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A mononuclear cobalt(II) complex [Co(3,5-dnb)2(py)2(H2O)2] {3,5-Hdnb = 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid; py = pyridine} was isolated in two polymorphs, in space groups C2/c (1) and P21/c (2). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that 1 and 2 are not isostructural in spite of having equal formulas and ligand connectivity. In both structures, the Co(II) centers adopt octahedral {CoN2O4} geometries filled by pairs of mutually trans terminal 3,5-dnb, py, and water ligands. However, the structures of 1 and 2 disclose distinct packing patterns driven by strong intermolecular O-H···O hydrogen bonds, leading to their 0D→2D (1) or 0D→1D (2) extension. The resulting two-dimensional layers and one-dimensional chains were topologically classified as the sql and 2C1 underlying nets, respectively. By means of DFT theoretical calculations, the energy variations between the polymorphs were estimated, and the binding energies associated with the noncovalent interactions observed in the crystal structures were also evaluated. The study of the direct-current magnetic properties, as well as ab initio calculations, reveal that both 1 and 2 present a strong easy-plane magnetic anisotropy (D > 0), which is larger for the latter polymorph (D is found to exhibit values between +58 and 117 cm(-1) depending on the method). Alternating current dynamic susceptibility measurements show that these polymorphs exhibit field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetization with Ueff values of 19.5 and 21.1 cm(-1) for 1 and 2, respectively. The analysis of the whole magnetic data allows the conclusion that the magnetization relaxation in these polymorphs mainly takes place through a virtual excited state (Raman process). It is worth noting that despite the notable difference between the supramolecular networks of 1 and 2, they exhibit almost identical magnetization dynamics. This fact suggests that the relaxation process is intramolecular in nature and that the virtual state involved in the two-phonon Raman process lies at a similar energy in polymorphs 1 and 2 (∼20 cm(-1)). Interestingly, this value is recurrent in Co(II) single-ion magnets, even for those displaying different coordination number and geometry.

Novel Fe10 and Fe14 clusters [Rb9 Cs4 H37 Fe10 O34 (A-α-PW9 O31 )3 (OH)3 ]⋅36 H2 O (1) and [H3 Rb3 Fe14 (OH)12 (PO4 )6 (B-α-PW9 O34 )2 ]⋅21 H2 O (2) were synthesized and characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and magnetic studies, and in solution by electrochemistry. Cluster 1 is a decameric Fe(III) polyanionic cluster encapsulating a cesium atom in the center. Cluster 2 is a unique tetradecanuclear Fe(III) sandwich structure with phosphate-linked units featuring two quasicubic Fe4 O4 moieties. Apparently, 2 has the highest nuclearity of all known Fe(III) sandwich-type polyoxometalate clusters. Clusters 1 and 2 also act as photocatalysts with platinum as cocatalyst for H2 evolution from light-driven water splitting. Changes in the cyclovoltammetric patterns with variations in pH were observed for 1 and 2, most likely due to intermolecular interactions among the high-nuclearity Fe(III) cluster cores and subsequent changes in the acid-base properties of the two reduced POMs. Magnetic studies provide evidence of antiferromagnetic interactions in 1 and 2. TGA showed that complexes 1 and 2 decompose between 580 and 590 °C., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

An efficient and green synthesis of hitherto unreported 11-(chromen-3-yl)-8,8-dimethyl-8,9-dihydro-6H-chromeno[2,3-b]quinoline-10,12(7H,11H)-dione has been accomplished by a three-component reaction involving 2-aminochromone, chromone-3-carbaldehyde, and 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione (dimedone) in 0.5 M aqueous SDS solution. The mechanism of the reaction has been studied by isolating the reaction intermediate. This methodology features eco-friendly reaction conditions, a simple working procedure, high atom-economy and high efficiency in product formation.

The reaction of palladium(ii) halide with dithiodiglycolamide ligands yielded compounds of the type [PdX2L] (where X = Cl, L = (CH2SCH2CON(i)Pr2)2 (1); L = (CH2SCH2CON(i)Bu2)2 (2); L = (CH2SCH2CONBu2)2 (3); L = C7H6(SCH2CON(i)Bu2)2 (4); X = Br, L = (CH2SCH2CON(i)Bu2)2 (5); X = I, L = (CH2SCH2CON(i)Bu2)2 (6)), whereas palladium(ii) nitrate yielded compounds of the type [PdL2](NO3)2 (where L = (CH2SCH2CON(i)Pr2)2 (7); L = (CH2SCH2CON(i)Bu2)2 (8)). All compounds were characterized by using IR, (1)H NMR spectral techniques and CHN analyses. The structures of compounds 4, 5 and 7 have been determined by using X-ray diffraction methods. The structures show that the ligands bond through the thioether group to the metal centre in all compounds. They show further that the palladium(ii) ion is surrounded by four atoms (two halogens and two thio groups in 4 and 5 and four thio groups in 7) in a square planar arrangement. The dithiodiglycolamide ligand acts as a bidentate chelating ligand and bonds through both the thioether groups to the metal centre, leaving the carbamoyl groups uncoordinated. Theoretical studies reveal that the 1 : 2 compound is energetically more stable and nicely correlates with the IR carbamoyl stretching frequencies as compared to the 1 : 1 compound in which the ligand acts as a tetradentate ligand.

One Mn(II) coordination polymer, [Mn(o-(NO2)C6H4COO)2(pyz)(H2O)]n (1), has been synthesized and oxidized with n-Bu4NMnO4 in non-aqueous media to two mixed-valence hexanuclear Mn(II/III) complexes [MnIII2MnII4O2(pyz)0.61/(MeOH)0.39(o-(NO2)C6H4COO)10·(H2O)·{(CH3)2CO}2]·(CH3)2CO (2) and [MnIII2MnII4O2(pyz)0.28/(MeCN)3.72(o-(NO2)C6H4COO)10·(H2O)] (3) (where pyz = pyrazine). All three complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, and variable-temperature magnetic measurements. The structural analyses reveal that complex 1 is comprised of linear chains of pyz bridged Mn(II), which are further linked to one another by syn–anti carboxylate bridges, giving rise to a two-dimensional (2D) net. Complexes 2 and 3 feature mixed valence [MnIII2MnII4] units in which each of the six manganese centres reside in an octahedral environment. Apart from the variations in terminal ligands (acetone for 2 and acetonitrile for 3), the complexes are very similar. Using 3,5-di-tert-butyl catechol (3,5-DTBC) as the substrate, the catecholase-like activity of the complexes has been studied and it is found that the mixed valent Mn6 complexes (2 and 3) are much more active towards aerial oxidation of catechol compared to the Mn(II) complex (1). Variable-temperature (1.8–300 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements showed the presence of antiferromagnetic coupling in all three complexes. The magnetic data have been fitted with a 2D quadratic model derived by Lines, giving the exchange constant J/kB = −0.0788(5) K for 1. For 2 and 3, antiferromagnetic interactions within the Mn6 cluster have been fitted with models containing three exchange constants: JA/kB = −70 K, JB/kB = −0.5 K, JC/kB = −2.9 K for 2 and JA/kB = −60 K, JB/kB = −0.3 K, JC/kB = −2.8 K for 3.

New phenylmercury(II) complexes of the form [PhHg(L1), PhHg(L2) and PhHg(L3)] (L1 = methyl-3-hydroxy-3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenedithioate (1), L2 = methyl-3-hydroxy-3-(p-bromophenyl)-2-propenedithioate (2) and L3 = methyl-3-hydroxy-(3-pyridyl)-2-propenedithioate (3)) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, 1H and 13C NMR. The crystal structures of 1–3 reveal a linear geometry about the mercury atom via ipso-C and S11 atoms. 1 and 2 exhibited O,S-coordination whereas 3 preferred S,S-coordination. Intramolecular Hg∙∙∙O bonding interactions are also observed in 1 and 2 at distances of 2.638(14), 2.644(10) Å respectively. However in 3, incorporation of the 3-pyridyl substituent on the ligand enhanced the proximity of S13 and N14, giving rise to significant intramolecular Hg∙∙∙S and intermolecular Hg∙∙∙N interactions at 3.141(5) Å and 2.77(2) Å respectively generating a 1-D polymeric chain motif. The O,S- or S,S-coordination preference and Hg∙∙∙N interactions have been assessed by DFT calculations. All the complexes show metal perturbed ligand-centred luminescence characteristics in solution and in the solid phase. The band gap values 2.54, 2.66 and 2.61 eV for 1, 2 and 3, respectively, evaluated from the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy show the semiconducting nature of the complexes.

