The Nature of Bond Critical Points in Dinuclear Copper(I) Complexes

Twisted and Disconnected Chains: Flexible Linear Tetracuprous Arrays and a Decanuclear CuI Cluster as Blue- and Green/Yellow-Light Emitters

Defined arrays of transition metal ions embedded in tailored polydentate ligand scaffolds allow for a systematic design of their physical properties. Such molecular strings of closed-shell transition metal centers are particularly interesting for Group 11 metal ions in the oxidation state +1 if they undergo metallophilic d10···d10 contact interactions since these clusters are oftentimes efficient photoluminescence (PL) emitters. Copper is particularly attractive as a sustainable earth-abundant coinage metal source and because of the ability of several CuI complexes to serve as powerful thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters in molecular/organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs). Our combined synthetic, crystallographic, photophysical, and computational study describes a straight tetracuprous array possessing a centrally disconnected CuI2···CuI2 chain and a continuous helically bent CuI4 complex. This molecular helix undergoes a facile rearrangement in diethyl ether solution, yielding an unprecedented nanosized CuI10 cluster (2.9 × 2.0 nm) upon crystallization. All three clusters show either bright blue phosphorescence, TADF, or green/yellow multiband phosphorescence with quantum yields between 6.5 and 67%, which is persistent under hydrostatic pressure up to 30 kbar. Temperature-dependent PL investigations in combination with time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations and void space analyses of the crystal packings complement a comprehensive correlation between the molecular structures and photoluminescence properties.

Anisotropic Metal-Metal Pauli Repulsion in Polynuclear d10 Metal Clusters

Metallophilicity has been widely considered to be the driving force for self-assembly of closed-shell d10 metal complexes, but this view has been challenged by recent studies showing that metallophilicity in linear d10-d10 dimers is repulsive. This is due to strong metal-metal (M-M') Pauli repulsion (Wan, Q., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2021, 118, e2019265118). Here, we study M-M' Pauli repulsion in d10 metal clusters. Our results show that M-M' Pauli repulsion in d10 polynuclear clusters is 6-52% weaker than in similar linear d10 complexes due to the anisotropic shape of (n+1)s-nd hybridized orbitals. The overall M-M' interactions in closed-shell d10 polynuclear metal clusters remain repulsive. The effects of coordination geometry, relativistic effects, and the ligand's electronegativity on M-M' Pauli repulsion in polynuclear d10 clusters have been explored. These findings provide valuable guidance for the design and development of ligands and coordination geometries that alleviate M-M' Pauli repulsion in d10 metal cluster systems.

Generation and Reactivity of μ-1,2-Peroxo CuIICuII and Bis-μ-oxo CuIIICuIII Species and Catalytic Hydroxylation of Benzene to Phenol with Hydrogen Peroxide

Tetradentate-N4 ligands stabilize dinuclear {CuII(μ-1,2-peroxo)CuII} and {CuIII(μ-O)2CuIII} species, and CuII complexes of these ligands were reported to catalyze the oxidation of benzene with H2O2. Here, we report {CuII(μ-1,2-peroxo)CuII} and {CuIII(μ-O)2CuIII} intermediates of dinucleating bis(tetradentate-N4) ligands depending on the absence or presence of 6-methyl substituents on the terminal pyridine donors, respectively, generated either from {CuICuI} precursors with O2 or from {CuIICuII} precursors with H2O2 and NEt3. Both intermediates are not stable even at low temperatures, but they show no electrophilic HAT reactivity with DHA. Catalytic investigations on the hydroxylation of benzene with excess H2O2 between 30 and 50 °C indicate that both radical-based and {Cu2On}-based mechanisms depend strongly on the catalytic conditions. In the presence of a radical scavenger, TONs of ∼920/∼720 have been achieved without/with the 6-methyl group of the ligand. Although {CuII(μ-OH)CuII} reacts with excess H2O2 at -40 °C to {CuII(OOH)}2 species, these are only stable for seconds at 20 °C and cannot account for catalytic oxidations over a period of 24 h at 30-50 °C.

