Preparation of Mercury(II) Complexes of Tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine and Characterization by X-ray Crystallography and NMR Spectroscopy

Five-coordinate transition metal complexes and the value of τ5: observations and caveats

The τ5 parameter, first proposed by Addison and coworkers, is the principal measure of the geometry of five-coordinate transition metal complexes, with τ5 = 0 said to describe a perfect square pyramidal geometry and τ5 = 1 a perfect trigonal pyramidal geometry. Therefore, the geometries of all five-coordinate complexes are assumed to lie on a continuum between these two extremes. Herein we show that there are a significant number of examples of transition metal complexes having τ5 > 1, leading to an equatorially distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry with the transition metal ion lying out of the plane of the equatorial donor atoms. We also show that complexes having τ5 = 0 and displaying perfect square pyramidal geometry are very much the exception, and that the majority of complexes for which τ5 = 0 have the metal ion sitting above the mean plane of the donor atoms in the square plane, in a basally distorted square pyramidal geometry. Density functional theory computations on a number of these complexes show that the structural distortions are inherent features of the complexes, and not merely the result of intermolecular interactions.

Metal Substitution and Solvomorphism in Alkylthiolate-Bridged Zn3 and HgZn2 Metal Clusters

The impact of substituting Hg(II) for Zn(II) in a thiolate-bridged trinuclear cluster with parallels to a metallothionein metal cluster was investigated. A new solvomorph of [Zn(ZnL)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1) (L = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-(2-(ethylthiolato)-amine) and five solvomorphs of a new compound [Hg(ZnL)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2) were characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The interplay of hydrogen bonding and aromatic-packing interactions in producing lamellar, 2D lamellar, and columnar arrangements of complex cations in the crystalline state is discussed. Both variable temperature proton nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ion-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) suggest that the complex ions of 1 and 2 are the predominant solution species at moderate concentrations. ESI-MS was also used to monitor differences in metal ion redistribution as 1 was titrated with Hg(ClO₄)₂ and [HgL(ClO₄)]. These studies document the facile replacement of Zn(II) by Hg(II) with the preservation of the overall structure in thiolate-rich clusters.

Contrasting coordination behavior of Group 12 perchlorate salts with an acyclic N3O2 donor ligand by X-ray crystallography and (1)H NMR

An unbranched N3O2 ligand 2,6-bis[((2-pyridinylmethyl)oxy)methyl]pyridine (L1) was used to prepare new mononuclear heteroleptic Group 12 perchlorate complexes characterized by IR, (1)H NMR and X-ray crystallography. Racemic complexes with pentadentate L1 and one to four oxygens from either water or perchlorate bound to a metal ion were structurally characterized. Octahedral [Zn(L1)(OH2)](ClO4)2 (1) and pentagonal bipyramidal [Cd(L1)(OH2)(OClO3)]ClO4 (2) structures were found with lighter congeners. The polymorphic forms of [Hg(L1)(ClO4)2] characterized (3 in P1[combining macron] and 4 in P21/c) had a mix of monodentate, anisobidentate and bidentate perchlorates, providing the first examples of a tricapped trigonal prismatic Hg(ii) coordination geometry, as well as additional examples of a rare square antiprismatic Hg(ii) coordination geometry. Solution state (1)H NMR characterization of the Group 12 complexes in CD3CN indicated intramolecular reorganization remained rapid under conditions where intermolecular M-L1 exchange was slow on the chemical shift time scale for Zn(ii) and on the J(M(1)H) time scale for Cd(ii) and Hg(ii). Solution studies with more than one equivalent of ligand also suggested that a complex with a 1 : 2 ratio of M : L1 contributed significantly to solution equilibria with Hg(ii) but not the other metal ions. The behavior of related linear pentadentate ligands with Group 12 perchlorate salts is discussed.

Bis-tetradentate complexes of Cd(II) and Hg(II) with N8 coordination: structural and NMR comparisons

Tripodal N4 ligands tris[(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)methyl]amine (L1), bis[(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)methyl][(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine (L2) and [(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)methyl]-bis-[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine (L3) were used to prepare five new [ML2](ClO4)2 (M = Cd(II), Hg(II)) complexes. All complexes had N8 metal coordination and a trans-bicapped octahedral structure as determined by X-ray crystallography. Metal-nitrogen bond distances generally decreased in the order M-Namine > M-Npyridyl > M-Nimidazoyl, and the perchlorates were well separated from the metal ions. Variable temperature solution state (1)H NMR spectroscopy revealed conditions for slow intramolecular reorganization were more readily accessible for the Cd(II) complexes than for the Hg(II) complexes. Both protons of imidazoyl ring ligand components had large, comparable J((199)Hg(1)H) despite sizable differences in nuclear separation.

