MnIV4O4 Model of the S3 Intermediate of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex: Effect of the Dianionic Disiloxide Ligand

Synthetic complexes provide useful models to study the interplay between the structure and spectroscopy of the different Sn-state intermediates of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II (PSII). Complexes containing the MnIV4 core corresponding to the S3 state, the last observable intermediate prior to dioxygen formation, remain very rare. Toward the development of synthetic strategies to stabilize highly oxidized tetranuclear complexes, ligands with increased anion charge were pursued. Herein, we report the synthesis, electrochemistry, SQUID magnetometry, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of a stable MnIV4O4 cuboidal complex supported by a disiloxide ligand. The substitution of an anionic acetate or amidate ligand with a dianionic disiloxide ligand shifts the reduction potential of the MnIIIMnIV3/MnIV4 redox couple by up to ∼760 mV, improving stability. The S = 3 spin ground state of the siloxide-ligated MnIV4O4 complex matches the acetate and amidate variants, in corroboration with the MnIV4 assignment of the S3 state of the OEC.

Imidazolin-2-iminato Cerium(IV) Chlorides: Synthesis, Structure and Electrochemical Properties

The ligand field greatly affects the redox properties of cerium. Herein, cerium(III) and cerium(IV) complexes supported by imidazolin-2-iminato ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized, and their electrochemical properties were investigated. Silylamine elimination of cerium(III) amide Ce{N(SiMe₃ )₂ }₃ with imidazolin-2-imine Im^R NH (R=Mes, tBu, iPr) provided imidazolin-2-iminato cerium(III) complexes, [(Im^Mes N)(Im^Mes NH)Ce{N(SiMe₃ )₂ }₂ ] (1), [(Im^tBu N)₂ (Im^tBu NH)Ce{N(SiMe₃ )₂ }] (2) and [(Im^iPr N)₂ (Im^iPr NH)Ce(μ-Im^iPr N)]₂ (4) in 71-85% yields. These cerium(III) complexes were successfully oxidized by Ph₃ CCl or C₂ Cl₆ to afford imidazolin-2-iminato cerium(IV) chlorides, [(Im^Mes N)₂ Ce{N(SiMe₃ )₂ }Cl] (5), [(Im^tBu N)₃ CeCl] (6) and [(Im^iPr N)₂ Ce(μ-Im^iPr N)Cl]₂ (7) in 70%-76% yields. All complexes were characterized by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which showed that 1, 2, 5 and 6 are monomers while 4 and 7 are dimers. The electrochemical studies indicated that the Ce(III/IV) couples for 5 and 6 are more negative than those of silylamido cerium(IV) complexes, and the Ce(III/IV) couples for 1 and 2 have a similar trend.

Structure, reactivity and luminescence studies of triphenylsiloxide complexes of tetravalent lanthanides

Among the 14 lanthanide elements (Ce–Lu), until recently, the tetravalent oxidation state was readily accessible in solution only for cerium while Pr(iv), Nd(iv), Dy(iv) and Tb(iv) had only been detected in the solid state. The triphenylsiloxide ligand recently allowed the isolation of molecular complexes of Tb(iv) and Pr(iv) providing an unique opportunity of investigating the luminescent properties of Ln(iv) ions. Here we have expanded the coordination studies of the triphenylsiloxide ligand with Ln(iii) and Ln(iv) ions and we report the first observed luminescence emission spectra of Pr(iv) complexes which are assigned to a ligand-based emission on the basis of the measured lifetime and computational studies. Binding of the ligand to the Pr(iv) ion leads to an unprecedented large shift of the ligand triplet state which is relevant for future applications in materials science.

The first observed luminescence emission spectra of Pr(iv) complexes are assigned to a ligand-based emission. Binding of the triphenylsiloxide ligand to the Pr(iv) ion leads to an unprecedented large red shift of its triplet state.

Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Complexes of Cerium(IV): Synthesis, Reactivity, and Electrochemistry

Treatment of Cp*₂CeCl₂K(THF) with alkali-metal alkoxides and siloxides in the presence of hexachloroethane generates the monomeric bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) cerium(IV) complexes Cp*₂Ce(OR)₂ (Cp* = C₅Me₅; R = Et, iPr, CH₂tBu, tBu, SiMe₃, or SiPh₃). Large substituents R trigger ligand scrambling to half-sandwich complexes Cp*Ce(OR)₃, which could be isolated for R = tBu and SiPh₃. Similar reactions with sodium aryloxide NaOAr (OAr = OC₆H₃iPr₂-2,6) led to Cp*₂Ce(OAr)Cl. Treatment of tris(cyclopentadienyl) complexes Cp^R₃CeCl (Cp^H = Cp = C₅H₅; Cp^Me = C₅H₄Me) with NaOAr afforded Cp^Me₂Ce(OAr)₂ and Cp₃Ce(OAr). The cerium(IV) complexes display a pseudotetrahedral geometry in the solid state. Cyclic voltammetry revealed mostly chemically reversible as well as electrochemically quasi-reversible redox processes with potentials ranging from -0.84 to -1.61 V versus Fc/Fc⁺. Switching from sandwich to half-sandwich complexes decreased the electrochemical potentials drastically, showing better stabilization of the cerium(IV) center in the case of Cp*Ce(OR)₃ than in the case of Cp*₂Ce(OR)₂. Enhanced stabilization of the cerium +IV oxidation state could be further demonstrated in the series alkoxy > siloxy > aryloxy as well as C₅Me₅ > C₅HMe₄.

Lanthanoid Complexes as Molecular Materials: The Redox Approach

The development of molecular materials with novel functionality offers promise for technological innovation. Switchable molecules that incorporate redox-active components are enticing candidate compounds due to their potential for electronic manipulation. Lanthanoid metals are most prevalent in their trivalent state and usually redox-activity in lanthanoid complexes is restricted to the ligand. The unique electronic and physical properties of lanthanoid ions have been exploited for various applications, including in magnetic and luminescent materials as well as in catalysis. Lanthanoid complexes are also promising for applications reliant on switchability, where the physical properties can be modulated by varying the oxidation state of a coordinated ligand. Lanthanoid-based redox activity is also possible, encompassing both divalent and tetravalent metal oxidation states. Thus, utilization of redox-active lanthanoid metals offers an attractive opportunity to further expand the capabilities of molecular materials. This review surveys both ligand and lanthanoid centered redox-activity in pre-existing molecular systems, including tuning of lanthanoid magnetic and photophysical properties by modulating the redox states of coordinated ligands. Ultimately the combination of redox-activity at both ligands and metal centers in the same molecule can afford novel electronic structures and physical properties, including multiconfigurational electronic states and valence tautomerism. Further targeted exploration of these features is clearly warranted, both to enhance understanding of the underlying fundamental chemistry, and for the generation of a potentially important new class of molecular material.

Oxidizing Cerium(IV) Alkoxide Complexes Supported by the Kläui Ligand [Co(η5-C5H5){P(O)(OEt)2}3]-: Synthesis, Structure, and Redox Reactivity

Tetravalent cerium alkoxide complexes supported by the Kläui tripodal ligand [Co(η⁵-C₅H₅){P(O)(OEt)₂}₃]^- (L_OEt^-) have been synthesized, and their nucleophilic and redox reactivity have been studied. Treatment of the Ce(IV) oxo complex [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(O)(H₂O)]·MeCONH₂ (1) with ⁱPrOH or reaction of [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂Cl₂] (2) with Ag₂O in ⁱPrOH afforded the Ce(IV) dialkoxide complex [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(OⁱPr)₂] (3-iPr). The methoxide and ethoxide analogues [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(OR)₂] (R = Me (3-Me), Et (3-Et)) have been prepared similarly from 2 and Ag₂O in ROH. Reaction of 3-iPr with an equimolar amount of 2 yielded a new Ce(IV) complex that was formulated as the chloro-alkoxide complex [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(OⁱPr)Cl] (4). Treatment of 3-iPr with HX and methyl triflate (MeOTf) afforded [Ce(L_OEt)₂X₂] (X^- = Cl^-, NO₃^-, PhO^-) and [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(OTf)₂], respectively, whereas treatment with excess CO₂ in hexane led to isolation of the Ce(IV) carbonate [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(CO₃)]. 3-iPr reacted with water in hexane to give a Ce(III) complex and a Ce(IV) species, presumably the reported tetranuclear oxo cluster [Ce^IV₄(L_OEt)₄(O)₅(OH)₂]. The Ce(IV) alkoxide complexes are capable of oxidizing substituted phenols, possibly via a proton-coupled electron transfer pathway. Treatment of 3-iPr with ArOH afforded the Ce(III) aryloxide complexes [Ce^III(L_OEt)₂(OAr)] (Ar = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl (5), 2,6-diphenylphenyl (6)). On the other hand, a Ce(III) complex containing a monodeprotonated 2,2'-biphenol ligand, [Ce^III(L_OEt)₂(^tBu₄C₁₂H₄O₂H)] (7) (^tBu₄C₁₂H₄O₂H₂ = 4,4',6,6'-tetra-tert-butyl-2,2'-biphenol), was isolated from the reaction of 3-iPr with 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol. The crystal structures of complexes 3-iPr, 3-Me, 3-Et, and 5-7 have been determined.

