Magnetic materials based on 3d metal phosphonates

Divergent synthesis of benzoxaphospholenes and phosphacoumarins via the reaction of 2-alkenylphenols with phosphorus(III/V) chlorides

The divergent synthesis of benzo[e]-1,2-oxaphosphinines or benzo[d]-1,2-oxaphospholenes along with spirocyclic quasiphosphonium compounds based on 2-alkenylphenols and phosphorus(III/V) chlorides is presented. The reaction is condition-dependent and determined by the biphility of the phosphorus(III) derivative and the dual reactivity of 2-alkenylphenol. The procedures are applicable for obtaining benzo[e]-1,2-oxaphosphinines substituted at position 4 and disubstituted at positions 4 and 5 as well as 3,3-disubstituted benzo[d]-1,2-oxaphospholenes with good to high yields.

Template-assisted synthesis of isomeric copper(i) clusters with tunable structures showing photophysical and electrochemical properties

A comparative study of structure-property relationships in isomeric and isostructural atomically precise clusters is an ideal approach to unravel their fundamental properties. Herein, seven high-nuclearity copper(i) alkynyl clusters utilizing template-assisted strategies were synthesized. Spherical Cu36 and Cu56 clusters are formed with a [M@(V/PO4)6] (M: Cu2+, Na+, K+) skeleton motif, while peanut-shaped Cu56 clusters feature four separate PO4 templates. Experiments and theoretical calculations suggested that the photophysical properties of these clusters are dependent on both the inner templates and outer phosphonate ligands. Phenyl and 1-naphthyl phosphate-protected clusters exhibited enhanced emission features attributed to numerous well-arranged intermolecular C-H⋯π interactions between the ligands. Moreover, the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction properties suggested that internal PO4 templates and external naphthyl groups could promote an increase in C2 products (C2H4 and C2H5OH). Our research provides new insight into the design and synthesis of multifunctional copper(i) clusters, and highlights the significance of atomic-level comparative studies of structure-property relationships.

KMB4O6F3 (M = Co, Fe): two-dimensional magnetic fluorooxoborates with triangular lattices directed by triangular BO3 units

Frustrated magnetic systems are of great interest owing to their spin liquid state for application in quantum computing. However, experimentally, spin liquid has not been realized. Thus, experimental explorations of frustrated magnetic systems including triangular lattices are still urgent, particularly for directed synthesis compared to random exploration. Herein, for the first time, directed by the use of a triangular unit of the BO3 anion group, two novel layered magnetic fluorooxoborates KMB4O6F3 (M = Co 1, Fe 2) with triangular lattices have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and crystallize in the P21/c space group with layered magnetic triangular lattices, which are further separated by K+ ions. Magnetic susceptibility curves of both 1 and 2 show no λ-anomaly peak down to a low temperature of 2 K in the absence of a magnetic long-range ordering transition, which are further confirmed by the heat capacity results. The magnetic-field dependence of magnetization at 2 K shows saturation of 2.20μB for 1 and 4.24μB for 2, respectively, at 7 T, after roughly subtracting the Van Vleck paramagnetic contribution. Further in-depth investigation of the underlying physics at a lower temperature below 2 K would be subsequently performed. Moreover, thermal stability and FT-IR and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy with optical bandgap properties are also reported. Most importantly, our work provides a promising method to experimentally realize specific magnetic lattices (e.g. triangular lattices) directed by the use of triangular groups (e.g. BO3) as the functional unit.