New homoleptic hexanuclear Ag(I) and heteroleptic trinuclear Cu(I) clusters and a Cu(I) coordination polymer (CP) of the formulas [Ag6(dtc)6] 1, [Cu3I2(dppm)3(dtc)] 2, and [Cu(ttc)I]∞ 3 (dtc = N-methylbenzyl-N-methyl-thiophenedithiocarbamate; dppm = 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane; and ttc = dimethyltrithiocarbonate) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis, (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopies, and their structures were elucidated by X-ray crystallography. The complexes show interesting structures and luminescent properties. Complex 1, which is centrosymmetric, contains four short Ag···Ag interactions at 2 × 2.966(1) and 2 × 3.014(1) Å. There are also several Ag···Ag distances of 3.3-3.4 Å. The molecule shows hexagonal orientation with alternating silver and sulfur atoms of the overlapping Ag3S3 hexagons in the front and rear, along the a axis. Complex 2 is a rare trinuclear cluster complex of Cu(I); the Cu···Cu distances are 2.906(2), 3.551(2), and 3.338(2) Å, the foremost representing a substantial intermetallic contact. The Cu3I2P6S2 core is comprised of three fused distorted hexagonal rings with the I1 atom located at the center participating in all three rings. Complex 3 is an iodide-bridged CP with a "staircase"-like arrangement in which the Cu(I) is tetrahedrally surrounded by a sulfur atom from the ttc ligand and three iodine atoms. Unlike 3, which is nonluminescent, 1 and 2 are strongly luminescent in the solid and solution at room temperature. The time-resolved emission spectra reveal a triexponential decay curve and short mean lifetime characteristic of fluorescence behavior. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy revealed semiconducting behavior with band gaps of 2.12, 3.01, and 2.18 eV for 1-3, respectively.

In this study, we report the synthesis of four 2-(arylazo)phenol-Pd(II) complexes and their anti-proliferative property against the human lung cancer (A549), cervical cancer (HeLa), and ovarian teratocarcinoma (PA-1) cell lines with cisplatin as the gold standard. One of the complexes, [Pd(L(2))2], induced robust apoptosis in all the chosen cells, as revealed by annexin-V-positive/propidium iodide dual staining, increased sub-G1 cell cycle population, and significant morphological changes in the treated cells. The Pd complex inflicted mitochondrial dysfunction leading to mitochondrial membrane potential loss, reactive oxygen species generation and release of cytosolic cytochrome c that activated caspase-9 and caspase-3 proteins which finally caused programmed cell death.

Crystal structures of novel pyridyl functionalised [Tl(L)]∞ (L = (N-benzyl-N-methylpyridyl) dithiocarbamate(L1) 1, bis(N-methylpyridyl) dithiocarbamate(L2) 2, (N-methyl(1,4-benzodioxane-6-yl)-N-methylpyridyl)dithiocarbamate(L3) 3, (N-ferrocenyl-N-methylpyridyl) dithiocarbamate(L4) 4) complexes revealed rare intermolecular C-H···Tl anagostic and C-S···Tl interactions forming a six-membered chelate ring about the metal center, which have been assessed by DFT calculations. The strong thallophilic bonding is responsible for the strong luminescent characteristics of the complexes in the solid phase.

Aqueous solution of sodium molybdate reacts with aromatic thiohydrazides like thiobenzhydrazide, 2-hydroxythiobenzhydrazide, furan-2-thiohydrazide and thiophen-2-thiohydrazide to form green, neutral diamagnetic 1 : 3 chelates. They were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. Tris(2-hydroxythiobenzhydrazido)molybdenum(vi) was crystallized from benzene and the crystal structure shows that molybdenum(vi) is hexacoordinated to three sulfur and three nitrogen atoms from three identical ligands in facile trigonal prismatic geometry. The OH group is involved in intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The bound ligands of tris(thiohydrazido)molybdenum(vi) undergo a redox reaction differently depending on the solvents. Two complexes of molybdenum bound to those oxidized ligands were isolated and characterized and their structures were also solved. Of them a binuclear complex, containing two MoO2(2+) ions, of the ligand N-2-hydroxybenzoyl-N'-2-hydroxythiobenzoylhydrazine showed some capability to catalyze the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia by sodium borohydride.

New (E/Z)-2-(2-(1-cyano-2-methoxy-2-oxoethylidene)hydrazinyl)benzoic acid (H2L(4)) and known sodium 2-(2-(dicyanomethylene)hydrazinyl)benzenesulfonate (NaHL(1)), 2-(2-(dicyano-methylene)hydrazinyl)benzoic acid (H2L(2)), and sodium (E/Z)-2-(2-(1-cyano-2-methoxy-2-oxoethylidene)hydrazinyl)benzenesulfonate (NaHL(3)) were used in the template synthesis of a series of Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes [Cu(H2O)2L(1a)]·H2O (1), [Cu(H2O)(3-pyon)L(1b)]·H2O (2), [Cu(H2O)(4-pyon)L(1b)] (3), [Co(H2O)((CH3)2NCHO)(μ-L(2a))]2·(CH3)2NCHO (4), [Cu3(μ3-OH)(NO3)(CH3OH)(μ2-X)3(μ2-HL(3))] (5), [Cu(H2O)(py)L(3)]·H2O (6), [Cu(H2O)2(μ-L(4))]6·6H2O (7), [Cu(2-cnpy(b))2(L(1b))2]·2H2O (8), [Cu(2-cnpy(a))2(L(1a))2]·2H2O (9), and [Cu(H2O)(4-cnpy)(L(1a))2] (10), where 3-pyon = 1-(pyridin-3-yl)ethanone, 4-pyon = 1-(pyridin-4-yl)ethanone, py = pyridine, HX = syn-2-pyridinealdoxime, 4-cnpy = 4-cyanopyridine; 2-cnpy(a), 2-cnpy(b), L(1a), L(1b), L(2a) are the ligands derived from nucleophilic attack of methanol (a) or water (b) on a cyano group of 2-cyanopyridine (2-cnpy), L(1) or L(2), respectively, giving the corresponding iminoesters (2-cnpy(a), L(1a) or L(2a)) or carboxamides (2-cnpy(b) or L(1b)). An auxiliary ligand, namely syn-2-pyridinealdoxime or pyridine, acting cooperatively with the metal ion (Cu(II) in this case), induced an E/Z isomerization of the H2L(4) ligand; the E- and Z-isomers were isolated separately and fully characterized (compounds 9 and 10, respectively). A one-pot activation of nitrile groups in different molecules was achieved in the syntheses of 8 and 9. Complexes 1-10 are catalyst precursors for the solvent-free microwave (MW)-assisted selective oxidation of secondary alcohols to the corresponding ketones, with typical yields in the 29-99% range (TOFs up to 4.94 × 10(3) h(-1)) after 30 min of MW irradiation.

Four new end-on pseudohalide-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu2(L(1))2(N3)2]·DMF (1), [Cu2(L(2))2(N3)2] (2), [Cu2(L(3))2(NCS)2] (3), and [Cu2(L(4))2(N3)2] (4) {where HL(1), HL(2), HL(3), and HL(4) are tridentate N2O donor Schiff bases}, are synthesized and characterized. Complexes 1, 2, and 3 possess π···π stacking interactions, while in addition hydrogen-bonding interactions are present in 1 and 3. However, by contrast, complex 4 contains neither type of interaction. Field-induced long-range ferromagnetic ordering beyond 0.9 T is observed in complexes 1 and 2 due to π···π stacking interactions, while ferroelectric ordering is observed in complexes 1 and 3 due to hydrogen-bonding interactions. Most interestingly, complex 1, which contains both π···π stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions, shows multiferroic behavior as a result of coupling between the dielectric and magnetic fields with 8% change in the magneto-dielectric effect at room temperature. We believe that from this study will emerge a new class of multiferroic materials.

