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The synthesis of a tripodal, S-based ligand, namely the mesitylene-anchored, tris-thiophenolate-functionalized (mes(Me,AdArS)3)3- (1)3-, and its coordination chemistry with low-valent uranium to form [UIII((SArAd,Me)3mes)] (1-U) are reported. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals a C3-symmetric molecular structure. Full characterization of 1-U was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance, UV-vis-NIR electronic absorption, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies as well as SQUID magnetometry, thus confirming the U(III) oxidation state. Alternating current magnetic studies show that 1-U exhibits single-molecule magnet behavior at low temperatures in a non-zero external field. Comparison of these results to those of the previously reported mesitylene-anchored complexes, [UIII((OArAd,Me)3mes)] and [UIII((OArtBu,tBu)3mes)], indicates a drastic change in the electronic structure when moving from phenolate-based ligands to thiophenolate-based 1, which is further discussed by means of computational analysis (NBO, DFT, and QTAIM). Despite the U-O bonds being stronger, a much higher covalency was found for the U-S analogue.

Oxidation of the low-spin FeIV imido complex [{(tBupyrr)2py}Fe═NAd] (1) ((tBupyrr)2py2- = 2,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-pyrrolyl)pyridine, Ad = 1-adamantyl) with AgOAc or AgNO3 promotes reductive N-N bond coupling of the former imido nitrogen with a pyrrole nitrogen to form the respective ferric hydrazido-like pincer complexes [{(tBupyrrNAd)(tBupyrr)py}Fe(κ2-X)] (X = OAc-, 2OAc; NO3-, 2NO3). Reduction of 2OAc with KC8 cleaves the N-N bond to reform the FeIV imido ligand in 1, whereas acid-mediated demetalation of 2OAc or 2NO3 yields the free hydrazine ligand [(tBupyrrNHAd)(tBupyrrH)py] (3), the latter of which can be used as a direct entry to the iron imido complex when treated with [Fe{N(SiMe3)2}2]. In addition to characterizing these Fe systems, we show how this nitrene transfer strategy can be expanded to Co for the one-step synthesis of Co{(tBu-NHAdpyrr)(tBupyrr)py}] (4) ((tBu-NHAdpyrr)(tBupyrr)py2- = 2-(3-tBu-5-(1-adamantylmethyl-2-methylpropane-2-yl)-pyrrol-2-yl)-6-(3,5-tBu2-pyrrol-2-yl)-pyridine).

Constructing synthetic models of the nitrogenase PN -cluster has been a long-standing synthetic challenge. Here, we report an optimal nitrogenase PN -cluster model [{(TbtS)(OEt2 )Fe4 S3 }2 (μ-STbt)2 (μ6 -S)] (2) [Tbt=2,4,6-tris{bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl}phenyl] that is the closest synthetic mimic constructed to date. Of note is that two thiolate ligands and one hexacoordinated sulfide are connecting the two Fe4 S3 incomplete cubanes similar to the native PN -cluster, which has never been achieved. Cluster 2 has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and relevant physico-chemical methods. The variable temperature magnetic moments of 2 indicate a singlet ground state (S=0). The Mossbauer spectrum of 2 exhibits two doublets with an intensity ratio of 3:1, which suggests the presence of two types of iron sites. The synthetic pathway of the cluster 2 could indicate the native PN -cluster maturation process as it has been achieved from the Fe4 S4 cubane Fe4 S4 (STbt)4 (1).

We have synthesized and characterized Co(II) (1), Zn(II) (2), Fe(III) (3) and Cu(II) (4) complexes of 2,2'‐[2,6‐pyridinediylbis(ethylidyne‐1‐hydrazinyl‐2‐ylidene)]bis[N,N,N‐trimethyl‐2‐oxoethanaminium] dichloride (H2LCl2) by NMR, IR, and X‐Band EPR spectroscopy, respectively, as well as by single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis. H2LCl2 belongs to the class of diacetylpyridine bis(hydrazone) ligands and bears two positively charged quaternary ammonium functionalities. The complexes 1–3 possess a pentagonal‐bipyramidal geometry, whereas 4 has square‐pyramidal geometry. Redox reactivity and SOD activity of the complexes was studied by means of electrochemical measurements in aqueous‐buffer and DMF or DMSO solutions, respectively, as well as by stopped‐flow measurements. Complexes 1–3 do not have SOD activity, whereas 4 exhibits a high catalytic rate constant for the superoxide dismutation, kcat = 1.73 × 107 m–1 s–1 (in MOPS buffer solution of pH = 7.4). The results were discussed in terms of complex redox potentials, electrostatic interactions and their spatial distribution, kinetic lability of metal centers, and stability of peroxo intermediates, respectively.

