Ultrafast Spectroscopy of [Mn(CO)3] Complexes: Tuning the Kinetics of Light-Driven CO Release and Solvent Binding

Real-time observation of a metal complex-driven reaction intermediate using a porous protein crystal and serial femtosecond crystallography

Determining short-lived intermediate structures in chemical reactions is challenging. Although ultrafast spectroscopic methods can detect the formation of transient intermediates, real-space structures cannot be determined directly from such studies. Time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) has recently proven to be a powerful method for capturing molecular changes in proteins on femtosecond timescales. However, the methodology has been mostly applied to natural proteins/enzymes and limited to reactions promoted by synthetic molecules due to structure determination challenges. This work demonstrates the applicability of TR-SFX for investigations of chemical reaction mechanisms of synthetic metal complexes. We fix a light-induced CO-releasing Mn(CO)3 reaction center in porous hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) microcrystals. By controlling light exposure and time, we capture the real-time formation of Mn-carbonyl intermediates during the CO release reaction. The asymmetric protein environment is found to influence the order of CO release. The experimentally-observed reaction path agrees with quantum mechanical calculations. Therefore, our demonstration offers a new approach to visualize atomic-level reactions of small molecules using TR-SFX with real-space structure determination. This advance holds the potential to facilitate design of artificial metalloenzymes with precise mechanisms, empowering design, control and development of innovative reactions.

Photochemical Formation and Electronic Structure of an Alkane σ-Complex from Time-Resolved Optical and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

C-H bond activation reactions with transition metals typically proceed via the formation of alkane σ-complexes, where an alkane C-H σ-bond binds to the metal. Due to the weak nature of metal-alkane bonds, σ-complexes are challenging to characterize experimentally. Here, we establish the complete pathways of photochemical formation of the model σ-complex Cr(CO)5-alkane from Cr(CO)6 in octane solution and characterize the nature of its metal-ligand bonding interactions. Using femtosecond optical absorption spectroscopy, we find photoinduced CO dissociation from Cr(CO)6 to occur within the 100 fs time resolution of the experiment. Rapid geminate recombination by a fraction of molecules is found to occur with a time constant of 150 fs. The formation of bare Cr(CO)5 in its singlet ground state is followed by complexation of an octane molecule from solution with a time constant of 8.2 ps. Picosecond X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Cr L-edge and O K-edge provides unique information on the electronic structure of the Cr(CO)5-alkane σ-complex from both the metal and ligand perspectives. Based on clear experimental observables, we find substantial destabilization of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital upon coordination of the C-H bond to the undercoordinated Cr center in the Cr(CO)5-alkane σ-complex, and we define this as a general, orbital-based descriptor of the metal-alkane bond. Our study demonstrates the value of combining optical and X-ray spectroscopic methods as complementary tools to study the stability and reactivity of alkane σ-complexes in their role as the decisive intermediates in C-H bond activation reactions.

Photoinduced behaviour of N,N-bidentate manganese(I) and rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes for singlet oxygen generation and CO release

The combined action of singlet oxygen (1O2) and photoinduced carbon monoxide (CO) released by tricarbonyl metal complexes is a promising synergic treatment against multi-resistant bacterial infections. In this work, we explore the use of a polydentate ligand (bpm = 2,2-bipyrimidine) that offers the opportunity to accommodate two metal centers exhibiting both singlet oxygen generation and carbon monoxide releasing properties in a single molecule. A series of monometallic ([(bpm)M(CO)3Br]; M = Mn, Re) and homo or hetero bimetallic ([Br(CO)3M(bpm)M'(CO)3Br]; M = Mn, Re) compounds were synthesized in moderate to good yields by modulating the metal precursor or the stoichiometry, also the syn:anti isomers ratio for the bimetallic complexes was dependent on the experimental conditions used. DFT modelling shows the anti-isomer is more stable than the syn-isomer by less than 8 kJ mol-1, which is consistent with those experimentally observed in terms of majority product and the effect of experimental conditions over the anti-syn ratio. The HOMO-LUMO gap is lower for the mono and bimetallic rhenium(I) compounds compared to the values for the manganese(I) analogues, while the heterometallic complex shows intermediate values for the anti-isomer. The photophysical characterization shows typical absorption and emission bands with MLCT character. In addition, CO-release and 1O2 generation quantum yields were evaluated for the monometallic Mnbpm and Rebpm homologues and compared with values obtained for the homo- and hetero-bimetallic complexes. Interestingly the replacement of a Mn(CO)3Br moiety in MnbpmMn by a Re(CO)3Br one makes the heterometallic MnbpmRe molecule a molecular oxygen sensitizer and partially retaining its carbon monoxide releasing ability.

