Simple Fabrication and Unique Fiber Growth Mechanism of Copper(I) 4-Toluenethiolate-Based Fibrous Coordination Polymer

Coordination polymers (CPs) exhibit various distinctive properties owing to the metals incorporated in their main chains. These properties make CPs appealing for applications in optoelectronic devices and sensors and as precursors for inorganic materials with controlled morphologies. However, only a few CPs form fibrous structures, and the fabrication methods require complicated procedures, thus, limiting their range of applications. In this study, we report the easily feasible fabrication of fibrous CP, specifically, copper(I) 4-toluenethiolate (CuSArMe), and investigate its unique fiber growth mechanism. The reaction of CuI and 4-toluenethiol in acetonitrile in the presence of triethylamine quickly produced aggregated CuSArMe particles. With continuous stirring at ambient temperature (∼20 °C), wavy fibers grew from the surface of the aggregates, eventually forming an entangled fibrous structure. Structural evaluations of CuSArMe using powder X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the regularity of the crystal phase increased as the morphology changed from aggregated particles to fibrous structures, suggesting that the transformation was a crystallization-driven process. Additionally, the conversion of fibrous CuSArMe to Cu2S, a known semiconductor, was demonstrated while maintaining the fiber-like structure and providing the desired materials.

Designing Quantum Spaces of Higher Dimensionality from a Tetranuclear Erbium-Based Single-Molecule Magnet

The spin relaxation of an Er3+ tetranuclear single-molecule magnet, [Er(hdcCOT)I]4, (hdcCOT = hexahydrodicyclopentacyclooctatetraenide dianion), is modeled as a near-tetrahedral arrangement of Ising-type spins. Combining evidence from single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetometry, and computational techniques, the slow spin relaxation is interpreted as a consequence of symmetry restrictions imposed on quantum tunneling within the cluster core. The union of spin and spatial symmetries describe a ground state spin-spin coupled manifold wherein 16 eigenvectors generate the 3D quantum spin-space described by the vertices of a rhombic dodecahedron. Analysis of the experimental findings in this context reveals a correlation between the magnetic transitions and edges connecting cubic and octahedral subsets of the eigenspace convex hull. Additionally, the model is shown to map to a theoretically proposed quantum Cayley network, indicating an underexplored synergy between mathematical descriptions of molecular spin interactions and quantum computing configuration spaces.

Taming 2,2'-biimidazole ligands in trivalent chromium complexes

Complete or partial replacement of well-known five-membered chelating 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligands with analogous didentate 2,2'-biimidazole (H2biim) provides novel perspectives for exploiting the latter pH-tuneable bridging unit for connecting inert trivalent chromium with cationic partners. The most simple homoleptic complex [Cr(H2biim)3]3+ and its stepwise deprotonated analogues are only poorly soluble in most solvents and their characterization is limited to some solid-state structures, in which the pseudo-octahedral [CrN6] units are found to be intermolecularly connected via peripheral N-H⋯X hydrogen bonds. Moreover, the associated high-energy stretching N-H vibrations drastically quench the targeted near infrared (NIR) CrIII-based phosphorescence, which makes these homoleptic building blocks incompatible with the design of molecular-based luminescent assemblies. Restricting the number of bound 2,2'-biimidazole ligands to a single unit in the challenging heteroleptic [Cr(phen)2(Hxbiim)](1+x)+ (x = 2-0) complexes overcomes the latter limitations and allows (i) the synthesis and characterization of these [CrN6] chromophores in the solid state and in solution, (ii) the stepwise and controlled deprotonation of the bound 2,2'-biimidazole ligand and (iii) the implementation of Cr-centered phosphorescence with energies, lifetimes and quantum yields adapted for using the latter chromophores as sensitizers in promising 'complex-as-ligand' strategies.

