Theoretical Studies on the Structures of Metal String Complexes Crn(L)4Cl2 (n = 3, 5, 7; L = Oligo-α-Pyridylamide) under the Effect of an Electric Field

To study the electronic structures and properties of [Cr_n(L)₄Cl₂] (n = 3, L = dpa: di(2-pyridyl)amido; n = 5, L = tpda: tripyridyldiamido; n = 7, L = teptra: tetrapyridyltriamine) metal string complexes, the BP86 method was used by considering the influence of the electric field (EF) applied parallel to the metal axis. As the EF increases, the migration of more positively charged Cr_odd is more significant than that of Cr_even, which results in alternating long-short Cr-Cr bonds. This happens because of the natural charges on the Cr_odd of 1-3, which are more electropositive than those on Cr_even. The electrons are pulled to the Cr and Cl(r) atoms at the high-potential side from Cl(l) at the low-potential side by the EF, which leads to asymmetrical FMOs. After the critical electric field (E_c), the configuration turns into a remarkably asymmetric one with alternating Cr-Cr quadruple bonds and weak interactions. The electrons are transferred from equatorial ligands (L) to metal chains. In the meantime, the asymmetry of the FMOs increases and the delocalization is further reduced, which affects the conductivity. Especially for [Cr₇(teptra)₄Cl₂], the delocalized electrons of HOMO are completely transformed into a localized model after the critical electric field. It is observed that this supports the electric switching phenomenon ascribed to the conformations of delocalized and localized electrons. In addition, the longer the length of the metal chain, the smaller the E_c and the easier is for the complexes to be polarized by the EF.

Band Structures of Quasi-One-Dimensional Incommensurate Helical Systems: A Case Study of Infinite Chromium Extended Metal Atom Chain

Extended metal atom chains (EMACs) are promising candidates for molecular wires but their band structures remain to be explored. As a quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) system, the incommensurate helical nature of EMACs hinders such calculations. In this work, we resolved this issue via explicit implementation of helical symmetry. Moreover, the pattern of metal d bands was rationalized by a systematic investigation on a series of related Q1D helical systems. Two critical factors, helical ligand field and chemically asymmetric ligand field, are proposed and identified. We found that the symmetry and ligand fields of the system dominate the pattern of the metal d bands, instead of specific chemical composition of ligands. The presented method and rationale are applicable to not only EMACs but also related Q1D helical systems.

Excited state dynamics of symmetric and asymmetric Cr3(dpa)4Cl2 measured using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy

Herein, the excited-state dynamics of an extended metal atom chain complex, Cr₃(dpa)₄Cl₂ (dpa = dipyridylamide), in tetrahydrofuran solution were investigated using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Upon excitation at a wavelength of 330 nm, two distinct excited-state absorption species with varied dynamics were identified and assigned to the symmetric (s-) and unsymmetric (u-) Cr₃(dpa)₄Cl₂. The major species is s-Cr₃(dpa)₄Cl₂ that undergoes rapid conversion at less than 100 fs from the ligand-centred π-π* state, which is the initially accessed state, to the metal-centred d-d state and then vibrational cooling accompanying the structural relaxation at a time constant ∼2.2 ps. Most of the s-form is recovered to the ground state at ∼200 ps. For u-Cr₃(dpa)₄Cl₂, a similar rapid conversion to d-d states is observed, and the geometric/vibrational relaxation is ∼0.8 ps. The second recovery of the ground state with approximately equal amplitude is observed at a time constant of ∼5 ns. This might be because many d-d states exist and about half of them inefficiently couple with the ground state surface.

New generation of metal string complexes: strengthening metal-metal interaction via naphthyridyl group modulated oligo-alpha-pyridylamido ligands

To design new metal string complexes, several naphthyridyl group modulated oligo-alpha-pyridylamido ligands have been synthesized in the past five years. Because these ligands are less anionic than pyridylamido ligands, the resulting metal string complexes tend to form reduced mixed-valence [Ni(2)(napy)(4)](3+) dinuclear units which contain a delocalized unpaired electron and thus significantly enhance the conductance of metal string complexes. Furthermore, the asymmetric naphthyridyl group modulated oligo-alpha-pyridylamido ligands can stabilize the central heteronuclear or charge disproportionational metal frameworks, providing a plausible strategy to build inorganic molecular rectifiers.

