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Three ionic compounds with metalloid germanium cluster [Ge9(Hyp)3]− as free anions and polynuclear divalent lanthanide-iodide cations have been obtained and structurally characterized. A blue luminescence of Eu2+ was found.

One-way photoisomerization of ligands within metal complexes is an almost unknown phenomenon. We disclosed that a diarylethene-based ligand L-o undergoes quantitative irreversible photoisomerization to a photo- and thermostable annulated isomer L-a both in a metal-free state and within a spin-crossover iron(II) complex. The modulation of the electronic structure of the ligand upon L-o to L-a photoisomerization provides a unique opportunity to change the physical properties, in this case magnetic properties, of the corresponding metal complexes permanently, which is highly attractive for constructing non-volatile permanent memories and components for emerging molecular electronics and spintronics. Importantly, destructive thermal back-switching, which is commonly observed in metal complexes with photochromic ligands, is completely suppressed with our strategy.

We report the synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of the first rare earth complexes of metalloid group 14 clusters [(thf)2Ln(Ge9Hyp3)2] (Ln = Eu, Sm, Hyp = Si(SiMe3)3). X-Ray crystallographic analysis and DFT calculations reveal a novel η2-coordination mode of the Ge9Hyp3 units and a slight distortion of the Ge9 cage.

A rare example of a dinuclear iron core with a non-linearly bridged dinitrogen ligand is reported in this work. One-electron reduction of [(tBupyrr2py)Fe(OEt2)] (1) (tBupyrr2py2- = 2,6-bis((3,5-di-tert-butyl)pyrrol-2-yl)pyridine) with KC8 yields the complex [K]2[(tBupyrr2py)Fe]2(μ2-η1:η1-N2) (2), where the unusual cis-divacant octahedral coordination geometry about each iron and the η5-cation-π coordination of two potassium ions with four pyrrolyl units of the ligand cause distortion of the bridging end-on μ-N2 about the FeN2Fe core. Attempts to generate a Et2O-free version of 1 resulted instead in a dinuclear helical dimer, [(tBupyrr2py)Fe]2 (3), via bridging of the pyridine moieties of the ligand. Reduction of 3 by two electrons under N2 does not break up the dimer, nor does it result in formation of 2 but instead formation of the ate-complex [K(OEt2)]2[(tBupyrr2py)Fe]2 (4). Reduction of 1 by two electrons and in the presence of crown-ether forms the tetraanionic N2 complex [K2][K(18-crown-6)]2(tBupyrr2py)Fe]2(μ2-η1:η1-N2) (5), also having a distorted FeN2Fe moiety akin to 2. Complex 2 is thermally unstable and loses N2, disproportionating to Fe nanoparticles among other products. A combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, solution and solid-state magnetic studies, and 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy has been applied to characterize complexes 2-5, whereas DFT studies have been used to help explain the bonding and electronic structure in these unique diiron-N2 complexes 2 and 5.

Manipulating the equilibrium between a ketone and an enol by light opens up ample opportunities in material chemistry and photopharmacology. By incorporating β-ketoester into the ethene bridge of a photoactive diarylethene, we achieved reversible light-induced tautomerization to give thermally stable enol. In a pristine state, the tautomeric equilibrium is almost completely shifted toward the ketone. Photocyclization of diarylethene results in a new equilibrium containing a significant fraction of the enol tautomer.

A new family of photochromic diarylethene-based ligands bearing a 2-(imidazol-2-yl)pyridine coordination unit has been developed. Four members of the new family have been synthesized. The photoactive ligands feature non-aromatic ethene bridges (cyclopentene, cyclopentenone, and cyclohexenone), as well as closely spaced photoactive and metal coordination sites aiming a strong impact of photocyclization on the electronic structure of the coordinated metal ion. The ligands with cyclopentenone and cyclohexenone bridges show good cycloreversion quantum yields of 0.20–0.32. The thermal stability of closed-ring isomers reveals half-lives of up to 20 days in solution at room temperature. The ligands were used to explore coordination chemistry with iron(II) targeting photoswitchable spin-crossover complexes. Unexpectedly, dinuclear and tetranuclear iron(II) complexes were obtained, which were thoroughly characterized by X-ray crystallography, magnetic measurements, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The formation of multinuclear complexes is facilitated by two coordination sites of the diarylethene, acting as a bridging ligand. The bridging nature of the diarylethene in the complexes prevents photocyclization.

Switchable valence tautomeric metal complexes have been long suggested for applications as chemosensors. However, no such molecular sensors have been yet reported. Here, we present a concept for sensing and the first prototype molecular sensor based on valence tautomeric cobalt-dioxolenes. A valence tautomeric cobalt-dioxolene complex [ls-CoIII(SQ•)(Cat)(stypy)2] ⇄ [hs-CoII(SQ•)2(stypy)2] 1 (ls = low spin, hs = high spin, Cat = 3,5-di-tert-butylcatecholate(2-), SQ = one-electron oxidized, benzosemiquinone(1-) form of Cat, stypy = trans-4-styrylpyridine) has been used as a molecular sensor. The lability of axial stypy ligands of 1 in solution allows us to exchange stypy ligands by dimethyl sulfoxide and simple pyridine analytes in a controllable way, which triggers colorimetric and magnetic responses.