The mode of anticancer activity of simple ferrocenes often relies on their intracellular oxidation with the formation of cytotoxic ferrocenium species. The former compounds should be considered as ...

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.

Transmetalation of the β-diketiminate salt [M][MenacnacPh] (M+ = Na or K; MenacnacPh– = {PhNC(CH3)}2CH–) with UI3(THF)4 resulted in the formation of the homoleptic, octahedral complex [U(MenacnacPh...

We elucidate why some electron rich-olefins such as tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) or paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinylidene) form persistent radical cations, whereas others such as the dimer of N,N′-dimethyl benzimidazolin-2-ylidene (benzNHC) do not. Specifically, three heterodimers derived from cyclic (alkyl) (amino) carbenes (CAAC) with N,N′-dimethyl imidazolin-2-ylidene (NHC), N,N′-dimethyl imidazolidin-2-ylidene (saNHC) and N-methyl benzothiazolin-2-ylidene (btNHC) are reported. Whereas the olefin radical cations with the NHC and btNHC are isolable, the NHC compound with a saturated backbone (saNHC) disproportionates instead to the biscation and olefin. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties of the electron-rich olefins derived from the dimerization of the saNHC and btNHC were assessed. Based on the experiments, we propose a general computational method to model the electrochemical potentials and disproportionation equilibrium. This method, which achieves an accuracy of 0.07 V (0.06 V with calibration) in reference to the experimental values, allows for the first time to rationalize and predict the (in)stability of olefin radical cations towards disproportionation. The combined results reveal that the stability of heterodimeric olefin radical cations towards disproportionation is mostly due to aromaticity. In contrast, homodimeric radical cations are in principle isolable, if lacking steric bulk in the 2,2′ positions of the heterocyclic monomers. Rigid tethers increase accordingly the stability of homodimeric radical cations, whereas the electronic effects of substituents seem much less important for the disproportionation equilibrium., Only sterics and aromaticity control whether radical olefin cations are stable.

A novel method for the N−N bond cleavage of trimethylsilyl diazomethane is reported for the synthesis of terminal nitride complexes. The lithium salt of trimethylsilyl diazomethane was used to generate a rare terminal nitrilimine transition metal complex with partially occupied d‐orbitals. This iron complex 2 was characterized by CHN combustion analysis, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, SQUID magnetometry, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and computational analysis. The combined results suggest a high‐spin d 6 (S=2) electronic configuration and an allenic structure of the nitrilimine ligand. Reduction of 2 results in release of the nitrilimine ligand and formation of the iron(I) complex 3, which was characterized by CHN combustion analysis, 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Treatment of 2 with fluoride salts quantitatively yields the diamagnetic FeIV nitride complex 4, with concomitant formation of cyanide and trimethylsilyl fluoride through N−N bond cleavage., Chain reaction: A fluoride salt cleaves the N–N bond of an iron trimethylsilyl nitrilimine complex and generates the terminal nitride, fluorotrimethylsilane, and cyanide. The complementary reactivity of nitrilimine and azido ligands provides a new approach for the synthesis of metal terminal nitrido complexes.

Constructing synthetic models of the nitrogenase P

Magneli phases of titanium dioxide (such as Ti4O7, Ti5O9, etc.) provide electronic properties, namely a stable metallic behavior at room temperature. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that nanoscopic Magneli phases, formed intrinsically in anatase during a thermal aerosol synthesis, can enable significant photocatalytic H2 generation. This without the use of any extrinsic co-catalyst in anatase. Under optimized conditions, mixed phase particles of 30 percent anatase, 25 percent Ti4O7 and 20 percent Ti5O9 are obtained that can provide, under solar light, direct photocatalytic H2 evolution at a rate of 145 micromol h-1 g-1. These anatase particles contain 5-10 nm size inter-grown phases of Ti4O7 and Ti5O9. Key is the metallic band of Ti4O7 that induces a particle internal charge separation and transfer cascade with suitable energetics and favorable dimensions that are highly effective for H2 generation.

