Cluster core controlled reactions of substitution of terminal bromide ligands by triphenylphosphine in octahedral rhenium chalcobromide complexes

Diamidocarbene-derived palladium and nickel-sulfur clusters

Novel palladium and nickel-sulfur clusters were synthesized using a diamidocarbene-derived carbon disulfide ligand. Structural characterization revealed a tetranuclear metal-sulfur cluster geometry with each metal center exhibiting square-planar coordination. The ligand was redox-active, accommodating oxidation states ranging from 0 to -2.

Tuning the Ground- and Excited-State Redox Potentials of Octahedral Hexanuclear Rhenium(III) Complexes by the Combination of Terminal Halide and N-Heteroaromatic Ligands

The present study reports that the ground- and excited-state Re₆(23e)/Re₆(24e) redox potentials of an octahedral hexanuclear rhenium(III) complex can be controlled by systematically changing the number and type of the N-heteroaromatic ligand (L) and the number of chloride ions at the six terminal positions. Photoirradiation of [Re₆(μ₃-S)₈Cl₆]^4- with an excess amount of L afforded a mono-L-substituted hexanuclear rhenium(III) complex, [Re₆(μ₃-S)₈Cl₅(L)]^3- (L = 4-dimethylaminopyridine (dmap), 3,5-lutidine (lut), 4-methylpyridine (mpy), pyridine (py), 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy), 4-cyanopyridine (cpy), and pyrazine (pz)). The bis- and tris-lut-substituted complexes, trans- and cis-[Re₆(μ₃-S)₈Cl₄(lut)₂]^2- and mer-[Re₆(μ₃-S)₈Cl₃(lut)₃]^-, were synthesized by the reaction of [Re₆(μ₃-S)₈Cl₆]^3- with an excess amount of lut in refluxed N,N-dimethylformamide. The mono-L-substituted complexes showed one-electron redox processes assignable to E _1/2[Re₆(23e)/Re₆(24e)] = 0.49-0.58 V versus Ag/AgCl. The ground-state oxidation potentials were linearly correlated with the pK _a of the N-heteroaromatic ligand [pK _a(L)], the ¹H NMR chemical shift of the ortho proton on the coordinating ligand, and the Hammett constant (σ) of the pyridyl-ligand substituent. The series of [Re₆(μ₃-S)₈X_6-n (L) _n ] ^n-4 complexes (n = 0, X = Cl, Br, I, or NCS; n = 1-3, X = Cl) showed a linear correlation with the sum of the Lever electrochemical parameters at the six terminal ligands (ΣE _L). The cyclic voltammograms of the mono-L-substituted complexes (L = bpy, cpy, and pz) showed one-electron redox waves assignable to E _1/2(L⁰/L^-) = -1.28 to -1.48 V versus Ag/AgCl. Two types of photoluminescences were observed for the complexes, originating from the cluster core-centered excited triplet state (³CC) for L = dmap, lut, mpy, and py and from the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer excited triplet state (³MLCT) for L = bpy, cpy, and pz. The complexes with the ³CC character exhibited emission features and photophysical properties similar to those of ordinary hexanuclear rhenium complexes. The emission maximum wavelength of the complexes with ³MLCT shifted to the longer wavelength in the order L = 4-phenylpyridine (ppy), bpy, pz, and cpy, which agreed with the difference between E _1/2[Re₆(23e)/Re₆(24e)] and E _1/2(L⁰/L^-). The calculated oxidation potential of the excited hexanuclear rhenium complex with the ³CC character was linearly correlated with pK _a(L), σ, and ΣE _L. The ground- and excited-state oxidation potentials were finely tuned by the combination of halide and L ligands at the terminal positions.

