(Et 2 O) 2 H][B(Ar F ) 4 ] ([B(Ar F ) 4 ] - = tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate), resulting in the rapid evolution of H 2 followed by the formation of an Fe→Mn interaction. The reaction mechanism was determined by in situ IR experiments which show that directly following protonation both [1] + and [2] + offer an open manganese coordination site that allows for the formation of an intramolecular Fe→Mn dative bond. This process is significantly faster for [2] + than for [1] + . The reduction chemistry as studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) reveals that both complexes change from a distorted octahedral coordination with an Fe→Mn interaction to an open square-pyramidal configuration which is more stable for [1] 0 than [2] 0 . Reoxidation of this square-pyramidal species proceeds more reversibly for 2 versus 1 due to the faster ferrocene ligand reorganization. The electrochemical mechanism was studied by in situ spectroscopic techniques, e.g., IR, UV-vis-NIR (near IR), and EPR spectroelectrochemistry (SEC) as well as by CV simulation. The new complexes described offer an exciting platform for the development of electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO 2 to CO, or for proton reduction (2H + + 2e - → H 2 ).

The dinuclear complexes {(μ-H2L)[Ru(bpy)2]2}(ClO4)2 ([3](ClO4)2), {(μ-H2L)[Ru(pap)2]2}(ClO4)2 ([4](ClO4)2), and the asymmetric [(bpy)2Ru(μ-H2L)Ru(pap)2](ClO4)2 ([5](ClO4)2) were synthesized via the mononuclear species [Ru(H3L)(bpy)2]ClO4 ([1]ClO4) and [Ru(H3L)(pap)2]ClO4 ([2]ClO4), where H4L is the centrosymmetric 1,5-diamino-9,10-anthraquinone, bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, and pap is 2-phenylazopyridine. Electrochemistry of the structurally characterized [1]ClO4, [2]ClO4, [3](ClO4)2, [4](ClO4)2, and [5](ClO4)2 reveals multistep oxidation and reduction processes, which were analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of paramagnetic intermediates and by UV-vis-NIR spectro-electrochemistry. With support by time-dependent density functional theory (DFT) calculations the redox processes could be assigned. Significant results include the dimetal/bridging ligand mixed spin distribution in 3(3+) versus largely bridge-centered spin in 4(3+)-a result of the presence of Ru(II)-stabilizig pap coligands. In addition to the metal/ligand alternative for electron transfer and spin location, the dinuclear systems allow for the observation of ligand/ligand and metal/metal site differentiation within the multistep redox series. DFT-supported EPR and NIR absorption spectroscopy of the latter case revealed class II mixed-valence behavior of the oxidized asymmetric system 5(3+) with about equal contributions from a radical bridge formulation. In comparison to the analogues with the deprotonated 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone isomer the centrosymmetric H2L(2-) bridge shows anodically shifted redox potentials and weaker electronic coupling between the chelate sites.

Redox series of the complexes [Ru(L)(L')2](n), L = 1,5-diphenyl-3-(4-tolyl)-formazanate and L' = 2,4-pentanedionate (acac(-)), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), or 2-phenylazopyridine (pap), were studied by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry and by TD-DFT-supported spectroelectrochemistry (UV-vis-NIR, EPR). The precursors [Ru(III)(L(-))(acac(-))2], [Ru(II)(L(-))(bpy)2]ClO4, and [Ru(II)(L(-))(pap)2]ClO4 were identified in their indicated oxidation states by X-ray crystal structure determination. The six-membered formazanato-ruthenium chelate rings have an envelope conformation with puckering of the metal. DFT calculations indicate a pronounced sensitivity of the N-N bond lengths toward the ligand oxidation state. Several electrochemically accessible charge states were analyzed, and the derived oxidation numbers Ru(II), Ru(III), or Ru(IV), L' or (L')(•-), and L(-), L(•2-), or the new formazanyl ligand L(•) for the two-way noninnocent formazanate reflect the increasing acceptor effect of the ancillary ligands L' in the series acac(-) < bpy < pap.

Neutral diastereoisomeric diruthenium(III) complexes, meso- and rac-[(acac)(2)Ru(μ-adc-OR)Ru(acac)(2)] (acac(-) = 2,4-pentanedionato and adc-OR(2-) = dialkylazodicarboxylato = [RO(O)CNNC(O)OR](2-), R = tert-butyl or isopropyl), were obtained from electron transfer reactions between Ru(acac)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2) and azodicarboxylic acid dialkyl esters (adc-OR). The meso isomer 3 with R = isopropyl was structurally characterized, revealing two deprotonated and N-N coupled carbamate functions in a reduced dianionic bridge with d(N-N) = 1.440(5) Å. A rather short distance of 4.764 Å has been determined between the two oxidized, antiferromagnetically coupled Ru(III) centers. The rac isomer 4 with R = isopropyl exhibited stronger antiferromagnetic coupling. While the oxidation of the neutral compounds was fully reversible only for 3 and 4, two well-separated (10(8) < K(c) < 10(10)) reversible one-electron reduction steps produced monoanionic intermediates 1(-)-4(-) with intense (ε ≈ 3000 M(-1) cm(-1)), broad (Δν(1/2) ≈ 3000 cm(-1)) absorptions in the near-infrared (NIR) region around 2000 nm. The absence of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals even at 4 K favors the mixed-valent formulation Ru(II)(adc-OR(2-))Ru(III) with innocently behaving bridging ligands over the radical-bridged alternative Ru(II)(adc-OR(•-))Ru(II), a view which is supported by the metal-centered spin as calculated by density functional theory (DFT) for the methyl ester model system. The second reduction of the complexes causes the NIR absorption to disappear completely, the EPR silent oxidized forms 3(+) and 4(+), calculated with asymmetrical spin distribution, do not exhibit near infrared (NIR) activity. The series of azo-bridged diruthenium complex redox systems [(acac)(2)Ru(μ-adc-R)Ru(acac)(2)](n) (n = +,0,-,2-), [(bpy)(2)Ru(μ-adc-R)Ru(bpy)(2)](k) (k = 4+,3+,2+,0,2-), and [(acac)(2)Ru(μ-dih-R)Ru(acac)(2)](m) (m = 2+,+,0,-,2-; dih-R(2-) = 1,2-diiminoacylhydrazido(2-)) is being compared in terms of electronic structure and identity of the odd-electron intermediates, revealing the dichotomy of innocent vs noninnocent behavior.

Complexes [Ru(bpy-R)(2)(NCS)(2)], where R = H (1), 4,4'-(CO(2)Et)(2) (2), 4,4'-(OMe)(2) (3), and 4,4'-Me(2) (4), were studied by spectroelectrochemistry in the UV-vis and IR regions and by in situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The experimental information obtained for the frontier orbitals as supported and ascertained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations for 1 is relevant for the productive excited state. In addition to the parent 1, the ester complex 2 was chosen for its relationship to the carboxylate species involved for binding to TiO(2) in solar cells; the donor-substituted 3 and 4 allowed for better access to oxidized forms. Reflecting the metal-to-ligand (Ru → bpy) charge-transfer characteristics of the compounds, the electrochemical and EPR results for compounds 1-4 agree with previous notions of one metal-centered oxidation and several (bpy-R) ligand-centered reductions. The first one-electron reduction produces extensive IR absorption, including intraligand transitions and broad ligand-to-ligand intervalence charge-transfer transitions between the one-electron-reduced and unreduced bpy-R ligands. The electron addition to one remote bpy-R ligand does not significantly affect the N-C stretching frequency of the Ru(II)NCS unit. Upon oxidation of Ru(II) to Ru(III), however, the single N-C stretching band exhibits a splitting and a shift to lower energies. The DFT calculations serve to reproduce and understand these effects; they also suggest significant spin density on S for the oxidized form.

