Molybdenum(0)-Tricarbonyl Complex Supported by an Azacalix-pyridine Ligand: Synthesis, Characterization, Surface Deposition and Conversion to a Molybdenum(VI)-Trioxo Complex with O2

Adsorption of metal-organic complexes on metallic surfaces to produce well-defined single site catalysts is a novel approach combining the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. To avoid the "surface trans-effect" a dome-shaped molybdenum(0) tricarbonyl complex supported by an tolylazacalix[3](2,6)pyridine ligand is synthesized. This vacuum-evaporable complex both activates CO and reacts with molecular oxygen (O2) to form a Mo(VI) trioxo complex which in turn is capable of catalytically mediating oxygen transfer. The molybdenum tricarbonyl- and trioxo complexes are investigated in the solid state, in homogeneous solution and on noble metal surfaces (Cu, Au) employing a range of spectroscopic and analytical methods.

Expanding the Chemical Space of Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ) Receptor Type II Degraders with 3,4-Disubstituted Indole Derivatives

The TGFβ type II receptor (TβRII) is a central player in all TGFβ signaling downstream events, has been linked to cancer progression, and thus, has emerged as an auspicious anti-TGFβ strategy. Especially its targeted degradation presents an excellent goal for effective TGFβ pathway inhibition. Here, cellular structure-activity relationship (SAR) data from the TβRII degrader chemotype 1 was successfully transformed into predictive ligand-based pharmacophore models that allowed scaffold hopping. Two distinct 3,4-disubstituted indoles were identified from virtual screening: tetrahydro-4-oxo-indole 2 and indole-3-acetate 3. Design, synthesis, and screening of focused amide libraries confirmed 2r and 3n as potent TGFβ inhibitors. They were validated to fully recapitulate the ability of 1 to selectively degrade TβRII, without affecting TβRI. Consequently, 2r and 3n efficiently blocked endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cell migration in different cancer cell lines while not perturbing the microtubule network. Hence, 2 and 3 present novel TβRII degrader chemotypes that will (1) aid target deconvolution efforts and (2) accelerate proof-of-concept studies for small-molecule-driven TβRII degradation in vivo.

Synthesis and crystal structure of tetra-methyl (E)-4,4'-(ethene-1,2-di-yl)bis-(5-nitro-benzene-1,2-di-carboxyl-ate)

The title compound, C22H18N2O12, was obtained as a by-product during the planned synthesis of 1,2-bis-(2-nitro-4,5-dimethyl phthalate)ethane by oxidative dimerization starting from dimethyl-4-methyl-5-nitro phthalate. To identify this compound unambiguously, a single-crystal structure analysis was performed. The asymmetric unit consists of half a mol-ecule that is located at a centre of inversion. As a result of symmetry restrictions, the mol-ecule shows an E configuration around the double bond. Both phenyl rings are coplanar, whereas the nitro and the two methyl ester groups are rotated out of the ring plane by 32.6 (1), 56.5 (2) and 49.5 (2)°, respectively. In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected into chains extending parallel to the a axis by pairs of C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds that are connected into a tri-periodic network by additional C-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions.

Synthesis and crystal structure of diiso-thio-cyanato-tetra-kis-(4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide)cobalt(II) and diiso-thio-cyanato-tris-(4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide)cobalt(II) showing two different metal coordination polyhedra

The reaction of Co(NCS)2 with 4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide (C6H7NO) leads to the formation of two compounds, namely, tetra-kis-(4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide-κO)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II), [Co(NCS)2(C6H7NO)4] (1), and tris-(4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide-κO)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II), [Co(NCS)2(C6H7NO)3] (2). The asymmetric unit of 1 consists of one CoII cation located on a centre of inversion, as well as one thio-cyanate anion and two 4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligands in general positions. The CoII cations are octa-hedrally coordinated by two terminal N-bonding thio-cyanate anions in trans positions and four 4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide ligands. In the extended structure, these complexes are linked by C-H⋯O and C-H⋯S inter-actions. In compound 2, two crystallographically independent complexes are present, which occupy general positions. In each of these complexes, the CoII cations are coordinated in a trigonal-bipyramidal manner by two terminal N-bonding thio-cyanate anions in axial positions and by three 4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide ligands in equatorial positions. In the crystal, these complex mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯S inter-actions. For compound 2, a nonmerohedral twin refinement was performed. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) reveals that 2 was nearly obtained as a pure phase, which is not possible for compound 1. Differential thermoanalysis and thermogravimetry data (DTA-TG) show that compound 2 start to decompose at about 518 K.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of di-bromido-bis-(2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide-κO)cobalt(II)

Reaction of CoBr2 with 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide in n-butanol leads to the formation of the title compound, [CoBr2(C6H7NO)2] or [CoBr2(2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide)2]. Its asymmetric unit consists of one CoII cation as well as two bromide anions and two 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligands in general positions. The CoII cations are tetra-hedrally coordinated by two bromide anions and two 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxides, forming discrete complexes. In the crystal structure, these complexes are linked predominantly by weak C-H⋯Br hydrogen bonding into chains that propagate along the crystallographic a-axis. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) measurements indicate that a pure phase was obtained. Thermoanalytical investigations prove that the title compound melts before decomposition; before melting, a further endothermic signal of unknown origin was observed that does not correspond to a phase transition.