Bis-tridentate Chelates of an Asymmetric Ligand: X-ray Structures and Solution NMR Characterization of Divalent Zinc Triad Metal Ion Complexes of N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-(2-(methylthio)ethyl)amine

Divalent zinc triad metal ion complexes of type M(L)(2)(ClO(4))(2) (L = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-(2-(methylthio)ethyl)amine) with N(4)S(2) metal coordination spheres were isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography and variable temperature proton NMR. Although bis-tridentate chelates have nine geometric isomers, the crystallographically characterized complexes of all three metal ions had trans facial octahedral coordination geometry with C(i) symmetry. Despite the low coordination number and geometric preferences of d(10) metal ions, which facilitate inter- and intramolecular exchange processes, dilute solutions of these bis-tridentate chelates exhibited slow geometric isomerization. Symmetry, sterics and shielding arguments supported specific isomeric assignments for the major and minor chemical shift environments observed at low temperature. At elevated temperature, rapid intramolecular exchange occurred for all three complexes but slow intermolecular exchange on the coupling constant time scale was evidenced through detection of J(HgH) interactions for Hg(L)(2) (2+). These unusual observations are discussed in the context of the zinc triad metal ion coordination chemistry of related bis-tridentate chelates.

Investigation of Group 12 Metal Complexes with a Tridentate SNS Ligand by X-ray Crystallography and1H NMR Spectroscopy

Two series of zinc triad complexes containing the ligand 2,6-bis(methylthiomethyl)pyridine (L1) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and solution-state 1H NMR spectroscopy. The distorted meridional octahedral M(L1)2(ClO4)2 series includes the first structurally characterized Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with N2(SR2)4 coordination spheres. Coordination of HgCl2 and ZnCl2 with 1 equiv of ligand afforded mononuclear, five-coordinate species Hg(L1)Cl2 and Zn(L1)Cl2, respectively, with distorted square-pyramidal and trigonal-bipyramidal geometries. With CdCl2, the dimeric [Cd(L1)Cl(mu-Cl)]2 complex was obtained. The distorted octahedral coordination geometry of each Cd(II) center in this complex is formed by one tridentate ligand, two bridging chloride ions, and one terminal chloride ion. NMR spectra indicate that the intermolecular ligand-exchange rate of [M(L1)2](2+) decreased in the order Cd(II) > Zn(II) > Hg(II). Slow intermolecular ligand-exchange conditions on the chemical-shift time scale were found for 1:2 metal-to-ligand complexes of L(1) with Hg(II) and Zn(II) but not Cd(II). Slow intermolecular ligand-exchange conditions in acetonitrile-d(3) solutions permitting detection of (3-5)J(199Hg1H) were found for 1:1 and 1:2 Hg(ClO4)2/L1 complexes, but not for the related Cd(ClO4)2) complexes. The magnitudes of J(199Hg1H) for equivalent protons were smaller in [Hg(L1)2](2+) than in [Hg(L1)(NCCH3)x](2+). The relative intermolecular ligand-exchange rates of the zinc triad complexes investigated here suggest that the toxicity of Hg(II) is accentuated by the relative difficulty of displacing it from the coordination sites encountered.

Solid-State and Solution-State Coordination Chemistry of the Zinc Triad with the Mixed N,S Donor Ligand Bis(2-methylpyridyl) Sulfide

The binding of group 12 metal ions to bis(2-methylpyridyl) sulfide (1) was investigated by X-ray crystallography and NMR. Seven structures of the chloride and perchlorate salts of Hg(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) with 1 are reported. Hg(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2), Cd(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2), and Zn(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN form mononuclear, six-coordinate species in the solid state with 1 binding in a tridentate coordination mode. Hg(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2) has a distorted trigonal prismatic coordination geometry while Cd(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2) and Zn(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN have distorted octahedral geometries. With chloride anions, the 1:1 metal to ligand complexes Hg(1)Cl(2), [Cd(1)Cl(2)](2), and Zn(1)Cl(2) are formed. A bidentate binding mode that lacks thioether coordination is observed for 1 in the four-coordinate, distorted tetrahedral complexes Zn(1)Cl(2) and Hg(1)Cl(2). [Cd(1)Cl(2)](2) is dimeric with a distorted octahedral coordination geometry and a tridentate 1. Hg(1)Cl(2) is comprised of pairs of loosely associated monomers and Zn(1)Cl(2) is monomeric. In addition, Hg(2)(1)Cl(4) is formed with alternating chloride and thioether bridges. The distorted square pyramidal Hg(II) centers result in a supramolecular zigzagging chain in the solid state. The solution (1)H NMR spectra of [Hg(1)(2)](2+) and [Hg(1)(NCCH(3))(x)()](2+) reveal (3)(-)(5)J((199)Hg(1)H) due to slow ligand exchange found in these thioether complexes. Implications for use of Hg(II) as a metallobioprobe are discussed.