Complexes [Os(pap)(2)(Q)] (1-4) have been obtained and structurally characterized for pap = 2-phenylazopyridine and Q = 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-aryl-o-iminobenzoquinone (aryl = phenyl (1), 3,5-dichlorophenyl (2), 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl (3), or 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl (4)). The oxidized form (3)(ClO(4))(2) was also crystallographically characterized while the odd-electron intermediates [Os(pap)(2)(Q)](+) (1(+)-4(+)) and [Os(pap)(2)(Q)](-) (2(-)) were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) spin density and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations. The results from the structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical experiments and from the computational studies allow for the assignments [Os(II)(pap(0))(2)(Q(0))](2+), [Os(II)(pap(0))(2)(Q(•-))](+), [Os(IV)(pap(•-))(2)(Q(2-))], and [Os(II)(pap(•-))(pap(0))(Q(2-))](-), with comproportionation constants K(c) ≈ 10(3.5), 10(10), 10(18), and 10(5), respectively. The redox potentials and the comproportionation constants exhibit similarities and differences between Ru and Os analogues. While the Q-based redox reactions show identical potentials, the more metal-involving processes exhibit cathodic shifts for the osmium systems, leading to distinctly different comproportionation constants for some intermediates, especially to a stabilization of the neutral osmium compounds described in this article. The example [Os(pap)(2)(Q)](n) illustrates especially the power of combined structural and EPR analysis with support from DFT towards the valence state description of transition metal complexes incorporating redox non-innocent ligands., (© 2011 American Chemical Society)

Using the [RuCl(μ-tppz)ClRu](2+) [tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine] platform for bridging two o-quinone/catecholate two-step redox systems (unsubstituted, Q(n), or 3,5- di-tert-butyl-substituted, DTBQ(n)), we have obtained the stable complexes [(Q(•-))Ru(II)Cl(μ-tppz)ClRu(II)(Q(•-))] (1) and the structurally characterized [(DTBQ(•-))Ru(II)Cl(μ-tppz)ClRu(II)(DTBQ(•-))] (2). The compounds exhibit mostly quinone-ligand-based redox activity within a narrow potential range, high-intensity near-IR absorptions (λ(max) ≈ 920 nm; ε > 50,000 M(-1) cm(-1)), and variable intra- and intermolecular spin-spin interactions. Density functional theory calculations, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and spectroelectrochemical results (UV-vis-near-IR region) for three one-electron-reduction and two one-electron-oxidation processes were used to probe the electronic structures of the systems in the various accessible valence states. EPR spectroscopy of the singly charged doublet species showed semiquinone-type response for 1(+), 2(+), and 2(-), while 1 exhibits more metal based spin, a consequence of the easier reduction of Q as compared to DTBQ. Comparison with the analogous redox series involving a more basic N-phenyliminoquinone ligand reveals significant differences related to the shifted redox potentials, different space requirements, and different interactions between the metals and the quinone-type ligands. As a result, the tppz bridge is reduced here only after full reduction of the terminal quinone ligands to their catecholate states., (© 2011 American Chemical Society)

The neutral title complexes [(L(1-3))ClRu(II)(mu-tppz)Ru(II)Cl(L(1-3))] [tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine with L(1) = 2-picolinate, L(2) = 2-quinolinecarboxylate (quinaldate) and with the hitherto little used L(3) = 8-quinolinecarboxylate] have been structurally characterized as approximately anti- (1 and 3) and syn-configured isomers (2) with L ligand N (1 and 3) or O atoms (2) trans to the pyrazine N atoms of tppz. In contrast to 1 and 2 with five-membered chelate rings, complex 3 (which is isomeric with 2) contains six-membered chelate rings. Each system 1-3 thus features a significantly different coordination situation, and all complexes exhibit a considerably distorted tppz bridge, including a twisted central pyrazine ring. In spite of this, double one-electron reduction of the bridge is always possible, as is evident from electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV/vis spectroelectrochemistry. Two separate (DeltaE approximately 0.4 V and K(c) approximately 10(7)) one-electron oxidations occur on the metals, producing invariably EPR-silent (4 K) Ru(III)Ru(II) intermediates with moderately intense near-IR absorptions, ranging from 1500 to 1900 nm. IR spectroelectrochemistry of the carboxylato carbonyl stretching bands did not result in any noticeable shift, in contrast to what was observed with dipyridyl ketones and related coligands. Density functional theory (DFT)/time-dependent DFT calculations confirm the experimental structures and explain the noted spectroscopic trends: destabilized and closer-spaced frontier orbitals for 3 over 2, with the comparison to 1 suggesting that the configuration is a major factor. Nevertheless, the rather unperturbed electronic structure of the [Ru(mu-tppz)Ru](n) entity, despite different coordination situations at the metal sites, is remarkable and suggests further use of this entity as a robust, carboxylate-tolerant redox-active platform in extended frameworks.

Three new compounds, [Ru(Q(*-))(acac)(2)] = 1, [Ru(Q(*-))(2)(acac)] = 2, and [Ru(Q(*-))(3)] = 3, were obtained and characterized as Ru(III) complexes with 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-phenyl-o-iminobenzosemiquinone (Q(*-)) ligands. All three systems show multiple electron transfer behavior, which was analyzed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-vis-near-infrared (NIR) spectroelectrochemistry. (1)H NMR spectroscopy and a crystal structure analysis suggest antiferromagnetically spin-spin coupled Ru(III) and Q(*-) in 1, similar to that in the related compound 4 with unsubstituted o-iminobenzosemiquinone. However, in contrast to 4(n) (Remenyi, C.; Kaupp, M. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 11399), the system 1(m) exhibits unambiguously metal-centered electron transfer, producing ions [Ru(IV)(Q(*-))(acac)(2)](+) = 1(+) and [Ru(II)(Q(*-))(acac)(2)](-) = 1(-), both with EPR-evidenced ligand-based spin, as also supported by DFT calculations. Compared with the related redox system [Ru(Q)(bpy)(2)](k) (5(k)) (k = 0-3), the spectroelectrochemical similarity suggests corresponding electronic structures except for the 1(+)/5(3+) pair (Ru(IV)(Q(*-))(acac)(2)](+) (1(+)) versus [Ru(III)(Q(0))(bpy)(2)](3+) (5(3+))). Compound 2, a three-spin system [Ru(III)(Q(*-))(2)(acac)] obtained in the all-cis configuration, possesses a complicated magnetic behavior including strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling (J(Ru-Q), on the order of -10(3) cm(-1) and J(Q-Q), -10(2) cm(-1)) and weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions. Strong intramolecular coupling leads to one unpaired electron at low temperatures, as also supported by the radical-type EPR signal of the solid and of solutions, which diminishes at higher temperatures. The up-down-up spin arrangement for the ground state of {(Q(*-))-Ru(III)-(Q(*-))} (S = 1/2) is confirmed by DFT calculations for 2. Oxidation to 2(+) leaves the UV-vis-NIR spectrum almost unchanged, whereas reduction to 2(-) and 2(2-) produces low-energy absorptions. The ligand-centered spin for 2(2-) = [Ru(II)(Q(*-))(Q(2-))(acac)](2-) suggests the [Ru(II)(Q(*-))(2)(acac)](-) formulation for 2(-). Compound 3, obtained as a structurally characterized mer isomer, has a predominantly ligand-centered highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), as evident from the EPR signal of the intermediate 3(+) and as supported by DFT calculations. In contrast, electron addition proceeds to yield a metal/ligand mixed spin intermediate 3(-) according to EPR, in agreement with ca. 25% calculated metal character of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). The near-infrared absorption of 3 at 1280 nm corresponds to the HOMO-LUMO transition (ligand-to-metal/ligand-to-ligand charge transfer). Oxidation to 3(+) produces a weak broad band at about 2500 nm, while the reduction to 3(-) gives rise to an intense absorption feature at 816 nm. The valence state alternatives are being discussed for all spectroelectrochemically accessible species, and the individual results are compared across this unique substitution and redox series involving a highly noninnocent ligand/metal combination. All established oxidation state formulations involve the iminosemiquinone-ruthenium entity, illustrating the remarkable stability of that arrangement, which corroborates the use of this combination in water oxidation catalysis.

