Visible light mediated photocatalysis by lanthanide metal-organic frameworks: enhanced specificity and mechanistic insights

The utilization of earth-abundant photosensitizers with visible light absorption to enable sustainable photocatalysis is a long-standing challenge. Overcoming such a challenge, in this work, two lanthanide (Ln3+ = Tb, Eu) based metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) have been synthesized utilizing a Co3+-based metalloligand. Both Ln-MOFs function as remarkable photocatalysts for the selective oxidation of assorted alcohols and sulfides to their corresponding aldehydes/ketones and sulfoxides using visible light. The photophysical behavior of both Ln-MOFs and mechanism of photocatalysis is comprehensively investigated using time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, photoluminescence and phosphorescence studies. In both Ln-MOFs, a metalloligand acts as a light-harvester, being excited by visible light, while Ln3+ ions endow the resulting MOFs with long-lived triplet excited states. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, further supported by electron paramagnetic resonance spectra, revealed excited-state electron transfer from metalloligands to the Ln3+ ions and transient generation of Ln2+ sites alongside the facilitation of intersystem crossing. The excited Ln2+ ions transfer energy to the ground-state triplet oxygen (3O2) to generate singlet oxygen (1O2). The HOMO-LUMO positions of both Ln-MOFs support the generation of ˙O2 - and 1O2 but inhibit strongly-oxidizing yet non-selective ˙OH radicals. Scavenger experiments, 1O2 traps and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra confirmed the generation of singlet oxygen. The heavy-metal effect of a lanthanide ion in Ln-MOFs for the generation of triplet excitons is confirmed by the synthesis of a non-heavy-metal analogue involving a zinc ion via a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation strategy. The present results are noteworthy and may aid in the development of other earth-abundant metalloligand-based photocatalysts for challenging yet sustainable catalysis.

Investigating the Conformations of a Family of [M2L3]4+ Helicates Using Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction

We present five new dinuclear triple helicate compounds of types [Mn₂L₃](ClO₄)₄, [Co₂L₃](BF₄)₄, [Ni₂L₃](BF₄)₄, [Cu₂L₃](BF₄)₄, and [Zn₂L₃](BF₄)₄, where L is a previously reported semi-rigid ligand incorporating two α-diimine primary donor groups and two secondary 4-pyridyl donor groups. All complexes have been characterized in both solution and the solid state. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were used to probe the variation in the respective helical structures as the coordinated metal ion was altered, including the effect on the orientations of the secondary binding domains. The influence of the metal ion size, the spin state in the case of Fe(II), and the presence of Jahn-Teller distortions on the overall helical structure has been investigated. These results form a basis for the design and construction of new large metallosupramolecular architectures which manifest properties associated with the constituent helical metalloligand units.

Expanded Ligands Based upon Iron(II) Coordination Compounds of Asymmetrical Bis(terpyridine) Domains

The synthesis and characterization of two tritopic ligands containing a 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (tpy) metal binding domain and either a 3,2':6',3″- or a 4,2':6',4″-tpy domain are detailed. The synthetic routes to these ligands involved the [Pd(dppf)Cl₂]-catalyzed coupling of a boronic ester-functionalized 2,2':6',2″-tpy with bromo-derivatives of 3,2':6',3″-tpy or 4,2':6',4″-tpy. The 2,2':6',2″-tpy domains of the tritopic ligands preferentially bind Fe²⁺ in reactions with iron(II) salts leading to the formation of two homoleptic iron(II) complexes containing two peripheral 3,2':6',3″-tpy or 4,2':6',4″-tpy metal-binding sites, respectively. These iron(II) complexes are potentially tetratopic ligands and represent expanded versions of tetra(pyridin-4-yl)pyrazine.

