Programmed Self-Assembly of Heterometallic [3 × 3] Grid [MIICuII4CuI4] (M = Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn)

Heterometallic Ru2Co2 [2 × 2] Grid with Localized Single Molecule Magnet Behavior

Metal complexes with a [n × n] gridlike structure are discussed as attractive building blocks for various materials chemistry applications in molecular nanotechnology and electronics, which often rely on the grids' magnetic and redox properties. Most of the known metallogrids are homometallic, though heterometallic systems that comprise two or more different metals promise higher level functionalities. However, heterometallic [n × n] grids are relatively rare, mostly because of the more challenging synthetic strategies. To that end a new heterometallic [2 × 2] grid complex [L₄Ru₂Co₂](BF₄)₄ (2) based on a known pyrazolate-bridged bis(tridentate) compartmental N-donor ligand [L]^- is presented in this work, along with its doubly oxidized congener [L₄Ru₂Co₂](BF₄)₆ (3). In order to prevent scrambling of the different metal ions, a stepwise synthetic approach was implemented in which an inert Ru^II "corner complex" [(HL)₂Ru](BF₄)₂ (1) was isolated first, followed by addition of the more labile Co^II. This exclusively yields the desired [L₄Ru₂Co₂]⁴⁺ with anti-topology, viz., with the Ru^II and Co^II ions situated at opposite corners of the [2 × 2] grid, as confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 2 can be sequentially oxidized four times, first at the Co vertices and then at the Ru vertices. ¹H NMR spectroscopy as well as ESI mass spectrometry evidenced integrity of the [L₄Ru₂Co₂]^4+/6+ grids in solution. Structural and magnetic analyses revealed that paramagnetic 2 features LS-Ru^II and HS-Co^II ions (LS = low-spin, HS = high-spin) whereas LS-Ru^II and LS-Co^III ions are present in diamagnetic 3. The LS-Ru^II ions in 2 serve to magnetically isolate the HS-Co^II whose coordination geometry is strongly distorted from octahedral. A large and negative axial zero-field splitting value (D = -64 cm^-1) for the local S = 3/2 ions is shown to lead to single molecule magnetic (SMM) properties characterized by a barrier to spin inversion of U_eff = 8.8 cm^-1 and a single relaxation process with τ_o = 3.1 × 10^-5 s. Transition metal [2 × 2] grid complexes showing SMM behavior are extremely rare, and this is the first heterometallic 3d/4d grid system featuring such a magnetic signature.

Ligand-Rearrangement-Induced Transformation from a 3D Supramolecular Network to a Discrete Octanuclear Cluster: A Good Detector for Pb2+ and Cr2O7 2

A three-dimensional supramolecular framework containing both left- and right-handed helixes, {[Zn(TTPA)Cl₂]·1.63H₂O} _n (1), has been converted to a novel octanuclear cluster containing a metal-organic framework, [Zn₈(ptptp)₆Cl₂](ClO₄)₂·4CH₃OH·2H₂O (1b), induced by ligand rearrangement during a solvothermal process. The luminescent properties of 1b indicate that the material can act as a selective probe toward Pb²⁺ and Cr₂O₇ ^2-.

Heterometallic grids: synthetic strategies and recent advances

Supramolecular metallogrid complexes are metalloclusters involving metal ions in planar array arrangements and organic ligands in perpendicular arrangements at each corner of the metal sites. Such essentially metal ion arrays have attracted great attention in the last three decades owing to their variety of interesting optical, electronic and magnetic properties. Among them, metallogrids containing more than one type of metal, that is heterometallic grids, are rare but have more potential to engineer a higher level functionality into one molecule. However, until now, only dozens of heterometallic grids have been reported without any specific review. Herein, we aim to give an overview of the assembly strategies, the physicochemical properties, and finally some perspectives on the future development of heterometallic grids.

