Nickel(II) Complex of a Hexadentate Ligand with Two o-Iminosemiquinonato(1-) π-Radical Units and Its Monocation and Dication

Supramolecular Spin Chains via Radical-Radical Contacts Stabilizing Ferromagnetic Interactions Between Heisenberg or Ising-Like Spins

A new paramagnetic ligand, 4-(2'-4-(2''-furyl)-pyrimidyl)-1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl (furylpymDTDA) and three transition metal coordination complexes, M(hfac)2(furylpymDTDA) M=Mn, Co, Ni; hfac=1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonato-), are reported. The solid-state structures are influenced by the geometry of the coordination sphere of the M(II) centers: trigonal (Mn) vs. octahedral (Co and Ni). While the hs-Mn(II) complex exhibits pairwise multi-centre 2-electron bonds (i. e., pancake bonds) between the planar π radical DTDA moieties, the hs-Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes crystallize with close contacts between coordinated furylpymDTDA radical ligands that define linear 1D arrays of molecular units. The magnetic data for the hs-Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes indicate ferromagnetic (FM) interactions between molecular units, apparently mediated by radical-radical contacts along the supramolecular chains. Computational analysis suggests proximity between regions of large α- and β-spin density on neighbouring molecular sites enabling FM exchange, in accordance with the McConnell I mechanism. The magnetic data for the Ni(II) complex are consistent with a Heisenberg spin chain, whereas the hs-Co(II) complex exhibits Ising-like spin chain behaviour and a magnetic phase transition to an FM ordered state at 4.6 K.

Ni(II) and Pd(II) complexes of a new redox-active pentadentate azo-appended 2-aminophenol ligand: Pd(II)-assisted intraligand cyclization forms a phenoxazinyl ring

Square planar complexes of Ni(II) and Pd(II) of a new redox-active pentadentate azo-appended 2-aminophenol ligand (H4L = N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-2,2'-diamino-ortho-azobenzene) in three accessible redox levels [amidophenolate(2-), semiquinonate(1-) π radical, and quinone(0)] were synthesized. The coordinated HL(3-) ligand provides four donor sites [two N(iminophenolates), an N'(azo), and an O(phenolate)], while the phenolic OH group remains free in the three complexes. Cyclic voltammetry on complex [Ni(L)] 1 and its corresponding Pd(II) analogue [Pd(L)] 2 in CH2Cl2 displayed three redox responses (two oxidative at E1/2 = 0.06 V and Epa (anodic peak potential) = 0.80 V and one reductive at -0.77 V for 1 and at E1/2 = 0.08 V and Epa = 0.85 V and at -0.74 V for 2vs. Fc+/Fc). The chemical oxidation of 1 with AgSbF6 afforded [Ni(L)]SbF6·2CH2Cl2 (3·2CH2Cl2). Complex [Pd(L*)] 4, which is coordinated by a phenoxazinyl derivative of L(4-), was obtained via intraligand cyclization in the parent complex 2 under basic oxidizing conditions. The molecular structures of 1, 2, 3·2CH2Cl2 and 4 were elucidated through X-ray crystallography at 100 K. Characterization using 1H NMR, X-band EPR, and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy established that the complexes have [NiII{(LISQ)˙2-}] 1, [PdII{(LISQ)˙2-}] 2, [NiII{(LIBQ)-}]SbF6/1+SbF6-(3), and [PdII{(L*AP)˙2-}] 4 electronic states. Complexes 1, 2, and 4 possess paramagnetic St (total spin) = 1/2 ground-state, whereas 3 is diamagnetic (St = 0). Density functional theory (DFT) electronic structural calculations at the B3LYP level rationalized the observed experimental results. Time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations allowed us to identify the nature of the observed absorption spectra.

Metal Complexes of Redox Non-Innocent Ligand N,N'-Bis(3,5-di-tertbutyl-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-1,2-phenylenediamine

Redox non-innocent ligands react with metal precursors to form complexes where the oxidation states of the ligand and thus the metal atom cannot be easily defined. A well-known example of such ligands is bis(o-aminophenol) N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tertbutyl-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-1,2-phenylenediamine, previously developed by the Wieghardt group, which has a potentially tetradentate coordination mode and four distinct protonation states, whereas its electrochemical behavior allows for five distinct oxidation states. This rich redox chemistry, as well as the ability to coordinate to various transition metals, has been utilized in the syntheses of metal complexes with M2L, ML and ML2 stoichiometries, sometimes supported with other ligands. Different oxidation states of the ligand can adopt different coordination modes. For example, in the fully oxidized form, two N donors are sp2-hybridized, which makes the ligand planar, whereas in the fully reduced form, the sp3-hybridized N donors allow the formation of more flexible chelate structures. In general, the metal can be reduced during complexation, but redox processes of the isolated complexes typically occur on the ligand. Combination of this non-innocent ligand with redox-active transition metals may lead to complexes with interesting magnetic, electrochemical, photonic and catalytic properties.