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of poly[(μ-2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide-κ2O:O)bis-(μ-thio-cyanato-κ2N:S)cobalt(II)]

The title compound, [Co(NCS)2(C6H7NO)]n or Co(NCS)2(2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide), was prepared by the reaction of Co(NCS)2 and 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide in methanol. All crystals obtained by this procedure show reticular pseudo-merohedric twinning, but after recrystallization, one crystal was found that had a minor component with only a very few overlapping reflections. The asymmetric unit consists of one CoII cation, two thio-cyanate anions and one 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligand in general positions. The CoII cations are octa-hedrally coordinated by two O-bonding 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide ligands, as well as two S- and two N-bonding thio-cyanate anions, and are connected via μ-1,3(N,S)-bridging thio-cyanate anions into chains that are linked by μ-1,1(O,O) bridging coligands into layers. No pronounced directional inter-molecular inter-actions are observed between the layers. The 2-methyl-pyridine coligand is disordered over two orientations and was refined using a split model with restraints. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) indicates that a pure sample was obtained and IR spectroscopy confirms that bridging thio-cyanate anions are present. Thermogravimetry and differential thermoanalysis (TG-DTA) shows one poorly resolved mass loss in the TG curve that is accompanied by an exothermic and an endothermic signal in the DTA curve, which indicate the decomposition of the 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligands.

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of chlorido-tetra-kis-(pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile)-thio-cyanato-iron(II)

Reaction of FeCl2·4H2O with KSCN and 3-cyano-pyridine (pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile) in ethanol accidentally leads to the formation of single crystals of Fe(NCS)(Cl)(3-cyano-pyridine)4 or [FeCl(NCS)(C6H4N2)4]. The asymmetric unit of this compound consists of one FeII cation, one chloride and one thio-cyanate anion that are located on a fourfold rotation axis as well as of one 3-cyano-pyridine coligand in a general position. The FeII cations are sixfold coordinated by one chloride anion and one terminally N-bonding thio-cyanate anion in trans-positions and four 3-cyano-pyridine coligands that coordinate via the pyridine N atom to the FeII cations. The complexes are arranged in columns with the chloride anions, with the thio-cyanate anions always oriented in the same direction, which shows the non-centrosymmetry of this structure. No pronounced inter-molecular inter-actions are observed between the complexes. Initially, FeCl2 and KSCN were reacted in a 1:2 ratio, which lead to a sample that contains the title compound as the major phase together with a small amount of an unknown crystalline phase, as proven by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). If FeCl2 and KSCN is reacted in a 1:1 ratio, the title compound is obtained as a nearly pure phase. IR investigations reveal that the CN stretching vibration for the thio-cyanate anion is observed at 2074 cm-1, and that of the cyano group at 2238 cm-1, which also proves that the anionic ligands are only terminally bonded and that the cyano group is not involved in the metal coordination. Measurements with thermogravimetry and differential thermoanalysis reveal that the title compound decomposes at 169°C when heated at a rate of 4°C min-1 and that the 3-cyano-pyridine ligands are emitted in two separate poorly resolved steps. After the first step, an inter-mediate compound with the composition Fe(NCS)(Cl)(3-cyano-pyridine)2 of unknown structure is formed, for which the CN stretching vibration of the thio-cyanate anion is observed at 2025 cm-1, whereas the CN stretching vibration of the cyano group remain constant. This strongly indicates that the FeII cations are linked by μ-1,3-bridg-ing thio-cyanate anions into chains or layers.

