Cyanide Ligands Research Articles

Syntheses and characterizations of two-dimensional heteronuclear tetracyanonickelate(II) complexes with 4-ethylpyridine and investigation of the catalytic activity of [Cd(4epy)2Ni(µ-CN)4

Three new 2D heteronuclear tetracyanonickelate(II) complexes with 4-ethylpyridine (4epy), [Cu(4epy)2Ni(µ-CN)4]n (1), [Zn(4epy)2Ni(µ-CN)4]n (2) and [Cd(4epy)2Ni(µ-CN)4]n (3), were synthesized and characterized by vibrational (FT-IR and Raman) spectroscopy, elemental and thermal analyses, single crystal (SC-XRD) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) techniques. The single crystal X-ray analysis reveals that each metal ion (Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II)) is coordinated by two nitrogen atoms from 4epy ligands and four nitrogen atoms from cyanide ligands and Ni(II) ions are coordinated by four carbon atoms from cyanide ligands showing a distorted octahedral and square planar coordination geometries, respectively. The most outstanding features of the complexes are the weak intermolecular C–H⋅⋅⋅Ni interactions between the Ni(II) ion and hydrogen atom of the ethyl group of the 4epy ligand. Adjacent 2D structures are further combined by these C–H⋅⋅⋅Ni interactions, generating a 3D network. The heterogeneous catalytic activity of 3 was investigated for oxidation of some primary and secondary aliphatic or aromatic alcohols; no acid formation was observed in some aromatic alcohols after 24 h and 100% aldehyde selectivity was determined.

Synthesis, Spectroscopy, and Structure of [FeRu(μ-dithiolate)(CN)2(CO)4]2.

The salt [K(18-crown-6)]2[Ru(CN)2(CO)3] ([K(18-crown-6)]2[1]) was generated by the reaction of Ru(C2H4)(CO)4 with [K(18-crown-6)]CN. An initial thermal reaction gives [Ru(CN)(CO)4]-, which, upon ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, reacts with a second equiv of CN-. Protonation of [1]2- gave [HRu(CN)2(CO)3]- ([H1]-), which was isolated as a single isomer with mutually trans cyanide ligands. The complex cis,cis,cis-[Ru(pdt)(CN)2(CO)2]2- ([2]2-) was prepared by the UV-induced reaction of [1]2- with propanedithiol (pdtH2). The corresponding iron complex cis,cis,cis-[Fe(pdt)(CN)2(CO)2]2- ([3]2-) was prepared similarly. The pdt complexes [2]2- and [3]2- were treated with Fe(benzylideneacetone)(CO)3 to give, respectively, [RuFe (μ-pdt)(CN)2(CO)4]2- ([5]2-) and [Fe2(μ-pdt)(CN)2(CO)4]2- ([4]2-). The pathway from [3]2- to Fe2 complex [4]2- implicates intermetallic migration of CN-. In contrast, the formation of [5]2- leaves the Ru(CN)2(CO) center intact, as confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The structure of [5]2- features a "rotated" square-pyramidal Fe(CO)2(μ-CO) site. NMR measurements indicate that the octahedral Ru site is stereochemically rigid, whereas the Fe site dynamically undergoes turnstile rotation. 57Fe Mössbauer spectral parameters are very similar for rotated [5]2- and unrotated Fe2 complex [4]2-, indicating the insensitivity of that technique to both the geometry and the oxidation state of the Fe site. According to cyclic voltammetry, [5]2- oxidizes at E1/2 ∼ -0.8 V vs Fc+/0. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements show that 1e- oxidation of [5]2- gives an S = 1/2 rhombic species, consistent with the formulation Ru(II)Fe(I), related to the Hox state of the [FeFe] hydrogenases. Density functional theory (DFT) studies reproduce the structure, 1H NMR shifts, and infrared (IR) spectra observed for [5]2-. Related homometallic complexes with both cyanides on a single metal are predicted to not adopt rotated structures. These data suggest that [5]2- is best described as Ru(II)Fe(0). This conclusion raises the possibility that for some reduced states of the [FeFe]-hydrogenases, the [2Fe]H site may be better described as Fe(II)Fe(0) than Fe(I)Fe(I).

