Solid-state Magnetic Susceptibility Research Articles

P and Fe doping, a strategy to develop light and magnetic responsive multifunctional materials: The case of LiMn2O4

The current work reports an unprecedented multifunctional material with optical activity and a modified magnetic response by a unique combination of doping with P and Fe into the spinel LiMn2O4. Through inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy, the chemical composition, oxidation state and the crystalline structure are determined. Solid-state UV-Vis spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility and electronic conductivity reveal the critical importance of the interaction between iron and phosphorus when simultaneously doping the crystalline structure of LiMn2O4. The presence of Fe and P considerably increases charge carrier concentration as a mechanism for enhancing electronic conductivity. Fe and P doping also creates Fe-Fe spin interactions that allow double electron optical excitations. This opens a pathway to create multifunctional materials for light-assisted charging lithium-ion batteries. P doping also induces the formation of magnetic clusters arising from the Fe-O-Fe, Fe-O-Mn and Mn-O-Mn spin exchange interactions. The magnetic response of the materials is strongly influenced by the relative amount of Fe in octahedral or tetrahedral sites of the spinel structure. Such ferrimagnetic behaviour has not been reported before LiMn2O4 doped with Fe or P separately. The potential applicability of this newly identified magnetic feature was demonstrated by a significant capacity gain when a lithium-ion cell is exposed to a static external magnetic field.

Mechanistic Investigations of Phenoxyimine-Cobalt(II)-Catalyzed C(sp2)-C(sp3) Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling.

The mechanism of phenoxyimine (FI)-cobalt-catalyzed C(sp2)-C(sp3) Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling was studied using a combination of kinetic measurements and catalytic and stoichiometric experiments. A series of dimeric (FI)cobalt(II) bromide complexes, [(4-CF3PhFI)CoBr]2, [(4-OMePhFI)CoBr]2, and [(2,6-diiPrPhFI)CoBr]2, were isolated and characterized by 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopies, solution and solid-state magnetic susceptibility, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY). One complex, [(4-CF3PhFI)CoBr]2, was explored as a single-component precatalyst for C(sp2)-C(sp3) Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling. Addition of potassium methoxide to [(4-CF3PhFI)CoBr]2 generated the corresponding (FI)cobalt(II) methoxide complex as determined by 1H and 19F NMR and EPR spectroscopies. These spectroscopic signatures were used to identify this compound as the resting state during catalytic C(sp2)-C(sp3) coupling. Variable time normalization analysis (VTNA) of in situ catalytic 19F NMR spectroscopic data was used to establish an experimental rate law that was first-order in a (FI)cobalt(II) precatalyst, zeroth-order in the alkyl halide, and first-order in an activated potassium methoxide-aryl boronate complex. These findings are consistent with turnover-limiting transmetalation that occurs prior to activation of the alkyl bromide electrophile. The involvement of boronate intermediates in transmetalation was corroborated by Hammett studies of electronically differentiated aryl boronic esters. Together, a cobalt(II)/cobalt(III) catalytic cycle was proposed that proceeds through a "boronate"-type mechanism.

Crystal designing and magneto-chemical characterization of unusual nickel(II) MOFs

Here, we have reported crystal designing and magneto-chemical characterization of two new complexes [Ni(3,5-dnba)2(hmp)2] (1) and [Ni3(Py)8(µ-CH3COO)4](I3)2(2) employed by 3,5-dinitro benzoic acid (dnba), 2-Pyridine methanol (hmpH) and pyridine. Complex 1 consists of an unusual NiII octahedral MOF-like monomeric structure, whereas 2 comprises of planar three Ni asymmetric “distorted hexagonal planar” units linked by alternating syn, syn, anti, a (μ-O2CCH3) and syn, syn, (μ-O2CCH3)2 units. Variable-temperature, solid-state magnetic susceptibility studies in the 3.0–300 K temperature range in a 0.33 T (333 Hz) direct-current (dc) magnetic field reveal the paramagnetic and ferromagnetic behavior with calculated ground-state spin (S) values are 1 and 3/2 of complex 1 and 2, respectively. Interesting, complex 2 have weak antiferromagnetic intra-Ni3 exchange couplings. Alternating current magnetic susceptibility studies, both the complex did not belong to the SMM category.

