Intraligand Research Articles

Re(I) Complexes of Substituted dppz: A Computational and Spectroscopic Study

A series of dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz)-based ligands with electron-withdrawing substituents and their [Re(CO)3(L)Cl] and [Re(CO)3(L)(py)]PF6 complexes have been studied using Raman, resonance Raman, and transient resonance Raman (TR(2)) and time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectroscopic techinques in conjunction with computational chemistry as well as electrochemical studies, emission, and absorption of ground and excited states. DFT (B3LYP) frequency calculations show good agreement with nonresonant Raman spectra, which allowed these to be used to identify phenanthroline, phenazine, and delocalized modes. These band assignments were used to establish the nature of chromophores active in resonance Raman spectra, probed with wavelengths between 350.7 and 457.9 nm. X-ray crystallography of [Re(CO)3(dppzBr2)Cl] and [Re(CO)3(dppzBr)(py)]PF6 showed these crystallize in space groups triclinic P1 and monoclinic P2(1/n), respectively. Electrochemical studies showed that substituents have a strong effect on the phenazine MO, changing the reduction potential by 200 mV. Transient absorption studies showed that generally the [Re(CO)3(L)(py)]PF6 complexes had longer lifetimes than the corresponding [Re(CO)3(L)Cl] complexes; the probed state is likely to be (3)π → π* (phz) in nature. TR(2) spectra of the ligands provided a marker for the triplet π → π* state, and the TR(2) spectra of the complexes suggest an intraligand (IL) π,π* state for [Re(CO)3(L)(py)](+) complexes, and a potentially mixed IL/MLCT state for [Re(CO)3(L)Cl] complexes. TRIR spectroscopy is more definitive with THEXI state assignments, and analysis of the metal-carbonyl region (1800-2100 cm(-1)) on the picosecond and nanosecond time scales indicates the formation of MLCT(phen/phz) states for all [Re(CO)3(L)Cl] complexes, and IL π → π* (phen) states for all [Re(CO)3(L)(py)](+) complexes, with all but [Re(CO)3(dppzBr(CF3))(py)](+) showing some contribution from an MLCT(phen) state also.

Optical properties of bicyclometalated Ir(III) and Rh(III) complexes of benzo[h]quinoline with (N∧S)− and (N∧O)− chelating ligands

[M(bzq)2(N∧X)] complexes (M = Rh(III), Ir(III); (bzq)− is the deprotonated form of benzo[h]quinoline, and (N∧X)− are 2-thiolpyridine, 2-hydroxypyridine, and 2-thiolbenzothiazole ions) are studied by absorption and emission spectroscopy and voltammetry. The long-wavelength absorption bands of [Rh(bzq)2(N∧X)] in the range of 420–424 nm are attributed to the optical metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions, while the low-temperature (77 K) phosphorescence in the range of 490–610 nm is assigned to the intraligand (IL) transition of the {Rh(bzq)2} metal-complex fragment. The phosphorescence of the [Ir(bzq)2(N∧X)] complexes in liquid solutions in the range of 585–675 nm is assigned to the radiative MLCT transition, while the low-temperature (77 K) phosphorescence occurs from the thermally nonequilibrium MLCT and IL excited states of the {Ir(bzq)2} metal-complex fragment.

Structural Diversity in the Self‐assembly of Cd(II) Complexes Containing 2,6‐Dimethyl‐3,5‐dicyano‐4‐(4‐pyridyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyridine

AbstractThe syntheses, structures and properties of the complexes [CdBr2(L)2·4H2O]n [L = 2,6‐dimethyl‐3,5‐dicyano‐4‐(4‐pyridyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyridine], 1 and [Cd(SCN)2(L)2(H2O)]n, 2, are reported. In polymeric complexes 1 — 2, the L ligands bridge the metal centers through the pyrimidyl and cyano nitrogen atoms forming 1‐D double‐stranded chain and zigzag chain, respectively. The L ligands in complex 1 act as κ1, κ1‐bidentate bridging ligand, whereas the L ligands in complex 2 act as κ1‐monodentae and κ1, κ1‐bidentate bridging ligand. The molecules of these complexes are interlinked through various weak interactions that form the packed structure. All the complexes exhibit emissions which may be tentatively assigned as intraligand (IL) π→π* transitions.