Study of the Counter Cation Effects on the Supramolecular Structure and Electronic Properties of a Dianionic Oxamate-Based {NiII2} Helicate

Herein, we describe the synthesis, crystal structure, and electronic properties of {[K₂(dmso)(H₂O)₅][Ni₂(H₂mpba)₃]·dmso·2H₂O}_n (1) and [Ni(H₂O)₆][Ni₂(H₂mpba)₃]·3CH₃OH·4H₂O (2) [dmso = dimethyl sulfoxide; CH₃OH = methanol; and H₄mpba = 1,3-phenylenebis(oxamic acid)] bearing the [Ni₂(H₂mpba)₃]^2- helicate, hereafter referred to as {Ni^II₂}. SHAPE software calculations indicate that the coordination geometry of all the Ni^II atoms in 1 and 2 is a distorted octahedron (O_h) whereas the coordination environments for K1 and K2 atoms in 1 are Snub disphenoid J84 (D_2d) and distorted octahedron (O_h), respectively. The {Ni^II₂} helicate in 1 is connected by K⁺ counter cations yielding a 2D coordination network with sql topology. In contrast to 1, the electroneutrality of the triple-stranded [Ni₂(H₂mpba)₃] ^2- dinuclear motif in 2 is achieved by a [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺ complex cation, where the three neighboring {Ni^II₂} units interact in a supramolecular fashion through four R₂²(10) homosynthons yielding a 2D array. Voltammetric measurements reveal that both compounds are redox active (with the Ni^II/Ni^I pair being mediated by OH^- ions) but with differences in formal potentials that reflect changes in the energy levels of molecular orbitals. The Ni^II ions from the helicate and the counter-ion (complex cation) in 2 can be reversibly reduced, resulting in the highest faradaic current intensities. The redox reactions in 1 also occur in an alkaline medium but at higher formal potentials. The connection of the helicate with the K⁺ counter cation has an impact on the energy levels of the molecular orbitals; this experimental behavior was further supported by X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) experiments and computational calculations.

Synthesis, Structural, Magnetic and Computational Studies of A One-Dimensional Ferromagnetic Cu(II) Chain Assembled from a New Schiff Base Ligand

A new asymmetrically substituted ONOO Schiff base ligand N-(2′-hydroxy-1′-naphthylidene)-3-amino-2-naphthoic acid (nancH2) was prepared from the condensation of 2–hydroxy–1–naphthaldehyde and 3–amino–2–naphthoic acid. nancH2 reacts with Cu2(O2CMe)4·2H2O in the presence of Gd(O2CMe)3·6H2O to afford a uniform one-dimensional homometallic chain, [CuII(nanc)]n (1). The structure of 1 was elucidated via single crystal X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed that the Cu(II) ions adopt distorted square planar geometries and are coordinated in a tridentate manner by an [ONO] donor set from one nanc2− ligand and an O− of a bridging carboxylate group from a second ligand. The bridging carboxylato group of the nanc2− ligand adopts a syn, anti-η1:η1:μ conformation linking neighboring Cu(II) ions, forming a 1D chain. The magnetic susceptibility of 1 follows Curie–Weiss law in the range 45–300 K (C = 0.474(1) emu K mol-1, θ = +7.9(3) K), consistent with ferromagnetic interactions between S = ½ Cu(II) ions with g = 2.248. Subsequently, the data fit well to the 1D quantum Heisenberg ferromagnetic (QHFM) chain model with g = 2.271, and J = +12.3 K. DFT calculations, implementing the broken symmetry approach, were also carried out on a model dimeric unit extracted from the polymeric chain structure. The calculated exchange coupling via the carboxylate bridge (J = +13.8 K) is consistent with the observed ferromagnetic exchange between neighbouring Cu(II) centres.

Phosphorus or Nitrogen - The first Phosphatriptycene in Coordination Polymer Chemistry

Phosphasilatriptycene, a phenylene spacer and a pyridyl moiety represent the building blocks of TRIP-Py, the first heteroditopic ligand featuring a phoshatriptycene scaffold. The P and N donor sites located at...

Room temperature ferroelectric copper(ii) coordination polymers based on amino acid hydrazide ligands

This work brings into focus the superior coordination properties and facile applicability of amino acid hydrazide ligands for the design of molecular magnets and molecular ferroelectrics.

Building-up host-guest helicate motifs and chains: a magneto-structural study of new field-induced cobalt-based single-ion magnets