Rational design of co-ordination compounds in combination of bipyridine type of ligands and group 7 metal (M = Mn, Re) for photoCORM: a DFT study

CONTEXT

A large number of manganese and rhenium tricarbonyl complexes are known in literature along with various applications in different fields. CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) got recent research attention because CO can act as a prodrug for different diseases. CORMs offer the promising prospect of a safe and controllable amount of CO release. In this research work, we have explored the electronic properties of compounds such as bipyridine-related [Mn(CO)3] and [Re(CO)3] and we have compared the electronic properties of both manganese and rhenium tricarbonyl complexes in the light of carbon monoxide releasing tendency. The chosen Mn and Re metals have enough possibility to vary or play with ligands and design a new and novel CORM molecule. In this context, we have taken a range of 4,4'-disubstituted 2,2' bipyridyl ligands (Rbpy, where R = NH2, tBu, OCH3, H, CF3, CN, NO2) to investigate CO's liberation ability to identify and study such molecules. The calculated absorbance of designed complexes (1-14) shows visible/near-IR region (350-850 nm). The HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 7 (ΔE=2.40 eV) complex and for complex 14 (ΔE=2.28 eV) which is lesser in all complexes but the MLCT percentage is greater in Mn tricarbonyl complexes in comparison to Re tricarbonyl complexes. The calculated results of the FMO approach revealed that complex 7 and 14 have the lowest energy gap which is also in good agreement with DOSs and TDM results. The theoretically calculated results revealed that the both Mn and Re tricarbonyl complexes have a tendency for labialization of CO, but Mn tricarbonyl complexes are more prone to CO release because they have higher MLCT percentage.

METHODS

In this research work, we have performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to explore the physical properties of compounds such as bipyridine-related [Mn(CO)3] and [Re(CO)3] and we have compared the physical properties of both manganese and rhenium tricarbonyl complexes in the light of carbon monoxide releasing tendency. DFT-based calculations were performed by using B3LYP/LANL2DZ basis set followed by acetonitrile solvent using the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM) for different calculations. Various geometrical calculations were performed using the Gaussian16 suite of programs and the output results obtained from Gaussian16 were visualized using GaussView 5.0.16. The same level of theory was used for various calculations, including frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis, metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT), density of state (DOS) calculations, and transition density of matrix (TDM) calculations. For specific calculations, GaussSum 2.2 software package was used to calculate the density of states, and the Multiwfn 3.8 program was used to analyze the transition density matrix, which is presented using heat maps for both electrons and holes.

Chemoselective α-Alkylation of Nitriles with Primary Alcohols by Manganese(I)-Catalysis

A sustainable and easy-to-use protocol for the alkylation of aryl nitriles with the earth-abundant manganese(I) catalyst is presented. The alkylation reaction employs readily available nitriles and naturally abundant alcohols as the coupling partners. The reaction proceeds chemoselectively and encompasses a broad substrate scope with good to excellent yields. The catalytic reaction yields selectively α-branched nitriles and water as the sole byproduct. Experimental studies were executed to understand the mechanism of the catalytic reaction.