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND COMPUTATIONAL STUDIES OF (E)-2-{[(2-AMINOPYRIDIN-3-YL) IMINO]-METHYL}-4,6-DI-TERT-BUTYLPHENOL

(E)-2-{((2-Aminopyridin-3-yl)imino)-methyl}-4,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol (3), a ligand containing an intramolecular hydrogen bond, was prepared according to a previous literature report, with modifications, and was characterized by UV-vis, FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HHCOSY, TOCSY and cyclic voltammetry. Computational analyses at the level of DFT and TD-DFT were performed to study its electronic and molecular structures. The results of these analyses elucidated the behaviors of the UV-vis and electrochemical data. Analysis of the transitions in the computed spectrum showed that the most important band is primarily composed of a HOMO→LUMO transition, designated as an intraligand (IL) charge transfer.

Synthesis, Characterization and Photophysical Studies of Luminescent Dinuclear and Trinuclear Copper(I) Alkynyl Phosphines

Luminescent polynuclear copper(I) alkynyl complexes, including two trinuclear bicapped complexes, [Cu3(μ-dppm)3(μ3-η1-C≡CC6H4nC4H9)2]BF4 (1) and [Cu3(μ-dppm)3(μ3-η1-C≡CC6H4C≡CC6H5)2]BF4 (2), as well as two dinuclear complexes, [Cu2(PPh2Me)4(μ2-η1-C≡CC6H4nC4H9)2] (3) and [Cu2(PPh2Me)4(μ2-η1-C≡CC6H4C≡CC6H5)2] (4), have been successfully synthesized and characterized. The carbazole moiety has also been incorporated into the alkynyl skeleton to prepare the trinuclear bicapped complex, [Cu3(μ-dppm)3(μ3-η1-C≡CC6H4-Cz)2]BF4 (Cz = carbazole) (5). The crystal structure of 3 has also been determined. The complexes exhibit high-energy intraligand (IL) π → π* absorption bands typical of the corresponding phosphine and alkynyl ligands. The complexes show intense luminescence originated from a 3LMCT [RC≡C− → Cun] state (n = 2, 3), with mixing of a triplet metal cluster-centered ds/dp state.

Computational Studies on the Excited States of Luminescent Platinum(II) Alkynyl Systems of Tridentate Pincer Ligands in Radiative and Nonradiative Processes

Platinum(II) alkynyl complexes of various tridentate pincer ligands, [Pt(trpy)(C≡CR)](+) (trpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine), [Pt(R'-bzimpy)(C≡CR)](+) (R'-bzimpy = 2,6-bis(N-alkylbenzimidazol-2'-yl)pyridine and R' = alkyl), [Pt(R'-bzimb)(C≡CR)] (R'-bzimb = 1,3-bis(N-alkylbenzimidazol-2'-yl)benzene and R' = C4H9), have been found to possess rich photophysical properties. The emission in dilute solutions of [Pt(trpy)(C≡CR)](+) originated from a triplet alkynyl-to-tridentate pincer ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) excited state, with mixing of a platinum-to-tridentate pincer ligand metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state, while that of [Pt(R'-bzimb)(C≡CR)] originated from a triplet excited state of intraligand (IL) character of the tridentate ligand mixed with a platinum-to-tridentate ligand MLCT character. Interestingly, both emissions were observed in [Pt(R'-bzimpy)(C≡CR)](+) in some cases. In addition, [Pt(R'-bzimb)(C≡CR)] displayed a photoluminescence quantum yield higher than that of [Pt(R'-bzimpy)(C≡CR)](+). Computational studies have been performed on the representative complexes [Pt(trpy)(C≡CPh)](+) (1), [Pt(R'-bzimpy)(C≡CPh)](+) (2), and [Pt(R'-bzimb)(C≡CPh)] (3), where R' = CH3 and Ph = C6H5, to provide an in-depth understanding of the nature of their emissive origin as well as the radiative and nonradiative processes. In particular, the factors governing the ordering of the triplet excited states and radiative decay rate constants of the emissive state ((3)ES) have been examined. The potential energy profiles for the deactivation process from the (3)ES via triplet metal-centered ((3)MC) states have also been explored. This work reveals for the first time the potential energy profiles for the thermal deactivation pathway of square planar platinum(II) complexes.

