Heterobimetallic Lantern Complexes and Their Novel Structural and Magnetic Properties

Antiferromagnetic Interactions through the Thirteen Å Metal-Metal Distances in Heterometallic One-Dimensional Chains

A heterometallic and paramagnetic one-dimensional aligned chain in -Rh(+2)-Rh(+2)- Pt(+2)-Ni(+2)-Pt(+2)- with direct metal-metal bonds was obtained via HOMO-LUMO interactions at the σ* (dz2) orbital between [Rh2(O2CCH3)4] and [Pt2Ni(piam)4(NH3)4] (piam=pivalamidate). The one-dimensional chains had straight backbones attributed to face-to-face stacking of each complex, and the Ni atoms were separated by approximately 13 Å from four different metals. Each Ni atom had two unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals, which strongly exchanged with J=-37.9 cm-1 through the diamagnetic -Pt-Rh-Rh-Pt- bonds.

Structure and redox behaviour of a paramagnetic Rh-Pt-Cu-Pt-Rh heterometallic-extended metal-atom chain

A paramagnetic, pentanuclear, metal-metal bonded complex comprising three metals is isolated. The Cu dx2-y2 orbital of the Rh-Pt-Cu-Pt-Rh chain contains an unpaired electron. The close energetic levels and symmetric overlap of the Cu dx2-y2 and Rh-Pt δ* induces a charge-transfer reaction to achieve the diamagnetic Rh-Pt-Cu-Pt-Rh complex.

Assessment of Iron-Based Spin-Orbit Coupling Effects in Pt-Fe Heterobimetallic Lantern Complexes via 57Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopy

A series of heterobimetallic lantern complexes, [PtFe(SOCR)4(pyX)] where R = Me, X = H (1), X = NH2 (2), X = SMe (3); R = Ph, X = H (4), X = NH2 (5), X = SMe (6), have been prepared and characterized spectroscopically. Compounds 1, 4, and 5 are reported herein for the first time. The high-spin iron(II) sites of 1-6 have been investigated using 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Although the isomer shift of these species is nearly identical, their quadrupole splitting exhibits a much larger variation. Moreover, the zero-field Mössbauer spectra of 3-5 show surprising changes over time which are likely indicative of small structural distortions. The field dependent Mössbauer study of 1 and 6 revealed a zero field splitting (ZFS) characterized by a relatively large and positive D value. The combined Density Functional Theory (DFT) and ab initio Complete Active Space Self-Consistent Field (CASSCF) investigation of 1-6 indicates that their ground state is best described using a linear combination of {|xz⟩, |yz⟩} states. Our theoretical analysis suggests that the ZFSs and magnitude of the quadrupole splitting of 1-6 are determined by the spin-orbit coupling of the three lowest orbital states which have a T2g parentage.

Quantum spin coherence and electron spin distribution channels in vanadyl-containing lantern complexes

We herein investigate the heterobimetallic lantern complexes [PtVO(SOCR)4] as charge neutral electronic qubits based on vanadyl complexes (S = 1/2) with nuclear spin-free donor atoms. The derivatives with R = Me (1) and Ph (2) give highly resolved X-band EPR spectra in frozen CH2Cl2/toluene solution, which evidence the usual hyperfine coupling with the 51V nucleus (I = 7/2) and an additional superhyperfine interaction with the I = 1/2 nucleus of the 195Pt isotope (natural abundance ca. 34%). DFT calculations ascribe the spin density delocalization on the Pt2+ ion to a combination of π and δ pathways, with the former representing the predominant channel. Spin relaxation measurements in frozen CD2Cl2/toluene-d8 solution between 90 and 10 K yield Tm values (1-6 μs in 1 and 2-11 μs in 2) which compare favorably with those of known vanadyl-based qubits in similar matrices. Coherent spin manipulations indeed prove possible at 70 K, as shown by the observation of Rabi oscillations in nutation experiments. The results indicate that the heavy Group 10 metal ion is not detrimental to the coherence properties of the vanadyl moiety and that Pt-VO lanterns can be used as robust spin-coherent building blocks in materials science and quantum technologies.