In this work, we present the synthetic pathway, a refined structural description, complete solid-state characterization and the magnetic properties of four new cobalt(ii) compounds of formulas [Co(H₂O)₆][Co₂(H₂mpba)₃]·2H₂O·0.5dmso (1), [Co(H₂O)₆][Co₂(H₂mpba)₃]·3H₂O·0.5dpss (2), [Co₂(H₂mpba)₂(H₂O)₄]_n·4nH₂O (3), and [Co₂(H₂mpba)₂(CH₃OH)₂(H₂O)₂]_n·0.5nH₂O·2ndpss (4) [dpss = 2,2'-dipyridyldisulfide and H₄mpba = 1,3-phenylenebis(oxamic) acid], where 2 and 4 were obtained from [Co(dpss)Cl₂] (Pre-I) as the source of cobalt(ii). All four compounds are air-stable and were prepared under ambient conditions. 1 and 2 were obtained from a slow diffusion method [cobalt(ii) : H₂mpba^2- molar ratio used 1 : 1] and their structures are made up of [Co₂(H₂mpba)₃]^2- anionic helicate units and [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ cations, exhibiting supramolecular three-dimensional structures. Interestingly, a supramolecular honeycomb network between the helicate units interacting with each other through R₂²(10) type hydrogen bonds occurs in 2 hosting one co-crystallized dpss molecule. On the other hand, for the first time, linear (3) and zigzag (4) cobalt(ii) chains were isolated by slow evaporation of stirred solutions of mixed solvents with cobalt(ii) : H₂mpba^2- in 1 : 2 molar ratio at room temperature. Magnetic measurements of Pre-I revealed a quasi magnetically isolated S = 3/2 spin state with a significant second-order spin-orbit contribution as expected for tetrahedrally coordinated cobalt(ii) ions. The analysis of the variable temperature static (dc) magnetic susceptibility data through first- (1 and 3) and second-order spin-orbit coupling models (2 and 4) reveals the presence of magnetically non-interacting high-spin cobalt(ii) ions with easy-axis (1 and 4)/easy-plane magnetic anisotropies (2 and 4) with low rhombic distortions. Dynamic (ac) magnetic measurements for Pre-I and 1-4 below 8.0 K show that they are examples of field-induced Single-Ion Magnets (SIMs).

Solvothermal synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of heterometallic coordination polymers based on a phenolato-oxamato co-bidentate-tridentate ligand

The use of solvothermal conditions has succesfully led to the preparation of heterometallic 1D coordination polymers from a co-bidentate-tridentate phenolato-oxamato ligand. The reaction of the N-(2-hydoxyphenyl)oxamic acid (ohpma) with acetate salts of transition metal ions at 80 °C has yielded the heterobimetallic [Cu(ohpma)M(OAc)(DMF)2] (M = Co (1); Mn (2)) and the heterotrimetallic [Cu(ohpma)Co0.57Mn0.43(OAc)(DMF)2] (3) chain compounds. Single-crystal and powder diffraction studies show that the polymers are isostructural. Magnetic studies suggest the existence of an inter-chain two-dimensional antiferromagnetic interaction taking place in compounds 1-3.

X-ray Structure and Magnetic Properties of Heterobimetallic Chains Based on the Use of an Octacyanidodicobalt(III) Complex as Metalloligand

The assembly of [Co2III(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)8]2− anions and [MII(CH3OH)2(DMSO)2]2+ cations resulted into the formation of two heterobimetallic 1D coordination polymers of formula [MII(CH3OH)2(DMSO)2(μ-NC)2Co2III(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)6]n·4nCH3OH [M = CoII (1)/FeII (2) and 2,5-dpp = 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine. The [Co2III(μ-2,5-dpp)(CN)8]2− metalloligand coordinates the paramagnetic [MII(CH3OH)2(DMSO)2]2+ complex cations, in a bis-monodentate fashion, to give rise to neutral heterobimetallic chains. Cryomagnetic dc (1.9–300 K) and ac (2.0–13 K) magnetic measurements for 1 and 2 show the presence of Co(II)HS (1) and Fe(II)HS (2) ions (HS – high-spin), respectively, with D values of +53.7(5) (1) and −5.1(3) cm−1 (2) and slow magnetic relaxation for 1, this compound being a new example of SIM with transversal magnetic anisotropy. Low-temperature Q-band EPR study of 1 confirms that D value is positive, which reveals the occurrence of a strong asymmetry in the g-tensors and allows a rough estimation of the E/D ratio, whereas 2 is EPR silent. Theoretical calculations by CASSCF/NEVPT2 on 1 and 2 support the results from magnetometry and EPR. The analysis of the ac magnetic measurements of 1 shows that the relaxation of M takes place in the ground state under external magnetic dc fields through dominant Raman and direct spin-phonon processes.