An oxime based tridentate Schiff base ligand 3-[3-(dimethylamino)propylimino]butan-2-one oxime (HL) produced two dinuclear compounds [Cu2L2(H2O)](ClO4)2 () and [Cu2L2(H2O)](BF4)2 (), and a hexanuclear compound [{Cu3(HL)3(O3ClO)(μ3-O)}2(μ-H)](ClO4)7 () when it was reacted with Cu(ClO4)2·6H2O or Cu(BF4)2·6H2O at different pH values. All three compounds have been structurally and magnetically characterized. Compounds and are dinuclear species in which the two square planar copper(ii) ions are joined solely by the double oximato bridges. On the other hand, the hexanuclear compound consists of two triangular Cu3O cores held together by a proton separated by an OO distance of 2.498(10) Å. The three square pyramidal copper(ii) ions at the corners of an isosceles triangle form a triangular core through central oxido (μ3-O) and peripheral oximato bridges. Each triangular Cu3O core is capped by an unusual triply coordinated (μ3-perchlorato-O,O',O'') perchlorate anion. Variable-temperature (2-300 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements show that compounds exhibit a strong antiferromagnetic interaction with J values -562.6, -633.1 and -636.0 cm(-1) respectively. The X-band EPR data at low temperature clearly indicate the presence of a spin frustration phenomenon in complex .

Biferrocene bearing planar metal dithiocarbamates, namely, [M(FcCH2dtc)2] (dtc = furan-2-ylmethyldithiocarbamate, M = Cu(II) 1, Ni(II) 4; dtc = benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl dithiocarbamate, M = Cu(II) 2, Ni(II) 5; dtc = pyridin-2-ylmethyldithiocarbamate, M = Cu(II) 3, Ni(II) 6; Fc = ferrocenyl; Fe(η(5)-C5H5)(η(5)-C5H4-)), have been synthesized and characterized by microanalysis, magnetic susceptibility and cyclic voltammetry. Structures of 1, 2 and 4 have been obtained by single crystal X-ray diffraction. These complexes with pyridyl, piperonyl and furfuryl as heteroaromatic groups in the dithiocarbamate ligands have been exploited as sensitizers in dye sensitized TiO2 solar cells for converting sunlight into electrical energy. Light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiencies achieved using these sensitizers are considerably greater than those obtained with analogous compounds previously reported by us. The overall conversion efficiency (η) is found to be dependent upon the nature of the heteroaromatic conjugated linkers and increases in the order η (ferrocenylfurfuryl) > η (ferrocenylpiperonyl) > η (ferrocenylpyridyl) all values being lower than that obtained in the reference Ru dye N719 under similar experimental conditions. The conversion efficiencies also vary with the metal being higher for Ni (4, 5 and 6) than for Cu complexes (1, 2 and 3). The X-ray structural analyses reveal the existence of rare M···H-C intermolecular anagostic interactions involving the metal atom in chain motifs in 1 and 4, which are retained in solution as evidenced by (1)H NMR spectroscopy.

A new homometallic trinuclear Ni(II) complex [(NiL)2Ni(NCS)2] (1) and three heterometallic trinuclear Ni(II)-Zn(II)-Ni(II) complexes [(NiL)2Zn(NCS)2] (2), [(NiL)2Zn(NCS)2(CH3OH)2]·2CH3OH (3) and {[(NiL)2Zn(NCS)2(CH3OH)2]} {[(NiL)2Zn(NCS)2]} (4) have been synthesized by using the "complex as ligand" approach with the "metalloligand" [NiL] (H2L = N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine) and thiocyanate in different ratios. All the complexes have been structurally and magnetically characterized. In the isomorphous complexes 1 and 2, the two terminal square planar Ni atoms and the central octahedral nickel atom (in 1) or zinc atom (in 2) are arranged in a bent structure where two cis κN-SCN(-) thiocyanate ions are coordinated to the central atom. The chemical composition of 3 is very similar to that of 2 but, in 3, the central Zn atom is tetrahedral and the κN-SCN(-) thiocyanate ions occupy an axial position of each terminal nickel atom (which now are octahedral with the sixth position occupied by a methanol molecule). Complex 4 consists of two closely related trinuclear units 4A and 4B. In 4A, the coordination environments of the metals are identical to those of 3 whereas 4B is a "coordination position isomer" of complex 2 with the central square pyramidal Zn and one of the terminal square pyramidal Ni atoms coordinated by two κN-SCN(-) thiocyanate ions. Complex 4 is a unique example of a cocrystal formed by two similar trinuclear units (4A and 4B) where 4A is identical to an existing complex (3) and 4B is a "coordination position isomer" of another existing complex (2).

Two members of the tetradentate N-donor ligand families 6,6'-bis(1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine (BTBP) and 2,9-bis(1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (BTPhen) currently being developed for separating actinides from lanthanides have been studied. It has been confirmed that CyMe4-BTPhen 2 has faster complexation kinetics than CyMe4-BTBP 1. The values for the HOMO-LUMO gap of 2 are comparable with those of CyMe4-BTBP 1 for which the HOMO-LUMO gap was previously calculated to be 2.13 eV. The displacement of BTBP from its bis-lanthanum(III) complex by BTPhen was observed by NMR, and constitutes the only direct evidence for the greater thermodynamic stability of the complexes of BTPhen. NMR competition experiments suggest the following order of bis-complex stability: 1:2 bis-BTPhen complex ≥ heteroleptic BTBP/BTPhen 1:2 bis-complex > 1:2 bis-BTBP complex. Kinetics studies on some bis-triazine N-donor ligands using the stopped-flow technique showed a clear relationship between the rates of metal ion complexation and the degree to which the ligand is preorganized for metal binding. The BTBPs must overcome a significant (ca. 12 kcal mol(-1)) energy barrier to rotation about the central biaryl C-C axis in order to achieve the cis-cis conformation that is required to form a complex, whereas the cis-cis conformation is fixed in the BTPhens. Complexation thermodynamics and kinetics studies in acetonitrile show subtle differences between the thermodynamic stabilities of the complexes formed, with similar stability constants being found for both ligands. The first crystal structure of a 1:1 complex of CyMe4-BTPhen 2 with Y(NO3)3 is also reported. The metal ion is 10-coordinate being bonded to the tetradentate ligand 2 and three bidentate nitrate ions. The tetradentate ligand is nearly planar with angles between consecutive rings of 16.4(2)°, 6.4(2)°, 9.7(2)°, respectively.

Two new polynuclear manganese(II) complexes [Mn(dptz)(N(3))(2)](n) (1) and [Mn(azpy)(N(3))(2)](n) (2) (where dptz = dipyridyl-tetrazine and azpy = 4,4'-azobis(pyridine)) have been synthesized by self-assembly of the ligand azide, together with dptz and azpy as secondary spacers. The compounds are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and variable-temperature magnetic measurements. The structural analyses reveal that in complex 1, which is the first reported Mn(II) complex with the ligand dptz, two μ(1,3) bridging azides connect neighboring manganese ions in a zigzag manner to generate a neutral two-dimensional (2D) sheet which is further connected by the dptz ligands to form a three-dimensional (3D) framework. By contrast, complex 2 contains dimeric [Mn(2)(μ(1,1)-N(3))(2)](2+) fragments linked to four identical motifs by means of four single μ(1,3)-N(3) bridges, that generates a neutral 2D Mn(II)-azide sheet which is further interconnected by azpy ligands to neighboring manganese ions forming an unprecedented 3D network. Variable-temperature (2-300 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements show the presence of predominantly antiferromagnetic coupling for both complexes that has been reproduced with a regular antiferromagnetic S = 5/2 chain (J) with interchain interactions (j) modeled with the molecular field approximation with J = -7.1 cm(-1) and j' = -0.8 cm(-1) for 1 and J = -4.2 cm(-1) and j' = 0.1 cm(-1) for 2.

