Strong electron-acceptor methylviologen dications confined in a 2D inorganic host: synthesis, structural characterization, charge transport and electrochemical properties of (MV)(0.25)V(2)O(5)

Highly electron-deficient 1-propyl-3,5-dinitropyridinium: evaluation of electron-accepting ability and application as an oxidative quencher for metal complexes

Impacts of the nitro groups on the electron-accepting and oxidizing abilities of N-propylpyridinium were evaluated quantitatively. A 3,5-dinitro derivative has efficiently quenched emission from photosensitizing Ru(ii) and Ir(iii) complexes owing to the thermodynamically-favored electron transfer to the pyridinium whose LUMO is greatly lowered by the presence of electron-withdrawing nitro groups.

Photo-sensitive hybrids constructed from diphenyliodonium and metal-thiocyanates: photo-induced structure and property transformations

New hybrids constructed from diphenyliodonium and metal thiocyanates have been prepared, and their photo-induced structural transformations and corresponding color/fluorescence/magnetism variations have been investigated.

Kinetics analysis of interfacial electron-transfer processes in goethite suspensions systems

The photochemical behavior of goethite has been one of the most important topics in the field of environmental science due to it plays a significant role in the removal and transformation process of numerous pollutants. However, the interfacial electron transfer process of goethite is not clear. Using a nanosecond laser flash photolysis spectrometer, we report the transient spectroscopic observations of interfacial electron-transfer reactions in goethite dispersion under UV irradiation. Excitation of goethite generated conduction-band electron (e_cb^-) and hole (h⁺). The conduction band electron (e_cb^-) reacted with an electron acceptor, methylviologen dichloride hydrate (MV²⁺), forming reduced methylviologen (MV⁺) with a second-order rate constant of (2.6 ± 0.3) × 10⁹ L mol^-1 s^-1. The concentration of MV⁺ was strongly influenced by MV²⁺ initial concentration and pH values. The flat band potential of goethite was calculated to be E_fb (goethite, pH = 7) = 0.24 V (vs NHE). Oxygen did not react with conduction band electron of goethite. The present study provides a reliable method to investigate the photo-induced interfacial charge transfer of goethite.

Substituent-Modulated Assembly Formation: An Approach to Enhancing the Photostability of Photoelectric-Sensitive Chalcogenide-Based Ion-Pair Hybrids

A series of electronically active viologen dications (RV) with tunable substituent groups were utilized to hybridize with [Ge₄S₁₀]^4- (T2 cluster) to form the hybrids of T2@RV. These hybrids exhibited variable supermolecular assembly formation, tunable optical absorption properties, and different photoelectric response under the influence of different RV dications. Raman testing and time-dependent photocurrent response indicated that the photosensitivity and photostability of T2@RV could be integrated while choosing suitable RV dications. Current research provides a general method to build a tunable hybrid system based on crystalline metal chalcogenide compounds through the replacement of photoinactive cationic organic templates with photoactive ones with different substituent groups.

A spherical deca-vanadophosphate covalent assembled all-inorganic open framework

Through covalent connection of phosphate groups, an all-inorganic open framework, [NH₄]₉[P₄V₁₀O₃₄]_1.5·3H₂O (1), has been prepared by a hydrothermal reduction-condensation method. It is built from a vanadophosphate (VPO) unit of [P₄V₁₀O₃₄]^6-, which represents a rare example of a spherical {V₁₀-type} structure among the VPO family. Further studies also demonstrate that compound 1 is an n-type semiconductor.

An electron-transfer photochromic crystalline MOF accompanying photoswitchable luminescence in a host–guest system

A new electron transfer type photoactive host–guest supramolecule was constructed by introducing (CH₃)₂NH₂⁺ cations to the MOF framework. The resulting compound 1 exhibits reversible photochromic property without using photochromic components.