Experimental assignment of long-range magnetic communication through Pd & Pt metallophilic contacts

Record-breaking magnetic exchange interactions have previously been reported for 3d-metal dimers of the form [M(Pt(SAc)₄)(pyNO₂)]₂ (M = Ni or Co) that are linked in the solid state via metallophilic Pt⋯Pt bridges. This contrasts the terminally capped monomers [M(Pt(SAc)₄)(py)₂], for which neither metallophilic bridges nor magnetic exchange interactions are found. Computational modeling has shown that the magnetic exchange interaction is facilitated by the pseudo-closed shell d⁸⋯d⁸ metallophilic interaction between the filled Pt²⁺ 5d _{z ²} orbitals. We present here inelastic neutron scattering experiments on these complexes, wherein the dimers present an oscillatory momentum-transfer-dependence of the magnetic transitions. This allows for the unequivocal experimental assignment of the distance between the coupled ions, which matches exactly the coupling pathway via the metallophilic bridges. Furthermore, we have synthesized and magnetically characterized the isostructural palladium-analogues. The magnetic coupling across the Pd⋯Pd bridge is found through SQUID-magnetometry and FD-FT THz-EPR spectroscopy to be much weaker than via the Pt⋯Pt bridge. The weaker coupling is traced to the larger radial extent of the 5d _{z ²} orbitals compared to that of the 4d _{z ²} orbitals. The existence of a palladium metallophilic interaction is evaluated computationally from potential surface cuts along the metal stretching direction. Similar behavior is found for the Pd⋯Pd and Pt⋯Pt-systems with clear minima along this coordinate and provide estimates for the force constant for this distortion. The estimated M⋯M stretching frequencies are found to match experimental observed, polarized bands in single-crystal Raman spectra close to 45 cm^-1. This substantiates the existence of energetically relevant Pd⋯Pd metallophilic interactions. The unique properties of both Pt²⁺ and Pd²⁺ constitutes an orthogonal reactivity, which can be utilized for steering both the direction and strength of magnetic interactions.

Heterometallic bond activation enabled by unsymmetrical ligand scaffolds: bridging the opposites

Heterobi- and multimetallic complexes providing close proximity between several metal centers serve as active species in artificial and enzymatic catalysis, and in model systems, showing unique modes of metal-metal cooperative bond activation. Through the rational design of well-defined, unsymmetrical ligand scaffolds, we create a convenient approach to support the assembly of heterometallic species in a well-defined and site-specific manner, preventing them from scrambling and dissociation. In this perspective, we will outline general strategies for the design of unsymmetrical ligands to support heterobi- and multimetallic complexes that show reactivity in various types of heterometallic cooperative bond activation.

Unequal sensitivities of energy levels in a high-symmetry Ho3+ complex towards lattice distortions

High-resolution inelastic neutron scattering has been used to study low-energy magnetic transitions in a Ho³⁺ complex. This complex crystallises in the high-symmetry space group P4/m and has near-perfect D_4d symmetry, which has allowed for the determination of all relevant spin-Hamiltonian parameters. Static and dynamic inhomogeneity in the crystal lattice manifests as a temperature-dependent broadening of the observed magnetic excitations. By implementing distributions in the spin-Hamiltonian parameters, it is possible to reproduce with great accuracy the observed magnetic transition spectrum. This reveals the range to which extraneous perturbations of the crystal field affect low-energy electronic states, such as those involved in quantum tunnelling of magnetisation, in atomic clock transitions, or in spintronics.

Dimerization of Paramagnetic Trinuclear Complexes by Coordination Geometry Changes Showing Mixed Valency and Significant Antiferromagnetic Coupling through -Pt···Pt- Bonds