Dissolution mechanism of cellulose in a benzyltriethylammonium/urea deep eutectic solvent (DES): DFT-quantum modeling, molecular dynamics and experimental investigation

In this paper, a benzyltriethylammonium/urea DES was investigated as a new green and eco-friendly medium for the progress of organic chemical reactions, particularly the dissolution and the functionalization of cellulose. In this regard, the viscosity-average molecular weight of cellulose (M̄w) during the dissolution/regeneration process was investigated, showing no significant degradation of the polymer chains. Moreover, X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the cellulose dissolution process in the BTEAB/urea DES decreased the crystallinity index from 87% to 75%, and there was no effect on type I cellulose polymorphism. However, a drastic impact of the cosolvents (water and DMSO) on the melting point of the DES was observed. Besides, to understand the evolution of cellulose-DES interactions, the formation mechanism of the system was studied in terms of H-bond density and radial distribution function (RDF) using molecular dynamics modeling. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) was used to evaluate the topological characteristics of the polymeric system such as potential energy density (PED), laplacian electron density (LED), energy density, and kinetic energy density (KED) at bond critical points (BCPs) between the cellulose and the DES. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules (AIM), Bader's quantum theory (BQT), and reduced density gradient (RDG) scatter plots have been exploited to estimate and locate non-covalent interactions (NCIs). The results revealed that the dissolution process is attributed to the physical interactions, mainly the strong H-bond interactions.

Crystal Structure and Chemical Bonds in [CuII2(Tolf)4(MeOH)2]∙2MeOH

A new coordination compound of copper(II) with a tolfenamate ligand of the paddle-wheel-like structure [Cu^II₂(Tolf)₄(MeOH)₂]∙2MeOH was obtained and structurally characterized. Chemical bonds of Cu(II)∙∙∙Cu(II) and Cu(II)-O were theoretically analyzed and compared with the results for selected similar structures from the CSD database. QTAIM analysis showed that the Cu(II)∙∙∙Cu(II) interaction has a strength comparable to a hydrogen bond, as indicated by the electron density at a critical point. The remaining QTAIM parameters indicate stability of the Cu(II)∙∙∙Cu(II) interaction. Other methods, such as NCI and NBO, also indicate a significant strength of this interaction. Thus, the Cu(II)∙∙∙Cu(II) interaction can be treated as one of the noncovalent interactions that affects the structure of the coordination compound, the packing of molecules in the crystal, and the general properties of the compound.

Synthesis and reactivity of dinuclear copper(I) pyridine diimine complexes

The reaction of a tethered pyridine diimine (PDI) ligand with copper(I) chloride yielded a μ-chlorido bridged cationic dicopper(I) PDI complex, which is a rare structural motif. The geometric constraint of the ligand is fostering attractive van der Waals interactions between the coplanar pyridine units. This is supported by an Atoms in Molecules (AIM) and NCI (non-covalent interaction) analysis. Reaction with carbon monoxide yields the corresponding mono- and dicarbonyl complexes, which display reversible binding of carbon monoxide. This equilibrium was studied by ¹³C-NMR exchange spectroscopy and complemented by DFT and LNO-CCSD(T) calculations.

Coinage Metal Complexes of Bis(quinoline-2-ylmethyl)phenylphosphine-Simple Reactions Can Lead to Unprecedented Results

The different coordination behavior of the flexible yet sterically demanding, hemilabile P,N ligand bis(quinoline‐2‐ylmethyl)phenylphosphine (bqmpp) towards selected Cu^I, Ag^I and Au^I species is described. The resulting X‐ray crystal structures reveal interesting coordination geometries. With [Cu(MeCN)₄]BF₄, compound 1 [Cu₂(bqmpp)₂](BF₄)₂ is obtained, wherein the copper(I) atoms display a distorted square planar and square pyramidal geometry. The steric demand and π‐stacking of the ligand allow for a short Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu distance (2.588(9) Å). Cu^I complex 2 [Cu₄Cl₃(bqmpp)₂]BF₄ contains a rarely observed Cu₄Cl₃ cluster, probably enabled by dichloromethane as the chloride source. In the cluster, even shorter Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu distances (2.447(1) Å) are present. The reaction of Ag[SbF₆] with the ligand leads to a dinuclear compound (3) in solution as confirmed by ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. During crystallization, instead of the expected phosphine complex 3, a tris(quinoline‐2‐ylmethyl)bisphenyl‐phosphine (tqmbp) compound [Ag₂(tqmbp)₂](SbF₆)₂4 is formed by elimination of quinaldine. The Au(I) compound [Au₂(bqmpp)₂]PF₆ (5) is prepared as expected and shows a linear arrangement of two phosphine ligands around Au^I.