We report the synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of the first rare earth complexes of metalloid group 14 clusters [(thf)2Ln(Ge9Hyp3)2] (Ln = Eu, Sm, Hyp = Si(SiMe3)3). X-Ray crystallographic analysis and DFT calculations reveal a novel η2-coordination mode of the Ge9Hyp3 units and a slight distortion of the Ge9 cage.

Five neutral bis(μ-phenoxido)dicopper(II) complexes, [Cu2(LMe,Me,Me)2] (1), [Cu2(LMe,Me,Et)2]·CH2Cl2 (2), [Cu2(Li-Pr,i-Pr,i-Pr)2]·2H2O (3), [Cu2(Lt-Bu,Me,i-Pr)2] (4), and [Cu2(Lt-Bu,t-Bu,i-Pr)2]·H2O (5) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, magnetic studies, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, in which the ligands [H2LMe,Me,Me = N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)-N′,N′-dimethylethylene-1,2-diamine, H2LMe,Me,Et = N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)-N′,N′-dimethylethylene-1,2-diamine, H2Li-Pr,i-Pr,i-Pr = N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-diisopropylbenzyl)-N′,N′-diisopropylethylene-1,2-diamine, H2Lt-Bu,Me,i-Pr = N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-methylbenzyl)-N′,N′-diisopropylethylene-1,2-diamine, and H2Lt-Bu,t-Bu,i-Pr = N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)-N′,N′-diisopropylethylene-1,2-diamine] contain the same [O,N,N,O]-donor atoms combination but differ in substituents at phenol rings and at an amino nitrogen atom. The effect of these remote substituents on the nature of exchange coupling interactions (ferromagnetic vs antiferromagnetic) between the copper(II) ions has been investigated. The average Cu–O–Cu angle, Cu–O–Cu–O torsion angle, and Cu···Cu separation in 1–5 are varied systematically by these remote ligand substituents in the range 98.6–83.3°, 26.0–46.5°, and 2.982–2.633 Å, respectively. As a result, the intramolecular spin–spin coupling in these complexes are changing gradually from a strong antiferromagnetic (J = −395 cm–1, where Ĥ = −JŜ1Ŝ2) to a moderate ferromagnetic (J = +53.2 cm–1) regime. The crossover angle at which the magnetic interaction changes from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic (J = 0) is determined to be ca. 87° for this series of dicopper(II) complexes. DFT calculations support the experimentally determined crossover angle and disclose various magneto–structural correlations in the series 1–5.

Complexes of divalent ytterbium (1) and europium (2) with a dianionic o-amidophenolate ligand were prepared by both the direct reduction of 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-o-iminobenzoquinone (dpp-IQ) and the salt metathesis reaction of potassium o-amidophenolate with LnI2 (Ln = Yb, Eu). Oxidation of o-amidophenolates 1, 2 with one equivalent of dpp-IQ as well as the salt metathesis reaction of potassium o-iminosemiquinolate with LnI2 afforded ligand mixed-valent o-iminosemiquinonato-amidophenolato complexes of trivalent ytterbium (3) and europium (4). All novel complexes 1-4 were fully characterized, including the solid state structures of 1 and 2 determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The magnetic properties of paramagnetic 2-4 were examined.

For a long time, starting from pioneering works of M. Irie in the late 80 s and early 90 s of the last century, photochromic diarylethenes were primarily associated with dithienylethenes – diarylethenes possessing thiophene groups. However, about 10 years ago, azole heterocycles (thiazole, oxazole, imidazole) started to be used as aryl moieties instead of common thiophenes, which contributed significantly to the development of diarylethene-based photochromes. In this review, we analyzed in detail the effects of substituting traditional thiophenes in diarylethenes by azoles and revealed amazing examples of functional molecules, materials, and devices based on azole-containing photochromic molecules.

Manipulating the equilibrium between a ketone and an enol by exposure to light opens up ample opportunities in material chemistry and photopharmacology since it allows one to reversibly control the content of the enol tautomer, which acts as a hydrogen atom donor, with high spatio-temporal and energy resolution. Although tautomerization of β-ketoesters or their analogs was studied in numerous papers, their light-induced reversible tautomerization to give thermally stable enols (photoenolization) is an unexplored area. To shed light on this “blind spot”, we report an unprecedented property of diarylethene 2A assembled from fragments of photoactive dithienylethene and a β-ketoester as part of the cyclohexenone bridge. In a pristine state, the tautomeric equilibrium of 2 is almost completely shifted towards the ketone. Photocyclization of the hexatriene system results in a new equilibrium system containing a significant fraction of the enol tautomer, both in polar and non-polar solvents. Due to the considerable spectral separation (35 nm), the keto-enol tautomerization process could be observed visually. The tendency of 2A to undergo light-induced enolization was proved by isolating a related byproduct of photochemical 1,2-dyotropic rearrangement stabilized in the enolic form. Our results provide a novel tool for controlling the keto-enol tautomerism that might find use in the development of novel photocontrollable processes.

