Synthesis, Structures, and Magnetic Behavior of a Series of Copper(II) Azide Polymers of Cu4 Building Clusters and Isolation of a New Hemiaminal Ether as the Metal Complex

Cu(II) Coordination Polymers for the Selective Oxidation of Biomass-Derived Veratryl Alcohol in Green Solvents: A Sustainable Catalytic Approach

Four air-stable one-dimensional copper(II) coordination polymers (CP1-CP4) with azide linkers were synthesized using tridentate NNS and NNN ligands. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the molecular structures of CP1, CP3, and CP4. In the presence of TEMPO, all four coordination polymers demonstrated effective catalytic activity for the selective aerobic oxidation of veratryl alcohol, a biomass model compound, under base-free conditions. CP4 exhibited the best catalytic efficiency. Oxidations were conducted at ambient temperature (40 °C) utilizing air as a sustainable oxidant. Selective oxidation of veratryl alcohol to veratraldehyde was also conducted in the presence of a catalytic amount of base (5 mol %), and enhanced reactivity was observed. The green solvents, acetone, and water, were used to maximize sustainability. The optimized reaction conditions were applied to broaden the substrate scope of various lignin model alcohols and substituted benzylic alcohols with wide electronic variability. CP4 exhibited high recyclability, consistently providing quantitative yields even after ten consecutive runs. The catalytic protocol demonstrated sustainability and environmental compatibility, as evidenced by a low E-factor (4.29) and a high Eco-scale score (90). Based on experimental evidence and theoretical calculations, a plausible catalytic cycle was proposed. Finally, the sustainability credentials of the different optimized reaction protocols were evaluated using the CHEM21 green metrics toolkit.

Preparation and Characterization of Magnetite-Polyvinyl Alcohol Hybrid Nanoparticles (As-PVA-MNPs) Using Acanthophora spicifera Marine Algae Extract for Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity Against Pathogenic Microorganisms

The present study focused on preparing and characterizing magnetite-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hybrid nanoparticles using Acanthophora spicifera marine algae extract as a reducing agent. Various analytical techniques, including UV-Visible spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, were used to characterize the nanoparticles. The results showed the successful synthesis of nanoparticles with a characteristic color change and absorption peak at 400 nm in UV-Visible spectrometry. FTIR analysis indicated an interaction between the carboxyl group and magnetite-polyvinyl alcohol hybrid ions. SEM analysis revealed spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 20 to 100 nm. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of strong magnetite peaks in Acanthophora spicifera, validating successful preparation. XRD analysis indicated the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential of As-PVA-MNPs was evaluated, demonstrating a significant zone of inhibition against tested bacterial and fungal samples at a concentration of 100 µg. These findings suggest the promising antimicrobial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles for potential applications in combating pathogenic microorganisms.

Structures, properties and applications of Cu(II) complexes with tridentate donor ligands

Tridentate ligands offer theree donor atoms to coordinate to metal ions. The remaining vacant coordination sites on the metal ions provided opportunities to implement additional co-ligands to generate complexes with desired properties. Herein we discuss selected examples of Cu(ii) complexes with tridentate ligands utilizing combinations of N, O, S, and Se donors, focusing on effects of ligand flexibility/rigidity on their coordination modes, properties and applications.

Change in molecular shapes of the trinuclear CuII2ZnII complexes on Schiff base reduction: structural and theoretical investigations

Structural analyses and theoretical studies of two new Cu₂Zn compounds and other analogous species established that subtle modification in a ligand system can stabilize various structures with versatile coordinating azide ion and flexible trinuclear core.

Five new coordination polymers with a Y-shaped N-heterocyclic carboxylic acid: structural diversity, bifunctional luminescence sensing and magnetic properties

Five novel CPs have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. The results show that 1 and 2 present high sensing ability for NACs and Fe³⁺ ions, and there exist ferromagnetic interaction in 3/4 and antiferromagnetic interaction in 5.

