Preparation and Spectroscopic Investigations of Mixed Octahedral Complexes and Clusters

Selective Crystallization of Linkage Isomers, [RhIII(NCS)(SCN)5]3- and [RhIII(SCN)6]3-, to Investigate Structural Trans Influence and Thermal Stability

Linkage isomers of homoleptic complexes, [RhIII(SCN)6]3- and [RhIII(NCS)(SCN)5]3-, formed in aqueous solution were successfully separated by employing methyltriphenylphosphonium (MePPh3+) and 1-ethylquinolinium (EtQu+) ions as countercations, respectively. The single-crystal X-ray analysis of (MePPh3)3[RhIII(SCN)6] (1) indicated that all of the SCN- ligands coordinate to the RhIII ion by S atoms with an octahedral symmetry, where the average bond length of Rh-S is 2.374(7) Å. On the other hand, the RhIII ion of (EtQu)3[RhIII(NCS)(SCN)5]·H2O (2) is coordinated by five S atoms and one N atom of the SCN- ligands with a C4v symmetry. Structural trans influence was observed in the shorter bond length of Rh-S at the trans position of Rh-N. The Rh-S bond length is 2.3398(13) Å significantly shorter than those of 1 by ca. 0.04 Å, although DFT calculations based on the crystal structures indicated that the effective bond order of Rh-N is higher than those of Rh-S. Thermal stability examination by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses (TG/DTA) and IR spectroscopy indicated that the linkage isomerization of [RhIII(SCN)6]3- to [RhIII(NCS)(SCN)5]3- proceeded after melting around 174 °C. These results clearly indicate that [RhIII(NCS)(SCN)5]3- is thermodynamically more stable than [RhIII(SCN)6]3- in solid states, although further linkage isomerization hardly occurs.

Improved Synthesis of (TBA)2[W6Br14] Paving the Way to Further Study of Bromide Cluster Complexes

Octahedral cluster complexes of molybdenum and tungsten, [M₆X₈Y₆]^n- (M = Mo, W; X, Y = Cl, Br, I), are promising active components in various fields, including biomedicine and solar energy. Cluster complexes draw considerable attention due to their X-ray opacity, red/near-IR luminescence, and ability to convert triplet molecular oxygen to active singlet oxygen under UV and visible irradiation. Among the octahedral cluster complexes of molybdenum and tungsten, compounds with a {W₆Br₈}⁴⁺ core are the least studied. There are only a few examples of compounds with substituted terminal ligands, and their properties are not well understood. Among other things, this is due to more labor-intensive and expensive methods for obtaining the starting compounds in comparison with molybdenum counterparts. In this paper, we describe the synthesis of an octahedral cluster complex, (TBA)₂[W₆Br₁₄] (TBA⁺ = tetrabutylammonium), in gram quantities, starting from simple substances─W, Br₂, and Bi─in 70% yield. The formation of pentanuclear tungsten cluster complexes was recorded as a byproduct. Compounds with substituted terminal ligands (TBA)₂[W₆Br₈Y₆] (Y = NO₃, Cl, I) were obtained. We also discuss the instability of (TBA)₂[W₆Br₈(NO₃)₆] under light exposure, the optical properties of a series of compounds (TBA)₂[W₆Br₈Y₆] (Y = Cl, Br, I), and the effect of terminal ligands on the chemical shifts in ¹⁸³W NMR spectra in dimethyl sulfoxide-d₆. The presented approach to the synthesis of one of the main precursors of various bromide cluster complexes on a gram scale can stimulate the study of their properties and development of new functional materials based on them.

Spin-flip luminescence

In molecular photochemistry, charge-transfer emission is well understood and widely exploited. In contrast, luminescent metal-centered transitions only came into focus in recent years. This gave rise to strongly phosphorescent Cr^III complexes with a d³ electronic configuration featuring luminescent metal-centered excited states which are characterized by the flip of a single spin. These so-called spin-flip emitters possess unique properties and require different design strategies than traditional charge-transfer phosphors. In this review, we give a brief introduction to ligand field theory as a framework to understand this phenomenon and outline prerequisites for efficient spin-flip emission including ligand field strength, symmetry, intersystem crossing and common deactivation pathways using Cr^III complexes as instructive examples. The recent progress and associated challenges of tuning the energies of emissive excited states and of emerging applications of the unique photophysical properties of spin-flip emitters are discussed. Finally, we summarize the current state-of-the-art and challenges of spin-flip emitters beyond Cr^III with d², d³, d⁴ and d⁸ electronic configuration, where we mainly cover pseudooctahedral molecular complexes of V, Mo, W, Mn, Re and Ni, and highlight possible future research opportunities.