Structural Effects of the Lone Pair on Lead(II), and Parallels with the Coordination Geometry of Mercury(II). Does the Lone Pair on Lead(II) Form H-Bonds? Structures of the Lead(II) and Mercury(II) Complexes of the Pendant-Donor Macrocycle DOTAM (1,4,7,10-Tetrakis(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane)

The synthesis and structures of [Pb(DOTAM)](ClO4)2.4.5H2O (1) and [Hg(DOTAM)](ClO4)2.0.5CH3OH.1.5H2O (2) are reported, where DOTAM is 1,4,7,10-tetrakis(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane. Compound 1 is triclinic, space group P, a = 12.767(3) A, b = 13.528(2) A, c = 18.385(3) A, alpha = 101.45(2) degrees, beta = 93.32(2) degrees, gamma = 90.53(2) degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.0500. Compound 2 is monoclinic, space group Cc, a = 12.767(3) A, b = 13.528(2) A, c = 18.385(3) A, beta = 101.91(2) degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.0381. The Pb(II) ion in 1 has an average Pb-N = 2.63 A to four N-donors from the macrocyclic ring, and four O-donors (average Pb-O = 2.77 A) from the amide pendant donors of the macrocycle, with a water molecule placed with Pb-O = 3.52 A above the proposed site of the lone pair (Lp) on Pb. The Hg(II) in 2 appears to be only six-coordinate, with four Hg-N bond lengths averaging 2.44 A, and two Hg-O from pendant amide donors at 2.41 A. The other two amide donors appear to be noncoordinating, with Hg-O distances of 2.74 and 2.82 A. A water situated 3.52 A above the proposed site of the lone pair on Pb(II) in 1 is oriented in such a way that it might be thought to be forming a Pb-Lp.H-O-H hydrogen bond. It is concluded that that this is not an H-bond, but that the presence of the lone pair allows a closer approach of the hydrogens to Pb than would be true otherwise. The structural analogy in the VSEPR sense between Pb(II), which has the 5d(10)6s(2) outer electron structure, and the Hg(II) ion, which has the 5d10 structure, is examined. The tendency of Hg(II) toward linear coordination, with two short Hg-L bonds (L = ligand) at 180 degrees to each other, and other donor groups at roughly 90 degrees to this and at much longer bond distances, is paralleled by Pb(II). One of the short Hg-L bonds is replaced in the Pb(II) structures by the lone pair (Lp), which is opposite the short Pb-L bond, or in some cases 2-4 shorter Pb-L bonds.

Blue Dimetallic Complexes of Two Heavy Metal Ions CdII and HgII with an Extended Nitrogen Donor Ligand. Preparation, Spectral Characterization, and Crystallographic Studies

In methanol, the metal salts CdCl2.H2O and HgCl2 react instantaneously with the deprotonated ligand, L-, producing molecular dimetallic ink-blue complexes of general formula M2Cl2L2, M=Cd(II), (1) and Hg(II), (2) (HL=2-[2-(pyridylamino)phenylazo]pyridine). Crystal structures of these two complexes are reported. The coordination sphere around each Cd(II) ion in 1 is a distorted square pyramidal. The metal ion (Cd1) sits above the basal plane of three nitrogen atoms, N(1), N(3), and N(4). The second cadmium ion (Cd2) in this compound lies below the plane of three nitrogen atoms, N(6), N(8), and N(9). The apical positions are occupied by two Cl atoms. Secondary intramolecular interactions between the metal ions and the anionic secondary amine nitrogen atoms (N(4) and N(9)) are noted. The geometry of each Hg(II) ion in the mercury complex, Hg2Cl2L2.0.5H2O, is also distorted square based pyramid with the metal ions lying out of planes of the three nitrogen atoms of the chelating ligands. Secondary Hg(1)...N(1A) (deprotonated amine) interactions are noted. The separation between the two Hg(II) ions in this complex is within the sum of their van der Waals radii. Solution properties of these blue complexes are reported. The origin of the intense blue color in these complexes is the intraligand transitions that occur near 615 nm. 1H NMR of Hg2Cl2L2.0.5H2O indicates that it undergoes exchange in solution with the coordinated ligands.