Controlled Stability of the Triple-Stranded Helical Structure of a β-1,3-Glucan with a Chromophoric Aromatic Moiety at a Peripheral Position

We synthesized a semiartificial beta-1,3-glucan, curdlan with dialkylaniline groups (CUR-DA), that bears chromophoric aromatic groups at its peripheral positions. Spectroscopic studies as well as microscopic observations indicate that CUR-DA adopts a triple-stranded helical structure in water- or methanol-rich solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). This triple-stranded helical structure exhibits high thermal stability and resistance to base, attributes that are similar to those of the triple-stranded helical structure of native beta-1,3-glucans such as schizophyllan. Moreover, we found that the stability of the triple-stranded helical structure can be easily modulated by solvent composition and metal-ion (Zn2+) binding. As beta-1,3-glucan polysaccharides are known to serve as "polymeric" hosts, including certain DNA molecules, carbon nanotubes, and conjugated polymers, and complexation occurs only with the single-stranded structure, this information is very useful for the creation of these attractive polymeric composites, the controlled release of DNA, and so on.

Oxidation of Linear Trinuclear Ruthenium Complexes [Ru3(dpa)4Cl2] and [Ru3(dpa)4(CN)2]: Synthesis, Structures, Electrochemical and Magnetic Properties

The neutral, monocationic, and dicationic linear trinuclear ruthenium compounds [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)][BF(4)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)], and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)](2) (dpa=the anion of dipyridylamine) have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies on the neutral and oxidized compounds are reported. These compounds undergo three successive metal-centered one-electron-transfer processes. X-ray structural studies reveal a symmetrical Ru(3) unit for these compounds. While the metal--metal bond lengths change only slightly, the metal--axial ligand lengths exhibit a significant decrease upon oxidation of the neutral complex. The electronic configuration of the Ru(3) unit changes as the axial chloride ligands are replaced by the stronger "pi-acid" cyanide axial ligands. Magnetic measurements and (1)H NMR spectra indicate that [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)] and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)](2) are in a spin state of S=0 and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)][BF(4)], [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)], and [Ru(3)(dpa)(4)(CN)(2)][BF(4)] are in spin states of S=1/2, 1, and 3/2, respectively. These results are consistent with molecular orbital (MO) calculations.

Four quadruple metal–metal bonds lined up: linear nonachromium(ii) metal string complexes

Through a new pyrazine-modulated penta-pyridyl-tetraamine ligand, H(4)N(9)-mpz, linear nonachromium(II) complexes with four quadruple metal-metal bonds were successfully obtained, and their structure, magnetic and electrochemistry properties were studied.

The nano-scale molecule with the longest delocalized metal–metal bonds: linear heptacobalt(ii) metal string complexes [Co7(µ7-L)4X2]

A new type of pyrazine-modulated oligo-alpha-pyridylamino ligands, N2-(pyrazin-2-yl)-N6-(6-(pyrazin-2-ylamino)pyridin-2-yl)pyridine-2,6-diamine (H3pzpz) and N2-(pyrazin-2-yl)-N6-(6-(pyridin-2-ylamino)pyridin-2-yl)pyridine-2,6-diamine (H3tpz), were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR and MS(FAB). Using and , the linear heptacobalt(II) metal string complexes [Co7(micro7-L)4X2] (L=pzpz3-, X=Cl-, NCS-; L=tpz3-, X=Cl-, X=NCS-) were synthesized and structurally characterized. The structures showed the shortest Co-Co distance (2.194 A) and the longest Co chain (13.5 A) obtained to date with direct Co-Co bonds. The Co-Co distances are in the range 2.194-2.309 A. Electrochemical studies showed two reversible oxidations and one reversible reduction, while all the redox reactions of H3pzpz complexes, and , occurred at higher potentials than H3tpz complexes, and . The complexes are fairly stable to oxidation. Temperature-dependent magnetic research on revealed anomalous magnetic behavior with intermediate magnetic moment values between quartet and doublet states, and deviation from the Curie-Weiss law.