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of tetra-kis-(pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile)-dithio-cyanatoiron(II) and of diaqua-bis-(pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile)-di-thio-cyanatoiron(II) pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile monosolvate

The reaction of iron thio-cyanate with 3-cyano-pyridine (C6H4N2) leads to the formation of two compounds with the composition [Fe(NCS)2(C6H4N2)4] (1) and [Fe(NCS)2(C6H4N2)2(H2O)2]·2C6H4N2 (2). The asymmetric unit of 1 consists of one iron cation, two thio-cyanate anions and four 3-cyano-pyridine ligands in general positions. The iron cation is octa-hedrally coordinated by two N-bonded thio-cyanate anions and four 3-cyano-pyridine ligands. The complexes are arranged in columns along the crystallographic c-axis direction and are linked by weak C-H⋯N inter-actions. In 2, the asymmetric unit consists of one iron cation on a center of inversion as well as one thio-cyanate anion, one 3-cyano-pyridine ligand, one water ligand and one 3-cyano-pyridine solvate mol-ecule in general positions. The iron cation is octa-hedrally coordinated by two N-bonded thio-cyanate anions, two cyano-pyridine ligands and two water ligands. O-H⋯N and C-H⋯S hydrogen bonding is observed between the water ligands and the solvent 3-cyano-pyridine mol-ecules. In the crystal structure, alternating layers of the iron complexes and the solvated 3-cyano-pyridine mol-ecules are observed. Powder X-ray (PXRD) investigations reveal that both compounds were obtained as pure phases and from IR spectroscopic measurements conclusions on the coordination mode of the thio-canate anions and the cyano-group were made. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermoanalysis (DTA) of 1 indicate the formation of a compound with the composition {[Fe(NCS)2]3(C6H4N2)4}n that is isotypic to the corresponding Cd compound already reported in the literature. TG/DTA of 2 show several mass losses. The first mass loss corresponds to the removal of the two water ligands leading to the formation of 1, which transforms into {[Fe(NCS)2]3(C6H4N2)4}n, upon further heating.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of poly[[μ-1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)ethene-κ2N:N'-μ-bromido-copper(I)] 1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)ethene 0.25-solvate]

The reaction of copper(I) bromide with 1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)ethene in aceto-nitrile leads to the formation of the title compound, {[CuBr(C12H10N2)]·0.25C12H10N2}n or CuBr(4-bpe)·0.25(4-bpe) [4-bpe = 1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)ethene]. The asymmetric unit consists of one copper(I) cation and one bromide anion in general positions as well as two crystallographically independent half 4-bpe ligands and a quarter of a disordered 4-bpe solvate mol-ecule that are completed by centers of inversion. The copper(I) cations are tetra-hededrally coordinated as CuBr2N2 and linked by pairs of μ-1,1-bridging bromide anions into centrosymmetric dinuclear units that are further connected into layers by the 4-bpe coligands. Between the layers, inter-layer C-H⋯Br hydrogen bonding is observed. The layers are arranged in such a way that cavities are formed in which the disordered 4-bpe solvate mol-ecules are located. Powder X-ray (PXRD) investigations reveal that a pure sample has been obtained. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermoanalysis (DTA) measurements show two mass losses that are accompanied by endothermic events in the DTA curve. The first mass loss correspond to the removal of 0.75 4-bpe mol-ecules, leading to the formation of (CuBr)2(4-bpe), already reported in the literature as proven by PXRD.

Synthesis, crystal structure and reactivity of bis-(μ-2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide-κ2O:O)bis-[di-bromido-(2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide-κO)cobalt(II)] butanol monosolvate

Reaction of CoBr2 with 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide in n-butanol leads to the formation of the title compound, [CoBr2]2(2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide)4·n-butanol or [Co2Br4(C6H7NO)4]·C4H10O. The asymmetric unit of the title compound consists of one CoII cation as well as two bromide anions and two 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligands in general positions and one n-butanol mol-ecule that is disordered around a center of inversion. The CoII cations are fivefold coordinated by two bromide anions and one terminal as well as two bridging 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide and linked by two symmetry-related μ-1,1(O,O) 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligands into dinuclear units that are located on centers of inversion. In the crystal structure, the dinuclear units are also connected via pairs of C-H⋯Br hydrogen bonds into chains that elongate in the b-axis direction. The n-butanol mol-ecules are located between the chains and are linked via O-H⋯Br hydrogen bonds each to one chain. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) measurements reveal that a pure phase has been obtained. Measurements using thermogravimetry and differential thermoanalysis shows one mass loss up to 523 K, in which the n-butanol mol-ecules are removed. PXRD measurements of the residue obtained after n-butanol removal shows that a completely different crystalline phase has been obtained and IR investigations indicate significant structural changes in the Co coordination.

