Structure−Function Correlations in Iron(II) Tris(pyrazolyl)borate Spin-State Crossover Complexes

Gradual spin crossover behavior encompasing room temperature in an iron(II) complex based on a heteroscorpionate ligand

In this paper, we report the synthesis of six novel triazole-based heteroscorpionate ligands based on heterocycle metathesis reactions and their iron(II) complexes. Single crystal structure analyses were performed, the spectroscopic and magnetic properties of the obtained complexes were studied and their spin crossover-structural relationships were compared to those obtained for their pyrazole-based analogues reported in the literature. In particular, the amino derivative complex bis[hydrobis(pyrazol-1-yl)(3-amino-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)]iron(II) obtained by post-synthetic catalytic nitro-group reduction under pressure of hydrogen in an autoclave presents a scarce gradual spin crossover behavior at room temperature. The profile of the SCO curve can be explained by the presence of only relatively weak H bonds, spreading only in one dimension. Among the interesting spin transition behaviors observed for the different complexes, such stable, complete and gradual spin crossover at room temperature makes this neutral complex a good candidate for sublimation and future investigation as an active element notably for thermoreflectance-based surface microthermometry applications.

Precise control of the degree and regioselectivity of functionalization in nitro- and amino-functionalized di(trispyrazolylborato)iron(II) spin crossover complexes

Di(trispyrazolylborato)iron(II) ([Tp₂Fe]) complexes represent one of the most robust classes of spin-crossover complexes. Their stability renders them particularly suitable for integration in nanoscale devices, e.g. as sensors or information storage units. While prior studies of the functionalization of those derivatives have been focused on the electronic and steric effects of alkyl and -CF₃ groups in position 3, a pyrazole exchange reaction between nitropyrazole and either trispyrazolylborate or its iron complex allows the regioselective installation of nitro substituents in positions 3, 4 and 5 of the [Tp₂Fe] complexes. The degree of substitution can be varied from 1 to 4 functionalized pyrazoles per complex. The amine-functionalized analogues are accessed by reduction of the nitro analogues under hydrogen transfer conditions. With the exception of di- and tetra-3-NO₂ substituted complexes, all derivatives display spin crossover properties in the solid state, with transition temperatures ranging from 180 to 380 K and showing different degrees of abruptness but no hysteresis. The Slichter-Drickamer model was used to extract the empirical thermodynamic transition parameters, allowing a systematic investigation of the influence of stoichiometry, position, and electronic nature of the substitution on the magnetic properties of the complexes. The steric effects dominate for substitution in position 3 but the electronic effects are significant for the other positions.

Crystallographic characterization of the metal-organic framework Fe2(bdp)3 upon reductive cation insertion

Precisely locating extra-framework cations in anionic metal–organic framework compounds remains a long-standing, yet crucial, challenge for elucidating structure–performance relationships in functional materials. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction is one of the most powerful approaches for this task, but single crystals of frameworks often degrade when subjected to post-synthetic metalation or reduction. Here, we demonstrate the growth of sizable single crystals of the robust metal–organic framework Fe₂(bdp)₃ (bdp²⁻ = benzene-1,4-dipyrazolate) and employ single-crystal-to-single-crystal chemical reductions to access the solvated framework materials A₂Fe₂(bdp)₃·yTHF (A = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺). X-ray diffraction analysis of the sodium and potassium congeners reveals that the cations are located near the center of the triangular framework channels and are stabilized by weak cation–π interactions with the framework ligands. Freeze-drying with benzene enables isolation of activated single crystals of Na_0.5Fe₂(bdp)₃ and Li₂Fe₂(bdp)₃ and the first structural characterization of activated metal–organic frameworks wherein extra-framework alkali metal cations are also structurally located. Comparison of the solvated and activated sodium-containing structures reveals that the cation positions differ in the two materials, likely due to cation migration that occurs upon solvent removal to maximize stabilizing cation–π interactions. Hydrogen adsorption data indicate that these cation–framework interactions are sufficient to diminish the effective cationic charge, leading to little or no enhancement in gas uptake relative to Fe₂(bdp)₃. In contrast, Mg_0.85Fe₂(bdp)₃ exhibits enhanced H₂ affinity and capacity over the non-reduced parent material. This observation shows that increasing the charge density of the pore-residing cation serves to compensate for charge dampening effects resulting from cation–framework interactions and thereby promotes stronger cation–H₂ interactions.