Reaction of 5,6-dihydro-5,6-epoxy-1,10-phenanthroline (L) with Ni(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O in methanol in 3:1M proportion at room temperature yields [NiL(3)](ClO(4))(2)·2H(2)O. The X-ray crystal structure of the cation NiL(3)(2+) has been determined. Aminolysis of the three epoxide rings in NiL(3)(2+) by 4-substituted anilines in boiling water without any Lewis acid catalyst gives a family of Ni(II) complexes with octahedral NiL(6)(2+) core. In these complexes, crystal field splitting 10Dq varies from 11601 to 15798 cm(-1) in acetonitrile. The variation in 10Dq is found to be satisfactorily linear (r(2)=0.951) with the Hammett σ(R) parameter of the substituent on the anilino fragment. 10Dq increases with the increase in the electron donation ability of the substituent., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The trans-[Cu(2)L(2)Cl(2)] (1), and cis-[Cu(2)L(2)Cl(2)]·H(2)O (2) isomers of a diphenoxido bridged Cu(2)O(2) core have been synthesized using a tridentate reduced Schiff base ligand 2-[(2-dimethylamino-ethylamino)-methyl]-phenol. The geometry around Cu(II) is intermediate between square pyramid and trigonal bipyramid (Addison parameter, τ = 0.463) in 1 but nearly square pyramidal (τ = 0.049) in 2. The chloride ions are coordinated to Cu(II) and are trans oriented in 1 but cis oriented in 2. Both isomers have been optimized using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and it is found that the trans isomer is 7.2 kcal mol(-1) more favorable than the cis isomer. However, the hydrogen bonding interaction of crystallized water molecule with chloride ions compensates for the energy difference and stabilizes the cis isomer. Both complexes have been converted to a very rare phenoxido-azido bridged trinuclear species, [Cu(3)L(2)(μ(1,1)-N(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(ClO(4))(2)] (3) which has also been characterized structurally. All the complexes are antiferromagnetically coupled but the magnitude of the coupling constants are significantly different (J = -156.60, -652.31, and -31.54 cm(-1) for 1, 2, 3 and respectively). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have also been performed to gain further insight into the qualitative theoretical interpretation on the overall magnetic behavior of the complexes.

A diphenoxido-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu(2)L(2)(ClO(4))(2)] (1), has been synthesized using a tridentate reduced Schiff base ligand, 2-[[2-(diethylamino)ethylamino]methyl]phenol (HL). The addition of triethylamine to the methanolic solution of this complex produced a novel triple bridged (double phenoxido and single hydroxido) dinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu(2)L(2)(OH)]ClO(4) (2). Both complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by X-ray structural analyses, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, and spectroscopic methods. In 1, the two phenoxido bridges are equatorial-equatorial and the species shows strong antiferromagnetic coupling with J = -615.6(6.1) cm(-1). The inclusion of the equatorial-equatorial hydroxido bridge in 2 changes the Cu···Cu distance from 3.018 Å (avg.) to 2.798 Å (avg.), the positions of the phenoxido bridges to axial-equatorial, and the magnetic coupling to ferromagnetic with J = 50.1(1.4) cm(-1). Using 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol as the substrate, the catecholase activity of the complexes has been studied in a methanol solution; compound 2 shows higher catecholase activity (k(cat) = 233.4 h(-1)) than compound 1 (k(cat) = 93.6 h(-1)). Both complexes generate identical species in solution, and they are interconvertible simply by changing the pH of their solutions. The higher catecholase activity of 2 seems to be due to the presence of the OH group, which increases the pH of its solution.

The quadridentate N-heterocyclic ligand 6-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-benzotriazin-3-yl)-2,2' : 6',2''-terpyridine (CyMe(4)-hemi-BTBP) has been synthesized and its interactions with Am(III), U(VI), Ln(III) and some transition metal cations have been evaluated by X-ray crystallographic analysis, Am(III)/Eu(III) solvent extraction experiments, UV absorption spectrophotometry, NMR studies and ESI-MS. Structures of 1:1 complexes with Eu(III), Ce(III) and the linear uranyl (UO(2)(2+)) ion were obtained by X-ray crystallographic analysis, and they showed similar coordination behavior to related BTBP complexes. In methanol, the stability constants of the Ln(III) complexes are slightly lower than those of the analogous quadridentate bis-triazine BTBP ligands, while the stability constant for the Yb(III) complex is higher. (1)H NMR titrations and ESI-MS with lanthanide nitrates showed that the ligand forms only 1:1 complexes with Eu(III), Ce(III) and Yb(III), while both 1:1 and 1:2 complexes were formed with La(III) and Y(III) in acetonitrile. A mixture of isomeric chiral 2:2 helical complexes was formed with Cu(I), with a slight preference (1.4:1) for a single directional isomer. In contrast, a 1:1 complex was observed with the larger Ag(I) ion. The ligand was unable to extract Am(III) or Eu(III) from nitric acid solutions into 1-octanol, except in the presence of a synergist at low acidity. The results show that the presence of two outer 1,2,4-triazine rings is required for the efficient extraction and separation of An(III) from Ln(III) by quadridentate N-donor ligands.

Three double phenoxido-bridged dinuclear nickel(II) complexes, namely [Ni(2)(L(1))(2)(NCS)(2)] (1), [Ni(2)(L(2))(2)(NCS)(2)] (2), and [Ni(2)(L(3))(2)(NCS)(2)] (3) have been synthesized using the reduced tridentate Schiff-base ligands 2-[1-(3-methylamino-propylamino)-ethyl]-phenol (HL(1)), 2-[1-(2-dimethylamino-ethylamino)-ethyl]-phenol (HL(2)), and 2-[1-(3-dimethylamino-propylamino)-ethyl]-phenol (HL(3)), respectively. The coordination compounds have been characterized by X-ray structural analyses, magnetic-susceptibility measurements, and various spectroscopic methods. In all complexes, the nickel(II) ions are penta-coordinated in a square-pyramidal environment, which is severely distorted in the case of 1 (Addison parameter τ = 0.47) and 3 (τ = 0.29), while it is almost perfect for 2 (τ = 0.03). This arrangement leads to relatively strong antiferromagnetic interactions between the Ni(II) (S = 1) metal centers as mediated by double phenoxido bridges (with J values of -23.32 (1), -35.45 (2), and -34.02 (3) cm(3) K mol(-1), in the convention H = -2JS(1)S(2)). The catalytic activity of these Ni compounds has been investigated for the aerial oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol. Kinetic data analysis following Michaelis-Menten treatment reveals that the catecholase activity of the complexes is influenced by the flexibility of the ligand and also by the geometry around the metal ion. Electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) studies (in the positive mode) have been performed for all the coordination compounds in the presence of 3,5-DTBC to characterize potential complex-substrate intermediates. The mass-spectrometry data, corroborated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements, suggest that the metal centers are involved in the catecholase activity exhibited by the complexes.

The synthesis and structural characterization of a novel oxoperoxovanadium(V) complex [VO(O(2))(PAH)(phen)] containing the ligands 2-phenylacetohydroxamic acid (PAHH) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) has been accomplished. The oxoperoxovanadium(V) complex was found to mimic both vanadate-dependent haloperoxidase (VHPO) activity as well as nuclease activity through effective interaction with DNA. The complex is the first example of a structurally characterized stable oxoperoxovanadium(V) complex with a coordinated bi-dentate hydroximate moiety (-CONHO(-)) from 2-phenylacetohydroximate (PAH). The oxoperoxovanadium(V) complex has been used as catalyst for the peroxidative bromination reaction of some unsaturated alcohols (e.g. 4-pentene-1-ol, 1-octene-3-ol and 9-decene-1-ol) in the presence of H(2)O(2) and KBr. The catalytic products have been characterized by GC-MS analysis and spectrophotometric methods. The DNA binding of this complex has been established with CT DNA whereas the DNA cleavage was demonstrated with plasmid DNA. The interactions of the complex with DNA have been monitored by electronic absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Viscometric measurements suggest that the compound is a DNA intercalator. The nuclease activity of this complex was confirmed by gel electrophoresis studies.

Two new Mn(III) complexes of formulas [MnL(1)(N(3))(OMe)](2) (1) and [MnL(2)(N(3))(2)](n) (2) have been synthesized by using two tridentate NNO-donor Schiff base ligands HL(1){(2-[(3-methylaminoethylimino)-methyl]-phenol)} and HL(2) {(2-[1-(2-dimethylaminoethylimino)methyl]phenol)}, respectively. Substitution of the H atom on the secondary amine group of the N-methyldiamine fragment of the Schiff base by a methyl group leads to a drastic structural change from a methoxido-bridged dimer (1) to a single μ(1,3)-azido-bridged 1D helical polymer (2). Both complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray structural analyses and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. The magnetic properties of compound 1 show the presence of weak ferromagnetic exchange interactions mediated by double methoxido bridges (J = 0.95 cm(-1)). Compound 2 shows the existence of a weak antiferromangetic coupling along the chain (J = -8.5 cm(-1)) through the single μ(1,3)-N(3) bridge with a spin canting that leads to a long-range antiferromagnetic order at T(c) ≈ 9.3 K and a canting leading to a weak ferromagnetic long-range order at T(c) ≈ 8.5 K. It also exibits metamagnetic behavior at low temperatures with a critical field of ca.1.2 T due to the weak antiferromagnetic interchain interactions that appear in the canted ordered phase.