Synthesis and crystal structure of catena-poly[cobalt(II)-di-μ-chlorido-μ-pyridazine-κ2N1:N2]

The reaction of cobalt dichloride hexa-hydrate with pyridazine leads to the formation of crystals of the title compound, [CoCl2(C4H4N2)]n. This compound is isotypic to a number of compounds with other divalent metal ions. Its asymmetric unit consists of a Co2+ atom (site symmetry 2/m), a chloride ion (site symmetry m) and a pyridazine mol-ecule (all atoms with site symmetry m). The Co2+ cations are coordinated by four chloride anions and two pyridazine ligands, generating trans-CoN4Cl2 octa-hedra, and are linked into [010] chains by pairs of μ-1,1-bridging chloride anions and bridging pyridazine ligands. In the crystal structure, the pyridazine ligands of neighboring chains are stacked onto each other, indicating π-π inter-actions. Powder X-ray diffraction proves that a pure crystalline phase was obtained. Differential thermonalysis coupled to thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) reveal that decomposition is observed at about 710 K. Magnetic measurements indicate low-temperature metamagnetic behavior as already observed in a related compound.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal behavior of tetra-kis-(3-cyano-pyridine N-oxide-κO)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II), which shows strong pseudo-symmetry

The title compound, [Co(SCN)2(C6H4N2O)4], was prepared by the reaction of cobalt(II)thio-cyanate with 3-cyano-pyridine N-oxide in ethanol. In the crystal, the cobalt(II) cations are octa-hedrally coordinated by two terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anions and four O-bonded 3-cyano-pyridine N-oxide coligands, forming discrete complexes that are located on centers of inversion, hence forming trans-CoN2O4 octa-hedra. The structure refinement was performed in the monoclinic space group P21/n, for which a potential lattice translation and new symmetry elements with a fit of 100% is suggested. The structure can easily be refined in the space group I2/m, where the complexes have 2/m symmetry. However, nearly all of the reflections that violate the centering are observed with significant intensity and the refinement in P21/n leads to significantly lower R(F) values (0.027 versus 0.033). Moreover, in I2/m much larger components of the anisotropic displacement parameters are observed and therefore, the crystal structure is presented in the primitive unit cell. IR investigations confirm that the anionic ligands are only terminally bonded and that the cyano group is not involved in the metal coordination. PXRD investigations show that a pure crystalline phase has been obtained and measurements using simultaneously thermogravimetry and differential thermoanalysis reveal that the compound decomposes in an exothermic reaction upon heating, without the formation of a coligand-deficient inter-mediate phase.

Tuning the spin-crossover properties of FeII4L6 cages via the interplay of coordination motif and linker modifications

Despite the increasing number of spin-crossover FeII-based cages, the interplay between ligand modifications (e.g. coordination motif substituents and linker) is not well-understood in these multinuclear systems, limiting rational design. Here, we report a family of FeII4L6 spin-crossover cages based on 2,2'-pyridylbenzimidazoles where subtle ligand modifications lowered the spin crossover temperature in CD3CN by up to 186 K. Comparing pairs of cages, CH3 substituents on either the coordination motif or phenylene linker lowered the spin-crossover temperature by 48 K, 91 K or 186 K, attributed to electronic effects, steric effects and a combination of both, respectively. The understanding of the interplay between ligand modifications gained from this study could be harnessed on the path towards the improved rational design of spin-crossover cages.

Defying the inverse energy gap law: a vacuum-evaporable Fe(ii) low-spin complex with a long-lived LIESST state

The novel vacuum-evaporable complex [Fe(pypypyr)₂] (pypypyr = bipyridyl pyrrolide) was synthesised and analysed as bulk material and as a thin film. In both cases, the compound is in its low-spin state up to temperatures of at least 510 K. Thus, it is conventionally considered a pure low-spin compound. According to the inverse energy gap law, the half time of the light-induced excited high-spin state of such compounds at temperatures approaching 0 K is expected to be in the regime of micro- or nanoseconds. In contrast to these expectations, the light-induced high-spin state of the title compound has a half time of several hours. We attribute this behaviour to a large structural difference between the two spin states along with four distinct distortion coordinates associated with the spin transition. This leads to a breakdown of single-mode behaviour and thus drastically decreases the relaxation rate of the metastable high-spin state. These unprecedented properties open up new strategies for the development of compounds showing light-induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST) at high temperatures, potentially around room temperature, which is relevant for applications in molecular spintronics, sensors, displays and the like.

Systematic Study on Zirconium Chelidamates: From a Molecular Complex to a M-HOF and a MOF