International audience; Thin films of an iron(II) complex with a photochromic diarylethene-based ligand and featuring a spin-crossover behaviour have been grown by sublimation in ultra-high vacuum on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and spectroscopically characterized through high-resolution X-ray and ultraviolet photoemission, as well as via X-ray absorption. Temperature-dependent studies demonstrated that the thermally induced spin-crossover is preserved at a sub-monolayer (0.7 ML) coverage. Although the photochromic ligand ad hoc integrated into the complex allows the photo-switching of the spin state of the complex at room temperature both in bulk and for a thick film on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, this photomagnetic effect is not observed in sub-monolayer deposits. Ab initio calculations justify this behaviour as the result of specific adsorbate–substrate interactions leading to the stabilization of the photoinactive form of the diarylethene ligand over photoactive one on the surface.

Bis-bidentate ligand H4LB featuring two o-amidophenol noninnocent units was used to synthesize novel binuclear complexes [(LR)MIII(•LB•)MIII(LR)](ClO4)2, M = Fe (1) and Co (2, 3), with HLR (R = CH3, Cl) being the facially coordinating tetradentate coligands. Upon the synthesis, the fully reduced amidophenolate form of the ligand (LB)4– becomes oxidized, resulting in the formation of a rare example of a biradical (•LB•)2– bridge connecting two metal ions, as supported by X-ray crystallography. The electronic structures of the complexes have been probed by Mossbauer spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Species 1 contains two high-spin Fe(III) ions (S = 5/2) each coupled strongly antiferromagnetically (|J| > 150 cm–1; Ĥ = −2JŜ1Ŝ2) with a semiquinone π-radical (S = 1/2) form of the bridging (•LB•)2– ligand. The effective S = 2 spins of each [Fe(III)+R●] monomeric unit are then weakly ferromagnetically coupled with J = +0.22 cm–1. Species 2...

Spin-crossover molecular switches [FeII(H2B(pz)2)2L] (L = novel phenanthroline-based ligands featuring photochromic diarylethene units; pz = 1-pyrazolyl) were synthesized and thoroughly characterized by variable-temperature X-ray crystallography, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. The effect of substituents introduced into the phenanthroline backbone (L2) and into the photochromic diarylethene unit (L3) on photophysical properties of metal-free ligands and spin-crossover iron(II) complexes 2 and 3, respectively, were investigated in detail. Both ligands and complexes could be switched with light in solution at room temperature. The photocyclization of 2 was accompanied by a high-spin to low-spin photoconversion determined at 19%. The closed-ring isomers of L3 and 3 reveal the lifetimes in the range of minutes, whereas those of L2 and 2 are thermally stable for days in solutions at room temperature. The reversibility of the photoswitching can be improved by avoiding the photostationary states. Prospective introduction of anchoring groups to the phenanthroline backbone might allow the construction of chemisorbed self-assembled monolayers of spin-crossover species switchable with light at room temperature.

The first lanthanide complexes with a redox-active sulfur diimide ligand, [LnCp*2 (Me3 SiN=)2 S] (Ln=Sm, Eu, Yb; Cp*=η5 -C5 Me5 ), are reported. The complexes were synthesized by using [LnCp*2 (THF)2 ] and (Me3 SiN=)2 S and have been thoroughly characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, EPR spectroscopy, UV/Vis/NIR electronic absorption spectroscopy and SQUID magnetometry. The results, as interpreted by CASSCF/SOC-RASSI calculations providing a non-perturbative treatment of spin-orbit coupling, indicate that these paramagnetic complexes are best described as Ln3+ and [(Me3 SiN=)2 S]-. adducts. As such, these complexes contain the first isolated and structurally characterized acyclic [(RN=)2 S]-. radical anions.

1,10-Phenanthroline represents a well-known versatile ligand system finding many applications in chemistry, biology, and material science. The properties and thus the use of these molecules are determined by coordinating metal ions and ligand substituents. Advanced ligand systems that, for instance, feature simultaneously an integrated photochrome and a surface anchoring group require the introduction of several differing substituents and the synthesis of asymmetric derivatives. In spite of a long history of the ligand system-and to our great surprise-a general synthetic approach allowing the introduction of differing substituents at positions (3,8) and (5,6) of 1,10-phenanthroline is not known. Here, we present a general approach for the synthesis of such phenanthrolines. The approach is used to integrate a diarylethene photochrome into a functionalized phenanthroline and thus to synthesize a novel photoswitchable phenanthroline and a corresponding spin-crossover molecular photoswitch. The functionality of both the ligand and its iron(II) complex at room temperature has been demonstrated. The importance of this work for chemical grafting of molecular switches based on phenanthrolines is emphasized.