New bifunctional pyrazole based ligands of the type [C(3)HR(2)N(2)CONR'] (where R = H or CH(3); R' = CH(3), C(2)H(5), or (i)C(3)H(7)) were prepared and characterized. The coordination chemistry of these ligands with uranyl nitrate and uranyl bis(dibenzoyl methanate) was studied with infrared (IR), (1)H NMR, electrospray-mass spectrometry (ES-MS), elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The structure of compound [UO(2)(NO(3))(2)(C(3)H(3)N(2)CON{C(2)H(5)}(2))] (2) shows that the uranium(VI) ion is surrounded by one nitrogen atom and seven oxygen atoms in a hexagonal bipyramidal geometry with the ligand acting as a bidentate chelating ligand and bonds through both the carbamoyl oxygen and pyrazolyl nitrogen atoms. In the structure of [UO(2)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(C(5)H(7)N(2)CON {C(2)H(5)}(2))(2)], (5) the pyrazole ligand acts as a second sphere ligand and hydrogen bonds to the water molecules through carbamoyl oxygen and pyrazolyl nitrogen atoms. The structure of [UO(2)(DBM)(2)C(3)H(3)N(2)CON{C(2)H(5)}(2)] (8) (where DBM = C(6)H(5)COCHCOC(6)H(5)) shows that the pyrazole ligand acts as a monodentate ligand and bonds through the carbamoyl oxygen to the uranyl group. The ES-MS spectra of 2 and 8 show that the ligand is similarly bonded to the metal ion in solution. Ab initio quantum chemical studies show that the steric effect plays the key role in complexation behavior., (© 2012 American Chemical Society)

An opioid (leucine-enkephalin) conformational analogue forms diverse nanostructures such as vesicles, tubes, and organogels through self-assembly. The nanovesicles encapsulate the natural hydrophobic drug curcumin and allow the controlled release through cation-generated porogens in membrane mimetic solvent., (Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Three new Mn(II) coordination compounds {[Mn(NCNCN)(2)(azpy)]·0.5azpy}(n) (1), {[Mn(NCS)(2)(azpy)(CH(3)OH)(2)]·azpy}(n) (2), and [Mn(azpy)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][Mn(azpy)(H(2)O)(5)]·4PF(6)·H(2)O·5.5azpy (3) (where azpy = 4,4'-azobis(pyridine)) have been synthesized by self-assembly of the primary ligands, dicyanamide, thiocyanate, and hexafluorophosphate, respectively, together with azpy as the secondary spacer. All three complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, thermal analyses, and single crystal X-ray crystallography. The structural analyses reveal that complex 1 forms a two-dimensional (2D) grid sheet motif. These sheets assemble to form a microporous framework that incorporates coordination-free azpy by host-guest π···π and C-H···N hydrogen bonding interactions. Complex 2 features azpy bridged one-dimensional (1D) chains of centrosymmetric [Mn(NCS)(2)(CH (3)OH)(2)] units which form a 2D porous sheet via a CH(3)···π supramolecular interaction. A guest azpy molecule is incorporated within the pores by strong H-bonding interactions. Complex 3 affords a 0-D motif with two monomeric Mn(II) units in the asymmetric unit. There exist π···π, anion···π, and strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the azpy, water, and the anions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, at the M06/6-31+G* level of theory, are used to characterize a great variety of interactions that explicitly show the importance of host-guest supramolecular interactions for the stabilization of coordination compounds and creation of the fascinating three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the title compounds.

Facile in situ Cu(II) mediated transformation of p-tolylsulfonyldithiocarbimate in conjunction with polypyridyl or phosphine ligands into corresponding carbamate and thiocarbamate led to the formation of new copper complexes with varying nuclearities and geometries, via C-S bond activation of the ligand within identical reaction systems.

In the biomimetic design two hydrophobic pentapetides Boc-Ile-Aib-Leu-Phe-Ala-OMe (I) and Boc-Gly-Ile-Aib-Leu-Phe-OMe (II) (Aib: α-aminoisobutyric acid) containing one Aib each are found to undergo solvent assisted self-assembly in methanol/water to form vesicular structures, which can be disrupted by simple addition of acid. The nanovesicles are found to encapsulate dye molecules that can be released by the addition of acid as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and UV studies. The influence of solvent polarity on the morphology of the materials generated from the peptides has been examined systematically, and shows that fibrillar structures are formed in less polar chloroform/petroleum ether mixture and vesicular structures are formed in more polar methanol/water. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that while β-sheet mediated self-assembly leads to the formation of fibrillar structures, the solvated β-sheet structure leads to the formation of vesicular structures. The results demonstrate that even hydrophobic peptides can generate vesicular structures from polar solvent which may be employed in model studies of complex biological phenomena.

The synthesis, lanthanide complexation, and solvent extraction of actinide(III) and lanthanide(III) radiotracers from nitric acid solutions by a phenanthroline-derived quadridentate bis-triazine ligand are described. The ligand separates Am(III) and Cm(III) from the lanthanides with remarkably high efficiency, high selectivity, and fast extraction kinetics compared to its 2,2'-bipyridine counterpart. Structures of the 1:2 bis-complexes of the ligand with Eu(III) and Yb(III) were elucidated by X-ray crystallography and force field calculations, respectively. The Eu(III) bis-complex is the first 1:2 bis-complex of a quadridentate bis-triazine ligand to be characterized by crystallography. The faster rates of extraction were verified by kinetics measurements using the rotating membrane cell technique in several diluents. The improved kinetics of metal ion extraction are related to the higher surface activity of the ligand at the phase interface. The improvement in the ligand's properties on replacing the bipyridine unit with a phenanthroline unit far exceeds what was anticipated based on ligand design alone.

A set of backbone modified peptides of general formula Boc-Xx-m-ABA-Yy-OMe where m-ABA is meta-aminobenzoic acid and Xx and Yy are natural amino acids such as Phe, Gly, Pro, Leu, Ile, Tyr and Trp etc., are found to self-assemble into soft nanovesicular structures in methanol-water solution (9:1 by v/v). At higher concentration the peptides generate larger vesicles which are formed through fusion of smaller vesicles. The formation of vesicles has been facilitated through the participation of various noncovalent interactions such as aromatic pi-stacking, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Model study indicates that the pi-stacking induced self-assembly, mediated by m-ABA is essential for well structured vesicles formation. The presence of conformationally rigid m-ABA in the backbone of the peptides also helps to form vesicular structures by restricting the conformational entropy. The vesicular structures get disrupted in presence of various salts such as KCI, CaCl2, N(n-Bu)4Br and (NH4)2SO4 in methanol-water solution. Fluorescence microscopy and UV studies reveal that the soft nanovesicles encapsulate organic dye molecules such as Rhodamine B and Acridine Orange which could be released through salts induced disruption of vesicles.

Reaction of a potential NCN-pincer ligand, viz. 1,3-di(phenylazo)benzene (L), with [Rh(PPh(3))(3)Cl] affords, via a C-H bond activation, an interesting dinuclear Rh(II) complex (1), and with RhCl(3)·3H(2)O affords a mononuclear Rh(III) complex (2) containing a catalytically useful Rh-OH(2) fragment.