Synthesis and Characterization of Two "Tied-Back" Lithium Ketimides and Isolation of a Ketimide-Bridged [Cr2]6+ Dimer with Strong Antiferromagnetic Coupling.

Reaction of 1 equiv of KN(SiMe3)2 with 9-fluorenone results in the formation of (Me3Si)N═C13H8 (1) in high yield after work-up. Addition of 1 equiv of phenol to 1 results in rapid desilylation and formation of 9-fluorenone imine, HN═C13H8 (2). Subsequent reaction of 2 with 1 equiv of LiNiPr2 results in deprotonation and formation of [Li(Et2O)]4[N═C13H8]4 (3) in good yield. Reaction of 1 equiv of KN(SiMe3)2 with 2-adamantanone for 7 days at room temperature results in the formation of (Me3Si)N═C10H14 (4) in good yield. Dissolution of 4 in neat MeOH results in rapid desilylation concomitant with formation of 2-adamantanone imine, HN═C10H14 (5). Subsequent reaction of 5 with 1 equiv of LiNiPr2 results in formation of [Li(THF)]4[N═C10H14]4 (6). Both 3 and 6 were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Finally, reaction of CrCl3 with 3.5 equiv of 6 results in formation of the [Cr2]6+ dimer, [Li][Cr2(N═C10H14)7] (7), which can be isolated in modest yield after work-up. Complex 7 features a Cr-Cr bond length of 2.653(2) Å. Additionally, solid-state magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the two Cr centers, with J = -200 cm-1.

Unusual Mn5 cluster with a ‘twisted bow-tie’ topology and MnIIMnIII2MnIV2 oxidation states: Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

The ‘reductive aggregation’ procedure involving the reaction of MnO4- in MeOH in the presence of a carboxylic acid has been extended for the first time to the use of a dicarboxylic acid and the additional presence of a chelate, namely phthalic acid (phthH2) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), respectively. The MnO4-:phthH2:bpy = 1:2:1 reaction in MeOH has led to isolation of [Mn5O4(phth)3(phthH)(bpy)4](phthH2)(phthH) (1), whose Mn5 cation possesses a ‘twisted bow-tie’ topology comprising two near-perpendicular MnII,III,IV3 scalene triangles fused at the MnII ion. Each triangle is bridged by a central μ3-O2- and a μ2-O2- on the MnIIIMnIV edge. Peripheral ligation is provided by the phthalate groups bridging in various modes, and a chelating bpy on each MnIII and MnIV ion. The cation is a rare example of a cluster with three Mn oxidation states, and it is also the first MnIV-containing phthalate complex. Fitting of variable-temperature, solid-state dc magnetic susceptibility data collected in a 0.1 T field in the 5.0–300 K range gave J1 = J(MnIIIMnIV) = − 116(3) cm−1, J2 = J(MnIIMnIV) = − 6.0(4) cm−1, J3 = J(MnIIMnIII) = +3.8(8) cm−1, and g = 1.95, with TIP = 500 × 10-6 cm3 mol−1. These indicate an S = 7/2 spin ground state, which was confirmed by a fit of magnetization data collected in the 0.1–7.0 T and 1.8–10.0 K ranges, and by ac in-phase susceptibility data in zero dc field and a 3.5 G ac field at a 1000 Hz frequency.

Pogo-Stick Iron and Cobalt Complexes: Synthesis, Structures, and Magnetic Properties.

The synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of monomeric half-sandwich iron and cobalt imidazolin-2-iminato complexes have been comprehensively investigated. Salt metathesis reactions of [Cp'M(μ-I)]2 (1-M, M = Fe, Co; Cp' = η5-1,2,4-tri-tert-butylcyclopentadienyl) with [ImDippNLi]2 (ImDippN = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-iminato) furnishes the terminal half-sandwich compounds [Cp'M(NImDipp)] (2-M, M = Fe, Co), which can be regarded as models for elusive half-sandwich iron and cobalt imido complexes. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the structure motif of a one-legged piano stool. Complex 2-Co can also be prepared by an acid-base reaction between [Cp'Co{N(SiMe3)2}] (3-Co) and ImDippNH. The electronic and magnetic properties of 2-M and 3-Co were probed by 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy (M = Fe), X-band EPR spectroscopy (M = Co), and solid-state magnetic susceptibility measurements. In particular, the central metal atom adopts a high-spin (S = 2) state in 2-Fe, while the cobalt complex 2-Co represents a rare example of a Co(II) species with a coordination number different from six displaying a low-spin to high-spin spin-crossover (SCO) behavior. The experimental observations are complemented by DFT calculations.

New MnIIMnIII8 and MnII2MnIII10MnIV2 clusters from the reaction of methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime with [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4

The syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of two mixed-valence Mn clusters [MnIIMnIII8O6(mpko)3(O2CMe)11] (1) and [MnII2MnIII10MnIV2O12(mpko)6(O2CPh)12(H2O)2] (2) are reported. They were obtained from the corresponding reactions in MeCN of [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4] (R = Me (3), Ph (4)) with eight equivalents of methyl(pyridine-2-yl)ketone oxime (mpkoH). The cores of 1 and 2 are structurally related: 1 possesses a [Mn9(µ3-O)6]14+ core with an unusual topology comprising a near-planar MnIII-centered MnIII6 hexagon with additional MnII and MnIII ions above and below the plane. Complex 2 possesses a [Mn14(µ4-O)2(µ3-O)10]18+ core that can be described as a dimer of two Mn7 incomplete-cores of 1. It is also a rare example of a Mn cluster containing three Mn oxidation states. Fits of variable-temperature, solid-state dc magnetic susceptibility data collected in a 0.1 T field in the 5.0–300 K range established that 1 and 2 possess ground state spins of S = 3/2 and S = 1, respectively, which were confirmed by ac in-phase susceptibility data.

Reactivity of Pyridine Dipyrrolide Iron(II) Complexes with Organic Azides: C-H Amination and Iron Tetrazene Formation.

Reaction of (MesPDPPh)Fe(thf) (H2MesPDPPh = 2,6-bis(5-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)pyridine) with organic azides has been studied. The identity of the azide substituent had a profound impact on the transformation type and nature of the observed products. Reaction with aromatic p-tolyl azide, N3Tol, resulted in exclusive formation of the corresponding iron tetrazene complex (MesPDPPh)Fe(N4Tol2). In contrast, the use of bulky 1-adamantyl azide led to clean intramolecular C-H amination of one of the benzylic C-H bonds of a mesityl substituent on the pyridine dipyrrolide, PDP, supporting ligand. The smaller aliphatic substituent in benzyl azide allowed for the isolation of two different compounds from distinct reaction pathways. One product is the result of double C-H amination of the PDP ligand via nitrene transfer, while the second one contains a dibenzyltetrazene and a benzaldimine ligand. All isolated complexes were characterized using a combination of X-ray crystallography, solid state magnetic susceptibility measurements, 1H NMR and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT), and their electronic structures were elucidated. Potential electronic structures for putative iron(IV) imido or iron(III) imidyl radical complexes were explored via DFT calculations.