Paramagnetic trinuclear complexes, trans-[Pt₂M(piam)₄(NH₃)₄](ClO₄)_x (t-M; piam = pivalamidate, M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu, x = 2 or 3), aligned as Pt-M-Pt were successfully synthesized and characterized. The dihedral angles between the Pt and M coordination planes in t-M are approximately parallel, showing straight metal-metal bonds with distances of approximately 2.6 Å. Except for t-Fe, the trinuclear complexes are dimerized with close contact (approximately 3.9 Å) between the end Pt atoms to form Pt-M-Pt···Pt-M-Pt alignments with high-spin M(+2) containing five (t-Mn), three (t-Co), two (t-Ni), and one (t-Cu) unpaired electrons localized on M atoms. Several physical measurements and calculations revealed that the dimerized structures were maintained in MeCN, where cyclic voltammograms for t-M exhibited two-step oxidation and reduction attributed to Pt-M(+2)-Pt···Pt-M(+2)-Pt ↔ Pt-M(+3)-Pt···Pt-M(+2)-Pt ↔ Pt-M(+3)-Pt···Pt-M(+3)-Pt via mixed-valent states. Magnetic susceptibility measurements for t-M showed antiferromagnetic interaction, t-Mn: J = -0.9 cm^-1, t-Co: J = -3.5 cm^-1, t-Ni: J = -7.3 cm^-1, and t-Cu: J = 0.0 cm^-1, between the two M centers with distances of 9.0 Å through Pt···Pt bonds.

Antiferromagnetic Coupling Supported by Metallophilic Interactions: Theoretical View

The antiferromagnetic coupling supported by metallophilic interactions has been studied in the framework of the broken symmetry approach (BS) and multiconfigurational calculations (CASSCF). A series of heterobimetallic complexes of the form [PtCo(X)₄(Y)]₂ (X = tba thiobenzoate, SAc thioacetate, and Y = H₂O, NO₂py, py), previously reported, have been used as model systems. Magnetic coupling constants were found in good agreement with the experimental reports, and it could be concluded that axial ligands with a pure σ-donor character have a marked effect on the J value strengthening the antiferromagnetic coupling, as shown for [PtCo(SAc)₄(H₂O)]₂ and [PtNi(SAc)₄(H₂O)]₂. The latter complex, included for comparative purposes, also made it possible to evidence that the interaction between magnetic orbitals and low-level excitation in the Pt···Pt region is also relevant favoring the stronger antiferromagnetic coupling found in this case. A careful analysis of the energetic components involved in Pt···Pt interaction suggests that the stabilization arises from a combination of favorable orbital contributions, which allows a weak covalent Pt···Pt σ(dz²...dz²) bond. Theoretical tools evidence that the weak σ-bond found between monomeric units is responsible for a spin polarization mechanism resulting in the observed antiferromagnetic interaction. Multiconfigurational calculations finally allowed us to establish that the spin polarization mechanism involves not only the d_z² orbitals in the M-Pt···Pt-M bond direction but also the empty 6p_z orbitals of Pt atoms. The inclusion of these orbitals favors a correlation-induced delocalization of magnetic orbitals and therefore a better balance among direct and kinetic exchange. The results shown in this work are relevant in the molecular design of systems supported by metallophilic interactions not only between platinum atoms but also could be extended to other cases with similar interactions.

Paramagnetic one-dimensional chains containing high-spin manganese atoms showing antiferromagnetic interaction through -Pt-Rh-Rh-Pt- bonds

To exploit the magnetic interactions of multiple metals, a heterometallic one-dimensional (1D) chain containing three kinds of metals, Rh, Pt, and Mn, where [Rh₂(O₂CCH₃)₄] and [Pt₂Mn(piam)₄(NH₃)₄]²⁺ (piam = pivalamidate) are connected through unbridged Rh-Pt bonds to form -Rh-Rh-Pt-Mn-Pt- alignments was successfully synthesized. The Mn atoms are tetrahedrally coordinated by four oxygen atoms of the piam ligands, where the coordination geometries form a zigzag 1D chain. Each Mn atom is linked by -Pt-Rh-Rh-Pt-, with a Mn-Mn separation of 13.9 Å. In parent [Pt₂Mn(piam)₄(NH₃)₄](PF₆)₂, Mn adopts two coordination environments, octahedral and tetrahedral, both of which are Mn(+2) high-spin states. In EtOH, [Rh₂(O₂CCH₃)₄] selectively binds tetrahedral Mn to afford a 1D chain. Physical analysis of the 1D chain using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that all metals are divalent, indicating five unpaired spin-localized electrons on the Mn atoms. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated antiferromagnetic intra-chain interactions between the Mn atoms in the 1D chain, where χT at 300 K was 5.33 cm³ K mol^-1 and gradually decreased to 1.65 cm³ K mol^-1 at 2 K. Theoretical fitting of the magnetic behavior showed weak exchange coupling (zJ = -0.43 cm^-1) between two high-spin Mn(+2) ions through diamagnetic Pt-Rh-Rh-Pt.