The preparation, crystal structures and magnetic properties of two new isoelectronic and isomorphous formate- and nitrite-bridged 1D chains of Mn(III)-salen complexes, [Mn(salen)(HCOO)](n) (1) and [Mn(salen)(NO(2))](n) (2), where salen is the dianion of N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-diaminoethane, are presented. The structures show that the salen ligand coordinates to the four equatorial sites of the metal ion and the formate or nitrite ions coordinate to the axial positions to bridge the Mn(III)-salen units through a syn-antiμ-1κO:2κO' coordination mode. Such a bridging mode is unprecedented in Mn(III) for formate and in any transition metal ion for nitrite. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of complexes 1 and 2 indicate the presence of ferromagnetic exchange interactions with J values of 0.0607 cm(-1) (for 1) and 0.0883 cm(-1) (for 2). The ac measurements indicate negligible frequency dependence for 1 whereas compound 2 exhibits a decrease of χ(ac)' and a concomitant increase of χ(ac)'' on elevating frequency around 2 K. This finding is an indication of slow magnetization reversal characteristic of single-chain magnets or spin-glasses. The μ-nitrito-1κO:2κO' bridge seems to be a potentially superior magnetic coupler to the formate bridge for the construction of single-molecule/-chain magnets as its coupling constant is greater and the χ(ac)' and χ(ac)'' show frequency dependence., (© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011)

Four new nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(2)L(2)(NO(2))(2)]·CH(2)Cl(2)·C(2)H(5)OH, 2H(2)O (1), [Ni(2)L(2)(DMF)(2)(μ-NO(2))]ClO(4)·DMF (2a), [Ni(2)L(2)(DMF)(2)(μ-NO(2))]ClO(4) (2b) and [Ni(3)L'(2)(μ(3)-NO(2))(2)(CH(2)Cl(2))](n)·1.5H(2)O (3) where HL = 2-[(3-amino-propylimino)-methyl]-phenol, H(2)L(') = 2-({3-[(2-hydroxy-benzylidene)-amino]-propylimino}-methyl)-phenol and DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, have been synthesized starting with the precursor complex [NiL(2)]·2H(2)O, nickel(ii) perchlorate and sodium nitrite and characterized structurally and magnetically. The structural analyses reveal that in all the complexes, Ni(II) ions possess a distorted octahedral geometry. Complex 1 is a dinuclear di-μ(2)-phenoxo bridged species in which nitrite ion acts as chelating co-ligand. Complexes 2a and 2b also consist of dinuclear entities, but in these two compounds a cis-(μ-nitrito-1κO:2κN) bridge is present in addition to the di-μ(2)-phenoxo bridge. The molecular structures of 2a and 2b are equivalent; they differ only in that 2a contains an additional solvated DMF molecule. Complex 3 is formed by ligand rearrangement and is a one-dimensional polymer in which double phenoxo as well as μ-nitrito-1κO:2κN bridged trinuclear units are linked through a very rare μ(3)-nitrito-1κO:2κN:3κO' bridge. Analysis of variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data indicates that there is a global weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the nickel(ii) ions in four complexes, with exchange parameters J of -5.26, -11.45, -10.66 and -5.99 cm(-1) for 1, 2a, 2b and 3, respectively.

Two pentaaza macrocycles containing pyridine in the backbone, namely 3,6,9,12,18-pentaazabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene ([15]pyN(5)), and 3,6,10,13,19-pentaazabicyclo[13.3.1]nonadeca-1(19),15,17-triene ([16]pyN(5)), were synthesized in good yields. The acid-base behaviour of these compounds was studied by potentiometry at 298.2K in aqueous solution and ionic strength 0.10 M in KNO(3). The protonation sequence of [15]pyN(5) was investigated by (1)H NMR titration that also allowed the determination of protonation constants in D(2)O. Binding studies of the two ligands with Ca(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Pb(2+) metal ions were performed under the same experimental conditions. The results showed that all the complexes formed with the 15-membered ligand, particularly those of Cu(2+) and especially Ni(2+), are thermodynamically more stable than with the larger macrocycle. Cyclic voltammetric data showed that the copper(II) complexes of the two macrocycles exhibited analogous behaviour, with a single quasi-reversible one-electron transfer reduction process assigned to the Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple. The UV-visible-near IR spectroscopic and magnetic moment data of the nickel(II) complexes in solution indicated a tetragonal distorted coordination geometry for the metal centre. X-band EPR spectra of the copper(II) complexes are consistent with distorted square pyramidal geometries. The crystal structure of [Cu([15]pyN(5))](2+) determined by X-ray diffraction showed the copper(II) centre coordinated to all five macrocyclic nitrogen donors in a distorted square pyramidal environment., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

An uncommon coordination protocol induced by the p-tolylsulfonyl dithiocarbimate ligand (L) [L = p-CH(3)C(6)H(4)SO(2)N[double bond, length as m-dash]CS(2)(2-)] in conjunction with PPh(3) allowed the formation of novel homodimetallic, Cu(2)(PPh(3))(4)L (1), trinuclear heterometallic Cu(2)Ni(L)(2)(PPh(3))(4) (2) and heteroleptic complexes of general formula cis-[M(PPh(3))(2)L] [M = Pd(ii) (3), Pt(ii) (4)]. The complexes have been characterized by microanalysis, mass spectrometry, IR, (1)H, (13)C and (31)P NMR and electronic absorption spectra and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. 2 uniquely consists of square planar, trigonal planar and tetrahedral coordination spheres within the same molecule. In both heteroleptic complexes 3 and 4 the orientation of aromatic protons of PPh(3) ligand towards the Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) center reveals C-HPd and C-HPt rare intramolecular anagostic or preagostic interactions. These complexes exhibit photoluminescent properties in solution at room temperature arising mainly from intraligand charge transfer (ILCT) transitions. The assignment of electronic absorption bands has been corroborated by time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. Complexes 1 and 2 with σ(rt) values ∼ 10(-6) S cm(-1) show semi-conductor properties in the temperature range 313-403 K whereas 3 and 4 exhibit insulating behaviour.

The hexaazamacrocycles [28](DBF)(2)N(6) {cyclo[bis(4,6-dimethyldibenzo[b,d]furaniminoethyleneiminoethylene]} and [32](DBF)(2)N(6) {cyclo[bis(4,6-dimethyldibenzo[b,d]furaniminopropyleneiminopropylene]} form stable dinuclear copper(ii) complexes suitable to behave as receptors for several anionic substrates. These two receptors were used to study the binding interactions with several substrates, such as imidazole (Him) and some carboxylates [benzoate (bz(-)), oxalate (ox(2-)), malonate (mal(2-)), phthalate (ph(2-)), isophthalate (iph(2-)), and terephthalate (tph(2-))] by spectrophotometric titrations and EPR spectroscopy in MeOH (or H(2)O):DMSO (1 : 1 v/v) solution. The largest association constant was found for ox(2-) with Cu(2)[32](DBF)(2)N(6)(4+), whereas for the aromatic dicarboxylate anions the binding constants follow the trend ph(2-) > iph(2-) > tph(2-), i.e. decrease with the increase of the distance of the two binding sites of the substrate. On the other hand, the large blue shift of 68 nm observed by addition of Him to Cu(2)[32](DBF)(2)N(6)(4+) points out for the formation of the bridged CuimCu cascade complex, indicating this receptor as a potential sensor for the detection and determination of imidazole in solution. The X-band EPR spectra of the Cu(2)[28](DBF)(2)N(6)(4+) and Cu(2)[32](DBF)(2)N(6)](4+) complexes and the cascade complexes with the substrates, performed in H(2)O:DMSO (1 : 1 v/v) at 5 to 15 K, showed that the CuCu distance is slightly larger than the one found in crystal state and that this distance increases when the substrate is accommodated between the two copper centres. The crystal structure of [Cu(2)[28](DBF)(2)N(6)(ph)(2)]·CH(3)OH was determined by X-ray diffraction and revealed the two copper centres bridged by two ph(2-) anions at a CuCu distance of 5.419(1) Å. Each copper centre is surrounded by three carboxylate oxygen atoms from two phthalate anions and three contiguous nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle in a pseudo octahedral coordination environment.

Two mixed bridged one-dimensional (1D) polynuclear complexes, [Cu(3)L(2)(mu(1,1)-N(3))(2)(mu-Cl)Cl](n) (1) and {[Cu(3)L(2)(mu-Cl)(3)Cl].0.46CH(3)OH}(n) (2), have been synthesized using the tridentate reduced Schiff-base ligand HL (2-[(2-dimethylamino-ethylamino)-methyl]-phenol). The complexes have been characterized by X-ray structural analyses and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. In both complexes the basic trinuclear angular units are joined together by weak chloro bridges to form a 1D chain. The trinuclear structure of 1 is composed of two terminal square planar [Cu(L)(mu(1,1)-N(3))] units connected by a central Cu(II) atom through bridging nitrogen atoms of end-on azido ligands and the phenoxo oxygen atom of the tridentate ligand. These four coordinating atoms along with a chloride ion form a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry around the central Cu(II). The structure of 2 is similar; the only difference being a Cl bridge replacing the mu(1,1)-N(3) bridge in the trinuclear unit. The magnetic properties of both trinuclear complexes can be very well reproduced with a simple linear symmetrical trimer model (H = -JS(i)S(i+1)) with only one intracluster exchange coupling (J) including a weak intertrimer interaction (j) reproduced with the molecular field approximation. This model provides very satisfactory fits for both complexes in the whole temperature range with the following parameters: g = 2.136(3), J = -93.9(3) cm(-1) and zj = -0.90(3) cm(-1) (z = 2) for 1 and g = 2.073(7), J = -44.9(4) cm(-1) and zJ' = -1.26(6) cm(-1) (z = 2) for 2.