Structural diversity in polymeric and discrete complexes constructed by divalent transition metals and unsymmetrical quasi semirigid pyridinecarboxylate isomers

Nine polymeric and discrete complexes including a couple of genuine supramolecular isomers have been successfully prepared from divalent transition metal ions (Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II)) and unsymmetrical quasi semirigid pyridinecarboxylate isomers, InMe-n-py (n = 2, 3, 4). Structural analyses reveal that the unsymmetrical quasi semirigid ligands manage the metal(II) ions to form discrete (0D) armed metallocycle and dinuclear paddlewheel molecule, 1D ribbon, simple 2D rhombus (4,4) grid, 2D chiral wavy square (4,4) grid, and 2D double-edged layer with decorated (4,4) topology. Noncovalent hydrogen bonds and aromatic stacking interactions are found to be accessorial secondary interactions that are helpful for the extension and stabilization of the final inorganic−organic hybrid supramolecular networks of metal(II) complexes. Positional isomerism and conformational diversity of the unsymmetrical quasi semirigid ligands and the coordination preference of divalent metal ions play key roles in dominating structure variation and network complexity. Thermogravimetric analysis of mass loss showed that the frameworks of these complexes are thermally stable up to ca. 220–400 °C. Variable-temperature, solid-state magnetic susceptibility studies suggest that Mn(II) complexes 1 and 2 exhibit antiferromagnetic exchange coupling.

Diversity of Coordination Modes in a Flexible Ditopic Ligand Containing 2-Pyridyl, Carbonyl and Hydrazone Functionalities: Mononuclear and Dinuclear Cobalt(III) Complexes, and Tetranuclear Copper(II) and Nickel(II) Clusters

Syntheses, crystal structures and characterization are reported for four new complexes [Cu4Br2(L)4]Br2 (1), [Ni4(NO3)2(L)4(H2O)](NO3)2 (2), [Co2(L)3](ClO4)3 (3) and [Co(L)2](ClO4) (4), where L− is the monoanion of the ditopic ligand N′-(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene)pyridine-2-carbohydrazide (LH) built on a picolinoyl hydrazone core fragment, and possessing a bidentate and a tridentate coordination pocket. The tetranuclear cation of 1·0.8H2O·MeOH is a strictly planar, rectangular [2 × 2] grid. Two 2.21011 L− ligands bridge adjacent CuII atoms on the short sides of the rectangle through their alkoxide oxygen atoms, and two 2.11111 ligands bridge adjacent CuII atoms on the long sides of the rectangle through their diazine groups; two metal ions are 5-coordinate and two are 6-coordinate. The tetranuclear cation of 2·0.2H2O·3EtOH is a square [2 × 2] grid. The two 6-coordinate NiII atoms of each side of the square are bridged by the alkoxide O atom of one 2.21011 L− ligand. The dinuclear cation of 3·0.8H2O·1.3MeOH contains two low-spin octahedral CoIII ions bridged by three 2.01111 L− ligands forming a pseudo triple helicate. In the mononuclear cation [Co(L)2]+ of complex 4, the low-spin octahedral CoIII center is coordinated by two tridentate chelating, meridional 1.10011 ligands. The crystal structures of the complexes are stabilized by a variety of π–π stacking and/or H-bonding interactions. Compounds 2, 3 and 4 are the first structurally characterized nickel and cobalt complexes of any form (neutral or anionic) of LH. The 2.01111 and 1.10011 coordination modes of L−, observed in the structures of complexes 3 and 4, have been crystallographically established for the first time in coordination complexes containing this anionic ligand. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc magnetic susceptibility and variable-field magnetization studies at 1.8 K were carried out on complexes 1 and 2. Antiferromagnetic metal ion···metal ion exchange interactions are present in both complexes. The study reveals that the cation of 1 can be considered as a practically isolated pair of strongly antiferromagnetically coupled (through the diazine group of L−) dinulear units. The susceptibility data for 2 were fit to a single-J model for an S = 1 cyclic tetramer. The values of the J parameters have been rationalized in terms of known magnetostructural correlations. Spectral data (infrared (IR), ultraviolet/visible (UV/VIS), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for the diamagnetic complexes) are also discussed in the light of the structural features of 1–4 and the coordination modes of the organic and inorganic ligands that are present in the complexes. The combined work demonstrates the ligating flexibility of L−, and its usefulness in the synthesis of complexes with interesting structures and properties.

DFT Prediction and Experimental Investigation of Valence Tautomerism in Cobalt-Dioxolene Complexes.

