Paramagnetic Transition Metal Ions Research Articles

Recent Developments of Nontraditional Single-Molecule Toroics.

Single-molecule toroics (SMTs), defined as a type of molecules with toroidal arrangement of magnetic moment associated with bi-stable non-magnetic ground states, are promising candidates for high-density information storage and the development of molecule based multiferroic materials with linear magneto-electric coupling and multiferroic behavior. The design and synthesis of SMTs by arranging the magnetic anisotropy axis in a circular pattern at the molecular level have been of great interest to scientists for last two decades since the first detection of the SMT behavior in the seminal Dy3 molecules. DyIII ion has long been the ideal candidate for constructing SMTs due to its Kramer ion nature as well as high anisotropy. Nevertheless, other LnIII ions such as TbIII and HoIII ions, as well as some paramagnetic transition metal ions, have also been used to construct many nontraditional SMTs. Therefore, we review the progress in the studies of SMTs based on the nontraditional perspective, ranging from the 3D topological to 1D&2D&3D polymeric SMTs, and 3d-4f to non Dy-based SMTs. We hope the understanding we provide about nontraditional SMTs will be helpful in designing novel SMTs.

Copper Complexes in Verdigris Painting Mixtures: An Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Characterization

Abstract Copper complexes, also called “copper soaps” when referred to carboxylate compounds, have become a concern in the conservation of historical artefacts. These complexes are suspected to play a significant role in degradation processes such as darkening and cracking of painting layers. Here we propose the Continuous Wave Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy (CW-EPR) as a tool for the identification of these species. EPR spectroscopy is a micro-invasive and non-destructive technique that is highly sensitive to paramagnetic species, including radicals, crystal defects, and transition metal ions, e.g., Cu(II) and Fe(III). We have selected the verdigris (copper acetate) pigment combined with many organic binders, e.g., egg tempera and gum Arabic, as mock-up systems because of the known degradation tendency of the copper-based pigment. We would like to demonstrate that a precise analysis of the experimental spectra assisted with the calculus of the main magnetic quantities could lead to a good characterization of the copper complexes (or “soaps”).

Mechanical ordering of pigment crystallites in oil binder: can electron paramagnetic resonance reveal the gesture of an artist?

Is it possible to reconstruct the gesture of an ancient artist applying a paint layer, considering that the orientation distribution of crystallites of an inorganic pigment remains definitively imprinted on the support after drying of the layer? If the pigment contains paramagnetic transition metal ions whose magnetic interactions are themselves anisotropic, then the shape of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum should reflect the distribution of grain orientations. We have demonstrated this effect in the case of Egyptian blue CaCuSiO, a pigment used for at least 3 millennia in antiquity, by reconstructing the probability density of crystallite orientations under various modes of application, such as brush painting, dabbing and droplet deposition.

Fabrication of a dye-based random laser using ZnS:Mn quantum dots and investigating the effects of their concentration

Zinc chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs) doped with paramagnetic transition metal ions (particularly ZnS:Mn QDs) are new attractive but rarely examined semiconductor nanocrystals that have excellent optical properties and enhanced thermal and environmental stability compared to Cd-based QDs. In this paper, we demonstrate a dye-based random laser (RL) with nonresonant feedback using ZnS:Mn QDs as the scattering medium that are dispersed in a Rhodamine B (RhB) dye solution. The nonlinear variation of the emission spectrum as a function of the excitation energy implies a random lasing threshold. Moreover, we observe a blue-shift of the emission wavelength by 10.3 nm and a 5.3 times decrease in the RL threshold by increasing the scatterer concentration. We also provide a theoretical discussion based on the diffusion theory for explaining the observed experimental results.

Mn environment in doped SrTiO3 revealed by first-principles calculation of hyperfine splittings

In order to take advantage of the strong correlation between geometric changes and electronic properties, better understanding of the structure and properties of perovskites doped with paramagnetic transition metal ions is required. Computational characterization of these dopants and calculated hyperfine values provide a guide that can ultimately aid in the interpretation of experimentally obtained electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. In this study, we perform ab initio calculation of the hyperfine splitting parameter for Sr-substituted Mn2+ in SrTiO3 in various geometries in order to assign experimentally reported EPR peaks to exact dopant structures. Additionally, we calculate the hyperfine parameters for Mn4+ and Mn2+∕4+ with adjacent oxygen vacancy, which remain to be assigned peaks in experimental EPR spectra. Calculation of Ti-substituted Mn is largely hindered by the highly correlated electronic structure; however, it is shown that reasonable hyperfine values for Ti-site defects can be obtained by tuning functional parameters. Overall, this study demonstrates that calculating the hyperfine splitting for a transition metal dopant in a complex oxide is feasible and can provide a fingerprint for different geometries in equivalently defected systems.