Structural and optical properties of new cyclometalated Ru(II) derived compounds

The electronic spectra of 4 cyclometalated ruthenium compounds built up from cycloruthenated 2-phenylpyridine with monodentate and bidentate ligands, namely 1 [Ru(MeCN)2(phen)(PhPy)]1+ (RDC11), 2 [Ru(phen)2(PhPy)]1+ (RDC34), 3 [Ru(MeCN)2(PhPy)(dppz)]1+ (RDC11Z), 4 [Ru(bpy)(PhPy)(dppz)]1+ (RDCbpZ), the last two being newly synthesized, have been recorded and calculated together with that of 5 [Ru(bpy)2(dppz)]2+ (RDNbpZ). Recently synthesized variants of RDC34 where the phenylpyridine ligand is substituted with an electro-attractor or an electro-donor group, 6 [Ru(phen)2(NO2PhPy)]1+RDC40 and 7 [Ru(phen)2(NH2PhPy)]1+RDC41 respectively, and the dicationic reference complex [Ru (phen)2(bpy)]2+ (RDN34) have been investigated as well for comparison. The global structures of RDC34 and RDN34 are very similar despite of the substitution of one N atom by one C atom. As expected a shortening of the Ru–C bond as compared to the Ru–N bond is observed. The calculated structures of the investigated complexes point to a rather rigid structure whatever their environment. The introduction of a strong Ru–C bond has a minor effect on the coordination sphere around the metal atom keeping the other Ru–N bonds and bond angles similar, the only noticeable alteration being an increase of the Ru–N bond trans to the Ru–C bond. The experimental spectra are characterized by an intense band in the UV domain centered at 270 nm and corresponding to a strong intra-ligand (IL) absorption. Low-lying MLCT states contribute to a weak shoulder around 370 nm and to a large band between 550 nm and 400 nm. The tail of this band, towards 650 nm, is a characteristic of the cyclometalated complexes. This series of molecules, as other polypyridyl complexes, are characterized by a high density of excited states in the vis/UV energy domain, a large mixing between MLCT/IL and LLCT states in the upper part of the spectrum, and a significant sensitivity to the environment of the IL state localized on the dppz ligands.

Dicopper(II) Metallacyclophanes with Oligo(p-phenylene-ethynylene) Spacers: Experimental Foundations and Theoretical Predictions on Potential Molecular Magnetic Wires

