Many Faces of Dipyrrins: from Hydrogen-Bonded Networks to Homo- and Heteronuclear Metallamacrocycles

Naphthalimide-Fused Dipyrrins: Tunable Halochromic Switches and Photothermal NIR-II Dyes

A family of tunable halochromic switches is developed using a naphthalimide-fused dipyrrin as the core π-conjugated motif. Electronic properties of these dipyrrins are tuned by substitution of their alpha and meso positions with aryl groups of variable donor-acceptor strength. The first protonation results in a conformational change that enhances electronic coupling between the dipyrrin chromophore and the meso substituent, leading to halochromic effects that occasionally exceed 200 nm and switch the absorption between the near-infrared (NIR)-I and NIR-II ranges. A NIR-II photothermal effect, switchable by acid-base chemistry is demonstrated for selected dipyrrins. Further protonation is possible for derivatives bearing additional amino groups, leading to up to four halochromic switching step. The most electron-rich dipyrrins are also susceptible to chemical oxidation, yielding NIR-absorbing radical cations and closed-shell dications.

Exquisite chemistries of meso-pentafluorophenyl and meso-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) dipyrromethanes

meso-Aryl dipyrromethanes are important building blocks to create various practical molecules, and the electron-withdrawing effect of the meso-aryls can play an important role in improving/controlling their reactivities in further reactions: meso-Pentafluorophenyl and meso-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) substituted dipyrromethanes towards the associating dipyrrins and other derivatives have been investigated, in which coordination with different transition metals followed by the dissociation of the metal coordination by interruption of proton and halide ions have been verified. Furthermore, simple DDQ-oxidations of the dipyrromethanes have afforded DDQ-dipyrrin adducts which were delivered to distinctly advanced molecular rearrangements in the presence of acid and base. Vinylene bisdipyrrin compounds, obtained in the reactions of DDQ-dipyrrin adducts with a Lewis base triethylamine, have produced expanded porphyrinoid bis-nickel complexes during the metalation procedure with nickel acetate, while a cobalt metalation of the vinylene bisdipyrrin compounds resulted in an isolation of diamagnetic octahedral cobalt(III) complex. Moreover, meso-pentafluorophenyl and meso-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) dipyrromethanes have been useful platforms to accomplish size-controlled series of meso-aryl-substituted expanded porphyrins and easy separation/purification of selective meso-aryl expanded porphyrins, in which advanced metal complexes and various fascinating properties and reactivities admitting moderate functional molecules have arisen.

Gleaned snapshots on the road to coordination polymers: heterometallic architectures based on Cu(I) metallaclips and 2,2'-bis-dipyrrin metalloligands

The assembly of binuclear Cu(i) metallaclips with 2,2'-bis-dipyrrin based metalloligands gives rise to a diversity of architectures featuring a recurring π-stacked compact tetranuclear metallacycle but differing in their nuclearity and dimensionality depending on the nature of the capping ligands and metal cations.

Revisiting Ag–π interactions with bis((pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)hydrazine: CC versus CN bond complexation

Crystallographic and theoretical investigations of the assembly of bis((pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)hydrazine with Ag(i) salts suggest that, in the solid state, Ag–π interactions involve CC rather than CN pyrrolic bonds, in contrast with an earlier and unique report with this ligand.

Functional Supramolecular Architectures of Dipyrrin Complexes

Dynamic formation of self-assemblies from molecular components is a useful and efficient way to produce molecular and supramolecular architectures with sophisticated functions. The labile coordination bond and dynamic covalent bond as a reversible bond have often been used to create a well-organized supramolecular self-assembly. In order to realize sophisticated novel functions of the supramolecular self-assemblies, dipyrrin complexes have recently been employed as a functional unit and incorporated into the supramolecular architectures because of their outstanding properties and functions such as a high photostability and strong light absorption/emission. This review article summarizes recent development in functional supramolecular architectures of the dipyrrin complexes produced by coordination to a metal ion and dynamic covalent bond formation. We first describe the synthesis and unique functions of a series of discrete supramolecular architectures: helicates, macrocycles, and cages. The polymeric supramolecular self-assemblies with 1D, 2D, and 3D structures are then introduced as a functional infinite supramolecular architecture.

A Dipyrrin Programmed for Covalent Loading with Fullerenes

We describe here a di-(β,β'-sulfoleno)pyrrin programmed for efficient and specific β,β'-functionalization via [4+2] cycloaddition reactions. At 120 °C and in the presence of an excess of C60 -fullerene the di-(β,β'-sulfoleno)pyrrin decomposed cleanly, furnishing a di-(β,β'-fullereno)pyrrin and the corresponding monofullereno-dipyrrin in an overall yield of 96 %. Hence, relatively mild thermolysis of the di-(β,β'-sulfoleno)pyrrin induced stepwise extrusion of two equivalents of SO2 , producing highly reactive dipyrrin-β,β'-diene intermediates readily, providing a very effective path to [4+2]-cycloadducts. As presented here by the example of the covalent attachment of C60 -fullerene units, a convenient general methodology for the efficient synthesis of covalent dipyrrin β,β'-cycloadducts is made available.