Photochromic and Nonphotochromic Luminescent Supramolecular Isomers Based on Carboxylate-Functionalized Bipyridinium Ligand: (4,4)-Net versus Interpenetrated (6,3)-Net

Photochromic and nonphotochromic luminescent bipyridinium-based supramolecular isomers [Cd(CPBPY)(BDC)(H2O)]n (1) and {[Cd(CPBPY)(BDC)]·H2O}n (2) (CPBPY = N-(3-carboxyphenyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium, BDC= terephthalate) have been successfully obtained by solvothermal reactions at 100 °C via tuning stoichiometric ratios of starting reagents. Isomer 1 features (4,4)-topological layer constructed by edge-shared Cd2 SBUs and BDC linkers attached by N-pendent CPBPY groups. Isomer 2 has (6,3)-topological layers with Cd atoms as nodes and BDC and double CPBPY as linkers, which are 4-fold interpenetrated into 3D network. Although both 1 and 2 contain bipyridinium ligands, only isomer 1 possesses reversible photochromic behavior with quick-switchable luminescence in the solid state. Compound 2 does not show photochromic behavior even after exposure to UV light for more than 2 h. Photochromism process of 1 originates from photostimulated reduction of CPBPY ligands to generate CPBPY(•-) radicals after irradiation, confirmed by EPR spectra. Careful check on structure reveals that the offset π-π stacking interaction between the pyridine ring of CPBPY and benzene ring of BDC with inter-ring shortest C···C distance of 3.214 Å in 1 is responsible for electron transfer to form the CPBPY(•-) radicals. The speculation is further supported by DFT calculation of frontier orbital matching of electron donor and acceptor. HOMO and HOMO-2 orbitals of BDC involve the carbon atoms of benzene ring while LUMO and LUMO+1 orbitals of CPBPY involve the carbon atoms of pyridinium ring. Importantly, the photoinduced formed CPBPY(•-) radicals in 1 have a long-lived lifetime (at least six months in air and room temperature condition), which is mainly attributed to the close packing mode.

Semimetal-functionalised polyoxovanadates

Polyoxovanadates (POVs), known for their wide applicability and relevance in chemical, physical and biological sciences, are a subclass of polyoxometalates and usually self-assemble in aqueous-phase, pH-controlled condensation reactions. Archetypical POVs such as the robust [VO42](12-) polyoxoanion can be structurally, electronically and magnetically altered by heavier group 14 and 15 elements to afford Si-, Ge-, As- or Sb-decorated POV structures (heteroPOVs). These main-group semimetals introduce specific chemically engineered functionalities which cause the generally hydrophilic heteroPOV compounds to exhibit interesting reactivity towards organic molecules, late transition metal and lanthanoid ions. The fully-oxidised (V(V)), mixed-valent (V(V)/V(IV) and V(IV)/V(III)), "fully-reduced" (V(IV)) and "highly-reduced" (V(III)) heteroPOVs possess a number of intriguing properties, ranging from catalytic to molecular magnet characteristics. Herein, we review key developments in the synthetic and structural chemistry as well as the reactivity of POVs functionalised with Si-, Ge-, As- or Sb-based heterogroups.

M(bipyridine)V4O10(M = Cu, Ag): Hybrid Analogues of Low-Dimensional Reduced Vanadates

New hybrid layered vanadates, M(bpy)V4O10 (I, M = Cu+; II, M = Ag+; bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine), were prepared from hydrothermal reactions at 220-230 degrees C, and their structures were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction [I, P21/c (No. 14), Z = 4, a = 3.6154(3) A, b = 21.217(1) A, c = 20.267(1) A, and beta = 90.028(3) degrees ; II, P (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 3.5731(4) A, b = 10.429(1) A, c = 21.196(2) A, alpha = 89.031(5) degrees , beta = 89.322(5) degrees , and gamma = 85.546(5) degrees ]. The structures of I and II are closely related, though not isostructurally, with both containing partially reduced V4O10- layers that are constructed from zigzag chains of edge-sharing VO5 tetragonal pyramids. Neighboring zigzag chains within a layer condense via shared vertices and alternate between versions containing V4.5+ and V5+ ions, such that two out of four symmetry-unique V atoms are reduced by a half-electron on average. The interlayer spaces contain unusual M(bpy)+ chains formed from the coordination of two bridging bpy ligands to Ag+/Cu+ in a nearly linear fashion and each with a third bond to a single apical O atom of the reduced (V4.5+) VO5 tetragonal pyramids. Both I and II are stable until approximately 350-400 degrees C in O2, at which point the ligands are liberated to yield the purely inorganic MxV4O10 (M = Ag, Cu) solids. The electrical conductivities of both compounds show a temperature dependence that is consistent with Mott's variable-range-hopping model for randomly localized electrons. Magnetic susceptibilities of both I and II can be fitted to a Curie-Weiss expression (theta = -25 and -31 K, respectively; C approximately 0.40 emu.mol-1.K for both) at higher temperatures and one unpaired spin per formula. However, at below approximately 12-18 K, both show evidence for an antiferromagnetic transition that can be fitted well to the Heisenberg linear antiferromagnetic chain model. These results are analyzed with respect to related reduced vanadates and help to provide new structure-property insights for strongly correlated electron systems.