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals structural influences on gas adsorption properties in anionic metal–organic frameworks.

Crystal structure of bis-{(3,5-di-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl)di-hydro-[3-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazol-1-yl]-borato}iron(II)

The structure determination of [Fe(C13H15BN5)2] was undertaken as part of a project on the modification of the recently published spin-crossover (SCO) complex [Fe{H2B(pz)(pypz)}2] (pz = pyrazole, pypz = pyridyl-pyrazole). To this end, a new ligand was synthesized in which two additional methyl groups are present. Its reaction with iron tri-fluoro-methane-sulfonate led to a pure sample of the title compound, as proven by X-ray powder diffraction. The asymmetric unit consists of one complex mol-ecule in a general position. The FeII atom is coordinated by two tridentate N-binding {H2B(3,5-(CH3)2-pz)(pypz)}- ligands. The Fe-N bond lengths range between 2.1222 (13) and 2.3255 (15) Å, compatible with FeII in the high-spin state, which was also confirmed by magnetic measurements. Other than a very weak C-H⋯N non-classical hydrogen bond linking individual mol-ecules into rows extending parallel to [010], there are no remarkable inter-molecular inter-actions.

Spin Transition of an Iron(II) Organoborate Complex in Different Polymorphs and in Vacuum-Deposited Thin Films: Influence of Cooperativity

Two polymorphic modifications (1-I and 1-II) of the new spin crossover (SCO) complex [Fe{H₂B(pz)(pypz)}₂] (pz = pyrazole, pypz = pyridylpyrazole; 1) were prepared and investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), magnetic measurements, Mößbauer, vibrational, and absorption spectroscopy as well as single-crystal and X-ray powder diffraction. DSC measurements reveal that upon heating the thermodynamically metastable form 1-II to ∼178 °C it transforms into 1-I in an exothermic reaction, which proves that these modifications are related by monotropism. Both forms show thermal SCO with T_1/2 values of 390 K (1-II) and 270 K (1-I). An analysis of the crystal structures of 1-II and the corresponding Zn(II) (2) and Co(II) (3) complexes that are isotypic with 1-I reveals that form II consists of dimers coupled by strong intramolecular π···π interactions, which is not the case for 1-I. In agreement with these findings, investigations of thin films of 1, where significant π···π interactions should be absent, reveal SCO behavior similar to that of 1-I. These results underscore the importance of cooperativity for the spin-transition behavior of this class of complexes.

Selective Isomer Formation and Crystallization-Directed Magnetic Behavior in Nitrogen-Confused C-Scorpionate Complexes of Fe(O3SCF3)2

The complex [Fe(^HL*)₂](OTf)₂, 1, where ^HL* = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)(3-1H-pyrazole)methane, was prepared in order to compare its magnetic properties with those of the analogous parent complex, [Fe(^HL)₂](OTf)₂, that lacks methyl groups on pyrazolyl rings and that undergoes spin crossover (SCO) from the low spin (LS) to the high spin (HS) form above room temperature. It was anticipated that this new semibulky derivative should favor the HS state and undergo SCO at a lower temperature range. During this study, six crystalline forms of 1 were prepared by controlling the crystallization conditions. Thus, when reagents are combined in CH₃CN, an equilibrium mixture of cis and trans isomers is established that favors the latter below 311 K. The trans isomer can be isolated exclusively as a mixture of solvates, LS trans-1·2CH₃CN and HS trans-1·4CH₃CN, by cooling CH₃CN solutions to -20 °C with the former being favored at high concentrations and short crystallization times. Subsequently, vapor diffusion of Et₂O into CH₃CN solutions of pure trans-1·2CH₃CN gives solvate-free HS trans-1. Subjecting trans-1·2CH₃CN to vacuum at room temperature gives microcrystalline trans-1·CH₃CN, identified by elemental analysis and its distinct powder X-ray diffraction pattern. If an isomeric mixture of 1 is subject to room-temperature vapor diffusion, then a crystalline mixture of HS isomers cis-1 and trans-1 is obtained. Finally, slowly cooling hot acetonitrile solutions of isomeric mixtures of 1 to room temperature gives large prisms of HS co-1, a species with both cis and trans isomers in the unit cell. The complexes trans-1, trans-1·CH₃CN, cis-1, and co-1 undergo SCO below 250 K while trans-1·xCH₃CN (x = 2, 4) solvates do not undergo SCO before desolvation.