Deciphering Cryptic Behavior in Bimetallic Transition-Metal Complexes with Machine Learning

We demonstrate an alternative, data-driven approach to uncovering structure-property relationships for the rational design of heterobimetallic transition-metal complexes that exhibit metal-metal bonding. We tailor graph-based representations of the metal-local environment for these complexes for use in multiple linear regression and kernel ridge regression (KRR) models. We curate a set of 28 experimentally characterized complexes to develop a multiple linear regression model for oxidation potentials. We achieve good accuracy (mean absolute error of 0.25 V) and preserve transferability to unseen experimental data with a new ligand structure. We also train a KRR model on a subset of 330 structurally characterized heterobimetallics to predict the degree of metal-metal bonding. This KRR model predicts relative metal-metal bond lengths in the test set to within 5%, and analysis of key features reveals the fundamental atomic contributions (e.g., the valence electron configuration) that most strongly influence the behavior of these complexes. Our work provides guidance for rational bimetallic design, suggesting that properties, including the formal shortness ratio, should be transferable from one period to another.

Hard-Soft Chemistry Design Principles for Predictive Assembly of Single Molecule-Metal Junctions

The achievement of atomic control over the organic-inorganic interface is key to engineering electronic and spintronic properties of molecular devices. We leverage insights from inorganic chemistry to create hard-soft acid-base (HSAB) theory-derived design principles for incorporation of single molecules onto metal electrodes. A single molecule circuit is assembled via a bond between an organic backbone and an under-coordinated metal atom of the electrode surface, typically Au. Here, we study molecular composition factors affecting the junction assembly of coordination complexes containing transition metals atoms on Au electrodes. We employ hetero- and homobimetallic lantern complexes and systematically change the coordination environment to vary the character of the intramolecular bonds relative to the electrode-molecule interaction. We observe that trends in the robustness and chemical selectivity of single molecule junctions formed with a range of linkers correlate with HSAB principles, which have traditionally been used to guide atomic arrangements in the synthesis of coordination complexes. We find that this similarity between the intermolecular electrode-molecule bonding in a molecular circuit and the intramolecular bonds within a coordination complex has implications for the design of metal-containing complexes compatible with electrical measurements on metal electrodes. Our results here show that HSAB principles determine which intramolecular interactions can be compromised by inter molecule-electrode coordination; in particular on Au electrodes, soft-soft metal-ligand bonding is vulnerable to competition from soft-soft Au-linker bonding in the junction. Neutral donor-acceptor intramolecular bonds can be tuned by the Lewis acidity of the transition metal ion, suggesting future synthetic routes toward incorporation of transition metal atoms into molecular junctions for increased functionality of single molecule devices.

Facile synthesis of air-stable heterobimetallic osmium-silver hydride complexes

The synthesis and characterization of air-stable heterobimetallic Os-Ag hydrides are described. All of the new heterobimetallic Os-Ag hydrides are neutral, and the in situ generated and presynthesized cis-[Os](H)-CC-R units in these frameworks act as organometallic bidentate chelating ligands coordinating with the AgPPh₃ cation, which makes these complexes more stable. Our results provide a new synthetic route for the construction of stable heterobimetallic complexes.