195Pt NMR and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of the Solvation of [PtCl6]2- in Water-Methanol and Water-Dimethoxyethane Binary Mixtures

The experimental ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR chemical shift, δ(¹⁹⁵Pt), of the [PtCl₆]^2- anion dissolved in binary mixtures of water and a fully miscible organic solvent is extremely sensitive to the composition of the mixture at room temperature. Significantly nonlinear δ(¹⁹⁵Pt) trends as a function of solvent composition are observed in mixtures of water-methanol, or ethylene glycol, 2-methoxyethanol, and 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME). The extent of the deviation from linearity of the δ(¹⁹⁵Pt) trend depends strongly on the nature of the organic component in these solutions, which broadly suggests preferential solvation of the [PtCl₆]^2- anion by the organic molecule. This simplistic interpretation is based on an accepted view pertaining to monovalent cations in similar binary solvent mixtures. To elucidate these phenomena in detail, classical molecular dynamics computer simulations were performed for [PtCl₆]^2- in water-methanol and water-DME mixtures using the anionic charge scaling approach to account for the effect of electronic dielectric screening. Our simulations suggest that the simplistic model of preferential solvation of [PtCl₆]^2- by the organic component as inferred from nonlinear δ(¹⁹⁵Pt) trends is not entirely accurate, particularly for water-DME mixtures. The δ(¹⁹⁵Pt) trend in these mixtures levels off for high DME mole fractions, which results from apparent preferential location of [PtCl₆]^2- anions at the borders of water-rich regions or clusters within these inherently micro-heterogeneous mixtures. By contrast in water-methanol mixtures, apparently less pronounced mixed solvent micro-heterogeneity is found, suggesting the experimental δ(¹⁹⁵Pt) trend is consistent with a more moderate preferential solvation of [PtCl₆]^2- anions. This finding underlines the important role of solvent-solvent interactions and micro-heterogeneity in determining the solvation environment of [PtCl₆]^2- anions in binary solvent mixtures, probed by highly sensitive ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR. The notion that preferential solvation of [PtCl₆]^2- results primarily from competing ion-solvent interactions as generally assumed for monatomic ions, may not be appropriate in general.

A study on the redox, spectroscopic, and photophysical characteristics of a series of octahedral hexamolybdenum(ii) clusters: [{Mo6X8}Y6]2− (X, Y = Cl, Br, or I)

We report a systematic study on the redox, spectroscopic, and photophysical properties of a series of [{Mo₆X₈}Y₆]²⁻ (X, Y = Cl, Br, or I).

11B-NMR shielding effects in theclosoborane series: sensitivity of shifts and their additivity

NMR shielding effects for [X_m-closo-B_nH_n−m]²⁻anions exhibit a simple linear behaviour in all positions of the borane cluster.

A ligand substituted tungsten iodide cluster: luminescence vs. singlet oxygen production

The cluster (TBA)₂[W₆I₈(CF₃COO)₆] shows photoluminescence in the solid state and in solution, and singlet oxygen (a¹Δ_g) is generated in the presence of oxygen.

The fundamental flaw of the HSAB principle is revealed by a complete speciation analysis of the [PtCl(6-n)Br(n)](2-) (n = 0-6) system