The utility of the bulky aryloxide ligands 2,6-Ad2-4-Me-C6H2O- (Ad,Ad,MeArO-) and 2,6-Ad2-4-t-Bu-C6H2O- (Ad,Ad,t-BuArO-; Ad = 1-adamantyl) for stabilizing the Y(II) ion is reported and compared with the results with 2,6-t-Bu2-4-Me-C6H2O- (Ar'O-). In contrast to the reduction product obtained from reducing Y(OAr')3 with potassium graphite, which is only stable in solution for 60 s at room temperature, KC8 reduction of Y(OArAd,Ad,t-Bu)3 in THF in the presence of 2.2.2-cryptand (crypt) produces the room-temperature stable, crystallographically characterizable Y(II) aryloxide [K(crypt)][Y(OArAd,Ad,t-Bu)3]. The X-band EPR spectrum at 77 K shows an axial pattern with resonances centered at g⊥ = 1.97 and g∥ = 2.00 and hyperfine coupling constants of A⊥ = 156.5 G and A∥ = 147.8 G and at room temperature shows an isotropic pattern with giso = 1.98 and Aiso = 153.3 G, which is consistent with an S = 1/2 spin system with nuclear spin I = 1/2 for the 89Y isotope (100% natural abundance).

Noble metal cocatalysts are conventionally a crucial factor in oxide-semiconductor-based photocatalytic hydrogen generation. In the present work, we show that optimized high-temperature hydrogenation of commercially available strontium titanate (SrTiO3) powder can be used to engineer an intrinsic cocatalytic shell around nanoparticles that can create a photocatalyst that is highly effective without the use of any additional cocatalyst for hydrogen generation from neutral aqueous methanol solutions. This intrinsic activation effect can also be observed for SrTiO3[100] single crystal as well as Nb-doped SrTiO3 (100) single crystal. For all types of SrTiO3 samples (nanopowders and either of the single crystals), hydrogenation under optimum conditions leads to a surface-hydroxylated layer together with lattice defects visible by transmission electron microscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and photoluminescence (PL). Active samples provide states in a defective matrix -- this is in contrast to the inactive defects formed in other reductive atmospheres. In aqueous media, active SrTiO3 samples show a significant negative shift of the flatband potential (in photoelectrochemical as well as in capacitance data) and a lower charge-transfer resistance for photoexcited electrons. We therefore ascribe the remarkable cocatalyst-free activation of the material to a synergy between thermodynamics (altered interface energetics induced by hydroxylation) and kinetics (charge transfer mediation by suitable Ti3+ states).

An unprecedented, super oxidized all-ferric iron-sulfur cubanoid cluster with all terminal thiolates, Fe4 S4 (STbt)4 (3) [Tbt=2,4,6-tris{bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl}phenyl], has been isolated from the reaction of the bis-thiolate complex Fe(STbt)2 (2) with elemental sulfur. This cluster 3 has been characterized by X-ray crystallography, zero-field 57 Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and other relevant physico-chemical methods. Based on all the data, the electronic ground state of the cluster has been assigned to be Stot =0.

Summary: Neutral zinc alkoxide complexes show high activity toward the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters and carbonates, to generate biodegradable plastics applicable in several areas. Herein, we use a ferrocene-chelating heteroscorpionate complex in redox-switchable polymerization reactions, and we show that it is a moderately active catalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide, ɛ-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, and δ-valerolactone. Uniquely for this type of catalyst, the oxidized complex has a similar polymerization activity as the corresponding reduced compound, but displays significantly different rates of reaction in the case of trimethylene carbonate and δ-valerolactone. Investigations of the oxidized compound suggest the presence of an organic radical rather than an Fe(III) complex. Electronic structure and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to support the proposed electronic states of the catalytic complex and to help explain the observed reactivity differences. The catalyst was also compared with a monomeric phenoxide complex to show the influence of the phosphine-zinc interaction on catalytic properties. : Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Catalysis; Polymer Chemistry Subject Areas: Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Catalysis, Polymer Chemistry