Two novel double-stranded dicopper(II) metallacyclophanes of formula (nBu4N)4[Cu2(dpeba)2]·4MeOH·2Et2O (1) and (nBu4N)4[Cu2(tpeba)2]·12H2O (2) have been prepared by the Cu(II)-mediated self-assembly of the rigid ('rod-like') bridging ligands N,N'-4,4'-diphenylethynebis(oxamate) (dpeba) and N,N'-1,4-di(4-phenylethynyl)phenylenebis(oxamate) (tpeba), respectively. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 confirms the presence of a dicopper(II)tetraaza[3.3]4,4'-diphenylethynophane metallacyclic structure featuring a very long intermetallic distance between the two square planar Cu(II) ions [r = 14.95(1) Å]. The overall parallel-displaced π-stacked conformation of the two nearly planar para substituted diphenylethyne spacers [dihedral angle (ψ) of 7.8(1)°] leads to important deviations from the perpendicular orientation of the copper mean basal planes with respect to the facing benzene planes [dihedral angles (φ) of 56.4(1) and 58.4(1)°]. X-band EPR spectra together with variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and variable-field magnetization measurements of 1 and 2, both in solution and in the solid state, show the occurrence of a non-negligible, moderate to weak intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling [-J = 3.9-4.1 (1) and 0.5-0.9 cm(-1) (2); H = -JS1·S2 with S1 = S2 = SCu = 1/2]. Density functional calculations on the BS singlet (S = 0) and triplet (S = 1) spin states of the model complexes 1 and 2 with an ideal orthogonal molecular geometry (ψ = 0° and φ = 90°) support the occurrence of a spin polarization mechanism for the propagation of the exchange interaction between the two unpaired electrons occupying the dxy orbital of each square planar Cu(II) ion through the predominantly π-type orbital pathway of the double p-diphenylethyne (1) and di(phenylethynyl)phenylene spacers (2). Time-dependent density functional calculations reproduce the observed bathochromic shift of the main intraligand (IL) π-π* transition in the electronic absorption spectra of 1 and 2 [λ1 = 308 (1) and 316 nm (2)]. In the series of orthogonal model complexes 1-5 with linear oligo(p-phenylene-ethynylene) (OPE) spacers, -C6H4(C≡CC6H4)n- (n = 1-5), a linear increase of the IL π-π* transition energy with the reciprocal of the intermetallic distance is theoretically predicted [νmax = 1.99 × 10(4) + 2.15 × 10(5) (1/r) (S = 0) or ν = 2.01 × 10(4) + 2.18 × 10(5) (1/r) (S = 1)], which clearly indicates that the effective π-conjugation length increases with the number of phenylethyne repeating units. This is accompanied by an exponential decay of the antiferromagnetic coupling with the intermetallic distance [-J = 1.08 × 10(3) exp(-0.31r)], which supports the ability of the extended π-conjugated OPEs to mediate the exchange interaction between the unpaired electrons of the two Cu(II) centers with intermetallic distances in the range of 1.5-4.3 nm. Further developments may be then envisaged for this new family of oxamato-based dicopper(II) oligo-p-phenylethynophanes on the basis of the unique ligand capacity to act as a molecular antiferromagnetic wire.

Roles of the anion in the self-assembly of silver(I) complexes containing 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole

A series of Ag(I) complexes with one- and two-dimensional structures have been successfully prepared by the reactions of 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole, L, with Ag(I) salts, and these complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes {[Ag(L)2][PF6]}∞ (1), {[Ag2(L)4][SO4]·2H2O}∞ (2), {[Ag4(L)7][ClO4]4}∞ (3) and [Ag(L)(NO3)]∞ (4) show 1-D polymeric infinite chains. The complex [Ag2(L)3(BF4)2]∞ (5) shows a 3-D supramolecular structure, which can be regarded as 2-D pleated rectangular grids of [Ag2(L)3(BF4)2]∞ and [Ag2(L)3(BF4)2]2 clusters. The resulting structural types of complexes 1–5 are affected by factors such as the counteranion. All the complexes exhibit emissions which may be tentatively assigned as intraligand (IL) π→π∗ transitions.

Optical and spectroscopic properties of substituted oxa- and thiazole luminophores metalated with platinum metals

The cyclometalated [M(pbo)En]PF6(M = Pd(II), Pt(II)), [M(pbo)2En]PF6 (M = Rh(III), Ir(III)), and [Rh(C∧N)2En]PF6 ((C∧N)− are the deprotonated forms of 2-phenylbenzoxazole (pbo), 2,5-diphenyloxazole (dpo), 2-phenylbenzothiazole (pbt), 2-biphenyl-4-yl-5-phenyloxazole (bpo), and 2-biphenyl-4-yl-6-phenylbenzoxazole (bpbo) and En is ethylenediamine) complexes are studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and electronic absorption and emission spectroscopy. Metalation of luminophores leads to the formation of five-membered {M(C∧N)} cycles in the composition of plane-square and octahedral complexes of the cis-C,C structure. In addition to the intraligand (IL) π-π* optical transitions in the UV region, the complexes are characterized by long-wavelength metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) absorption bands in the region of 366–416 nm. The phosphorescence of the complexes in the visible region (482–531 nm) is attributed to radiative transition from the mixed IL/MLCT electronically excited state. The temperature quenching of the phosphorescence of complexes is attributed to the thermally activated population of metal-centered electronically excited states with subsequent nonradiative deactivation.