The coordination chemistry of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with paramagnetic transition and lanthanide metal ions: an Edinburgh Perspective.

The calix[4]arene scaffold is an extremely versatile supramolecular platform that has found widespread use across many research areas due to its synthetic versatility, controllable conformation, and the presence of cavities or clefts for tailorable guest binding. The tetraphenolic lower-rim of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene in the cone conformation is ideal for binding a variety of paramagnetic transition and lanthanide metals, and in this Perspective we review our endeavours in using such complexes as metalloligands in the synthesis of polymetallic clusters that have fascinating structural and magnetic properties. By varying reactants, stoichiometries and reaction or crystallisation conditions it is possible to access an incredible range of clusters, all of which show consistent trends in coordination preferences and assembly behaviours. p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene has already given so much, yet it is likely that this remarkable parent calixarene will continue to surprise chemists and deliver even more in terms of novelty and function.

Multidimensional Mass Spectrometry Assisted Metallo-Supramolecular Chemistry

Multidimensional Mass Spectrometry Assisted Metallo-Supramolecular Chemistry

Pyrrolo-benzodiazepine fluorophore for trace amount detection of Cu2+ and application in living cells

In general, paramagnetic ions serve as fluorescence quencher. Very few fluorogens are known who could enhance emission on binding with paramagnetic transition metal ions. In this work, a novel (3-methoxy-7-pyridin-2-yl-5, 6, 8, 13-tetrahydro-7H-8, 13a-diaza-benzo [f]naphtho [2,1-a]azulen-14-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (HPBD) is characterized by spectroscopic techniques who selectively senses Cu2+ ions with the ‘turn-on’ fluorescence enhancement at 463 ​nm over 25 metal ions. Limit of detection is as low as 35.58 ​nM (EPA recommended tolerance limit, 20 ​μM) in buffered (HEPES, pH, 7.4) acetonitrile (MeCN)/H2O (v/v, 19:1) medium. The 1:1 composition of [Cu-PBD]+ complex is supported by fluorometric Job's plot, mass spectra and Bensei-Hildebrand plot (association constant Ka ​= ​5.2×104M−1). It is further studied to monitor Cu2+ ions in Hep G2 cells by fluorescence microscope.

The impact of biochemical composition and nature of paramagnetic species in grains on stress tolerance of oat cultivars

The aim of this work was to investigate the relationships between the chemical composition of oat grains and the tolerance to oxidative stress of oat genotypes. The studies were based on the results of biochemical analyses and both EPR and Raman spectroscopies on whole grains and their parts (embryo, endosperm, seed coat) originating from oat genotypes with different sensitivities to stress. We found that the amounts of fats and especially unsaturated fatty acids, proteins rich in glutamic acid and glycine, as well as phenolics and tocopherols were higher in grains of the tolerant genotype. Moreover, fats and proteins were distributed not only in embryos, but also in endosperms. The grains of tolerant genotypes exhibited high antioxidant activity and contained greater amounts of β-glucan. EPR data pointed to higher concentrations of various kinds of stable organic radicals (semiquinone, tyrosyl and carbon-centered radicals) in whole grains (and their parts) of sensitive genotypes. EPR spectra revealed the character of interactions of paramagnetic transition metal ions Fe(III) and Mn(II) with organic and inorganic structures of grains. The quantitative EPR measurements showed the dependence between the amount of radical species and the content of transition metal ions, mainly Fe(III) bonded to inorganic structures.

A hydrogen bonded Co(ii) coordination complex and a triply interpenetrating 3-D manganese(ii) coordination polymer from diaza crown ether with dibenzoate sidearms