Ni(II) complexes of a new tetradentate NN'N''O picolinoyl-1,2-phenylenediamide-phenolate redox-active ligand at different redox levels

Three square planar nickel(II) complexes of a new asymmetric tetradentate redox-active ligand H₃L² in its deprotonated form, at three redox levels, open-shell semiquinonate(1-) π radical, quinone(0) and closed-shell dianion of its 2-aminophenolate part, have been synthesized. The coordinated ligand provides N (pyridine) and N' and N'' (carboxamide and 1,2-phenylenediamide, respectively) and O (phenolate) donor sites. Cyclic voltammetry on the parent complex [Ni(L²)] 1 in CH₂Cl₂ established a three-membered electron-transfer series (oxidative response at E_1/2 = 0.57 V and reductive response at -0.32 V vs. SCE) consisting of neutral, monocationic and monoanionic [Ni(L²)]^z (z = 0, 1+ and 1-). Oxidation of 1 with AgSbF₆ affords [Ni(L²)](SbF₆) (2) and reduction of 1 with cobaltocene yields [Co(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂][Ni(L²)] (3). The molecular structures of 1·CH₃CN, 2·0.5CH₂Cl₂ and 3·C₆H₆ have been determined by X-ray crystallography at 100 K. Characterization by ¹H NMR, X-band EPR (g_av = 2.006 (solid); 2.008 (CH₂Cl₂-C₆H₅CH₃ glass); 80 K) and UV-VIS-NIR spectral properties established that 1, 2 and 3 have [Ni^II{(L²)˙^2-}], [Ni^II{(L²)^-}]⁺/1⁺ and [Ni^II{(L²)^3-}]^-/1^- electronic states, respectively. Thus, the redox processes are ligand-centred. While 1 possesses paramagnetic S_t (total spin) = 1/2, 2 and 3 possess diamagnetic ground-state S_t = 0. Interestingly, the variable-temperature (2-300 K) magnetic measurement reveals that 1 with the S_t = 1/2 ground state attains the antiferromagnetic S_t = 0 state at a very low temperature, due to weak noncovalent interactions via π-π stacking. Density functional theory (DFT) electronic structural calculations at the B3LYP level of theory rationalized the experimental results. In the UV-VIS-NIR spectra, broad absorptions are recorded for 1 and 2 in the range of 800-1600 nm; however, such an absorption is absent for 3. Time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations provide a very good fit with the experimental spectra and allow us to identify the observed electronic transitions.

Iron(III) Complexes of a Hexadentate Thioether-Appended 2-Aminophenol Ligand: Redox-Driven Spin State Switchover

A green complex [Fe(L³)] (1), supported by the deprotonated form of a hexadentate noninnocent redox-active thioether-appended 2-aminophenolate ligand (H₄L³ = N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-2,2'-diamino(diphenyldithio)ethane), has been synthesized and structurally characterized at 100(2) K and 298(2) K. In CH₂Cl₂, 1 displays two oxidative and a reductive one-electron redox processes at E_1/2 values of -0.52 and 0.20 V, and -0.85 V versus the Fc⁺/Fc redox couple, respectively. The one-electron oxidized 1⁺ and one-electron reduced 1^- forms, isolated as a blackish-blue solid 1(PF₆)·CH₂Cl₂ (2) and a gray solid [Co(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂]1·DMF (3), have been structurally characterized at 100(2) K. Structural parameters at 100 K of the ligand backbone and metrical oxidation state values unambiguously establish the electronic states as [Fe^III{(L^AP_O,N)^2-}{(L^ISQ_O,N)^•-}{(L_S,S)⁰}] (1) (two tridentate halves are electronically asymmetric-ligand mixed-valency), [Fe^III{(L^ISQ_O,N)^•-}{(L^ISQ_O,N)^•-}{(L_S,S)⁰}]⁺ (1⁺), and [Fe^III{(L^AP_O,N)^2-}{(L^AP_O,N)^2-}{(L_S,S)⁰}]^- (1^-) [dianionic 2-amidophenolate(2-) (L^AP_O,N)^2- and monoanionic 2-iminobenzosemiquinonate(1-) π-radical (S_rad = 1/2) (L^ISQ)^•- redox level]. Mössbauer spectral data of 1 at 295, 200, and 80 K reveal that it has a major low-spin (ls)-Fe(III) and a minor ls-Fe(II) component (redox isomers), and at 7 K, the major component exists exclusively. Thus, in 1, the occurrence of a thermally driven valence-tautomeric (VT) equilibrium (asymmetric) [Fe^III{(L^AP_O,N)^2-}{(L^ISQ_O,N)^•-}{(L_S,S)⁰}] ⇌ (symmetric) [Fe^II{(L^ISQ_O,N)^•-}{(L^ISQ_O,N)^•-}{(L_S,S)⁰}] (80-295 K) is implicated. Mössbauer spectral parameters unequivocally establish that 1⁺ is a ls-Fe(III) complex. In contrast, the monoanion 1^- contains a high-spin (hs)-Fe(III) center (S_Fe = 5/2), as is deduced from its Mössbauer and EPR spectra. Complexes 1-3 possess total spin ground states S_t = 0, 1/2, and 5/2, respectively, based on ¹H NMR and EPR spectra, the variable-temperature (2-300 K) magnetic behavior of 2, and the μ_eff value of 3 at 300 K. Broken-symmetry density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP-level of theory reveal that the unpaired electron in 1⁺/2 is due to the (L^ISQ)^•- redox level [ls-Fe(III) (S_Fe = 1/2) is strongly antiferromagnetically coupled to one of the (L^ISQ)^•- radicals (S_rad = 1/2)], and 1^-/3 is a hs-Fe(III) complex, supported by (L³)^4- with two-halves in the (L^AP)^2- redox level. Complex 1 can have either a symmetric or asymmetric electronic state. As per DFT calculation, the former state is stabilized by -3.9 kcal/mol over the latter (DFT usually stabilizes electronically symmetric structure). Time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations shed light on the origin of observed UV-vis-NIR spectral absorptions for 1-3 and corroborate the results of spectroelectrochemical experiments (300-1100 nm) on 1 (CH₂Cl₂; 298 K). Variable-temperature (218-298 K; CH₂Cl₂) absorption spectral (400-1000 nm) studies on 1 justify the presence of VT equilibrium in the solution-state.

