Imidazole-Substituted Oxoverdazyl Radical As a Mediator of Intramolecular and Intermolecular Exchange Interaction

Supramolecular Spin Chains via Radical-Radical Contacts Stabilizing Ferromagnetic Interactions Between Heisenberg or Ising-Like Spins

A new paramagnetic ligand, 4-(2'-4-(2''-furyl)-pyrimidyl)-1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl (furylpymDTDA) and three transition metal coordination complexes, M(hfac)2(furylpymDTDA) M=Mn, Co, Ni; hfac=1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonato-), are reported. The solid-state structures are influenced by the geometry of the coordination sphere of the M(II) centers: trigonal (Mn) vs. octahedral (Co and Ni). While the hs-Mn(II) complex exhibits pairwise multi-centre 2-electron bonds (i. e., pancake bonds) between the planar π radical DTDA moieties, the hs-Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes crystallize with close contacts between coordinated furylpymDTDA radical ligands that define linear 1D arrays of molecular units. The magnetic data for the hs-Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes indicate ferromagnetic (FM) interactions between molecular units, apparently mediated by radical-radical contacts along the supramolecular chains. Computational analysis suggests proximity between regions of large α- and β-spin density on neighbouring molecular sites enabling FM exchange, in accordance with the McConnell I mechanism. The magnetic data for the Ni(II) complex are consistent with a Heisenberg spin chain, whereas the hs-Co(II) complex exhibits Ising-like spin chain behaviour and a magnetic phase transition to an FM ordered state at 4.6 K.

Ambiguous Faces of Water-Based Inclusion Compounds: L4(4)8(8) Intercalato-Clathrate Hydrate of Pt(II) Complex

Clathrate hydrates are among the most intensively studied H-bond inclusion compounds. Despite the broad definition for this class of compounds, their meaning commonly refers to closed polyhedral nanocages that encapsulate small guest molecules. On the other hand, larger solutes enforce another type of encapsulation because of the solute size effect. Herein, we report a series of structures containing various molecules encapsulated by intercalated water layers constructed of polycyclic moieties of L4(4)8(8) topology. We parametrized the corrugation of individual layers and characterized interactions governing their formation. We suggested that these could be categorized as two-dimensional clathrates based on the character of intra-layer interactions and the effects observed between entrapped molecules and water-based intercalators.

Origin of Ferromagnetic Exchange Coupling in Donor-Acceptor Biradical Analogues of Charge-Separated Excited States

A new donor-acceptor biradical complex, Tp^Cum,MeZn(SQ-VD) (Tp^Cum,MeZn⁺ = zinc(II) hydro-tris(3-cumenyl-5-methylpyrazolyl)borate complex cation; SQ = orthosemiquinone; VD = oxoverdazyl), which is a ground-state analogue of a charge-separated excited state, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The magnetic exchange interaction between the S = 1/2 SQ and the S = 1/2 VD within the SQ-VD biradical ligand is observed to be ferromagnetic, with J_SQ-VD = +77 cm^-1 (H = -2J_SQ-VDŜ_SQ·Ŝ_VD) determined from an analysis of the variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data. The pairwise biradical exchange interaction in Tp^Cum,MeZn(SQ-VD) can be compared with that of the related donor-acceptor biradical complex Tp^Cum,MeZn(SQ-NN) (NN = nitronyl nitroxide, S = 1/2), where J_SQ-NN ≅ +550 cm^-1. This represents a dramatic reduction in the biradical exchange by a factor of ∼7, despite the isolobal nature of the VD and NN acceptor radical SOMOs. Computations assessing the magnitude of the exchange were performed using a broken-symmetry density functional theory (DFT) approach. These computations are in good agreement with those computed at the CASSCF NEVPT2 level, which also reveals an S = 1 triplet ground state as observed in the magnetic susceptibility measurements. A combination of electronic absorption spectroscopy and CASSCF computations has been used to elucidate the electronic origin of the large difference in the magnitude of the biradical exchange coupling between Tp^Cum,MeZn(SQ-VD) and Tp^Cum,MeZn(SQ-NN). A Valence Bond Configuration Interaction (VBCI) model was previously employed to highlight the importance of mixing an SQ_SOMO → NN_LUMO charge transfer configuration into the electronic ground state to facilitate the stabilization of the high-spin triplet (S = 1) ground state in Tp^Cum,MeZn(SQ-NN). Here, CASSCF computations confirm the importance of mixing the pendant radical (e.g., VD, NN) LUMO (VD_LUMO and NN_LUMO) with the SOMO of the SQ radical (SQ_SOMO) for stabilizing the triplet, in addition to spin polarization and charge transfer contributions to the exchange. An important electronic structure difference between Tp^Cum,MeZn(SQ-VD) and Tp^Cum,MeZn(SQ-NN), which leads to their different exchange couplings, is the reduced admixture of excited states that promote ferromagnetic exchange into the Tp^Cum,MeZn(SQ-VD) ground state, and the intrinsically weaker mixing between the VD_LUMO and the SQ_SOMO compared to that observed for Tp^Cum,MeZn(SQ-NN), where this orbital mixing is significant. The results of this comparative study contribute to a greater understanding of biradical exchange interactions, which are important to our understanding of excited-state singlet-triplet energy gaps, electron delocalization, and the generation of electron spin polarization in both the ground and excited states of (bpy)Pt(CAT-radical) complexes.