Experimental and computational results for different ruthenium nitrosyl porphyrin complexes [(Por)Ru(NO)(X)] ( n+ ) (where Por (2-) = tetraphenylporphyrin dianion (TPP (2 (-) )) or octaethylporphyrin dianion (OEP (2-)) and X = H 2O ( n = 1, 2, 3) or pyridine, 4-cyanopyridine, or 4- N,N-dimethylaminopyridine ( n = 1, 0)) are reported with respect to their electron-transfer behavior. The structure of [(TPP)Ru(NO)(H 2O)]BF 4 is established as an {MNO} species with an almost-linear RuNO arrangement at 178.1(3) degrees . The compound [(Por)Ru(NO)(H 2O)]BF 4 undergoes two reversible one-electron oxidation processes. Spectroelectrochemical measurements (IR, UV-vis-NIR, and EPR) indicate that the first oxidation occurs on the porphyrin ring, as evident from the appearance of diagnostic porphyrin radical-anion vibrational bands (1530 cm (-1) for OEP (*-) and 1290 cm (-1) for TPP (*-)), from the small shift of approximately 20 cm (-1) for nu NO and from the EPR signal at g iso approximately 2.00. The second oxidation, which was found to be electrochemically reversible for the OEP compound, shows a 55 cm (-1) shift in nu NO, suggesting a partially metal-centered process. The compounds [(Por)Ru(NO)(X)]BF 4, where X = pyridines, undergo a reversible one-electron reduction. The site of the reduction was determined by spectroelectrochemical studies to be NO-centered with a ca. -300 cm (-1) shift in nu NO. The EPR response of the NO (*) complexes was essentially unaffected by the variation in the substituted pyridines X. DFT calculations support the interpretation of the experimental results because the HOMO of [(TPP)Ru(NO)(X)] (+), where X = H 2O or pyridines, was calculated to be centered at the porphyrin pi system, whereas the LUMO of [(TPP)Ru(NO)(X)] (+) has about 50% pi*(NO) character. This confirms that the (first) oxidation of [(Por)Ru(NO)(H 2O)] (+) occurs on the porphyrin ring wheras the reduction of [(Por)Ru(NO)(X)] (+) is largely NO-centered with the metal remaining in the low-spin ruthenium(II) state throughout. The 4% pyridine contribution to the LUMO of [(TPP)Ru(NO)(py)] (+) is correlated with the stability of the reduced form as opposed to that of the aqua complex.

The title complexes were obtained in neutral form (n = 0) as rac (1) and meso isomers (2). 2 was crystallized for X-ray diffraction and its temperature-dependent magnetism studied. It contains two antiferromagnetically coupled ruthenium(III) ions, bridged by the quinizarine dianion QL(2-) (quinizarine = 1,4-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone). The potential of both the ligand (QLo --> QL4-) and the metal complex fragment combination [(acac)2RuII]2 --> ([(acac)2RuIV]2)4+ to exist in five different redox states creates a large variety of combinations, which was assessed for the electrochemically reversibly accessible 2+, 1+, 0, 1-, 2- forms using cyclic voltammetry as well as EPR and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry. The results for the two isomers are similar: Oxidation to 1+ or 2+ causes the emergence of a near-infrared band (1390 nm), without revealing an EPR response even at 4 K. Reduction to 1- or 2- produces an EPR signal, signifying metal-centered spin but no near-infrared absorption. Tentatively, we assume metal-based oxidation of [(acac)2RuIII(mu-QL2-)RuIII(acac)2] to a mixed-valent intermediate [(acac)2RuIII(mu-QL2-)RuIV(acac)2]+ and ligand-centered reduction to a radical complex [(acac)2RuIII(mu-QL.3-)RuIII(acac)2 (-) with antiferromagnetic three-spin interaction.

Reaction of HL, HLa (2-[(2-N-phenylamino)phenylazo]pyridine), HLb (2-[{2-N-(4-methylphenyl)amino}phenylazo]pyridine), or HLc (2-[{2-N-(4-chlorophenyl)amino}phenylazo]pyridine), with KRuO4 or OsO4 and PPh3 under exhaustive deoxygenation (PPh3 --> OPPh3) yields diamagnetic compounds ML2. Crystal structure determination for M(La)2 indicates the radical dianion state, L2(.-), for the ligands as evident from the typical N-N bond length of about 1.33 A for a one-electron reduced azo function. The resulting spin-coupled complexes, MIV(L(2.-))2, can be oxidized in two reversible one-electron steps, as probed by cyclic voltammetry and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry. The paramagnetic intermediates, [M(La)2]+, are distinguished by intense NIR absorption, largely metal-centered spin as revealed by EPR, and, in the case of [Os(La)2]I3, by crystallographically determined shortening of the NN bond to about 1.30 A, corresponding to a coordinated unreduced azo function. Thus, oxidation of the complex MIV(L(2.-))2 involves partial reduction of the metal in [MIII(L-)2]+ because intramolecular double electron transfer is offsetting the external charge removal. Density-functional theory calculations were employed to confirm the structural features and to support the spectroscopic assignments.

The compound [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)](PF6)3, bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine and terpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine, with a {RuNO}6 configuration (angle Ru-N-O 175.2(4) degrees ) was obtained from the structurally characterized precursor [Ru(NO2)(bpym)(terpy)](PF6), which shows bpym-centered reduction and metal-centered oxidation, as evident from EPR spectroscopy. The relatively labile [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)](3+), which forms a structurally characterized acetonitrile substitution product [Ru(CH3CN)(bpym)(terpy)](PF6)2 upon treatment with CH3OH/CH3CN, is electrochemically reduced in three one-electron steps of which the third, leading to neutral [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)], involves electrode adsorption. The first-two reduction processes cause shifts of nu(NO) from 1957 via 1665 to 1388 cm(-1), implying a predominantly NO-centered electron addition. UV-vis-NIR Spectroscopy shows long-wavelength ligand-to-ligand charge transfer absorptions for [Ru(II)(NO(-I))(bpym)(terpy)]+ in the visible region, whereas the paramagnetic intermediate [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)](2+) exhibits no distinct absorption maximum above 309 nm. EPR spectroscopy of the latter at 9.5, 95, and 190 GHz shows the typical invariant pattern of the {RuNO}7 configuration; however, the high-frequency measurements at 4 and 10 K reveal a splitting of the g1 and g2 components, which is tentatively attributed to conformers resulting from the bending of RuNO. DFT calculations support the assignments of oxidation states and the general interpretation of the electronic structure.