Molecular S = 2 High-Spin, S = 0 Low-Spin and S = 0 ⇄ 2 Spin-Transition/-Crossover Nickel(II)-Bis(nitroxide) Coordination Compounds

Heterospin systems have a great advantage in frontier orbital engineering since they utilize a wide diversity of paramagnetic chromophores and almost infinite combinations and mutual geometries. Strong exchange couplings are expected in 3d–2p heterospin compounds, where the nitroxide (aminoxyl) oxygen atom has a direct coordination bond with a nickel(II) ion. Complex formation of nickel(II) salts and tert-butyl 2-pyridyl nitroxides afforded a discrete 2p–3d–2p triad. Ferromagnetic coupling is favored when the magnetic orbitals, nickel(II) dσ and radical π*, are arranged in a strictly orthogonal fashion, namely, a planar coordination structure is characterized. In contrast, a severe twist around the coordination bond gives an orbital overlap, resulting in antiferromagnetic coupling. Non-chelatable nitroxide ligands are available for highly twisted and practically diamagnetic complexes. Here, the Ni–O–N–Csp2 torsion (dihedral) angle is supposed to be a useful metric to describe the nickel ion dislocated out of the radical π* nodal plane. Spin-transition complexes exhibited a planar coordination structure in a high-temperature phase and a nonplanar structure in a low-temperature phase. The gradual spin transition is described as a spin equilibrium obeying the van’t Hoff law. Density functional theory calculation indicates that the energy level crossing of the high- and low-spin states. The optimized structures of diamagnetic and high-spin states well agreed with the experimental large and small torsions, respectively. The novel mechanism of the present spin transition lies in the ferro-/antiferromagnetic coupling switch. The entropy-driven mechanism is plausible after combining the results of the related copper(II)-nitroxide compounds. Attention must be paid to the coupling parameter J as a variable of temperature in the magnetic analysis of such spin-transition materials. For future work, the exchange coupling may be tuned by chemical modification and external stimulus, because it has been clarified that the parameter is sensitive to the coordination structure and actually varies from 2J/kB = +400 K to −1400 K.

A hybrid bioinspired catechol-alloxazine triangular nickel complex stabilizing protons and electrons

A new class of redox-active ligands merging catechol and alloxazine structures is reported. A trimetallic triangular complex is formed upon complexation to nickel.