Coordination and Electrochemical Switching on Paddle-Wheel Complexes Containing an As-Ru or a Sb-Ru Axis

Inspired by the known complex [PhP(μ-PyO)₄Ru(CO)] (PyO = 2-pyridyloxy), the family of group 15 paddle-wheel complexes has been expanded to [PhPn(μ-PyO)₄Ru(L)] (Pn = P, As, Sb; L = NCMe, CO). Solvent-dependent reversible switching between [PhAs(μ-PyO)₄Ru(NCMe)] and [PhAs(μ-PyO)₃Ru(κ²-PyO)] was detected. Electrochemical investigations of the [PhPn(μ-PyO)₄Ru(L)] complexes showed reversible oxidation of the complexes with L = NCMe and back-formation of the complexes with L = NCMe upon oxidation of the complexes with L = CO in NCMe. In the series of [PhPn(μ-PyO)₄Ru(L)] complexes, the Pn→Ru bonding mode is shifted from L-type Pn to X-type upon going from Pn = P and As to Pn = Sb, resulting in a pronounced electron-rich Ru site in the latter case. The easily accessible complex [PhSb(μ-PyO)₄RuCl] exhibits reversible electrochemical and coordinative exchange with its reduced analogue [PhSb(μ-PyO)₄Ru(NCMe)] under retention of the paddle-wheel motif and Sb-Ru bond properties.

Molecular, Supramolecular Structures Combined with Hirshfeld and DFT Studies of Centrosymmetric M(II)-azido {M=Ni(II), Fe(II) or Zn(II)} Complexes of 4-Benzoylpyridine

The supramolecular structures of the three metal (II) azido complexes [Fe(4bzpy)4(N3)2]; 1, [Ni(4bzpy)4(N3)2]; 2 and [Zn(4bzpy)2(N3)2]n; 3 with 4-benzoylpyridine (4bzpy) were presented. All complexes contain hexa-coordinated divalent metal ions with a slightly distorted octahedral MN6 coordination sphere. Complexes 1 and 2 are monomeric with terminal azido groups while 3 is one-dimensional coordination polymer containing azido groups with μ(1,1) and μ(1,3) bridging modes of bonding. Hirshfeld analysis was used to quantitatively determine the different contacts affecting the molecular packing in the studied complexes. The most common interactions are the polar O…H and N…H interactions and the hydrophobic C…H contacts. The charges at the M(II) sites are calculated to be 1.004, 0.847, and 1.147 e for complexes 1–3, respectively. The degree of asymmetry is the highest in the case of the terminal azide in complexes 1 and 2 while was found the lowest in the μ(1,1) and μ(1,3) azide bonding modes in the Zn(II) complex 3. These facts were further explained in terms of atoms in molecules (AIM) topological parameters.

Strain Effects on the Electronic and Thermoelectric Properties of n(PbTe)-m(Bi2Te3) System Compounds

Owing to their low lattice thermal conductivity, many compounds of the n(PbTe)-m(Bi2Te3) homologous series have been reported in the literature with thermoelectric (TE) properties that still need improvement. For this purpose, in this work, we have implemented the band engineering approach by applying biaxial tensile and compressive strains using the density functional theory (DFT) on various compounds of this series, namely Bi2Te3, PbBi2Te4, PbBi4Te7 and Pb2Bi2Te5. All the fully relaxed Bi2Te3, PbBi2Te4, PbBi4Te7 and Pb2Bi2Te5 compounds are narrow band-gap semiconductors. When applying strains, a semiconductor-to-metal transition occurs for all the compounds. Within the range of open-gap, the electrical conductivity decreases as the compressive strain increases. We also found that compressive strains cause larger Seebeck coefficients than tensile ones, with the maximum Seebeck coefficient being located at −2%, −6%, −3% and 0% strain for p-type Bi2Te3, PbBi2Te4, PbBi4Te7 and Pb2Bi2Te5, respectively. The use of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) as a complementary tool has shown that the van der Waals interactions located between the structure slabs evolve with strains as well as the topological properties of Bi2Te3 and PbBi2Te4. This study shows that the TE performance of the n(PbTe)-m(Bi2Te3) compounds is modified under strains.

