Incorporating Multiply Bonded Dirhenium Species [Re2]n+ (n = 4 or 5) into Assemblies Containing Two or More Such Units

Two-Step Synthesis of Linear and Bent Dicarboxylic Acid Metalloligands with Lengths of up to 3 nm

Nanometer-sized polycarboxylate ligands are interesting building blocks for metallasupramolecular chemistry, but access to these compounds is often limited by complicated synthetic pathways. Here, we describe a simple two-step protocol, which allows preparing linear and bent dicarboxylate ligands with lengths of up to 3 nm from commercially available compounds. The ligands are prepared by iron-templated polycondensation reactions involving arylboronic acids and nioxime. The final products contain two iron clathrochelate complexes and two terminal carboxyphenylene groups. To demonstrate that the new ligands are suitable for the construction of more complex molecular nanostructures, we have prepared a Cu-based metal-organic polyhedron, which represents the largest M₄L₄ cage described so far.

The first examples of multiply bonded dirhenium(iii,ii) paramagnetic complexes containing nitrobenzoate ligands: spectroscopic, structural, cytotoxicity and computational studies

4-Nitrobenzoic acid, 3-nitrobenzoic acid and 4'-nitro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carboxylic acid react with the multiply bonded paramagnetic dirhenium(iii,ii) complex Re₂(μ-O₂CCH₃)Cl₄(μ-Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₂ (1) in refluxing ethanol to afford the paramagnetic substitution products of the type Re₂(μ-L)Cl₄(μ-Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₂, where L represents the nitrobenzoate ligands [L = 4-nitrobenzoate, 2; 3-nitrobenzoate, 3; 4'-nitro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carboxylate, 4]. These are the first examples of paramagnetic dirhenium complexes containing nitrobenzoate ligands. The spectral (UV-vis, IR, and EPR) and electrochemical properties of the complexes are described. The identity of 4 has been established by single-crystal X-ray structure determination (Re-Re distance of 2.2967(4) Å). The electronic structures of the complexes were scrutinized by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. X-band EPR spectral measurements along with the DFT analysis show that the unpaired electron resides in the metal-metal δ* antibonding orbital. The complexes were also screened in vitro for their antiproliferative properties against the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 by the MTT assay. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the complexes arrested the sub-G0/G1 phase.

Coordination-driven self-assembly of chiral palladium(ii)-based supramolecular triangle structures

Chiral structures of palladium(ii)-based triangular supramolecular complexes, with achiral corners and edges, have been characterized in solution.

The crystal structures of tetra-kis-(μ-n-butyrato-κ(2) O:O')bis[bromidorhenium(III)] and tetra-kis-(μ-n-butyrato-κ(2) O:O')bis[chlorido-rhenium(III)] aceto-nitrile disolvate

The title complexes, [Re2Br2(O2CC3H7)4], (1), and [Re2(O2CC3H7)4Cl2]·2CH3CN, (2), both exhibit paddlewheel structures with four carboxyl-ate ligands bridging two Re(III) atoms. The Re-Re distances are 2.2325 (2) and 2.2299 (3) Å, indicating quadruple bonds between the Re(III) atoms in each complex. Both complexes contain an inversion center at the mid-point of the Re-Re bond. The Re-Br bond [2.6712 (3) Å] in (1) is 0.1656 (6) Å longer than the Re-Cl distance [2.5056 (5) Å] of (2). In (2), the N atom of each co-crystallized aceto-nitrile solvent mol-ecule is nearly equidistant between and in close contact with two carboxyl-ate C atoms.

Self-assembly of a fac-Mn(CO)3-core containing dinuclear metallacycles using flexible ditopic linkers

Flexible dimanganese metallacycles have been achieved using Mn(CO)₅Br and adaptable ditopic pyridyl linkers. The host–guest chemistry of Mn(i)-dinuclear metallacycles has been explored.

A cyclic tetranuclear cuboid type copper(ii) complex doubly supported by cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate: molecular and supramolecular structure and cyclohexane oxidation activity

A rare isolated tetranuclear 3d complex with a single metal CDC cuboid cage. It catalyzes cyclohexane peroxidative oxidation without any promoter.

From molecules to materials: molecular paddle-wheel synthons of macromolecules, cage compounds and metal-organic frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are becoming a more and more important class of functional materials. Yet, very often, the synthesis of MOFs is not easy to control and requires a profound knowledge and experience in solid state chemistry. One of the most frequently used metal connectors is the so-called 'paddle-wheel' (PW) unit, which is a well-known molecular compound type in inorganic coordination chemistry. Depending on the ligands, the geometry of PWs strictly directs the assembly of ordered networks. This review focuses on the question, to what extent ordered network structures can be accessed by typical molecular syntheses in solution, starting from molecular PW complexes to ordered macromolecules, finite cage compounds and finally, three-dimensional superstructures.