Probing the electronic structure of [Ru(L1)2]Z (z = 0, 1+ and 2+) (H2L1: a tridentate 2-aminophenol derivative) complexes in three ligand redox levels

Aerobic reaction between [RuII(DMSO)4Cl2], a redox-active 2-aminophenol-based ligand (H2L1: 2-[2-(benzylthio)phenylamino]-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol) and Et3N in MeOH under refluxing conditions afforded a purple complex [Ru(L1)2] (S = 0). Structural analysis reveals that the tridentate ligand coordinates in a mer conformation providing a distorted octahedral RuN2O2S2 coordination. Cyclic voltammetry on 1 in CH2Cl2 reveals the accessability of the monocation, dication and monoanion forms. Reddish purple monocation [Ru(L1)2](PF6)·CH2Cl2 ([1OX1](PF6)·CH2Cl2; S = 1/2) and green dication [Ru(L1)2](BF4)2·H2O ([1OX2](BF4)2·H2O; S = 0) have been isolated through the chemical oxidation of 1 in CH2Cl2 by [FeIII(η5-C5H5)2](PF6) and AgBF4, respectively. A structural analysis of the single crystals of the monocation and the dication with the compositions [1OX1](PF6)·CH2Cl2·H2O (2) and [1OX2](BF4)2·1.7H2O (3), respectively, has been done. Metrical (metal-ligand and ligand backbone) parameters, values of metrical oxidation states of coordinated ligands, 1H NMR spectra of 1 and [1OX2](BF4)2·H2O, EPR spectra of [1OX1](PF6)·CH2Cl2, X-ray photoelectron and UV-VIS-NIR spectra of 1-3, spin population analysis from broken-symmetry (BS) density functional theory (DFT) calculations and quasi-restricted orbital (QRO) analysis have allowed us to assign the electronic structure of the complexes. The complexes exhibit highly covalent metal-ligand interactions. The electronic states of 1, [1OX1]1+ and [1OX2]2+ are best described as [RuII{(LISQ)˙-}2] ↔ [RuIII{(LAP)2-}{(LISQ)˙-}] (S = 0), [RuIII{(LISQ)˙-}2]1+ (S = 1/2) and [RuII{(LIBQ)0}2]2+ ↔ [RuIII{(LISQ)˙-}{(LIBQ)0}]2+ (S = 0), respectively. Notably, all redox processes are ligand-centred. Absorption spectral properties have been rationalized based on time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations. For 1, the appearance of an IVCT band at 1100 nm supports its Class II-III (borderline) ligand-based mixed-valence character.

Assigning Ligand Redox Levels in Complexes of 2-Aminophenolates: Structural Signatures

The purpose of this Viewpoint is to provide a broad-ranging update of advances in the coordination chemistry of redox-active (noninnocent) 2-aminophenolates, with emphasis on two ligand backbone structural parameters, the average of C-O and C-N (C-O/N) bond distances and Δa values, signifying the degree of bond-length alternation in the six-membered ring, in order to identify the redox level of the coordinated ligands. In the absence of magnetic, spectroscopic, and redox results, it has been established that it is possible to assign the electronic ground state of a coordination complex of 2-aminophenolates with consideration of charge, metal-ligand bond distances, and two very promising ligand backbone structural parameters. From a closer look at the sensitive ligand backbone metrical parameters of a diversified group of about 120 transition-metal complexes, a few very useful generalizations have been made.

Insensitivity of Magnetic Coupling to Ligand Substitution in a Series of Tetraoxolene Radical-Bridged Fe2 Complexes

The elucidation of magnetostructural correlations between bridging ligand substitution and strength of magnetic coupling is essential to the development of high-temperature molecule-based magnetic materials. Toward this end, we report the series of tetraoxolene-bridged Fe^II₂ complexes [(Me₃TPyA)₂Fe₂(^RL)]ⁿ⁺ (Me₃TPyA = tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine; n = 2: ^OMeLH₂ = 3,6-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone, ^ClLH₂ = 3,6-dichloro-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone, Na₂[^NO₂L] = sodium 3,6-dinitro-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone; n = 4: ^SMe₂L = 3,6-bis(dimethylsulfonium)-2,5-dihydroxo-1,4-benzoquinone diylide) and their one-electron-reduced analogues. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility data reveal the presence of weak ferromagnetic superexchange between Fe^II centers in the oxidized species, with exchange constants of J = +1.2(2) (R = OMe, Cl) and +0.3(1) (R = NO₂, SMe₂) cm^-1. In contrast, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and Mössbauer spectroscopy establish a ligand-centered radical in the reduced complexes. Magnetic measurements for the radical-bridged species reveal the presence of strong antiferromagnetic metal-radical coupling, with J = -57(10), -60(7), -58(6), and -65(8) cm^-1 for R = OMe, Cl, NO₂, and SMe₂, respectively. The minimal effects of substituents in the 3- and 6-positions of ^RL^x-• on the magnetic coupling strength is understood through electronic structure calculations, which show negligible spin density on the substituents and associated C atoms of the ring. Finally, the radical-bridged complexes are single-molecule magnets, with relaxation barriers of U_eff = 50(1), 41(1), 38(1), and 33(1) cm^-1 for R = OMe, Cl, NO₂, and SMe₂, respectively. Taken together, these results provide the first examination of how bridging ligand substitution influences magnetic coupling in semiquinoid-bridged compounds, and they establish design criteria for the synthesis of semiquinoid-based molecules and materials.