Phase control in the self-assembly of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) – materials wherein organic ligands connect metal ions or clusters into network solids with potential porosity – is often a case of trial and error. Judicious control over a number of synthetic variables is required to select for the desired topology and control features such as interpenetration and defectivity, which have significant impact on physical properties and application. Herein, we present a comprehensive investigation of self-assembly in the Fe-biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylate system, demonstrating that coordination modulation, the addition of competing ligands into solvothermal syntheses, can reliably tune between the kinetic product, non-interpenetrated MIL-88D(Fe), and the thermodynamic product, two-fold interpenetrated MIL-126(Fe). DFT simulations reveal that correlated disorder of the terminal anions on the metal clusters in the interpentrated phase results in H-bonding between adjacent nets and is the thermodynamic driving force for its formation. Coordination modulation slows self-assembly and therefore selects the thermodynamic product MIL-126(Fe), while offering fine control over defectivity, inducing mesoporosity, but electron microscopy shows the MIL-88D(Fe) phase persists in many samples despite not being evident in diffraction experiments, suggesting its presence accounts for the lower than predicted surface areas reported for samples to date. Interpenetration control is also demonstrated by utilizing the 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylate linker; DFT simulations show that it is energetically prohibitive for it to adopt the twisted conformation required to form the interpenetrated phase, and are confirmed by experimental data, although multiple alternative phases are identified due to additional coordination of the Fe cations to the N-donors of the ligand. Finally, we introduce oxidation modulation – the concept of using metal precursors in a different oxidation state to that found in the final MOF – as a further protocol to kinetically control self-assembly. Combining coordination and oxidation modulation allows the synthesis of pristine MIL-126(Fe) with BET surface areas close to the predicted maximum capacity for the first time, suggesting that combining the two may be a powerful methodology for the controlled self-assembly of high-valent MOFs.

Spin-crossover metal complexes represent a highly promising class of molecular switches, the diverse physicochemical properties of which can be reversibly changed by different physical and chemical stimuli. One of the most interesting and examined features of these materials is the change of magnetic properties by changing the temperature or by irradiation with light at low temperatures. However, most prospective applications of such complexes require functioning at room temperature. This Concept article provides an overview about how the switching of spin-crossover metal complexes can be achieved at constant room temperature. The principles of switching by different physical and chemical methods in solution and in the solid state are presented in an easy-to-read form for nonspecialists. These are further supported and clarified by examples from the literature. The overview might also be interesting for experts that target spin-crossover systems functioning at ambient conditions.

International audience; Thin films of a molecular spin crossover iron(II) complex featuring a photochromic diarylethene-based ligand have been grown by sublimation in ultra-high vacuum on an Au(111) single crystal, and investigated by X-ray and UV photoelectron spectroscopies. Temperature-dependent studies demonstrate that the thermally induced spin crossover behaviour is preserved in thin films. The photochromic ligand deliberately integrated into the complex allows photoswitching of the spin states of this iron(II) complex at room temperature, and this photomagnetic effect is still observed in 5 nm thick sublimated films. Thus, this work opens new horizons and pushes bistable spin crossover systems closer to prospective applications in molecular electronics and molecular spintronics devices functioning at room temperature.

Valence tautomeric (VT) metal complexes are highly promising bistable molecular compounds for applications as molecular switches in molecular electronics and spintronics. Although VT species can be switched with light, the photoswitching in all reported systems requires very low temperatures (usually below 20 K) because photoinduced states are highly unstable at room temperature. The thermal instability hinders any practical application of these complexes in genuine devices. In this report, for the first time we demonstrate photoswitching of VT species and associated magnetic properties at room temperature. The bidirectional photoswitching in solution is due to cis–trans photoisomerizable 4-styrylpyridine ligands deliberately integrated into cobalt dioxolene molecular complexes. The novel type of photoswitching has been coined Ligand-Driven Light-Induced Valence Tautomerism (LD-LIVT). The photoconversion of VT states of 28% has been achieved in solution at room temperature. The photoinduced states show extraordinary thermal stability for hours at room temperature, as compared to common nanoseconds reported previously. The switching proceeds at molecular level with the effective photoswitching rate of 3 × 1013 molecules per s under our conditions. Consequently, this work may open new horizons in applications of molecular switches based on VT metal complexes in molecular devices functioning at room temperature.

A low-valent trinuclear iron complex with an unusual linear Fe(I)-Fe(II)-Fe(I) unit is presented. It is accessed in a rational approach using a salt metathesis reaction between a new anionic Fe(I) containing heterocycle and FeCl2. Its electronic structure was studied by single crystal XRD analysis, EPR and Mossbauer spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements.