Luminescent mononuclear Pt(II) chloride complexes with C-linked 2,2′-bipyridyl tetrazole terdentate chelating ligands

Abstract Two new luminescent mononuclear Pt(II) chloride complexes possessing C-linked 2,2′-bipyridyl tetrazole terdentate chelating ligands, namely, Pt(tbpy)Cl (1) and Pt(tmbpy)Cl (2) (tbpyH = 6-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2,2′-bipyridine; tmbpyH = 6-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized. Complex 2 adopts a distorted square-planar geometry with a mono-anionic terdentate chelate tmbpy, and it presents a zigzag head-to-tail stacking array along the a axis with alternating Pt⋯Pt separations of 3.415 and 5.469 A. For 2, a moderately intensive broad absorption band appears at 350–425 nm in dilute DMF solution, most likely assigned as the metal-to-ligand charge transfer 1MLCT (Pt(5d) → tmbpy) transition, mixed with some halide-to-ligand charge transfer 1XLCT (Cl → tmbpy) and intraligand (IL) 1ππ* transitions inside tmbpy. It is demonstrated that the solubilities and luminescence properties of 1 and 2 are markedly influenced by the substituents in the 4 and 4′-positions of the 2,2′-bipyridyl ring. The solid-state emissions of 1 and 2 are perhaps best attributable to the 3MMLCT/3XLCT/3IL states, as supported by TD-DFT calculation of 2.

Probing the excited state dynamics of a new family of Cu(i)-complexes with an enhanced light absorption capacity: excitation-wavelength dependent population of states through branching

The ultrafast dynamics of six homoleptic Cu(I)-complexes and their respective ligands was examined through time-resolved electronic absorption spectroscopy in the subpicosecond time domain, in a variety of solvents, and at different excitation wavelengths. Results indicate that after excitation of the complexes in the blue part of the spectrum, the initially formed intraligand (IL) singlet excited state decays via two pathways yielding simultaneously both the lower-lying MLCT excited state and the ligand locally excited triplet state. The latter is also observed in the case of the free ligands and relaxes back to the ground state in a timescale of 40 ps. Excitation in the red part results in the formation of the MLCT excited state of the complexes which decays to the ground state through the same intraligand triplet excited state. The solvent viscosity does not affect the overall relaxation kinetics. The short time constant observed for the intersystem crossing of the MLCT singlet excited state is discussed in terms of the contribution of the d-orbitals of copper to the wavefunction of these states.

Structural, electronic and computational studies of heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes of 6,6′-dimesityl-2,2′-bipyridine with sulfur-substituted dipyridophenazine ligands

A series of stable heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes of 6,6′-dimesityl-2,2′-bipyridine with three sulfur-substituted dipyridophenazine ligands, and unsubstituted dppz are synthesized and studied. The X-ray crystal structures of the complexes display coordinative flexibility of the Cu(I) metal ion and display strong intramolecular π–π stacking interactions. The coordination geometries of the Cu(I) metal centers are characterized by the τ4 parameter, and range from 0.626 for [Cu(bpy(Mes)2)(dppz(Sdec)2]BF4 to 0.757 for [Cu(bpy(Mes)2)(dppzS2CS)]BF4. Cyclic voltammetry reveals Cu(I)/Cu(II) oxidation potentials around 0.83V for all the complexes studied, consistent with a similar coordination environment of the complexes in solution. The ligand-based reduction potentials are consistent with the electronic nature of the sulfur substituent. Resonance Raman spectroscopy and TD-DFT calculations reveal the presence of an MLCT→bipyridine transition with 488 and 514.5nm excitation, and dppz-type chromophores ranging from UV (351nm) to the visible (457nm) excitation wavelengths. For [Cu(bpy(Mes)2)(dppzS2CS)]BF4 and [Cu(bpy(Mes)2)(dppz(Sdec)2]BF4 the most intense optical transition at 434 and 442nm respectively are assigned as intraligand (IL)/MLCT transitions.