Immobilization of methylviologen between well-ordered multilayers of manganese oxide during their electrochemical assembly

Methylviologen dications (MV2+) were immobilized between layers of manganese oxide during their electrochemical assembly by an anodic route in a homogeneous aqueous Mn2+ solution. This approach yielded a well-ordered multilayer film on a platinum substrate as a result of dense packing of planar MV2+ molecules to stabilize the layered framework. A grazing angle in-plane X-ray diffraction study revealed that the manganese oxide sheets and the molecular planes of inserted MV2+ ions are oriented parallel to the electrode surface. Cyclic voltammetry of the product film indicated an electron transfer from the underlying Pt substrate to inserted methylviologen ions through the manganese oxide sheets.

Iron−Molybdenum Charge-Transfer Hybrids Containing Organometallic and Inorganic Fragments Bridged by Aryldiazenido Ligands in a μ-η6:η1 Coordination Mode: Syntheses, Characterization, X-ray Structures, Electrochemistry, and Theoretical Investigation

Representative members of a new family of covalently bonded charge-transfer molecular hybrids, of general formula [(eta5-C5H5)Fe(mu,eta6:eta1-p-RC6H4NN)Mo(eta2-S2CNEt2)3] +PF6- (R: H, 5+PF6-; Me, 6+PF6-; MeO, 7+PF6-) and [(eta5-C5Me5)Fe(mu,eta6:eta1-C6H5NN)Mo(eta2-S2CNEt2)3]+PF6-, 8+PF6-, have been synthesized by reaction of the corresponding mixed-sandwich organometallic hydrazines [(eta5-C5H5)Fe(eta6-p-RC6H4NHNH2)]+PF6- (R: H, 1+PF6-; Me, 2+PF6-; MeO, 3+PF6-) and [(eta5-C5Me5)Fe(eta6-C6H5NHNH2)]+PF6-, 4+PF6-, with cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) bis(diethyldithiocarbamato) complex, [MoO2(S2CNEt2)2], in the presence of sodium diethyldithiocarbamato trihydrate, NaSC(=S)NEt2.3H2O, in refluxing methanol. These iron-molybdenum complexes consist of organometallic and inorganic fragments linked each other through a pi-conjugated aryldiazenido bridge coordinated in eta6 and eta1 modes, respectively. These complexes were fully characterized by FT-IR, UV-visible, and 1H NMR spectroscopies and, in the case of complex 7+PF6-, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Likewise, the electrochemical and solvatochromic properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry and UV-visible spectroscopy, respectively. The electronic spectra of these hybrids show an absorption band in the 462-489 and 447-470 nm regions in CH2Cl2 and DMSO, respectively, indicating the existence of a charge-transfer transition from the inorganic donor to the organometallic acceptor fragments through the aryldiazenido spacer. A rationalization of the properties of 5+PF6--8+PF6- is provided through DFT calculations on a simplified model of 7+PF6-. Besides the heterodinuclear complexes 5+PF6--8+PF6-, the mononuclear molybdenum diazenido derivatives, [(eta1-p-RC6H4NN)Mo(eta2-S2CNEt2)3] (R: H, 9; Me, 10; MeO, 11), resulting from the decoordination of the [(eta5-C5H5)Fe]+ moiety of complexes 5+PF6--7+PF6-, were also isolated. For comparative studies, the crystalline and molecular structure of complex 10.Et2O was also determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and its electronic structure computed.