Bjerrum's model of step-wise ligand exchange is extended to compute a complete speciation diagram for the [PtCl6-nBrn](2-) (n = 0-6) system including all 17 equilibrium constants concerning the Pt(IV) chlorido-bromido exchange reaction network (HERN). In contrast to what the hard soft acid base (HSAB) principle "predicts", the thermodynamic driving force for the replacement of chloride by bromide in an aqueous matrix, for each individual ligand exchange reaction present in the Pt(IV) HERN, is due to the difference in halide hydration energy and not bonding interactions present in the acid-base complex. A generalized thermodynamic test calculation was developed to illustrate that the HSAB classified class (b) metal cations Ag(+), Au(+), Au(3+), Rh(3+), Cd(2+), Pt(2+), Pt(4+), Fe(3+), Cd(2+), Sn(2+) and Zn(2+) all form thermodynamically stable halido complexes in the order F(-) ≫ Cl(-) > Br(-) > I(-) irrespective of the sample matrix. The bonding interactions in the acid-base complex, e.g. ionic-covalent σ-bonding, Π-bonding and electron correlation effects, play no actual role in the classification of these metal cations using the HSAB principle. Instead, it turns out that the hydration/solvation energy of halides is the reason why metal cations are categorized into two classes using the HSAB principle which highlights the fundamental flaw of the HSAB principle.

General cooperative effects of single atom ligands on a metal: a195Pt NMR chemical shift as a function of coordinated halido ligands’ ionic radii overall sum

An inverse linear relationship between the experimentally observed¹⁹⁵Pt NMR signals and the overall sum of coordinated halido X ligands’ ionic radii was discovered in Pt(ii) and Pt(iv) complexes.

Speciation of [Pt(IV) Cl6-n Brn]2- (n = 0-6) and some of their mono-aquated [Pt(IV) Cl5-n Brn (H2O)]- (n = 0-5) anions in solution at low concentrations by means of ion-pairing reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

The speciation of the purely inorganic [PtCl6-n Brn](2-) (n = 0-6) anions and their corresponding mono-aquated [PtCl5-n Brn (H2O)](-) (n = 0-5) anions is of considerable importance to the precious metal refining and recycling industry, to ensure optimum recovery and separation efficiencies. Speciation of platinum complexes present in precursor solutions used for the preparation of precious metal nano-crystals of defined size and morphology appears also to be important. The various possible Pt(IV) complex anions in dilute aqueous can be characterized using ion-pairing reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOFMS).

METHODS

Ion-pairing reversed-phase ultra-high-performance LC separation of the Pt(IV) complex anions present in aqueous solutions prior to detection by means of high-resolution ESI-Q-TOFMS using a low ESI source cone voltage (5 V) allows for the clear identification of all the platinum complexes from the characteristic pattern of fragment ions (m/z), presumably generated by 'reductive conversion' in the ESI source of the mass spectrometer. Sufficient chromatographic resolution for the series of Pt(IV) complexes is achieved using the (n-butyl)3 NH(+) ion generated in a formic acid/water/methanol (pH ~3.5) mobile phase. This mobile phase composition facilitates a low-background for optimal ESI-Q-TOFMS detection with enhanced sensitivity.

RESULTS

Direct-infusion mass spectrometry of the inorganic platinum complexes in aqueous solution is impractical due to their low volatility, but more importantly as a result of the very extensive series of fragment ions generated in the ESI source, which leads to virtually uninterpretable mass spectra. However, with prior separation, and by using low ESI cone voltages (5 V), the mass spectra of the separated analyte ions show simpler and systematic fragmentation patterns [Pt(IV) X5](-) → [Pt(III) X4 ](-) → [Pt(II) X3](-) → [Pt(I)X2 ](-) (X = Cl(-) and Br(-)), resulting in clear assignments. This methodology facilitates the characterization of the partially aquated [PtCl5-n Brn (H2O)](-) (n = 0-5) anions derived from the homo- and heteroleptic [PtCl6-n Brn](2-) (n = 0-6) anions, in equilibrated solutions at low concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Speciation of homo- and heteroleptic [PtCl6-n Brn](2-) (n = 0-6) anions, together with some of their partially aquated [PtCl5-n Brn (H2O)](-) (n = 0-5) species in dilute solution, can successfully be carried out by means of prior ion-pairing reversed-phase LC separation coupled to high-resolution ESI-Q-TOFMS at low ESI cone-voltage settings.