Cerium(iv) complexes with guanidinate ligands: intense colors and anomalous electronic structures

A series of cerium(iv) mixed-ligand guanidinate–amide complexes, {[(Me₃Si)₂NC(NⁱPr)₂]_xCe^IV[N(SiMe₃)₂]_3−x}⁺ (x = 0–3), was prepared by chemical oxidation of the corresponding cerium(iii) complexes, where x = 1 and 2 represent novel complexes. The Ce(iv) complexes exhibited a range of intense colors, including red, black, cyan, and green. Notably, increasing the number of the guanidinate ligands from zero to three resulted in significant redshift of the absorption bands from 503 nm (2.48 eV) to 785 nm (1.58 eV) in THF. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra indicated increasing f occupancy (n_f) with more guanidinate ligands, and revealed the multiconfigurational ground states for all Ce(iv) complexes. Cyclic voltammetry experiments demonstrated less stabilization of the Ce(iv) oxidation state with more guanidinate ligands. Moreover, the Ce(iv) tris(guanidinate) complex exhibited temperature independent paramagnetism (TIP) arising from the small energy gap between the ground- and excited states with considerable magnetic moments. Computational analysis suggested that the origin of the low energy absorption bands was a charge transfer between guanidinate π orbitals that were close in energy to the unoccupied Ce 4f orbitals. However, the incorporation of sterically hindered guanidinate ligands inhibited optimal overlaps between Ce 5d and ligand N 2p orbitals. As a result, there was an overall decrease of ligand-to-metal donation and a less stabilized Ce(iv) oxidation state, while at the same time, more of the donated electron density ended up in the 4f shell. The results indicate that incorporating guanidinate ligands into Ce(iv) complexes gives rise to intense charge transfer bands and noteworthy electronic structures, providing insights into the stabilization of tetravalent lanthanide oxidation states.

A series of cerium(iv) mixed-ligand guanidinate-amide complexes, {[(Me₃Si)₂NC(NⁱPr)₂]_xCe^IV[N(SiMe₃)₂]_3−x}+ (x = 0−3), was prepared by chemical oxidation and studied spectroscopically and computationally, revealing trends in 4f/5d orbital occupancies.

Cerium-quinone redox couples put under scrutiny

Homoleptic cerous complexes Ce[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃, [Ce{OSi(OtBu)₃}₃]₂ and [Ce{OSiⁱPr₃}₃]₂ were employed as thermally robust, weakly nucleophilic precursors to assess their reactivity towards 1,4-quinones in non-aqueous solution. The strongly oxidizing quinones 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) or tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (Cl₄BQ) readily form hydroquinolato-bridged ceric complexes of the composition [(Ce^IVL₃)₂(μ₂-O₂C₆R₄)]. Less oxidising quinones like 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (tBu₂BQ) tend to engage in redox equilibria with the ceric hydroquinolato-bridged form being stable only in the solid state. Even less oxidising quinones such as tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (Me₄BQ) afford cerous semiquinolates of the type [(Ce^IIIL₂(thf)₂)(μ₂-O₂C₆Me₄)]₂. All complexes were characterised by X-ray diffraction, ¹H, ¹³C{¹H} and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy, DRIFT spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and CV measurements. The species putatively formed during the electrochemical reduction of [Ce^IV{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃]₂(μ₂-O₂C₆H₄) could be mimicked by chemical reduction with Co^IICp₂ yielding [(Ce^III{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃)₂(μ₂-O₂C₆H₄)][Co^IIICp₂]₂.

