Anion-driven supramolecular modulation of spin-crossover properties in mononuclear iron(III) Schiff-base complexes

A series of Fe(III) complexes [Fe(5-F-sal-N-1,4,7,10)]Y (Y = PF₆^- for 1, Y = ClO₄^- for 2, Y = I^- for 3 and Y = NO₃^- for 4) have been prepared. Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic studies show that complex 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pna2₁ space group and complexes 2-4 have an isomorphous structure and crystallize in the same monoclinic space group, P2₁/n. Complexes 2-4 have two independent molecules (Fe1 and Fe2) in the unit cell. Magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrated that complexes 1 and 3 showed a gradual one-step SCO behavior (T_1/2 for 1 = 177 K and for 3 = 227 K) without thermal hysteresis. The magnetic behavior of 2 shows an incomplete two-step SCO process at T_1/2 = 114 K and 170 K, respectively, while 4 is in a high-spin state at all measured temperatures. A careful evaluation of the supramolecular structures of these complexes revealed correlation between the supramolecular packing forces and their SCO behavior. The crystal structure of 1 consists of a three-dimensional (3D) extended network constructed from N-H⋯F and C-H⋯F hydrogen bonds, and C-H⋯π and C⋯C short contacts. In compounds 2-4, the crystal packing is governed by C⋯C, C-H⋯π and p-π interactions for the Fe1 centers and by C-H⋯π/O interactions for the Fe2 centers, which form 1D chains. Additional interactions (C-H⋯F and N-H⋯O/I) connect the neighboring chains and planes to form a complex supramolecular network. The anion⋯π interactions in 4 provide a means for preventing SCO occurring at low temperatures. This suggests that the supramolecular connectivity of the anions influences the magnetic properties.

New Spin-Crossover Compounds Containing the [Ni(mnt)] Anion (mnt = Maleonitriledithiolate)

Two novel salts containing the anion [Ni(mnt)2]− (mnt = maleonitriledithiolate) have been synthesized. The counter-ions, [Fe(II)(L1 or L2)2], are cationic complexes where L1 and L2 are methylated derivatives of 2,6-bis(pyazolyl)pyridine or pyrazine, which are similar to ligands found in a series of spin-crossover (SCO) complexes. Both salts are characterized by variable temperature single crystal X-ray diffraction and bulk magnetization measurements. Compound 1, [Fe(II)(L1)2][Ni(mnt)2]2 displays an incomplete and gradual SCO up to 300 K, followed by a more rapid increase in the high-spin fraction between 300 and 350 K. Compound 2, [Fe(II)(L2)2][Ni(mnt)2]2.MeNO2, shows a gradual, but more complete SCO response centered at 250 K. For compound 2, the SCO is confirmed by variable temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy. In both cases, the anionic moieties are isolated from each other and so no electrical conductivity is observed.

Magnetism, Conductivity and Spin-Spin Interactions in Layered Hybrid Structure of Anionic Radicals [Ni(dmit)2] Alternated by Iron(III) Spin-Crossover Complex [Fe(III)(3-OMe-Sal2trien)] and Ferric Moiety Precursors

In this study, crystals of the hybrid layered structure, combined with Fe(III) Spin-Crossover (SCO) complexes with metal-dithiolate anionic radicals, and the precursors with nitrate and iodine counterions, are obtained and characterized. [Fe(III)(3-OMe-Sal₂trien)][Ni(dmit)₂] (1), [Fe(III)(3-OMe-Sal₂trien)]NO₃·H₂O (2), [Fe(III)(3-OMe-Sal₂trien)]I (3) (3-OMe-Sal₂trien = hexadentate N₄O₂ Schiff base is the product of the condensation of triethylenetetramine with 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde; H₂dmit = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiol). Bulk SCO transition was not achieved in the range 2.0–350 K for all three compounds. Alternatively, the hybrid system (1) exhibited irreversible segregation into the spatial fractions of Low-Spin (LS) and High-Spin (HS) phases of the ferric moiety, induced by thermal cycling. Fractioning was studied using both SQUID and EPR methods. Magnetic properties of the LS and HS phases were analyzed in the framework of cooperative interactions with anionic sublattice: Anion radical layers Ni(dmit)₂ (1), and H-bonded chains with NO₃ and I (2,3). LS phase of (1) exhibited unusual quasi-two-dimensional conductivity related to the Arrhenius mechanism in the anion radical layers, ρ_||c = 2 × 10⁵ Ohm·cm and ρ_⊥c = 7 × 10² Ohm·cm at 293 K. Ground spin state of the insulating HS phase was distinctive by ferromagnetically coupled spin pairs of HS Fe³⁺, S = 5/2, and metal-dithiolate radicals, S = 1/2.