A Cuprous [4 × 4] Grid: Single-Crystal to Single-Crystal Transformation and Fading of Luminescence by Solvent Inclusion

The subtle balance of the metrics of the highly supple 5,5'-pyridyl-3,3'-bis-1 H-pyrazolate and the variable coordination numbers of Cu(I) favor the stabilization of a [4 × 4] grid complex with all Cu(I). It has numerous cuprophilic bonds (Cu···Cu = 2.56-3.02 Å), and consequently, exhibits strong orange luminescence that fades upon insertion of solvents without loss of crystallinity.

Pre-programmed self-assembly of polynuclear clusters

This perspective reviews our recent efforts towards the self-assembly of polynuclear clusters with ditopic and tritopic multidentate ligands HL1 (2-phenyl-4,5-bis{6-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)pyrid-2-yl}-1H-imidazole) and H2L2 (2,6-bis-[5-(2-pyridinyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-yl]pyridine), both of which are planar and rigid molecules. HL1 was found to be an excellent support for tetranuclear [Fe4] complexes, [FeII4(L1)4](BF4)4 ([FeII4]) and [FeIII2FeII2(L1)4](BF4)6 ([FeIII2FeII2]). The homovalent system was found to exhibit multistep spin crossover (SCO), while the mixed-valence [FeIII2FeII2] complex shows wavelength-dependent tuneable light-induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST). For H2L2, a variety of polynuclear complexes were obtained through complexation with different transition metal ions, allowing the isolation of rings, grids, and helix structures. The rigidity of the ligand, difference in its coordination sites, and affinity for different metal ions dictates its coordination behaviour. In this paper, we summarise these ligand pre-programmed self-assembled clusters and their diverse physical properties.

Electrical Conductivity of Copper Hexamers Tuned by their Ground-State Valences

A new design concept has been realized for the construction of molecular conductors, whereby the building unit contains a core reservoir of carriers made up of metal ions with controllable valence states and shelled by flat organic ligands having an extended π-system to promote supramolecular electronic communication. Therefore, reacting the conjugated multidentate ligand 5,5'-pyridyl-3,3'-bi-1 H-pyrazole with different copper salts solvothermally led to three interesting hexameric salts having different ground-state valences, [Cu^II₆(L)₄(NO₃)(CH₃OH)₂](NO₃)₃·4CH₃OH, [(CH₃)₂NH₂][Cu^ICu^II₅(L)₄](SO₄)₂·4H₂O, and [Cu^I₂Cu^II₄(L)₄](NO₃)₂·2CH₃OH. The monovalent Cu^II₆ salt is an insulator, but the mixed-valent Cu^II₅-Cu^I and Cu^II₄-Cu^I₂ salts are semiconductors. Magnetic exchange interactions up to J_NN = -158 cm^-1 dominate the susceptibilities and lead to ground-state spin S_T = 1 (Cu^II₆), 1/2 (Cu^II₅-Cu^I), and 0 (Cu^II₄-Cu^I₂) at 40 K. Cyclic voltammetry shows the stepwise one-electron oxidation-reduction through all the possible valence states. The theoretical calculations of the electronic and band structures of the three compounds substantiate the experimentally observed physical properties.

The synthesis of three new Cu5, Cu8 and Cu12 clusters via the use of a semi-flexible aminotriazine-based bis-methylpyridine ligand

The use of a semi-flexible aminotriazine-based bis-methylpyridine ligand afforded three new Cu₅, Cu₈ and Cu₁₂ complexes.

Solvent-mediated preparation of a heterometallic [2 × 2] grid via a 1D metal–organic template with extraordinary acid/base-resistance

Here, we have demonstrated that a metal–organic chain can serve as a template to prepare a heterometallic [2 × 2] grid through a solvent-mediated strategy.