A Mesoionic Carbene-Pyridine Bidentate Ligand That Improves Stability in Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction by a Molecular Manganese Catalyst

Tricarbonyl Group 7 complexes have a longstanding history as efficacious CO₂ electroreduction catalysts. Typically, these complexes feature an auxiliary 2,2'-bipyridine ligand that assists in redox steps by delocalizing the electron density into the ligand orbitals. While this feature lends to an accessible redox potential for CO₂ electroreduction, it also presents challenges for electrocatalysis with Mn because the electron density is removed from metal-ligand bonding orbitals. The results presented here thus introduce a mesoionic carbene (MIC) as a potent ligand platform to promote Mn-based electrocatalysis. The strong σ donation of the N,C-bidentate MIC is shown to help centralize the electron density on the Mn center while also maintaining relevant redox potentials for CO₂ electroreduction. Mechanistic investigation supports catalytic turnover at two operative potentials separated by 400 mV. In the low operating potential regime at -1.54 V, Mn(0) species catalyze CO₂ to CO and CO₃^2-, which has a maximum rate of 7 ± 5 s^-1 and is stable for up to 30.7 h. At higher operating potential at -1.94 V, "Mn(-1)" catalyzes CO₂ to CO and H₂O with faster turnovers of 200 ± 100 s^-1, with the trade-off being less stability at 6.7 h. The relative stabilities of Mn complexes bearing MIC and 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine were compared by evaluation under the same electrolysis conditions and therefore elucidated that the MIC promotes longevity for CO evolution throughout a 5 h period.

Manganese(I) Complex with Monodentate Arylisocyanide Ligands Shows Photodissociation Instead of Luminescence

Recently reported manganese(I) complexes with chelating arylisocyanide ligands exhibit luminescent metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited states, similar to ruthenium(II) polypyridine complexes with the same d⁶ valence electron configuration used for many different applications in photophysics and photochemistry. However, chelating arylisocyanide ligands require substantial synthetic effort, and therefore it seemed attractive to explore the possibility of using more readily accessible monodentate arylisocyanides instead. Here, we synthesized the new Mn(I) complex [Mn(CNdippPh^OMe2)₆]PF₆ with the known ligand CNdippPh^OMe2 = 4-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,6-diisopropylphenylisocyanide. This complex was investigated by NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal structure analysis, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) measurements, IR spectroscopy supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, cyclic voltammetry, and time-resolved as well as steady-state UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The key finding is that the new Mn(I) complex is nonluminescent and instead undergoes arylisocyanide ligand loss during continuous visible laser irradiation into ligand-centered and charge-transfer absorption bands, presumably owed to the population of dissociative d–d excited states. Thus, it seems that chelating bi- or tridentate binding motifs are essential for obtaining emissive MLCT excited states in manganese(I) arylisocyanides. Our work contributes to understanding the basic properties of photoactive first-row transition metal complexes and could help advance the search for alternatives to precious metal-based luminophores, photocatalysts, and sensors.

We report the synthesis, characterization, and X-ray crystal structure of an octahedral manganese(I) complex with six monodentate arylisocyanide ligands that undergoes photoinduced ligand loss.

Cobalt(III) Carbene Complex with an Electronic Excited-State Structure Similar to Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Compounds

Many organometallic iridium(III) complexes have photoactive excited states with mixed metal-to-ligand and intraligand charge transfer (MLCT/ILCT) character, which form the basis for numerous applications in photophysics and photochemistry. Cobalt(III) complexes with analogous MLCT excited-state properties seem to be unknown yet, despite the fact that iridium(III) and cobalt(III) can adopt identical low-spin d⁶ valence electron configurations due to their close chemical relationship. Using a rigid tridentate chelate ligand (L^CNC), in which a central amido π-donor is flanked by two σ-donating N-heterocyclic carbene subunits, we obtained a robust homoleptic complex [Co(L^CNC)₂](PF₆), featuring a photoactive excited state with substantial MLCT character. Compared to the vast majority of isoelectronic iron(II) complexes, the MLCT state of [Co(L^CNC)₂](PF₆) is long-lived because it does not deactivate as efficiently into lower-lying metal-centered excited states; furthermore, it engages directly in photoinduced electron transfer reactions. The comparison with [Fe(L^CNC)₂](PF₆), as well as structural, electrochemical, and UV–vis transient absorption studies, provides insight into new ligand design principles for first-row transition-metal complexes with photophysical and photochemical properties reminiscent of those known from the platinum group metals.