Oxidation chemistry of uranium(III) complexes of Tpa: synthesis and structural studies of oxo, hydroxo, and alkoxo complexes of uranium(IV)

The crystal structure of the complex [U(tpa)(2)]I(3), 1 (tpa = tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine), has been elucidated. The complex exists as only one enantiomer in the crystal leading to the chiral space group P2(1)2(1)2(1). The coordination geometry of the metal can be described as a distorted cube. Accidental oxidation of [U(tpa)(2)]I(3) led to the isolation of the unusual mononuclear bishydroxo complex of uranium(IV) [U(tpa)(2)(OH)(2)]I(2).3CH(3)CN, 2, which was structurally characterized. The controlled reaction of [U(tpa)(2)]I(3) with water resulted in the oxidation of the metal center and led to the formation of protonated tpa and of the trinuclear U(IV) oxo complex ([U(tpa)(mu-O)I](3)(mu(3)-I))I(2), 3. The solid state and solution structures of this trimer are reported. The pathway suggested for the formation of this complex is the oxidation of the [U(tpa)(2)]I(3) complex by H(2)O to form a U(IV) hydroxo complex which then decomposes, eliminating mono-protonated tpa. The comparison with the reported reaction with water of cyclopentadienyl derivatives points to a higher reactivity toward water reduction of the bis(tpa) complex with respect to the cyclopentadienyl derivatives. The reaction of U(III) with methanol in the presence of the supporting ligand tpa leads to formation of alkoxo complexes similarly to what is found for amide or cyclopentadienyl derivatives. The monomethoxide complex [U(tpa)I(3)(OMe)], 4, has been prepared in good yield by alcoholysis of the U(III) mono(tpa) complex. The crystal structure of this complex has been determined. The reaction of [U(tpa)(2)]I(3) with 2 equiv of methanol in acetonitrile allows the isolation of the bismethoxo complex of U(IV) [U(tpa)I(2)(OMe)(2)], 5, in 35-47% yield, which has been fully characterized. To account for the oxidation of U(III) to U(IV) the suggested mechanism assumes that hydrogen is evolved in both reactions.

Sterically demanding multidentate ligand tris[(2-(6-methylpyridyl))methyl]amine slows exchange and enhances solution state ligand proton NMR coupling to (199)Hg(II)

The solution state coordination chemistry of Hg(ClO(4))(2) with tris[(2-(6-methylpyridyl))methyl]amine (TLA) was investigated in acetonitrile-d(3) by proton NMR. Although Hg(II) is a d(10) metal ion commonly associated with notoriously rapid exchange between coordination environments, as many as six ligand environments were observed to be in slow exchange on the chemical shift time scale at select metal-to-ligand ratios. One of these ligand environments was associated with extensive heteronuclear coupling between protons and (199)Hg and was assigned to the complex [Hg(TLA)](2+). The (5)J((1)H(199)Hg) = 8 Hz associated with this complex is the first example of five-bond coupling in a nitrogen coordination compound of Hg(II). The spectral complexity of related studies conducted in acetone-d(6) precluded analysis of coordination equilibria. Crystallographic characterization of the T-shaped complex [Hg(TLAH)(CH(2)COCH(3))](ClO(4))(2) (1) in which two pyridyl rings are pendant suggested that the acidity of acetone combined with the poor coordinating abilities of the neutral solvent adds additional complexity to solution equilibria. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 macro with a = 9.352(2) A, b = 12.956(2) A, c = 14.199(2) A, alpha = 115.458(10) degrees, beta = 90.286(11) degrees, gamma = 108.445(11) degrees, and Z = 2. The Hg-N(amine), Hg-N(pyridyl), and Hg-C bond lengths in the complex are 2.614(4), 2.159(4), and 2.080(6) A, respectively. Relevance to development of (199)Hg NMR as a metallobioprobe is discussed.

Comparison of Heteronuclear Coupling Constants for Isostructural Nitrogen Coordination Compounds of (111/113)Cd and (199)Hg