The use of a semi-flexible bipyrimidyl ligand for the construction of azide-based coordination polymers: structural diversities and magnetic properties

Using a semi-flexible quadritopic N-donor ligand, 5,5'-bipyrimidine (bpym), four new azide-based coordination polymers, {[Co2(bpym)(N3)4]·MeCN}n (1), [Co(bpym)(N3)2]n (2), [Mn(bpym)(N3)2]n (3) and {[Ni3(bpym)3(N3)6]·2H2O}n (4) were synthesized and structurally characterized. With bpym aciting as a planar μ4-bridging ligand, the resulting compound, 1, comprised a net-to-net 3D framework composed of two grid-like 44-subnets, Co(EE-N3)2-based and Co2(bpym)-based sheets, with a (4,6)-connected (42·64)(48·66·8)2 topology. Compound 2 adopted a 3D pillared-layer framework with a pts topology based on six-connected Co(ii) centers and four-connected twisted μ4-bpym ligands, while compound 3 adopted a 3D pillared-layer structure with a bcu topology based on Co(EE-N3)2-based 44-layers and two-connected twisted μ2-bpym pillars. In contrast, compound 4 had a 2D layered structure composed of 1D Ni(ii) chains with alternating double EE-N3 and double EO-N3 bridges in an EE-EE-EO sequence and two-connected bpym linkers. The magnetic properties of 1-4 were investigated. The findings indicate that 1 showed weak ferromagnetism due to spin-canted antiferromagnetism and long-range magnetic ordering with a critical temperature, TC = 12.6 K. In contrast, compound 2 exhibited weak ferromagnetism due to spin-canted antiferromagnetism and antiferromagnetic ordering. In compound 3, antiferromagnetic interactions dominated between the Mn(ii) centers through the EE-N3 bridges. In compound 4, the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions were transmitted through double EE-N3 and double EO-N3 bridges, respectively, resulting in an AF-AF-F topological ferrimagnetic Ni(ii) chain. Furthermore, field-induced magnetic phase transitions of metamagnetism for 2 and 4 were also observed below TN = 3.6 K and 8.2 K, respectively.

Estimation of conventional C-Hπ (arene), unconventional C-Hπ (chelate) and C-Hπ (thiocyanate) interactions in hetero-nuclear nickel(ii)-cadmium(ii) complexes with a compartmental Schiff base

Three new heteronuclear nickel(ii)/cadmium(ii) complexes, [(SCN)(Cl)Cd(L)Ni(DMF)₂] (1), [(SCN)(CH₃CO₂)Cd(L)Ni(CH₃OH)₂] (2) and [(SCN)(Cl)Cd(L)Ni(NH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂)]_n (3) {where H₂L = N,N'-bis(3-ethoxy-salicylidene)propane-1,3-diamine is a N₂O₄ compartmental Schiff base}, have been synthesized and characterized. The structures of the complexes have been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In each complex, nickel(ii) is placed in the inner N₂O₂ environment and cadmium(ii) is placed in the outer O₄ compartment of the compartmental Schiff base. Furthermore, the importance of unconventional C-Hπ (chelate) interactions in the solid state of both complexes and C-Hπ (thiocyanate) interaction in complex 2 has been described by means of DFT and MEP calculations and characterized using NCI plots. All complexes show photoluminescence at room temperature upon irradiation by ultraviolet light. The lifetimes of excited states are in the range of 2-6 ns.

Tri- and hexa-nuclear NiII–MnII complexes of a N2O2 donor unsymmetrical ligand: synthesis, structures, magnetic properties and catalytic oxidase activities

Among two trinuclear and a hexanuclear Ni^II–Mn^II complexes, synthesized by using a Ni(ii) metalloligand of a N₂O₂ donor unsymmetrical ligand, only those containing a H₂O molecule coordinated to the Mn^II center show very high catalytic oxidase activities.