Layered Uranyl Phosphonates Encapsulating Co(II)/Mn(II)/Zn(II) Ions: Exfoliation into Nanosheets and Its Impact on Magnetic and Luminescent Properties

Layered heterometallic 5f-3d uranyl phosphonates can exhibit unique luminescent and/or magnetic properties, but the fabrication and properties of their 2D counterparts have not been investigated. Herein we report three heterobimetallic uranyl phosphonates, namely, [(UO₂ )₃ M(2-pmbH)₄ (H₂ O)₄ ] ⋅ 2H₂ O [MU, M=Co(II), CoU; Mn(II), MnU; Zn(II), ZnU; 2-pmbH₃ =2-(phosphonomethyl)benzoic acid]. They are isostructural and display two-dimensional layered structures where the M(II) centers are encapsulated inside the windows generated by the diamagnetic uranyl phosphonate layer. Each M(II) has an octahedral geometry filled with four water molecules in the equatorial positions and two phosphonate oxygen atoms in the axial positions. The uranium atoms adopt UO₇ pentagonal bipyramidal and UO₆ square bipyramidal geometries. The lattice and coordination water molecules can be released by thermal treatment and reabsorbed in a reversible manner, accompanied with changes of magnetic dynamics. Interestingly, the bulk samples of MU can be exfoliated in acetone via freezing and thawing processes forming nanosheets with single-layer or two-layer thickness (MU-ns). Magnetic studies revealed that the CoU and MnU systems exhibited field-induced slow magnetization relaxation at low temperature. Compared with crystalline CoU, the magnetic relaxation of the CoU-ns aggregates is significantly accelerated. Moreover, photoluminescence measured at 77 K showed slight red-shift of the five characteristic uranyl emission bands for ZnU-ns in comparison with those of the crystalline ZnU. This work gives the first examples of 2D materials based on 5f-3d heterometallic uranyl phosphonates and illustrates the impact of dimension reduction on their magnetic/optical properties.

Hybrid Photochromic Lanthanide Phosphonate with Multiple Photoresponsive Functionalities

Hybrid photochromic materials (HPMs) with specific photoresponsive functionality have applications in many fields. The photoinduced electron-transfer (ET) strategy has been proved to be effective in the synthesis of HPMs with diverse photomodulated properties. The exploitation of new electron acceptors (EAs) is meaningful for promoting the development of HPMs. In this work, we introduced a rigid tetraimidazole derivative, 3,3,5,5-tetra(imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-biphenyl (TIBP) as a potential EA, into a metal-diphosphonate (1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, H₄-HEDP) system to explore HPMs and finally obtained a hybrid metal phosphonate (H₄-TIBP)_0.5·[Dy(H-HEDP) (H₂-HEDP)]·H₂O (1). 1 features anionic chains composed of diphosphonate and Dy³⁺ ions. The extra charge is balanced by protonated TIBP cations, which exist in the void of adjacent chains and form H-bonds with O_phosphonate (N-H···O). Upon photostimulation with a Xe lamp (300 W), the crystalline sample 1 exhibited coloration by changing from colorless to pale yellow because of the presence of photoinduced radicals that originated from the ET from O_phosphonate to N_TIBP. Along with the coloration, photomodulated fluorescence, magnetism, and proton conductivity were also detected in the photoactivated samples. Different from the reported HPMs based on polypyridine derivatives and photoactive species such as pyridinium and naphthalimide derivatives as EAs, our study provides a new category of EA units to yield HPMs with fascinating photoresponsive functionality via the assembly of polyimidazole derivatives and phosphonate-based supramolecular building blocks.

Iron phosphonate for highly efficient capture of U(VI) from acidic solution

In this study, a novel, high surface area iron phosphonate (IP) for highly efficient adsorption of uranyl ion in acidic medium was described. The as-prepared IP was amorphous with its specific surface area and total pore volume as high as 268 m²/g and 1.04 cm³/g, respectively. Particularly, the as-prepared IP with ferrous ions and oxygen, nitrogen-bearing functional groups prove excellent U(VI) adsorption capacity (154.6 mg/g) as compared to that of amorphous FePO₄ (67.3 mg/g) and Fe₃(PO₄)₂(H₂O)₈ (33.8 mg/g). Surprising, the saturation adsorption capacity could achieve up to 353.9 mg/g. Besides, the IP also had a fast adsorption rate for attaining adsorption equilibrium within 20 min, and followed pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich models. Moreover, both the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm adsorption model and the value of enthalpy indicated a chemisorption process. Otherwise, the Na⁺-independent U(VI) adsorption on IP and the adsorption-desorption isotherm studies revealed that inner-layer surface complexation is the control step for U(VI) adsorption process, and the adsorbent featured an irreversible adsorption process. The structure and functional groups of the adsorbent remained unchanged after capture of U(VI). Further, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) analysis demonstrated that the capture mechanism of U(VI) on IP from acidic aqueous solution was due to not only redox reaction, but also ascribed to the coordinated chemical adsorption.