We report the synthesis and in-depth characterization of three zirconium chelidamates, a molecular complex (H₈C₂N)₂[Zr(HL)₃] (1), a porous metal-containing hydrogen-bonded organic framework (M-HOF) [Zr(H₂O)₂(HL)₂]·xH₂O (2), and a metal-organic framework (MOF) (H₈C₂N)_2-2n[Zr(H_nL)₂]·x solvent (0 ≤ n ≤ 1) (3) using chelidamic acid (H₃L, H₅C₇NO₅, 4-hydroxypyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid) as the ligand (H₈C₂N⁺ = dimethylammonium). High-throughput investigations of the system Zr⁴⁺/H₃L/HCl/DMF/H₂O were carried out, which resulted in highly crystalline compounds. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal three-dimensional (3D) electron diffraction and Rietveld refinements of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data had to be used to elucidate the crystal structure of 3 since only very small single crystals of about 500 nm in diameter could be obtained. In all structures, chelidamate ions act as anionic palindromic pincer ligands, and in 3, a coordinative bond is additionally formed by the aryloxy group. While dense packing of the molecular complexes is found in 1, hydrogen bonding of the molecular complexes in 2 leads to a porous network that shows flexibility depending on the water content. The three-dimensional framework structure of the Zr-MOF 3 contains a mononuclear inorganic building unit (IBU), which is very uncommon in Zr-MOF chemistry. The three compounds are stable in several organic solvents, and thermal decomposition starts above 280 °C. While the hydrogen-bonded framework 2 is only porous toward water with a water uptake of almost 3.75 mol mol^-1 at p/p₀ = 0.9, 3 is porous against N₂, CO₂, methanol, ethanol, and water with a specific Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of a_S,BET = 410 m² g^-1 derived from the N₂ adsorption isotherm. Stability upon water adsorption covering 10 cycles between 0.5% < p/p₀ < 90% for 3 is also demonstrated.

Weakening the Interchain Interactions in One Dimensional Cobalt(II) Coordination Polymers by Preventing Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding

The reaction of Co(NCS)₂ with N-methylaniline leads to the formation of [Co(NCS)₂(N-methylaniline)₂]_n (1), in which the cobalt(II) cations are octahedrally coordinated and linked into linear chains by pairs of thiocyanate anions. In contrast to [Co(NCS)₂(aniline)₂]_n (2) reported recently, in which the Co(NCS)₂ chains are linked by strong interchain N-H···S hydrogen bonding, such interactions are absent in 1. Computational studies reveal that the cobalt(II) ions in compound 1 show an easy-axis anisotropy that is lower than in 2, but with the direction of the easy axis being similar in both compounds. The high magnetic anisotropy is also confirmed by magnetic and FD-FT THz-EPR spectroscopy, which yield a consistent g_z value. These investigations prove that the intrachain interactions in 1 are slightly higher than in 2. Magnetic measurements reveal that the critical temperature for magnetic ordering in 1 is significantly lower than in 2, which indicates that the elimination of the hydrogen bonds leads to a weakening of the interchain interactions. This is finally proven by FD-FT THz-EPR experiments, which show that the interchain interaction energy in the N-methylaniline compound 1 is nine-fold smaller than in the aniline compound 2.

Targeted Synthesis of an Highly Stable Aluminium Phosphonate Metal-Organic Framework Showing Reversible HCl Adsorption

A concept for obtaining isoreticular compounds with tri- instead of tetravalent metal cations using highly acidic reaction conditions was developed and successfully applied in a high throughput study using N,N'-piperazinebis(methylenephosphonic acid) (H4PMP), that resulted in the discovery of a new porous aluminium phosphonate denoted CAU-60 ∙ 6 HCl. The high-throughput study was subsequently extended to other trivalent metal ions. Al-CAU-60 ∙ 6 HCl demonstrates reversible desorption of HCl (18.3 wt% loading) with three distinct compositions observed with zero, four or six HCl molecules per formula unit. Structural changes were followed in detail by powder X-ray diffraction, EDX analysis as well as IR spectroscopy. Rapid desorption of HCl in water within minutes and subsequent adsorption from the gas phase and from aqueous solution are shown. Furthermore, it is possible to adsorb HBr into the guest free Al-CAU-60 framework, demonstrating the high stability of this compound.

Syntheses, crystal structures and thermal properties of catena-poly[cadmium(II)-di-μ-bromido-μ-pyridazine-κ2 N 1:N 2] and catena-poly[cadmium(II)-di-μ-iodido-μ-pyridazine-κ2 N 1:N 2]

The reactions of cadmium bromide and cadmium iodide with pyridazine (C4H4N2) in ethanol under solvothermal conditions led to the formation of crystals of [CdBr2(pyridazine)] n (1) and [CdI2(pyridazine)] n (2), which were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The asymmetric units of both compounds consist of a cadmium cation located on the intersection point of a twofold screw axis and a mirror plane (2/m), a halide anion that is located on a mirror plane and a pyridazine ligand, with all atoms occupying Wyckoff position 4e (mm2). These compounds are isotypic and consist of cadmium cations that are octahedrally coordinated by four halide anions and two pyridazine ligands and are linked into [100] chains by pairs of μ-1,1-bridging halide anions and bridging pyridazine ligands. In the crystals, the pyridazine ligands of neighboring chains are stacked onto each other, indicating π–π interactions. Larger amounts of pure samples can also be obtained by stirring at room-temperature, as proven by powder X-ray diffraction. Measurements using thermogravimetry and differential thermoanalysis (TG-DTA) reveal that upon heating all the pyridiazine ligands are removed in one step, which leads to the formation of CdBr2 or CdI2.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal decomposition pathway of bis-(iso-seleno-cyanato-κN)tetra-kis-(pyridine-κN)manganese(II)