(35/37)Cl and (16/18)O isotope resolved 195Pt NMR: unique spectroscopic 'fingerprints' for unambiguous speciation of [PtCl(n)(H2O)(6-n)](4-n) (n = 2-5) complexes in an acidic aqueous solution

At high magnetic fields the 128.8 MHz (195)Pt NMR of all the species in the series [PtCl(n)(H(2)O)(6-n)](4-n) (n = 2-6) display unique (35/37)Cl isotope effects resulting in a unique 'fine-structure' of each individual resonance, which constitutes an unambiguous spectroscopic 'fingerprint' characteristic of the structure of the octahedral platinum(IV) complex, provided (195)Pt NMR are recorded at optimum magnetic field homogeneity and carefully controlled temperature (293 ± 0.1 K). The detailed (195)Pt resonance fine-structure observed experimentally can readily be accounted for by an isotopologue and isotopomer model for each complex, showing particularly noticeable differences between stereoisomer pairs such as the cis/trans- and fac/mer-complexes. Moreover partial isotopic (18)O enrichment of the coordinated water molecules in the series [Pt(35/37)Cl(n)(H(2)(16/18)O)(6-n)](n-2) (n = 2-6) confirms this model. This technique can thus be considered a novel, direct spectroscopic method of chemical speciation of appropriate platinum(IV) complexes in solution without reference to accurate chemical shifts of authentic members of such a series. These effects are interpreted qualitatively in terms of the high sensitivity of (195)Pt NMR shielding to very small and subtle Pt-(35/37)Cl and Pt-(16/18)OH(2) bond displacements. Preliminary work shows this also applied to the corresponding bromido-complexes.

A robust method for speciation, separation and photometric characterization of all [PtCl(6-n)Br(n)]2- (n=0-6) and [PtCl(4-n)Br(n)]2- (n=0-4) complex anions by means of ion-pairing RP-HPLC coupled to ICP-MS/OES, validated by high resolution 195Pt NMR spectroscopy

A robust reversed phase ion-pairing RP-HPLC method has been developed for the unambiguous speciation and quantification of all possible homoleptic and heteroleptic octahedral platinum(IV) [PtCl(6-n)Br(n)](2-) (n=0-6) as well as the corresponding platinum(II) [PtCl(4-n)Br(n)](2-) (n=0-4) complex anions using UV/Vis detection. High resolution (195)Pt NMR in more concentrated solutions of these Pt(II/IV) complexes (≥50 mM) served to validate the chromatographic peak assignments, particularly in the case of the possible stereoisomers of Pt(II/IV) complex anions. By means of IP-RP-HPLC coupled to ICP-MS or ICP-OES it is possible to accurately determine the relative concentrations of all possible Pt(II/IV) species in these solutions, which allows for the accurate determination of the photometric characteristics (λ(max) and ɛ) of all the species in this series, by recording of the UV/Vis absorption spectra of all eluted species, using photo-diode array, and quantification with ICP-MS or ICP-OES. With this method it is readily possible to separate and estimate the concentrations of the various stereoisomers which are present in these solutions at sub-millimolar concentrations, such as cis- and trans-[PtCl(4)Br(2)](2-), fac- and mer-[PtCl(3)Br(3)](2-) and cis- and trans-[PtCl(2)Br(4)](2-) for Pt(IV), and cis- and trans-[PtCl(2)Br(2)](2-) in the case of Pt(II). All mixed halide Pt(II) and Pt(IV) species can be separated and quantified in a single IP-RP-HPLC experiment, using the newly obtained photometric molar absorptivities, ɛ, determined herein at given wavelengths.

A comparison of experimental and DFT calculations of ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR shielding trends for [PtX(n)Y(6-n)](2-) (X, Y = Cl, Br, F and I) anions