Group 11 m-Terphenyl Complexes Featuring Metallophilic Interactions

A series of group 11 m-terphenyl complexes have been synthesized via a metathesis reaction from the iron(II) complexes (2,6-Mes₂C₆H₃)₂Fe and (2,6-Xyl₂C₆H₃)₂Fe (Mes = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂; Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃). [2,6-Mes₂C₆H₃M]₂ (1, M = Cu; 2, M = Ag; 6, M = Au) and [2,6-Xyl₂C₆H₃M]₂ (3, M = Cu; 4, M = Ag) are dimeric in the solid state, although different geometries are observed depending on the ligand. These complexes feature short metal-metal distances in the expected range for metallophilic interactions. While 1-4 are readily isolated using this metathetical route, the gold complex 6 is unstable in solution at ambient temperatures and has only been obtained in low yield from the decomposition of (2,6-Mes₂C₆H₃)Au·SMe₂ (5). NMR spectroscopic measurements, including diffusion-ordered spectroscopy, suggest that 1-4 remain dimeric in a benzene-d₆ solution. The metal-metal interactions have been examined computationally using the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules and by an energy decomposition analysis employing natural orbitals for chemical valence.

Ruthenium Complexes of Stibino Derivatives of Carboxylic Amides: Synthesis and Characterization of Bidentate Sb,E, Tridentate Sb,E2, and Tetradentate Sb,E3 (E = N and O) Ligands and Their Reactivity Toward [RuCl2(PPh3)3]

Neutral bi-, tri-, and tetradentate ligands of the type Ph_3-xSb(L)_x [x = 1 (1), 2 (2), and 3 (3). L = La = phthalimidinyl (1a, 2a, and 3a), Lb = 2-pyridyloxy (1b, 2b, and 3b)] have been synthesized and characterized. Reaction of the Sb,E and Sb,E₂ ligands with [RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃] proceeded under anion scrambling with formation of complexes of type [Ph₂Sb(μ-L)₂Ru(PPh₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (5) or [PhSb(μ-L)₃RuCl(PPh₃)] (8) in addition to various byproducts. Reactions of the Sb,E₃ ligands and [RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃] afforded highly diverse product mixtures. Deliberate syntheses of complexes of types 5 and 8 were successful by supplementing the reaction mixture with the required stoichiometric amount of either HLa or HLb and a supporting base. The Sb-Ru bonds, which are bridged by two (type 5) or three (type 8) phthalimidinyl or 2-pyridyloxy ligands, have been investigated using quantum chemical calculations at the DFT level (NBO/NLMO and AIM). Treatment of complexes of type 8 with fluoride ions resulted in the formation of compounds of type [PhFSb(μ-La)₃RuL'(PPh₃)] (L' = O₂ (9a-O₂), NCMe (9a-NCMe), or [PhFSb(μ-Lb)₂Ru(κ²-Lb)(PPh₃)] (10b)). In contrast to other similar bimetallic Sb-TM complexes (TM = transition metal), which may switch the rather dative intermetallic bond from Sb→TM to Sb←TM upon replacing TM bound chloride by Sb-bound fluoride, the character of the Sb→Ru bond is essentially retained upon going from chloro complex 5 or 8 to fluoro complex 9 or 10. Charge discrepancies caused by anion transfer from Ru to Sb are mainly compensated for by charge flow along the ligand backbone. All isolated complexes were characterized with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and quantum chemical calculations.