Functionalization of the PNP pincer ligand backbone allows for a comparison of the dialkyl amido, vinyl alkyl amido, and divinyl amido ruthenium(II) pincer complex series [RuCl{N(CH2 CH2 PtBu2 )2 }], [RuCl{N(CHCHPtBu2 )(CH2 CH2 PtBu2 )}], and [RuCl{N(CHCHPtBu2 )2 }], in which the ruthenium(II) ions are in the extremely rare square-planar coordination geometry. Whereas the dialkylamido complex adopts an electronic singlet (S=0) ground state and energetically low-lying triplet (S=1) state, the vinyl alkyl amido and the divinyl amido complexes exhibit unusual triplet (S=1) ground states as confirmed by experimental and computational examination. However, essentially non-magnetic ground states arise for the two intermediate-spin complexes owing to unusually large zero-field splitting (D>+200 cm(-1) ). The change in ground state electronic configuration is attributed to tailored pincer ligand-to-metal π-donation within the PNP ligand series.

The valence-tautomeric six-coordinate complex [Co(tbdiox)2(4-papy)2] (1; tbdiox = redox-active 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-dioxolene, 4-papy = 4-phenylazopyridine) was synthesized and its electronic structure examined. Whereas 1 shows regular thermally driven valence tautomerism in the solid state, it partially dissociates in solution to form the five-coordinate species [Co(tbdiox)2(4-papy)] (2) and free 4-papy. Species 1 and 2 exhibit different electronic structures-low-spin (ls) Co(III) and high-spin (hs) Co(II), respectively-in solution at room temperature and therefore different magnetic properties. Since 1 and 2 are in an equilibrium that is 4-papy-dependent, the magnetic moment of the solution species can be tuned by means of the ligand content. Thus, the concept of coordination-induced valence tautomerism (CIVT) has been introduced. The electronic structures of 1 and 2 as well as their CIVT were elucidated by X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, titration experiments, and all variable-temperature SQUID susceptometry, NMR, EPR, and electronic absorption spectroscopy. The experimental findings are strongly supported by broken-symmetry DFT calculations. The magnetic exchange interactions in different types of valence-tautomeric cobalt complexes were explored computationally.

Fe-katalysierte Reaktionen haben sich in den vergangenen 10 Jahren fest in der organischen Synthese etabliert. Das ursprunglich von Hogsed und Hieber beschriebene komplexe Ferrat [Fe(CO)3(NO)]− zeigt katalytische Aktivitat in zahlreichen organischen Reaktionen und wird allgemein als isoelektronisch zum [Fe(CO)4]2− betrachtet. Allerdings zeigt der letztgenannte Komplex kaum katalytische Aktivitat. Die hier vorgestellten spektroskopischen und quantenchemischen Untersuchungen zeigen, dass das komplexe Ferrat [Fe(CO)3(NO)]− nicht wie angenommen als eine Fe−II-Spezies, sondern vielmehr als eine Fe0-Spezies, in der das Metall kovalent uber zwei π-Bindungen an ein NO− gebunden ist, aufgefasst werden sollte. Eine Metall-N-σ-Bindung wird nicht beobachtet.

Two dinuclear seven-coordinate manganese(II) complexes containing two pentaazamacrocyclic subunits, with imine or amine functionalities, respectively, have been synthesized and characterized in the solid state as well as in aqueous solutions of different pH, by performing X-ray structure analyses, SQUID, potentiometric, electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), electrochemical, and (17)O NMR water exchange measurements (varying temperature and pressure), and by determination of SOD activity. The two manganese(II) centers within the dinuclear structures behave independently from each other and similarly to the manganese centers in the corresponding mononuclear complexes. However, the dinuclear amine complex possesses increased complex stability and acidity of the coordinated water molecules (pK(a2) = 8.92) in comparison to the corresponding mononuclear analogue. This allowed us to observe a stable trans-aqua-hydroxo-Mn(II) species in an aqueous solution and to study for the first time the trans-effect of the hydroxo group on the water lability on any divalent metal center in general. The observed trans-labilizing effect of the hydroxo ligand is much smaller than in the case of aqua-hydroxo-M(III) trivalent metal species. Whether this is a general property of trans-aqua-hydroxo-M(II) species, or if it is specific for Mn(II) and/or to the seven-coordinate structures, remains to be seen and motivates future studies. In addition, an influence of the hydroxo ligand on the SOD activity of manganese(II) complexes could be evaluated for the first time as well. Compared with the mononuclear analogue, which is not able to form stable hydroxo species, our pH dependent studies on the SOD activity of the dinuclear amine complex have indicated that the hydroxo ligand may promote protonation and release of the product H(2)O(2), especially in solutions of higher pH values, by increasing its pK(a) value.