Silver(I) complexes with nitrile ligands: New materials with versatile applications

In the present study, the structure, thermal stability, conductive properties, and antimicrobial activity of silver(I) complexes with nitrile ligands were investigated. For the construction of the materials, 2‐cyanopyridine (2‐cpy), 4‐cyanopyridine (4‐cpy), 1,2‐dicyanobenzene (1,2‐dcb), and 1,3‐dicyanobenzene (1,3‐dcb) were used in addition to the silver nitrite and nitrate. Four new compounds were isolated and structurally characterized: one molecular complex [Ag4(1,2‐dcb)4(NO3)4], two 1‐D coordination polymers [Ag(2‐cpy)2(NO2)]∞, [Ag2(1,3‐dcb)2(NO3)2]∞, and one 3‐D coordination polymer [Ag(4‐cpy)(NO2)]∞. The results indicate that the nitrile complexes display good antimicrobial properties against the tested bacterial and fungal strains. The presence of weakly coordinating CN groups increases the release of silver ions into the bacterial and yeast cell environments. Moreover, these materials exhibit unusual electrical properties in thin‐layer devices. On the other hand, the nitrite and nitrate counterions give rise to the low thermal stability of the complexes.

Enhancing Efficiency of Low-Grade Heat Harvesting by Structural Vibration Entropy in Thermally Regenerative Electrochemical Cycles.

The majority of waste-heat energy exists in the form of low-grade heat (<100°C), which is immensely difficult to convert into usable energy using conventional energy-harvesting systems. Thermally regenerative electrochemical cycles (TREC), which integrate battery and thermal-energy-harvesting functionalities, have been considered an attractive system for low-grade heat harvesting. Herein, we investigate the role of structural vibration modes in enhancing the efficacy of TREC systems. We analyze how changes in bonding covalency, influenced by the amount of structural water molecules, impact the vibration modes. We discover that even small amounts of water molecules can induce the A1g stretching mode of cyanide ligands with strong structural vibration energy, which significantly contributes to a larger temperature coefficient (ɑ) in a TREC system. Leveraging these insights, we have designed and implemented a highly efficient TREC system using a sodium-ion-based aqueous electrolyte. Our study provides valuable insights into the potential of TREC systems, offering a deeper understanding of the intrinsic properties of Prussian Blue analogues (PBAs) regulated by structural vibration modes. These insights open up new possibilities for enhancing the energy-harvesting capabilities of TREC systems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Stepwise O2-Induced Rearrangement and Disassembly of the [NiFe4(OH)(µ3-S)4] Active Site Cluster of CO Dehydrogenase.

Ni,Fe-containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (CODHs) catalyze the reversible reduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. CODHs are found in anaerobic microorganisms and can rapidly lose their activity when exposed to air. What causes the loss of activity is unclear. Here, we analyzed the time-dependent structural changes induced by the presence of air on the metal centers of CODH-II. We show that inactivation is a multistep process. In a reversible step, the open coordination site on the Ni ion is blocked by a Ni,Fe-bridging µ-sulfido or chlorido ligand. Blocking this open coordination site with a cyanide ligand stabilizes the cluster against O2-induced decomposition, indicating that O2 attacks at the Ni ion. In the subsequent irreversible phase, nickel is lost, the Fe ions rearrange and the sulfido ligands disappear. Our data are consistent with a reversible reductive reactivation mechanism to protect CODHs from transient over-oxidation.