Accessing the triplet manifold of naphthalene benzimidazole-phenanthroline in rhenium(I) bichromophores

The steady-state and ultrafast to supra-nanosecond excited state dynamics of fac-[Re(NBI-phen)(CO)₃(L)](PF₆) (NBI-phen = 16H-benzo[4',5']isoquinolino[2',1':1,2]imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-16-one) as well as their respective models of the general molecular formula [Re(phen)(CO)₃(L)](PF₆) (L = PPh₃ and CH₃CN) has been investigated using transient absorption and time-gated photoluminescence spectroscopy. The NBI-phen containing molecules exhibited enhanced visible light absorption with respect to their models and a rapid formation (<6 ns) of the triplet ligand-centred (LC) excited state of the organic ligand, NBI-phen. These triplet states exhibit an extended excited state lifetime that enable the energized molecules to readily engage in triplet-triplet annihilation photochemistry.

One-dimensional lead iodide hybrid stabilized by inorganic hexarhenium cluster cations as a new broad-band emitter

A novel one-dimensional (1D) hybrid {[Re6S8(PzH)6][Pb3I8(DMF)2]}·6(DMF) with hexarhenium cluster cations has been synthesized and characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Two DMF oxygen atoms bridge three lead iodides to form a set of lead iodides, {[PbI4/2I(ODMF)1/2][PbI4/2(ODMF)2/2][PbI4/2I(ODMF)1/2]}2-, and these sets of lead iodide share edges to form a 1D lead iodide chain, [Pb3I8(DMF)2]2- which has never been reported before and is different from the typical edge sharing of octahedral PbI6 units. 1D lead iodide chains are stacked along the a axis, and [Re6S8(PzH)6]2+ cations with H-bonded DMF molecules to pyrazole N-H reside between 1D lead iodide chains. This 1D lead iodide hybrid shows strong broad-band emission with a peak at 634 nm. The excellent photoluminescent properties of the new lead iodide hybrid exhibit great potential for optoelectronic applications in photonic devices with broad-band emission and stability. This study introduces a new class of lead iodide hybrid compounds having new inorganic cluster cations rather than the organic amine cations that have been used in numerous studies to date. This work opens a promising path to overcome the instability of perovskites including of organic amine cations.

Supramolecular Frameworks Based on Rhenium Clusters Using the Synthons Approach

The reaction of the K₄[{Re₆Sⁱ₈}(OH)^a₆]·8H₂O rhenium cluster salt with pyrazine (Pz) in aqueous solutions of alkaline or alkaline earth salts at 4 °C or at room temperature leads to apical ligand exchange and to the formation of five new compounds: [trans-{Re₆Sⁱ₈}(Pz)^a₂(OH)^a₂(H₂O)^a₂] (1), [cis-{Re₆Sⁱ₈}(Pz)^a₂(OH)^a₂(H₂O)^a₂] (2), (NO₃)[cis-{Re₆Sⁱ₈}(Pz)^a₂(OH)^a(H₂O)^a₃](Pz)·3H₂O (3), [Mg(H₂O)₆]_0.5[cis-{Re₆Sⁱ₈}(Pz)^a₂(OH)^a₃(H₂O)^a]·8.5H₂O (4), and K[cis-{Re₆Sⁱ₈}(Pz)^a₂(OH)^a₃(H₂O)^a]·8H₂O (5). Their crystal structures are built up from trans- or cis-[{Re₆Sⁱ₈}(Pz)^a₂(OH)^a_4-x(H₂O)^a_x]^x-2 cluster units. The cohesions of the 3D supramolecular frameworks are based on stacking and H bonding, as well as on H₃O_2-bridges in the cases of (1), (2), (4), and (5) compounds, while (3) is built from stacking and H bonding only. This evidences that the nature of the synthons governing the cluster unit assembly is dependent on the hydration rate of the unit.

Soluble Molecular Rhenium Cluster Complexes Exhibiting Multistage Terminal Ligands Reduction