An indication of spin-transition accompanied by an order-disorder structural transformation in [Ni(phpyNO)2(NCS)2] (phpyNO = tert-butyl 5-phenyl-2-pyridyl nitroxide)

Reaction of nickel(ii) thiocyanate and tert-butyl 5-phenyl-2-pyridyl nitroxide (phpyNO) afforded a 2p–3d–2p heterospin triad [Ni(phpyNO)₂(NCS)₂]. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pbcn space group. The whole molecule is crystallographically independent. The torsion angles around Ni–O–N–C_2py are 26.8(4) and 27.3(4)° at 400 K, indicating appreciable orbital overlaps of the radical π* and nickel(ii) 3d_x²−y²/3d_z² orbitals. In a low-temperature region, the torsion was enhanced, and the space group changed to monoclinic P2₁/c with a doubled asymmetric unit volume. The χ_mT value was practically null below ca. 140 K and, on heating to 400 K, gradually increased and reached 1.30 cm³ K mol⁻¹. A van't Hoff analysis suggests a spin transition at T_1/2 = 530(20) K. Density functional theory calculation reproduced ground S_total = 0 with singlet-triplet gaps of 910 and 1263 K for the 140 K structure, and the gap was reduced to 297 K at 400 K. Consequently, the present compound can be considered as an incomplete spin-crossover material, as a result of T_1/2 located above the experimental temperature window.

The exchange coupling in [Ni(phpyNO)₂(NCS)₂] is strongly antiferromagnetic in a low-temperature structure whilst moderately antiferromagnetic in a high-temperature structure.

Nickel complexes of ligands derived from (o-hydroxyphenyl) dichalcogenide: delocalised redox states of nickel and o-chalcogenophenolate ligands

Two monoanionic nickel complexes Bu4N[Ni(LSeO)2] (1) and Bu4N[Ni(LSO)2] (2) (H2LSeO = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyselenophenol and H2LSO = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxythiophenol) were synthesised by reductive cleavage of the respective 2,2'-dichalcogenobis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol) (H2LX-X; X = Se, S) with nickel(ii) salts. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 confirm the reductive X-X bond cleavage with the concomitant formation of the corresponding monoanionic square planar complex, where quinoidal distortions of the aromatic rings are observed. The monoanionic complexes (1 and 2) are paramagnetic (S = 1/2), exhibiting rhombic EPR signals, and the g anisotropies are well correlated with the spin-orbit coupling of chalcogenides. The spectral data indicate that the ligands H2LXO in 1 and 2 are redox non-innocent and stabilise the square planar S = 1/2 nickel complexes with a highly delocalised unpaired electron. DFT calculations further support the delocalised electronic structures of the nickel complexes.

High-Spin and Incomplete Spin-Crossover Polymorphs in Doubly Chelated [Ni(L)2Br2] (L = tert-Butyl 5-Phenyl-2-pyridyl Nitroxide)

Complexation of nickel(II) bromide with tert-butyl 5-phenyl-2-pyridyl nitroxide (phpyNO) gave two morphs of doubly chelated [Ni(phpyNO)₂Br₂] as a 2p-3d-2p heterospin triad. The α phase crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn. An asymmetric unit involves a half-molecule. The torsion angle around Ni-O-N-C_2py is as small as 6.5(3)° at 100 K and 7.0(6)° at 400 K, guaranteeing an orthogonal arrangement between the magnetic radical π* and metal 3d_x²-y² and 3d_z² orbitals. Magnetic study revealed the high-spin ground state with the exchange coupling constant 2J/k_B = +288(5) K, on the basis of a symmetrical spin Hamiltonian. The β phase crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n. The whole molecule is an independent unit. The Ni-O-N-C_2py torsion angles are 24.2(6) and 37.2(5)° at 100 K and 10.4(7) and 25.9(6)° at 400 K. A magnetic study revealed a very gradual and nonhysteretic spin transition. An analysis based on the van't Hoff equation gave a successful fit with the spin-crossover temperature of 134(1) K, although the susceptibility did not reach the theoretical high-spin value at 400 K. Density functional theory calculation on the β phase showed ground S_total = 0 in the low-temperature structure while S_total = 2 in the high-temperature structure, supporting the synchronized exchange coupling switch on both sides. Consequently, the β phase can be recognized as an "incomplete spin crossover" material, as a result of conflicting thermal depopulation effects in a high-temperature region.