The complexation of Cd(II) by the tripodal ligand tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine and dipodal ligand bis[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine was investigated by solution-state NMR and X-ray crystallography. Cadmium coordination compounds exhibiting rarely observed solution-state NMR (1)H-(111/113)Cd satellites were characterized. The eight-coordinate complex [Cd(TMPA)(2)](ClO(4))(2).toluene (1) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 9.629(2) Å, b = 11.020(2) Å, c = 11.641(2) Å, alpha = 114.069(13) degrees, beta = 97.492(13) degrees, gamma = 91.034(14) degrees, and Z = 1. The average Cd-N(amine) distance is 2.53(4) Å and the average Cd-N(pyridyl) distance is 2.54(6) Å. The complex [Cd(BMPA)(NCCH(3))(OH(2))(OClO(3))][Cd(BMPA)(2)](ClO(4))(3).(CH(3)CN) (2) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 10.446(2) Å, b = 16.653(3) Å, c = 17.736(3) Å, alpha = 62.479(9) degrees, beta = 80.606(14) degrees, gamma = 84.66(2) degrees, and Z = 2. In the pseudo-octahedral monocation, the nitrogen-containing ligands occupy equatorial positions with Cd-N distances of 2.321(8), 2.283(7), and 2.263(8) Å for the amine, pyridyl (average) and acetonitrile nitrogens, respectively. Significant axial interactions occur with Cd-O bond distances of 2.313(7) Å (water) and 2.478(7) Å (perchlorate). In the pseudo-trigonal prismatic dication, the average Cd-N(amine) distances is 2.395(5) Å and the average Cd-N(pyridyl) distance is 2.362(8) Å. The solid-state structures and solution-state NMR trends were very similar to recently reported isovalent complexes of Hg(II), providing an exceptional opportunity to compare coupling constants of coordination compounds. Implications for the use of (111/113)Cd and (199)Hg NMR as metallobioprobes are discussed.

Lanthanide(III) Complexes of Tripodal N-Donor Ligands: Structural Models for the Species Involved in Solvent Extraction of Actinides(III)

The complexation of lanthanides(III) by the tripodal ligands tpa (tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine) and tpza (tris[(2-pyrazinyl)methyl]amine) has been investigated by solution NMR studies and by X-ray crystallography. The crystallographic studies show that both tpa and the new ligand tpza form complexes with a 1:1 metal:ligand ratio in which the tripodal amine acts as a tetradentate ligand. For the tpa complexes the remaining coordination sites are occupied by chloride counterions to give 7-coordination (Eu, Tb, Lu) or by chloride counterions and a methanol molecule to give 8-coordination (Nd). In [Nd(tpza)(H(2)O)(3)(CH(3)CN)(3)](ClO(4))(3).3H(2)O the remaining coordination sites are occupied by water and acetonitrile molecules to give 10-coordination while the perchlorate counterions remain non coordinating. Tpza complexes have been isolated from acetonitrile solution and dissociate completely in methanol, while the complexes of the more basic tpa can be isolated from methanol and exist in water in equilibrium with the free ligand. Solvent extraction studies of lanthanides(III) and actinides(III) from nitric acid solutions show that the new ligand tpza is, unlike tpa, a selective complexant of actinides(III). Considering their structural analogy, this difference could be explained in terms of the electronic differences between the two ligands resulting in a stronger affinity of actinides(III) for the softer donor tpza.

Correlation of a Solution-State Conformational Change between Mercuric Chloride Complexes of Tris[(2-(6-methylpyridyl))methyl]amine with X-ray Crystallographic Structures

Solution-state NMR and X-ray crystallography were used to investigate the complexation of HgCl(2) by the potentially tetradentate ligand tris[(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl]amine (TLA) in acetonitrile. A change in the ligand conformation as a function of the metal-to-ligand ratio could be indirectly monitored through large changes in (3)J((1)H(199)Hg) to the methylene protons at -40 degrees C. The solution-state NMR were correlated with two solid-state structures. The five-coordinate complex [Hg(TLA)Cl(2)] (1) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 8.663(3) Å, b = 11.539(4) Å, c = 13.739(3) Å, alpha = 80.81(2) degrees, beta = 75.84(2) degrees, gamma = 80.97(3) degrees, and Z = 2. The Hg-N(amine) distance of 2.505(7) Å for the tridentate ligand is the same as the average Hg-N(lutidyl) distance of 2.50(3) Å for the two bound lutidyl nitrogens. [Hg(TLA)Cl](2)(Hg(2)Cl(6)) (2) also crystallizes in P&onemacr; with a = 10.606(2) Å, b = 15.104(3) Å, c = 17.785(4) Å, alpha = 67.46(3) degrees, beta = 83.52(3) degrees, gamma = 80.29(3) degrees, and Z = 2. The ligand is tetradentate in the two crystallographically unique cations which are arranged in a dimer-like orientation. The average Hg-Cl distance is 2.37 (1) Å, and the average interionic Hg-Cl distance is 3.51(1) Å. The Hg- N(lutidyl) distances are of two types: two have an average distance of 2.36(3) Å, nearly the same as the Hg-N(amine) distance of 2.35(2) Å. The remaining four N(lutidyl) distances have an average distance of 2.56(5) Å.