Metal phosphonates as heterogeneous catalysts for highly efficient chemical fixation of CO2 under mild conditions

Two new compounds with novel structures were prepared, one of which displays excellent catalytic activity to transform CO2 gas to cyclic carbonates under mild conditions and free of solvent.

Opening Magnetic Hysteresis via Improving Planarity of Equatorial Coordination by Hydrogen Bonding

Through a mixed-ligand strategy, the structural change from a discrete dinuclear DyIII cluster to a one-dimensional polymeric chain was achieved, maintaining the two magnetic entities with the same {Dy(dppbO2)2(H2O)5} (dppbO2...

Pentanuclear MII–MnII (M = Ni and Cu) complexes of N2O2 donor ligands with a variation of carboxylate anions: syntheses, structures, magnetic properties and catecholase-like activities

One NiII2MnII3 and two CuII2MnII3 complexes have been synthesized using N2O2 donor ligands. The former complex exhibits spin crossover at 2 K temperature. All the complexes exhibit catecholase-like activities.

Uranyl phosphonates: crystalline materials and nanosheets for temperature sensing

Ultrathin nanosheets of luminescent metal-organic frameworks or coordination polymers have been widely used for sensing ions, solvents and biomolecules but, as far as we are aware, not yet used for temperature sensing. Herein we report two luminescent uranyl phosphonates based on 2-(phosphonomethyl)benzoic acid (2-pmbH₃), namely (UO₂)(2-pmbH₂)₂ (1) and (H₃O)[(UO₂)₂(2-pmb)(2-pmbH)] (2). The former has a supramolecular layer structure, composed of chains of corner-sharing {UO₆} octahedra and {PO₃C} tetrahedra which are connected by hydrogen bonds between phosphonate and carboxylic groups. Compound 2 possesses a unique 2D anionic framework structure, where the inorganic uranyl phosphonate chains made up of {UO₇} and {PO₃C} polyhedra are cross-linked by 2-pmb^3- ligands. The carboxylic groups of 2-pmbH^2- ligands are pendant on the two sides of the layers and form hydrogen bonds between the layers. Both compounds can be exfoliated in acetone via a top-down freeze-thaw method, resulting in nanosheets of two-layer thickness. Interestingly, the photoluminescence (PL) of 1 and 2 is highly temperature sensitive. Variable temperature PL studies revealed that compounds 1 and 2 can be used as thermometers in the temperature ranges 120-300 K and 100-280 K, respectively. By doping the nanosheets into polymer matrix, 1-ns@PMMA and 2-ns@PMMA were prepared. The PL intensity of 1-ns@PMMA is insensitive to temperature, unlike that of the bulk sample. While 2-ns@PMMA exhibits similar temperature-dependent luminescence behaviour to its bulk counterpart, thereby enabling its potential application as a thermometer in the temperature range 100-280 K.