New Ferrocene-Based Metalloligand with Two Triazole Carboxamide Pendant Arms and Its Iron(II) Complex: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, 57Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopy, Magnetic Properties and Theoretical Calculations

The new ferrocene-based metalloligand bis (N-4-[3,5-di-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazoyl])ferrocene carboxamide (L) was prepared through derivatization of 1,1′-ferrocenedicarboxylic acid with 4-amino-3,5-di(pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole. The composition and purity of L in the solid state was determined with elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and its crystal structure with single-crystal X-ray analysis, which revealed that the substituted cyclopentadienyl rings adopt the antiperiplanar conformation and the crystal structure of L is stabilized by O–H···N and N–H···O hydrogen bonds. The molecular properties of L in solution were investigated with NMR and UV-VIS spectroscopies, and cyclic voltammetry disclosed irreversible redox behavior providing one oxidation peak at E1/2 = 1.133 V vs. SHE. Furthermore, the polymeric FeII complex {Fe(L)(C(CN)3)2}n (1) was prepared and characterized with elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. The last two methods confirmed that a mixture of low- and high-spin species is present in 1; however, the spin crossover properties were absent. The presented study was also supported by theoretical calculations at the DFT/TD-DFT level of theory using TPSS and TPSSh functionals.

Tailored Inorganic-Organic Architectures via Metalloligands

This article discusses the design principles and strategies and the structural outcome of various supramolecular architectures constructed by utilizing well-defined coordination complexes as the metalloligands. We have included selected examples of metalloligands, offering either pyridyl or arylcarboxylic acid groups as the appended functional groups, for illustrating the construction of their supramolecular architectures. Both geometrical position and the number of the appended functional groups emerging from a metalloligand were found to critically regulate the structural aspects and dimensionality of the resultant material. The article concludes by delineating the structure-directing lessions as well as the potential applications of the metalloligand-based supramolecular architectures for the generation of next-level materials.

Encapsulation-Led Adsorption of Neutral Dyes and Complete Photodegradation of Cationic Dyes and Antipsychotic Drugs by Lanthanide-Based Macrocycles

Molecular architectures offering large cavities can accommodate guest molecules, while their compositional engineering allows tunability of the band gap to support photocatalysis using visible light. In this work, two lanthanide (Ln)-based macrocycles, synthesized using a cobalt-based metalloligand and offering large rectangular cavities, exhibited selective adsorption of neutral dyes over both anionic and cationic dyes. Both Ln macrocycles illustrated complete photodegradation of cationic dyes using visible light without the use of any oxidant. Both Ln macrocycles exhibited complete photodegradation of not only cationic dyes but also a few phenothiazine-based antipsychotic drugs. Photocatalysis involved the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was corroborated with the band gap of two Ln macrocycles. These results were supported by radical scavenger studies and the quantitative estimation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Complete photodegradation of both dyes and drugs was confirmed by spectral studies, while the generation of CO₂ and N₂ gases was established by gas chromatography. Importantly, Ln macrocycles were able to distinguish between the neutral dyes that were quantitatively adsorbed and the cationic dyes/drugs that were completely photodegraded.

Tuning Photophysical Properties by p-Functional Groups in Zn(II) and Cd(II) Complexes with Piperonylic Acid