A comparison between experimental and calculated gas-phase as well as the conductor-like screening model DFT (195)Pt chemical shifts of a series of octahedral [PtX(6-n)Y(n)](2-) complexes for X = Cl, Br, F, I was carried out to assess the accuracy of computed NMR shielding and to gain insight into the dominant σ(dia), σ(para) and σ(SO) shielding contributions. The discrepancies between the experimental and the DFT-calculated (195)Pt chemical shifts vary for these complexes as a function of the coordinated halide ions, the largest being obtained for the fluorido-chlorido and fluorido-bromido complexes, while negligible discrepancies are found for the [PtCl(6-n)Br(n)](2-) series; the discrepancies are somewhat larger where a significant deviation from the ideal octahedral symmetry such as for the geometric cis/trans or fac/mer isomers of [PtF(6-n)Cl(n)](2-) and [PtF(6-n)Br(n)](2-) may be expected. The discrepancies generally increase in the order [PtCl(6-n)Br(n)](2-) < [PtBr(6-n)I(n)](2-) < [PtCl(6-n)I(n)](2-) < [PtF(6-n)Br(n)](2-) ≈ [PtF(6-n)Cl(n)](2-), and show a striking correlation with the increase in electronegativity difference Δχ between the two halide ligands (X(-) and Y(-)) bound to Pt(IV) for these anions: 0.09 < 0.52 < 0.63 < 1.36 ≈ 1.27, respectively. The computed (195)Pt sensitivity to Pt-X bond displacement, ∂(δ(195)Pt)/∂(ΔPt-X), of these complexes is very large and depends on the halide ion, decreasing from 24 800, 18 300, 15 700 to 12 000 ppm/Å for [PtF(6)](2-), [PtCl(6)](2-), [PtBr(6)](2-) and [PtI(6)](2-), respectively.

195Pt NMR Chemical Shift Trend Analysis as a Method to Assign New Pt(IV)−Halohydroxo Complexes

A 195Pt NMR spectroscopy study of the speciation of [PtCl6]2-, [PtBr6]2-, and the mixed [PtCl6-mBrm]2- (m=0-6) anions in aqueous medium after hydroxide ion substitution of coordinated halide ions has been carried out under dynamic conditions. Of the 56 possible [PtCl6-m-nBrm(OH)n]2- (m, n=0-6) complex anions in solution under dynamic conditions, the relative chemical shifts delta(195Pt) of 52 observable species have been assigned, 33 of which had not been reported previously. The assignment of all these species including the possible stereoisomers is facilitated by systematic linear relationships between the delta(195Pt) increments resulting from substitutions of the halide ions by OH- ions. Under dynamic conditions, the relative concentration (as indicated by resonance intensities) of the [PtCl6-m-nBrm(OH)n]2- (m, n=0-6) species was found to be largely determined by the trans effects on ligand substitution reactions, leading to the transient appearance of previously unobserved complexes. Only the 2c2c2t and 2t2t2t isomers of the ternary [PtCl2Br2(OH)2]2- complex, the 3m12t [PtCl3Br(OH)2]2- and the 13m2t [PtClBr3(OH)2]2- anions could not be observed under our conditions, although their delta(195Pt) are confidently predictable from the linear trend analysis. This chemical shift trend analysis constitutes a powerful method for the virtually unambiguous assignment of 195Pt chemical shifts for such complex anions undergoing slow ligand exchange on the NMR time scale, as facilitated by the strikingly good correlations of delta(195Pt) for the species as a function of the number of hydroxide ions in the coordination sphere.

Polymeric anionic networks using dibromine as a crosslinker; the preparation and crystal structure of [(C4H9)4N]2[Pt2Br10].(Br2)7 and [(C4H9)4N]2[PtBr4Cl2].(Br2)6

The reaction of M[PtX3(CO)] (M+ = [(C4H9)4N]+, X = Br, Cl) with an excess of Br2 gives the new platinum(IV) salts, [(C4H9)4N]2[Pt2Br10].(Br2)7, 1, and [(C4H9)4N]2[PtBr4Cl2].(Br2)6, 2, which, in the solid state, contain strong Br Br interactions resulting in the formation of polymeric networks; they could provide useful solid storage reservoirs for elemental bromine.