Substitution of terminal halide ligands of octahedral rhenium cluster complexes [Re₆Q₈X₆]^4- in a melt of 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) led to us obtaining four new compounds with the general formula trans-[Re₆Q₈(bpy)₄X₂] (Q = S or Se; X = Cl or Br) in high yield. In contrast to most of the known molecular rhenium cluster complexes with heteroaromatic terminal ligands, compounds 1-4 are soluble in organic solvents. This made it possible to carry out a detailed characterization of the new compounds both in solids and in solutions. In particular, it was shown that compounds 1-4 in the DMSO solution exhibit four reversible reduction processes. A comparison of the obtained data with the results of DFT calculations of the electronic structure suggests that these processes correspond to two-electron reduction of all four bpy ligands. The reduction potentials are shifted to the positive region compared with the potential of free bipyridine, and the value of the shift depends on the composition of the cluster core. The presence of four transitions also suggests that electronic exchange between terminal ligands in the cis-position is possible. The study of the luminescence of the compounds showed that emission maxima of selenide clusters almost coincide with those of sulfide ones, while luminescence spectra of the complexes with chloride terminal ligands (1 and 3) are slightly blue-shifted relative to the spectra of the complexes with bromide ligands (2 and 4).

Water-soluble Re6-clusters with aromatic phosphine ligands – from synthesis to potential biomedical applications

New hexarhenium clusters exhibit radio- and photoluminescence, have low cytotoxicity, are capable of penetrating into cells and exhibit photodynamic toxicity.

Synthesis, structures, redox properties, and theoretical calculations of thiohalide capped octahedral hexanuclear technetium(iii) clusters

Thiohalide capped octahedral hexanuclear technetium(iii) clusters were synthesized and characterized.

Functionalization of [Re6Q8(CN)6]4− clusters by methylation of cyanide ligands

Methylation of anionic cluster complexes [Re₆Q₈(CN)₆]⁴⁻ with ((CH₃)₃O)BF₄ or CF₃SO₃CH₃ afforded homoleptic isonitrile cluster complexes [Re₆Q₈(CH₃NC)₆]²⁺ (Q = S, Se, Te).

Molecular Clusters: Nanoscale Building Blocks for Solid-State Materials

The programmed assembly of nanoscale building blocks into multicomponent hierarchical structures is a powerful strategy for the bottom-up construction of functional materials. To develop this concept, our team has explored the use of molecular clusters as superatomic building blocks to fabricate new classes of materials. The library of molecular clusters is rich with exciting properties, including diverse functionalization, redox activity, and magnetic ordering, so the resulting cluster-assembled solids, which we term superatomic crystals (SACs), hold the promise of high tunability, atomic precision, and robust architectures among a diverse range of other material properties. Molecular clusters have only seldom been used as precursors for functional materials. Our team has been at the forefront of new developments in this exciting research area, and this Account focuses on our progress toward designing materials from cluster-based precursors. In particular, this Account discusses (1) the design and synthesis of molecular cluster superatomic building blocks, (2) their self-assembly into SACs, and (3) their resulting collective properties. The set of molecular clusters discussed herein is diverse, with different cluster cores and ligand arrangements to create an impressive array of solids. The cluster cores include octahedral M₆E₈ and cubane M₄E₄ (M = metal; E = chalcogen), which are typically passivated by a shell of supporting ligands, a feature upon which we have expanded upon by designing and synthesizing more exotic ligands that can be used to direct solid-state assembly. Building from this library, we have designed whole families of binary SACs where the building blocks are held together through electrostatic, covalent, or van der Waals interactions. Using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) to determine the atomic structure, a remarkable range of compositional variability is accessible. We can also use this technique, in tandem with vibrational spectroscopy, to ascertain features about the constituent superatomic building blocks, such as the charge of the cluster cores, by analysis of bond distances from the SCXRD data. The combination of atomic precision and intercluster interactions in these SACs produces novel collective properties, including tunable electrical transport, crystalline thermal conductivity, and ferromagnetism. In addition, we have developed a synthetic strategy to insert redox-active guests into the superstructure of SACs via single-crystal-to-single-crystal intercalation. This intercalation process allows us to tune the optical and electrical transport properties of the superatomic crystal host. These properties are explored using a host of techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, SQUID magnetometry, electrical transport measurements, electronic absorption spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and frequency-domain thermoreflectance. Superatomic crystals have proven to be both robust and tunable, representing a new method of materials design and architecture. This Account demonstrates how precisely controlling the structure and properties of nanoscale building blocks is key in developing the next generation of functional materials; several examples are discussed and detailed herein.