Aggregation between discrete molecules is an essential factor to prevent aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). Indeed, functional groups capable of generating strong hydrogen bonds are likely to assemble and cause ACQ and photoinduced electron transfer processes. Thus, it is possible to compare absorption and emission properties by incorporating two ligands with a different bias toward intra- and intermolecular interactions that can induce a specific structural arrangement. In parallel, the π electron-donor or electron-withdrawing character of the functional groups could modify the Highest Ocuppied Molecular Orbital (HOMO)–Lowest Unocuppied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) energy gap. Reactions of M(OAc)₂·2H₂O (M = Zn(II) and Cd(II); OAc = acetate) with 1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylic acid (Piperonylic acid, HPip) and 4-acetylpyridine (4-Acpy) or isonicotinamide (Isn) resulted in the formation of four complexes. The elucidation of their crystal structure showed the formation of one paddle-wheel [Zn(μ-Pip)₂(4-Acpy)]₂ (1); a mixture of one dimer and two monomers [Zn(µ-Pip)(Pip)(Isn)₂]₂·2[Zn(Pip)₂(HPip)(Isn)]·2MeOH (2); and two dimers [Cd(μ-Pip)(Pip)(4-Acpy)₂]₂ (3) and [Cd(μ-Pip)(Pip)(Isn)₂]₂·MeOH (4). They exhibit bridged (1, µ₂-η¹:η¹), bridged, chelated and monodentated (2, µ₂-η¹:η¹, µ₁-η¹:η¹ and µ₁-η¹), or simultaneously bridged and chelated (3 and 4, µ₂-η²:η¹) coordination modes. Zn(II) centers accommodate coordination numbers 5 and 6, whereas Cd(II) presents coordination number 7. We have related their photophysical properties and fluorescence quantum yields with their geometric variations and interactions supported by TD-DFT calculations.

Coordination Polymers as a Functional Material for the Selective Molecular Recognition of Nitroaromatics and ipso-Hydroxylation of Arylboronic Acids

We report the synthesis and structural characterization of two coordination polymers (CPs), namely; [{Zn(L)(DMF)₄ } ⋅ 2BF₄ ]_α (1) and [{Cd(L)₂ (Cl)₂ } ⋅ 2H₂ O]_α (2) (where L=N² ,N⁶ -di(pyridin-4-yl)naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxamide). Crystal packing of 1 reveals the existence of channels running along the b- and c-axis filled by the ligated DMF and lattice anions, respectively. Whereas, crystal packing of 2 reveals that the metallacycles of each 1D chain are intercalating into the groove of adjacent metallacycles resulting in the stacking of 1D loop-chains to form a sheet-like architecture. In addition, both 1 and 2 were exploited as multifunctional materials for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) as well as a catalyst in the ipso-hydroxylation of aryl/heteroarylboronic acids. Remarkably, 1 and 2 showed high fluorescence stability in an aqueous medium and displayed a maximum 88% and 97% quenching efficiency for 4-NPH, respectively among all the investigated NACs. The mechanistic investigation of NACs recognition suggested that the fluorescence quenching occurred via electron as well as energy transfer process. Furthermore, the ipso-hydroxylation of aryl/heteroarylboronic acids in presence of 1 and 2 gave up to 99% desired product yield within 15 min in our established protocol. In both cases, 1 and 2 are recyclable upto five cycles without any significant loss in their efficiency.

A tryptophan-based copper(ii) coordination polymer: catalytic activity towards Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions

An unusual tryptophan coordination mode with copper(ii) wherein l-tryp is coordinated through the carboxylate and amine groups. A heterogeneous catalyst for the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction with ∼98% yield under normal reaction conditions.

Architectural and catalytic aspects of designer materials built using metalloligands of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide based ligands

This perspective presents the design, synthesis and crystal structures of a large number of architectures constructed using assorted metalloligands of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide based ligands. The metalloligands offered various appended functional groups, whereas design strategies included varying both their position and number. A combination of these parameters resulted in the development of assorted architectures including discrete trinuclear and tetranuclear complexes as well as 1D/2D/3D coordination polymers. The metalloligand strategy not only assisted in the construction of ordered crystalline materials with varied dimensionalities but also judiciously allowed the incorporation of Lewis acidic and redox-active secondary metals in the resultant architectures. As a result, such designer architectures illustrated their noteworthy role both as homogenous and heterogeneous catalysts in different organic transformation reactions.

The vital role of ditopic N–N bridging ligands with different lengths in the formation of new binuclear dioxomolybdenum(vi) complexes: synthesis, crystal structures, supramolecular framework and protein binding studies

Role of bis-(pyridyl) and bis-(imidazole) auxiliary ligands in the formation of supramolecular architectures and BSA binding with new binuclear dioxomolybdenum(vi) complexes.