Vapour- and solvent-mediated crystalline transformations in Mo(vi) hydrazone complexes controlled by noncovalent interactions

Through the use of hydrogen bond driven solid-state synthesis, mononuclear complexes are transformed into crystalline materials.

Molybdenum(vi) complexes of hemilabile aroylhydrazone ligands as efficient catalysts for greener cyclooctene epoxidation: an experimental and theoretical approach

The focus of this work was on the synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of Mo(vi) complexes with hemilabile 2-aminobenzhydrazone ligands.

Evolution of Spin-Crossover Transition in Hybrid Crystals Involving Cationic Iron Complexes [Fe(III)(3-OMesal2-trien)]+ and Anionic Gold Bis(dithiolene) Complexes Au(dmit)2 and Au(dddt)2

Hybrid ion-pair crystals involving hexadentate [Fe(III)(3-OMesal2-trien)]+ spin-crossover (SCO) cationic complexes and anionic gold complexes [Au(dmit)2]− (1) (dmit = 4,5-dithiolato-1,3-dithiole-2-thione) and [Au(dddt)2]− (2) (dddt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2,3-dithiolate) were synthesized and studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, P-XRD, and SQUID magnetometry. Our study shows that both complexes have similar 1:1 stoichiometry but different symmetry and crystal packing. Complex 1 has a rigid structure in which the SCO cations are engaged in strong π-interplay with molecular surrounding and does not show SCO transition while 2 demonstrates a reversible transition at Tsco = 118 K in a much “softer”, hydrogen-bonded structure. A new structural indicator of spin state in [Fe(sal2-trien)]+ complexes based on conformational analysis has been proposed. Aging and thermocycling ruined the SCO transition increasing the residual HS fraction from 14 to 41%. Magnetic response of 1 is explained by the AFM coupled dimers S = 5/2 with J1 = −0.18 cm−1. Residual high-spin fraction of 2, apart from a contribution of the weak dimers with J12 = J34 = −0.29 cm−1, is characterized by a stronger interdimer coupling of J23 = −1.69 cm−1, which is discussed in terms of possible involvement of neutral radicals [Au(dddt)2].

Magnetic and structural correlations in [Fe(nsal2trien)] salts: the role of cation–anion interactions in the spin crossover phenomenon

Cation–anion and cation–solvent–anion interactions determine the SCO behaviour of six [Fe^III(nsal₂trien)] salts.

Surface induces different crystal structures in a room temperature switchable spin crossover compound

We investigated the influence of surfaces in the formation of different crystal structures of a spin crossover compound, namely [Fe(L)2] (LH: (2-(pyrazol-1-yl)-6-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine), which is a neutral compound thermally switchable around room temperature. We observed that the surface induces the formation of two different crystal structures, which exhibit opposite spin transitions, i.e. on heating them up to the transition temperature, one polymorph switches from high spin to low spin and the second polymorph switches irreversibly from low spin to high spin. We attributed this inversion to the presence of water molecules H-bonded to the complex tetrazolyl moieties in the crystals. Thin deposits were investigated by means of polarized optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and micro Raman spectroscopy; moreover the analysis of the Raman spectra and the interpretation of spin inversion were supported by DFT calculations.