The homoleptic diamagnetic complexes M(mer-L)(2), M = Cr, Mo,W (1a,b, 2a,b, and 4a,b), were obtained by reacting the hexacarbonyls M(CO)(6) with the tridentate ligands 2-[(2-N-arylamino)phenylazo]pyridine (HL = NH(4)C(5)N=NC(6)H(4)N(H)C(6)H(4)(H) (HL(a)) or NH(4)C(5)N=NC(6)H(4)N(H)C(6)H(4)(CH(3)) (HL(b))) in refluxing n-octane. In the case of M = Mo, the dinuclear compounds [Mo(L)(pap)](2)(mu-O) (3a,b) (pap = 2-(phenylazo)pyridine), were obtained as second products in moist solvent. X-ray diffraction analysis for Cr(L(b))(2) (1b), Mo(L(a))(2) (2a), and W(L(a))(2) (4a) reveals considerably distorted-octahedral structures with trans-positioned azo-N atoms and cis-positioned 2-pyridyl-N and anilido nitrogen atoms. Whereas the N(azo)-M-N(azo) angle is larger than 170 degrees, the other two trans angles are smaller, at about 155 degrees (M = Cr, 1b) or 146 degrees (M = Mo, W; 2a, 4a), due to the overarching bite of the mer-tridentate ligands. The bonds from M to the neutral 2-pyridyl-N atoms are distinctly longer by more than 0.08 A than those to the anilido or azo nitrogen atoms, reflecting negative charge on the latter. The N-N bond distances vary between 1.339(2) A for 1b and 1.373(3) A for 4a, clearly indicating the azo radical anion oxidation state. Considering the additional negative charge on anilido-N, the mononuclear complexes are thus formulated as M(IV)(L*(2-))(2). The diamagnetism of the complexes as shown by magnetic susceptibility and (1)H NMR experiments is believed to result from spin-spin coupling between the trans-positioned azo radical functions, resulting in a singlet diradical situation. The experimental structures are well reproduced by density functional theory calculations, which also support the overall electronic structure indicated. The dinuclear 3a with N-N distances of 1.348(10) A for L(a) and 1.340(9) A for pap is also formulated as an azo anion radical-containing molybdenum(IV) species, i.e., [Mo(IV)(L*(2-))(pap*-)](2)(mu-O). All compounds can be reversibly reduced; the Cr complexes 1a,b are also reversibly oxidized in two steps. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy indicates metal-centered spin for 1a+ and 1a- and g approximately 2 signals for 2a-, 3a+, 3a-, and 4a-. Spectroelectrochemistry in the UV-vis-NIR region showed small changes for the reduction of 2a, 3a, and 4a but extensive spectral changes for the reduction and oxidation of 1a.

The complexes {(mu4-TCNX)[Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]4}(BF4)4 were prepared as light-sensitive materials from [Fe(CO)2(C5H5) (THF)](BF4) and the corresponding TCNX ligands (TCNE = tetracyanoethene, TCNQ=7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane, TCNB=1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene). Whereas the TCNE and TCNQ complexes are extremely easily reduced species with reduction potentials>+0.3 V vs ferrocenium/ferrocene, the tetranuclear complex of TCNB exhibits a significantly more negative reduction potential at about -1.0 V. Even for the complexes with strongly pi-accepting TCNE and TCNQ, the very positive reduction potentials, the unusually high nitrile stretching frequencies>2235 cm(-1), and the high-energy charge-transfer transitions indicate negligible metal-to-ligand electron transfer in the ground state, corresponding to a largely unperturbed (TCNX degrees)(FeII)4 formulation of oxidation states as caused by orthogonality between the metal-centered HOMO and the pi* LUMO of TCNX. Mössbauer spectroscopy confirms the low-spin iron(II) state, and DFT calculations suggest coplanar TCNE and TCNQ bridging ligands in the complex tetracations. One-electron reduction to the 3+ forms of the TCNE and TCNQ complexes produces EPR spectra which confirm the predominant ligand character of the then singly occupied MO through isotropic g values slightly below 2, in addition to a negligible g anisotropy of frozen solutions at frequencies up to 285 GHz and also through an unusually well-resolved solution X band EPR spectrum of {(mu4-TCNE)[Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]4}3+ which shows the presence of four equivalent [Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]+ moieties through 57Fe and 13C(CO) hyperfine coupling in nonenriched material. DFT calculations reproduce the experimental EPR data. A survey of discrete TCNE and TCNQ complexes [(mu4-TCNX)(MLn)4] exhibits a dichotomy between the systems {(mu4-TCNX)[Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]4}4+ and {(mu4-TCNQ)[Re(CO)3(bpy)]4}4+ with their negligible metal-to-ligand electron transfer and several other compounds of TCNE or TCNQ with Mn, Ru, Os, or Cu complex fragments which display evidence for a strong such interaction, i.e., an appreciable value delta in the formulation {(mu4-TCNXdelta-)[Mx+delta/4Ln]4}. Irreversibility of the first reduction of {(mu4-TCNB)[Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]4}(BF4)4 precluded spectroelectrochemical studies; however, the high-energy CN stretching frequencies and charge transfer absorptions of that TCNB analogue also confirm the exceptional position of the complexes {(mu4-TCNX)[Fe(CO)2(C5H5)]4}(BF4)4.

Complexes cis-MCl2(big), big=bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)glyoxal, M=Pt, Pd, were prepared and characterized through electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and for M=Pt, by X-ray structure analysis. The seven-membered chelate ring formed through N,N' coordination of the ligand big shows a boat conformation in agreement with density functional theory (DFT) calculation results. No significant intermolecular interactions were observed for the platinum compound. Both the PdII and PtII complexes undergo reversible one-electron reduction in CH2Cl2/ 0.1 M Bu4NPF6; the reduced palladium compound disintegrates above -30 degrees C. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), UV-vis, and IR spectroelectrochemistry studies were employed to study the monoanions. The anion radical complex [cis-PtCl2(big)]*- exhibits a well-resolved EPR spectrum with small but well-detectable g anisotropy and an isotropic 195Pt hyperfine coupling of 12.2 G. DFT calculations confirm the spin concentration in the alpha-semidione part of the radical complex with small delocalization to the bis(imidazolyl)metal section. The results show that EPR and electroactive moieties can be linked to the cis-dichloroplatinum(II) group via imidazole coordination.

The complex dication of the diruthenium(II) compound {(mu-tppz)[Ru(bik)Cl]2}(ClO4)2 can be oxidized and reduced in two one-electron steps each. In CH3CN/0.1 M Bu4NPF6, the odd-electron intermediates{(mu-tppz)[Ru(bik)Cl]2}n+, n=1 and 3, have comproportionation constants of 7x10(8) and 1x10(5), respectively. Both exhibit near-infrared absorptions, in the case of n=3 the 1640 nm band (epsilon=1200 M-1 cm-1, Deltanu1/2=1560 cm-1) is attributed to an intervalence charge-transfer transition. While the mixed-valent intermediate (n=3) is EPR silent even at 4 K, the n=1 form shows g(parallel) 2.005 and g( perpendicular) 1.994 at that temperature, signifying a diruthenium(II) complex of the tppz*- radical anion. The variation of energy and intensity of nuCO and of the ring vibration band around 1590 cm-1 has been monitored not only for {(mu-tppz)[Ru(bik)Cl]2}n+, n=0-4, but also for the mononuclear {(tppz)Ru(bik)Cl}n+, n=0-2. In the dinuclear complex the carbonyl stretching bands of the spectator ligand bik are shifted by about 15 cm-1 on each one-electron-transfer step, increasing with the positive charge. The mixed-valent {(mu-tppz)[Ru(bik)Cl]2}3+ shows a perceptibly broader nuCO band, suggesting incomplete valence averaging (partial localization).