Cerium Pyrazolates Grafted onto Mesoporous Silica SBA-15: Reversible CO2 Uptake and Catalytic Cycloaddition of Epoxides and Carbon Dioxide

The activation and catalytic conversion of CO₂ is a current topic relating to molecular chemistry and materials science alike. As a transdisciplinary field of research, surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC) might be applicable to perform synergistically, thus striking a new path in sustainable chemistry. Both ceric and cerous rare-earth-metal pyrazolates, which were recently shown to reversibly insert CO₂ and to promote the catalytic cycloaddition of epoxides and carbon dioxide, were grafted onto large-pore mesoporous silica SBA-15₅₀₀, thermally pretreated at 500 °C. The obtained hybrid materials [Ce(Me₂pz)₄]₂@SBA-15₅₀₀, Ce(Me₂pz)₄(thf)@SBA-15₅₀₀, Ce₄(Me₂pz)₁₂@SBA-15₅₀₀, and [Ce(Me₂pz)₃(thf)]₂@SBA-15₅₀₀ (Me₂pz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazolato) were characterized by DRIFTS (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy), solid-state ¹H/¹³C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, ICP/OES, and N₂ physisorption. The lanthanum(III)-based material [La(Me₂pz)₃(thf)]₂@SBA-15₅₀₀ was synthesized for better assessment of the cerous materials being highly sensitive to oxidation. To mimic ceric surface species, Ce[OSi(OtBu)₃]₃Cl was treated with 1 equiv of K(Me₂pz), generating the mixed pyrazolyl/siloxy complex KCe[OSi(OtBu)₃]₄(Me₂pz) featuring a cerium(IV)-bonded terminal pyrazolato ligand. All hybrid materials show efficient and reversible carbon dioxide uptake of maximum 20 wt % in the solid state. When combined with tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (TBAB), the hybrid materials catalyze the cycloaddition of CO₂ and epoxides, displaying good conversion of various epoxides and reusability.

Accessing the +IV Oxidation State in Molecular Complexes of Praseodymium

Out of the 14 lanthanide (Ln) ions, molecular complexes of Ln(IV) were known only for cerium and more recently terbium. Here we demonstrate that the +IV oxidation state is also accessible for the large praseodymium (Pr) cation. The oxidation of the tetrakis(triphenysiloxide) Pr(III) ate complex, [KPr(OSiPh₃)₄(THF)₃], 1-Pr^Ph, with [N(C₆H₄Br)₃][SbCl₆], affords the Pr(IV) complex [Pr(OSiPh₃)₄(MeCN)₂], 2-Pr^Ph, which is stable once isolated. The solid state structure, UV-visible spectroscopy, magnetometry, and cyclic voltammetry data along with the DFT computations of the 2-Pr^Ph complex unambiguously confirm the presence of Pr(IV).

Small molecule activation by multimetallic uranium complexes supported by siloxide ligands

The synthesis and reactivity of uranium compounds supported by the tris-tert-butoxysiloxide ligand is surveyed. The multiple binding modes of the tert-butoxysiloxide ligand have proven very well suited to stabilize highly reactive homo- and heteropolymetallic complexes of uranium that have shown an unusual high reactivity towards small molecules such as CO2, CS2, chalcogens and azides. Moreover, these ligands have allowed the isolation of dinuclear nitride and oxide bridged complexes of uranium in various oxidation states. The ability of the tris-tert-butoxysiloxide ligands to trap alkali ions in these nitride or oxide complexes leads to unprecedented ligand based and metal based reduction and functionalization of N2, CO, CO2 and H2.

Unveiling the Takai Olefination Reagent via Tris( tert-butoxy)siloxy Variants

The elusive Takai olefination reagent, namely, the iodo-methylidene Cr(III) complex [Cr₂Cl₄(CHI)(thf)₄], has been isolated by careful handling of the reaction between CrCl₂ and CHI₃ in THF at -35 °C. Alternatively, treatment of [Cr(OSi(O tBu)₃)₂] with CHI₃ gave the mixed-valent dihalido-methanide complex [Cr^II/III₂I₂(OSi(O tBu)₃)₂(CHI₂)], featuring a Cr(III)-CHI₂ moiety. In the presence of TMEDA nucleophilic attack at CHI₂ occurred generating the zwitterionic species [Cr^III(OSi(O tBu)₃)₂(tmeda-CHI)][I]. Complexes [Cr₂Cl₄(CHI)(thf)₄] and [Cr^II/III₂I₂(OSi(O tBu)₃)₂(CHI₂)] were screened for their ability to induce monohalido olefination of benzaldehyde. Remarkably, both complexes promote olefination, with [Cr₂Cl₄(CHI)(thf)₄] accomplishing the same E selectivity as Takai 's original mixture. Complex [Cr^II/III₂I₂(OSi(O tBu)₃)₂(CHI₂)], however, appeared to give preferentially Z isomer, corroborating the monoiodo-methylidene species Cr(III)-CHI-Cr(III) as the active olefination component of the original in situ generated Takai reagent mixture.