Reduction of the group 4 transition metal precursors [(PN)2MCl2] (M = Zr (1), and Hf (2)); PN− = (N-(2-(diisopropylphosphino)-4-methylphenyl)-2,4,6-trimethylanilide), both readily prepared by transmetallation of 2 LiPN with [MCl4(THF)2], with a slight excess of KC8, resulted in the isolation of the trivalent complexes [(PN)2MCl] (M = Zr (3), and Hf (4)). Complexes 1–4 were all identified by solid-state X-ray diffraction analysis, whereas in the case of 3 and 4 low temperature X-band EPR spectroscopy allowed for the identification of these metal-centered d1 radicals. A comparison with the isostructural and isoelectronic but more stable [(PN)2TiCl] is also presented.

Correction for ‘Aromaticity and sterics control whether a cationic olefin radical is resistant to disproportionation’ by Julian Messelberger et al., Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 4138–4149, DOI: 10.1039/D0SC00699H.

A highly active FeSe2 electrocatalyst for durable overall water splitting was prepared from a molecular 2Fe-2Se precursor. The as-synthesized FeSe2 was electrophoretically deposited on nickel foam and applied to the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER, respectively) in alkaline media. When used as an oxygen-evolution electrode, a low 245 mV overpotential was achieved at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 , representing outstanding catalytic activity and stability because of Fe(OH)2 /FeOOH active sites formed at the surface of FeSe2 . Remarkably, the system is also favorable for the HER. Moreover, an overall water-splitting setup was fabricated using a two-electrode cell, which displayed a low cell voltage and high stability. In summary, the first iron selenide material is reported that can be used as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for the OER and HER, as well as overall water splitting.

'Black' TiO2 -in the widest sense, TiO2 reduced by various treatments-has attracted tremendous scientific interest in recent years because of some outstanding properties; most remarkably in photocatalysis. While the material effects visible light absorption (the blacker, the better), black titania produced by high pressure hydrogenation was recently reported to show another highly interesting feature; noble-metal-free photocatalytic H2 generation. In a systematic investigation of high-temperature hydrogen treatments of anatase nanoparticles, TEM, XRD, EPR, XPS, and photoelectrochemistry are used to characterize different degrees of surface hydrogenation, surface termination, electrical conductivity, and structural defects in the differently treated materials. The materials' intrinsic activity for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is coupled neither with their visible light absorption behavior nor the formation of amorphous material, but rather must be ascribed to optimized and specific defect formation (gray is better than black). This finding is further confirmed by using a mesoporous anatase matrix as a hydrogenation precursor, which, after conversion to the gray state, even further enhances the overall photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity.

Reduction of the titanium alkylidene [(PNP)Ti═CHtBu(OTf)] (PNP– = N[2-PiPr2-4-methylphenyl]2–) with KC8 in the presence of pyridine results in formation of the transient titanium(III) alkylidene radical [(PNP)Ti═CHtBu)] (A) or the adduct [(PNP)Ti═CHtBu)(NC5H5)] (B), which activates the C–H bond of pyridine to form the titanium(III) pyridyl alkyl complex [(PNP)Ti(CH2tBu)(η2-NC5H4)] (1) in 64% yield as brown microcrystals. Low-temperature X-band EPR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies confirm the identity of 1 as a d1 metal-centric radical with superhyperfine coupling to one nitrogen atom and having a side-on pyridyl moiety, which results in formation of the two isomeric forms 1a,b. Oxidation of 1 with [FeCp*2][OTf] cleanly promotes α-hydrogen abstraction to re-form [(PNP)Ti═CHtBu(OTf)] with concurrent elimination of pyridine and FeCp*2. Re-formation of the alkylidene moiety most likely stems from an intermediate such as [(PNP)Ti(CH2tBu)(η2-NC5H4)(OTf)] (C).