The tppz-bridged diruthenium(II) complex [(dpk)(Cl)Ru(II)(mu-tppz)Ru(II)(Cl)(dpk)](ClO4)2, [2](ClO4)2, and mononuclear [(dpk)(Cl)Ru(II)(tppz)](ClO4), [1](ClO4) [tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, dpk = 2,2'-dipyridylketone], have been synthesized. The 260 mV separation between successive one-electron oxidation couples in [2]2+ translates to a relatively small comproportionation constant, Kc, of 2.5 x 10(4) for the intermediate. It is shown how electrochemical data (E(ox), E(red), Kc) reflect the donor/acceptor effects of ancillary ligands L in a series of systems [(L)ClRu(mu-tppz)RuCl(L)]n, particularly the competition between L and tppz for electron density from the metal. According to EPR (g1 = 2.470, g2 = 2.195, and g3 = 1.873 at 4 K) the intermediate [2]3+ is a mixed-valent Ru(II)Ru(III) species which shows a rather narrow intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) band at 1800 nm (epsilon = 1500 M(-1) cm(-1)). The width at half-height (Deltanu(1/2)) of 700 cm(-1) of the IVCT band is much smaller than the calculated value of 3584 cm(-1), obtained by using the Hush formula Deltanu(1/2) = (2310E(op))(1/2) (E(op) = 5556 cm(-1), energy of the IVCT transition) which would be applicable to localized (Class II) mixed-valent Ru(II)Ru(III) systems. Valence delocalization in [2]3+ is supported by the uniform shift of the nu(C=O) band of the N,N'-coordinated dpk ligands from 1676 cm(-1) in the Ru(II)Ru(II) precursor to 1690 cm(-1) in the Ru(2.5)Ru(2.5) form, illustrating the use of the dpk acceptor to act as reporter ligand via the free but pi-conjugated organic carbonyl group. The apparent contradiction between the moderate value of Kc and the narrow IVCT band is being discussed considering "borderline" or "hybrid" "Class II-III" concepts of mixed-valency, as well as coordination aspects, i.e., the bis-tridentate nature of the pi-acceptor bridging ligand. Altogether, the complex ions [1]+ and [2]2+ display four and five successive reduction processes, respectively, involving both tppz- and dpk-based unoccupied pi orbitals. The one-electron reduced form [2]+ has been assigned as a tppz*- radical-anion-containing species which exhibits a free-radical-type EPR signal at 4K (g(parallel) = 2.002, g(perpendicular) = 1.994) and one moderately intense ligand-based low-energy band at 965 nm (epsilon = 1100 M(-1) cm(-1)).

Experimental and computational results for the two-step redox system [Cl5Os(NO)]n- (n = 1-3) are reported and discussed in comparison to the related one-step redox systems [Cl5Ru(NO)]n- and [Cl5Ir(NO)]n- (n = 1, 2). The osmium system exhibits remarkably low oxidation and reduction potentials. The structure of the precursor (PPh4)2[Cl5Os(NO)] is established as an {MNO}6 species with almost linear OsNO arrangement at 178.1 degrees. Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm this result, and a comparison of structures calculated for several oxidation states reveals an increased labilization of the trans-positioned M-Cl bond on reduction in the order M = Ir < Os < Ru. Accordingly, the intact reduced form [Cl5Os(NO)]3- could not be observed in fluid solution even on electrolysis at -70 degrees C in n-butyronitrile solution, as confirmed both by DFT calculations and by comparison with the electron paramagnetic resonance and infrared spectroelectrochemically characterized redox pairs cis-[(bpy)2ClOs(NO)]2+/+ and [(CN)5Os(NO)]2-/3-. The DFT calculations indicate that the oxidation of [Cl5Os(NO)]2- occurs largely on the metal, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the precursor being composed of Os 5d (58%) and Cl(eq) 3p orbitals (41%). As for the related [(CN)5Os(NO)]2-, the reduction is largely NO centered, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of [Cl5Os(NO)]2- has 61% pi*(NO) character with significant 5d Os contributions (34%). A rather large degree of metal-NO back-donation is estimated to occur in the {OsNO}7 configuration of [Cl5Os(NO)]3- which leads to an unusual low value of 1513 cm(-1) calculated for nu(NO), signifying contributions from an Os(III)(NO-) formulation. Detailed analyses of the conformational dependence of the g anisotropy suggest that the different reduced species reported previously for [Cl5Os(NO)]3- in AgCl host lattices may be distinct in terms of eclipsed or staggered conformations of the bent NO. axial ligand relative to the Os(II)Cl4 equatorial plane. The staggered form is calculated to be more stable by 105 cm(-1). The weak absorptions of [Cl5Os(NO)]2- at 573, 495, and 437 nm are assigned as MLCT/LLCT transitions to the doubly degenerate pi*(NO) LUMO. The oxidized form [Cl5Os(NO)]- contains Os(III) in an {OsNO}5 configuration with a spin density of 0.711 on Os. In all three states of [Cl5Os(NO)]n-, the N bonded form is vastly preferred over the NO-side-on bonded alternative.

Reaction of 3,6-diaryl-1,2,4,5-tetrazines (aryl = R = phenyl, 2-furyl or 2-thienyl) with 2 equiv of Ru(acac)2(CH3CN)2 results in reductive tetrazine ring opening to yield diruthenium complexes [(acac)2Ru(III)(dih-R(2-))Ru(III)(acac)2] bridged by the new 1,2-diiminohydrazido(2-) (dih-R(2-) = HNC(R)NNC(R)NH(2-)) ligands. rac/meso diastereoisomers could be detected and separated for the compounds with R = phenyl and 2-thienyl, all species are diamagnetic and were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Crystal structure determination of the meso isomers with R = phenyl and 2-thienyl confirmed the 1,2-diiminohydrazido formulation through long N-N (approximately 1.40 A) and short C=N(H) bonds (approximately 1.31 A), implying two bridged ruthenium(III) centers at about 4.765 A distance with strong antiferromagnetic coupling. The complexes undergo two reversible and well-separated one-electron reduction and oxidation processes, respectively. EPR Spectroscopy of the paramagnetic intermediates with comproportionation constants K(c) > 10(12) and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry were used to identify the accessible redox states as [(acac)2Ru(II)(dih-R(2-))Ru(II)(acac)2]2-, [(acac)2Ru(II)(dih-R(*-))Ru(II)(acac)2]-, [(acac)2Ru(III)(dih-R(2-))Ru(III)(acac)2], [(acac)2Ru(III)(dih-R(*-))Ru(III)(acac)2]+, and [(acac)2Ru(III)(dih-R)Ru(III)(acac)2]2+. While the UV-vis-NIR spectroscopic response of [(acac)2Ru(dih-R)Ru(acac)2](0/-/2-) is very similar to that of [(bpy)2Ru(adc-R)Ru(bpy)2](4+/3+/2+), adc-R(2-) = 1,2-diacylhydrazido(2-), the EPR result indicating ligand-centered spin for [(acac)2Ru(II)(dih-R(*-))Ru(II)(acac)2]- despite deceptive NIR absorptions around 1400 nm reveals distinct differences in the electronic structures.

The bis-bidentate bridging function of gbha2- with N,O-/N,O- coordination was observed for the first time in the complex (mu-gbha)[Ru(III)(acac)2]2 (1). Density functional theory calculations of 1 yield a triplet ground state with a large (deltaE > 6000 cm(-1)) singlet-triplet gap. Intermolecular antiferromagnetic coupling was observed (J approximately -5.3 cm(-1)) for the solid. Complex 1 undergoes two one-electron reduction and two one-electron oxidation steps; the five redox forms [(mu-gbha)[Ru(acac)2]2]n (n = -2, -1, 0, +1, +2) were characterized by UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry (NIR = near infrared). The paramagnetic intermediates were also investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The monoanion with a comproportionation constant K(c) of 2.7 x 10(8) does not exhibit an NIR band for a Ru(III)/Ru(II) mixed-valent situation; it is best described as a 1,4-diazabutadiene radical anion containing ligand gbha*3-, which binds two ruthenium(III) centers. A Ru(III)-type EPR spectrum with g1 = 2.27, g2 = 2.21, and g3 = 1.73 is observed as a result of antiferromagnetic coupling between one Ru(III) and the ligand radical. The EPR-active monocation (K(c) = 1.7 x 10(6)) exhibits a broad (deltanu(1/2) = 2600 cm(-1)) intervalence charge-transfer band at 1800 nm, indicating a valence-averaged (Ru3.5)2 formulation (class III) with a tendency toward class II (borderline situation).