Layer or Tube? Uncovering Key Factors Determining the Rolling-up of Layered Coordination Polymers

Nanotubular materials have garnered considerable attention since the discovery of carbon nanotubes. Although the layer-to-tube rolling up mechanism has been well recognized in explaining the formation of many inorganic nanotubes, it has not been generally applied to coordination polymers (CPs). To uncover the key factors that determine the rolling-up of layered CPs, we have chosen the Co/R-, S-Xpemp [Xpemp = (4-X-1-phenylethylamino)methylphosphonic acid, X = H, F, Cl, Br] systems and study how the weak interactions influence the formation of layered or tubular structures. Four pairs of homochiral isostructural compounds R-, S-Co(Xpemp)(H₂O)₂ [X = H (1H), F (2F), Cl (3Cl), Br (4Br)] were obtained with tubular structures. The inclusion of 3,3'-azobipyridine (ABP) guest molecules led to compounds R-, S-[Co(Xpemp)(H₂O)₂]₄·ABP·H₂O with layered structures when X was Cl (5Cl) and Br (6Br), but tubular compounds 1H and 2F when X was H and F. Layered structures were also obtained for racemic compounds meso-Co(Xpemp)(H₂O)₂ [X = F (7F), Cl (8Cl), Br (9Br)] using racemic XpempH₂ as the reaction precursor, but not when X = H. A detailed study on R-6Br revealed that layer-to-tube transformation occurred upon removal of ABP under hydrothermal conditions, forming R-4Br with a tubular structure. Similar layer-to-tube conversion did not occur in organic solvents. The results demonstrate that weak interlayer interactions are a prerequisite but not sufficient for the rolling-up of the layers. In the present cases, water also provides a driving force in the layer-to-tube transformation. The experimental results were rationalized by theoretical calculations.

Ring-forming transformation associated with hydrazone changes of hexadecanuclear dysprosium phosphonates

{Dy16(μ6-C10H7PO3)2(μ5-C10H7PO3)8(spch)8(μ3-OH)2(μ2-OH)2(μ2-AcO)6(μ3-COO)2(DMF)2(H2O)6}·0.5CH3OH·4.5H2O (1) and {Dy16(μ5-C10H7PO3)4(μ3-C10H7PO3)12(μ2-C10H7PO3H)8(opch)4(DMF)8(MeOH)4}·2.5CH3OH·3H2O (2), where H2spch is ((E)-N'-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide, C10H7PO3H2 is 1-naphthylphosphonic acid and H2opch is (E)-N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide, were successfully synthesized by varying the hydrazone ligands in the Dy-phosphonate system. It is important that the ellipsoidal core experiences a ring forming structural transformation to the supramolecular square motif upon the incorporation of an ortho-methoxy substituent into the hydrazone. Alternating-current (ac) magnetic susceptibility studies of 1 and 2 suggest that similar single molecule magnet behaviors occur for these two complexes. The result represents an effective molecular assembly tactic to develop highly complicated lanthanide coordination clusters through the multicomponent self-assembly of the coalescence of phosphonate- and hydrazone-based ligands and metal salts.

Biomedical applications of metal–organic framework (MOF)-based nano-enzymes

In the present review, the types and activities of nanometer-sized enzymes are summarized, with recent progress of nanometer-sized enzymes in the field of biomedical detection.

Fabrication of new structures from a 3D cobalt phosphonate network: structural transformation and proton conductivity investigation

Three new compounds with novel structures were prepared from cobalt 318, among which, 0-dimensional structural compound 1 shows a higher proton conductivity.

Role of aromatic vs. aliphatic amine for the variation of structural, electrical and catalytic behaviors in a series of silver phosphonate extended hybrid solids