Stepwise O2‐Induced Rearrangement and Disassembly of the [NiFe4(OH)(μ3‐S)4] Active Site Cluster of CO Dehydrogenase

AbstractNi,Fe‐containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (CODHs) catalyze the reversible reduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. CODHs are found in anaerobic microorganisms and can rapidly lose their activity when exposed to air. What causes the loss of activity is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the time‐dependent structural changes induced by the presence of air on the metal centers of CODH‐II. We show that inactivation is a multistep process. In a reversible step, the open coordination site on the Ni ion is blocked by a Ni,Fe‐bridging μ‐sulfido or chlorido ligand. Blocking this open coordination site with a cyanide ligand stabilizes the cluster against O2‐induced decomposition, indicating that O2 attacks at the Ni ion. In the subsequent irreversible phase, nickel is lost, the Fe ions rearrange and the sulfido ligands disappear. Our data are consistent with a reversible reductive reactivation mechanism to protect CODHs from transient over‐oxidation.

Theoretical Measurements of Quantitative Effects Caused by Spectator Ligands on Palladium-catalyzed C–H Activation

Ligands can definitely influence C–H activation at the metal center. A ligand not directly participating in the reaction is called a spectator ligand. We attempt to quantitatively characterize the effects of diverse spectator ligands on C-H activation at palladium. We designed a model palladium catalyst and selected an array of spectator ligands, such as methoxyl, amide, methyl, phenyl, cyanide, fluorine, chlorine, and several neutral ligands, and performed density functional theory calculations on the mechanism and energetics of C–H activation reactions of benzene with different catalysts. Univalent ligands have substantially larger effects than neutral ligands, and strongly σ-donating ligands (e.g., methyl and phenyl) severely hinder the C-H activation in progress. A ligand trans to the reaction site influences C–H activation more than that cis to the reaction site, indicating electronic effects to be at work. For example, the existence of a methyl ligand raises the barrier height of C-H activation by 6.4 or 14.4 kcal/mol when it is placed at the position cis or trans to the C–H activation site. The effects of poorly σ-donating ligands are not significant and similar to those of the κ1-acetate ligand. Some σ-donating and π-accepting ligands, such as cyanide and isonitrile, hinder the C–H activation trans to them but appear to facilitate the C–H activation cis to them. On the basis of molecular orbital analyses, a chemical model is proposed to understand the observed ligand effects. Lastly, the conclusions are applied to explain the plausible mechanism of the dehydrogenative Heck coupling.

Cyclic Voltammetry Study of Closo-Ruthenacarboranes

Electrochemical properties of transition metal complexes are important parameters that should be considered for the successful application of these compounds in catalytic reactions. The proper choice of ligands and the type of its coordination allow the construction of a catalyst with high performance. The reversibility of complex oxidation is a prerequisite for successful participation in redox catalysis, while the potential values correlate with the rate of the process and necessary catalyst loading. This work summarizes the results of the exploration of a series of ruthenium carborane complexes based on the nido-C2B9 ligand obtained in our group by cyclic voltammetry and describes the found correlations. The knowledge of the electrochemical properties of the studied ruthenacarboranes is required for the optimization of its structure for successful catalysis of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization or other applications. It was found that the value of the potential of reversible Ru(II)-Ru(III) transition may vary from −0.501 to 0.389 V versus Fc|Fc+ couple, depending on the nature of auxiliary phosphine, halogen or nitrile ligand, natural bite angle of κ2-diphosphine ligand and the presence of alkyl substituents in the carborane cage. The further oxidation towards formal Ru(IV) may be reversible or not depending on the complex structure. The found trends are in good agreement with the earlier performed findings in the field of coordination chemistry and should be considered as a tool for obtaining of complexes suitable for catalytic applications.

Post-Synthetic Cyano-ferrate(II) Functionalization of a Metal–Organic Framework, NU-1000

Starting with ferrocyanide ions in acidic aqueous solution, cyano-ferrate(II) species are post-synthetically grafted to the nodes of a mesoporous zirconium-based MOF, NU-1000. As indicated by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, grafting occurs by substitution of cyanide ligands by node-based hydroxo and oxo ligands rather than by substitution of node aqua ligands by cyanide ligands as bridges between Fe(II) and Zr(IV). The installed moieties yield a broad absorption band that is tentatively ascribed to iron-to-zirconium charge transfer. Consistent with Fe(III/II) redox activity, a modest fraction of the installed iron complexes are directly electrochemically addressable.