New versatile ligand family, pyrazine-modulated oligo-α-pyridylamino ligands, from coordination polymer to extended metal atom chains

Here we designed and synthesized a new ligand, di(2-pyrazyl)amine (Hdpza) (1) and studied its coordination modes and the corresponding complexes with Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cr(II). Hdpza is an analogue of the well-studied di(2-pyridyl)amine (Hdpa) ligand, which was used to generate the first extended metal atom chain. Three types of coordination modes were found: anti-anti style which resulted in a mononuclear compound [Cu(Hdpza)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2); anti-syn which was observed in a complex for the first time and resulted in a 2-D coordination polymer [Co(mu(2)-Hdpza)(2)(NCS)(2)] (3); and syn-syn type which was observed in extended metal atom chains [Ni(3)(mu(3)-dpza)(4)Cl(2)] (4), [Ni(3)(mu(3)-dpza)(4)(NCS)(2)] (5) and [Cr(3)(mu(3)-dpza)(4)Cl(2)] (6). Weak antiferromagnetic coupling via Hdpza was observed in 3, whereas magnetic studies on extended metal atom chains 4 and 5 revealed that the interaction parameter was more than -200 cm(-1). Electrochemistry showed that the extended metal atom chains 4-6 are much more stable to oxidation than the Hdpa complexes, and are able to undergo reduction.

Even-Numbered Metal Chain Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and DFT Analysis of [Ni4(μ4-Tsdpda)4(H2O)2] (Tsdpda2- = N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)dipyridyldiamido), [Ni4(μ4-Tsdpda)4]+, and Related Ni4 String Complexes

The synthesis and the X-ray structure of two complexes exhibiting a linear chain of four nickel atoms is reported, following Ni4(mu4-phdpda)4 (1), which had been characterized previously. [Ni4(mu4-Tsdpda)4(H2O)2], where H2Tsdpda is N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)dipyridyldiamine (2), is axially coordinated to two water molecules, at variance with 1. One-electron oxidation of 2 resulted in the loss of the axial ligands, yielding [Ni4(mu4-Tsdpda)4]+, [3]+, which was also structurally characterized. Finally, we report the structure of Ni4(mu4-DAniDANy)4 (4), a complex synthesized starting from the new ligand N,N'-bis-p-anisyl-2,7-diamino-1,8-naphthyridine. Magnetic measurements concluded that 4 is diamagnetic, like 1, whereas 2 is antiferromagnetic (-2J(14) = 80 cm(-)(1), using the Heisenberg Hamiltonian H = -2J(14) S(1).S(4)), as are other axially coordinated chains with an odd number of nickel atoms. DFT calculations are reported on these complexes in order to rationalize their electronic structure and their magnetic behavior. The magnetic properties of the [Ni4]8+ complexes are governed by the electronic state of the Ni(II) atoms, which may be either low-spin (S = 0), or high-spin (S = 1). DFT calculations show that the promotion to high spin of two Ni atoms in the chain, either external or internal, depends on the interplay between axial and equatorial coordination. The synergy between axial coordination and the presence of electron-withdrawing toluenesulfonyl substituents in 2 favors the promotion to the high-spin state of the terminal Ni atoms, thus yielding an antiferromagnetic ground state for the complex. This is at variance with complexes 1 and 4, for which the lowest quintet state results from the promotion to high spin of the internal nickel atoms, together with an important ligand participation, and is destabilized by 9 to 16 kcal mol(-1) with respect to the diamagnetic ground state.

Weak antiferromagnetic coupling for novel linear hexanuclear nickel(II) string complexes (Ni6 12+) and partial metal-metal bonds in their one-electron reduction products (Ni6 11+)

The preparation, crystal structures, magnetic properties and electrochemistry of novel linear hexanuclear nickel string complexes (Ni6(12+)) and their corresponding 1-e(-) reduction products (Ni6(11+)) are reported. In these complexes, the hexanickel chain is in a symmetrical arrangement (approximately D(4) symmetry) and is helically supported by four bpyany(2-) ligands [bpyany(2-) = the dianion of 2,7-bis(alpha-pyridylamino)-1,8-naphthyridine]. The Ni6(12+) complexes show that the two terminal nickel ions have high-spin states (S = 1) and the four inner ones have low-spin states (S = 0). The two terminal nickel ions exhibit weak antiferromagnetic coupling of ca.-5 cm(-1). All of Ni6(12+) complexes display three reversible redox couples at about -0.70, -0.20 and +1.10 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The first reduction wave at about -0.20 V suggests facility of 1-e(-) reduction for the Ni(6)(12+) compounds. The reaction of Ni(6)(12+) complexes with hydrazine afforded the 1-e(-) reduction products (Ni6(11+)). As far as we are aware, the shortest bond distance of 2.202 A with a partial metal-metal bond was observed in Ni6(11+) compounds. The magnetic results of these Ni6(11+) compounds are in agreement with a localized model, in which the two terminal nickel ions are in a spin state of S = 1 whereas the central Ni3-Ni4 pair in a spin state of S = 1/2. The N6(11+) compounds show relatively strong antiferromagnetic coupling of about 60 cm(-1) between the terminal and the central dinickel ions.