Four inorganic-organic hybrid silver phosphonate compounds, [Ag(C10H8N2)(H4hedp)] (1), [Ag2(C10H8N2)(H3hedp)]·2H2O (2), [C4H12N2][Ag4(H2hedp)2] (3) and [C4H12N2][Ag10(H2hedp)4(H2O)2]·2H2O (4) (H5hedp = 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid), have been prepared by virtue of the variable amine-directed hydrothermal strategy. The subsequent roles of coordinated aromatic amine (4,4'-bipyridine) and coordination-free templated aliphatic amine (piperazine) are studied. The connectivity of the silver ions, diphosphonate units (hedp) and bipyridine moiety can give rise to the one-dimensional structure of 1 and two-dimensional layer structure of 2. In contrast, the silver ions and diphosphonate units are connected to form the tetrameric and pentameric silver cluster units in compound 3 and 4, respectively. Such clusters are rare examples of fundamental building units in the piperazine templated two-dimensional silver based layer structures. The room temperature dielectric studies show the extremely high dielectric permittivity of the amine templated compounds (3 and 4) compared to amine coordinated structures (1 and 2). The synthesized compounds also participate in various heterogenous catalytic reactions acting as active Lewis acid catalysts that are observed for the first time in the amine-templated metal organophosphonates. The observed band gaps and dielectric values suggest that compounds 3 and 4 are more promising candidates for electronic applications, while compounds 1 and 2 are comparatively better Lewis acid catalysts.

Optimizing the Proton Conductivity of Fe-Diphosphonates by Increasing the Relative Number of Protons and Carrier Densities

Proton conductive materials have attracted extensive interest in recent years due to their fascinating applications in sensors, batteries, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Herein, two Fe-diphosphonate chains (H₄-BAPEN)_0.5·[Fe^III(H-HEDP)(HEDP)_0.5(H₂O)] (1) and (H₄-TETA)₂·[Fe^III₂Fe^II(H-HEDP)₂(HEDP)₂(OH)₂]·2H₂O (2) (HEDP = 1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonate, BAPEN = 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane, and TETA = triethylenetetramine) with different templating agents were prepared by hydrothermal reactions. The valence states of the Fe centers were demonstrated by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra at 100 K, with a high-spin Fe^III state for 1 and mixed high-spin Fe^III/Fe^II states for 2. Their magnetic properties were determined, which featured strong antiferromagnetic couplings in the chain. Importantly, the proton conductivity of both compounds at 100% relative humidity was explored at different temperatures, with 2.79 × 10^-4 S cm^-1 at 80 °C for 1 and 7.55 × 10^-4 S cm^-1 at 45 °C for 2, respectively. This work provides an opportunity for improving proton conductive properties by increasing the relative number of protons and the carrier density using protonated flexible aliphatic amines.

An Efficient Cobalt Phosphide Electrocatalyst Derived from Cobalt Phosphonate Complex for All-pH Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and Overall Water Splitting in Alkaline Solution

The development of low-cost and highly efficient electrocatalysts via an eco-friendly synthetic method is of great significance for future renewable energy storage and conversion systems. Herein, cobalt phosphides confined in porous P-doped carbon materials (Co-P@PC) are fabricated by calcinating the cobalt-phosphonate complex formed between 1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonic acid and Co(NO₃ )₂ in alkaline solution. The P-containing ligand in the complex acts as the carbon source as well as in situ phosphorizing agent for the formation of cobalt phosphides and doping P element into carbon material upon calcination. The Co-P@PC exhibits high activity for all-pH hydrogen evolution reaction (overpotentials of 72, 85, and 76 mV in acidic, neutral, and alkaline solutions at the current density of 10 mA cm^-2 ) and oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution (an overpotential of 280 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm^-2 ). The alkaline electrolyzer assembled from the Co-P@PC electrodes delivers the current density of 10 mA cm^-2 at the voltage of 1.60 V with a durability of 60 h. The excellent activity and long-term stability of the Co-P@PC derives from the synergistic effect between the active cobalt phosphides and the porous P-doped carbon matrix.