The first lanthanide complexes with a redox-active sulfur diimide ligand, [LnCp*

The synthesis and characterization of a series of manganese nitrides in a tripodal chelating tris(carbene) ligand framework is described. Photolysis of [(TIMEN(xyl))Mn(N(3))](+) (where TIMEN(xyl) = tris[2-(3-xylylimidazol-2-ylidene)ethyl]amine) yields the isolable molecular Mn(IV) nitride, [(TIMEN(xyl))Mn(N)](+). Spectroscopic and DFT studies indicate that this Mn(IV) d(3) complex has a doublet electronic ground state. The metal-centered one-electron oxidation of this Mn(IV) species results in formation of the pentavalent Mn(V) nitride, [(TIMEN(xyl))Mn(N)](2+). Unlike previously reported, tetragonal Mn(V) nitrides with a d(2), nonmagnetic S = 0 ground state, this trigonal bipyramidal complex has a triplet ground state S = 1. One-electron reduction of [(TIMEN(xyl))Mn(N)](+) produces the neutral, nonmagnetic trivalent [(TIMEN(xyl))Mn(N)] species with a d(4) low-spin, S = 0, ground state.

The 'Click'-derived tripodal ligand tris[(1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-yl)methyl]amine, tbta, was used to synthesize the complexes [Fe(tbta)Cl]BF(4), 1, and [Co(tbta)Cl]BF(4), 2. Both complexes were characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Single-crystal X-ray structural determination of 2 shows a 4 + 1 coordination around the cobalt(II) center with a rather long bond between Co(II) and the central amine nitrogen atom of tbta. Such a coordination geometry is best described as capped tetrahedral. 1 and 2 are thus the first examples of pseudotetrahedral coordinated Fe(II) and Co(II) complexes with tbta. A combination of SQUID susceptometry, EPR spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and DFT calculations was used to elucidate the electronic structures of these complexes and determine the spin state of the metal center. Comparisons are made between the complexes presented here with related complexes of other ligands such as tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, tmpa, hydrotris(pyrazolyl) borate, Tp, and tris(2-(1-pyrazolyl)methyl)amine, amtp. 1 and 2 were tested as precatalysts for the homopolymerization of ethylene, and both complexes delivered distinctly different products in this reaction. Blind catalyst runs were carried out with the metal salts to prove the importance of the tripodal ligand for product formation.

Naphthalene and anthracene transition metalates are potent reagents, but their electronic structures have remained poorly explored. A study of four Cp*-substituted iron complexes (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) now gives rare insight into the bonding features of such species. The highly oxygen- and water-sensitive compounds [K(18-crown-6){Cp*Fe(η(4)-C(10)H(8))}] (K1), [K(18-crown-6){Cp*Fe(η(4)-C(14)H(10))}] (K2), [Cp*Fe(η(4)-C(10)H(8))] (1), and [Cp*Fe(η(4)-C(14)H(10))] (2) were synthesized and characterized by NMR, UV-vis, and (57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. The paramagnetic complexes 1 and 2 were additionally characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The molecular structures of complexes K1, K2, and 2 were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Cyclic voltammetry of 1 and 2 and spectroelectrochemical experiments revealed the redox properties of these complexes, which are reversibly reduced to the monoanions [Cp*Fe(η(4)-C(10)H(8))](-) (1(-)) and [Cp*Fe(η(4)-C(14)H(10))](-) (2(-)) and reversibly oxidized to the cations [Cp*Fe(η(6)-C(10)H(8))](+) (1(+)) and [Cp*Fe(η(6)-C(14)H(10))](+) (2(+)). Reduced orbital charges and spin densities of the naphthalene complexes 1(-/0/+) and the anthracene derivatives 2(-/0/+) were obtained by density functional theory (DFT) methods. Analysis of these data suggests that the electronic structures of the anions 1(-) and 2(-) are best represented by low-spin Fe(II) ions coordinated by anionic Cp* and dianionic naphthalene and anthracene ligands. The electronic structures of the neutral complexes 1 and 2 may be described by a superposition of two resonance configurations which, on the one hand, involve a low-spin Fe(I) ion coordinated by the neutral naphthalene or anthracene ligand L, and, on the other hand, a low-spin Fe(II) ion coordinated to a ligand radical L(•-). Our study thus reveals the redox noninnocent character of the naphthalene and anthracene ligands, which effectively stabilize the iron atoms in a low formal, but significantly higher spectroscopic oxidation state.

The first examples of samarium, europium, and ytterbium complexes with 3,6-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone(3,6-dbbq) in the form of catecholate have been obtained by reactions of the quinone with the corresponding lanthanocenes, [LnCp2*(thf)n] (n = 1 or 2) in solution. In the course of the reactions lanthanide ions lose one or two Cp* ligands, which take part in reduction of a quinone molecule into a catecholate anion (dbcat, 2(-)). As a result of the reactions, Sm and Yb clearly yield dimeric complexes[(LnCp*)2(dbcat)2], where each Ln ion loses one Cp* ligand. Eu forms a trimeric complex [(EuCp*)-(Eu·thf)2(dbcat)3], in which one Eu ion is coordinated by one Cp* ligand, while two Eu ions have lost all Cp* ligands and are coordinated by THF molecules instead. Magnetic properties corroborate the assignment of oxidation states made on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction: all the quinone ligands are present in the catecholate state; both Sm/Yb ions in the dimers are in the +3 oxidation state, whereas the Eu trimer contains two Eu(II) and one Eu(III) ions. Cyclovoltammetry studies show the presence of two reversible oxidation waves for all complexes, presumably concerned with the redox transitions of the dbcat ligands.