Crystallite size-dependent magnetic moment in hydrogen bridged manganese tetracyanonickelate based two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks

Two-dimensional (2D) metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are the coordination network of organic cyanide (CN) ligands and metal cyanometallates. They possess great potential as molecular magnets between subzero up to above room temperature. These complexes are greatly sought after due to the unique structural features that allow them to offer tunable magnetic properties by changing crystal entities and/or through external stimulation such as light and heat. Layered structure of tetracyanonickellate based MOFs T(H2O)2Ni(CN)4·.4H2O, T = Mn herein called Mn-MOF, have been synthesized by the chemical precipitation method with controlled particle size using tri-sodium citrate dihydrate (TSCD) as the chelating agent. This work involves the study of spontaneous magnetism in the layered solid, the effect of their crystallite sizes and morphology on the magnetic susceptibility. The magnetic interaction takes place in-plane between the pseudo-octahedral metal (T) ions through the diamagnetic Ni2+ center, and out-of-plane through the hydrogen bonding bridge formed in the interlayer spacing. Magnetic properties were measured using Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) and calculated for Curie temperatures with magnetic exchange energies using the Curie-Weiss mean field theory and total angular momentum of the involved metal ions. The MOFs exhibit a paramagnetic behavior above 50 K and show increased magnetic susceptibility on cooling with a paramagnetic to weak ferromagnetic (wFM) transition below 50 K. A field-dependent response of the magnetic ordering temperature from 34 to 44 K was also observed for the Mn(H2O)2Ni(CN)4·.4H2O complex. The value of magnetic exchange coupling between interlayer metal centers increases though the hydrogen bonding network which results increased magnetic moment with decreased crystallite surface area to volume ratio.

Cyanide replaces substrate in obligate-ordered addition of nitric oxide to the non-heme mononuclear iron AvMDO active site.

Thiol dioxygenases are a subset of non-heme mononuclear iron oxygenases that catalyze the O2-dependent oxidation of thiol-bearing substrates to yield sulfinic acid products. Cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3MPA) dioxygenase (MDO) are the most extensively characterized members of this enzyme family. As with many non-heme mononuclear iron oxidase/oxygenases, CDO and MDO exhibit an obligate-ordered addition of organic substrate before dioxygen. As this substrate-gated O2-reactivity extends to the oxygen-surrogate, nitric oxide (NO), EPR spectroscopy has long been used to interrogate the [substrate:NO:enzyme] ternary complex. In principle, these studies can be extrapolated to provide information about transient iron-oxo intermediates produced during catalytic turnover with dioxygen. In this work, we demonstrate that cyanide mimics the native thiol-substrate in ordered-addition experiments with MDO cloned from Azotobacter vinelandii (AvMDO). Following treatment of the catalytically active Fe(II)-AvMDO with excess cyanide, addition of NO yields a low-spin (S = 1/2) (CN/NO)-Fe-complex. Continuous wave and pulsed X-band EPR characterization of this complex produced in wild-type and H157N variant AvMDO reveal multiple nuclear hyperfine features diagnostic of interactions within the first- and outer-coordination sphere of the enzymatic Fe-site. Spectroscopically validated computational models indicate simultaneous coordination of two cyanide ligands replaces the bidentate (thiol and carboxylate) coordination of 3MPA allowing for NO-binding at the catalytically relevant O2-binding site. This promiscuous substrate-gated reactivity of AvMDO with NO provides an instructive counterpoint to the high substrate-specificity exhibited by mammalian CDO for L-cysteine.