The family of complexes of general formula [Co(Me ntpa)(Xdiox)]+ (tpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, n = 0-3 corresponds to successive methylation of the 6-position of the pyridine rings; X = Br4, Cl4, H4, 3,5-Me2, 3,5- tBu2; diox = dioxolene) was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations to predict the likelihood of valence tautomerism (VT). The OPBE functional with relativistic and solvent corrections allowed accurate reproduction of trends in spin-state energetics, affording the prediction of VT in complex [Co(Me3tpa)(Br4diox)]+ (1+). One-electron oxidation of neutral precursor [CoII(Me3tpa)(Br4cat)] (1) enabled isolation of target compounds 1(PF6) and 1(BPh4). Solution variable-temperature UV-vis absorption and Evans method magnetic susceptibility data confirm DFT predictions that 1+ exists in a temperature-dependent valence tautomeric equilibrium between low-spin Co(III)-catecholate and high-spin Co(II)-semiquinonate forms. The solution VT transition temperature of 1+ is solvent-tunable with critical temperatures in the range of 291-359 K for the solvents measured. Solid-state magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1(PF6) and 1(BPh4) reveal the onset of VT transitions above room temperature.

Assembly of two hybrid organic-inorganic hexatantalate

Two neutral polyoxotantalates {[CuL]2[Cu(L)2]2[Ta6O19]}·nH2O have been synthesized by conventional reaction conditions, and characterized via different physical methods. Single-crystal X-ray analyses were carried out on {[CuL]2[CuL2]2[Ta6O19]}‧21H2O (L = 1,10-phen, denoted as 1) and the isostructural {[CuL]2[CuL2]2[Ta6O19]}‧20H2O (L′ = 2,2′-bipy, denoted as 2). Both complexes comprise a Lindqvist [Ta6O19]8− hexatantalate which acts as an octadentate ligand to coordinate two [CuL] units and two [CuL2] fragments through six bridging and two terminal oxygen atoms. In addition, the solid-state magnetic susceptibility of 1 and 2 are investigated briefly.

Synthesis, Magnetic Properties, and Catalytic Properties of a Nickel(II)-Dependent Biomimetic of Metallohydrolases.

A dinickel(II) complex of the ligand 1,3-bis(bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)propan-2-ol (HL1) has been prepared and characterized to generate a functional model for nickel(II) phosphoesterase enzymes. The complex, [Ni2(L1)(μ-OAc)(H2O)2](ClO4)2·H2O, was characterized by microanalysis, X-ray crystallography, UV-visible, and IR absorption spectroscopy and solid state magnetic susceptibility measurements. Susceptibility studies show that the complex is antiferromagnetically coupled with the best fit parameters J = −27.4 cm−1, g = 2.29, D = 28.4 cm−1, comparable to corresponding values measured for the analogous dicobalt(II) complex [Co2(L1)(μ-OAc)](ClO4)2·0.5 H2O (J = −14.9 cm−1 and g = 2.16). Catalytic measurements with the diNi(II) complex using the substrate bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)phosphate (BDNPP) demonstrated activity toward hydrolysis of the phosphoester substrate with Km ~10 mM, and kcat ~0.025 s−1. The combination of structural and catalytic studies suggests that the likely mechanism involves a nucleophilic attack on the substrate by a terminal nucleophilic hydroxido moiety.

Effect of Magnetic Coupling on Water Proton Relaxivity in a Series of Transition Metal GdIII Complexes.