The Dean-Evans relation in (31)P NMR spectroscopy and its application to the chemistry of octahedral tungsten sulfide clusters

One of the challenges in studying the chemistry of hexanuclear octahedral metal clusters is analyzing the many possible complexes, including stereoisomers, when these complexes consist of mixed axial ligands (two or more). In the case of W(6)S(8)L(6-n)(PR(3))(n)(n = 0-6; L = nonphosphine Lewis base ligands, PR(3) = phosphines) clusters, in situ identification of the 10 possible complexes is possible by (31)P NMR due to P-W-W-P coupling. A linear relation for (31)P NMR shifts (delta((31)P)) of these W(6)S(8)L(6-n)(PR(3))(n) complexes, analogous to the Dean-Evans relation for (19)F NMR shifts of octahedral tin complexes, is found and expressed as delta((31)P) = delta(ref) + pC + qT with two variables (p and q, the number of ligands L in the cis or trans position to PR(3), respectively) with two constants (C and T, characteristic of a given ligand L). (31)P NMR investigation of over 200 complexes in 26 W(6)S(8)L(6-n)(PR(3))(n) systems show that this relation is generally valid for W(6)S(8) clusters. Such a relation helps spectroscopic assignments and demonstrates the trans and cis influence on hexanuclear clusters. Large bulky ligands cause deviations from the linear behavior due to steric effects. With the help of 2-D (31)P NMR spectroscopy, mixtures of W(6)S(8)(PR(3))(6-n)(PR'(3))(n) (n = 0-6) complexes can also be unequivocally interpreted. The Dean-Evans relation is expanded to account for different phosphine ligands. Partial substitution reactions of these W(6)S(8) complexes by phosphines were investigated using (31)P NMR, and four single crystals of mixed-ligand clusters are characterized with X-ray diffraction. In summary, (31)P NMR and other NMR techniques, combined with Dean-Evans relations, are invaluable analytical tools for studying molecular W(6)S(8) cluster chemistry and are likely to be useful for studying other mixed-ligand metal clusters.

High-resolution luminescence and absorption spectroscopy of Cs2GeF6:Os4+

The luminescence spectrum of the Os4+ dopant ion occupying O(h) sites of the Cs2GeF6 host shows three sets of resolved transitions in the near-infrared at approximately 12000, 9000, and 6700 cm(-1), corresponding to intraconfigurational transitions between the 1T2g lowest excited electronic state and the Gamma1, Gamma4, and Gamma5/Gamma3 spinor levels of the 3T1g ground state, respectively. The octahedral OsF6(2-) chromophore does not emit from higher excited states, in contrast to related chloride and bromide host lattices, where several excited states show luminescence. The highly resolved single-crystal luminescence and absorption spectra are rationalized with ligand field parameters 10 Dq = 24570 cm(-1), B = 500 cm(-1), C = 2380 cm(-1), zeta = 3000 cm(-1). Transition intensities reveal an intermediate coupling situation for OsF6(2-): Whereas they generally follow the selection rules derived in the L-S coupling scheme, additional information can be gained from the j-j coupling limit. The resolved vibronic structure allows the identification of the most efficient ungerade parity enabling modes (vibronic origins) and shows that progressions along the a1g, e(g), and t2g modes occur for some transitions.

Ligand substitution reactions of W6S8L6 with tricyclohexylphosphine (L = 4-tert-butylpyridine or n-butylamine): 31P NMR and structural studies of W6S8(PCy3)n(4-tert-butylpyridine)6-n (0 < n < or = 6) complexes

The substitution reactions by bulky tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy3) ligands on W6S8L6 (L = 4-tert-butylpyridine or n-butylamine) clusters were investigated to prepare clusters with mixed axial ligands for low-dimensional cluster linking. When 4-6 equiv of PCy3 are used to react with W6S8(4-tert-butylpyridine)6 (4) in THF, cis-W6S8(PCy3)4(4-tert-butylpyridine)2 (1) is preferentially formed. But when starting with W6S8(n-butylamine)6 (2), only W6S8(PCy3)6 (3) is produced with 6 equiv of PCy3. Other conditions with fewer equivalents of PCy3 led to mixtures of partially substituted complexes in the W6S8L6-n(PCy3)n (0 < or = n < or = 6, L = 4-tert-butylpyridine or n-butylamine) series. A significantly distorted structure for 1 helps to explain its preferential formation. 1H NMR spectra were collected for clusters 1 and 2 and 31P NMR spectra for 1 and W6S8(4-tert-butylpyridine)6-n(PCy3)n complexes. P-P coupling through P-W-W-P is reported for the first time in octahedral metal clusters and shown to be very useful in identifying nearly all the W6S8L6-n(PR3)n complexes and their stereoisomers in the mixtures even before individual species are isolated.