The reaction of MnCl₂·2H₂O with KSeCN and pyridine in water leads to the formation of the title complex, [Mn(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₄], which is isotypic to its Fe, Co, Ni, Zn and Cd analogues. In its crystal structure, discrete complexes are observed that are located on centres of inversion. The Mn cations are octa-hedrally coordinated by four pyridine coligands and two seleno-cyanate anions that coordinate via the N atom to the metal centres to generate trans-MnN(s)₂N(p)₄ octa-hedra (s = seleno-cyanate and p = pyridine). In the extended structure, weak C-H⋯Se contacts are observed. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) investigations prove that a pure sample was obtained and in the IR and Raman spectra, the C-N stretching vibrations are observed at 2058 and 2060 cm^-1, respectively, in agreement with the terminal coordination of the seleno-cyanate anions. Thermogravimetric investigations reveal that the pyridine coligands are removed in two separate steps. In the first mass loss, a compound with the composition Mn(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₂ is formed, whereas in the second mass loss, the remaining pyridine ligands are removed, which is superimposed with the decomposition of Mn(NCSe)₂ formed after ligand removal. In the inter-mediate compound Mn(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₂, the CN stretching vibration is observed at 2090 cm^-1 in the Raman and at 2099 cm^-1 in the IR spectra, indicating that the Mn cations are linked by μ-1,3-bridging anionic ligands. PXRD measurements show that a compound has formed that is of poor crystallinity. A comparison of the powder pattern with that calculated for the previously reported Cd(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₂ indicates that these compounds are isotypic, which was proven by a Pawley fit.

Synthesis, crystal structure, thermal and spectroscopic properties of ZnX2-2-methylpyrazine (X = Cl, Br, I) coordination compounds

Reaction of zinc(II) chloride, bromide and iodide with 2-methylpyrazine (2-Mepyz) leads to the formation of coordination compounds with the composition ZnX2(2-Mepyz)2 (X = Cl; 1-Cl, Br; 1-Br and I; 1-I). In the compounds each Zn cation is tetrahedrally coordinated by two halide anions and two 2-methylpyrazine ligands forming discrete complexes. TG-DTA and temperature dependent PXRD measurements prove that upon heating compounds 1 transform into new compounds with the composition ZnX2(2-Mepyz) (2), that are subsequently converted into compounds with the composition (ZnX2)3(2-Mepyz) (3) upon further heating. It was also found that compounds 2 can be prepared directly in solution. For ZnI2(2-Mepyz) (2-I) crystals were obtained and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, whereas the crystal structures of 2-Cl and 2-Br were determined ab initio from PXRD data. In these compounds the Zn cations are also tetrahedrally coordinated and linked into chains by bridging 2-methylpyrazine ligands. The (ZnX2)3(2-Mepyz) compounds can only be obtained by thermal decomposition, and the products are of poor crystallinity and extremely hygroscopic, which prevented structure determinations.

Decoration of the [Nb6O19]8– cluster shell with six Cu2+-centred complexes generates the [(Cu(cyclen))6Nb6O19]4+ moiety: room temperature synthesis, crystal structure and selected properties

Mixing an aqueous solution of K8[Nb6O19]⋅16H2O with a DMSO/H2O solution of Cu(ClO4)2 · 6 H2O and cyclen at room temperature afforded crystallization of blue crystals of [(Cu(cyclen))6Nb6O19]⋅[ClO4]4·≈4H2O after slow evaporation of the solvents. The crystal structure contains the Lindqvist anion [Nb6O19]8– which is covalently expanded by six symmetry-related [Cu(cyclen)]2+ complexes via Nb-μ 2-O-Cu bridges yielding the positively charged [(Cu(cyclen))6Nb6O19]4+ cluster shell. The ClO4 − anions and crystal water molecules reside in the empty spaces of the packed clusters. The compound shows two electronic d-d transitions at energetic positions explaining the blue color.