Thiolate-Thione Redox-Active Ligand with a Six-Membered Chelate Ring via Template Condensation and Its Pt(II) Complexes

A new template condensation reaction has been discovered in a mixture of Pt(II), thiobenzamide, and base. Four complexes of the general form [Pt(ctaPh^R)₂], R = CH₃ (1a), H (1b), F (1c), Cl (1d), cta = condensed thioamide, have been prepared under similar conditions and thoroughly characterized by ¹H NMR and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, (spectro)electrochemistry, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The ligand is redox active and can be reduced from the initial monoanion to a dianionic and then trianionic state. Chemical reduction of 1a with [Cp₂Co] yielded [Cp₂Co]₂[Pt(ctaPh^CH3)₂], [Cp₂Co]₂[1a], which has been similarly characterized with the addition of EPR spectroscopy and SQUID magnetization. The singly reduced form containing [1a]^1-, (nBu₄N)[Pt(ctaPh^CH3)₂], has been generated in situ and characterized by UV-vis and EPR spectroscopies. DFT studies of 1b, [1b]^1-, and [1b]^2- confirm the location of additional electrons in exclusively ligand-based orbitals. A detailed analysis of this redox-active ligand, with emphasis on the characteristics that favor noninnocent behavior in six-membered chelate rings, is included.

Improving the Solubility of Hexanuclear Heterometallic Extended Metal Atom Chain Compounds in Nonpolar Solvents by Introducing Alkyl Amine Moieties

The highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) interaction at the d _{z ²} orbital between two kinds of metal complex is useful for obtaining heterometallic one-dimensional (1D) chains as well as heterometallic metal string compounds (HMSCs). Platinum dinuclear complexes, [Pt₂(piam)₂(NH₂R)₄]X₂ (piam = pivalamidate, R = CH₃, C₂H₅, C₃H₇, or C₄H₉, X = anion), comprising σ* as HOMO were mixed with [Rh₂(O₂CCH₃)₄] comprising σ* as LUMO in solvents to afford single crystals of [{Rh₂(O₂CCH₃)₄}{Pt₂(piam)₂(NH₂R)₄}₂]X₄ (2-5). Single-crystal X-ray analyses revealed that 2-5 are hexanuclear complexes that are one-dimensionally aligned as Pt-Pt-Rh-Rh-Pt-Pt with metal-metal bonds, where the alkyl moieties at end Pt atoms obstruct further 1D extension. Complexes 2-5 appear as if they are cut off from an infinite chain [{Rh₂(O₂CCH₃)₄}{Pt₂(piam)₂(NH₃)₄}₂] _n (PF₆)_4n ·6nH₂O (1) aligned as -{Pt-Pt-Rh-Rh-Pt-Pt} _n -. The diffuse reflectance spectrum of 1 depicts broad shoulder bands, which are not present in the spectra of 2-5, proving that the infinite chain 1 forms a band structure. Compounds 4 and 5 with propyl or butyl moieties at amine ligands, respectively, are soluble in nonpolar solvents, such as CH₂Cl₂, without the dissociation of their hexanuclear structures. Taking advantage of their solubility, measurement of cyclic voltammetry in CH₂Cl₂ become possible, which shows the quasi-reversible oxidation and reduction waves at 4: E _ox = 0.86 V and E _red = 0.69 V and 5: E _ox = 0.87 V and E _red = 0.53 V.

Unprecedented [d9]Cu[d10]Au coinage bonding interactions in {Cu(NH3)4[Au(CN)2]}+[Au(CN)2]- salt

The X-ray structure of the {Cu(NH₃)₄[Au(CN)₂]}⁺[Au(CN)₂]^- salt is reported showing an unprecedented [d⁹]Cu[d¹⁰]Au coinage bond. The physical nature of the interaction has been studied using DFT calculations, including the quantum theory of atoms-in-molecules, the noncovalent interaction plot and the natural bond orbital analysis, revealing the nucleophilic role of the [d¹⁰]Au metal and the electrophilic role of [d⁹]Cu metal.

Transition Metal Chain Complexes Supported by Soft Donor Assembling Ligands

The chemistry of discrete molecular chains constituted by metals in low oxidation states, displaying metal-metal proximity and stabilized by suitable metal-bridging, assembling ligands comprising at least one soft donor atom is comprehensively reviewed; complexes with a single (hard or soft) bridging atom (e.g., μ-halide, μ-sulfide, or μ-PR₂ etc.) as well as "closed" metal arrays (that fall in the realm of cluster chemistry) are excluded. The focus is on transition metal-based systems, with few excursions to cases combining transition and post-transition elements. Most relevant supporting ligands have neutral C, P, O, or S donor (mainly, N-heterocyclic carbene, phosphine, ether, thioether) or anionic donor (mainly phenyl, ylide, silyl, phosphide, thiolate) groups. A supporting-ligand-based classification of the metal chains is introduced, using as the classifying parameter the number of "bites" (i.e., ligand bridges) subtending each intermetallic separation. The ligands are further grouped according to the number of donor atoms interacting with the metal chain (called denticity in the following) and the column of the Periodic Table to which the set of donor atoms belongs (in ascending order). A complementary metal-based compilation of the complexes discussed is also provided in a concise tabular form.