Supramolecular Assemblies in Silver Complexes: Phase Transitions and the Role of the Halogen Bond

Weak interactions (hydrogen bonds, halogen bonds, CH···π and π-π stacking) can play a significant role in the formation of supramolecular assemblies with desired structural features. In this contribution, we report a systematic investigation on how a halogen bond (XB) can modulate the structural arrangement of silver supramolecular complexes. The complexes are composed of X-phenyl(bispyrazolyl)methane (X = Br, I) and I-alkynophenyl(bispyrazolyl)methane ligands functionalized in meta (L^3Br, L^3I) and para (L^4Br, L^4I, L^4CCI) positions on a phenyl ring with the purpose of providing different directionalities of the X function with respect to the N,N coordination system. The obtained [Ag(L)₂]⁺ moieties show remarkable geometric similarities, and the L^4Br, L^4I, and L^4CCI ligands exhibit the most conserved types of supramolecular arrangement that are sustained by XB. The increased σ-hole in L^4CCI with respect to L^4I leads to an occurrence of short (and strong) XB interactions with the anions. [Ag(L^4I)₂]PF₆ and [Ag(L^4I)₂]CF₃SO₃ are characterized by the presence of three different phases, and the single-crystal evolution from phase-1 (a honeycomb structure with large 1D cavities) to phase-3 (solventless) occurs by a stepwise decrease in the crystallization solvent content, which promotes an increase in XB interactions in the lattice. The present paper aims to provide useful tools for the selection of appropriate components for the use of coordination compounds to build supramolecular systems based on the halogen bond.

1D Copper(II)-Aroylhydrazone Coordination Polymers: Magnetic Properties and Microwave Assisted Oxidation of a Secondary Alcohol

The 1D Cu(II) coordination polymers [Cu₃(L¹)(NO₃)₄(H₂O)₂]_n (1) and [Cu₂(H₂L²)(NO₃)(H₂O)₂]_n(NO₃)_n (2) have been synthesized using the aroylhyrazone Schiff bases N'¹,N'²-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)oxalohydrazide (H₂L¹) and N'¹,N'³-bis(2-hydroxybenzylidene)malonohydrazide (H₄L²), respectively. They have been characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), single crystal X-ray diffraction and variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements (for 2). The ligand (L¹)²⁻ coordinates in the iminol form in 1, whereas the amide coordination is observed for (H₂L²)²⁻ in 2. Either the ligand bridge or the nitrate bridge in 2 mediates weak antiferromagnetic coupling. The catalytic performance of 1 and 2 has been investigated toward the solvent-free microwave-assisted oxidation of a secondary alcohol (1-phenylethanol used as model substrate). At 120°C and in the presence of the nitroxyl radical 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperydil-1-oxyl (TEMPO), the complete conversion of 1-phenylethanol into acetophenone occurs with TOFs up to 1,200 h⁻¹.

Five naphthalene-amide-bridged Ni(ii) complexes: electrochemistry, bifunctional fluorescence responses, removal of contaminants and optimization by CVD

Five multifunctional Ni-CPs based on a new naphthalene-amide and different carboxylates were obtained and exhibited various properties. CNTs were synthesized from the precursors of CPs, showing selective removal of contaminants in water.

Investigation on the interconversion from DMF-solvated to unsolvated copper(ii) pyrazolate coordination polymers

Enlarging the family of CPs with the {Cu(μ-pz)₂} building unit: synthesis, thermal behaviour, crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of [Cu(μ-4-Xpz)₂(μ-DMF)]_n (4-Xpz = 4-Xpyrazolate, X = H, Cl, Br, I) and the non-solvated counterparts.

On the magneto-structural role of the coordinating anion in oxamato-bridged copper(ii) derivatives

Herein we present the self-assembly of the [Cu(opba)]²⁻ and [Cu(dmphen)]²⁺ building blocks in the presence of thiocyanate (1), chloride (2), bromide (3) and dicyanamide (4) anions.

2D and 3D mixed MII/CuIImetal–organic frameworks (M = Ca and Sr) withN,N′-2,6-pyridinebis(oxamate) and oxalate: preparation and magneto-structural study

Heterobimetallic coordination polymers with either antiferro- of ferromagnetic interactions are described herein.

Coordination ability of amino acid hydrazide ligands and their influence on magnetic properties in copper(ii) coordination polymers

Copper(ii) coordination polymers constructed from newly synthesized amino acid hydrazides and 4,4′-bipyridine exhibit antiferromagnetic ordering mediated through hydrazide bridges.