Half-Wave Potential Splittings ΔE1/2 as a Measure of Electronic Coupling in Mixed-Valent Systems: Triumphs and Defeats

Anion-regulated electronic communication in a cyclometalated diruthenium complex with a urea bridge

A combined study of electrochemical measurements, intervalence charge transfer analysis, and DFT calculations suggests that the degree of urea-mediated electronic coupling between two cyclometalated ruthenium sites is enhanced by the coordination of urea with Br^- or Cl^-via hydrogen bonding. In contrast, the redox waves of the diruthenium complex become highly irreversible in the presence of relatively strong basic anions such as H₂PO₄^-, F^-, or OAc^-. This work demonstrates that the anion-urea interaction can be employed to regulate the electronic coupling and electron transfer between redox-active sites, suggesting the potential applications of the urea-functionalized diruthenium complex in anion sensing and stimuli-responsive molecular electronics.

Comparison of the Optical and Electrochemical Properties of Bi(perylene diimide)s Linked through Ortho and Bay Positions

The Ullmann homocoupling of 2-bromo-perylene diimides (PDIs) gave [2,2'-biperylene]-3,4:9,10:3',4':9',10'-tetrakis(dicarboximide)s, 2,2'-bi(PDI)s, and the Suzuki coupling of a PDI-2-boronic ester and a 1-bromo-PDI gave a [1,2'-biperylene]-3,4:9,10:3',4':9',10'-tetrakis(dicarboximide), 1,2'-bi(PDI). These were compared with [1,1'-biperylene]-3,4:9,10:3',4':9',10'-tetrakis(dicarboximide)s, 1,1'-bi(PDI)s. Solution absorption spectra suggest that the PDIs in 2,2'-bi(PDI)s are more planar and less strongly coupled than those in 1,1'-bi(PDI)s, which is consistent with density functional theory calculations. 2,2'-Bi(PDI)s are less easily reduced than 1,1'- and 1,2'-bi(PDI)s by ca. 70-90 mV. Bulk heterojunction organic solar cells incorporating a 2,2'-bi(PDI) acceptor behaved similarly to those employing its 1,1'-bi(PDI) analogue.

A Redox-Switchable Germylene and its Ligating Properties in Selected Transition Metal Complexes

The synthesis, structure, and full characterization of a redox-switchable germylene based on a [3]ferrocenophane ligand arrangement, [Fc(NMes)₂ Ge] (4), is presented. The mesityl (Mes)-substituted title compound is readily available from Fc(NHMes)₂ (2) and Ge{N(SiMe₃ )₂ }₂ , or from the dilithiated, highly air- and moisture-sensitive compound Fc(NLiMes)₂ ⋅3 Et₂ O (3) and GeCl₂ . Cyclic voltammetry studies are provided for 4, confirming the above-mentioned view of a redox-switchable germylene metalloligand. Although several 1:1 Rh^I and Ir^I complexes of 4 (5-7) are cleanly formed in solution, all attempts to isolate them in pure form failed due to stability problems. However, crystalline solids of [Mo(κ¹ Ge-4)₂ (CO)₄ ] (8) and [W(κ¹ Ge-4)₂ (CO)₄ ] (9) were isolated and fully characterized by common spectroscopic techniques (8 by X-ray diffraction). DFT calculations were performed on a series of model compounds to elucidate a conceivable interplay between the metal atoms in neutral and cationic bimetallic complexes of the type [Rh(κ¹ E-qE)(CO)₂ Cl]^0/+ (qE=[Fc(NPh)₂ E] with E=C, Si, Ge). The bonding characteristics of the coordinated Fc-based metalloligands (qE/qE⁺ ) are strongly affected upon in silico oxidation of the calculated complexes. The calculated Tolman electronic parameter (TEP) significantly increases by approximately 20 cm^-1 (E=C) to 25 cm^-1 (E=Si, Ge) upon oxidation. The change in the ligand-donating abilities upon oxidation can mainly be attributed to Coulombic effects, whereas an orbital-based interaction appears to have only a minor influence.

Syntheses, structural characterisation and electronic structures of ferrocenyl-osmafuran heterobinuclear organometallic complexes

The electron transfer through the backbone of metallafurans was studied by spectroelectrochemistry and theoretical calculation.

Sandwich and half-sandwich metal complexes derived from cross-conjugated 3-methylene-penta-1,4-diynes

Mono-, di- and trimetallic derivatives of the cross-conjugated 3-methylene-penta-1,4-diyne moiety have been prepared, and studied by (spectro)electrochemical methods.