The reaction of elemental sulfur with the cis-divacant octahedral complex [(pyrr2py)Fe(OEt2)] (1; pyrr2py2– = 3,5-tBu2-bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine) yields the iron dimer [(pyrr-1-S-pyrrpy)Fe]2 (2; pyrr-1-S-pyrrpy2– = 3,5-(tBu2-pyrrolyl)(1-S-3,5-tBu2-pyrrolyl)pyridine) resulting from a pyrr2py2– ligand based S-oxidation of one pyrrole arm. Addition of the phosphorus ylide H2CPPh3 to 1 forms the ylide adduct [(pyrr2py)Fe(CH2PPh3)] (3), which upon reaction with elemental sulfur produces a rare example of a sulfurmethylenephosphorane adduct, [(pyrr2py)Fe(SCH2PPh3)] (4). The sulfur-oxidized pyrrole group of the ligand pyrr-1-S-pyrrpy2– can be reversed, since complex 2 exhibits S atom transferability via the addition of 2 equiv of H2CPPh3 to yield a mixture of compounds 3 and 4. For all complexes reported, the ferrous ion remains S = 2. Complexes 2–4 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as 1H NMR spectroscopy, solid and solution magnetic studies, and 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopic measurements.

Noble metal cocatalysts are conventionally a crucial factor in oxide-semiconductor-based photocatalytic hydrogen generation. In the present work, we show that optimized high-temperature hydrogenation of commercially available strontium titanate (SrTiO

International audience; Recently, the use of a new family of electroluminescent copper(I) complexes—i.e., the archetypal [Cu(IPr)(3‐Medpa)][PF6] complex; IPr: 1,3‐bis‐(2,6‐di‐iso‐propylphenyl)imidazole‐2‐ylidene; 3‐Medpa: 2,2′‐bis‐(3‐methylpyridyl)amine—has led to blue light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) featuring luminances of 20 cd m−2, stabilities of 4 mJ, and efficiencies of 0.17 cd A−1. Herein, this study rationalizes how to enhance these figures‐of‐merit optimizing both device fabrication and design. On one hand, a comprehensive spectroscopic and electrochemical study reveals the degradation of this novel emitter in common solvents used for LEC fabrication, as well as the impact on the photoluminescence features of thin‐films. On the other hand, spectro‐electrochemical and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy assays suggest that the device performance is strongly limited by the irreversible formation of oxidized species that mainly act as carrier trappers and luminance quenchers. Based on all of the aforementioned, device optimization was realized using ionic additives and a hole transporter either as a host–guest or as a multilayered architecture approach to decouple hole/electron injection. The latter significantly enhances the LEC performance, reaching luminances of 160 cd m−2, stabilities of 32.7 mJ, and efficiencies of 1.2 cd A−1. Overall, this work highlights the need of optimizing both device fabrication and design toward highly efficient and stable LECs based on cationic copper(I) complexes.

In large-scale, hydrogen production from water-splitting represents the most promising solution for a clean, recyclable, and low-cost energy source. The realization of viable technological solutions requires suitable efficient electrochemical catalysts with low overpotentials and long-term stability for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) based on cheap and nontoxic materials. Herein, we present a unique molecular approach to monodispersed, ultra-small, and superiorly active iron phosphide (FeP) electrocatalysts for bifunctional OER, HER, and overall water-splitting. They result from transformation of a molecular iron phosphide precursor, containing a [Fe2P3] core with mixed-valence FeIIFeIII sites bridged by an asymmetric cyclo-P(2+1)3− ligand. The as-synthesized FeP nanoparticles act as long-lasting electrocatalysts for OER and HER with low overpotential and high current densities that render them one of the best-performing electrocatalysts hitherto known. The fabricated alkaline electrolyzer delivered low cell voltage with durability over weeks, representing an attractive catalyst for large-scale water-splitting technologies., Chemical Science, 9 (45), ISSN:2041-6520, ISSN:2041-6539

'Black' TiO

The first synthesized and X-ray structurally characterized "classical" iron(i) dioximate showed an unrivaled stability towards strong acids, thus calling for a reassessment of the origins of the electrocatalytic activity of similar low-valent cobalt and iron cage complexes with electron-withdrawing ribbed substituents, shown previously to be effective electrocatalysts of the HER.