Linear Copper Complex Arrays as Versatile Molecular Strings: Syntheses, Structures, Luminescence, and Magnetism

The defined linear arrangement of metal atoms in discrete coordination complexes or polymers is still one of the most intriguing challenges in synthetic chemistry. These chain arrangements are of fundamental importance, because of their potential applications as molecular wires and single molecule magnets (SMM) in microelectronic devices on a molecular scale. Oligonuclear Group 11 metal complexes with suitable bridging ligands, specifically those that are based on copper as the first choice of a cheap precursor coinage metal, are of particular interest in this regard. This is due to the superior luminescence properties of these linear clusters that often show d¹⁰ ⋅⋅⋅d¹⁰ interactions in their molecular structures. The combination of Cu^I with heavier coinage metal ions results in tunable emissive arrays that are also stimuli-responsive. Thus, both linear multinuclear Cu^I and linear heteropolymetallic Cu^I /Ag^I as well as Cu^I /Au^I clusters are excellent candidates for applications in molecular/organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs). Alternatively, paramagnetic multinuclear cupric arrays are prominent as potential molecular wires with enhanced magnetic properties through multiple coupled d⁹ centers. This Review covers the whole range of linear multinuclear assemblies of cuprous and cupric ions in complexes and coordination polymers, their syntheses, photophysical behavior, and magnetic properties. Moreover, recent advances in the rapidly progressing field of hetero-Cu^I /Ag^I and Cu^I /Au^I molecular strings are also discussed.

Luminescence mechanochromism of copper iodide clusters: a rational investigation

A photoluminescent copper iodide cluster has been characterized, and its luminescence mechanochromic properties have been anticipated.

Copper(I) iodide ribbons coordinated with thiourea derivatives

Two products of the reactions of CuI with 1-benzoyl-3-(4-bromophenyl)thiourea and with 1-benzoyl-3-(2-iodophenyl)thiourea have been obtained and characterized, namely poly[[[1-benzoyl-3-(4-bromophenyl)thiourea-κS]-μ₃-iodido-copper(I)] acetone hemisolvate], {[CuI(C₁₄H₁₁BrN₂OS)]·0.5C₃H₆O}_n, and poly[μ₄-iodido-μ₃-iodido-[N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)benzamide-κN]dicopper(I)], [Cu₂I₂(C₁₄H₁₀N₂OS)]_n. Their structures, determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, exhibit different stoichiometries and molecular organizations; however, both compounds are polymeric and possess close Cu...Cu contacts. The first product contains a (CuI)_n double chain supported by the thiourea derivative coordinated via the S atom. In the second case, the ligand undergoes dehalogenation and cyclization to form N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)benzamide that serves as the N-donor ligand which is connected to both sides of a (CuI)_n quadruple chain. In both hybrid inorganic chains, I atoms bridge three or four Cu atoms. The coordination centres adopt more or less distorted tetrahedral geometries. The structures of the (CuI)_n kernels of the ribbons are similar to fragments of the layers in high-pressure phase V copper(I) iodide. Only weak S...O, C-H...O, C-H...I and π-π interactions hold the ribbons together, allowing the formation of crystals.