Spin Crossover, Polymorphism and Porosity to Liquid Solvent in Heteroleptic Iron(III) {Quinolylsalicylaldimine/Thiosemicarbazone-Salicylaldimine} Complexes

Heteroleptic iron(III) complexes of formula [Fe(qsal)(thsa)]⋅solvent have been synthesized: [Fe(qsal)(thsa)]⋅0.4 BuOH (1), [Fe(qsal)(thsa)]⋅0.5 MeCN (2) and [Fe(qsal)(thsa)]⋅0.5 THF, (3). The latter two show partial solvent loss at room temperature to yield [Fe(qsal)(thsa)]⋅0.1 MeCN (2') and [Fe(qsal)(thsa)]⋅0.1 THF (3'), respectively. This family maintains a structural integrity which is analogous over different degrees of solvation, a rare occurrence in discrete molecular species. Uniquely, removal of MeCN from compound 2 leads to retention of crystallinity yielding the isostructural, fully desolvated compound [Fe(qsal)(thsa)] (2'') and a new high spin polymorph, 4. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first compound that forms polymorphs through a desolvation process. The desolvated mixture, 2'' and 4, is porous and can reabsorb MeCN and give rise to 2' again. This illustrates the reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation of two polymorphs back to a purely original phase, 2''+4↔2'. The structural, magnetic and Mőssbauer features of the various samples are described in terms of spin crossover.

Spin-crossover phenomena of the mononuclear Mn(III) complex tuned by metal dithiolene counteranions

Three ion-pair complexes based on spin-crossover [Mn(5-Br-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]ClO4 with TBA2[Ni(mnt)2], TBA2[Pt(mnt)2] (mnt = maleonitriledithiolate) and TBA[Ni(dmit)2] respectively (dmit = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complexes [Mn(5-Br-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]2[Ni(mnt)2] and [Mn(5-Br-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]2[Pt(mnt)2] are isomorphic and show the axial compression of the octahedral coordination environment of Mn(III) ions. With the temperature increasing the equatorial metal-ligand bond lengths show significant elongation, but the axial bond lengths remain unchanged. Complex [Mn(5-Br-sal-N-1,5,8,12)][Ni(dmit)2]·CH3CN contains π-π, p-π and H-bonds weak interactions. Magnetic investigation shows the spin-crossover phenomena for and , and T1/2 has been increased by 230 K comparing with the reactant complex. However, no spin-crossover was observed in complex , and theoretical calculations show that there are weak antiferromagnetic couplings mediated through π-π interactions.

Structure:function relationships in molecular spin-crossover complexes

Spin-crossover compounds are becoming increasingly popular for device and sensor applications, and in soft materials, that make use of their switchable colour, paramagnetism and conductivity. The de novo design of new solid spin-crossover compounds with pre-defined switching properties is desirable for application purposes. This challenging problem of crystal engineering requires an understanding of how the temperature and cooperativity of a spin-transition are influenced by the structure of the bulk material. Towards that end, this critical review presents a survey of molecular spin-crossover compounds with good availability of crystallographic data. A picture is emerging that changes in molecular shape between the high- and low-spin states, and the ability of a lattice to accommodate such changes, can play an important role in determining the existence and the cooperativity of a thermal spin-transition in the solid state (198 references).

Orange and yellow crystals of copper(I) complexes bearing 8-(diphenylphosphino)quinoline: a pair of distortion isomers of an intrinsic tetrahedral complex

The tetrafluoroborate salt of bis{8-(diphenylphosphino)quinoline}copper(I), [Cu(Ph(2)Pqn)(2)]BF(4), afforded orange prismatic (2O) or yellow columnar (2Y) crystals, dependent on the solvent and concentration of the recrystallization solution used. X-ray analysis revealed that crystals of 2O and 2Y had the same composition and exhibited different crystal systems: 2O was triclinic, with space group P ̅1 and Z = 2, and 2Y was monoclinic with space group P2(1)/c and Z = 4. In these crystals, the tetrahedral copper(I) complex exhibited a strong "rocking distortion" toward a trigonal pyramidal coordination geometry (by a slide translation of one of the unsymmetrical bidentate chelating ligands along the tetrahedral edge). In addition, both the 2O and 2Y complexes showed a "flattening distortion", meaning that the dihedral angle between the two chelate planes were off-perpendicular and oriented toward opposite directions, which resulted in a pair of distortion isomers: syn clinal (sc: 2O) and anti clinal (ac: 2Y). (31)P CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy indicated that 2O and 2Y could be distinguished. Both isomers exhibited inequivalent P atoms, but a larger difference in chemical shift was observed in 2Y. TD-DFT calculations reproduced the difference in spectra between the orange- and yellow-colored complexes, which originated from metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transitions.