Pre-organization of clefts for Ag-π interactions in Zn(ii) bisdipyrrin helicates for the construction of heterometallic networks

Coordination of 2,2'-bisdipyrrin based ligands to Zn(ii) cations leads to the formation of binuclear helicates with pre-organized pyrrolic strands as well as peripheral aromatic moieties for Ag-π interactions, thus affording crystalline heterometallic networks upon further interactions with Ag(i) salts without the assistance of additional heteroatom-based coordinating units.

Spacer length dependent architectural diversity in bis-dipyrrin copper(ii) complexes

A series of copper(ii) complexes (1-9 and 3') derived from bis-dipyrrin ligands (L1-L9 and L3') with diverse spacer lengths [-(CH₂)_n-] have been described. Structural diversities in these complexes have been explicitly established by spectral and structural studies on these and a closely related nickel(ii) complex (3''). All the ligands and complexes have been thoroughly characterized by spectroscopic studies (ESI-MS, IR, ¹H, ¹³C NMR, UV/vis) and structures of 2, 3', 3'', 6, 8 and 9 were determined by X-ray single crystal analyses. It has been unambiguously established that ligands with n ≤ 6 gave heteroleptic binuclear (1-5), while those with n ≥ 7 yielded homoleptic mononuclear (6-9) bis-dipyrrinato complexes. Spectral and structural studies revealed distorted square planar (1-5) and distorted tetrahedral geometries (6-9) about the copper(ii) centre in these complexes which has further been evidenced by EPR and electrochemical studies. Structural differences based on the odd and even number of methylene spacers in these complexes have been supported by DFT studies. A line between the syn- and anti-conformations of the complexes has been drawn on the basis of a limiting spacer length.

Solvent and anion effects on the organization of a luminescent [2 + 2] BODIPY/Ag(i) metallamacrocycle in the crystalline state

The assembly of a novel BODIPY bearing peripheral vinyl–benzonitrile groups with AgX salts (X⁻ = AsF₆⁻, BF₄⁻, ClO₄⁻) leads to the recurrent formation of a [2 + 2] [Ag₂(BODIPY)₂]²⁺ type metallamacrocycle featuring emission in the crystalline state.

Half-sandwich iridiumIII complexes with pyrazole-substituted heterocyclic frameworks and their biological applications

Enhancement in the biological function, i.e., DNA binding, molecular docking, antiproliferative activity and DNA cleavage, of metal complexes as compared to free ligands is observed.

Heteroleptic arene Ru(ii) dipyrrinato complexes: DNA, protein binding and anti-cancer activity against the ACHN cancer cell line

The in vitro cytotoxicities of heteroleptic Ru(ii) complexes were studied in ACHN cell lines by MTT assay, DNA cleavage, (AO/EtBr) and FACS analysis.

Molecular tectonics: heterometallic coordination networks based on a Pt(II) organometallic metallatecton

Combinations of a neutral organometallic tecton based on a square planar Pt(ii) complex bearing two triphenylphosphine groups and two 4-ethynylpyridyl coordinating moieties in trans positions, with various metal halides (MX2, M = Co(ii), Ni(ii), Cd(ii), X = Cl(-) or Br(-)) lead to the formation of 2D grid type heterobimetallic coordination networks in the crystalline phase.

Cation-Exchange Porosity Tuning in a Dynamic 4d-4f-3d Framework for Ni(II) Ion-Selective Luminescent Probe

A heterometallic complex {[Yb2(L)6Cd2][Cd(H2O)6]·6H2O}n (Yb-Cd) (H2L = oxidiacetic acid) was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In Yb-Cd, each L chelates to one Yb(3+) center and bonds to two Cd(2+) ions in an anti-anti configuration. Yb and Cd atoms are arrayed alternatively and connected by O-C-O bridges to form a cubic octahedral cage as the secondary building unit. Consequently, topological NaCl nets with high symmetry in the cubic space group Fd-3c have been constructed. The [Cd(H2O)6](2+) moieties lying in the porosity of anionic metal-organic framework (MOF) act as the thermodynamically stable species, required to balance the two negative charges of [Yb2(L)6Cd2](2-) in Yb-Cd. Interestingly, when Yb-Cd was employed as a precursor and emerged in the aqueous solution of Mn(ClO4)2·6H2O or Zn(ClO4)2·6H2O, a reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation process driven by [Cd(H2O)6](2+) cations has been exhibited to generate the heterotrimetallic coordination polymer {[Yb2(L)6Cd2][Mn(H2O)6]·6H2O}n (Yb-Cd-Mn) or {[Yb2(L)6Cd2][Zn(H2O)6]·6H2O}n (Yb-Cd-Zn). To the best of out knowledge, Yb-Cd-Mn and Yb-Cd-Zn are the first examples representing 4d-4f-3d polymers based on multicarboxylic acid. Luminescent studies reveal that Yb-Cd-Zn may serve as a good candidate of Ni(2+) a luminescent probe. To our knowledge, Yb-Cd-Zn represent the fist example of the 4d-4f-3d framework to exhibit luminescent selectivity for Ni(2+).