Luminescent chromium(0) and manganese(I) complexes

In this Frontier article, recently discovered chromium(0) and manganese(i) complexes emitting from metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states are highlighted. Chelating isocyanide ligands give access to this new class of 3d⁶ emitters with MLCT lifetimes in (or close to) the nanosecond regime in solution at room temperature. Although the so far achievable luminescence quantum yields in these open-shell complexes are yet comparatively low, the photophysical properties of the new chromium(0) and manganese(i) isocyanides are reminiscent of those of well-known ruthenium(ii) polypyridines. Our findings provide insight into how undesired nonradiative MLCT deactivation in 3d⁶ complexes can be counteracted, and they seem therefore relevant for the further development of new luminescent first-row transition metal complexes based on iron(ii) and cobalt(iii) in addition to chromium(0) and manganese(i).

In this Frontier article, recently discovered chromium(0) and manganese(i) complexes emitting from metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states are highlighted.

Luminescent First-Row Transition Metal Complexes

Precious and rare elements have traditionally dominated inorganic photophysics and photochemistry, but now we are witnessing a paradigm shift toward cheaper and more abundant metals. Even though emissive complexes based on selected first-row transition metals have long been known, recent conceptual breakthroughs revealed that a much broader range of elements in different oxidation states are useable for this purpose. Coordination compounds of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu now show electronically excited states with unexpected reactivity and photoluminescence behavior. Aside from providing a compact survey of the recent conceptual key advances in this dynamic field, our Perspective identifies the main design strategies that enabled the discovery of fundamentally new types of 3d-metal-based luminophores and photosensitizers operating in solution at room temperature.

Ultrafast photoelectron spectroscopy of photoexcited aqueous ferrioxalate

The photochemistry of metal-organic compounds in solution is determined by both intra- and inter-molecular relaxation processes after photoexcitation. Understanding its prime mechanisms is crucial to optimise the reactive paths and control their outcome. Here we investigate the photoinduced dynamics of aqueous ferrioxalate ([Fe^III(C₂O₄)₃]^3-) upon 263 nm excitation using ultrafast liquid phase photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). The initial step is found to be a ligand-to-metal electron transfer, occuring on a time scale faster than our time resolution (≲30 fs). Furthermore, we observe that about 25% of the initially formed ferrous species population are lost in ∼2 ps. Cast in the contest of previous ultrafast infrared and X-ray spectroscopic studies, we suggest that upon prompt photoreduction of the metal centre, the excited molecules dissociate in <140 fs into the pair of CO₂ and [(CO₂)Fe^II(C₂O₄)₂]^3- fragments, with unity quantum yield. About 25% of these pairs geminately recombine in ∼2 ps, due to interaction with the solvent molecules, reforming the ground state of the parent ferric molecule.

Syntheses and structure of dinuclear metal complexes containing naphthyl-Ir bichromophore

A series of novel metal complexes were synthesized containing an Ir-cyclometalated bichromophore as a visible-light sensitizer. A new bichromophoric unit containing a naphthyl substituent and methyl substituents on the 2-phenylpyridine chelating ligand was synthesized and characterized for the first time. According to the increased crystallinity of the bichromophoric unit, novel Ir-M metal complexes (M = Pd, Mn, and Ir) were synthesized and fully characterized. The novel Ir-Pd complex maintained photocatalytic activity toward styrenes under visible-light irradiation, and polymerization with p-chlorostyrene, copolymerization with styrene and p-chlorostyrene furnished corresponding polymers.

Manganese(I) complexes with metal-to-ligand charge transfer luminescence and photoreactivity

Precious metal complexes with the d⁶ valence electron configuration often exhibit luminescent metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states, which form the basis for many applications in lighting, sensing, solar cells and synthetic photochemistry. Iron(II) has received much attention as a possible Earth-abundant alternative, but to date no iron(II) complex has been reported to show MLCT emission upon continuous-wave excitation. Manganese(I) has the same electron configuration as that of iron(II), but until now has typically been overlooked in the search for cheap MLCT luminophores. Here we report that isocyanide chelate ligands give access to air-stable manganese(I) complexes that exhibit MLCT luminescence in solution at room temperature. These compounds were successfully used as photosensitizers for energy- and electron-transfer reactions and were shown to promote the photoisomerization of trans-stilbene. The observable electron transfer photoreactivity occurred from the emissive MLCT state, whereas the triplet energy transfer photoreactivity originated from a ligand-centred ³π-π* state.