Hydrogen bonded networks based on hexarhenium(iii) chalcocyanide cluster complexes: structural and photophysical characterization

Two series of hydrogen bonded networks based on [Re₆Qi8(CN)a6]⁴⁻ (Q = S or Se) anionic clusters and amidinium cations are reported, structurally and spectroscopically analyzed.

Amidine Production by the Addition of NH3 to Nitrile(s) Bound to and Activated by the Lewis Acidic [Re6(μ3-Se)8]2+ Cluster Core

Acetonitrile bound to and activated by the Lewis acidic [Re₆(μ₃-Se)₈]²⁺ cluster core was transformed into acetamidine in quantitative yield using NH₃ as the nucleophile at room temperature. The amidine ligand was removed by treating the cluster-acetamidine complexes with trifluoroacetic acid in CH₃CN, affording amidinium trifluoroacetate and the starting acetonitrile complexes.

The first water-soluble hexarhenium cluster complexes with a heterocyclic ligand environment: synthesis, luminescence, and biological properties

The hexarhenium cluster complexes with benzotriazolate apical ligands [{Re6(μ3-Q)8}(BTA)6](4-) (Q = S, Se; BTA = benzotriazolate ion) were obtained by the reaction of [{Re6(μ3-Q)8}(OH)6](4-) with molten 1H-BTA (1H-benzotriazole). The clusters were crystallized as potassium salts and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, elemental analyses, and UV-vis and luminescence spectroscopy. In addition, their cellular uptake and toxicity were evaluated. It was found that both clusters exhibited luminescence with high lifetimes and quantum yield values; they were taken up by the cells illuminating them under UV irradiation and, at the same time, did not exhibit acute cytotoxic effects.

New mixed-ligand cyanohydroxo octahedral cluster complex trans-[Re6S8(CN)2(OH)4]4−, its luminescence properties and chemical reactivity

A new mixed-ligand anionic cluster complex trans-[Re₆S₈(CN)₂(OH)₄]⁴⁻ has been synthesized and characterized by different physical methods. In addition, two representative reactions confirming the composition and structure of the anion have been carried out.

Direct observation of a {Re6(μ3-S)8} core-to-ligand charge-transfer excited state in an octahedral hexarhenium complex

A new complex, [Re(6)S(8)Cl(5)ppy](3-) (ppy = 4-phenylpyridine), was synthesized and characterized. The complex showed red emission at 296 K in both the crystalline phase and CH(3)CN. The transient absorption spectrum of [Re(6)S(8)Cl(5)ppy](3-) revealed that the emissive excited state involved the {Re(6)(μ(3)-S)(8)} core-to-ligand charge-transfer character.

Self-assembly of ambivalent organic/inorganic building blocks containing Re6 metal atom cluster: formation of a luminescent honeycomb, hollow, tubular metal-organic framework

Reactions in a sealed glass tube between melted pyrazine (pyz) and a Cs(3)Re(6)Q(i)(7)Br(i)Br(a)(6).H(2)O inorganic rhenium cluster compound (Q = S, Se; "i" for inner and "a" for apical positions) containing [Re(6)Q(i)(7)Br(i)Br(a)(6)](3-) units led to the substitution of three apical bromine ligands by three pyrazine groups with the formation of 3 CsBr as a byproduct. The resulting fac-Re(6)Q(i)(7)Br(i)(pyz)(a)(3)Br(a)(3) building unit, based on a Re(6) metal atom cluster, is neutral and noncentrosymmetric and exhibits an ambivalent organic/inorganic nature owing to the opposite disposition of the three apical pyrazine groups versus the three apical bromine atoms. These compounds were characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, elemental and thermal analyses, and luminescence measurements. The crystal structure of fac-Re(6)Q(i)(7)Br(i)(pyz)(a)(3)Br(a)(3).xH(2)O (Q = S (1) and Se (2)) displays an original, neutral metal-organic framework based on the self-assembling of fac-Re(6)Q(i)(7)Br(i)(pyz)(a)(3)Br(a)(3) hybrid building units. The latter are held together by supramolecular interactions: pi-pi, hydrogen bonds (C-H...N, C-H...Br(a), and C-H...Br(i)), and van der Waals contacts. It gives rise to a honeycomb porous structure of parallel hollow open-ended channels wherein the water molecules are located. Their removal does not lead to the collapsing of the structural edifice. The channel walls are constituted by hydrogen atoms from pyrazine as well as apical bromine from the cluster unit. To our knowledge, the structures of 1 and 2 constitute with that of PTMTC (perchlorotriphenylmethyl functionalized by carboxylic group radicals) one of the rare examples of stable open frameworks stabilized by supramolecular interactions between neutral molecules. Moreover, 1 is the first example of luminescent Re(6) compound built up from a noncentrosymmetric Re(6)S(i)(7)Br(i) cluster core.