Homo- and hetero-metallophilicity-driven synthesis of highly emissive and stimuli-responsive Au(i)–Cu(i) double salts

Discrete complex salts having Au···Au and Au···Cu interactions were obtained as three crystalline polymorphs exhibiting various emission colors with high efficiency. Solvent vapor caused crystal-to-crystal transition, changing the emission color.

Heterotrimetallic {LnOVPt} complexes with antiferromagnetic Ln-V coupling and magnetic memory

The new PtVO(SOCR)4 lantern complexes, 1 (R = CH3) and 2 (R = Ph) behave as neutral O-donor ligands to Ln(OR)3 with Ln = Ce, Nd. Four heterotrimetallic complexes with linear {LnOVPt} units were prepared: [Ln(ODtbp)3{PtVO(SOCR)4}] (Ln = Ce, 3Ce (R = CH3), 4Ce (R = Ph); Nd, 3Nd (R = CH3), 4Nd (R = Ph); ODtbp = 2,6-ditertbutylphenolate). Magnetic characterization confirms slow magnetic relaxation behaviour and suggests antiferromagnetic coupling across {Ln-O[double bond, length as m-dash]V} in all four complexes, with variations tunable as a function of Ln and R.

Rhodium(I)-NHC Complexes Bearing Bidentate Bis-Heteroatomic Acidato Ligands as gem-Selective Catalysts for Alkyne Dimerization

A series of Rh(κ² -BHetA)(η² -coe)(IPr) complexes bearing 1,3-bis-hetereoatomic acidato ligands (BHetA) including carboxylato (O,O), thioacetato (O,S), amidato (O,N), thioamidato (N,S), and amidinato (N,N), have been prepared by reaction of the dinuclear precursor [Rh(μ-Cl)(IPr)(η² -coe)]₂ with the corresponding anionic BHetA species. The Rh^I -NHC-BHetA compounds catalyze the dimerization of aryl alkynes, showing excellent selectivity for the head-to-tail enynes. Among them, the acetanilidato-based catalyst has shown an outstanding catalytic performance reaching unprecedented TOF levels of 2500 h^-1 with complete selectivity for the gem-isomer. Investigation of the reaction mechanism supports a non-oxidative pathway in which the BHetA ligand behaves as proton shuttle through intermediate κ¹ -HBHetA species. However, in the presence of pyridine as additive, the identification of the common Rh^III H(C≡CPh)₂ (IPr)(py)₂ intermediate gives support for an alternative oxidative route.

Paramagnetic Metal-Metal Bonded Heterometallic Complexes

Significant progress has been made in the past 10-15 years on the design, synthesis, and properties of multimetallic coordination complexes with heterometallic metal-metal bonds that are paramagnetic. Several general classes have been explored including heterobimetallic compounds, heterotrimetallic compounds of either linear or triangular geometry, discrete molecular compounds containing a linear array of more than three metal atoms, and coordination polymers with a heterometallic metal-metal bonded backbone. We focus in this Review on the synthetic methods employed to access these compounds, their structural features, magnetic properties, and electronic structure. Regarding the metal-metal bond distances, we make use of the formal shortness ratio (FSR) for comparison of bond distances between a broad range of metal atoms of different sizes. The magnetic properties of these compounds can be described using an extension of the Goodenough-Kanamori rules to cases where two magnetic ions interact via a third metal atom. In describing the electronic structure, we focus on the ability (or not) of electrons to be delocalized across heterometallic bonds, allowing for rationalizations and predictions of single-molecule conductance measurements in paramagnetic heterometallic molecular wires.