A Theoretical Account of the Coupling between Metal- and Ligand-centred Spins

This study addresses the magnetic interaction between paramagnetic metal ions and the radical ligands taking the [Cu^II (hfac)₂ (imVDZ)] and [M^II (hfac)₂ (pyDTDA)] (imVDZ=1,5-dimethyl-3-(1-methyl-2-imidazolyl)-6-oxoverdazyl; hfac=(1,1,1,5,5,5)hexafluroacetylacetonate; pyDTDA=4-(2'-pyridyl)-1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl), (M=Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) compounds as reference systems. The coupling between the metal and ligand spins is quantified in terms of the exchange coupling constant (J) in the platform of density functional theory (DFT) and the wave function-based complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) method. Application of DFT and broken symmetry (BS) formalism results ferromagnetic coupling for all the transition metal complexes except the Mn(II) complex. This DFT-BS prediction of magnetic nature matches with the experimental finding for all the complexes other than the Fe(II)-pyDTDA complex, for which an antiferromagnetic coupling between high spin iron and the thiazyl ligand has been reported. However, evaluation of spin state energetics through the multiconfigurational wave function-based method produces the S=3/2 ground spin state for the iron-thiazyl in parity with experiment. Electronic structure analyses find the overlap between the metal- and ligand-based singly occupied molecular orbitals (SOMOs) to be one of the major reasons attributing to different extent of exchange coupling in the systems under investigation.

Investigation by Chemical Substitution within 2p-3d-4f Clusters of the Cobalt(II) Role in the Magnetic Behavior of [vdCoLn]2 (vd = Verdazyl Radical)

1,5-Dimethyl-3-(3'-(hydroxymethyl)-2'-pyridine)-6-oxotetrazane (H₃vdpyCH₂OH) or its oxidized verdazyl form (vdpyCH₂OH) reacted with transition metal and/or lanthanide acetates to yield [(vdpyCH₂O)₂Co₂Ln₂(acO)₈] (Ln = Y(III): I_Co,Y; Gd(III): I_Co,Gd), [(vdpyCH₂O)₂M₃(acO)₄] (M = Zn(II): II_Zn; Co(II): II_Co) and [(vdpyCH₂OH)Zn(acO)₂] (III_Zn) through self-assembly implying a complex-as-ligand intermediate. Single-crystal diffraction reveals that I_MT,Ln are composed of 2p-3d-4f centrosymmetric clusters with verdazyl radicals at the two ends coordinated to the transition-metal ion in a tridentate mode and to the {Ln₂(acO)₄} lanthanide central core in a monodentate mode through its alkoxo moiety. In I_Co,Gd, the transition-metal ions adopt an irregular octahedral environment, and the {Ln₂(acO)₄} core adopts a paddlewheel motif, whereas in I_Co,Y, the transition metal is pentacoordinated, and the central core contains only two acetate bridges. Going from I_Co,Y to II_Co, the central {Y₂(acO)₄} core is replaced by an axially compressed octahedral cobalt(II) center, whereas the outer parts of the molecule remain still. The dc magnetic studies revealed that the alternate π-stacking of the verdazyl radicals in II_Zn led to the formation of alternate antiferromagnetically coupled 1D chains with J_vd-vd = -8.2(1) cm^-1 and J_vd-vd' = -7.6(1) cm^-1 (-2J convention). In I_Co,Y, a complex fitting procedure allowed us to retrieve a complete set of magnetic parameters to take into account both the magnetic anisotropy of the cobalt(II) centers and intra- and inter-molecular exchange effects. For I_Co,Y, it led to g_Co = 2.13(4), D_Co = 100(2) cm^-1, E_Co = 19.9(5) cm^-1, J_Co-vd = +26.5(4) cm^-1, and J_vd-vd = -7.95(4) cm^-1. ac magnetic susceptibility of I_Co,Y, I_Co,Gd and II_Co did not reveal any slow relaxation of the magnetization even when a dc external magnetic field up to 2000 Oe was applied.

