MM Quadruple Research Articles

Photophysical studies of metal to ligand charge transfer involving quadruply bonded complexes of molybdenum and tungsten.

Photoinduced metal-to-ligand charge transfer transitions afford numerous applications in terms of photon energy harvesting. The majority of metal complexes studied to date involve diamagnetic systems of d(6), d(8), and d(10) transition metals. These typically have very short-lived, ∼100 fs, singlet metal to ligand charge transfer ((1)MLCT) states that undergo intersystem crossing to triplet metal to ligand charge transfer ((3)MLCT) states that are longer lived and are responsible for much of the photophysical studies. In contrast, the metal-metal quadruply bonded complexes of molybdenum and tungsten supported by carboxylate, O2CR, and related amidinate ligands (RN)2C(R') have relatively long-lived (1)MLCT states arising from M2δ to Lπ* transitions. These have lifetimes in the range 1-20 ps prior to intersystem crossing to T1 states that may be (3)MLCT or (3)MMδδ* with lifetimes of 1-100 ns and 1-100 μs, respectively. The M2 quadruply bonded complexes take the form M2L4 or M2L4-nL'n where n = 1-3. Thus, in their photoexcited MLCT states, these compounds pose the question of how the charge resides on the ligands. This Account reviews the current knowledge of how charge is positioned with time in S1 and T1 states with the aid of active IR reported groups located on the ligands, for example, C≡X multiple bonds (X = C, N, or O). Several examples of localized and delocalized charge distributions are noted along with kinetic barriers to the interconversion of MLCT and δδ* states. On the 50th anniversary of the recognition of the MM quadruple bond, these complexes are revealing some remarkable features in the study of the photophysical properties of metal-ligand charge transfer states.

MM quadruple bonds supported by cyanoacrylate ligands. Extending photon harvesting into the near infrared and studies of the MLCT states

The compounds trans-M2(TiPB)2(L)2 and trans-M2(TiPB)2(L′)2 have been prepared from the reactions between M2(TiPB)4 (TiPB = 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoate, M = Mo or W) and LH or L′H (∼2 equiv.), respectively, where L = O2CC(CN)CH–C6H4–NPh2 and L′ = O2CC(CN)CH–C4H3S–C6H4–NPh2. These cyanoacrylate ligands promote intense M2δ to L or L′ π*-transitions that span the range 550–1100 nm. The two molybdenum complexes have been characterized by single crystal X-ray studies that reveal the extensive L–M2222–L or L′–M2222–L′ M2δ–ligand π-conjugation. The new compounds have been characterized by electronic structure calculations employing density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent-DFT, cyclic voltammetry, electronic absorption and steady state emission spectroscopy and femtosecond (fs) and nanosecond (ns) time resolved transient absorption (TA) and fs time-resolved infrared spectroscopy (TRIR). The latter allows the determination of the S1 states as 1MLCT that are delocalized over both L and L′. For molybdenum the T1 states are 3MoMoδδ* whereas for tungsten they are 3MLCT.

ChemInform Abstract: Electronically Coupled MM Quadruple Bonded Complexes of Molybdenum and Tungsten

AbstractReview: 52 refs.

2-Thienylcarboxylato and 2-Thienylthiocarboxylato Ligands Bonded to MM Quadruple Bonds (M = Mo or W): A Comparison of Ground State, Spectroscopic and Photoexcited State Properties

The compounds M(2)(TiPB)(2)(OSC-2-Th)(2) have been prepared from the reactions between M(2)(TiPB)(4) and Th-2-COSH (2 equiv) in toluene solution, where M = Mo (Mo(2)ThCOS) or W (W(2)ThCOS), TiPB = 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoate and Th = thienyl. The molybdenum and tungsten compounds are pink and blue, air-sensitive, ether soluble solids that show M(+) ions in the mass spectrometer and metal and ligand based reversible oxidation and reduction waves, respectively, by cyclic voltammetry. Electronic structure calculations on the model compounds M(2)(O(2)CH)(2)(OSC-2-Th)(2) indicate that the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) is principally M(2)delta and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) is thienylthiocarboxylate pi* but with significant metal-sulfur mixing. The intense visible absorptions arise from (1)MLCT, M(2)delta to thienylthiocarboxylate. The photoexcited states of these molecules have been studied by transient absorption spectroscopy and steady state emission. These properties are compared with those of previously reported thienylcarboxylate compounds, M(2)(TiPB)(2)(O(2)C-2-Th)(2), where M = Mo (Mo(2)ThCO(2)) or W (W(2)ThCO(2)).