Cooperativity in Spin Crossover Systems. An Atomistic Perspective on the Devil's Staircase

Cooperativity is key in defining the shape (i.e., gradual, abrupt, or hysteretic) of thermally driven spin transitions in magnetic switches. Despite its importance, there is very little information on its atomistic origin, which hinders the rational design of materials displaying a bistability region (i.e., hysteresis). In this paper, we investigate the spin transition of two solvatomorphs of [Fe(2-pic)₃]Cl₂, an Fe(II)-complex displaying thermal spin crossover (SCO) from a low-spin (LS) to a high-spin (HS) state with either gradual or abrupt two-step character. To do it, we apply a novel computational protocol to study the cooperativity of SCO compounds from DFT calculations, which does not rely on a priori assumptions on the studied system. The distinct shape of the spin transition is successfully captured, and the atomistic origin of cooperativity is traced back to geometrical distortions of the Fe-N₆ core in case of the solvatomorph exhibiting an abrupt transition. According to our calculations, HS and LS molecules contribute differently to cooperativity, which results in a complex energetic evolution of the spin transition that cannot be described by the common Slichter-Drickamer model. The present work opens new avenues for the study of cooperativity of SCO systems having a chemically oriented perspective and demonstrates that quantum chemistry calculations can discriminate the shape of a spin transition, while providing insight into the atomistic underlying factors that contribute to its cooperative behavior.

Iron(II) Complexes of a Hemilabile SNS Amido Ligand: Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity

We report an easily prepared bis(thioether) amine ligand, S^MeN^HS^Me, along with the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of the paramagnetic iron(II) bis(amido) complex, [Fe(κ³-S^MeNS^Me)₂] (1). Binding of the two different thioethers to Fe generates both five- and six-membered rings with Fe-S bonds in the five-membered rings (av 2.54 Å) being significantly shorter than those in the six-membered rings (av 2.71 Å), suggesting hemilability of the latter thioethers. Consistent with this hypothesis, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and computational (TD-DFT) studies indicate that 1 in solution contains a five-coordinate component [Fe(κ³-S^MeNS^Me)(κ²-S^MeNS^Me)] (2). This ligand hemilability was demonstrated further by reactivity studies of 1 with 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, and 2,6-dimethylphenyl isonitrile to afford iron(II) complexes [L₂Fe(κ²-S^MeNS^Me)₂] (3-5). Addition of a Brønsted acid, HNTf₂, to 1 produces the paramagnetic, iron(II) amine-amido cation, [Fe(κ³-S^MeNS^Me)(κ³-S^MeN^HS^Me)](NTf₂) (6; Tf = SO₂CF₃). Cation 6 readily undergoes amine ligand substitution by triphos, affording the 16e^- complex [Fe(κ²-S^MeNS^Me)(κ³-triphos)](NTf₂) (7; triphos = bis(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)phenylphosphine). These complexes are characterized by elemental analysis; ¹H NMR, Mössbauer, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy; and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Preliminary results of amine-borane dehydrogenation catalysis show complex 7 to be a selective and particularly robust precatalyst.

The molecular and supramolecular aspects in mononuclear manganese(iii) Schiff-base spin crossover complexes

A cooperative SCO process with a hysteresis width of 18 K is the largest one reported in d⁴ SCO chemistry.

Low coordinate iron derivatives stabilized by a β-diketiminate mimic. Synthesis and coordination chemistry of enamidophosphinimine scaffolds to generate diiron dinitrogen complexes

The reduction of the iron enamido-phosphinimine complex under N₂ leads to dinitrogen activation and cleavage of the phosphinimine linkage to generate a di-iron complex with a bridging imido moiety.

Spin crossover properties of enantiomers, co-enantiomers, racemates, and co-racemates

Spin-crossover Puzzle: SCO co-enantiomers, racemates, and co-racemates were successfully assembled via cocrystallization of four prefabricated enantiomeric iron(ii) modules 4R, 4S, 5R and 5S.