Enhanced synthesis of oxo-verdazyl radicals bearing sterically-and electronically-diverse C3-substituents

The synthetic viability of the hydrazine- and phosgene-free synthesis of 1,5-dimethyl oxo-verdazyl radicals has been improved via a detailed study investigating the influence of the aryl substituent on tetrazinanone ring formation. Although it is well established that functionalisation at the C3 position of the tetrazinanone ring does not influence the nature of the radical, it is crucial in applications development. The synthetic route involves a 4-step sequence: Schiff base condensation of a carbohydrazide with an arylaldehyde, alkylation, ring closure then subsequent oxidation to the radical. We found that the presence of strong electron-donating substituents and electron rich heterocycles, result in a significant reduction in yield during both the alkylation and ring closure steps. This can, in part, be alleviated by milder alkylation conditions and further substitution of the aryl group. In comparison, more facile formation of the tetrazine ring was observed with examples containing electron-withdrawing groups and with meta- or para-substitution. Density functional theory suggests that the ring closure proceeds via the formation of an ion pair. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy provides insight into the precise electronic structure of the radical with small variations in hyperfine coupling constants revealing subtle differences.

Probing Magnetic-Exchange Coupling in Supramolecular Squares Based on Reducible Tetrazine-Derived Ligands

Reducible 3,6-bis(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazolyl)1,2,4,5-tetrazine was employed to isolate supramolecular air-stable [Co₄ ] and [Zn₄ ] squares, which were achieved via careful selection of counterions rather than the use of reducing agents. Magnetic susceptibility studies revealed a strong radical-Co^II exchange coupling (J_rad-Co /hc=-118 cm^-1 , -2J formalism) with a spin ground state of S_T =4, whereas the unreduced analogue revealed negligible coupling between the Co centers (J_Co-Co /hc=-0.64 cm^-1 ). Radical-radical coupling was also probed in the [Zn₄ ] congener, which led to J_rad-rad /hc=-15.9(5) cm^-1 . These results highlight the versatile air-stable coordination chemistry of tetrazine and the importance of exploiting easily reducible delocalized radical to promote strong exchange coupling between spin carriers.

Versatile synthesis of chiral 6-oxoverdazyl radical ligands – new building blocks for multifunctional molecule-based magnets

A versatile synthetic methodology to access two series of chiral verdazyl N,N′-chelate ligands 1 and 2 is presented and their ability to coordinate 3d metal ions is demonstrated.

Out of cross-conjugation: the unexpected structure of tetrazinones

Combined experimental and theoretical investigations helped to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the unique structural and electronic properties of NHC-substituted tetrazinone compounds.

Ferromagnetic intermolecular exchange interaction in ethynyl-verdazyl radical crystals

The newly synthesized p-ethynylphenyl-oxoverdazyl radical shows unusual slipped 1D chains held together by π–π interactions leading to ferromagnetic exchange interactions.

6-Oxoverdazyl radical polymers with tunable electrochemical properties

6-Oxoverdazyl radical polymers were synthesized and their tunable redox properties studied in solution and the solid-state.

Magnetic Mn and Co complexes with a large polycyclic aromatic substituted nitronylnitroxide

2-(1'-Pyrenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-3-oxide-1-oxyl (PyrNN) was reacted with M(hfac)(2) (M = Mn(II) and Co(II), hfac = hexafluoracetylacetonate) to give two isostructural ML(2) stoichiometry M(hfac)(2)(PyrNN)(2) complexes and a ML stoichiometry one-dimensional (1-D) polymer chain complex [Mn(hfac)(2)(PyrNN)]. The ML(2) complexes have similar crystal structures with monoclinic unit cells, in which one NO unit from each PyrNN ligand is bonded to the transition metal on cis vertices of a distorted octahedron. The major magnetic interactions are intracomplex metal-to-radical exchange (J), and intermolecular exchange across a close contact between the uncoordinated NO units (J'). For M = Mn(II) an approximate chain model fit gives g = 2.0, J = (-)125 cm(-1) and J' = (-)49 cm(-1); for M = Co(II), g = 2.4, J = (-)180 cm(-1), and J' = (-)70 cm(-1). Hybrid density functional theory (DFT) computations modeling the intermolecular exchange by using only the radical units across the close contact are in good accord with the estimated values of J'. The chain type complex structure shows solvent incorporation for overall structure [Mn(hfac)(2)(PyrNN)](n)·0.5(CHCl(3))·0.5(C(7)H(16)). Both NO groups of the PyrNN ligand are complexed to form helical chains, with very strong metal to radical antiferromagnetic exchange that gives overall ferrimagnetic behavior.