A fundamental challenge in the design of bioresponsive (or bioactivated) GdIII-based magnetic resonance (MR) imaging probes is the considerable background signal present in the "preactivated" state that arises from outer-sphere relaxation processes. When sufficient concentrations of a bioresponsive agent are present (i.e., a detectable signal in the image), the inner- and outer-sphere contributions to r1 may be misinterpreted to conclude that the agent has been activated, when it has not. Of the several parameters that determine the observed MR signal of an agent, only the electron relaxation time ( T1e) impacts both the inner- and outer-sphere relaxation. Therefore, strategies to minimize this background signal must be developed to create a near zero-background (or truly "off" state) of the agent. Here, we demonstrate that intramolecular magnetic exchange coupling when GdIII is coupled to a paramagnetic transition metal provides a means to overcome the contribution of second- and outer-sphere contributions to the observed relaxivity. We have prepared a series of complexes with the general formula LMLn(μ-O2CCH3)(O2CCH3)2 (M = Co, Cu, Zn). Solid-state magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal significant magnetic coupling between GdIII and the transition metal ion. Nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) analysis confirms that the observed differences in relaxivity are associated with the modulation of T1e at GdIII. These results clearly demonstrate that magnetic exchange coupling between GdIII and a transition metal ion can provide a significant decrease in T1e (and therefore the relaxivity of GdIII). This design strategy is being exploited to prepare new generations of preclinical bioresponsive MR imaging probes with near zero-background.

Pyrrolyl-based pincer complexes of iron – Synthesis and electronic structure

Four- and five-coordinate high-spin (S=2) Fe(II) complexes bearing the pyrrolyl-derived tBuPNP pincer ligand [tBuPNP=2,5-(tBu2PCH2)2(C4H2N)] have been prepared. All three complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, zero-field 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and solid-state magnetic susceptibility studies. Furthermore, the experimentally determined Mössbauer parameters of compounds 4–6 can be modeled satisfactorily by density functional theory (DFT) computations at the B97D level of theory. Introduction of the sterically demanding bis(trimethylsilyl)amido moiety induces significant distortions from ideal tetrahedral geometry in [(tBuPNP)FeN(SiMe3)2] (4), featuring an Fe(II) high-spin state with large negative axial zero-field splitting and slow paramagnetic relaxation at low temperature, as evidenced by measurements of the solid-state magnetic susceptibility and zero-field 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Replacing the chlorido ligand in [(tBuPNP)FeCl] (3) by the bidentate acetylacetonato (acac) ligand enforces a trigonal–bipyramidal structure in [(tBuPNP)Fe(acac)] (5), in which the Fe(II) atom also adopts a high-spin configuration. Reaction of 3 with adamantyl azide allowed us to confirm the inherent lability of the phosphine coordination, since the azide inserts into the FeP bond to form [(tBuPNPN3Adamantyl)FeCl] (6), in which the tBuPNP ligand is transformed to a phosphino-pyrrolyl-phosphazide ligand framework (tBuPNPN3Adamantyl). This motif can be considered as a trapped Staudinger intermediate along the reaction pathway of free phosphines with organic azides to form phosphinimines. Bidentate binding of the phosphazide sidearm in κN:κN-fashion to the Fe(II) atom enforces an s-anti coordination of the P1–N2–N3–N4 moiety, which raises the barrier for the thermodynamically favorable N2 elimination and allows this intermediate to be trapped. Complex 6 contains a high-spin Fe(II) atom with a square-pyramidal structure.

Multiscale characterization of 13C-enriched fine-grained graphitic materials for chemical and electrochemical applications

13C-enriched fine-grained graphitic material has been studied towards its potential for chemical and electrochemical applications. The structural and morphological modification of the material as results of pressure-assisted thermal treatment and gaseous BrF3 and/or Br2 room-temperature treatments has been investigated using a combination of the characterization tools: electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. It has been found that the starting material represents graphitized carbon with oxygen containing defects. The evidence of distorted sp2 hybridization of carbon was found in the Raman and the 13C NMR spectra. Under high pressure and temperature, some initially open graphitic edges are coupled that causes decreasing specific surface area and mean in-plane size of crystallites, and, generally, a higher degree of disorder. The Br2 treatment improves the material structure due to removal of tiny graphitic flakes and oxygenated carbon groups. The use of BrF3 results, in addition, in partial fluorination of graphitic material. Electrochemical characteristics along with a high degree of 13C isotope enrichment enable the application of these graphitic materials in operando studies using methods sensitive to 13C isotope, such as NMR.