The complex framework [Ru(tpy)(dpk)]2+ has been used to study the generation and reactivity of the nitrosyl complex [Ru(tpy)(dpk)(NO)]3+ ([4]3+). Stepwise conversion of the chloro complex [Ru(tpy)(dpk)(Cl)]+ ([1]+) via [Ru(tpy)(dpk)(CH3CN)]2+ ([2]2+) and the nitro compound [Ru(tpy)(dpk)(NO2)]+ ([3]+) yielded [4]3+; all four complexes were structurally characterized as perchlorates. Electrochemical oxidation and reduction was investigated as a function of the monodentate ligand as was the IR and UV-vis spectroscopic response (absorption/emission). The kinetics of the conversion [4]3+/[3]+ in aqueous environment were also studied. Two-step reduction of [4]3+ was monitored via EPR, UV-vis, and IR (nu(NO), nu(CO)) spectroelectrochemistry to confirm the {RuNO}7 configuration of [4]2+ and to exhibit a relatively intense band at 505 nm for [4]+, attributed to a ligand-to-ligand transition originating from bound NO-.

Two Pt(4)-Fe(2) mixed-metal neutral assemblies, 4 and 5, incorporating four bis(triethylphosphine)platinum(II) centers, two flexible bridging 1,1'-ferrocenedicarboxylates, and two rigid 2,9-phenanthrenediyl (4) or 1,8-anthracenediyl (5) bridges, have been synthesized. X-ray characterization of 4 and 5 reveals the formation of discrete and highly symmetrical heterobimetallic neutral species possessing a rhomboidal and rectangular shape, respectively. The rectangular molecules, 5, could be reversibly oxidized in two two-electron steps, separated by 0.21 V. Spectroelectrochemistry in the UV-vis-NIR region confirms the ferrocene groups as primary oxidation sites; however, the intermediate 5(2+) is EPR silent even at 4 K due to enhanced EPR relaxation involving the oxidizable 1,8-anthracenediyl linkers.

The compound {(mu-bpym)[Cu(AsPh3)2]2}(BF4)2 (1) has been prepared and studied in comparison with the triphenylphosphine analogue 2. Qualitatively, the structure of 1 with characteristically distorted copper(I) coordination caused by Ph/bpym/Ph sandwich interactions is similar to that of 2 and is approximately reproduced by DFT calculations for the model complex ions {(mu-bpym)[Cu(EMe2Ph)2]2}2+, E = P or As. In contrast, the dinuclear {(mu-bpym)[Cu(P(3-Me-C6H4)3)2]2}(BF4)2 (3) displays a distinctly less distorted metal coordination geometry due to the steric requirements of the methyl groups in the meta-tolyl substituents. The electrochemical reduction of 1 is less reversible than for the phosphine analogues; the one-electron-reduced form 1*- exhibits a broad, unresolved EPR signal at g = 2.0023. Resonance Raman spectroscopy of 1 shows the typical vibrations of the bpym ligand in agreement with the MLCT assignment of the long-wavelength transitions below 500 nm. All three dinuclear complexes exhibit luminescence at room temperature in the solid and in solution.

The new redox systems [(acac)2 Ru(mu-Q1)Ru(acac)2](n) (1(n)) and [(acac)2 Ru(mu-Q2)Ru(acac)2](n) (2(n)) with Q1 = 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and Q2 = 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-diimine were studied for n = +, 0, -, and 2- using UV-Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry and, in part, EPR and susceptometry. The ligands can bind the first metal (left) through the phenanthroline nitrogen atoms and the second metal (right) at the o-quinonoid chelate site. The neutral compounds are already different: Compound 1 is formulated as a Ru(II)(mu-Q1)*- Ru(III) species with partially coupled semiquinone and ruthenium(III) centers. In contrast, a Ru(III)(mu-Q2)2- Ru(III) structure is assigned to 2, which shows a weak antiferromagnetic spin-spin interaction (J = -1.14 cm(-1)) and displays an intense half-field signal in the EPR spectrum. The one-electron reduced forms are also differently formulated as Ru(II)(mu-Q1)2- Ru(III) for 1(-) with a Ru(III)-typical EPR response and as Ru(II)(mu-Q2)*- Ru(II) for 2(-) with a radical-type EPR signal at g = 2.0020. In contrast, both 1(2-) and 2(2-) can only be described as Ru(II)(mu-Q)2- Ru(II) species. The monooxidized forms 1(+) and 2(+) show very similar spectroscopy, including a Ru(III)-type EPR signal. Although no unambiguous assignment was possible here for the alternatives Ru(II)(mu-Q)0Ru(III), Ru(III)(mu-Q)2- Ru(IV) or Ru(III)(mu-Q)*- Ru(III), the last description is favored. The reasons for identical or different oxidation state combinations are discussed.

The complexes [M(bpy)(2)(Q)](PF(6)) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl; M = Ru, Os; Q = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-N-phenyl-1,2-benzoquinonemonoimine) were isolated and studied by X and W band EPR in a dichloromethane solution at ambient temperatures and at 4 K. For M = Ru, the (14)N hyperfine splitting confirms the Ru(II)/semiquinone formulation, although at a > 1 mT, the (99,101)Ru satellite coupling is unusually high. W band EPR allowed us to determine the relatively small g anisotropy Delta g = g(1) - g(3) = 0.0665 for the ruthenium complex. The osmium analogue exhibits a much higher difference Delta g = 0.370, which is attributed not only to the larger spin-orbit coupling constant of Os versus that of Ru but also to a higher extent of metal contribution to the singly occupied molecular orbital. The difference Delta E between the oxidation and reduction potentials of the radical complexes is larger for the ruthenium compound (Delta E = 0.87 V) than for the osmium analogue (Delta E = 0.72), confirming the difference in metal/ligand interaction. The electrochemically generated states [M(bpy)(2)(Q)](n+), n = 0, 1, 2, and 3, were also characterized using UV-vis-near-infrared spectroelectrochemistry.

The structurally characterized (abpy)PtCl2, abpy = 2,2'-azobispyridine, reveals a strong metal/ligand pi interaction as supported by DFT calculations. Unexpectedly, its chemical or electrochemical reduction occurs irreversibly to yield EPR-detectable [(micro,eta2:eta2-abpy)[PtCl2]2]*- and, as the main product of chloride dissociation, the structurally identified and DFT-calculated dinuclear [(micro,eta2:eta1-abpy)PtCl]2(2+) with a novel coordination mode for abpy and isolated as tetrachlorozincate. Stepwise reversible one-electron reduction of that dimer, separated by 0.24 V, exhibits an intense near-infrared band for the monocationic intermediate [(abpy(-I))(abpy)Pt2Cl2]*+ at 1220 nm (epsilon = 3370 M(-1) cm(-1)) which is attributed to a ligand-to-ligand intervalence charge-transfer transition., (Copyright 2004 American Chemical Society)

The title compounds involving the structurally characterized bridging ligand bpytz were characterized, showing very strong electrochemical stabilization of the mixed-valent RuIIRuIII state (Kc = 10(13.9)) but no detectable (epsilon < 20 M(-1) cm(-1)) intervalence charge-transfer band in the infrared region. In situ reduction of the neutral precursor produces a diruthenium(II) complex of the bpytz radical anion according to EPR spectroscopy, whereas oxidation of the mixed-valent form leads to a diruthenium(III) species., (Copyright 2004 American Chemical Society)