Squaring the circle: the novel dienamido pincer ligand N(CHCHPtBu(2))(2)(-) affords the isolation of the unusual square-planar iridium(II) and iridium(III) amido complexes [IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu(2))(2)}](n) (n=0 (1), +1 (2)). In contrast, the corresponding iridium(I) complex of the redox series (n=-1) is surprisingly unstable. The diamagnetism of 2 is attributed to strong N→Ir π donation.

The chelating ligand t ris-[2-(3-aryl- im idazol-2-ylidene) e thyl]ami n e (TIMEN R , R = aryl = 2,6-xylyl (xyl), mesityl (mes)) has provided access to reactive transition metal complexes. Here, two new tripodal N-heterocyclic carbene ligands of the TIMEN R system (R = aryl = tolyl (tol), 3,5-xylyl (3,5xyl)), featuring sterically less demanding aryl substituents were synthesized. With these ligands, Fe(II) precursor complexes could be obtained, namely [(TIMEN tol )Fe](BF 4 ) 2 ( 3 ) and [(TIMEN 3,5xyl )Fe(CH 3 CN)](PF 6 ) 2 ( 7 ), which showed unexpected reactivity upon reduction. Treatment of the compounds with sodium amalgam yield the tris- and bis-metallated products, [(TIMEN tol∗∗∗ )Fe] ( 4 ) and [(TIMEN 3,5xyl∗∗ )Fe] ( 8 ), respectively. While the Fe(III) complex 4 is relatively inert towards oxygen, the Fe(II) complex 8 is prone to oxidation. This oxidation of 8 can readily be observed in chlorinated solvents, producing the Fe(III) complex [(TIMEN 3,5xyl∗∗ )Fe](PF 6 ) ( 9 ). All new ligand imidazolium precursors and metal complexes were characterized by single crystal X-ray structure determination.

The four-coordinate iron complexes, [Fe(III)(pda(2-))(pda(.-))] (1) and [AsPh(4)](2)[Fe(II)(pda(2-))(2)] (2) were synthesized and fully characterized; pda(2-) is the closed-shell ligand N,N'-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-o-phenylenediamido(2-), and pda(.-) represents its one-electron-oxidized pi-radical anion. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1 and 2 performed at 100(2) K reveal a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment at the iron centers, as a result of the intramolecular pi-pi interactions between C(6)F(5) rings. The electronic structures of 1 and 2 were unambiguously determined by a combination of (57)Fe Mossbauer and electronic spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, X-ray crystallography, and DFT calculations. Compound 1 contains an intermediate-spin Fe(III) ion (S(Fe)=3/2) strongly antiferromagnetically coupled to a pi-ligand radical (S(R)=1/2) yielding an S(t)=1 ground state. Complex 2 possesses a high-spin Fe(II) center (S(Fe)=2) with two closed-shell dianionic ligands. Complexes 1 and 2 are members of the redox series [Fe(pda)(2)](n) with n=0 for 1 and n=2- for 2. The anion n=1- has been reported previously in the coordination salt [Fe(dad)(3)][Fe(pda)(2)] (3; dad=N,N'-bis(phenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene). A complicated temperature-dependent electronic structure has been observed for this salt. Here, DFT calculations performed on 3 confirm the previous assignments of spin- and oxidation-states. Thus, [Fe(pda)(2)](n) (n=0, 1-, 2-) constitutes an electron-transfer series, which has also been established by cyclic voltammetry; the mono- and dications (n=1+ and 2+) are also accessible in solution, but have not been further investigated. The (57)Fe Mossbauer spectra of [Fe(pda)(2)](n) species in 1 and 3 show extremely large quadrupole splitting constants due to addition of the valence and covalence contributions that have been confirmed by DFT calculations.

Recent progress on switching spin-crossover metal complexes with light is reviewed. The photoswitching is accompanied by changes in magnetic properties, which is emphasized. A well-known light-induced excited spin state trapping effect is only briefly mentioned, while more attention is paid to new developments including photoswitching via photoinduced phase transition, ligand-driven light-induced spin change, and light-driven coordination-induced spin-state switching effects.