Sexithiophenes Mediated by MM Quadruple Bonds: MM = Mo2, MoW, and W2

The reactions between MM(TiPB)(4), where TiPB = 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoate and MM = MoW and W(2), and the (2,2':5',2''-terthiophene)-5-carboxylic acid, TThH (2 equiv) leads to the formation of new compounds trans-MM(TiPB)(2)(TTh)(2), II and III, respectively, as well as to the previously reported compound I, when MM = Mo(2). The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H NMR spectroscopy, electronic absorption, and emission spectroscopies together with cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Calculations on the model compounds I', II', and III', where formate ligands substitute for TiPB, have been carried out employing density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT. These complexes display intense (1)MLCT absorptions (MMdelta to thienyl carboxylate) and have oxidations and reductions that are metal (MMdelta) and thienyl ligand based, respectively. All compounds show emission in the near-IR region. At low temperature the NIR emission from I and II shows clear evidence of vibronic features due to upsilon(MM) approximately 350-390 cm(-1), and all compounds show evidence of a vibronic feature due to upsilon(CO(2)) approximately 1200 cm(-1). Transient absorption spectroscopy reveals relatively short-lived S(1) states, tau approximately 10 ps, and longer lived T(1) states: tau approximately 72 micros for I, approximately 160 ns for II, and approximately 90 ns for III. The chemistry described here reveals the remarkable influence of MMdelta to TTh pi electronic coupling on the optoelectronic properties of the thienyl chains.

Oxalate bridged heteronuclear compounds containing MM quadruple bonds (M = Mo and W) and their radical cations

The heteronuclear MM quadruply bonded oxalate bridged compound [(t-BuCO2)3MoW]2(µ-C2O4) (I) has been prepared from the reaction between MoW(O2Ct-Bu)4 and oxalic acid and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy, and electrochemical studies. Single electron oxidation of I by reaction with Ag+PF6– leads to the formation of the kinetically labile radical cation I+, which has been characterized by UV-vis, NIR, and EPR spectroscopy. The latter results are compared with the properties of their related homonuclear Mo4- and W4-oxalate bridged compounds and their respective radical cations. The spectroscopic features of the related radical cations [(t-BuCO2)6MoxWy(µ-C2O4)]+, where x = 1, 2, 3 and y = 4 – x, are also described with the conclusion that the [(t-BuCO2)3Mo2(µ-C2O4)W2(O2Ct-Bu)3]+ and [(t-BuCO2)3Mo2(µ-C2O4)MoW (O2Ct-Bu)3]+ cations are valence trapped on the Robin and Day scheme for the classification of mixed valence compounds.Key words: molybdenum, tungsten, mixed valence.

The remarkable influence of M 2 δ to thienyl π conjugation in oligothiophenes incorporating MM quadruple bonds