Tppz [2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine]-bridged complexes [((L)ClRu)(2)(mu-tppz)]n+ with structurally similar but electronically different ancillary ligands, 2-(2-pyridyl)azoles (L), were synthesized as diruthenium(II) species. Cyclic voltammetry, EPR of paramagnetic states, and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry show that the first two reduction processes occur at the tppz bridge and that oxidation involves mainly the metal centers. The mixed valent intermediates from one-electron oxidation exhibit moderate comproportionation constants 10(4) < K(c) < 10(5) but appear to be valence-averaged according to the Hush criterion. Redox potentials, EPR, and UV-vis-NIR results show the effect of increasing donor strength of the ancillary ligands along the sequence L(1) < L(2) < L(4) << L(3), L(1) = 2-(2-pyridyl)benzoxazole, L(2) = 2-(2-pyridyl)benzthiazole, L(3) = 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazolate, L(4) = 1-methyl-2-(2-pyridyl)-1H-benzimidazole. Whereas the mixed valent complexes with L(1) and L(2) remain EPR silent at 4 K, the analogues with L(4) and L(3) exhibit typical ruthenium(III) EPR signals, albeit with some noticeable ligand contribution in the case of the L(3)-containing complex. Intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) bands were found in the visible spectrum for the complex with L(3) but in the near-infrared range (at ca. 1500 nm) for the other systems.

Complexes between the chlorometal(III) cations [(C5Me5)ClM]+, M = Rh or Ir, and the 1,10-phenanthroline-derived alpha-diimine (N--N) ligands dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz), 1,4,7,10-tetraazaphenanthrene (tap), or 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (pdo) were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, EPR, and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry with respect to either ligand-based or metal-centered (and then chloride-dissociative) reduction. Two low-lying unoccupied molecular orbitals (MOs) are present in each of these three N wedge N ligands; however, their different energies and interface properties are responsible for different results. Metal-centered chloride-releasing reduction was observed for complexes of the DNA-intercalation ligands dppz and tap to yield compounds [(N--N)(C5Me5)M] in a two-electron step. The separation of alpha-diimine centered optical orbitals and phenazine-based redox orbitals is apparent from the EPR and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry of [(dppz)(C5Me5)M](0/*-/2-). In contrast, the pdo complexes undergo a reversible one-electron reduction to yield o-semiquinone radical complexes [(pdo)(C5Me5)ClM]* before releasing the chloride after the second electron uptake. The fact that the dppz complexes undergo a Cl(-)-dissociative two-electron reduction despite the presence of a lowest lying pi* MO (b1(phz)) with very little overlap to the metal suggests that an unoccupied metal/chloride-based orbital is lower in energy. This assertion is confirmed both by the half-wave reduction potentials of the ligands (tap, -1.95 V; dppz, -1.60 V; pdo, -0.85 V) and by the typical reduction peak potentials of the complexes [(L)(C5Me5)ClM](PF6) (tap, -1.1 V; dppz, -1.3 V; pdo, -0.6 V; all values against Fc(+/0)).

The reactions of [fac-Re(CO)(3)(bpy)(MeOH)](PF(6)), bpy = 2.2'-bipyridine, with the TCNX ligands (TCNE = tetracyanoethene, TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane, and TCNB = 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene) in CH(2)Cl(2) gave very different results. No reaction was observed with TCNB whereas TCNE produced very labile intermediates which converted under mild conditions to structurally characterized [(mu-CN)[fac-Re(CO)(3)(bpy)](2)](PF(6)) with an eclipsed conformation relative to the almost linear Re-CN-Re axis (Re-N(NC) 2.134(8) A, Re-C(CN) 2.098(8) A). With TCNQ, a stable tetranuclear complex [(mu(4)-TCNQ)[Re(CO)(3)(bpy)](4)](BF(4))(4) was obtained. Its structural, electrochemical, and spectroscopic analysis indicates only negligible charge transfer from the rhenium(I) centers to the extremely strong pi acceptor TCNQ. Evidence includes a calculated charge of only -0.09 for coordinated TCNQ according to the empirical structure/charge correlation of Kistenmacher, a high-energy nitrile stretching band nu(CN) = 2235 cm(-1), and unprecedented large anodic shifts >0.7 V of the reduction potentials. DFT calculations were used to confirm and explain the absence of electron delocalization from the electron-rich metals to the TCNQ acceptor bridge. Correspondingly, the X-band and high-frequency (285 GHz) EPR data (g = 2.007) as well as the IR and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical results (marginal nu(CO) shifts, TCNQ(*-) chromophore bands) support the almost exclusive confinement of the added electron in [(mu(4)-TCNQ)[Re(CO)(3)(bpy)](4)](3+) to the TCNQ bridge.

The Ru(2)(III,II) mixed-valent state is strongly stabilized in [(bpy)(2)Ru(mu-bttz)Ru(bpy)(2)](5+) (3(5+), bttz = 3,6-bis(2-thienyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, as evident from lowered oxidation potentials and isolability, a strongly increased comproportionation constant K(c) = 10(16.6), and a high-energy intervalence charge transfer band at 10100 cm(-1). Curiously, no such effects were observed for the diosmium(III,II) analogue, whereas the related systems [(bpy)(2)M(mu-bmptz)M(bpy)(2)](5+), bmptz = 3,6-bis(4-methyl-2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, exhibit conventional behavior, i.e., a slightly higher K(c) value of the Os(2)(III,II) analogue. EPR signals were observed at 4 K for 3(5+) but not for the other mixed-valent species, and high-frequency (285 GHz) EPR was employed to study the diruthenium(II) radical complexes 2(3+) and 3(3+).

The complexes (bpym)PtCl(2) (1) and the new (micro-bpym)[PtCl(2)](2) (2), bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine, were synthesized and, in the case of 1, crystallized in solvent-free form for X-ray diffraction. The molecules 1 exhibit two different kinds of stacking motifs in the crystal with an interstack CH--N interaction. Complexes 1 and 2 were found to be sufficiently soluble for cyclic voltammetry, spectroscopy (absorption and emission), and spectroelectrochemical studies (UV-vis, EPR). As a result of single or double coordination of the strongly sigma-accepting [PtCl(2)] fragment to bpym, the paramagnetic anions 1(*)(-)() and 2(*)(-)() and the dianions 1(2-) and 2(2-) could be reversibly generated, despite the presence of metal-halide bonds. DFT calculations of A((195)Pt) and g tensor components confirm that the singly occupied MOs of the monoanionic species have mainly pi(bpym) character with nonnegligible platinum d orbital participation. The assignments of the electronic absorption and emission and resonance Raman spectra for both complexes are supported by DFT calculations.

The electron-transfer capacity of molecular rectangle ions [Pt(II)(4)(PEt(3))(8)(mu-anth(2-))(2)(mu-L)(2)](4+) with anth = anthracene-1,8-diyl and L = 4,4'-bipyridine (bp) or 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene (bpe) was investigated in acetonitrile and dichloromethane using cyclic voltammetry, EPR, and UV-vis-near-IR spectroelectrochemistry. The compounds can be reversibly reduced, first in a two-electron process and then via two closely separated one-electron steps. Oxidation was also possible at rather low potentials in a reversible two-electron step, followed by an electrochemically irreversible process. The spectroscopic results indicate reduction at the neutral acceptor ligands L and oxidation at the formally dianionic anthracene "clips". In contrast, the prototypical molecular square ([Pt(triphos)(mu-bp)](4))(8+) undergoes only irreversible reduction.