Radical-Type Reactivity and Catalysis by Single-Electron Transfer to or from Redox-Active Ligands

Controlled ligand-based redox-activity and chemical non-innocence are rapidly gaining importance for selective (catalytic) processes. This Concept aims to provide an overview of the progress regarding ligand-to-substrate single-electron transfer as a relatively new mode of operation to exploit ligand-centered reactivity and catalysis based thereon.

[CuII{(LISQ)˙-}2] (H2L: thioether-appended o-aminophenol ligand) monocation triggers change in donor site from N2O2 to N2O(2)S and valence-tautomerism

Using a potentially tridentate o-aminophenol-based redox-active ligand H₂L¹ (2-[2-(benzylthio)phenylamino]-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol) in its deprotonated form, [Cu(L¹)₂] has been synthesized and crystallized as [Cu^II(L¹)₂]·CH₂Cl₂ (1·CH₂Cl₂). A cyclic voltammetry experiment (in CH₂Cl₂; V vs. SCE (saturated calomel electrode)) on 1·CH₂Cl₂ exhibits two oxidative (E = 0.20 V (peak-to-peak separation, ΔE_p = 100 mV) and E = 0.90 V (ΔE_p = 140 mV)) and two reductive (E = -0.52 V (ΔE_p = 110 mV) and E = -0.92 V (ΔE_p = 120 mV)) responses. Upon oxidation using a stoichiometric amount of [Fe^III(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂](PF₆), 1·CH₂Cl₂ yielded [Cu(L¹)₂](PF₆) (2). Structural analysis (100 K) reveals that 1·CH₂Cl₂ is a four-coordinate bis(iminosemiquinonato)copper(ii) complex (CuN₂O₂ coordination), and that the thioethers remain uncoordinated. The twisted geometry of 1 (distorted tetrahedral) results in considerable changes in the electronic structure, compared to well-known square-planar analogues. Crystallographic analysis of 2 both at 100 K and at 293 K reveals that it is effectively a four-coordinate complex with a CuN₂OS coordination; however, a substantial interaction with the other phenolate O is observed. The metal-ligand bond distances and metric parameters associated with the o-aminophenolate rings indicate a valence-tautomeric (VT) equilibrium involving monocationic (iminosemiquinonato)(iminoquinone)copper(ii) and bis(iminoquinone)copper(i). Complex 1·CH₂Cl₂ is a three-spin system and a magnetic study (4-300 K) established that it has a S = 1/2 ground-state, owing to the strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the unpaired spin of the copper(ii) and the iminosemiquinonate(1-) π-radical anion. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectral studies corroborate this result. Complex 2 is diamagnetic and the existence of VT in 2 was probed using variable-temperature (248-328 K) ¹H NMR and EPR (100-298 K) spectral measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies at 298 K. Remarkably, modification of the well-studied 2-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol by incorporation of a benzylthioether arm leads to the occurrence of VT in 2. The electronic structure of 1·CH₂Cl₂ and 2 has been assigned using density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP-D3 level of theory. Time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations have been performed to elucidate the origin of the observed UV-VIS-NIR absorptions.

Six-coordinate [CoIII(L)2]z (z = 1-, 0, 1+) complexes of an azo-appended o-aminophenolate in amidate(2-) and iminosemiquinonate π-radical (1-) redox-levels: the existence of valence-tautomerism

Aerobic reaction of the ligand H2L1, 2-(2-phenylazo)-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, CoCl2·6H2O and Et3N in MeOH under refluxing conditions produces, after work-up and recrystallization, black crystals of [Co(L1)2] (1). When examined by cyclic voltammetry, 1 displays in CH2Cl2 three one-electron redox responses: two oxidative, E11/2 = 0.30 V (peak-to-peak separation, ΔEp = 100 mV) and E21/2 = 1.04 V (ΔEp = 120 mV), and one reductive E1/2 = -0.27 V (ΔEp = 120 mV) vs. SCE. Consequently, 1 is chemically oxidized by 1 equiv. of [FeIII(η5-C5H5)2][PF6], affording the isolation of deep purple crystals of [Co(L1)2][PF6]·2CH2Cl2 (2), and one-electron reduction with [CoII(η5-C5H5)2] yielded bluish-black crystals of [CoIII(η5-C5H5)2][Co(L1)2]·MeCN (3). A solid sample of 1 exhibits temperature-independent (50-300 K) magnetism, revealing the presence of a free radical (S = 1/2), which exhibits an isotropic EPR signal (g = 2.003) at 298 K and at 77 K an eight-line feature characteristic of hyperfine-interaction of the radical with the Co (I = 7/2) nucleus. Based on X-ray structural parameters of 1-3 at 100 K, magnetic and EPR spectral behaviour of 1, and variable-temperature (233-313 K) 1H NMR spectral features of 1-3 and 13C NMR spectra at 298 K of 2 and 3 in CDCl3 point to the electronic structure of the complexes as either [CoIII{(LAP)2-}{(LISQ)}˙-] or [CoIII{(L1)2}˙3-] (delocalized nature favours the latter description) (1), [CoIII{(LISQ)˙-}2][PF6]·2CH2Cl2 (2) and [CoIII(η5-C5H5)2][CoIII{(LAP)2-}2]·MeCN (3) [(LAP)2- and (LISQ)˙- represent the redox-level of coordinated ligands o-amidophenolate(2-) ion and o-iminobenzosemiquinonate(1-) π-radical ion, respectively]. Notably, all the observed redox processes are ligand-centred. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that six-coordinate complexes of a common tridentate o-aminophenolate-based ligand have been structurally characterized for the parent 1, its monocation 2 and the monoanion 3 counterparts. Temperature-dependent 1H NMR spectra reveal the existence of valence-tautomeric equilibria in 1-3. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP-level of theory corroborate the electronic structural assignment of 1-3 from experimental data. The origins of the observed UV-VIS-NIR absorptions for 1-3 have been assigned, based on time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations.