Novel linear hexanuclear cobalt string complexes (Co6(12+)) and one-electron reduction products (Co6(11+)) supported by four bpyany2- ligands

The new ligand, 2,7-bis(alpha-pyridylamino)-1,8-naphthyridine (H2bpyany), was synthesized by the reaction of 2,7-dichloro-1,8-naphthyridine with 2-aminopyridine in the presence of t-BuOK under palladium(0)-catalyzed conditions. The preparation and characterization of novel hexacobalt string complexes, [Co6(mu6-bpyany)4(NCS)2](PF6)n (n=1 (1); n=2 (2)) and [Co6(mu6-bpyany)4(OTf)2](OTf)n (n = 2 (3); n = 1 (4)) are presented. The crystal structures for compounds have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1 and 4 have the Co6 11+ configurations and are air-stable. Compounds 2 and 3 with Co6 12+ configurations are structurally similar to 1 and 4, respectively. The electrochemistry of 1 displays four redox couples at E1/2= -0.55, +0.38, +0.91, and +1.18 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The magnetic data show that compounds 1 and 4 are in a spin state of S = 1/2, and 2 and 3 in a spin state of S = 1. The results of the EHMO calculations on compounds 1 and 2 are in agreement with their magnetic measurements.

Control of magnetic spin states by various mixed anionic ligands in trinickel complexes: synthesis, crystal structures and physical properties

This study provides an opportunity to control the magnetic spin of nickel atoms using various mixed anionic ligands. A series of linear trinickel complexes supported by two kinds of ligands, oligo-alpha-pyridylamido and sulfonyl amido/amido, were synthesized and their structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. The three nickel atoms of [Ni(3)(Lpts)(2)(dpa)(2)] (dpa(-) = dipyridylamido, Lpts(2-) = N,N'-bis(p-toluenesulfonyl)pyridyldiamido) display short Ni-N ( approximately 1.90 Angstrom) bond distances, which are consistent with a low spin state of Ni(II) ions, and exhibit spin states of (0, 0, 0) for the three Ni(II) ions. One of the terminal Ni(II) ions of [Ni(3)(Lms)(2)(dpa)(2)(H(2)O)] (Lms(2-) = N,N'-bis(4-methylsulfonyl)-pyridyldiamido) and [Ni(3)(Lpts)(2)(pepteaH(2))] (pepteaH(2)(2-) = pentapyridyldiamidodiamine) bonded with an axial ligand exhibits a square pyramidal (NiN(4)X) geometry with long Ni-N bond distances ( approximately 2.10 Angstrom) which are consistent with a high spin Ni(II) configuration. The spin states of these trinickel complexes are (1, 0, 0). Complexes interchanged by the removal or addition of an axial water molecule. The structural features of are comparable with those of . Both the terminal Ni(II) ions in [Ni(3)(LAc)(2)(dpa)(2)] (Lac(2-) = N,N'-biacetyl-pyridyldiamido) are in square pyramidal geometry and exhibit high spin. The spin states of the nickel ions in are (1, 0, 1), and the two terminal nickel ions exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions. The molecular structure of [Ni(3)(Lpts)(2)(dpa)(2)](BF(4)), which was obtained by the one-electron oxidation is similar to those of the neutral analogue , except for the presence of a counter anion to compensate for the positive charge on the Ni(3) core. All of the Ni-Ni bond lengths of are slightly shorter (ca. 0.05 Angstrom) than those in the neutral analogues. This is attributed to the formation of partial Ni-Ni bonding.

A trimetal chain cocooned by two heptadentate polypyridylamide ligands

Compounds of nickel in which a chain of three metal atoms is closely embraced by two interlocking heptadentate dianions derived from a chain of five pyridyl groups linked at the 2, or 2 and 6, positions by four amide nitrogen atoms are reported. This new type of extended metal atom chain (EMAC) compound differs from earlier ones in that ligand exchange at the axial positions cannot occur, because the axial ligands are part of the entire ligand. Four such compounds, all crystallographically characterized, are reported. This work is a proof-of-concept project that will be extended to other metals with these and other homologous ligands.