The diaza crown ether dicarboxylate ligand, 4,4′-((1,7-dioxa-4,10-diazacyclododecane-4,10-diyl)bis(methylene)dibenzoate), L, forms a monomeric coordination complex of Co(II) ions, CoL(H2O)2·2H2O, 1, and a coordination polymer (MnL·H2O)n, 2, with Mn(II) ions under hydrothermal conditions. The monomeric coordination complex (structure 1) is polar with mirror symmetry and crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group Cm. The mirror plane bisects the complex at the six-coordinate Co(II) ion, the two oxygen atoms of the crown moiety and the two oxygen atoms from coordinated water molecules. The coordinated water molecules take part in strong, linear hydrogen bonds with carboxylate oxygens provided by neighboring Co(II)–crown complexes resulting in a three-dimensional (1 : 1)n polar network in which the topology of the underlying 8-coordinated net is sqc3. The structure of 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic Fdd2 space group as an infinite, polar triply interpenetrating three-dimensional network. The eight-coordinate Mn(II) ion coordinates two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms of the crown moiety, as well as single carboxylate O atom from each of two neighboring ligands. In both structures, the ligand assumes a flexed-wing bird shape, with the two benzoate sidearms of the crown moiety locked in a syn orientation. The metal ion elevated above the plane of the diaza-crown oxygen and nitrogen atoms. The diaza-crown moiety with its two benzoate sidearms has the peculiar property of forming an oriented crystal structure where the metal-crown vectors are oriented parallel to each other in the crystal. However, the structures are achiral, but the rigid crystal lattice prevents re-orientation of the structure through inversion. The coordination polymer (MnL·H2O)n, 2, is a 3-center uninodal net with ths (ThSi2) topology. Computational results using the density functional theory (DFT) calculations explain why the flexed-wing bird shape is the preferred and most stable ligand conformation for metal ion binding. Both structures demonstrate magnetic properties that are characteristics of the respective non-interacting isolated paramagnetic transition metal ions that are present.

Supramolecular chains of high nuclearity {MnIII25} barrel-like single molecule magnets

The first application of 1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde oxime as a ligand for the coordination of paramagnetic transition metal ions has afforded a new {Mn(III)25} barrel-like cluster linked via Na(+) cations into a 1D polymeric topology that exhibits single-molecule magnetic behaviour.

Nickel(ii) and iron(iii) selective off-on-type fluorescence probes based on perylene tetracarboxylic diimide

Two novel "turn-on" fluorescent probes with perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) as the fluorophore and two different di-(2-picolyl)-amine (DPA) groups as the metal ion receptor (PDI-1 and PDI-2) were successfully synthesized with satisfactory yields. PDI-1 exhibited high selectivity toward Ni(2+) in the presence of various other metal cations including Zn(2+), Cd(2+) and Cu(2+) which were expected to interfere significantly. A 1 : 2 stoichiometry was found for the complex formed by PDI-1 and Ni(2+) by a Job's plot and by non-linear least square fitting of the fluorescence titration curves. By introducing an extra diamino ethylene group between DPA and the phenyl bridge, the receptor was modified and the high selectivity of the sensor toward Ni(2+) shifted to Fe(3+). The enhancement factor of the fluorescence response of PDI-2 to Fe(3+) was as high as 138. The binding behavior of the receptors in these two compounds is affected significantly by the PDI fluorophores. Most interestingly, both Ni(2+) and Fe(3+) are paramagnetic metal ions, which are known as fluorescence quenchers and are rarely targeted with "turn-on" fluorescence probes. This result suggests that PDIs are favorable fluorophores for a "turn-on" fluorescence probe for paramagnetic transition metal ions because of their high oxidation potential.

Transition metal ions in black tea: an electron paramagnetic resonance study

Tea (Camellia Sinensis) is the most widely consumed beverage in the world and is known to have therapeutic, antioxidant and nutritional effects. It contains dimeric flavanols and polyphenols which are known as the most important organic compounds in tea infusions, and can make strong and stable complexes with metal ions. In this study, we carried out a series of electron paramagnetic resonance experiments on well-known paramagnetic transition metal ions, namely Mn2+, Fe3+, Cu2+, VO2+, and Cr3+ doped in black tea cultivated along the shore of Black Sea, Turkey, to see the effects and structures formed.

Broadening of 1H NMR signals in the spectra of heparin and OSCS by paramagnetic transition metal ions. The use of EDTA to sharpen the signals

Some signals in the 1H NMR spectra of heparin and oversulphated chondroitin sulphate (OSCS) are occasionally broad or very broad owing to the presence of paramagnetic metal ions in those polysaccharides. The addition of very small amounts of EDTA to heparin or to OSCS contaminated heparin solutions was needed to obtain normal looking spectra.