Rational synthesis of supramolecular assemblies based on tetraplatinum units: synthesis, characterization, and selective substitution reactions of four different Pt4 clusters

Four different types of square-planar Pt(4) clusters, trans-[Pt(4)(μ-OCOCH(3))(6)(μ-ArNCHNAr)(2)] (2: ArNCHNAr = N,N'-diarylformamidinate), [Pt(4)(μ-OCOCH(3))(7)(μ-ArNCHNAr)] (8), cis-[Pt(4)(μ-OCOCH(3))(6)(κ(4)-N(4)-DArBp)] (9: DArBp = 1,3-bis(arylbenzamidinate)propane), and [Pt(4)Cl(2)(μ-OCOCH(3))(5)(κ(4)-N(2),P(2)-dpfam)] (13: dpfam = N,N'-bis[(2-diphenylphosphino)phenyl]formamidinate), were successfully prepared by using selective substitution reactions of in-plane acetate ligands of [Pt(4)(μ-OCOCH(3))(8)] (1), which has four in-plane and four out-plane acetate ligands, with appropriate capping ligands. Fundamental substitution reactions of the remaining in-plane acetates with benzoic acid derivatives were also investigated. All newly prepared complexes were characterized from spectral and physical data and combustion analysis. X-ray crystallographic studies of some of the clusters were also performed. Electrochemical measurements of amidinate-modified Pt(4) clusters revealed stepwise oxidation processes of the Pt(4) core due to Pt(4)(9+)/Pt(4)(8+) and Pt(4)(10+)/Pt(4)(9+). Based on the lability of the in-plane acetate ligands of the modified Pt(4) clusters, reactions of cis-[Pt(4)(μ-OCOCH(3))(6)(κ(4)-N(4)-DArBp)] (9 c: Ar = C(6)H(4)tBu-4) with ferrocenedicarboxylic acid and p-phenylenedipropionic acid resulted in the selective formation of cyclic dimers 17 and 18 and the reaction of 13 with 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid afforded a linear dimer 20. The dimers were characterized by spectral data, as well as X-ray analyses for 17 and 18. The finding of two Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) redox couples in the electrochemical measurement of dimer 17 indicated that two ferrocenyl units in dimer 17 communicated electronically.

Syntheses and reactivity studies of solvated dirhenium acetonitrile complexes

Fully and partially solvated triply-bonded [Re2]4+ complexes have been synthesized and their X-ray structures are described. A fully solvated dirhenium salt with BArf [tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate] as the counter anion [Re2(CH3CN)10][BArf]4 () has been characterized. The solubility of the complex in CH2Cl2 and THF in addition to CH3CN offers the possibility of improved reactivity. The structure of [Re2(micro-O)(CH3CN)10][BF4]4 () that possesses a linear [Re(III)-O-Re(III)]4+ unit is reported. Protonation reactions of cis-Re2Cl2(dppm)2(O2CCH3)2 and trans-Re2Cl4(dppm)2 with HBF4.Et2O in acetonitrile afforded cis and trans [Re2(dppm)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]4 ( and ), respectively. Prolonging the reaction time, however, does not lead to fully solvated complex [Re2(CH3CN)10][BF4]4. The neutral nitrogen donor ligands pynp (2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) and tznp (2-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) react readily with [Re2(CH3CN)10][BF4]4 to provide trans-[Re2(pynp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4 and trans-[Re2(tznp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4. The X-ray structures trans-[Re2(pynp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4 () and trans-[Re2(tznp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]3[PF6] () have been determined.

One-Dimensional Supramolecular Assemblies Based on a Re2(III,III) Synthon and Their Solid-State Phosphorescence

Reactions between Re2(DMBA)4(NO3)2 (1; DMBA is dimethylbenzamidinate) and a bidentate dianion, either tungstate (WO4(2-)) or terephthalte (1,4-(O2C)2C6H4(2-)), resulted in the one-dimensional coordination polymers [Re2(DMBA)4(mu-O,O'-WO4)](infinity) (2) and [Re2(DMBA)4(mu-O,O'-1,4-(O2C)2C6H4)](infinity) (3), respectively. Both polymers display phosphorescence from a 3(delta --> delta*) state, which is significantly blue shifted from the phosphorescence previously observed for Re2(DMBA)4Cl2 type compounds.