Excited-state dynamics of [Mn(im)(CO)3(phen)]+: PhotoCORM, catalyst, luminescent probe?

Mn(I) α-diimine carbonyl complexes have shown promise in the development of luminescent CO release materials (photoCORMs) for diagnostic and medical applications due to their ability to balance the energy of the low-lying metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and metal-centered (MC) states. In this work, the excited state dynamics of [Mn(im)(CO)₃(phen)]⁺ (im = imidazole; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) is investigated by means of wavepacket propagation on the potential energy surfaces associated with the 11 low-lying S_n singlet excited states within a vibronic coupling model in a (quasi)-diabatic representation including 16 nuclear degrees of freedom. The results show that the early time photophysics (<400 fs) is controlled by the interaction between two MC dissociative states, namely, S₅ and S₁₁, with the lowest S₁-S₃ MLCT bound states. In particular, the presence of S₁/S₅ and S₂/S₁₁ crossings within the diabatic picture along the Mn-CO_axial dissociative coordinate (q_Mn-COaxial) favors a two-stepwise population of the dissociative states, at about 60-70 fs (S₁₁) and 160-180 fs (S₅), which reaches about 10% within 200 fs. The one-dimensional reduced densities associated with the dissociative states along q_Mn-COaxial as a function of time clearly point to concurrent primary processes, namely, CO release vs entrapping into the S₁ and S₂ potential wells of the lowest luminescent MLCT states within 400 fs, characteristics of luminescent photoCORM.

Synthesis, structural studies, and redox chemistry of bimetallic [Mn(CO)3] and [Re(CO)3] complexes

Manganese ([Mn(CO)3]) and rhenium tricarbonyl ([Re(CO)3]) complexes represent a workhorse family of compounds with applications in a variety of fields. Here, the coordination, structural, and electrochemical properties of a family of mono- and bimetallic [Mn(CO)3] and [Re(CO)3] complexes are explored. In particular, a novel heterobimetallic complex featuring both [Mn(CO)3] and [Re(CO)3] units supported by 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpm) has been synthesized, structurally characterized, and compared to the analogous monomeric and homobimetallic complexes. To enable a comprehensive structural analysis for the series of complexes, we have carried out new single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of seven compounds: Re(CO)3Cl(bpm), anti-[{Re(CO3)Cl}2(bpm)], Mn(CO)3Br(bpz) (bpz = 2,2'-bipyrazine), Mn(CO)3Br(bpm), syn- and anti-[{Mn(CO3)Br}2(bpm)], and syn-[Mn(CO3)Br(bpm)Re(CO)3Br]. Electrochemical studies reveal that the bimetallic complexes are reduced at much more positive potentials (ΔE≥ 380 mV) compared to their monometallic analogues. This redox behavior is consistent with introduction of the second tricarbonyl unit which inductively withdraws electron density from the bridging, redox-active bpm ligand, resulting in more positive reduction potentials. [Re(CO3)Cl]2(bpm) was reduced with cobaltocene; the electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of the product exhibits an isotropic signal (near g = 2) characteristic of a ligand-centered bpm radical. Our findings highlight the facile synthesis as well as the structural characteristics and unique electrochemical behavior of this family of complexes.

Visible-to-NIR-Light Activated Release: From Small Molecules to Nanomaterials

Photoactivatable (alternatively, photoremovable, photoreleasable, or photocleavable) protecting groups (PPGs), also known as caged or photocaged compounds, are used to enable non-invasive spatiotemporal photochemical control over the release of species of interest. Recent years have seen the development of PPGs activatable by biologically and chemically benign visible and near-infrared (NIR) light. These long-wavelength-absorbing moieties expand the applicability of this powerful method and its accessibility to non-specialist users. This review comprehensively covers organic and transition metal-containing photoactivatable compounds (complexes) that absorb in the visible- and NIR-range to release various leaving groups and gasotransmitters (carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulfide). The text also covers visible- and NIR-light-induced photosensitized release using molecular sensitizers, quantum dots, and upconversion and second-harmonic nanoparticles, as well as release via photodynamic (photooxygenation by singlet oxygen) and photothermal effects. Release from photoactivatable polymers, micelles, vesicles, and photoswitches, along with the related emerging field of photopharmacology, is discussed at the end of the review.