(2-Pyridyloxy)silanes as Ligands in Transition Metal Coordination Chemistry

Proceeding our initial studies of compounds with formally dative TM→Si bonds (TM = Ni, Pd, Pt), which feature a paddlewheel arrangement of four (N,S) or (N,N) bridging ligands around the TM–Si axis, the current study shows that the (N,O)-bidentate ligand 2-pyridyloxy (pyO) is also capable of bridging systems with TM→Si bonds (shown for TM = Pd, Cu). Reactions of MeSi(pyO)3 with [PdCl2(NCMe)2] and CuCl afforded the compounds MeSi(µ-pyO)4PdCl (1) and MeSi(µ-pyO)3CuCl (2), respectively. In the latter case, some crystals of the Cu(II) compound MeSi(µ-pyO)4CuCl (3) were obtained as a byproduct. Analogous reactions of Si(pyO)4, in the presence of HpyO, with [PdCl2(NCMe)2] and CuCl2, afforded the compounds [(HpyO)Si(µ-pyO)4PdCl]Cl (4), (HpyO)2Si[(µ-pyO)2PdCl2]2 (5), and (HpyO)2Si[(µ-pyO)2CuCl2]2 (6), respectively. Compounds 1–6 and the starting silanes MeSi(pyO)3 and Si(pyO)4 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and, with exception of the paramagnetic compounds 3 and 6, with NMR spectroscopy. Compound 2 features a pentacoordinate Si atom, the Si atoms of the other complexes are hexacoordinate. Whereas compounds 1–4 feature a TM→Si bond each, the Si atoms of compounds 5 and 6 are situated in an O6 coordination sphere, while the TMCl2 groups are coordinated to pyridine moieties in the periphery of the molecule. The TM–Si interatomic distances in compounds 1–4 are close to the sum of the covalent radii (1 and 4) or at least significantly shorter than the sum of the van-der-Waals radii (2 and 3). The latter indicates a noticeably weaker interaction for TM = Cu. For the series 1, 2, and 3, all of which feature the Me–Si motif trans-disposed to the TM→Si bond, the dependence of the TM→Si interaction on the nature of TM (Pd(II), Cu(I), and Cu(II)) was analyzed using quantum chemical calculations, that is, the natural localized molecular orbitals (NLMO) analyses, the non-covalent interaction (NCI) descriptor, Wiberg bond order (WBO), and topological characteristics of the bond critical points using the atoms in molecules (AIM) approach.

Evaluation of Ligands Effect on the Photophysical Properties of Copper Iodide Clusters

Luminescent materials based on copper complexes are currently receiving increasing attention because of their rich photophysical properties, opening a wide field of applications. The copper iodide clusters formulated [Cu₄I₄L₄] (L = ligand), are particularly relevant for the development of multifunctional materials based on their luminescence stimuli-responsive properties. In this context, controlling and modulating their photophysical properties is crucial and this can only be achieved by thorough understanding of the origin of the optical properties. We thus report here, the comparative study of a series of cubane copper iodide clusters coordinated by different phosphine ligands, with the goal of analyzing the effect of the ligands nature on the photoluminescence properties. The synthesis, structural, and photophysical characterizations along with theoretical investigations of copper iodide clusters with ligands presenting different electronic properties, are described. A method to simplify the analysis of the ³¹P solid-state NMR spectra is also reported. While clusters with electron-donating groups present classical luminescence properties, the cluster bearing strong electron-withdrawing substituents exhibits original behavior demonstrating a clear influence of the ligands properties. In particular, the electron-withdrawing character induces a decrease in energy of the unoccupied molecular orbitals, that consequently impacts the emission properties. The modification of the luminescence thermochromic properties of the clusters are supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This study demonstrates that the control of the luminescence properties of these compounds can be achieved through modification of the coordinated ligands, nevertheless the role of the crystal packing should not be underestimated.

Coinage Metal Complexes of the Carbenic Tautomer of a Conjugated Mesomeric Betaine Akin to Nitron

This study was motivated by our recent observation that the analytical reagent Nitron (2) is an “instant carbene”, whose reaction with coinage metal salts MX afforded complexes of its carbenic tautomer 1,4-diphenyl-3-phenylamino-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene (2′). Our aim was to establish an alkyl homologue of 2 in order to achieve a carbenic tautomer of higher donicity. For this purpose 1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-4-ium-3-tert-butylaminide (6) was synthesized. Its reactions with MX afforded complexes of the carbenic tautomer 1-tert-butyl-3-tert-butylamino-4-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene (6′). With a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 complexes of the type [MX(6′)] were obtained. A ratio of 2:1 furnished complexes of the type [MX(6′)₂] or [M(6′)₂]X. 6′ is a better σ-donor and less electrophilic than 2′ according to NMR spectroscopic data of 6H[BF₄] and 6′ = Se, respectively, and IR spectroscopic data of [RhCl(6′)(CO)₂] confirm that its net electron donor capacity is superior to that of 2′. A comparison of the complexes of 2′ and 6′ reveals two pronounced structural differences. [CuX(6′)₂] (X = Cl, Br) exhibit more acute C–Cu–C bond angles than [CuX(2′)₂]. In contrast to [CuCl(2′)], [CuCl(6′)] aggregates through Cu···Cu contacts of ca. 2.87 Å, compatible with cuprophilic interactions. These differences may be explained by the complementary steric requirements of the t-Bu and the Me substituent of 6′.