Preparation, X-ray Structures, Spectroscopic, and Redox Properties of Di- and Trinuclear Iron-Zirconium and Iron-Hafnium Porphyrinoclathrochelates

The first hybrid di- and trinuclear iron(II)-zirconium(IV) and iron(II)-hafnium(IV) macrobicyclic complexes with one or two apical 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin fragments were obtained using transmetalation reaction between n-butylboron-triethylantimony-capped or bis(triethylantimony)-capped iron(II) clathrochelate precursors and dichlorozirconium(IV)- or dichlorohafnium(IV)-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrins under mild conditions. New di- and trinuclear porphyrinoclathrochelates of general formula FeNx₃((Bn-Bu)(MTPP)) and FeNx₃(MTPP)₂ [M = Zr, Hf; TPP = 5,10,15,20-tetraporphyrinato(2-); Nx = nioximo(2-)] were characterized by one-dimensional (¹H and ¹³C{¹H}) and two-dimensional (COSY and HSQC) NMR, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, UV-visible, and magnetic circular dichroism spectra, single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, as well as elemental analyses. Redox properties of all complexes were probed using electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical approaches. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical data suggestive of a very weak, if any, long-range electronic coupling between two porphyrin π-systems in FeNx₃(MTPP)₂ complexes. Density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations were used to correlate spectroscopic signatures and redox properties of new compounds with their electronic structures.

Electrochemical Behavior of meso-Substituted Porphyrins: The Role of Cation Radicals to the Half-Wave Oxidation Potential Splitting

In this study, the electrochemical behavior of free base and zinc meso-substituted porphyrins is examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and density functional theory (DFT). The results show that the half-wave oxidation potential splitting of the two oxidation states (ΔE= second E1/2 - first E1/2) of tetraphenylporphyrin (H2TPP) and its zinc complex (ZnTPP) are higher than those of porphyrins and their zinc complexes with meso-substituted five-membered heterocylic rings. The ΔE values follow the trend of TPP > T(3'-thienyl)P > T(3'-furyl)P > T(2'-thienyl)P for both meso-porphyrins and their respective zinc complexes. By employing DFT calculations, we have found that the trend of ΔE values is consistent with that of highest spin density (HSD) distribution and HOMO-LUMO energy gaps of cationic radicals as well as the π-conjugation between central porphyrin and meso-substituted rings. Also, they exhibit the better resonance between the porphyrin ring with meso-substituted rings as moving from porphyrins and their zinc complexes with phenyl rings to five-membered heterocyclic rings. A good agreement between calculated and experimental results indicates that cationic radicals, especially their spin density distribution, do play an important role in half-wave oxidation potential splitting of meso-porphyrins and their zinc complexes.

Redox-Active Tetraruthenium Macrocycles Built from 1,4-Divinylphenylene-Bridged Diruthenium Complexes

Metallamacrocylic tetraruthenium complexes were generated by treatment of 1,4-divinylphenylene-bridged diruthenium complexes with functionalized 1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acids and characterized by HR ESI-MS and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Every divinylphenylene diruthenium subunit is oxidized in two consecutive one-electron steps with half-wave potential splittings in the range of 250 to 330 mV. Additional, smaller redox-splittings between the +/2+ and 0/+ and the 3+/4+ and 2+/3+ redox processes, corresponding to the first and the second oxidations of every divinylphenylene diruthenium entity, are due to electrostatic effects. The lack of electronic coupling through bond or through space is explained by the nodal properties of the relevant molecular orbitals and the lateral side-by-side arrangement of the divinylphenylene linkers. The polyelectrochromic behavior of the divinylphenylene diruthenium precursors is retained and even amplified in these metallamacrocyclic structures. EPR studies down to T=4 K indicate that the dications 1-H(2+) and 1-OBu(2+) are paramagnetic. The dications and the tetracation of macrocycle 3-H display intense (dications) or weak (3-H(4+) ) EPR signals. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that the four most stable conformers of the macrocycles are largely devoid of strain. Bond parameters, energies as well as charge and spin density distributions of model macrocycle 5-H(Me) were calculated for the different charge and spin states.

Electronically Strongly Coupled Divinylheterocyclic-Bridged Diruthenium Complexes

Complexes [{Ru(CO)Cl(PiPr3 )2 }2 (μ-2,5-(CH-CH)2 -(c) C4 H2 E] (E=NR; R=C6 H4 -4-NMe2 (10 a), C6 H4 -4-OMe (10 b), C6 H4 -4-Me (10 c), C6 H5 (10 d), C6 H4 -4-CO2 Et (10 e), C6 H4 -4-NO2 (10 f), C6 H3 -3,5-(CF3 )2 (10 g), CH3 (11); E=O (12), S (13)) are discussed. The solid state structures of four alkynes and two complexes are reported. (Spectro)electrochemical studies show a moderate influence of the nature of the heteroatom and the electron-donating or -withdrawing substituents R in 10 a-g on the electrochemical and spectroscopic properties. The CVs display two consecutive one-electron redox events with ΔE°'=350-495 mV. A linear relationship between ΔE°' and the σp Hammett constant for 10 a-f was found. IR, UV/Vis/NIR and EPR studies for 10(+) -13(+) confirm full charge delocalization over the {Ru}CH-CH-heterocycle-CH-CH{Ru} backbone, classifying them as Class III systems according to the Robin and Day classification. DFT-optimized structures of the neutral complexes agree well with the experimental ones and provide insight into the structural consequences of stepwise oxidations.