Luminescent Anionic Cyclometalated Organoplatinum (II) Complexes with Terminal and Bridging Cyanide Ligand: Structural and Photophysical Properties

We present the synthesis and characterization of two series of mononuclear heteroleptic anionic cycloplatinated(II) complexes featuring terminal cyanide ligand Q+[Pt(C^N)(p-MeC6H4)(CN)]- [C^N = benzoquinolate (bzq), Q+ = K+ 1 and NBu4+ 4; 2-phenylpyridinate (ppy), Q+ = K+ 2 and NBu4+ 5 and 2-(2,4- difluorophenyl)pyridinate (dfppy), Q+ = K+ 3 and NBu4+ 6] and a series of symmetrical binuclear complexes (NBu4)[Pt2(C^N)2(p-MeC6H4)2(μ-CN)] (C^N = bzq 7, ppy 8, dfppy 9). Compounds 5, 6, and 7-9 were further determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. There are no apparent intermolecular Pt···Pt interactions owing to the presence of bulky NBu4+ counterion. Slow crystallization of K[Pt(ppy)(p-MeC6H4)(CN)] 2 in acetone/hexane evolves with formation of yellow crystals, which were identified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods as the salt complex {[Pt(ppy)(p-MeC6H4)(CN)]2K3(OCMe2)4(μ-OCMe2)2}[Pt(ppy)(p-MeC6H4)(μ-CN)Pt(ppy)(p-MeC6H4)]·2acetone (10), featuring the binuclear anionic unit 8- neutralized by an hybrid inorganic-organometallic coordination polymer {[Pt(ppy)(p-MeC6H4)(CN)]2K3(OCMe2)4(μ-OCMe2)2}+. The photophysical properties of all compounds were recorded in powder, polystyrene film, and solution states with a quantum yield up to 21% for 9 in the solid state. All complexes displayed bright emission in rigid media, and for the interpretation of their absorption and emission properties, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations were applied.

Cyanido-Bridged Heterobimetallic Molecular Squares: Low-Dimensional Models of Prussian Blue Analogues and Beyond

The cyanido-bridged square-like molecules with d/f metal ions occupying the corners of the square are considered molecular models of the Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs) because they reproduce one face of their 3D face-centered cubic structure, being called low-dimensional PBAs. Such highly regular complexes provide unique insights into the short-range magnetic exchange interaction between the metal ions of PBAs and exhibit magnetic properties which are not found for PBAs. This review focuses on the preparative routes and magneto-structural characterization of d-d(d′)/d-f tetranuclears with a square-like topology generating rich families of molecular switches and nanomagnets. Relevant examples that provided a better comprehension of the magnetic behavior of PBAs, including subtle chemical factors that interfere in the photo- and thermally induced electron transfer are reviewed herein. A special attention is paid to the design of d-f cyanido-bridged squares, less numerous compared to the d-d/d′ ones, that proved to be suitable model compounds for the theoretical treatment of the magnetic exchange interaction between d and f spin carriers across the cyanide ligand. The square-shaped PBAs represent a very active area of research that is enriched yearly with new examples with potential for the development of molecular-scaled electronic devices.

Cyanide Binding to [FeFe]-Hydrogenase Stabilizes the Alternative Configuration of the Proton Transfer Pathway.

Hydrogenases are H2 converting enzymes that harbor catalytic cofactors in which iron (Fe) ions are coordinated by biologically unusual carbon monoxide (CO) and cyanide (CN- ) ligands. Extrinsic CO and CN- , however, inhibit hydrogenases. The mechanism by which CN- binds to [FeFe]-hydrogenases is not known. Here, we obtained crystal structures of the CN- -treated [FeFe]-hydrogenase CpI from Clostridium pasteurianum. The high resolution of 1.39 Å allowed us to distinguish intrinsic CN- and CO ligands and to show that extrinsic CN- binds to the open coordination site of the cofactor where CO is known to bind. In contrast to other inhibitors, CN- treated crystals show conformational changes of conserved residues within the proton transfer pathway which could allow a direct proton transfer between E279 and S319. This configuration has been proposed to be vital for efficient proton transfer, but has never been observed structurally.

Structural modifications to platinum(II) pincer complexes resulting in changes in their vapochromic and solvatochromic properties.