Cobalt complexes with hemilabile o-iminobenzoquinonate ligands: a novel example of redox-induced electron transfer

The tetracoordinated square-planar CoIII complex (imSQC(O)Ph)CoIII(APC(O)Ph) (1) bearing a radical anion and the closed-shell o-amidophenolate forms of the functionalized o-aminophenol H2LC(O)Ph were synthesized. The intermediate spin state (SCo = 1) CoIII center was found for compound 1. The cyclic voltammogram of derivative 1 contains two oxidative processes and one reductive redox process as well as an additional multi-electron wave at high negative potentials above -2 V, which can involve both the ligand and metal center. One-electron oxidation of 1 by silver triflate produces the [(imSQC(O)Ph)CoII(imQC(O)Ph)]OTf·2toluene (2) derivative with the trigonal prismatic coordination environment of the metal arising from the additional coordination of -C(O)Ph hemilabile groups. This is a first example of a trigonal prismatic coordination polyhedron in cobalt-based complexes featuring o-iminobenzoquinone ligands. The trigonal prismatic geometry achieved by the unique flexibility of the ligand allows metal-to-ligand redox-induced electron transfer (RIET). Chemical oxidation of complex 1 promotes the reduction of CoIII to CoII in compound 2 due to the redox-active nature of o-iminobenzoquinonate ligands. Remarkably, this is the first example of RIET in cobalt-based derivatives with this type of ligand. The oxidative states of the ligands and cobalt ion in both complexes were unequivocally established according to the X-ray data collection by using the utility of "metric oxidation state" (MOS). The spin states of the metal centers were unambiguously determined by density functional theory. The strong antiferromagnetic exchange via metal-ligand interactions is dominant in compounds 1 and 2, giving the doublet (S = 1/2) and triplet (S = 1) ground spin state, respectively.

Alkali Cation Effects on Redox-Active Formazanate Ligands in Iron Chemistry

Noncovalent interactions of organic moieties with Lewis acidic alkali cations can greatly affect structure and reactivity. Herein, we describe the effects of interactions with alkali-metal cations within a series of reduced iron complexes bearing a redox-active formazanate ligand, in terms of structures, magnetism, spectroscopy, and reaction rates. In the absence of a crown ether to sequester the alkali cation, dimeric complexes are isolated wherein the formazanate has rearranged to form a five-membered metallacycle. The dissociation of these dimers is dependent on the binding mode and size of the alkali cation. In the dimers, the formazanate ligands are radical dianions, as shown by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and analysis of metrical parameters. These experimental measures are complemented by density functional theory calculations that show the spin density on the bridging ligands.

Ambient-Stable Bis-Azoaromatic-Centered Diradical [(L•)M(L•)] Complexes of Rh(III): Synthesis, Structure, Redox, and Spin-Spin Interaction

Bis-azoaromatic electron traps, viz. 2-(2-pyridylazo)azoarene 1, have been synthesized by colligating electron-deficient pyridine and azoarene moieties, and they act as apposite proradical templates for the formation of stable open-shell diradical complexes [(1^•-)Rh^III(1^•-)]⁺ ([2]⁺), starting from the low-valent electron reservoir [Rh^I]. The less stable monoradical [Rh^III(1^•-)Cl₂(PPh₃)₃] (3) has also been isolated as a minor product. These π-radical complexes are multiredox systems, and the electron transfer processes occur exclusively within the pincer-type NNN ligand backbone 1. Molecular and electronic structures of the diradicals and monoradicals have been ascertained with the aid of X-ray diffraction, electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and spectral (electronic, IR, NMR, and EPR) studies. In the diradicals [2]⁺, the orthogonal disposition of two ligand π orbitals linked via a closed-shell metal center (t₂⁶) impedes significant coupling between the radicals. Indeed, the observed magnetic moment of [2a]⁺ lies near ∼2.3 μ_B over the temperature range 50-300 K. A very weak antiferromagnetic (AF) intramolecular spin-spin interaction between two ligand π arrays in [(1^•-)Rh^III(1^•-)]⁺ have been found experimentally (J ≈ -5 cm^-1), and this is further substantiated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the (U)B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level.