Pseudoacid chlorides of 2,5-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl) terephthalic acid and 4,6-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl) isophthalic acid condense with primary amines to afford diastereomeric bis(hydroxyindolinone)s in good isolated yields and with diamines to give high molecular weight poly(hydroxyindolinone)s. Bis-N-pyrenemethyl bis(hydroxyindolinone)s assemble, even in dipolar solvents such as DMSO, with macrocyclic diimide-sulfones to give [3]pseudorotaxanes stabilized by electronically complementary aromatic pi-pi-stacking and shape-complementary van der Waals interactions.

Three novel mixed bridged trinuclear and one tetranuclear copper(II) complexes of tridentate NNO donor Schiff base ligands [Cu(3)(L(1))(2)(mu(1,1)-N(3))(2)(CH(3)OH)(2)(BF(4))(2)] (1), [Cu(3)(L(1))(2)(mu(1,1)-N(3))(2)(mu-NO(3)-1kappaO:2kappaO')(2)] (2), [Cu(3)(L(2))(2)(mu(1,1)-N(3))(2)(mu-NO(3)-1kappaO:2kappaO')(2)] (3) and [Cu(4)(L(3))(2)(mu(1,1)-N(3))(4)(mu-CH(3)COO-1kappaO:2kappaO')(2)] (4) have been synthesized by reaction of the respective tridentate ligands (L(1) = 2-[1-(2-dimethylamino-ethylimino)-ethyl]-phenol, L(2) = 2-[1-(2-diethylamino-ethylimino)-ethyl]-phenol, L(3) = 2-[1-(2-dimethylamino-ethylimino)-methyl]-phenol) with the corresponding copper(ii) salts in the presence of NaN(3). The complexes are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and variable-temperature magnetic measurements. Complex 1 is composed of two terminal [Cu(L(1))(mu(1,1)-N(3))] units connected by a central [Cu(BF(4))(2)] unit through nitrogen atoms of end-on azido ligands and a phenoxo oxygen atom of the tridentate ligand. The structures of 2 and 3 are very similar; the only difference is that the central unit is [Cu(NO(3))(2)] and the nitrate group forms an additional mu-NO(3)-1kappaO:2kappaO' bridge between the terminal and central copper atoms. In complex 4, the central unit is a di-mu(1,1)-N(3) bridged dicopper entity, [Cu(2)(mu(1,1)-N(3))(2)(CH(3)COO)(2)] that connects two terminal [Cu(L(3))(mu(1,1)-N(3))] units through end-on azido, phenoxo oxygen and mu-CH(3)COO-1kappaO:2kappaO' triple bridges to result in a tetranuclear unit. Analyses of variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data indicates that there is a global weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the copper(II) ions in complexes 1-3, with the exchange parameter J of -9.86, -11.6 and -19.98 cm(-1) for 1-3, respectively. In complex 4 theoretical calculations show the presence of an antiferromagnetic coupling in the triple bridging ligands (acetato, phenoxo and azido) while the interaction through the double end-on azido bridging ligand is strongly ferromagnetic.

Four new Cu(II)-azido complexes of formula [CuL(N(3))] (1), [CuL(N(3))](2) (2), [Cu(7)L(2)(N(3))(12)](n) (3), and [Cu(2)L(dmen)(N(3))(3)](n) (4) (dmen = N,N-dimethylethylenediamine) have been synthesized using the same tridentate Schiff base ligand HL (2-[1-(2-dimethylaminoethylimino)ethyl]phenol, the condensation product of dmen and 2-hydroxyacetophenone). The four compounds have been characterized by X-ray structural analyses and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. Complex 1 is mononuclear, whereas 2 is a single mu-1,1 azido-bridged dinuclear compound. The polymeric compound 3 possesses a 2D structure in which the Cu(II) ions are linked by phenoxo oxygen atoms and two different azide bridges (mu-1,1 and mu-1,1,3). The structure of complex 4 is a double helix in which two mu-1,3-azido-bridged alternating one-dimensional helical chains of CuL(N(3)) and Cu(dmen)(N(3))(2) are joined together by weak mu-1,1 azido bridges and H-bonds. The complexes interconvert in solution and can be obtained in pure form by carefully controlling the conditions. The magnetic properties of compounds 1 and 2 show the presence of very weak antiferromagnetic exchange interactions mediated by a ligand pi overlap (J = -1.77) and by an asymmetric 1,1-N(3) bridge (J = -1.97 cm(-1)), respectively. Compound 3 presents, from the magnetic point of view, a decorated chain structure with both ferro- and antiferromagnetic interactions. Compound 4 is an alternating helicoidal chain with two weak antiferromagnetic exchange interactions (J = -1.35 and -2.64 cm(-1)).

The new ligand 6,6''-bis(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-benzotriazin-3-yl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (CyMe4-BTTP) has been synthesized in 4 steps from 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine. Detailed NMR and mass spectrometry studies indicate that the ligand forms 1:2 complexes with lanthanide(III) perchlorates where the aliphatic rings are conformationally constrained whereas 1:1 complexes are formed with lanthanide(III) nitrates where the rings are conformationally mobile. An optimized structure of the 1:2 solution complex with Yb(III) was obtained from the relative magnitude of the induced paramagnetic shifts. X-Ray crystallographic structures of the ligand and of its 1:1 complex with Y(III) were also obtained. The NMR and mass spectra of [Pd(CyMe4-BTTP)]n(2n+) are consistent with a dinuclear double helical structure (n = 2). In the absence of a phase-modifier, CyMe4-BTTP in n-octanol showed a maximum distribution coefficient of Am(III) of 0.039 (±20%) and a maximum separation factor of Am(III) over Eu(III) of 12.0 from nitric acid. The metal(III) cations are extracted as the 1:1 complex from nitric acid. The generally low distribution coefficients observed compared with the BTBPs arise because the 1:1 complex of CyMe4-BTTP is considerably less hydrophobic than the 1:2 complexes formed by the BTBPs. In M(BTTP)(3+) complexes, there is a competition between the nitrate ions and the ligand for the complexation of the metal.

Novel macrocyclic receptors that bind electron-donor aromatic substrates through pi-stacking donor-acceptor interactions are obtained by cycloimidisation of an amine-functionalised aryl ether sulfone with pyromellitic and 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydrides. These macrocycles can form complexes with a wide variety of pi-donor substrates, including tetrathiafulvalene, naphthalene, anthracene, pyrene, perylene and functional derivatives of these polycyclic hydrocarbons. The resulting supramolecular assemblies range from simple 1:1 complexes to [2]- and [3]pseudorotaxanes and even (as a result of crystallographic disorder) an apparent polyrotaxane. Direct five-component self-assembly of a metal-centred [3]pseudorotaxane is also observed on complexation of a macrocyclic ether imide with 8-hydroxyquinoline in the presence of palladium(II) ions. Binding studies in solution were carried out by using (1)H NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, and the stoichiometries of binding were confirmed by Job plots based on the charge-transfer absorption bands. The highest association constants were found for strong pi-donor guests with large surface areas, notably perylene and 1-hydroxypyrene, for which K(a) values of 1.4x10(3) and 2.3x10(3) M(-1), respectively, were found. Single-crystal X-ray analyses of the receptors and their derived complexes reveal large induced-fit distortions of the macrocyclic frameworks as a result of complexation. These structures provide compelling evidence for the existence of strong attractive forces between the electronically complementary aromatic pi systems of host and guest.