Polar layered coordination polymers incorporating triazacyclononane-triphosphonate metalloligands

Reactions of metalloligands M^III(notpH₃) (M = Fe, Co and notpH₆ = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triyl-tris(methylenephosphonic acid)) with Zn(OAc)₂ under hydrothermal conditions resulted in new metal phosphonates Zn₂Fe(notp)Cl(H₂O) (1) and ZnCo(notpH)(H₂O)·2H₂O (2). They crystallize in polar space groups P6₃ (for 1) and Pca2₁ (for 2), respectively, and exhibit layer structures in which the inorganic layers are separated by the organic groups of the notp ligands. However, the layer topologies of the two compounds are quite different. In 1, the layer contains 6-membered rings composed of one {FeN₃O₃} octahedron, one {Zn1O₃Cl}, one {Zn2O₄} and three {PO₃C} tetrahedra via corner-sharing connections, while in 2, the layer contains 10-membered rings composed of two {CoO₃N₃} octahedra, three {ZnO₄} and five {PO₃C} tetrahedra via vertex-sharing connections. Dielectric measurements on single crystals of 2 confirmed the presence of high dielectric anisotropy. Proton conductivity measurements revealed that the proton conduction is more favourable in 2 due to the presence of a continuous hydrogen bond network in this compound.

Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic and electrochemiluminescence properties of three manganese(II) complexes

Three novel complexes, namely, penta-μ-acetato-bis(μ2-2-{[2-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]methyl}-6-methoxyphenolato)-μ-formato-tetramanganese(II), [Mn4(C13H11ClN3O2)2(C2H3O2)5.168(CHO2)0.832], 1, hexa-μ2-acetato-bis(μ2-2-{[2-(6-bromopyridin-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]methyl}-6-methoxyphenolato)tetramanganese(II), [Mn4(C13H11BrN3O2)2(C2H3O2)6], 2, and catena-poly[[μ2-acetato-acetatoaqua(μ2-2-{[2-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]methyl}-6-methoxyphenolato)dimanganese(II)]-μ2-acetato], [Mn2(C13H11ClN3O2)(C2H3O2)3(H2O)] n , 3, have been synthesized using solvothermal methods. Complexes 1–3 were characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 are tetranuclear manganese clusters, while complex 3 has a one-dimensional network based on tetranuclear Mn4(L 1)2(CH3COO)6(H2O)2 building units (L 1 is 2-{[2-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]methyl}-6-methoxyphenolate). Magnetic studies reveal that complexes 1–3 display dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between MnII ions through μ2-O bridges. In addition, 1–3 also display favourable electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties.

Novel triorganotin complexes based on phosphonic acid ligands: Syntheses, structures and in vitro cytostatic activity

Six novel organotin phosphonate complexes, [(Me₃Sn)₄(HL¹)₄]_n1, [(Me₃Sn)₂(HL²)₂]_n2, [(Me₃Sn)₂L³(H₂O)]_n3, [(Ph₃Sn)(HL¹)]₆4, [(Ph₃Sn)₂L²]_n5 and [(Ph₃Sn)₂L³]₆6, derived from phosphonic acid ligands [NaHL¹ = 1-C₁₀H₇OPO₂(OH)Na, H₂L² = 1-C₁₀H₇PO(OH)₂, H₂L³ = 2-C₁₀H₇PO(OH)₂], have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P and ¹¹⁹Sn) spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The structural analysis reveals that complexes 1 and 5 display 1D infinite zig-zag chain structures, and complex 2 shows 1D right-handed helical chain structure, while complex 3 displays 1D left-handed helical chain structure. Complexes 4 and 6 are 24-membered macrocyclic rings interconnected by P, O and Sn atoms. Additionally, the molecules of complexes 1 and 3 are further linked through intermolecular π···π and O-H···O interaction into supramolecular structures, respectively. Furthermore, we preliminarily estimated in vitro cytostatic activity of complexes 1-6 against the human cervix tumor cells (HeLa), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG-2) and human normal breast cells (HBL-100). Importantly, the anti-proliferative properties and possible pathway of complex 6 are investigated, and the results demonstrate that complex 6 could induce apoptotic cell death via an overload of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the dysfunctional depolarization of mitochondrial membranes.

Synthesis, structure and photocatalytic properties of coordination polymers based on pyrazole carboxylic acid ligands

The photocatalytic activities of two novel different 2-D coordination polymers constructed from 5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ligand have been explored.