Spin-Gap Formation and Thermal Structural Studies in Reduced Hybrid Layered Vanadates

Reduced layered M(C4H4N2)V4O10 ((I, M = Co; II, M = Ni; III, M = Zn); C4H4N2 = pyrazine, pyz) hybrid solids were synthesized via hydrothermal reactions at 200-230 degrees C, and their structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (Cmcm, No. 63, Z = 4; a = 14.311(2), 14.2372(4), 14.425(1) A; b = 6.997(1), 6.9008(2), 6.9702(6) A; and c = 11.4990(8), 11.5102(3), 11.479(1) A; for I, II, and III, respectively). All three solids are isostructural and contain V4O102- layers condensed from edge- and corner-shared VO5 square pyramids. A single symmetry-unique V atom is reduced by 1/2 electron (on average) and bonds via its apical oxygen atom to interlayer Mpyz2+ chains. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show a strong temperature dependence and a Curie constant that is consistent with two randomly localized spins per V4O10(2-) formula for III. Further, the unusual discovery of a remarkably well-defined transition to a singlet ground state, as well as formation of a spin gap, is found for III at 22(1) K. The temperature-dependent electrical conductivities show apparent activation energies of 0.36 (I), 0.46 (II), and 0.59 eV (III). During heating cycles in flowing N2, the samples exhibit weight losses corresponding to the removal of predominantly pyrazine, pyrazine fragments, and CO2 via reaction of pyrazine with the vanadate layer. The complete removal of pyrazine without loss of crystallinity is found for well-ground samples of I and III. The SEM images of I and II after heating at 400-500 degrees C show relatively intact crystals, but at 600 degrees C further structural collapse results in the formation of macropores at the surfaces.

Molecular self-assemblies of a π-conjugated redox-active bipyridinium cation with magnetic dimetallic oxalate-bridged trimeric clusters

A series of molecular assemblies constructed from a pi-conjugated redox-active bipyridinium cation, 1,4-bis(4'-pyridyl-1'-pyridinio)phthalazine (Bpyph), and magnetic dimetallic oxalate-bridged trimeric clusters, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TGA, X-ray single-crystal diffraction and magnetic susceptibility studies. The molecular assemblies formulated as (Bpyph)2{M(II)(H2O)2[M(III)(C2O4)3]2}.12.5H2O [for M(III) = Fe; M(II) = Mn (1) or Co (2); for M(III) = Cr; M(II) = Mn (3) or Co4] are isostructural, their structures feature an alternative arrangement of Bpyph2+ cations and the linear trimeric oxalate complexes {M(II)(H2O)2[M(III)(C2O4)3]2} along all three crystallographic axes, in which the dimetallic trimers form two distinct homo-chiral helices along the b axis via intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. Within each trimeric cluster, the two M(III) sites have opposite chirality (Delta and Lambda). Studies on the magnetic properties reveal the presence of antiferromagnetic exchange interactions within the trimeric clusters for the Fe2M and ferromagnetic for the Cr2M series.

A Basket Tetradecavanadate Cluster with Blue Luminescence

A blue luminescent tetradecavanadate compound, [Et4N]5[V14O36Cl], has been synthesized. It possesses an unprecedented half-open basket framework. Through the {ABAB}-type stacking, the {V14O36} clusters form infinite one-dimensional channels with considerable accessible volume in the crystalline state.

Charge-Transfer Hybrids Containing Covalently Bonded Polyoxometalates and Ferrocenyl Units

Two new charge-transfer hybrids with one or two ferrocenyl units covalently attached to a hexamolybdate cluster through an extended pi-conjugated bridge have been prepared using Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions on monoiodo- or diiodo-functionalized cluster substrates in over 60% yields. These hybrids have been characterized by (1)H NMR, FTIR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. The electronic spectra of these hybrids show a broad absorption tail extending beyond 550 nm, indicating the existence of charge-transfer transition from the ferrocenyl donor to the cluster acceptor. The observation of the clear charge-transfer transition indicates the contribution of charge-transfer resonance to the ground state in both 2a and 2b even though the donor-acceptor separation distance of 11.29 A is rather long, signaling a through-bond charge-transfer nature made possible by the organic pi-conjugated bridge. Cyclic voltammetry studies reveal a one-electron oxidation wave and a one-electron reduction wave for the hybrid with one ferrocenyl unit. For the one with two ferrocenyl units, a lower reduction potential and a two-electron oxidation wave are observed, indicating negligible electronic interactions between the two ferrocenyl units.

Novel hybrid hetero-sandwich architectures via stoichiometric control of host–guest self-organization

Thiocyanate cadmium and methylviologen hybrid host-guest compounds give two novel multiple sandwich architectures with regular or irregular grids of the anionic layer in the structures as effected by the molar ratios of starting ingredients, and show evidence of charge-transfer to the organic dications.