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of bis-(iso-seleno-cyanato-κN)tetra-kis-(4-meth-oxy-pyridine-κN)cobalt(II)

Reaction of CoCl₂·6H₂O with KNCSe and 4-meth-oxy-pyridine in water led to the formation of the title compound, [Co(NCSe)₂(C₆H₇NO)₄] or Co(NCSe)₂(4-meth-oxy-pyridine)₂, which was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Its asymmetric unit consists of one crystallographically independent Co cation, two seleno-cyanate anions and four 4-meth-oxy-pyridine coligands in general positions. In the crystal structure, the cobalt cations are sixfold coordinated by two terminal N-bonded seleno-cyanate anions and four 4-meth-oxy-pyridine coligands within a slightly distorted octa-hedral coordination. Between the complexes, weak C-H⋯Se inter-actions are found. IR spectroscopic investigations revealed that the CN stretching vibration of the anionic ligands is observed at 2068 cm^-1, which is in agreement with the presence of only terminally coordinated seleno-cyanate anions. PXRD measurements prove that a pure compound was obtained. Differential thermoanalysis coupled to thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) at different heating rates shows that the TG curves are poorly resolved. PXRD measurements of the residue obtained by a TG measurement prove that an amorphous compound was obtained.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of di-μ-iodido-bis-[bis-(2-chloro-pyrazine-κN)copper(I)]

Reaction of copper(I) iodide in pure 2-chloro-pyrazine leads to the formation of a few crystals of the title compound, [Cu₂I₂(C₄H₃ClN₂)₄] or (CuI)₂(2-chloro-pyrazine)₄, which was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In its crystal structure, the Cu^I cations are each tetra-hedrally coordinated by two iodide anions and two 2-chloro-pyrazine ligands and are linked into binuclear complexes consisting of (CuI)₂ rings located on centers of inversion. PXRD investigations of a few crystals obtained from the suspension indicate that the title compound is contaminated with a small amount of the 2-chloro-pyrazine-deficient compound CuI(2-chloro-pyrazine) already reported in the literature. PXRD investigations prove that the title compound immediately decomposes at room temperature into CuI(2-chloro-pyrazine) and this might be the reason why no pure samples can be obtained. TDA-TG-MS investigations shows two mass losses, the first of which corresponds to the formation of CuI(2-chloro-pyrazine), whereas in the second mass loss CuI is formed.

Syntheses and crystal structures of bis-(4-methyl-pyridine-κN)bis-(seleno-cyanato-κN)zinc(II) and catena-poly[[bis-(4-methyl-pyridine-κN)cadmium(II)]-di-μ-seleno-cyanato-κ2 N:Se;κ2 Se:N]

The reactions of Zn(NO₃)₂ ^.6H₂O and Cd(NO₃)₂ ^.4H₂O with KSeCN and 4-meth-yl-pyridine (C₆H₇N; 4-picoline) lead to the formation of crystals of bis-(4-methyl-pyridine-κN)bis-(seleno-cyanato-κN)zinc(II), [Cd(NCSe)₂(C₆H₇N)₂] (1), and catena-poly[[bis-(4-methyl-pyridine-κN)cadmium(II)]-di-μ-seleno-cyanato-κ² N:Se;κ² Se:N], [Cd(NCSe)₂(C₆H₇N)₂] _n (2), suitable for single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The asymmetric unit of compound 1 consists of one Zn cation that is located on a twofold rotation axis as well as one seleno-cyanate anion and one 4-methyl-pyridine ligand in general positions. The Zn cations are tetra-hedrally coordinated by two terminal N-bonding thio-cyanate anions and two 4-methyl-pyridine ligands, forming discrete complexes. The asymmetric unit of compound 2 consists of two crystallographically independent Cd cations, of which one is located on a twofold rotation axis and the second on a center of inversion, as well as two crystallographically independent seleno-cyanate anions and two crystallographically independent 4-methyl-pyridine ligands in general positions. The Cd cations are octa-hedrally coordinated by two N- and two S-bonding seleno-cyanate anions and two 4-methyl-pyridine ligands and are linked into chains by pairs of seleno-cyanate anions. Within the chains, the Cd cations show an alternating cis-cis-trans and all-trans coordination and therefore, the chains are corrugated. PXRD investigations prove that the Zn compound was obtained as a pure phase and that the Cd compound contains a very small amount of an additional and unknown phase. In the IR spectrum of 1, the CN stretching vibration of the seleno-cyanate anion is observed at 2072 cm^-1, whereas in the 2 it is shifted to 2094 cm^-1, in agreement with the crystal structures.

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of bis-(iso-seleno-cyanato-κN)tetra-kis-(pyridine-κN)nickel(II)

The reaction of nickel chloride hexa-hydrate with potassium seleno-cyanate and pyridine in water leads to the formation of crystals of the title complex, [Ni(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₄], which were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Its crystal structure consists of discrete complexes, located on centers of inversion, in which the Ni cations are sixfold coordinated by two terminal N-bonded seleno-cyanate anions and four pyridine ligands within a slightly distorted octa-hedral coordination. In the crystal, the complexes are connected by weak C-H⋯Se inter-actions. PXRD investigations revealed that a pure crystalline phase has formed. In the IR and Raman spectra, the C-N stretching vibrations are observed at 2083 and 2079 cm^-1, respectively, in agreement with the presence of only terminally bonded anionic ligands. Upon heating, one well-resolved mass loss is observed, in which two of the four pyridine ligands are removed, leading to a compound with the composition Ni(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₂. In this compound, the C-N stretching vibration is shifted to 2108 cm^-1 (Raman) and 2115 cm^-1 (IR), indicating the presence of μ-1,3-bridging anionic ligands. In its PXRD pattern, very broad reflections are observed, indicating for poor crystallinity and/or very small particle size. This crystalline phase is not isotypic to its Co and Fe analogs.