Chiral Organometallic Triangles with Rh−Rh Bonds. 1. Compounds Prepared from Racemic cis-Rh2(C6H4PPh2)2(OAc)2

Reaction of racemic cis-Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)(OAc)(2)(HOAc)(2) with excess Me(3)OBF(4) in CH(3)CN results in the formation of racemic cis-[Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2).0.5H(2)O (1.0.5H(2)O), an ionic dirhodium complex which has two cisoid nonlabile orthometalated phosphine bridging anions and six labile CH(3)CN ligands in equatorial and axial positions. Reactions of 1 with tetraethylammonium salts of the linear dicarboxylates, oxalate, terephthalate, and 4,4'-biphenyl-dicarboxylate, in organic solvents, produced racemic crystals of the triangular compounds [Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)](3)(C(2)O(4))(3)(py)(6).6MeOH.H(2)O (2.6MeOH.H(2)O), [Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)](3)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(3)(DMF)(6).6.5DMF.0.5H(2)O (3.6.5DMF.0.5H(2)O), and [Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)](3)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)CO(2))(3)(py)(6).4.5CH(3)OH.0.75H(2)O (4.4.5CH(3)OH.0.75H(2)O), respectively. All compounds are electrochemically active. The relative chiralities of the dirhodium units in each triangle have been established using a combination of data from X-ray crystallography and (31)P NMR spectroscopy.

Dirhenium Paddlewheel Compounds Supported by N,N‘-Dialkylbenzamidinates: Synthesis, Structures, and Photophysical Properties

Dirhenium(III,III) compounds Re2(DMBA)4Cl2 (1, DMBA=N,N'-dimethylbenzamidinate) and Re2(DEBA)4Cl2 (2, DEBA=N,N'-diethylbenzamidinate) were synthesized via molten reactions between Re2(OAc)4Cl2 and the corresponding amidine. Re2(DMBA)4(NO3)2 (3) was obtained through reacting Re2(DMBA)4Cl2 with AgNO3. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the Re-Re distances in compounds 1-3 are 2.212(1), 2.217(1), and 2.173(1) A, respectively, which are consistent with the presence of a Re-Re quadruple bond. Voltammetric studies revealed that compound 2 exhibits two quasireversible couples, an oxidation and a reduction, and an irreversible reduction, while compound 1 displays irreversible couples at similar potentials. The three complexes exhibit 1deltadelta* absorption as a shoulder at approximately 440 nm (epsilon approximately 1500 M(-1) cm(-1)). Upon excitation of solid samples or CH2Cl2 solutions of 2 with visible light, emission is observed at 824 nm (77 K) and 833 nm (298 K), respectively. The luminescence is assigned as arising from the 3deltadelta* excited state.

Direct Observation of the Luminescence from the 3δδ* Excited State of Re2Cl2(p-OCH3form)4

There are only a few reports on the measurement of the energy of the low-lying (3)deltadelta state of quadruply bonded bimetallic complexes, and the direct observation of the (1)deltadelta excited electronic state was only recently reported. In the quadruply bonded bimetallic complexes reported to date, luminescence arises from their (1)deltadelta excited state, and the (3)deltadelta state is nonemissive. Here we report the luminescence of Re(2)Cl(2)(p-OCH(3)form)(4) [p-OCH(3)form = (p-CH(3)OC(6)H(4))NCHN(p-CH(3)OC(6)H(4))(-)] observed upon 400-460 nm excitation with maxima at 820 nm (CH(2)Cl(2), tau = 1.4 micros) and 825 nm (CH(3)CN, tau = 1.3 micros) at 298 K. From the large Stokes shift, the vibronic progression at 77 K, the quenching by O(2), the long lifetime, and the calculated energy of the (3)deltadelta state, the luminescence of Re(2)Cl(2)(p-OCH(3)form)(4) and the corresponding transient absorption signal are assigned as arising from the (3)deltadelta ((3)A(2u)) excited state of the complex.

Molecular squares with paramagnetic diruthenium corners: synthetic and crystallographic challenges