Effects of Chemically-Modified Polypyridyl Ligands on the Structural and Redox Properties of Tricarbonylmanganese(I) Complexes

Carbonyl complexes with manganese(I) as the central metal are very attractive catalysts. The introduction of redox-active ligands, such as quinones and methyl viologen analogs into these catalysts, would be expected to lead to superior catalyst performances, since they can function as excellent electron carriers. In this study, we synthesized four tricarbonylmanganese(I) complexes containing typical bidentate polypyridyl ligands, including 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) frameworks bound to redox-active ortho-quinone/catechol or methyl viologen-like units. The molecular structures of the resulting complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography to clarify their steric features. As expected from the infrared (IR) data, three CO ligands for each complex were coordinated in the facial configuration around the central manganese(I) atom. Additionally, the structural parameters were found to differ significantly between the quinone/catechol units. Electrochemical analysis revealed some differences between them and their reference complexes, namely [MnBr(CO)₃(phen)] and [MnBr(CO)₃(bpy)]. Notably, interconversions induced by two-electron/two-proton transfers between the quinone and catechol units were observed in the phenanthroline-based complexes. This work indicated that the structural and redox properties in tricarbonylmanganese(I) complexes were significantly affected by chemically modified polypyridyl ligands. A better understanding of structures and redox behaviors of the present compounds would facilitate the design of new manganese complexes with enhanced properties.

Synthesis and crystal structures of manganese(I) carbonyl complexes bearing ester-substituted α-di-imine ligands

The crystal structures of two manganese(I) complexes with ester-substituted bi-pyridine or bi-quinoline supporting ligands are reported, namely, fac-bromido-tricarbon-yl(diethyl 2,2'-bi-pyridine-4,4'-di-carboxyl-ate-κ2 N,N')mangan-ese(I), [MnBr(C16H16N2O4)(CO)3], I, and fac-bromido-tricarbon-yl(diethyl 2,2'-bi-quinoline-4,4'-di-carboxyl-ate-κ2 N,N')manganese(I), [MnBr(C24H20N2O4)(CO)3], II. In both complexes, the manganese(I) atom adopts a distorted octa-hedral coordination sphere defined by three carbonyl C atoms, a Br- anion and two N atoms from the chelating α-di-imine ligand. Both complexes show fac configurations of the carbonyl ligands. In I, the complex mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯Br hydrogen bonds and aromatic π-π contacts. In II, intra-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are present as well as inter-molecular C-H⋯O and C-H⋯Br hydrogen bonds and π-π inter-actions.

Cytotoxicity of photoactivatable bromo tricarbonyl manganese(i) compounds against human liver carcinoma cells

Two series of photoinduced tricarbonyl manganese(i) compounds were prepared from the reaction of [MnBr(CO)3(2-C(H)[double bond, length as m-dash]O)] (2-C(H)[double bond, length as m-dash]O: quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde and pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde) and para-substituted aniline derivatives (X = OH, OCH3, Cl and NO2). Different electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents were introduced in the para-position of the phenyl ring to investigate their influence on the stability of the compounds in the dark and the photophysical properties upon illumination at 525 nm. When kept in the dark, the aerated solutions of the complexes in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and CH2Cl2 were stable. In the solution, the complexes bearing electron-withdrawing substituents, exchange their bromo ligands with DMSO solvent molecules, as evidenced from infrared and UV/Vis studies as well as time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The complexes were assessed for their cytotoxicity, both in the dark and upon exposure to a 525 nm LED, against the human hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2). A marked reduction in the viability of HepG2 cells treated with the complex functionalized with quinoline and methoxy substituent was observed after illumination in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 7.1 μM, making it the most phototoxic compound in our study.