Accessing spin-crossover behaviour in iron(ii) complexes of N-confused scorpionate ligands

Scorpionates with a dislocated pyrazolyl have been prepared on a large scale to allow new variations in iron(ii) spin-crossover materials.

Structural insights into the counterion effects on the manganese(iii) spin crossover system with hexadentate Schiff-base ligands

The close stacking and arrangement preclude the spin transformation of the Mn(iii) Schiff-base cations.

Spin crossover iron(II) coordination polymer chains: syntheses, structures, and magnetic characterizations of [Fe(aqin)2(μ2-M(CN)4)] (M = Ni(II), Pt(II), aqin = quinolin-8-amine)

New Fe(II) coordination polymeric neutral chains of formula [Fe(aqin)2(μ2-M(CN)4)] (M = Ni(II) (1) and Pt(II) (2)) (aqin = Quinolin-8-amine) have been synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurements. The crystal structure determinations of 1-2 reveal in both cases a one-dimensional structure in which the planar [M(CN)4](2-) (M = Ni(II) (1) and Pt(II) (2)) anion acts as a μ2-bridging ligand, and the two aqin molecules as chelating coligands. Examination of the intermolecular contacts in the two compounds reveals that the main contacts are ascribed to hydrogen bonding interactions involving the amine groups of the aqin chelating ligands and the nitrogen atoms of the two non bridging CN groups of the [M(CN)4](2-) (M = Ni(II) (1) and Pt(II) (2)) anion. The average values of the six Fe-N distances observed respectively at room temperature (293 K) and low temperature (120 K), that is, 2.142(3) and 2.035(2) Å for 1, and 2.178(3) and 1.990(2) Å for 2, and the thermal variation of the cell parameters (performed on 2) are indicative of the presence of an abrupt HS-LS spin crossover (SCO) transition in both compounds. The thermal dependence of the product of the molar magnetic susceptibility times the temperature (χmT), in cooling and warming modes, confirms the SCO behavior at about 145 and 133 K in 1 and 2, respectively, and reveals the presence of a small thermal hysteresis of about 2 K for each compound.

π Back-bonding of iron(II) complexes supported by tris(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)amine and its nitro-substituted derivatives

The electronic and geometric structures of a series of iron(II) complexes supported by tetradentate tris(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)amine-type ligands with different numbers of 4-nitropyridine groups, [(PyCH(2))(3-n)(4-NO(2)PyCH(2))(n)N] (n = 0-3), were examined by X-ray absorption fine-structure and variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopies and theoretical calculations to reveal how the low-spin state is stabilized through π back-bonding interactions between iron(II) and 4-nitropyridine donor group(s).

Structure:function relationships in molecular spin-crossover complexes

Spin-crossover compounds are becoming increasingly popular for device and sensor applications, and in soft materials, that make use of their switchable colour, paramagnetism and conductivity. The de novo design of new solid spin-crossover compounds with pre-defined switching properties is desirable for application purposes. This challenging problem of crystal engineering requires an understanding of how the temperature and cooperativity of a spin-transition are influenced by the structure of the bulk material. Towards that end, this critical review presents a survey of molecular spin-crossover compounds with good availability of crystallographic data. A picture is emerging that changes in molecular shape between the high- and low-spin states, and the ability of a lattice to accommodate such changes, can play an important role in determining the existence and the cooperativity of a thermal spin-transition in the solid state (198 references).

Macrocycle-based spin-crossover materials

New iron(II) complexes of formula [Fe(L1)](BF(4))(2) (1) and [Fe(L2)](BF(4))(2) x H(2)O (2) (L1 = 1,7-bis(2'-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane; L2 = 1,8-bis(2'-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) have been synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. The crystal structure determinations of 1 and 2 reveal in both cases discrete iron(II) monomeric structures in which the two functionalized tetraazamacrocycles (L1 and L2) act as hexadentate ligands; the iron(II) ions are coordinated with six nitrogen atoms: four from the macrocycle and two from two pyridine groups occupying two cis positions around the metal ion. In 1, the N-Fe-N bond angles indicate that the Fe(II) ion adopts an unusual distorted trigonal prismatic geometry. In agreement with the observed paramagnetic behavior, the average of the six Fe-N distances at 293 K (2.218(6) A) and at 90 K (2.209(2) A) correspond well with distances observed for high-spin (HS) Fe(II) complexes with a coordination index of 6. For 2, the Fe(II) ion adopts a distorted octahedral geometry for which the six Fe-N distances (average 2.197(4) A) at room temperature are in the range expected for HS Fe(II) complexes. The crystal structure solved at 90 K showed a strong modification of the iron coordination sphere, suggesting the presence of a spin-crossover transition from HS to low spin (LS). Surprisingly, the averaged Fe-N value (2.077(4) A) at this temperature is not in agreement with the magnetic measurements since the chi(m)T product versus T showed a full LS state at 90 K. This may be explained by the presence of important distortions arising from the macrocycle constraints. To understand how the crystal and the lattice parameters were affected by the magnetic transition, the temperature dependence of the lattice parameters of 2 was determined in the range 293-90 K: the a and b parameters show essentially linear and gradual decreases, while the c and beta parameters show dramatic decreases nearly similar to that observed in the magnetic behavior.