DFT STUDIES ON ELECTRONIC STRUCTURES AND THIRD-ORDER NONLINEAR OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF A SERIES OF Pt–Pt BOND-CONTAINING METAL COMPLEXES

In this paper, electronic structures and third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of a series of Pt–Pt bond-containing metal complexes have been calculated by using the density functional theory (DFT) combining with the sum-over-states (SOS) method. In order to check the reliability of this method, the electron correlations and basis sets have been compared. Our calculated results show that introduction of electron donor, thiophene ring and lengthing of organic conjugated ligand can enhance third-order NLO responses. The electronic structure analysis shows that the [Pt–Pt(H2P(CH2)PH2)2] fragment displays strong electron-withdrawing character in these systems. Meanwhile, the third-order NLO response of Pt–Pt bond also has been estimated by using TDDFT–SOS method. An enhancement of third-order NLO response has been observed because of the introduction of the Pt–Pt bond. This is mainly due to the intense and low-lying metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and intraligand (IL) CT transitions.

Inorganic photoisomerization: the case study of rhenium(i) complexes

The mechanism of photoisomerization of stilbene-like ligands coordinated to rhenium polypyridine or α-diimine carbonyls is deciphered in the light of recent theoretical results obtained at various levels of theory, density functional theory (DFT, time-dependent DFT) and state-of-the-art ab initio methods, complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and multi-state CAS perturbation theory 2nd Order (MS-CASPT2). On the basis of the electronic absorption spectra and potential energy profiles (PEF) associated to the low-lying singlet and triplet intra-ligand (IL) and metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) excited states, coupled by spin-orbit interactions and calculated for the series [Re(CO)(3)(N,N)(L)](+) with N,N = bpy, phen and ph(2)phen (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; ph(2)phen = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) and L = stpy or bpe (stpy = 4-styrylpyridine; bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridylethylene) it is shown that the dynamics of the isomerization process are controlled by several features: (i) the occurrence of a (1)IL(L)/(1)MLCT(NN) conical intersection in the vicinity of the (1)MLCT(NN) absorption domain (ii) the kinetics of (1)MLCT(NN)/(3)MLCT(NN) intersystem crossings; (iii) the kinetics of (3)MLCT(NN)/(3)IL(L) internal conversion. The branching ratio between the two main isomerization pathways, namely along the (1)IL(L) PEF via(1)MLCT(NN)/(1)IL(L) internal conversion at the conical intersection or along the (3)IL(L) PEF after (3)MLCT(NN)/(3)IL(L) charge transfer is largely influenced by the nature of the N,N antenna and L isomerizable ligands.

Structures and spectral properties of heteroleptic copper (I) complexes: A theoretical study based on density functional theory

Abstract The structures and electronic absorption spectra of newly synthesized heteroleptic copper (I) complexes [CuL1L2]+ (L1 = phen-imidazole and/or L2 = dipyrido [3,2-a:2’,3’-c] phenazine derivatives) are analyzed under the light of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT). The ground states geometries, characterized by π-stacking interactions, have been optimized using PBE-D functional taking into account dispersion correction. The UV-visible theoretical absorption spectra have been calculated using B3LYP functional in vacuum and taking into account solvent corrections by means of the polarized continuum model (PCM). Whereas the PBE-D functional is well adapted to the determination of the structures, it does underestimate drastically the transition energies. The spectra are characterized by high density of states, mainly metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) and intra-ligand (IL), between 600 nm and 250 nm. Most of the complexes show an intense band in the near-UV energy domain (∼320 nm) corresponding to an IL transition. The lowest part of the absorption spectra, starting at 600 nm, corresponds to MLCT transitions leading to a shoulder observed experimentally between 400 and 500 nm. The upper part of the spectra, beyond 300 nm, puts in evidence strong mixing between ligand-to-ligand-charge-transfer (LLCT), IL and MLCT states.