Oligothiophenes incorporating MM quadruple bonds have been prepared from the reactions between Mo(2)(TiPB)(4) (TiPB = 2,4,6-triisopropyl benzoate) and 3',4'-dihexyl-2,2'-:5',2''-terthiophene-5,5''-dicarboxylic acid. The oligomers of empirical formula Mo(2)(TiPB)(2)(O(2)C(Th)-C(4)(n-hexyl)(2)S-(Th)CO(2)) are soluble in THF and form thin films with spin-coating (Th = thiophene). The reactions between Mo(2)(TiPB)(4) and 2-thienylcarboxylic acid (Th-H), 2,2'-bithiophene-5-carboxylic acid (BTh-H), and (2,2':5',2''-terthiophene)-5-carboxylic acid (TTh-H) yield compounds of formula trans-Mo(2)(TiPB)(2)L(2), where L = Th, BTh, and TTh (the corresponding thienylcarboxylate), and these compounds are considered as models for the aforementioned oligomers. In all cases, the thienyl groups are substituted or coupled at the 2,5 positions. Based on the x-ray analysis, the molecular structure of trans-Mo(2)(TiPB)(2)(BTh)(2) reveals an extended Lpi-M(2)delta-Lpi conjugation. Calculations of the electronic structures on model compounds, in which the TiPB are substituted by formate ligands, reveal that the HOMO is mainly attributed to the M(2)delta orbital, which is stabilized by back-bonding to one of the thienylcarboxylate pi* combinations, and the LUMO is an in-phase combination of the thienylcarboxylate pi* orbitals. The compounds and the oligomers are intensely colored due to M(2)delta-thienyl carboxylate pi* charge transfer transitions that fall in the visible region of the spectrum. For the molybdenum complexes and their oligomers, the photophysical properties have been studied by steady-state absorption spectroscopy and emission spectroscopy, together with time-resolved emission and transient absorption for the determination of relaxation dynamics. Remarkably, THF solutions the molybdenum complexes show room-temperature dual emission, fluorescence and phosphorescence, originating mainly from (1)MLCT and (3)MM(deltadelta*) states, respectively. With increasing number of thienyl rings from 1 to 3, the observed lifetimes of the (1)MLCT state increase from 4 to 12 ps, while the phosphorescence lifetimes are approximately 80 micros. The oligomers show similar photophysical properties as the corresponding monomers in THF but have notably longer-lived triplet states, approximately 200 micros in thin films. These results, when compared with metallated oligothiophenes of the later transition elements, reveal that M(2)delta-thienyl pi conjugation leads to a very small energy gap between the (1)MLCT and (3)MLCT states of <0.6 eV.

Mixed valence complexes involving MM quadruple bonds (M=Mo or W)

The MM quadruple bond of configuration MM sigma2pi4delta2 is redox active and in many ways ideally suited for studies of mixed valency when two or more such centres are linked by a bridging ligand. In this account, the mechanism of electronic coupling is examined for complexes of the type [L3M2bridgeM2L3]0/+ where L, a pivalate; bridge, a dicarboxylate or related ligand and M, Mo or W. The represented examples allow us to probe electronic factors close to the class II/III border and readily distinguish between electron and hole transfer in the superexchange mechanism. The potential for mixed valence organic radical anions mediated by the M2 centre is also raised and one specific example of class III behaviour is described.

Studies of oxalate-bridged MM quadruple bonds and their radical cations (M = Mo or W): on the matter of linkage isomers

Electronic structure calculations employing density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) have been carried out on the model complexes {[(HCO2)3M2]2(mu-O2CCO2)}0/+(M=Mo or W) in D2h symmetry, where the oxalate bridge forms either five- or six-membered rings with the M(2) centres; the complexes are hereafter referred to as mu(5,5)0/+ and mu(6,6)0/+, respectively. The calculations predict that the neutral complexes should exist as the mu(5,5) linkage isomer, while the radical cations favour the mu(6,6) isomer by ca. 4-6 kJ mol-1. For the mu(5,5) isomers, the rotational barriers about the oxalate C-C bond have been calculated to be 15.9 and 27.2 kJ mol-1 for M=Mo and W, respectively. For the cationic mu(5,5)+ isomers the barrier is higher, being 36.8 and 50.6 kJ mol-1 for M=Mo and W, respectively. The calculated Raman and visible near-IR spectra for the mu(5,5)0/+ and mu(6,6)0/+ are compared with experimental data obtained for the {[(tBuCO2)3M2]2(mu-O2CCO2)}0/+ complexes, hereafter referred to as M4OXA0/+(M=Mo or W). The experimental data more closely correlate with that calculated for the mu(5,5)0/+ linkage isomers, and the 13C-NMR spectrum of the mixed metal complex Mo2W2OXA indicates the presence of the 5-membered oxalate-bridged species (J(CC)=100 Hz).

Thienyl carboxylate ligands bound to and bridging MM quadruple bonds, M = Mo or W: models for polythiophenes incorporating MM quadruple bonds.