Metal phosphonates incorporating metalloligands: assembly, structures and properties

This feature article summarizes the current status of metal–metalloligand phosphonates including the synthetic strategies, crystal structures and properties. Future challenges in this field are discussed.

Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes Incorporating Aromatic Phosphonate Ligands: Syntheses, Structures, and Tunable Optical Properties

The incorporation of phosphonate ligands into the cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes can not only tune their electronic and optical properties but also provide the possibility of anchoring these molecules on the semiconductor surfaces for further applications. Herein, we report the first examples of mononuclear cyclometallated iridium(III) complexes incorporating phosphonate ligands, namely, [Ir(ppy)₂(HL¹)]·0.5H₂O (1), [Ir(ppy)₂(HL²)]·0.5H₂O (2), [Ir(dfppy)₂(HL¹)] (3), and [Ir(dfppy)₂(HL²)]·3.5H₂O (4) (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, dfppy = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine, H₂L¹ = 2-pyridylphosphonic acid, H₂L² = 2-quinolinephosphonic acid). Luminescent spectra are studied both in solution and in the solid state, and significantly red-shifted broad emission bands are observed in complexes 2 and 4. The experimental and density functional theory (DFT) time-dependent-DFT calculation results indicate that the expansion of the aromatic conjugation length in the ancillary phosphonate ligands decreases the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels of the systems, originating from the triplet state associated with the ancillary ligand such as ³MLCT, ³LC, and ³LLCT charge-transfer transitions.

Changes in magnetic order through two consecutive dehydration steps of metal-phosphonate diamond chains

Hydrothermal reactions of the multitopic ligand 1-hydroxy-1-(piperidin-4-yl)methylidenebisphosphonic acid (hpdpH₄) with cobalt or nickel sulfates afforded two new isostructural metal phosphonates, M₃^II(hpdpH)₂(H₂O)₆·4H₂O [M = Co (Co-10H₂O), Ni (Ni-10H₂O)]. Their structures consist of parallel diamond chains of three MO₆ octahedra bridged by the PO₃C tetrahedra. Six of the seven oxygen atoms of the ligand are involved in coordination; for two ligands that amounts to 12 bonds for 3 MO₆ and the remaining six are occupied by terminal water molecules. In addition, four water molecules sit in between the chains providing H-bonds to the formation of a 3D-net. Thermal analyses show identical two-step dehydration processes involving first the departure of six water molecules followed by the remaining four. A detailed study of the ac- and dc-magnetization as a function of temperature, field and frequency reveals associated drastic changes. The virgin form Co-10H₂O is a paramagnet while its partial dehydrated form Co-4H₂O is an antiferromagnet displaying canting below T_N = 4.7 K and the fully dehydrated form Co is a ferrimagnet (T_C = 12 K). Ni-10H₂O and Ni-4H₂O exhibit long-range ordered antiferromagnetism (T_N = 2.7 and 4.0 K, respectively) and also become ferrimagnets (T_C = 9.4 K) when fully dehydrated to Ni. The dehydrated samples can be fully rehydrated with the complete recovery of both the structures and magnetic properties.

M₃^II(hpdpH)₂(H₂O)₆·4H₂O (M = Co, Ni) experience identical two-step dehydration processes associated with drastic magnetic changes from paramagnet to antiferromagnet/metamagnetic to ferrimagnet for M = Co, and from antiferromagnet to antiferromagnet to ferrimagnet for M = Ni.

Metal Phosphonates and Phosphinates

The present Special Issue entitled “Metal phosphonates and phosphinates” aims to collect recent and significant research papers on the fascinating chemistry of these two related families of coordination compounds [...]