Synthesis and Characterization of (smif)2Mn(n= 0, M = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru;n= +1, M = Cr, Mn, Co, Rh, Ir; smif =1,3-di-(2-pyridyl)-2-azaallyl)

A series of Werner complexes featuring the tridentate ligand smif, that is, 1,3-di-(2-pyridyl)-2-azaallyl, have been prepared. Syntheses of (smif)(2)M (1-M; M = Cr, Fe) were accomplished via treatment of M(NSiMe(3))(2)(THF)(n) (M = Cr, n = 2; Fe, n = 1) with 2 equiv of (smif)H (1,3-di-(2-pyridyl)-2-azapropene); ortho-methylated ((o)Mesmif)(2)Fe (2-Fe) and ((o)Me(2)smif)(2)Fe (3-Fe) were similarly prepared. Metatheses of MX(2) variants with 2 equiv of Li(smif) or Na(smif) generated 1-M (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Ru). Metathesis of VCl(3)(THF)(3) with 2 Li(smif) with a reducing equiv of Na/Hg present afforded 1-V, while 2 Na(smif) and IrCl(3)(THF)(3) in the presence of NaBPh(4) gave [(smif)(2)Ir]BPh(4) (1(+)-Ir). Electrochemical experiments led to the oxidation of 1-M (M = Cr, Mn, Co) by AgOTf to produce [(smif)(2)M]OTf (1(+)-M), and treatment of Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) with 4 equiv Na(smif) and 2 AgOTf gave 1(+)-Rh. Characterizations by NMR, EPR, and UV-vis spectroscopies, SQUID magnetometry, X-ray crystallography, and DFT calculations are presented. Intraligand (IL) transitions derived from promotion of electrons from the unique CNC(nb) (nonbonding) orbitals of the smif backbone to ligand π*-type orbitals are intense (ε ≈ 10,000-60,000 M(-1)cm(-1)), dominate the UV-visible spectra, and give crystals a metallic-looking appearance. High energy K-edge spectroscopy was used to show that the smif in 1-Cr is redox noninnocent, and its electron configuration is best described as (smif(-))(smif(2-))Cr(III); an unusual S = 1 EPR spectrum (X-band) was obtained for 1-Cr.

Unprecedented Luminescent Heteropolynuclear Aggregates with Gold Thiolates as Building Blocks

The reaction of [AuCl(P-N)], in which P-N represents a heterofunctional phosphine ligand, with pentafluorothiophenol, HSC(6)F(5), gives the thiolate gold derivatives [Au(SC(6)F(5))(P-N)] (P-N = PPh(2)py (1), PPh(2)CH(2)CH(2)py (2), or PPhpy(2) (3)). Complex [Au(SC(6)F(5))(PPh(2)py)] (1) reacts with [Au(OTf)(PPh(2)py)] in a 1:1 or 1:2 molar ratio to afford the di- or trinuclear species [Au(2)(μ-SC(6)F(5))(PPh(2)py)(2)]OTf (4) and [Au(3)(μ(3)-SC(6)F(5))(PPh(2)py)(3)](OTf)(2) (5), with the thiolate acting as a doubly or triply bridging ligand. The reactivity of the mononuclear compounds [Au(SC(6)F(5))(P-N)] toward silver or copper salts in different ratios has been investigated. Thus, the treatment of [Au(SC(6)F(5))(P-N)] with Ag(OTf) or [Cu(NCMe)(4)]PF(6) in a 1:1 molar ratio gives complexes of stoichiometry [AuAg(OTf)(μ-SC(6)F(5))(P-N)] (P-N = PPh(2)py (6), PPh(2)CH(2)CH(2)py (7), or PPhpy(2) (8)) or [AuCu(μ-SC(6)F(5))(P-N)(NCMe)]PF(6) (P-N = PPh(2)py (9), PPh(2)CH(2)CH(2)py (10), or PPhpy(2) (11)). These complexes crystallize as dimers and display different coordination modes of the silver or copper center, depending on the present functionalized phosphine ligand. The treatment of [Au(SC(6)F(5))(PPh(2)py)] with silver and copper compounds in other molar ratios has been carried out. In a 2:1 ratio, the complexes [Au(2)M(μ-SC(6)F(5))(2)(μ-PPh(2)py)(2)]X (M = Ag, X = OTf (12); M = Cu, X = PF(6) (13)) are obtained. The same reaction in a 4:3 molar ratio affords the species [Au(4)M(2)(μ-SC(6)F(5))(3)(μ-PPh(2)py)(4)]X(3) (M = Ag, X = OTf (14); M = Cu, X = PF(6) (15)). The crystal structures of some of these complexes reveal different interactions among the metallic d(10) centers. The complexes display dual emission. The band at higher energy has been attributed to intraligand (IL) transitions, and the one at lower energy has been assigned to a ligand to metal (LM) charge transfer process. The latter emission is modulated by the heterometal (silver or copper).