Discrete and polymeric ensembles based on dinuclear molybdenum(vi) building blocks with adaptive carbohydrazide ligands: from the design to catalytic epoxidation

Discrete and polymeric ensembles based on dimolybdenum(vi) units with adaptive carbohydrazide ligands are described. The polymeric complexes are efficient catalysts for cyclooctene epoxidation under eco-friendly conditions.

Paramagnetic One-Dimensional Chain Complex Consisting of Three Kinds of Metallic Species Showing Magnetic Interaction through Metal-Metal Bonds

A heterometallic and paramagnetic one-dimensional (1-D) chain (3) aligned as -Rh(+2)-Rh(+2)-Pt(+2)-Co(+2)-Pt(+2)- with direct metal-metal bonds was obtained by HOMO-LUMO interactions at the σ* (d_z²) orbital between two kinds of complexes. The 1-D chains in 3 have relatively straight backbones because the raw material complexes, [Rh₂(O₂CCH₃)₄] and [Pt₂Co(piam)₄(NH₃)₄], are connected and stacked in a face-to-face fashion, where Co---Co are separated by about 13.3 Å with four different metals. Physical measurements revealed that 3 has a band gap between the σ-type conduction and valence bands, where d-orbitals of the Co ion with three unpaired electrons are laid among them. The magnetic behavior of 3 was investigated and found to be consistent with a complex interaction involving both zero-field splitting and Pauli paramagnetism attributed to band formation superimposed on relatively strong exchange coupling (zJ = -22.2 cm^-1) between two high-spin Co(+2) ions separated by the diamagnetic Pt-Rh-Rh-Pt.

Perfect Spin Filtering in Homobimetallic Ni Complex with High Tolerance to Structural Changes

In the theory of ligand fields, depending on the nature and field strength of the surrounding ligands, the central metal ion may exhibit different electronic configurations, low spin (LS) or high spin (HS). Realizing stable spin polarization is one of the main challenges in the field of molecular spintronic devices because of spin switching triggered by an external stimulus. Here, an asymmetric homobimetallic complex has been investigated using the nonequilibrium Green's function and spin density functional theory. Our calculations indicate that the homobimetallic complex can achieve negative differential resistance, rectification effect, and perfect spin filtering transport on the level of an individual molecule. Strikingly, when the molecule is stretched by 0.45 Å, the HS state is still the most stable because of the weak magnetic Ni-Ni interaction. Although its conductivity decreases by 30%, the efficiency of spin filtering remains 100%. These obtained theoretical findings suggest that the homobimetallic complexes hold great potential in molecular spintronics.

From Pincer to Paddlewheel: C-H and C-S Bond Activation at Bis(2-pyridylthio)methane by Palladium(II)

The bis(2-pyridylthio)methanidopalladium(II) pincer complex (1), containing a Pd-C bond, was obtained from the reaction of bis(2-pyridylthio)methane (H₂L) with palladium(II) acetate in toluene under reflux. When palladium(II) trifluoroacetate was used, H₂L reacted to generate the tetrakis(pyridine-2-thiol)palladium(II) complex (2). Complex 2 was converted to a heterobimetallic palladium(II)-iron(II) paddlewheel complex (3) upon treatment with iron(II) triflate in the presence of a base in acetonitrile at room temperature.

Playing with Pearson's concept: orthogonally functionalized 1,4-diaza-1,3-butadienes leading to heterobinuclear complexes

By reacting 1,2-diketones and ortho- diphenylphosphinoyl aniline in the presence of zinc(ii) as a templating agent, cationic zinc(ii) complexes of novel phosphine oxide functionalized 1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene ligands are acessible. Herein the zinc(ii) site is bound to all four donor atoms of the ligand. Depending on the flexibility of the 1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene backbone, the bonds to zinc(ii) from the 1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene donors can be broken. Reaction with oxalate cleaves the zinc(ii) coordination completely and makes accessible the free ligands possessing orthogonal (N,N: soft; O,O: hard) sets of donor sites. This allows for the specific coordination of soft and hard Lewis acids and thus for the generation of heterobimetallic complexes, here exemplarily shown for the combination of palladium(ii) (soft) and zinc(ii) (hard) centres.