The reaction of Ru(2)(mu-O(2)CMe)(4)Cl with approximately 2.5 equiv of HDAniF (HDAniF = N,N'-di(p-anisyl)formamidine) in refluxing THF resulted in the synthesis of cis-Ru(2)(mu-DAniF)(2)(mu-O(2)CMe)(2)Cl (1). This Ru(2)(5+)complex, which has two labile acetate groups occupying two equatorial cisoid positions, was used for the construction of discrete paramagnetic supramolecular arrays. Subsequent reactions of 1 with HO(2)C-CO(2)H (oxalic acid) and 1,4-HO(2)C-C(6)H(4)-CO(2)H (terephthalic acid) followed by recrystallization from 1,2-C(2)H(4)Cl(2)/hexanes solutions containing wet MeCN or 4-Bu(t)py (4-tert-butylpyridine) gave crystals of [[is-Ru(2)(mu-DAniF)(2)Cl(H(2)O)]mu-oxalate)](4).MeCN.2(C(6)H(14)).12(H(2)O) (2) and [[is-Ru(2)(mu-DAniF)(2)Cl(0.646)(4-Bu(t)py)(1.354)]mu-terephthlate)](4)Cl(1.414).17(1,2-C(2)H(4)Cl(2)).C(6)H(14) (3), respectively. These are the first polygonal supramolecular assemblies consisting of paramagnetic M(2) units at each apex, where M(2) = Ru(2)(5+). Compounds 2 and 3 have been structurally characterized, and their electrochemistry and magnetic properties have been studied. These studies have confirmed that oxalate linkers are better than the terephthalate linkers in effecting electronic and magnetic coupling.

Supramolecular assemblies of dimetal complexes with polydentate N-donor ligands: from a discrete pyramid to a 3D channel network

Reactions of a dinuclear metal complex in the form of dirhodium(II) tetra(trifluoroacetate), [Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)] (1), with a number of strong N-donor ligands having functional groups rigidly oriented at different directing angles have been found to yield supramolecular architectures of differing complexity. All structures have been established by X-ray crystallography. From reaction of 1 with neutral tris(4'-pyridyl)methylsilane ligand, CH(3)Si(C(5)H(4)N)(3) (L1), a discrete pyramid-shaped hexanuclear complex [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)](3)CH(3)Si(C(5)H(4)N)(3)(eta(1)-C(6)H(6))(3)].C(6)H(6) (2.C(6)H(6)) has been isolated from benzene. In 2 three molecules of 1 are strongly coordinated to one L1 ligand at only one axial position of each dirhodium unit at the Rh-N distances of 2.152(6) A. The second rhodium atom of each dimetal complex in 2 weakly coordinates a benzene molecule with an Rh-C distance of 2.69(2) A. A supramolecular complex of the composition [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)](2)(C(6)H(5))(2)Si(C(5)H(4)N)(2)] (3) has been prepared by reacting the dinuclear units 1 with a potentially bidentate ligand, bis(4'-pyridyl)diphenylsilane, (C(6)H(5))(2)Si(C(5)H(4)N)(2) (L2), having two pyridyl groups rigidly oriented at 109 degrees. In 3, one L2 ligand coordinates two dirhodium molecules 1 through their axial positions with the Rh-N distance of 2.150(5) A. An interesting extended 2D layered motif is formed by additional contacts of open axial positions of dirhodium units with phenyl groups of the neighboring ligands at Rh-C distances which average to 2.88(1) A. A supramolecular compound of the composition [[Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)](3)(HO)C(C(5)H(4)N)(3)(eta(1)-C(6)H(6))].(1)/(2)C(6)H(6) (4.(1)/(2)C(6)H(6)) has been formed when linear dirhodium units 1 were reacted with tris(4'-pyridyl)methanol (L3) having tetrahedral directing angles that average to 110 degrees. A building block in the solid structure of 4 is a hexanuclear molecule in which one L3 ligand binds three dimetal units of 1 through N atoms of pyridyl groups at the average Rh-N distance of 2.143(7) A. A unique extended pseudo-3D structure in 4 is created by additional Rh-O coordination bonds as well as by weak metal-arene interactions.

The use of dimetal building blocks in convergent syntheses of large arrays

Within the broad field called "supramolecular chemistry," there is a sector that is based on the use of metal atoms or ions as key elements in promoting the assembly and dictating the main structural features of the supramolecular products. Considerable success has been achieved by using MM bonded dimetal entities in this role. Metal-metal bonded cationic complexes of the [M(2)(DAniF)(n)(MeCN)(8-2n)]((4-n)+) type, where M = Mo or Rh and DAniF is an N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate anion, have been used as subunit precursors and then linked by various equatorial and axial bridging groups such as polycarboxylate anions, polypyridyls, and polynitriles. Characterization of the products by single-crystal x-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, NMR, and other spectroscopic techniques has revealed the presence of discrete tetranuclear (pairs or loops), hexanuclear (triangles), octanuclear (squares), and dodecanuclear (cages) species and one-, two-, or three-dimensional molecular nanotubes. These compounds display a rich electrochemical behavior that is affected by the nature of the linkers.