New Directions in Metal Phosphonate and Phosphinate Chemistry

In September 2018, the First European Workshop on Metal Phosphonates Chemistry brought together some prominent researchers in the field of metal phosphonates and phosphinates with the aim of discussing past and current research efforts and identifying future directions. The scope of this perspective article is to provide a critical overview of the topics discussed during the workshop, which are divided into two main areas: synthesis and characterisation, and applications. In terms of synthetic methods, there has been a push towards cleaner and more efficient approaches. This has led to the introduction of high-throughput synthesis and mechanochemical synthesis. The recent success of metal–organic frameworks has also promoted renewed interest in the synthesis of porous metal phosphonates and phosphinates. Regarding characterisation, the main advances are the development of electron diffraction as a tool for crystal structure determination and the deployment of in situ characterisation techniques, which have allowed for a better understanding of reaction pathways. In terms of applications, metal phosphonates have been found to be suitable materials for several purposes: they have been employed as heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of fine chemicals, as solid sorbents for gas separation, notably CO2 capture, as materials for electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and rechargeable batteries, and as matrices for drug delivery.

Homochiral iron(ii)-based metal-organic nanotubes: metamagnetism and selective nitric oxide adsorption in a confined channel

Homochiral iron(ii)-based nanotubular metal phosphonates (R)- and (S)-[Fe(pemp)(H2O)2] [pemp2- = (R)- or (S)-(1-phenylethylamino)methylphosphonate] are reported showing metamagnetism at low temperature. The dehydrated product features coordinatively unsaturated and redox-active metal ion sites that enable it to strongly bind nitric oxide at room temperature.

Low pH constructed Co(ii) and Ni(ii) 1D coordination polymers based on Cα-substituted analogues of zoledronic acid: structural characterization, and spectroscopic and magnetic properties

Three novel coordination compounds based on α,α-disubstituted analogues of zoledronic acid with a cyclopropane (cpp) or cyclobutane (cbt) ring on the C_α carbon, isomorphous [Co(H₂cppZol)(H₂O)]·H₂O (1a), [Ni(H₂cppZol)(H₂O)]·H₂O (1b) and [Co(H₂cbtZol)(H₂O)]·H₂O (2a), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions at low pH. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that all the compounds had a 1D double zig–zag chain architecture with an 8 + 8 ring motif formed by alternately arranged symmetrical (–O–P–O–)₂ bridges linking equivalent octahedral metal centres. Both the ligand coordination mode and chain architecture displayed by 1a, 1b and 2a are unique among 1D [M(H₂L)(H₂O)_x]·yH₂O coordination polymers based on nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates reported so far. All the compounds exhibit similar decomposition pathways upon heating with thermal stabilities decreasing in the order 1b > 1a > 2a. The IR spectra revealed that lattice water release above 227, 178 and 97 °C, respectively, does not change the chain architecture leaving them intact up to ca. 320, 280 and 240 °C. Magnetic behaviour investigations indicated that 1a, 2a and 1b exhibit weak alternating antiferromagnetic–ferromagnetic exchange interactions propagated between the magnetic centres through double (–O–P–O–)₂ bridges. The boundary between antiferro- and ferromagnetic couplings for the Co–O⋯O–Co angle in 1a and 2a was estimated to be ca. 80°. This value is also applicable for recently reported [M₃(HL)₂(H₂O)₆]·6H₂O (M = Co, Ni) complexes based on α,α-disubstituted analogues of zoledronic acid and can be used to the explain magnetic behaviour of 1b.

1D Co(ii)/Ni(ii) coordination polymers with alternating antiferromagnetic–ferromagnetic exchange interactions between metal centers propagated through double (–O–P–O–)₂ bridges.

Polymorphic layered copper phosphonates: exfoliation and proton conductivity studies

α-Cu(4-cnappH)(H₂O) (α-Cu-1), α-Cu(4-cnappH)(H₂O)·0.5H₂O (α-Cu-2) and β-Cu(4-cnappH)(H₂O) (β-Cu) [4-cnappH₃ = (4-carboxynaphthalen-1-yl)phosphonic acid] are polymorphic layered compounds. Proton conduction is more favorable in α-Cu-2 than in α-Cu-1, but exfoliation into nanosheets decreases the conductivity.