Playing with organic radicals as building blocks for functional molecular materials

The literature has shown numerous contributions on the synthesis and physicochemical properties of persistent organic radicals but there are a lesser number of reports about their use as building blocks for obtaining molecular magnetic materials exhibiting an additional and useful physical property or function. These materials show promise for applications in spintronics as well as bistable memory devices and sensing materials. This critical review provides an up-to-date survey to this new generation of multifunctional magnetic materials. For this, a detailed revision of the most common families of persistent organic radicals-nitroxide, triphenylmethyl, verdazyl, phenalenyl, and dithiadiazolyl-so far reported will be presented, classified into three different sections: materials with magnetic, conducting and optical properties. An additional section reporting switchable materials based on these radicals is presented (257 references).

Strong ferromagnetic metal-ligand exchange in a nickel bis(3,5-dipyridylverdazyl) complex

A new 1,5-dipyridyl verdazyl, synthesized from the corresponding dipyridyl hydrazone, coordinates nickel(ii) to form a structurally characterized, pseudooctahedral complex analogous to Ni(terpy)(2)(2+). The unusually short Ni-verdazyl distance results in strong ferromagnetic exchange (J(Ni-rad) = +300, J(rad-rad) = +160 cm(-1)) between all three paramagnetic species along with a metal-ligand charge transfer band in the electronic spectrum.

Structure-property relationships of stable free radicals: verdazyls with electron-rich aryl substituents

Substitution of the 3 position of 6-oxoverdazyl free radicals with electron-rich arylamines, phenols, and aryl ethers elicits changes in the UV-vis spectra and in the pK(a) of the aryl substituents consistent with the verdazyl being electron withdrawing. The pK(a) of substituents is decreased: in 80% methanol phenols 3a and 3b have pK(a) of 10.4 and 10.9, respectively, while the ammonium ion from protonation of 3j has pK(a) = 2.4. On the basis of these measurements, Hammett parameters for the verdazyl have been estimated: sigma(p)(-) = +0.48 and sigma(m) = +0.27. The longest wavelength band in the visible spectrum is red-shifted with increasingly electron-rich aromatic rings and with increasingly polar solvents, consistent with a transition from the highest fully occupied orbital to the radical SOMO. Exceptions occur when additional interactions occur between verdazyl and substituent; hydrogen bonding in the case of 3c and steric interference for 3f. Measurements such as ESR and electrochemistry that are dependent largely on the SOMO are relatively insensitive to changes in substituent.

Octahedral monodithiolene complexes of iron: characterization of S,S'-coordinated dithiolate(1-) pi radical monoanions: a spectroscopic and density functional theoretical investigation

The reaction of cis-[Fe(III)(cyclam)Cl(2)]Cl with 1 equiv of sodium N-diethyldithiocarbamate, toluene-3,4-dithiolate, and maleonitriledithiolate in methanol in the presence of triethylamine afforded the cations [Fe(III)(cyclam)(Et(2)dtc)](2+) (1), [Fe(III)(cyclam)(tdt)](+) (2), and [Fe(III)(cyclam)(mnt)](+) (3), which were isolated as triflate, hexafluorophosphate, and tetrafluoroborate salt, respectively, using sodium triflate, potassium hexafluorophosphate, or sodium tetrafluoroborate as the source for the counteranion. Complexes 1, 2, and 3 possess an S = (1)/(2) ground state (low-spin ferric d(5)). These salts were characterized by X-ray crystallography, UV-vis, Mössbauer, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that 2 and 3 are reversibly one-electron-reduced, generating neutral 2(red) and 3(red), respectively, and one-electron-oxidized, generating dicationic 2(ox) and 3(ox), respectively. Fe and S K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) revealed that 2 (S = (1)/(2)) and 2(ox) (S = 0) possess a low-spin ferric ion. Complexes 2 and 3 are S,S'-coordinated to a closed-shell dithiolate(2-) ligand, whereas 2(ox) and 3(ox) consist of a low-spin ferric ion antiferromagnetically coupled to a dithiolate(1-) pi radical ligand. They are singlet diradicals [Fe(III)(cyclam)(dithiolate(*))](2+). The analysis of the sulfur K pre-edge transitions reveals significant multiplet effects in the spectra of 2 and 2(ox), which provide rare experimental evidence for a singlet diradical description for 2(ox). Mössbauer spectroscopy on frozen solutions of 2(red) clearly show the presence of a high-spin ferrous ion (S = 2). The experimentally established electronic structures of the three members of the electron transfer series [Fe(cyclam)(dithiolate)](2+,+,0) have been verified by broken symmetry density functional theoretical calculations, which have been calibrated against the experiment by calculating XAS and Mössbauer spectra.