A Redox-Active Cascade Precursor: Isolation of a Zwitterionic Triphenylphosphonio-Hydrazyl Radical and an Indazolo-Indazole Derivative

A redox-active [ML] unit (M = Co^II and Mn^II; LH₂ = N'-(1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)benzohydrazide) defined as a cascade precursor that undergoes a multicomponent redox reaction comprising of a C-N bond formation, tautomerization, oxidation, C-C coupling, demetalation, and affording 6,14-dibenzoylbenzo[f]benzo[5,6]indazolo[3a,3-c]indazole-5,8,13,16-tetraone (^IndL₂) is reported. Conversion of LH₂ → ^IndL₂ in air is overall a (6H⁺+6e) oxidation reaction, and it opens a route for the syntheses of bioactive diarylindazolo[3a,3-c]indazole derivatives. The reaction occurs via a radical coupling reaction, and the radical intermediate was isolated as a triphenylphosphonio adduct. In presence of PPh₃ the [ML] unit promotes a reaction that involves a C-P bond formation, tautomerization, and oxidation to yield a stable zwitterionic triphenylphosphonio-hydrazyl radical (^PPh3L^±•). Conversion of LH₂ → ^PPh3L^±• is a (3H⁺+3e) oxidation reaction. To authenticate the [ML] unit, in addition to the ^IndL₂, a zinc(II) complex, [(L₃)Zn^II(H₂O)Cl]·2MeOH (1·2MeOH), was successfully isolated (L₃H = a pyridazine derivative of 1,4 naphthoquinone) from a reaction of LH₂ with hydrated ZnCl₂. Conversion of 3LH₂ → 1 is also a multicomponent (6H⁺+6e) oxidation reaction promoted by zinc(II) ion via a radical intermediate. Facile oxidation of [L^2-] to [L^•-] that was considered as an intermediate of these conversions was confirmed by isolating a 1,4 naphthoquinone-benzhydrazyl radical (LH^•) complex, [(LH^•)Zn^II(H₂O)Cl₂] (2H^•). The intermediates of LH₂ → ^IndL₂, LH₂ → ^PPh3L^±•, and 3LH₂ → 1 conversions were analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. The molecular and electronic structures of ^PPh3L^±•, ^IndL₂, 1·2MeOH, and 2H^• were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations.

Catalytic Synthesis of N-Heterocycles via Direct C(sp3)-H Amination Using an Air-Stable Iron(III) Species with a Redox-Active Ligand

Coordination of FeCl3 to the redox-active pyridine-aminophenol ligand NNOH2 in the presence of base and under aerobic conditions generates FeCl2(NNOISQ) (1), featuring high-spin FeIII and an NNOISQ radical ligand. The complex has an overall S = 2 spin state, as deduced from experimental and computational data. The ligand-centered radical couples antiferromagnetically with the Fe center. Readily available, well-defined, and air-stable 1 catalyzes the challenging intramolecular direct C(sp3)-H amination of unactivated organic azides to generate a range of saturated N-heterocycles with the highest turnover number (TON) (1 mol% of 1, 12 h, TON = 62; 0.1 mol% of 1, 7 days, TON = 620) reported to date. The catalyst is easily recycled without noticeable loss of catalytic activity. A detailed kinetic study for C(sp3)-H amination of 1-azido-4-phenylbutane (S1) revealed zero order in the azide substrate and first order in both the catalyst and Boc2O. A cationic iron complex, generated from the neutral precatalyst upon reaction with Boc2O, is proposed as the catalytically active species.

An elusive vinyl radical isolated as an appended unit in a five-coordinate Co(iii)-bis(iminobenzosemiquinone) complex formed via ligand-centered C-S bond cleavage

Redox-active ligand H4Pra(edt(AP/AP)) experienced C-S bond cleavage during complexation reaction with Co(OAc)2·2H2O in the presence of Et3N in CH3OH in air. Thus, formed complex 1 was composed of two iminobenzosemiquinone radicals in its coordination sphere and an unprecedented stable tethered-vinyl radical. The complex has been characterized by mass, X-ray single crystal, X-band EPR, variable-temperature magnetic moment measurements and DFT based computational study.