Manganese(II) complexes with croconate and 2-(2-pyridyl)imidazole ligands: Syntheses, X-ray structures and magnetic properties

The mixed-ligand complexes of manganese(II) of formula [Mn(pyim) 2(C 5O 5)] ( 1) and [Mn(pyim)(H 2O)(C 5O 5)] n · 2.5 nH 2O ( 2) [pyim = 2-(2-pyridyl)imidazole and C 5 O 5 2 - = croconate (dianion of 4,5-dihydroxy-4-cyclopentene-1,2,3-trione)] have been prepared and their structures determined by X-ray crystallographic methods. Compound 1 is a tris-chelated mononuclear complex where the manganese atom is six-coordinate: four nitrogen atoms from two pyim molecules and two oxygen atoms from a croconate group build a somewhat distorted octahedral surrounding around the metal atom. The resulting neutral mononuclear units are linked to each other through double bridges which are constituted by the imidazole N–H and the metal-coordinated croconate-oxygen atom, the metal–metal separation through this supramolecular pathway being 7.6856(11) Å. Compound 2 is a croconato-bridged manganese(II) uniform chain with an intrachain metal–metal distance of 7.5118(9) Å. A bidentate pyim group, a water molecule and four oxygen atoms from two bis-bidentate croconate ligands build an irregular seven-coordination polyhedron around each manganese atom in 2. The investigation of the magnetic properties of 2 in the temperature range 1.9–295 K has shown the occurrence of a weak antiferromagnetic interaction [ J = −0.066 cm −1 with the Hamiltonian defined as H = − J ∑ i S i · S i +1] through the bis-bidentate croconate. The ability of the bis-chelating croconate to mediante magnetic interactions between paramagnetic first-row transition metal ions is discussed and compared to that of the related oxalate ligand.

Diol-type ligands as central ‘players’ in the chemistry of high-spin molecules and single-molecule magnets

The combination of diol-type ligands with paramagnetic transition metal ions has led to the isolation of a host of new homometallic and heterometallic clusters, high-spin molecules and single molecule magnets ranging in nuclearity from two to forty four and with spin ground states as large as S = 61/2. The ligands, whose cluster coordination chemistry is discussed in this article, are 1,3-propanediol and its derivatives, diethanolamine and its derivatives, pyridine-2,6-dimethanol and the gem-diol form of di-2-pyridyl ketone. The structural diversity of the complexes stems from the ability of the ligands to adopt a variety of bridging coordination modes depending on the positions of the two hydroxyl groups in the molecule, the presence/absence of extra donor groups and on the reaction conditions. Examples of 'true' reactivity chemistry involving clusters of diol-type ligands are also given. The activation of pyridine-2,6-dimethanol and di-2-pyridyl ketone by 3d-metal centres towards further reactions seems to be an emergent area of synthetic chemistry.

Constructing magnetic molecular solids by employing three-atom ligands as bridges

The combination of some three-atom bridges with paramagnetic 3d transition metal ions results in the systematic isolation of molecular magnetic materials, ranging from single-molecule and single-chain magnets to layered weak ferromagnets and three-dimensional porous magnets. The design strategy and role of secondary components, such as co-ligands, templates and other mixed short ligands are discussed.

Spectroscopic investigations into degradation of polymer membranes for fuel cells applications

The research was focused on synthesis of proton conductive, easily degradable polymer membranes, which can be used as a model system to verify the efficiency of transition metal ions (TMI) in prevention of polymer degradation. Two polymers composed of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), and styrenesulfonic acid (SS) were synthesized. The copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), elementary analysis, and FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopies. The results allowed determination of weight-average molecular weight and the copolymer composition. The protons of sulfonic groups were substituted by paramagnetic transition metal ions of various spin states (Cr 3+, S = 3/2 and Mn 2+, S = 5/2) with the loading varying from 0.5 up to 10 mol%. The effectiveness of spin catalysis was checked by EPR. The results obtained indicate enhancement of polymer stability in the presence of Mn 2+.

A Dinuclear Ni(II) Complex with Two Types of Intramolecular Magnetic Couplings: Ni(II)−Ni(II) and Ni(II)−TTF•+

A dinuclear Ni(II) complex involving tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) radicals as ligands has been prepared and characterized, [Ni2(mu-Cl)2(L*+)2(I3)4(I2)3.(H2O)2.(C4H8O)3 (1), L = 4,5-bis(2-pyridylmethylsulfanyl)-4',5'-ethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene. There are two types of intramolecular magnetic exchange interactions, namely one ferromagnetic Ni(II)-Ni(II) and one antiferromagnetic Ni(II)-TTF*+. This study is new in the respect of revealing a magnetic exchange interaction between a TTF*+ radical and a paramagnetic transition metal ion. This is due to the fact of a direct binding of the transition metal ion to the skeleton of the TTF*+ radical.

Microwave heating – A new synthetic tool for cluster synthesis

Microwave heating is a new and extremely attractive method for synthesizing polymetallic clusters of paramagnetic transition metal ions. Here we give a brief overview of some of the complexes we have made so far, highlighting the enormous potential of the technique.