Dicopper(II) Metallacyclophanes with N,N'-2,6-Pyridinebis(oxamate): Solution Study, Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties

The complexing ability of copper(II) in solution by the ligand N,N'-2,6-pyridinebis(oxamic acid) (H4mpyba, H4L) was determined through potentiometric and UV-vis spectroscopy at 25 °C and 0.15 M NaCl. The logarithms of the equilibrium constants for its copper(II) complexes according to the eqs 2H2L + 2Cu ⇆ [Cu2(H2L)2], 2H2L + 2Cu ⇆ [Cu2(H2L) (HL)] + H, 2H2L + 2Cu ⇆ [Cu2(HL)2] + 2H, 2H2L + 2Cu ⇆ [Cu2(HL)(L)] + 3H, and 2H2L + 2Cu ⇆ [Cu2L2] + 4H were 12.02(7), 8.04(5), 1.26(6), -7.51(6), and -16.36(6), respectively. The knowledge of the solution behavior has supported the synthesis of three new compounds bearing the common building block Cu2L2(4-). Their formulas are (Me4N)4[Cu2(mpyba)2(H2O)2]·H2O (1), (Me4N)4[K2Na2Cu4(mpyba)4(H2O)6.8]·1.6H2O (2), and [Na6Cu2(mpyba)2Cl2(H2O)8]·7H2O (3) (Me4N(+) = tetramethylammonium cation). The [Cu2(mpyba)2(H2O)2](4-) tetraanionic unit, which is present in 1, has a [3,3] metallacyclophane-type motif connected by two N-Cu-N bonds. In 2, a heterotrimetallic decanuclear nanocage is formed through front-to-front assembly of two [Cu2(mpyba)2](4-) units, which also coordinate to potassium(I) and sodium(I) cations by means of carboxylate oxygens from oxamate. The structure of 3 consists of heterobimetallic layers of formula [Na6Cu2(mpyba)2Cl2(H2O)8] and crystallization water molecules, which are interlinked by hydrogen bonds leading to a supramolecular three-dimensional network. The investigation of the magnetic properties of 1-3 in the temperature range 1.9-300 K shows the occurrence of ferromagnetic interactions between the dicopper(II) metallacyclophane unit [J = +6.85 (1), +7.40 (2), and +7.90 cm(-1) (3); H = -JSCu1·SCu2, where SCu1 = SCu2 = 1/2]. Theoretical calculations on 1-3 were carried to substantiate the nature and magnitude of the involved magnetic interactions and to support the occurrence of a spin polarization mechanism accounting for them.

I2-induced SC–SC transformation within two-dimensional Zn(ii)-triazole framework: an ideal detector of cyano-containing molecules

A SC–SC transformation process driven by I₂ has been shown to generate a 2D + 1D → 2D interpenetrated architecture from a 2D + 2D → 2D network. For the first time we demonstrate a selective sensor toward cyano-containing molecules.

Mixed valence mono- and hetero-metallic grid catenanes

Here, we report on the multicomponent self-assembly and single crystal X-ray diffraction study of a series of three interlocked mixed valence mono- and hetero-metallic [2]-catenanes made of [2 × 2] metallo-grids. They show unique structural features and highlight the essential roles of both the Cu(ii)/Cu(i) pair and of the conformationally adaptable organic ligands for achieving catenation of grids.

Metallo-supramolecular grid-type architectures for highly and selectively efficient adsorption of dyes in water

This work reports fascinating MOFs which can efficiently and selectively adsorb organic dye methyl orange (MO) and develop a new class of materials for the adsorption of dyes in water.

Structural diversity of five coordination polymers based on 2,6-bis(3,5-dicarboxyphenyl)pyridine ligand: solvothermal syntheses, structural characterizations, and magnetic properties

Five CPs, featuring diverse structures, have been assembled from the mixed ligands of H₄BDP and bib under different reaction conditions.

Structural diversity and magnetic properties of six metal–organic polymers based on semirigid tricarboxylate ligand of 3,5-bi(4-carboxyphenoxy)benzoic acid

Six new metal–organic complexes with structural diversities constructed from 3,5-bi(4-carboxyphenoxy)benzoic acid and metal ions were synthesized and characterized.

Structural modulation in two CuII-based MOFs by synergistic assembly involving the mixed-ligand synthetic strategy and the solvent effect

A synergistic assembly involving the mixed-ligand synthetic strategy and the solvent effect was successfully applied to tune two Cu^II-based MOFs. 1 represents a cds topology, while 2 is built by three distinct {Cu₄} clusters as SBUs.