Delocalization and Valence Tautomerism in Vanadium Tris(iminosemiquinone) Complexes

Abstract

AbstractTo survey the noninnocence of bis(arylimino) acenaphthene (BIAN) ligands (L) in complexes with early metals, the homoleptic vanadium complex, [V(L)3] (1), and its monocation, [V(L)3]PF6 (2), were synthesized. These complexes were found to have a very rich electronic behavior, whereby 1 displays strong electronic delocalization and 2 can be observed in unprecedented valence tautomeric forms. The oxidation states of the metal and ligand components in these complexes were assigned by using spectroscopic, crystallographic, and magnetic analyses. Complex 1 was identified as [VIV(Lred)(L.)2] (Lred=N,N′‐bis(3,5‐dimethylphenylamido)acenaphthylene; L.=N,N′‐bis(3,5‐dimethylphenylimino)acenaphthenesemiquinonate). Complex 2 was determined to be [VV(Lred)(L.)2]+ at T<150 K and [VIV(L.)3]+ at T>150 K. Cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal six quasi‐reversible processes, thus indicating the potential of this metal–ligand combination in catalysis or materials applications.