Structures and properties of multinuclear vanadium(III) complexes: seeking a clue to understand the role of vanadium(III) in ascidians

Abstract

Certain ascidians accumulate vanadium(III) to a great extent in their blood cells. The role of vanadium(III) in ascidians is still a controversial issue, though 90 years have already passed since the original finding by Henze was published. In order to obtain further insight into the role of vanadium(III) in ascidian blood cells, the coordination chemistry of vanadium(III) has been developed. This review will survey (1) the vanadium(III) complexes bridged by a single oxo group, focusing on the relationship between the preferential formation of μ-oxo dimers and chemical properties of vanadium(III) complexes; (2) the vanadium(III) complexes containing ligands with a terminal alkoxo functionality; (3) the vanadium(III) complexes with dinucleating ligands, which exhibit diverse bridging modes; (4) the sulfato-containing vanadium(III) complexes with regard to the role of sulfate ions in ascidian blood cells; (5) the multinuclear vanadium(III) complexes with various bridging modes and (6) the magnetic coupling of dinuclear vanadium(III) complexes.