The complexes [(DMA)Cu(PPh3)2](BF4) (1) (DMA = 1,3-dimethylalloxazine), [(DMA)Ru(bpy)2](PF6)2 (2), and (DMA)WO2Cl2 (3) were obtained as O4-N5-chelated species, as evident from an X-ray crystal structure analysis for 3 and from spectroscopy (NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroelectrochemistry) for 1 and 2. The tungsten(VI) center in 3 has its oxide ligands in a cis/equatorial position and the chloride ligands in a trans/axial position; it also exhibits a relatively short bond to O4 (2.232(3) A) and a very long bond to N5 (2.462(3) A). Comparison with the new structurally characterized compound (BIK)WO2Cl2 (4) (BIK = bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone), which has W-N bonds of about 2.30 A, confirms the unusual length of the W-N bond in 3, probably caused by repulsion between one of the oxo ligands and the peri-hydrogen atom (H6) of DMA. One-electron reduction of the complexes occurs reversibly at room temperature in THF (1, 2) or at 198 K in CH2Cl2 (3). EPR spectroscopy reveals that this process is ligand-centered for 1 and 2 but metal-centered for 3. Density functional methods and ab initio methodology are used to illustrate the correspondence in spin distribution between the radical anion pi systems of alloxazine and isoalloxazine ("flavosemiquinone").

Electrochemical reduction of the dinuclear [(eta 5-C5Me5)ClM(mu-L)MCl(eta 5-C5Me5)]2+ ions (M = Rh, Ir; L = 2,5-bis(1-phenyliminoethyl)pyrazine (bpip) and 2,5-bis[1-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)iminoethyl]pyrazine (bxip)) proceeds via the paramagnetic intermediates [(eta 5-C5Me5)ClM(mu-L)MCl(eta 5-C5Me5)]+ (L = bpip) or [(eta 5-C5Me5)M(mu-L)MCl(eta 5-C5Me5)]2+ (L = bxip) and [(eta 5-C5Me5)M(mu-L)M(eta 5-C5Me5)]+. Whereas the first is clearly a radical species with a small g anisotropy, the chloride-free cations are distinguished by structured intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) bands in the near-infrared region and by rhombic electron paramagnetic resonance features between g = 1.9 and g = 2.3, which suggests considerable metal participation at the singly occupied MO. Alternatives for the d configuration assignment and for the role of the bisbidentate-conjugated bridging ligands will be discussed. The main difference between bpip and bxip systems is the destabilization of the chloride-containing forms through the bxip ligand for reasons of steric interference.

Two molecule-bridged bis(tetracyanoiron) complexes [(NC)(4)Fe(BL)Fe(CN)(4)](n)()(-), BL = 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpym) and 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (bptz), were studied by EPR, UV/vis/near-IR and IR spectroelectrochemistry (n = 2-5) in aprotic media. Following these results, the Fe(2)(2.5) formulation is the correct valence description for the metal centers in the bptz-bridged trianion (K(c) = 10(14.6) in CH(3)CN), whereas the localized Fe(III)/Fe(II) formulation is appropriate for the bpym-bridged system (K(c) = 10(5.4) in CH(3)CN and 10(6.4) in CH(2)Cl(2)). In contrast to common perception, the larger tetrazine-bridged system with the longer metal-metal distance exhibits much stronger metal-metal coupling than the bpym-bridged analogue, a consequence of the very low lying pi LUMO of tetrazines with high MO coefficients at the coordinating nitrogen centers.

The rhenium(I) compounds [(NwedgeN)Re(CO)(3)(MQ)](PF(6))(2) (NwedgeN = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpym), 3,3'-bipyridazine (bpdz), or 1,4,7,10-tetraazaphenanthrene (tap) and MQ(+) = N-methyl-4,4'-bipyridinium) undergo four one-electron reduction steps which could be analyzed using cyclic voltammetry, EPR, IR, and UV/vis spectroelectrochemistry. Due to the rather low-lying pi orbital of tap, the corresponding compound shows electron uptake by NwedgeN each time before MQ(+) is reduced. The opposite is observed for the complexes of the other chelate ligands NwedgeN, however, and the pi(NwedgeN) orbital aproaches the pi(MQ(+)) level in the order bpy < bpym < bpdz. Remarkably, the reduction processes of MQ(+) and bpdz in [(bpdz)Re(CO)(3)(MQ)](PF(6))(2) are separated by only 74 mV as deduced from IR spectroelectrochemical analysis. On reduction of the related compound [(bpy)Re(CO)(3)(mpz)](PF(6))(2) (mpz(+) = N-methylpyrazinium), the first two electrons are added to the axial ligand which has a lower-lying pi orbital than MQ(+) and cannot undergo intramolecular twisting.

The oxidation and reduction behavior of complexes [(mpz)M(CN)(5)](2)(-) between the group 8 pentacyanometalates(II) and the N-methylpyrazinium ion mpz(+) was studied using spectroelectrochemical techniques (UV/vis/NIR, IR, EPR) in nonaqueous and, in part, aqueous media. As a further source of information on the electronic structure, we studied the variable solvatochromism of MLCT absorption bands in the precursor ions [(mpz)M(CN)(5)](2)(-). The mpz-centered one-electron reduction showed a tendency for concomitant loss of cyanide (EC process) to yield ions [(mpz)M(CN)(4)](2)(-), the lability increasing in the order M = Os << Ru < Fe. In contrast to the EPR spectra obtained from reduction with S(2)O(4)(2)(-) in aqueous media, which showed no evidence for close mpz(*)/metal association, the intra muros electrolysis experiments in DMSO or acetonitrile yielded the following results: The EPR spectrum that was previously assigned to [(mpz)Fe(CN)(5)](3)(-) is now ascribed to [(mpz)Fe(CN)(4)](2)(-). Whereas the dissociatively inert osmium radical complex [(mpz)Os(CN)(5)](3)(-) is distinguished by a broad EPR signal with a rather large value g(iso) = 2.0157, the EPR spectrum of [(mpz)Ru(CN)(4)](3)(-) reveals well-resolved separate coupling with the (99)Ru and (101)Ru isotopes in natural abundance. Spectroelectrochemistry and reactivity patterns of the complex ions [(mpz)M(CN)(5)](2)(-) are reminiscent of results for corresponding nitrosyl complexes [(NO)M(CN)(5)](2)(-), which suggests that the mpz(+)/mpz(*) ligand redox pair can function as an organic analogue of the NO(+)/NO(*) redox system.

1,4-Bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene (dab) forms the structurally characterized iridium(III) complex [CpIrCl(dab)](PF(6)): C(28)H(35)ClF(6)IrN(2)P, orthorhombic, space group Pnma, a = 16.187(2) Å, b = 15.823(2) Å, c = 11.677(1) Å, V = 2990.8(6) Å(3), Z = 4, and R = 0.0588. On reaction with NaBH(3)CN this compound does not form an iridium(III) hydride but the coordinatively unsaturated reduced product CpIr(dab): C(28)H(35)IrN(2), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 8.484(2) Å, b = 14.535(3) Å, c = 20.956(4) Å, beta = 98.88(3) degrees, V = 2553.2(9) Å(3), Z = 4, and R = 0.0586. The inverted relation d(CC) (=1.334(15) Å) < d(CN) (=1.379(13) and 1.366(14) Å) in the dab ligand of CpIr(dab) suggests that the reduction has occurred primarily at that ligand to form an ene-1,2-diamido/iridium(III) moiety or, alternatively, a six-pi-electron metallaheteroaromatic system. Ab initio pseudopotential calculations of model complexes [CpIr(HNCHCHNH)](0/2+) support this description of the bonding.