Spin-crossover metal complexes are highly promising magnetic molecular switches for prospective molecule-based devices. The spin-crossover molecular photoswitches developed so far operate either at very low temperatures or in the liquid phase, which hinders practical applications. Herein, we present a molecular spin-crossover iron(II) complex that can be switched between paramagnetic high-spin and diamagnetic low-spin states with light at room temperature in the solid state. The reversible photoswitching is induced by alternating irradiation with ultraviolet and visible light and proceeds at the molecular level.

The diimine complexes with bulky fluorinated N-substituents [NiII(FDAD)2] 1 and [CoII(FDAD)2] 2 [FDAD = N,N′-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene]as well as diimine complexes with extended π system [NiII(FBIAN)2] 3 and [CoI(FBIAN)3] 4 (FBIAN = bis[N-{3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}imino]acenaphthene) were synthesized. Compound 4 represents the first complex with three bis(imino)acenaphthene ligands synthesized so far. The molecular structures of the complexes 1–4 were determined by X-ray crystallography at 193 K. Complexes 1, 2 and 3 comprise the divalent metal ions with pairs of radical monoanionic ligands, whereas 4 is best described as a cobalt(I) complex with two neutral (FBIAN)0 and one (FBIAN)1– ligand in the radical monoanionic form. The electronic structures of the paramagnetic cobalt complexes 2 and 4 were investigated by SQUID measurements and X-band EPR spectroscopy. Both complexes possess a doublet ground state, with electron density located mostly in the metal d-orbitals. The doublet–quartet energy gap for 4 was established to be 159 cm–1. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)

New highly fluorinated derivatives of phenazine which are difficult to obtain in other ways, namely 1,2,2,3,4-pentafluoro-10-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)-2,10-dihydrophenazine (2) and its hydrolyzed product 1,3,4-trifluoro-10-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)-2(10H)-phenazinone (3), were both synthesized and characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray analysis and 1H, 19F NMR spectroscopy. Correlation between the results of X-ray analysis and NMR spectroscopy is established. The formation mechanism of 2 involving oxidation of a cobalt complex bearing two noninnocent o-benzosemiquinonediiminato(1-) ligands is proposed.

International audience; Low-temperature photolysis experiments (T = 10 K) on the tripodal azido complex [(BIMPNMes,Ad,Me)CoII(N3)] (1) were monitored by EPR spectroscopy and support the formation of an exceedingly reactive, high-valent Co nitrido species [(BIMPNMes,Ad,Me)CoIV(N)] (2). Density functional theory calculations suggest a low-spin d5, S = 1/2, electronic configuration of the central cobalt ion in 2 and, thus, are in line with the formulation of complex 2 as a genuine, low-spin Co(IV) nitride species. Although the reactivity of this species precludes handling above 50 K or isolation in the solid state, the N-migratory insertion product [(NH-BIMPNMes,Ad,Me)CoII](BPh4) (3) is isolable and was reproducibly synthesized as well as fully characterized, including CHN elemental analysis, paramagnetic 1H NMR, IR, UV–vis, and EPR spectroscopy as well as SQUID magnetization and single-crystal X-ray crystallography studies. A computational analysis of the reaction pathway 2 → 3 indicates that the reaction readily occurs via N-migratory insertion into the Co–C bond (activation barrier of 2.2 kcal mol–1). In addition to the unusual reactivity of the nitride 2, the resulting divalent cobalt complex 3 is a rare example of a trigonal pyramidal complex with four different donor ligands of a tetradentate chelate—an N-heterocyclic carbene, a phenolate, an imine, and an amine—binding to a high-spin Co(II) ion. This renders complex 3 chiral-at-metal.

A rare, low-spin Fe(IV) imide complex [(pyrr2py)Fe=NAd] (pyrr2 py(2-) = bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine; Ad = 1-adamantyl) confined to a cis-divacant octahedral geometry, was prepared by reduction of N3Ad by the Fe(II) precursor [(pyrr2py)Fe(OEt2)]. The imide complex is low-spin with temperature-independent paramagnetism. In comparison to an authentic Fe(III) complex, such as [(pyrr2py)FeCl], the pyrr2py(2-) ligand is virtually redox innocent.

During the past 10 years iron-catalyzed reactions have become established in the field of organic synthesis. For example, the complex anion [Fe(CO) 3(NO)]-, which was originally described by Hogsed and Hieber, shows catalytic activity in various organic reactions. This anion is commonly regarded as being isoelectronic with [Fe(CO)4]2-, which, however, shows poor catalytic activity. The spectroscopic and quantum chemical investigations presented herein reveal that the complex ferrate [Fe(CO)3(NO)]- cannot be regarded as a Fe-II species, but rather is predominantly a Fe0 species, in which the metal is covalently bonded to NO- by two π-bonds. A metal-N σ-bond is not observed. Even more complex: Spectroscopic and quantum chemical investigations show that the complex ferrate [Fe(CO) 3(NO)]- cannot be considered to be a Fe-II species, but rather is predominantly an Fe0 species, in which the metal is covalent bound to NO- by two π bonds. A metal=N σ bond is not observed.