Comparison of 3D non-fullerene acceptors for organic photovoltaics based on naphthalene diimide and perylene diimide-substituted 9,9′-bifluorenylidene

Tetra(PDI) derivatives of non-planar cores have previously been used as acceptors in OPVs; here a tetra(NDI) is shown to be a viable alternative, although, for the pair of acceptors and the donor polymers used here, the PDI species performs better.

Spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of ruthenium complexes with photochromic triarylamine–dithienylethene–acetylide ligands

The charge delocalization along the molecular backbone shows a progressive increase following stepwise photocyclization in the inorganic–organic mixed-valence system.

The photochemistry of mono- and dinuclear cyclometalated bis(tridentate)ruthenium(ii) complexes: dual excited state deactivation and dual emission

A low-energy ³LL′CT state efficiently depopulates the emissive ³MLCT state in cyclometalated [Ru(dpb-R)(tpy)]⁺ complexes (dpbH = 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)benzene, tpy = 2,2′;6′,2′′-terpyridine).

How fast is optically induced electron transfer in organic mixed valence systems?

Optically induced electron transfer is about 3–4 orders of magnitude faster than thermally induced ET in organic mixed valence compounds.

Mechanistic insight into proton-coupled mixed valency

Stabilisation of the mixed-valence state in [Mo₂(TiPB)₃(HDOP)]₂⁺ (HTiPB = 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoic acid, H₂DOP = 3,6-dihydroxypyridazine) by electron transfer (ET) is related to the proton coordinate of the bridging ligands.

Cross-Conjugated Systems Based On An (E)-Hexa-3-en-1,5-diyne-3,4-diyl Skeleton: Spectroscopic and Spectroelectrochemical Investigations

A series of cross-conjugated compounds based on an (E)-4,4'-(hexa-3-en-1,5-diyne-3,4-diyl)bis(N,N-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)aniline) skeleton (1-6) have been synthesized. The linear optical absorption properties can be tuned by modification of the substituents at the 1 and 5 positions of the hexa-3-en-1,5-diynyl backbone (1: Si(CH(CH3)2)3, 2: C6H4C≡CSi(CH3)3, 3: C6H4COOCH3, 4: C6H4CF3, 5: C6H4C≡N, 6: C6H4C≡CC5H4N), although attempts to introduce electron-donating (C6H4CH3, C6H4OCH3, C6H4Si(CH3)3) substituents at these positions were hampered by the ensuing decreased stability of the compounds. Spectroelectrochemical investigations of selected examples, supported by DFT-based computational studies, have shown that one- and two-electron oxidation of the 1,2-bis(triarylamine)ethene fragment also results in electronic changes to the perpendicular π-system in the hexa-3-en-1,5-diynyl branch of the molecule. These properties suggest that (E)-hexa-3-en-1,5-diynyl-based compounds could have applications in molecular sensing and molecular electronics.

Long-Range Ruthenium-Amine Electronic Communication through the para-Oligophenylene Wire

The studies of long-range electronic communication are hampered by solubility and potential-splitting issues. A “hybridized redox-asymmetry” method using a combination of organic and inorganic redox species is proposed and exemplified to overcome these two issues. Complexes 1(PF₆)–6(PF₆) (from short to long in length) with the organic redox-active amine and inorganic cyclometalated ruthenium termini bridged by the para-oligophenylene wire have been prepared. Complex 6 has the longest Ru-amine geometrical distance of 27.85 Å. Complexes 3(PF₆) and 4(PF₆) show lamellar crystal packing on the basis of a head-to-tail anti-parallelly aligned dimeric structure. Two redox waves are observed for all complexes in the potential region between +0.2 and +0.9 V vs Ag/AgCl. The electrochemical potential splitting is 410, 220, 143, 112, 107, and 105 mV for 1(PF₆) through 6(PF₆), respectively. Ruthenium (+2) to aminium (N^•+) charge transfer transitions have been identified for the odd-electron compounds 1²⁺–6²⁺ by spectroelectrochemical measurements. The electronic communication between amine and ruthenium decreases exponentially with a decay slope of −0.137 Å⁻¹. DFT calculations have been performed to complement these experimental results.