Structural Diversities in Heterometallic Mn-Ca Cluster Chemistry from the Use of Salicylhydroxamic Acid: {MnIII4Ca2}, {MnII/III6Ca2}, {MnIII/IV8Ca}, and {MnIII8Ca2} Complexes with Relevance to Both High- and Low-Valent States of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex.

One-pot reactions between the [Mn3O(O2CPh)6(py)x]+/0 triangular precursors and either CaBr2·xH2O or CaCl2·6H2O, in the presence of salicylhydroxamic acid (shaH2), have afforded the heterometallic complexes [MnIII4Ca2(O2CPh)4(shi)4(H2O)3(Me2CO)] (1) and (pyH)[MnII2MnIII4Ca2Cl2(O2CPh)7(shi)4(py)4] (2), respectively, in good yields. Further reactions but using a more flexible synthetic scheme comprising the Mn(NO3)2·4H2O/Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and Mn(O2CPh)2·2H2O/Ca(ClO4)2·4H2O "metal blends" and shaH2, in the presence of external base NEt3, led to the new complexes (NHEt3)2[MnIII4MnIV4Ca(OEt)2(shi)10(EtOH)2] (3) and (NHEt3)4[MnIII8Ca2(CO3)4(shi)8] (4), respectively. In all reported compounds, the anion of the tetradentate (N,O,O,O)-chelating/bridging ligand salicylhydroxime (shi3-), resulting from the in situ metal-ion-assisted amide-iminol tautomerism of shaH2, was found to bridge both Mn and Ca atoms. Complexes 1-4 exhibit a variety of different structures, metal stoichiometries, and Mn oxidation-state descriptions; 1 possesses an overall octahedral metal arrangement, 2 can be described as a Mn4Ca2 octahedron bound to an additional Mn2 unit, 3 consists of a Mn8 "ring" surrounding a CaII atom, and 4 adopts a rectangular cuboidal motif of eight Mn atoms accommodating two CaII atoms. Solid-state direct-current magnetic susceptibility studies revealed the presence of predominant antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the Mn centers, leading to S = 0 spin ground-state values for all complexes. From a bioinorganic chemistry perspective, the reported compounds may demonstrate some relevance to both high-valent scheme (3) and lower-oxidation-level species (1, 2, and 4) of the catalytic cycle of the oxygen-evolving complex.

Synthesis and Electronic Ground-State Properties of Pyrrolyl-Based Iron Pincer Complexes: Revisited.

The pyrrolyl-based iron pincer compounds [(tBuPNP)FeCl] (1), [(tBuPNP)FeN2] (2), and [(tBuPNP)Fe(CO)2] (3) were prepared and structurally characterized. In addition, their electronic ground states were probed by various techniques including solid-state magnetic susceptibility and zero-field 57Fe Mössbauer and X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. While the iron(II) starting material 1 adopts an intermediate-spin (S = 1) state, the iron(I) reduction products 2 and 3 exhibit a low-spin (S = 1/2) ground state. Consistent with an intermediate-spin configuration for 1, the zero-field 57Fe Mössbauer spectrum shows a characteristically large quadrupole splitting (ΔEQ ≈ 3.7 mm s-1), and the solid-state magnetic susceptibility data show pronounced zero-field splitting (|D| ≈ 37 cm-1). The effective magnetic moments observed for the iron(I) species 2 and 3 are larger than expected from the spin-only value and indicate an incompletely quenched orbital angular momentum and the presence of spin-orbit coupling in the ground state. The experimental findings are complemented by density functional theory computations, which are in good agreement with the experimental data. Most notably, these calculations reveal a low-lying (S = 2) excited state for complex 1; furthermore, the computed Mössbauer parameters for all complexes studied herein are in excellent agreement with the experimental findings.