A hemiaminal–ether structure stabilized by lanthanide complexes with an imidazole-based Schiff base ligand

A hemiaminal-ether can be formedviafour synthetic routes in alcohols using lanthanide complexes. The hemiaminal-ether structure is stabilized by the lanthanide complex.

The structure and magnetism of mono- and di-nuclear Ni(ii) complexes derived from {N3O}-donor Schiff base ligands

Some mononuclear and dinuclear Ni(ii) complexes with tetradentate Schiff base ligands exhibit zero-field splitting and ferromagnetic coupling, respectively.

Ligand directed structural diversity and magnetism in copper(ii)–azido assemblies with isomeric aminopyridines: synthesis, structure, magnetism and theoretical studies

Ligand geometry and molar ratios play an influential role in directing the supramolecular assemblage and associated magnetic properties as described for the Cu(ii) complexes involving isomeric aminopyridines and azide.

Diversified magnetic behaviors of new nickel(ii) and copper(ii) azido coordination polymers templated by diethyl or triethyl amines

The reactions of Ni^II or Cu^II ions with N₃⁻ anions in the presence of templated diethyl or triethyl amines afford three new azido-bridged coordination polymers, which exhibit metamagnetism, spin glass and canted ferromagnetism, respectively.

Stabilization of Cu7 clusters in azide networks: syntheses, structures and magnetic behaviour

Two new azide bridged copper(II) coordination polymer compounds, [Cu7(N3)14(C3H10N2)(C4H13N3)]n (I) and [Cu7(N3)14(C3H10N2)(C5H15N3)2]n (II) [where C3H10N2 = 1,2-diaminopropane (1,2-DAP); C4H13N3 = diethylenetriamine (DETA); C5H15N3 = N-2-aminoethyl-1,3-propanediamine (AEDAP)] were prepared by employing a room temperature diffusion technique involving three layers. Single crystal studies reveal that both compounds I and II, have similar connectivity forming Cu7 clusters through end-on (EO) bonding of the azide. The Cu7 clusters are connected through end-to-end (EE) connectivity of the azides forming three-dimensional structures. Magnetic studies confirmed the ferromagnetic interactions within the Cu7 units and revealed the occurrence of concomitant ferro- and antiferro-magnetic interactions between these clusters. As a result I behaves as a weak-ferromagnet with TC = 10 K.

A discrete CuII6 cluster and a 3D MnII–CuII framework based on assembly of Mn2Cu4 clusters: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties

Two new magnetic metal–organic coordination compounds, a 0D Cu₆ cluster and a 3D heterometallic framework with MnII2CuII4 secondary building units are synthesized. Detailed magnetic studies are performed with proper magneto-structural correlation.

Exploration of CH⋯π interactions involving the π-system of pseudohalide coligands in metal complexes of a Schiff-base ligand

The role of non-covalent interactions in the self-assembly of Schiff-base complexes of Zn^II, Cu^II and Ni^II has been investigated experimentally and theoretically with especial attention to unconventional C–H⋯π interactions involving pseudohalide coligands.

Sulfonated Schiff base dinuclear and polymeric copper(ii) complexes: crystal structures, magnetic properties and catalytic application in Henry reaction

Aqueous medium syntheses and nitroaldol catalytic studies of three pseudohalide bridged copper(ii) complexes characterized by single crystal X-ray structure analysis and variable temperature magnetic studies are reported.