The Nature of Metal-Metal Interactions in Dimeric Hydrides and Halides of Group 11 Elements in the Light of High Level Relativistic Calculations

The titular calculations show that charges at metal atoms M are apparently the main factor governing the nature of M⋅⋅⋅M interactions in two-nuclear coinage-metal complexes, and there are certain critical values of positive charges on M atoms, on exceeding which the pair-wise M⋅⋅⋅M interactions and/or the binding between M atoms in such complexes become repulsive despite negative formation energies of such complexes, short M-M internuclear distances, and the existence of a bond critical point (BCP) between M atoms.

White luminescence achieved by a multiple thermochromic emission in a hybrid organic-inorganic compound based on 3-picolylamine and copper(i) iodide

Three copper(i) complexes have been obtained by the reaction of CuI with 3-picolylamine in acetonitrile solution and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, both from synchrotron and laboratory radiation. Photophysical investigations in the solid state revealed highly efficient thermally-activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) up to 18%. Notably, the complex [Cu₂I₂(3pica)]_∞ displays a strong luminescence thermochromism due to the presence of both ^1,3(X + M)LCT excited states and a lower-lying cluster-centered (³CC) one, leading to multiple emission at room temperature; as a result, a white luminescence is achieved with a PLQY of 4.5%.

π-Excess aromatic σ²-P ligands: synthesis and structure of an unprecedented μ²-P-1,3-benzazaphosphole bridged tetranuclear copper(I) acetate complex

The -P=CH-NR-heterocycle 1-neopentyl-1,3-benzazaphosphole (npBAP) reacts in THF with copper(I) acetate via labile soluble complexes (npBAP)xCuOAc preferably to form the insoluble tetranuclear (npBAP)2(CuOAc)4 complex 1. The crystal structure analysis of 1·2CH2Cl2, grown from CH2Cl2-hexane, reveals two μ(2)-P coordinated ligands, folding the Cu4 ring with each two short distances of the cyclic copper(I) acetate tetramer to a butterfly arrangement. AIM analysis of the ωB97-D/6-31+G* electron density, obtained at the crystal structure geometry, shows bond critical points between the copper atoms indicating covalent bonding interactions between the neighboring Cu atoms.

Noncovalent interactions determine the conformation of aurophilic complexes with 2-mercapto-4-methyl-5-thiazoleacetic acid ligands

The synthesis of three new gold(i) salts is reported. The intermolecular interactions stabilizing the aurophilic dimers are examined by several first principles interpretative techniques.

Ionothermal synthesis and crystal structure of a new organic-inorganic hybrid compound: catena-poly[bis(1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) [hepta-μ-bromido-pentacuprate(I)]]

A new organic-inorganic hybrid compound, catena-poly[bis(1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) [μ5-bromido-tri-μ3-bromido-tri-μ2-bromido-pentacuprate(I)]], {(C6H11N2)2[Cu5Br7]}n, has been obtained under ionothermal conditions from a reaction mixture containing Ba(OH)2·8H2O, Cu(OH)2·2H2O, As2O5, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and distilled water. The crystal structure consists of complex [Cu5Br7](2-) anions arranged in sinusoidal {[Cu5Br7](2-)}n chains running along the a axis, which are surrounded by 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cations. Three of the five unique Br atoms and one of the three Cu(I) atoms occupy special positions with half-occupancy (a mirror plane perpendicular to the b axis, site symmetry m). The Cu(I) ions are in a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment, with four Br atoms at distances ranging from 2.3667 (10) to 2.6197 (13) Å, and an outlier at 3.0283 (12) Å, exceptionally elongated and with a small contribution to the bond-valence sum of only 6.7%. Short C-H···Br contacts build up a three-dimensional network. The Cu···Cu distances within the chain range from 2.8390 (12) to 3.0805 (17) Å, indicating the existence of weak Cu(I)···Cu(I) cuprophilic interactions.

DFT/TDDFT insights into the chemistry, biochemistry and photophysics of copper coordination compounds

Highlighting the recent progress in DFT/TDDFT application to coordination chemistry of copper.