4,5-Diazafluorene and 9,9'-Dimethyl-4,5-Diazafluorene as Ligands Supporting Redox-Active Mn and Ru Complexes

4,5-diazafluorene (daf) and 9,9’-dimethyl-4,5-diazafluorene (Me₂daf) are structurally similar to the important ligand 2,2’-bipyridine (bpy), but significantly less is known about the redox and spectroscopic properties of metal complexes containing Me₂daf as a ligand than those containing bpy. New complexes Mn(CO)₃Br(daf) (2), Mn(CO)₃Br(Me₂daf) (3), and [Ru(Me₂daf)₃](PF₆)₂ (5) have been prepared and fully characterized to understand the influence of the Me₂daf framework on their chemical and electrochemical properties. Structural data for 2, 3, and 5 from single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveal a distinctive widening of the daf and Me₂daf chelate angles in comparison to the analogous Mn(CO)₃(bpy)Br (1) and [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ (4) complexes. Electronic absorption data for these complexes confirm the electronic similarity of daf, Me₂daf, and bpy, as spectra are dominated in each case by metal-to-ligand charge transfer bands in the visible region. However, the electrochemical properties of 2, 3, and 5 reveal that the redox-active Me₂daf framework in 3 and 5 undergoes reduction at a slightly more negative potential than that of bpy in 1 and 4. Taken together, the results indicate that Me₂daf could be useful for preparation of a variety of new redox-active compounds, as it retains the useful redox-active nature of bpy but lacks the acidic, benzylic C–H bonds that can induce secondary reactivity in complexes bearing daf.

Sterically hindered Re- and Mn-CO2 reduction catalysts for solar energy conversion

Novel molecular Re and Mn tricarbonyl complexes bearing a bipyridyl ligand functionalised with sterically hindering substituents in the 6,6'-position, [M(HPEAB)(CO)3(X)] (M/X = Re/Cl, Mn/Br; HPEAB = 6,6'-{N-(4-hexylphenyl)-N(ethyl)-amido}-2,2'-bipyridine) have been synthesised, fully characterised including by single crystal X-ray crystallography, and their propensity to act as catalysts for the electrochemical and photochemical reduction of CO2 has been established. Controlled potential electrolysis showed that the catalysts are effective for electrochemical CO2-reduction, yielding CO as the product (in MeCN for the Re-complex, in 95 : 5 (v/v) MeCN : H2O mixture for the Mn-complex). The recyclability of the catalysts was demonstrated through replenishment of CO2 within solution. The novel catalysts had similar reduction potentials to previously reported complexes of similar structure, and results of the foot-of-the-wave analysis showed comparable maximum turnover rates, too. The tentative mechanisms for activation of the pre-catalysts were proposed on the basis of IR-spectroelectrochemical data aided by DFT calculations. It is shown that the typical dimerisation of the Mn-catalyst was prevented by incorporation of sterically hindering groups, whilst the Re-catalyst undergoes the usual mechanism following chloride ion loss. No photochemical CO2 reduction was observed for the rhenium complex in the presence of a sacrificial donor (triethylamine), which was attributed to the short triplet excited state lifetime (3.6 ns), insufficient for diffusion-controlled electron transfer. Importantly, [Mn(HPEAB)(CO)3Br] can act as a CO2 reduction catalyst when photosensitised by a zinc porphyrin under red light irradiation (λ > 600 nm) in MeCN : H2O (95 : 5); there has been only one reported example of photoactivating Mn-catalysts with porphyrins in this manner. Thus, this work demonstrates the wide utility of sterically protected Re- and Mn-diimine carbonyl catalysts, where the rate and yield of CO-production can be adjusted based on the metal centre and catalytic conditions, with the advantage of suppressing unwanted side-reactions through steric protection of the vacant coordination site.

Manganese(i) κ2-NN complex-catalyzed formic acid dehydrogenation

This work updates the first non-phosphine-based Mn complex able to perform the formic acid dehydrogenation (FA DH) in the presence of amines. Significant improvements were achieved regarding TON (>7500), gas evolution (>20 L), and lower CO content.