Homologous series of redox-active, dinuclear cations [M(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)](2+) (M = Mo, Ru, Rh) with the bridging ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (pynp)

A homologous series of dinuclear compounds with the bridging ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (pynp) has been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallographic and spectroscopic methods. [Mo(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][BF(4)](2) x 3CH(3)CN (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 15.134(5) A, b = 14.301(6) A, c = 19.990(6) A, beta = 108.06(2) degrees, V = 4113(3) A(3), and Z = 4. [Ru(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][PF(6)](2) x 2CH(3)OH (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 14.2228(7) A, b = 20.3204(9) A, c = 14.1022(7) A, beta = 95.144(1) degrees, V = 4059.3(3) A(3), and Z = 4. [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][BF(4)](2) x C(7)H(8) (3) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 13.409(2) A, b = 21.670(3) A, c = 13.726(2) A, beta = 94.865(2) degrees, V = 3973.9(8) A(3), and Z = 4. A minor product, [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][BF(4)][PF(6)] x 2CH(3)CN (4), was isolated from the mother liquor after crystals of 3 had been harvested; this compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group, P1 with a = 12.535(3) A, b = 13.116(3) A, c = 13.785(3) A, alpha = 82.52(3) degrees, beta = 77.70(3) degrees, gamma = 85.76(3) degrees, V = 2193.0(8) A(3), and Z = 2. Compounds 1-3 constitute a convenient series for probing the influence of the electronic configuration on the extent of mixing of the M-M orbitals with the pi system of the pynp ligand. Single point energy calculations performed on 1-3 at the B3LYP level of theory lend insight into the bonding in these compounds and allow for correlations to be made with electronic spectral data. Although purely qualitative in nature, the values for normalized change in orbital energies (NCOE) of the frontier orbitals before and after reduction are in agreement with the observed differences in reduction potentials as determined by cyclic voltammetry.

A new type of tweezer complex involving a rhenium-rhenium multiple bond that enforces an unusual structure in a dipalladium(II) unit

The substitution of the mu-acetato ligands in cis-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppm)(2) (1, dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)) and trans-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppE)(2) (2, dppE = Ph(2)PC(=CH(2))PPh(2)) by [4-Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)CO(2)](-) occurs with retention of stereochemistry to give cis-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)-4-PPh(2))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppm)(2) (3) and trans-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)-4-PPh(2))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppE)(2) (6), respectively. The uncoordinated phosphine groups in complexes 3 and 6 have been used to form mixed-metal assemblies with Au(I) and Pd(II), including the Re(2)Pd(2) complex cis-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)-4-PPh(2))(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppm)(2)(Pd(2)Cl(4)) (5), in which the planar [(P)ClPd(mu-Cl)(2)PdCl(P)] unit has the unusual cis structure. The crystal structures of 3 and 5 have been determined.

Unsymmetrical dirhenium complexes that contain [Re(2)](6+) and [Re(2)](5+) cores complexed by tridentate ligands with P(2)O and P(2)N donor sets

The quadruply bonded dirhenium(III) complex (n-Bu(4)N)(2)Re(2)Cl(8) reacts with tridentate ligands that contain essentially planar P,O,P donor sets to afford the complexes Re(2)Cl(6)(eta(3)-L(1)) (3) (L(1) = bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether) and (n-Bu(4)N)[Re(2)Cl(7)(eta(1)-L(2))] (4) (L(2) = 4,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)dibenzofuran). Spectroscopic and electrochemical data support the unsymmetrical structure Cl(4)ReReCl(2)(eta(3)-L(1)) in the case of 3, while 4 contains monodentate P-bound L(2) both complexes contain Re---Re bonds. The synthon cis-Re(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)Cl(4)(H(2)O)(2) reacts with ligands L(1), L(2), 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyridine (L(3)), bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]amine (L(4)), and N,N-bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]trimethylacetamide (L(5)) to give the paramagnetic complexes Re(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))Cl(4)(eta(3)-L(n)) (5-9) with Re bonds. The lability of the mu-acetato ligands in 5-9 has been demonstrated by the reactions of compounds 5 (n = 1) and 7 (n = 3) with 4-Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)CO(2)H, 2-Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)CO(2)H, and quinoline-4-carboxylic acid to give complexes 10-12 (from 5) and 13-15 (from 7), respectively. These products contain uncoordinated donor atoms that can be used to produce mixed-metal assemblies. Compounds 5 and 7 also react with terephthalic acid (1,4-C(6)H(4)(CO(2)H) to give [Re(2)Cl(4)(eta(3)-L(1))](2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2)) (16) and [Re(2)Cl(4)(eta(3)-L(3))](2)(mu-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2)) (17) in which electronic coupling between the paramagnetic sets of dirhenium units is very weak. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations have been carried out on complexes 5-8, 11, 12, and 14-16.