Dinuclear Metallacycles with Single M–X–M Bridges (X = Cl–, Br–; M = Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II)): Strong Antiferromagnetic Superexchange Interactions

A series of monochloride-bridged, dinuclear metallacycles of the general formula [M2(μ-Cl)(μ-L)2](ClO4)3 have been prepared using the third-generation, ditopic bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands L = m-bis[bis(1-pyrazolyl)methyl]benzene (Lm), M = Cu(II), Zn(II), and L = m-bis[bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methyl]benzene (Lm*), M = Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II). These complexes were synthesized from the direct reactions of M(ClO4)2·6H2O, MCl2, and the ligand, Lm or Lm*, in the appropriate stoichiometric amounts. Three analogous complexes of the formula [M2(μ-Cl)(μ-L)2](BF4)3, L = Lm, M = Cu(II), and L = Lm*, M = Co(II), Cu(II), were prepared from the reaction of [M2(μ-F)(μ-L)2](BF4)3 and (CH3)3SiCl. The bromide-bridged complex [Cu2(μ-Br)(μ-Lm*)2](ClO4)3 was prepared by the first method. Three acyclic complexes, [Co2(μ-Lm)μ-Cl4], [Co2(μ-Lm*)Cl4], and [Co2(μ-Lm*)Br4], were also prepared. The structures of all [M2(μ-X)(μ-L)2]3+ (X = Cl-, Br-) complexes have two ditopic bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands bridging two metals in a metallacyclic arrangement. The fifth coordination site of the distorted trigonal bipyramidal metal centers is filled by a bridging halide ligand that has an unusual linear or nearly linear M-X-M angle. The NMR spectra of [Zn2(μ-Cl)(μ-Lm*)2](ClO4)3 and especially [Cd2(μ-Cl)(μ-Lm*)2](ClO4)3 demonstrate that the metallacycle structure is maintained in solution. Solid state magnetic susceptibility data for the copper(II) compounds show very strong antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, with -J values of 536 cm-1 for [Cu2(μ-Cl)(μ-Lm)2](ClO4)3·xCH3CN, 720 cm-1 for [Cu2(μ-Cl)(μ-Lm*)2](ClO4)3, and 945 cm-1 for [Cu2(μ-Br)(μ-Lm*)2](ClO4)3·2CH3CN. Smaller but still substantial antiferromagnetic interactions are observed with other first row transition metals, with -J values of 98 cm-1 for [Ni2(μ-Cl)(μ-Lm*)2](ClO4)3, 55 cm-1 for [Co2(μ-Cl)(μ-Lm*)2](ClO4)3, and 34 cm-1 for [Fe2(μ-Cl)(μ-Lm*)2](ClO4)3. EPR spectra of [Cu2(μ-Cl)(μ-Lm*)2](BF4)3 confirm the dz2 ground state of copper(II). In addition, the sign of the zero-field splitting parameter D was determined to be positive for [Cu2(μ-F)(μ-Lm*)2](BF4)3. Electronic spectra of the copper(II) complexes as well as Mössbauer spectra of the iron(II) complexes were also studied in relation with the EPR spectra and magnetic properties, respectively. Density functional theory calculations were performed using ORCA, and exchange integral values were obtained that parallel but are slightly higher than the experimental values by about 30%.

A new topology of hexanuclear Mn/Ln clusters: Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties

Reactions of manganese nitrate and lanthanide nitrate hexahydrate with 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (hmpH) and trimethylacetic acid as co-ligands in the mixture solutions of acetonitrile and ethanol generated two hexanuclear Mn-Ln compounds [Mn4La2O2(hmp)7(tBuCO2)2.5(NO3)4.5] [Ln=La (1), Nd (2)]. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and possess a core of [MnIII4LaIII2(μ4-O)(μ3-O)(μ3-OR)(μ2-O)7]2−, which comprises three face-sharing defected cubane units. The species are new additions to the Mn/Ln clusters and the broader class of 3d/4f molecular systems. The solid-state direct current magnetic susceptibility analyses indicate the antiferromagnetic interactions within two compounds. The systematic investigation summarized that the variation of auxiliary ligand carboxylate R group affects structural distortions and switch the magnetic behaviour.