Structural and magnetic diversity based on different imidazolate linkers in Cu(II)-azido coordination compounds

This Article reports the syntheses, structural characterization, and magnetic studies of four different Cu(II)-azido compounds based on imidazole or substituted imidazole ligand. The compounds, [Cu2(μ1,1-N3)2(EtimiH)4(ClO4)2] (1) (EtimiH = 2-ethylimidazole), [Cu2(μ-Meimi(-))(MeimiH)2(μ1,1-N3)2(μ1,3-N3)]n (2) (MeimiH = 2-methylimidazole; μ-Meimi(-) is the bridging mononegative anion of 2-methylimidazole), [Cu2(μ-imi(-))(imiH)2(μ1,1-N3)2(μ1,3-N3)]n (3), and [{Cu2(μ1,1-N3)2(μ1,3-N3)(μ-imi(-))(imiH)3}·H2O]n (4) (imiH = imidazole; μ-imi(-) = bridging mononegative anion of imidazole), have been synthesized by the self-assembly of Cu(II) salts, azide ion, and the corresponding imidazole bridging ligands. By changing the substitution on the second linker (imidazole or substituted imidazole) and varying synthetic conditions, diverse structural and magnetic features have been achieved in compounds 1-4. Compound 1 has a double end-on azido bridged dinuclear core, while the other compounds (2-4) have 2D networks. Compound 2 and 3 contain 1D chains with alternate μ1,1-N3 and μ-Meimi(-) bridging, and such chains are further connected through a μ1,3-N3 bridge to result in the formation of the 2D network. Compound 4 is a novel 2D coordination polymer consisting of a zigzag 1D coordination chain having (μ1,1-N3)2, μ-imi(-), and (μ1,3-N3)2 bridging groups and the chains undergo bridging through a μ1,3-N3 group resulting in the 2D network. Temperature dependent magnetic measurements show diverse magnetic properties of 1-4. Such versatile magnetic behaviors have been correlated to the respective bridging mode of azide and the corresponding imidazole bridging ligands.

An azide-bridged copper(II) complex: poly[piperazine-1,4-dium [tetra-μ₃-azido-κ¹²N¹:N¹:N¹-hexa-μ₂-azido-κ¹²N¹:N¹-di-μ₂-azido-κ⁴N¹:N³-pentacopper(II)] tetrahydrate]

A new Cu(II)-azide complex, {(C4H12N2)[Cu5(N3)12]·4H2O}n, has been synthesized by the reaction of piperazine, Cu(OAc)2·2H2O (OAc is acetate) and NaN3. In the structure, μ2-1,1- and μ3-1,1,1-azide anions bridge five Cu(II) cations to form a linear pentanuclear cluster unit, which is further linked by μ2-1,1- and μ2-1,3-azide anions to form a two-dimensional condensed [Cu5(N3)12]n layer. The diprotonated piperazine and the solvent water molecules are hydrogen bonded to the coordination layers to form a three-dimensional supramolecular network.

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of two alternating double μ1,1 and μ1,3 azido bridged Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) chains

Two new alternating double μ_1,1 and μ_1,3 azido bridged 1D Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes have been synthesized and their magnetic data were fitted to an alternating ferro/antiferromagnetic chain model.

A cyano and end-to-end azido bridged 3D copper(ii)–copper(i) mixed-valence coordination polymer and its transformation to copper nitride nanoparticles

Syntheses and characterization of a CN and end-to-end N₃ bridged three-dimensional Cu(II)–Cu(I) mixed valence polymer (1), with Cu-N₃ system without CN (2) and a CN-bridged Cu analogue without N₃ (3) are reported and solid-state transformation of the 1 to copper nitride nanoparticles performed.

Anion-controlled formation of an aminal-(bis)imine Fe(ii)-complex

The subcomponent self-assembly of 1,2-diaminobenzene and 2-formylpyridine with iron(ii) salts yields an unprecedented complex containing both the aminal and imine groups and can be controlled by the choice of counter-anion.

Mn(ii) coordination polymers assembled from 8 or 9-connected trinuclear secondary building units: topology analysis and research of magnetic properties

Two highly-connected trinuclear Mn(ii)-cluster polymers were successfully fabricated. The FC and ZFC data of 1 show a divergence over a temperature range of 40–3.5 K. 2 features a ferrimagnetic chain with a (5/2, 10/2) spin topology.