Influence of the Nature of the Absorption Band on the Potential Performance of High Molar Extinction Coefficient Ruthenium(II) Polypyridinic Complexes As Dyes for Sensitized Solar Cells

When tested in solar cells, ruthenium polypyridinic dyes with extended π systems show an enhanced light-harvesting capacity that is not necessarily reflected by a high (collected electrons)/(absorbed photons) ratio. Provided that metal-to-ligand charge transfer bands, MLCT, are more effective, due to their directionality, than intraligand (IL) π-π* bands for the electron injection process in the solar cell, it seems important to explore and clarify the nature of the absorption bands present in these types of dyes. This article aims to elucidate if all the absorbed photons of these dyes are potentially useful in the generation of electric current. In other words, their potentiality as dyes must also be analyzed from the point of view of their contribution to the generation of excited states potentially useful for direct injection. Focusing on the assignment of the absorption bands and the nature of the emitting state, a systematic study for a series of ruthenium complexes with 4,4'-distyryl-2,2'-dipyridine (LH) and 4,4'-bis[p-(dimethylamino)-α-styryl]-2,2'-bipyridine (LNMe(2)) "chromophoric" ligands was undertaken. The observed experimental results were complemented with TDDFT calculations to elucidate the nature of the absorption bands, and a theoretical model was proposed to predict the available energy that could be injected from a singlet or a triplet excited state. For the series studied, the results indicate that the percentage of MLCT character to the anchored ligand for the lower energy absorption band follows the order [Ru(deebpy)(2)(LNMe(2))](PF(6))(2) > [Ru(deebpy)(2)(LH)](PF(6))(2) > [Ru(deebpy)(LH)(2)](PF(6))(2), where deebpy is 4,4'-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-2,2'-bipyridine, predicting that, at least from this point of view, their efficiency as dyes should follow the same trend.

Ab initio and DFT study of the electronic structures and spectroscopic properties of pyrene ligands and their cyclometalated complexes

Two ligands 1-diphenylphosphinopyrene (1-PyP) (L1), 1,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)-pyrene (1,6-PyP) (L2) and their cyclometalated complexes [Pt(dppm)(1-PyP-H)]+ (1), [Pt2(dppm)2(1,6-PyP-H2)]2+ (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (2), and [Pd(dppe)(1-PyP-H)+ (dppe = bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) (3) are investigated theoretically to explore their electronic structures and spectroscopic properties. The ground- and excited-state structures are optimized by the density functional theory (DFT) and single-excitation configuration interaction method, respectively. At the time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) and B3LYP level, the absorption and emission spectra in solution are obtained. As revealed from the calculations, the lowest-energy absorptions of 1 and 3 are attributed to the mixing ligand-to-metal charge transfer (CT)/intraligand (IL)/ligand-to-ligand CT transitions, while that of 2 is attributed to the IL transition. The lowest-energy phosphorescent emissions of the cyclometalated complexes are attributed to coming from the 3ILCT transitions. With the increase of the spin-orbit coupling effect, the phosphorescence intensities and the emissions wavelength are correspondingly increased. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011