There is a need to develop rapidly responsive chemical sensors for the detection of low concentrations of volatile organic solvents (VOCs). Platinum pincer complexes have shown promise as sensors because of their colours and vapochromic and solvatochromic properties, that may be related to the non-covalent interactions between the pincer complexes and the guest VOCs. Here we report an investigation into a series of Pt(II) complexes based on the 1,3-di(pyridine)benzene tridentate (N⁁C⁁N) skeleton with the formula [Pt(N⁁C(R)⁁N)(CN)] (R = C(O)Me 2, C(O)OEt 3, C(O)OPh 4) with the fourth coordination site occupied by a cyanide ligand. Solid-state samples of the complexes have been tested with a range of volatiles including methanol, ethanol, acetone, dichloromethane and water, and while 2 displays thermochromism, 3 and 4 display rapidly reversible vapochromism and solvatochromism. These results are correlated with X-ray powder and single crystal X-ray structural data including an assessment of the crystal packing and the void space in the crystalline space. The cyanide ligand and the R substituents are involved in hydrogen bonding that creates the voids within the structures and interact with the solvent molecules that influence the Pt⋯Pt separation in the crystalline state.

Mechanistic insights into CO2 conversion to CO using cyano manganese complexes.

Without the use of a photosensitizer, [Mn(bpy)(CO)3(CN)] (MnCN) can photochemically form [Mn(bpy)(CO)3]-, the active species for CO2 reduction. While cases of the axial X-ligand dissociating upon irradiation of fac-[M(N-N)(CO)3X] complexes (M = Mn or Re; N-N = bipyridine (bpy) ligand; X = halogen or pseudohalogen) are well documented, the axial cyanide ligand is retained when either [Mn(bpy)(CO)3(CN)] or [Mn(mesbpy)(CO)3(CN)], MnCN(mesbpy), are irradiated anaerobically. Infrared and UV-vis spectroscopies indicate the formation of [Mn(bpy)(CO)2(MeCN)(CN)] (s-MnCN) as the primary product during the irradiation of MnCN. An in-depth analysis of the photochemical mechanism for the formation of [Mn(bpy)(CO)3]- from MnCN is presented. MnCN(mesbpy) is too sterically hindered to undergo the same photochemical mechanism as MnCN. However, MnCN(mesbpy) is found to be electrocatalytically active for CO2 reduction to CO. Thus providing an interesting distinction between photochemical and electrochemical charge transfer.

Diiron bis‐cyclopentadienyl complexes as transfer hydrogenation catalysts: The key role of the bridging aminocarbyne ligand

The catalytic activity of a series of diiron complexes based on the {Fe2Cp2(CO)x} core (x = 2–3) and containing a bridging aminocarbyne ligand was screened in transfer hydrogenation reaction of cyclohexanone from isopropanol. The series includes cationic tricarbonyl complexes, [1a–d]CF3SO3, and neutral derivatives obtained by substitution of one carbonyl with hydride (2a–c), cyanide (3a–d) or chloride (4a) ligands. The novel compounds 2a–b, 3a–b and 4a were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques, and the single crystal X‐ray structure of one isomer of 4a was determined. In general, diiron complexes exhibited a moderate activity in combination with potassium hydroxide; [Fe2Cp2(CN)(CO)(μ‐CO){μ‐CN (Me)(4‐C6H4OMe)}], 3a, emerged as the best catalyst, and the study of its activity was extended to a range of other ketones. DFT calculations suggest an unusual carbyne‐centred mechanism, and the better performance displayed by 3a is ascribable to the stabilizing effect provided by the cyanide co‐ligand, which is experimentally supported by IR analyses.

Synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic investigations of heteronuclear Co(III)/Cu(II), Co(III)/Cd(II) and Fe(III)/Cd(II) 3D coordination polymers with 4-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine

The cyanide complexes of transition metals with 4-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine (4aepy) of {[Cu(H2O)(µ-4aepy)Cu(µ-4aepy)2Cu(µ-4aepy)Co2(µ-CN)6(CN)6]·3H2O}n (1), (NH4)[Cd(µ-4aepy)2Co(µ-CN)2(CN)4]n (2) and (NH4)[Cd(µ-4aepy)2Fe(µ-CN)2(CN)4]n (3) were synthesized and investigated by vibrational (FT-IR and Raman), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental and thermal analysis techniques. The crystal structures of the complexes have been determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) patterns. The crystallographic analysis reveals that complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21, whereas; complexes 2 and 3 crystallize in the tetragonal system, space group P42/ncm. The asymmetric unit of heterometallic complex 1 consists of three Cu(II) ions, two Co(III) ions, four 4aepy ligands, twelve cyanide ligands, one aqua ligand and three non-coordinated water molecules. The asymmetric unit of heterometallic complexes 2–3 consists of one Cd(II) ion, one M ion [M = Co(III) in 2 and Fe(III) in 3], two cyanide ligands, half 4aepy ligand and one ammonium ion. Each Cd(II) ion is located at a center of symmetry and is coordinated by two nitrogen atoms by the cyanide ligands and by four nitrogen atoms by the 4aepy ligands. As a result, they show distorted octahedral coordination geometries. In complex 1, the intermolecular O–H⋯N, N–H⋯N, N–H⋯O and C–H⋯N hydrogen bonds and CN⋯π and π⋯π interactions play a crucial role in the architecture of 3D network. The intermolecular CN···π interaction between cyanide ligand and pyridine ring of the 4aepy ligand is the most striking feature of complex 1. Heterometallic complexes 2–3 have 3D coordination polymers.

Extended π-Conjugated Ligands Tune Excited-State Energies of Iron(II) Polypyridine Dyes

Over the past decade, iron(II) polypyridines have gained a lot of attention as potential chromophores and sensitizers due to the low cost and high abundance of iron. Unfortunately, most iron(II) polypyridines are poor chromophores since their initially excited, photoactive metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) states quickly decay into non-photoactive metal-centered (MC) states. Many strategies to increase their lifetime have been pursued, built mainly around increasing the ligand field strength of these complexes and thus destabilizing the MC states. In this work, we aim to design a new class of Fe(II) complexes by stabilizing the energies of their MLCT states. To this end, we employ density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT to investigate a series of Fe(II) complexes, [Fe(L/X)2,4(N^N)]2+/2- where L/X represents either cyanide, isocyanide, or bipyridine ligands and N̂N stands for bidentate-extended π-conjugated ligands derived from the bipyridine. The L/X ligands tune the energetics of the Fe-based t2g molecular orbitals, while the amount of π-conjugation on the N^N ligand impacts the energies of its π and π* orbitals, thus tuning the energetics of the MLCT and the ligand-centered (LC) states. Overall, our results suggest that the use of N^N ligands with the extended π-conjugation is a viable strategy to tune the relative energies of MLCT, LC, and MC states.

New Cyanido-Bridged Complexes of Zn(II) and/or Ag(I) with TPymT and Tptz Ligands: Synthesis, Structural and Fluorescent Properties

The use of two triazine-derived pincer ligands led to the obtaining of a heterometallic compound and of an unexpected 3D coordination polymer (CP). Therefore, by reacting 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tptz) with Zn(NO3)2 and K[Ag(CN)2], the cyanido-bridged [Ag(CN)(m-CN)]2[Zn(tptz)(H2O)] (1) trinuclear complex was formed. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic polar space group Aea2 and the crystal packing involves argentophilic interactions. When 2,4,6-Tris(2-pyrimidyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPymT) was used as a ligand, along with the same precursors as for 1, a 3D CP was assembled, [Ag6(CN)6(TPymT)2] (2). The formation of 2 was favored, most likely, by the dicyanoargentate(I) ion dissociation and its interesting topology is due to the bridging cyanide ligands and argentophilic interactions. The fluorescence of both compounds was studied and compared to the emission features of their ligands. For the two coordination compounds, ligand-centered fluorescence data are discussed.