Role of dicarboxylate linkers in Mn(III)-salicylaldoximate based extended structures: synthesis, structures, and magnetic behavior

Four new oxo-centered Mn(III)-salicylaldoximate triangle-based extended complexes [Mn(III)6O2(salox)6(EtOH)4(phda)]n·(saloxH2)n·(2H2O)n (1), [Mn(III)6O2(salox)6(MeOH)5(5-I-isoph)]n·(3MeOH)n (2), [Mn(III)6O2(salox)6(MeOH)4(H2O) (5-N3-isoph)]n·(4MeOH)n (3) and [Mn(III)3NaO(salox)3(MeOH)4(5-NO2-isoph)]n·(MeOH)n (H2O)n (4) [salox=salicylaldoximate, phda=1,3-phenylenediacetate, isoph=isophthalate] have been synthesized under similar reaction conditions. Single crystal X-ray structures show that in 1, only one type of Mn6 cluster is arranged in 1D, whereas in 2 and 3 there are two types of clusters, differing in the way the triangle units are joined and assembled. In complex 4, however, the basic building structure is heteronuclear and based on Mn3 units extended in 2D. Susceptibility measurements (dc and ac) over a wide range of temperatures and fields show that the complexes 1, 2, and 3 behave as single molecule magnets (SMMs) with S=4 ground state, while 4 is dominantly antiferromagnetic with a ground spin state S=2. Density functional theory calculations have been performed on model complexes to provide a qualitative theoretical interpretation for their overall magnetic behavior.

Versatility of azide in serendipitous assembly of copper(II) magnetic polyclusters

Engineering at the molecular level is one of the most exciting new developments for the generation of functional materials. However, the concept of designing polynuclear extended structures from bottom up is still not mature. Although progress has been made with secondary building units (SBUs) in metal organic frameworks (MOFs), the control seems to be just an illusion when it comes to bridging ligands such as the azide ion. When we say that the azido ligand is versatile in its bridging capabilities, what we mean is that it would be difficult to predict or control its bridging properties. However, this kind of serendipity is not always bad news. For example, scientists have shown that the azido ligand can mediate magnetic exchanges between paramagnetic metals in a predictable fashion (usually depending upon the bonding geometries). Therefore, it is a well-respected ligand in polynuclear assemblies. Serendipitous assemblies offer new magnetic structures that we may not otherwise even think about synthesizing. The azido ligand forms a variety of complexes with copper(II) using different blocking amines or pyridine based ligands. Its structural nature changes upon changing the substitution on amine, as well as the amount of blocking ligand. In principle, if we take any of these complexes and provide more coordination sites to the bridging azido ligands by removing a fraction of the blocking ligands, we can get new complexes with intricate structural networks and therefore different magnetic properties with the same components as used for the parent complex. In this Account, we mainly discuss the development of a number of new topological and magnetic exchange systems synthesized using this concept. Not all of these new complexes can be grouped according to their basic building structures or even by the ratio of the metal to blocking ligand. Therefore, we divided the discussion by the nuclearity of the basic building structures. Some of the complexes with the same nuclearities have very similar or even almost identical basic structures. However, the way these building units are joined together (by the azido bridges) to form the overall extended structures differ almost in every case. The complexes having the Cu6 core are particularly interesting from a structural point of view. Although they have almost identical basic structures, some of them are extended in three dimensions, but two of them are extended in two dimensions by two different bridging networks. In the complexes having linear Cu4 basic units, we find that using similar ligands does not always give the same bridging networks even within the basic building structures. These complexes have also enriched the field of molecular magnetism. One of the complexes with a Cu3 building unit has provided us with the opportunity to study the competing behavior of two different kinds of magnetic exchange mechanism (ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic) acting simultaneously between two metal ions. Through density functional theory calculations, we showed how they work independently and their additive nature to produce the overall effect. The exciting methodology for the generation of copper(II) polyclusters presented in this Account will provide the opportunity to explore analogous serendipitous assembly of diverse structures with interesting magnetic behavior using other transition metal ions having more than one unpaired electrons.