Assembly, disassembly, and reassembly: conversion of homometallic coordination networks into mixed metal-organic frameworks

A strategy for the conversion of homometallic coordination networks into mixed metal-organic frameworks (MM'MOFs) is proposed. Ni(II) complexes of dipyrrin (dpm) ligands bearing peripheral pyridyl or imidazolyl units have been shown to self-assemble into coordination polymers with the metal cation in an octahedral environment coordinated to two bis-pyrrolic chelates and two neutral monodentate coordinating units such as pyridyl or imidazolyl moieties. Taking advantage of the chelate effect, the two monodentate units may be replaced by a diimine ligand leading to the disassembly of the networks by the formation of discrete soluble complexes. The latter can be employed as metallatectons for the construction of heterometallic architectures upon reaction with a secondary metal salt. This approach was applied using either 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpm) as chelates leading to a series of mono- and binuclear metallatectons of the (phen)Ni(dpm)2 and (bpm)[Ni(dpm)2]2 type. Subsequent assembly with CdCl2 afforded either interpenetrated 2D grid-type architectures or 3D MM'MOFs.

Rigid yet flexible heteroleptic Co(iii) dipyrrin complexes for the construction of heterometallic 1- and 2-D coordination polymers

Acetylacetonate Co(iii)–dipyrrin complexes form flexible metallatectons displaying diverse shapes when combined with CdX₂salts.

Excited state properties and energy transfer within dipyrrin-based binuclear iridium/platinum dyads: the effect of ortho-methylation on the spacer

Luminescent cyclometalated iridium complexes based on pyridyl appended dipyrrin ligands were prepared and characterized both in the solid state and in solution. The functionalization of the peripheral pyridyl moiety causes dramatic changes on the emission properties of both mono- and hetero- binuclear complexes. A detailed photophysical investigation of the two mononuclear derivatives of the [(Ppy)(2)Ir(dpm-py)] family (Ppy=2-phenylpyridine, dpm-py=5-(4-pyridyl)dipyrrin) was carried out. Introduction of methyl groups at the 3 and 5 positions on the pyridyl unit diminishes the non-radiative rate constant by locking the peripheral pyridyl group orthogonally to the dipyrrinato plane. Thus, they limit the rotational degree of freedom, as well as the charge-transfer character of the excited state. The coordination of these two complexes to a cyclometalated [(dppy)Pt] fragment (dppy=2,6-diphenylpyridine) led to the formation of binuclear species in which the iridium and platinum complexes behave as acceptors and donors, respectively. In these heterobinuclear compounds, the methyl groups do not influence the energy transfer efficiency, which is estimated to be above 90 %. However, they do limit the charge-transfer character of the acceptor's excited state, as well as its rotational degree of freedom, thus avoiding the detrimental effect upon the photophysical performance.

Novel Zn(II) coordination polymer based on 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)hydrazine — From two-dimensional to three-dimensional network

Two MOFs were reported based on Zn(II) with 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)hydrazine (L1); a two-dimensional interpenetrating MOF I of formula [Zn2(L1)2(L2)2]∞ was formed with terephthalic acid (L2) as an additional linker. A three-dimensional MOF II of formula [Zn2(L1)2(L3)2]∞, was formed with the use of a larger spacer 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (L3). MOF II consists of large porosity with a total volume of 3746 Å3 that occupies 34.1% of the unit cell.

The first series of alkali dipyrrinato complexes

The first series of alkali dipyrrinato complexes is reported, encompassing lithium, sodium, and potassium salts of meso-unsubstituted and meso-aryl-substituted derivatives. By varying the substituents at the meso position, the intermolecular distance between the two nitrogen atoms and thus the κ2-N,N-bidentate bite angle was altered, as confirmed by comparison of crystallographic structures of dipyrrin free-bases in the solid-state. The mode of bonding varies as the ionic radius of the metal ion increases: solid-state structures reveal lithium to be accommodated in the plane of the dipyrrinato unit, whilst sodium is accommodated out of plane. The reactivity of analogous lithium, sodium, and potassium dipyrrinato complexes increases as the ionic radius of the metal ion increases, in keeping with the concept that the complexes tend towards an increasingly ionic nature as the size of the alkali metal increases.