Excited-state properties of octahedral hexarhenium(III) complexes with redox-active N-heteroaromatic ligands

New sulfide-capped octahedral hexarhenium(III) complexes containing 4-phenylpyridine (ppy) or 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpe) ((n-C(4)H(9))(4)N)[mer-{Re(6)S(8)Cl(3)(ppy)(3)}] ((Bu(4)N)[1]), ((n-C(4)H(9))(4)N)(2)[trans-{Re(6)S(8)Cl(4)(ppy)(2)}] ((Bu(4)N)(2)[2a]), ((n-C(4)H(9))(4)N)(2)[cis-{Re(6)S(8)Cl(4)(ppy)(2)}] ((Bu(4)N)(2)[2b]), ((n-C(4)H(9))(4)N)(2)[trans-{Re(6)S(8)Cl(4)(bpe)(2)}] ((Bu(4)N)(2)[3a]), and ((n-C(4)H(9))(4)N)(2)[cis-{Re(6)S(8)Cl(4)(bpe)(2)}] ((Bu(4)N)(2)[3b]) were prepared, and X-ray single-crystal structure determination was carried out for (Bu(4)N)(2)[2a] and (Bu(4)N)(2)[3a]. The photophysical properties of these complexes were studied both in acetonitrile at 298 K and in the solid state at 298 and 80 K, along with those of the known 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) analogues ((n-C(4)H(9))(4)N)[mer-{Re(6)S(8)Cl(3)(bpy)(3)}] ((Bu(4)N)[4]), ((n-C(4)H(9))(4)N)(2)[trans-{Re(6)S(8)Cl(4)(bpy)(2)}] ((Bu(4)N)(2)[5a]), and ((n-C(4)H(9))(4)N)(2)[cis-{Re(6)S(8)Cl(4)(bpy)(2)}] ((Bu(4)N)(2)[5b]). The photophysical data of [5a](2-) and [5b](2-) in solution and in the solid state were significantly different from those of other complexes. On the basis of experimental observations of [2a](2-) and [5a](2-) and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, it was concluded that [5a](2-) and [5b](2-) exhibited metal (Re(6)S(8) core)-to-ligand (bpy) charge transfer (MLCT) type emission. This is the first unambiguous demonstration of MLCT type emissions for the hexarhenium complexes. The MLCT components, where present, are only minor in the case of the emissions of [1](-), [2a](2-), [2b](2-), and [4](-); these can be explained primarily as the contributions of the intracore electronic transitions. The emissions of [3a](2-) and [3b](2-) can be assigned almost completely to the electronic transitions within the Re(6)S(8) core. The different emission characteristics of the bis(bpy) complexes ([5a](2-) and [5b](2-)) from the tris(bpy) complex ([4](-)) are a result of the increase in the number of nitrogen donors on the Re(6)S(8) core, which stabilizes the Re(6)S(8) core energy to a lower level than the energy of the bpy ligand pi* orbital. On the other hand, it has been shown that the emissions of the bis(ppy) ([2a](2-) and [2b](2-)) and bis(bpe) complexes ([3a](2-) and [3b](2-)) are best characterized by the higher pi* energy level of each N-heteroaromatic ligand, which lead to a stronger metal character in the emissive excited state of the complex.