The iron oxyallyl carbocation generated from 2,7-dibromocycloheptanone was induced to undergo [4 + 3] cycloaddition reactions with various furans, affording a series of 12-oxatricyclo-[4.4.1.1(2,5)]-dodec-3-en-11-one adducts. Similar methodology was used to prepare two additional cycloadducts using menthofuran and two homologous aliphatic dibromoketones. Dipolar cycloaddition of ozone to the adducts afforded the corresponding secondary ozonides (i.e., 1,2,4-trioxolanes) in variable yields. Ozonides were investigated by quantum mechanics at the B3LYP/6-31+G* level to study structural features including close contacts which may be responsible for enhancing ozonide stability. The effect of these ozonides and their corresponding precursor cycloadducts upon radicle growth of both Sorghum bicolor and Cucumis sativus was evaluated at 5.0 x 10(-4) mol L(-1). The most active cycloadducts and ozonides were also evaluated against the weed species Ipomoea grandifolia and Brachiaria decumbens, and the results are discussed. Compared to ozonides previously synthesized in our laboratory, the new ozonides described herein present improved plant growth regulatory activity.

Trans-1, [HNEt3][CoIII(LSe)2].H2O and cis-1, [HNEt3][CoIII(LSe)2].3H2O have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray studies. The counter ion Et3NH+ plays a crucial role in the crystal packing leading to the formation of two distinctly different supramolecular assemblies in the two complexes. In trans-1, Co-bisphenolate units and triethylamine molecules are arranged in a linear fashion leading to a supramolecular columnar assembly along the crystallographic a-axis. In this assembly, triethylammonium ions are sandwiched between successive Co-bisphenolate units and act as gluing agents joining Co-bisphenolate units on either side through C-Hpi interactions. In sharp contrast to trans-1, Co-bisphenolate units and triethylammonium ions in cis-1 are arranged in a helical supramolecular assembly through similar C-Hpi interactions along the crystallographic b-axis. The SeSe van der Waals interactions may be responsible for the predominant occurrence of the cis- isomer. The cyclic voltammetric studies showed quasi-reversible waves for the cobalt(III)-->cobalt(II) reductions with E1/2=0.635 and 0.628 V vs. Ag/AgCl for cis-1 (at approximately 5 degrees C) and trans-1 (at approximately 25 degrees C), respectively. DFT calculations show that the trans-form is the thermodynamic product with higher stability than the cis- one, which is consistent with the variable temperature 1H NMR studies.

Three new polynuclear copper(II) complexes of singly deprotonated L-glutamic acid (L-glu), {[Cu(bipy)2][Cu(bipy)(L-glu)H2O]2(BF4)4 x (H2O)3}n (1), {[Cu(bipy)(L-glu)H2O][Cu(bipy)(L-glu)(ClO4)](ClO4) x (H2O)2}n (2) and [Cu(phen)(L-glu)H2O]2(NO3)2 x (H2O)4 (3) (bipy = 2,2-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), were synthesized in acidic pH (ca. 2.5) and characterized structurally. In all the complexes, L-glutamic acid acts as a bidentate chelating ligand, leaving the protonated carboxylic acid free. Both in 1 and 2, two different types of species [Cu(bipy)2](BF4)2 and [Cu(bipy)(L-glu)H2O]BF4 for 1 and [Cu(bipy)(L-glu)H2O]ClO4 and [Cu(bipy)(L-glu)(ClO4)] for 2 coexist in the solid state. In complex 1, the [Cu(bipy)(L-glu)H2O]+ units are joined together by syn-anti carboxylate bridges to form an enantiopure (M) helical chain and the [Cu(bipy)2]2+ presents a very rare example of the four-coordinate distorted tetrahedral geometry of Cu(II). In complex 2, the [Cu(bipy)(L-glu)(ClO4)] units are joined together by weakly coordinating perchlorate ions to form a 1D polymeric chain while the [Cu(bipy)(L-glu)H2O]+ units remain as mononuclear species. The different coordinating ability of the two counter anions along with their involvement in the H-bonding network seems likely to be responsible for the difference in the final polymeric structures in the two compounds. Variable-temperature (2-300 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements show negligible coupling for both the complexes. The structure of 3 consists of two independent monomeric [Cu(phen)(L-glu)H2O]+ cations, two nitrate anions and four water molecules. The copper atom occupies a five-coordinate square pyramidal environment with a water molecule in the axial position.

Five new nickel(II) complexes [Ni(2)L(2)(N(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (1), [Ni(2)L(2)(NO(3))(2)] (2), [Ni(2)L(2)(O(2)CPh)(CH(3)OH)(2)]ClO(4).0.5CH(3)OH (3), [Ni(3)L(2)(O(2)CPh)(4)] (4), and [Ni(2)L(2)(NO(2))(2)](n) (5) have been synthesized by using a tridentate Schiff base ligand, HL (2-[(3-Methylamino-propylimino)-methyl]-phenol), and the polyatomic monoanions N(3)(-), NO(3)(-), PhCOO(-), or NO(2)(-). The complexes have been structurally and magnetically characterized. The structural analysis reveals that in all five complexes, the Ni(II) ions possess a distorted octahedral geometry. Complexes 1 and 2 are dinuclear with di-mu-1,1-azido and di-mu(2)-phenoxo bridges, respectively. Complex 3 is also a di-mu(2)-phenoxo-bridged dinuclear Ni(II) complex but has an additional syn-syn benzoate bridge. Compound 4 possesses a linear trinuclear structure with the tridentate Schiff base ligand coordinated to the terminal nickel atoms which are linked to the central Ni(II) by phenoxo and carboxylate bridges. Complex 5 consists of a dinuclear entity, bridged by di-mu(2)-phenoxo together with a cis-(mu-nitrito-1kappaO:2kappaN) nitrite ion. The dinuclear units are linked each other by another bridging trans-(mu-nitrito-1kappaO:2kappaN) nitrite to form a Ni(II) chain that shows the presence of unprecedented alternating cis- and trans-N,O bridging mode of the nitrite anion. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of complex 1 indicate the presence of ferromagnetic exchange interactions within the dimer (J = 23.5(3) cm(-1)) together with antiferromagnetic interdimer interactions (J' = -0.513(3) cm(-1)), whereas compounds 2 and 3 show intradimer antiferromagnetic interactions (J = -24.27(6) and -16.48(4) cm(-1), respectively). Ferromagnetic coupling (J = 6.14(2) cm(-1)) is observed in complex 4 for the linear centro-symmetric Ni(II) trimer, whereas complex 5 shows an alternating intra-chain antiferromagnetic coupling (J(1) = -32.1(1) cm(-1) and J(2) = -3.2(1) cm(-1)).

Structural and magnetic characterization of compound {[Ni(2)(L)(2)(OAc)(2)][Ni(3)(L)(2)(OAc)(4)]}.2CH(3)CN (3) (HL = the tridentate Schiff base ligand, 2-[(3-methylamino-propylimino)-methyl]-phenol) shows that it is a rare example of a crystal incorporating a dinuclear Ni(II) compound, [Ni(2)(L)(2)(OAc)(2)], and a trinuclear one, [Ni(3)(L)(2)(OAc)(4)]. Even more unusual is the fact that both Ni(II) complexes, [Ni(2)(L)(2)(OAc)(2)] (1) and [Ni(3)(L)(2)(OAc)(4)(H(2)O)(2)].CH(2)Cl(2).2CH(3)OH (2), have also been isolated and structurally and magnetically characterized. The structural analysis reveals that the dimeric complexes [Ni(2)(L)(2)(OAc)(2)] in cocrystal 3 and in compound 1 are almost identical-in both complexes, the Ni(II) ions possess a distorted octahedral geometry formed by the chelating tridentate ligand (L), a chelating acetate ion, and a bridging phenoxo group with very similar bond angles and distances. On the other hand, compound 2 and the trinuclear complex in the cocrystal 3 show a similar linear centrosymmetric structure with the tridentate ligand coordinated to the terminal Ni(II) and linked to the central Ni(II) by phenoxo and carboxylate bridges. The only difference is that a water molecule found in 2 is not present in the trinuclear unit of complex 3; instead, the coordination sphere is completed by an additional bridging oxygen atom from an acetate ligand. Variable-temperature (2-300 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements show that the dinuclear unit is antiferromagnetically coupled in both compounds (2J = -36.18 and -29.5 cm(-1) in 1 and 3, respectively), whereas the trinuclear unit shows a very weak ferromagnetic coupling in compound 3 (2J = 0.23 cm(-1)) and a weak antiferromagnetic coupling in 2 (2J = -8.7(2) cm(-1)) due to the minor changes in the coordination sphere.