A convenient route to silyl linked bis(amidinate) ligands and synthesis of group(i) metal derivatives

A novel type of linked bis(amidinate) ligands (D) were developed successfully. Their lithium derivatives 1-4 were synthesized by treating the silyl-bridged diamines I-IV with two equivalents of LiBu(n) and PhCN in sequence, which underwent a silyl-bridge migration process. In addition, the linked bis(amidinate) configuration proved to be the thermodynamically stable form rather than the mono(amidinate) type by contrasting reaction of I with one equivalent of LiBu(n) and PhCN in sequence.

Linear and cyclic tetranuclear copper(i) complexes containing anions of N,N′-bis(pyrimidine-2-yl)formamidine

The reaction of Kpmf (pmf = anion of N,N[prime or minute]-bis(pyrimidyl-2-yl)formamidine, Hpmf) with CuSCN afforded the complexes K[Cu4(pmF)3(SCN)2], 1, and Cu(4)(pmf)4, 2. Reaction of 1 with [(n-Bu)4N]PF6 in THF gave the complex [(n-Bu)4N][Cu4(pmf)3(SCN)2], 3. Their structures were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1 and 3 are the first linear tetranuclear complexes containing only Cu(I) atoms, while complex 2 is cyclic. The four Cu(I) atoms of complexes 1 and 3 are helically bridged by three tetradentate pmf- ligands. The [Cu4(pmf)3(SCN)2]- anions of 1 show weak interactions with adjacent [K(THF)5]+ cations through the sulfur atoms, forming infinite chains which are subjected to a series of intermolecular pi-pi interactions. In complex 2, the pmf- ligands are coordinated to the copper atoms in bidentate fashion through the two central amine nitrogen atoms, leaving the pyrimidine nitrogen atoms uncoordinated. Unexpected fluxional behaviors were observed for complexes 1 and 3 in solution. By the DNMR analysis, the free energy of activation (DeltaGc(not equal)) for the exchange is 12.8 kcal mol(-1) at 278 K (T(c)), and the rate constant of exchange (K(c)) is 470 s(-1) for 1. The DeltaGc(not equal) and Kc are 12.6 kcal mol(-1) at 273 K and 433 s(-1), respectively, for 3.

Molecular and Electronic Structures by Design: Tuning Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Linear Trichromium Chains

The preparation, properties, and crystal structures of 12 trichromium extended metal atom chain (EMAC) compounds of the type Cr(3)(L)(4)X(2) (L = equatorial ligands dipyridylamide (dpa) or di-4,4'-ethyl-2,2'-pyridylamide (depa), and X = axial ligands, e.g., halide or pseudohalide ions) with large variations in metal-metal distances are reported here. These complexes, which belong to a broad class of fundamentally interesting trinuclear molecules over which the electrons may or may not be delocalized, pose significant theoretical and experimental challenges which are dealt with in this report. Complexes with strongly donating axial or equatorial ligands tend to favor a symmetrical (D(4)) molecular structure, while more weakly donating ligands give rise to unsymmetrical (C(4)) structures; the physical properties of these two classes of compounds are discussed fully, and important comparisons with a reported DFT model of the electronic structures of the compounds are made.

Unsymmetrical linear pentanuclear nickel string complexes: [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(H(2)O)(BF(4))](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(SO(3)CF(3))(2)](SO(3)CF(3))

The one-electron oxidized linear pentanuclear nickel complexes [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(H(2)O)(BF(4))](BF(4))(2) (1) and [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(SO(3)CF(3))(2)](SO(3)CF(3)) (2) have been synthesized by reacting the neutral compound [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)Cl(2)] with the corresponding silver salts. These compounds have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 15.3022(1) A, b = 31.0705(3) A, c = 15.8109(2) A, beta = 92.2425(4) degrees, V = 7511.49(13) A(3), Z = 4, and compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 42.1894(7) A, b = 17.0770(3) A, c = 21.2117(4) A, beta = 102.5688(8) degrees, V = 14916.1(5) A(3), Z = 8. X-ray structural studies reveal an unsymmetrical Ni(5) unit for both compounds 1 and 2. Compounds 1 and 2 show stronger Ni-Ni interactions as compared to those of the neutral compounds.