A series of compounds of the form [M(2)L(4)] and [[((t)()BuCO(2))(3)M(2)](2)(mu-L')] have been made where M = Mo or W, L = a thienyl, bithienyl, or terthienyl carboxylate, and L' = a corresponding thienyl dicarboxylate. The electronic absorption spectra are reported and the electronic structures discussed. Intense metal-to-ligand charge transfer bands traverse the visible and near-IR regions of the electronic absorption spectrum. The compounds show reversible metal-based oxidations and quasireversible ligand-based reductions. The molecular structure of Mo(2)(O(2)C-2-Th)(4).2THF is reported, on the basis of a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. These compounds provide insight into the expected properties of related dimetalated polythiophenes incorporating MM quadruple bonds.

9,10-Anthracene dicarboxylate bridged complexes with M2 quadruply bonded dimetal units: [[M2(O2CtBu)3]2(mu-9,10-An(CO2)2)], where M = Mo or W.

From the reactions between [M2(O2CtBu)4] and 9,10-anthracenedicarboxylic acid in toluene, the dicarboxylate bridged complexes [[M2(O2CtBu)3]2(mu-9,10An(CO2)2)], have been obtained as microcrystalline yellow (M = Mo) and red (M = W) powders. The powders are soluble in THF forming intense red (M = Mo) and green (M = W) solutions. The electronic absorption spectra in 2-MeTHF have been recorded as a function of temperature (2-298 K) and show a small bathochromic shift on cooling. The electronic structures have been investigated by molecular orbital calculations employing density functional theory on the model compounds [(HCO2)3M2]2(mu-9,10-An(CO2)2) where the M4 unit is constrained to lie in a plane. These reveal a minimum energy, gas-phase structure wherein the plane of the anthracene is twisted by ca. 54 degrees with respect to its 9,10-carboxylate units for both Mo and W. The results of these calculations are correlated with the electronic absorption spectral data and the electrochemical measurements (CV and DPV) of the first and second oxidation waves. The EPR spectra of the radical cations formed by single-electron oxidation with [Cp2Fe](+)[PF6]- in a THF-CH2Cl2 solvent mixture show that the complexes are valence trapped at ambient temperature on the EPR timescale. These results are discussed in the light of recent studies of dicarboxylate-linked MM quadruple bonds.

Thienyl carboxylate ligands bound to M2 quadruple bonds involving molybdenum and tungsten. Models for dimetallated polythiophenes.

Thienyl-carboxylate and -dicarboxylate groups attached to dinuclear centers (M = Mo or W) having MM quadruple bonds show interesting electronic properties and provide insight into the probable nature of related dimetallated polythiophenes.

On the electron delocalization in the radical cations formed by oxidation of MM quadruple bonds linked by oxalate and perfluoroterephthalate bridges.

Electron paramagnetic resonance, electronic absorption, and resonance Raman spectroscopy reveal that in the oxalate-bridged compounds, [[(tBuCO2)3M2]2(mu-O2CCO2)]+[PF6]-, the unpaired electron is delocalized over four metal centers (M = Mo or W) as a result of M2 delta to bridge pi conjugation, but in the related cationic perfluoroterephthalate-bridged species, the tungsten complex is delocalized and the molybdenum analogue valence trapped.

Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Complexes with MM Triple and Quadruple Bonds (M = Mo, W) at 1064 nm by Degenerate Four-Wave Mixing

Measurements of the third-order nonlinear optical responses of solutions of the metal-metal multiply bonded complexes Mo(2)(OPr(i))(6), W(2)(OBu(t))(6), M(2)(NMe(2))(6), M(2)(O(2)CBu(t))(4), and M(2)Cl(4)(PMe(3))(4) (M = Mo, W), using picosecond degenerate four-wave mixing at 1064 nm, are reported. These complexes display only very small instantaneous electronic polarizations when excited with cross-polarized beams. When the excitation beams are similarly polarized, a significant third-order optical response is detected, which is attributable to the formation of bulk thermal excitation gratings. Time-dependent measurements support this view.