Magnetic and 57Fe Mössbauer study of the single molecule magnet behavior of a Dy3Fe7 coordination cluster

The reaction between N-methydiethanolamine (mdeaH(2)), benzoic acid, FeCl(3), and DyCl(3) yields a decanuclear coordination cluster, [Dy(3)Fe(7)(mu(4)-O)(2)(mu(3)-OH)(2)(mdea)(7)(mu-benzoate)(4)(N(3))(6)] x 2 H(2)O x 7 CH(3)OH (1) whose single crystal structure exhibits three and seven crystallographically distinct Dy(III) and Fe(III) ions; six of the Fe(III) ions are pseudo-octahedrally coordinated, whereas the seventh has a trigonal-bipyramidal coordination geometry. Both direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) magnetic susceptibility studies indicate that, upon cooling, intracluster antiferromagnetic interactions are dominant in 1, yielding a ferrimagnetic spin arrangement. The out-of-phase (chi'') ac susceptibility reveals that 1 undergoes a slow relaxation of its magnetization mainly resulting from the anisotropy of the Dy(III) ions. This slow relaxation has been confirmed both by magnetization measurements on an oriented single crystal of 1 and by the observation of hysteresis loops below 1.9 K. The macroscopic magnetic studies yield an effective energy barrier, U(eff), of 33.4 K for this relaxation, a barrier that is the highest yet reported for a lanthanide(III)-Fe(III) single molecule magnet. The (57)Fe Mössbauer spectra of 1 obtained between 3 and 35 K are consistent with the presence of Fe(III) intracluster antiferromagnetic coupling with slow magnetic relaxation relative to the Larmor precession time, thus confirming, on a microscopic scale, the presence of a barrier to the magnetic relaxation below 35 K. Between 55 and 295 K the Mössbauer spectra reveal paramagnetic behavior with six partially resolved quadrupole doublets, one for the trigonal-bipyramidal Fe(III) site and five for the six pseudo-octahedral Fe(III) sites.

Cu(I) complexes bearing the new sterically demanding and coordination flexible tris(3-phenyl-1-pyrazolyl)methanesulfonate ligand and the water-soluble phosphine 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane or related ligands

The new sterically hindered scorpionate tris(3-phenylpyrazolyl)methanesulfonate (Tpms(Ph))(-) has been synthesized and its coordination behavior toward a Cu(I) center, in the presence of 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA), N-methyl-1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane tetraphenylborate ((mPTA)[BPh4]) or hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) has been studied. The reaction between Li(Tpms(Ph)) (1) and [Cu(MeCN)4][PF6] yields [Cu(Tpms(Ph))(MeCN)] (2) which, upon further acetonitrile displacement on reaction with PTA, HMT, or (mPTA)[BPh4], gives the corresponding complexes [Cu(Tpms(Ph))(PTA)] (3), [Cu(Tpms(Ph))(HMT)] (4), and [Cu(Tpms(Ph))(mPTA)][PF6] (5). All the compounds have been characterized by (1)H, (31)P, (13)C, COSY or HMQC-NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the complexes (3) and (5), which bear a phosphine ligand (i.e., PTA and mPTA, respectively), the new scorpionate ligand shows the typical N, N, N-coordination mode, whereas in (2) and (4), bearing a N-donor ligand (i.e., MeCN and HMT, respectively), it binds the metal via the N,N,O chelating mode, involving the sulfonate moiety.