Room-Temperature Solid-State Transformation of Na4 SnS4 ⋅ 14H2 O into Na4 Sn2 S6 ⋅ 5H2 O: An Unusual Epitaxial Reaction Including Bond Formation, Mass Transport, and Ionic Conductivity

A highly unusual solid-state epitaxy-induced phase transformation of Na₄ SnS₄  ⋅ 14H₂ O (I) into Na₄ Sn₂ S₆  ⋅ 5H₂ O (II) occurs at room temperature. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations indicate an internal acid-base reaction to form [SnS₃ SH]^3- which condensates to [Sn₂ S₆ ]^4- . The reaction involves a complex sequence of O-H bond cleavage, S^2- protonation, Sn-S bond formation and diffusion of various species while preserving the crystal morphology. In situ Raman and IR spectroscopy evidence the formation of [Sn₂ S₆ ]^4- . DFT calculations allowed assignment of all bands appearing during the transformation. X-ray diffraction and in situ ¹ H NMR demonstrate a transformation within several days and yield a reaction turnover of ≈0.38 %/h. AIMD and experimental ionic conductivity data closely follow a Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann type T dependence with D(Na)=6×10^-14  m²  s^-1 at T=300 K with values increasing by three orders of magnitude from -20 to +25 °C.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of tetra-kis-(3-methyl-pyridine-κN)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)nickel(II)

Reaction of Ni(NCS)₂ with 3-methyl-pyridine in water leads to the formation of crystals of the title compound, [Ni(NCS)₂(C₆H₇N)₄]. All of them are of poor quality and non-merohedrally twinned but a refinement using data in HKLF-5 format leads to a reasonable structure model and reliability factors. The crystal structure of the title compound consists of discrete complexes, in which the nickel cations are sixfold coordinated by two terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anions and four 3-methyl-pyridine ligands within slightly distorted octa-hedra. One of the 3-methyl-pyridine ligands is disordered and was refined using a split model. The discrete complexes are arranged into layers. X-ray powder diffraction proves that pure samples have been obtained, and in the IR spectrum, the CN stretching vibration is observed at 2072 cm^-1, in agreement with the presence of only terminally coordinated thio-cyanate anions. Comparing the calculated powder pattern with those of the residues obtained by solvent removal from several solvates already reported in the literature proves that, in each case, this crystalline phase is formed. Assessing the crystal structures of the solvates in comparison with that of the ansolvate reveals some similarities.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of bis-(aceto-nitrile-κN)bis-(3-bromo-pyridine-κN)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)

Single crystals of the title compound, [Co(NCS)₂(C₅H₄BrN)₂(C₂H₃N)₂], were obtained by the reaction of Co(NCS)₂ with 3-bromo-pyridine in aceto-nitrile. The Co^II cations lie on crystallographic inversion centers and are coordinated by two N-bonded thio-cyanate anions, two 3-bromo-pyridine and two aceto-nitrile ligands thereby forming slightly distorted CoN₆ octa-hedra. In the crystal, these complexes are linked by C-H⋯S and C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network. In the direction of the crystallographic b-axis, the complexes are arranged into columns with neighboring 3-bromo-pyridine ligands stacked onto each other, indicating π-π inter-actions. The CN stretching vibration of the thio-cyanate anions is observed at 2066 cm^-1, in agreement with the presence of only N-bonded anionic ligands. TG-DTA measurements reveal that in the first mass loss the aceto-nitrile ligands are removed and that in the second step, half of a 3-bromo-pyridine ligand is lost, leading to the formation of a polymeric compound with the composition [(Co(NCS)₂)₂(C₅H₄BrN)₃] _n already reported in the literature.

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of catena-poly[[[bis(3-methylpyridine-κN)nickel(II)]-di-μ-1,3-thiocyanato] acetonitrile monosolvate]

In the crystal structure of the title compound, {[Ni(NCS)2(C6H7N)2]·CH3CN} n , the NiII cation is octahedrally coordinated by two N-bonding and two S-bonding thiocyanate anions, as well as two 3-methylpyridine coligands, with the thiocyanate S atoms and the 3-methylpyridine N atoms in cis-positions. The metal cations are linked by pairs of thiocyanate anions into chains that, because of the cis–cis–trans coordination, are corrugated. These chains are arranged in such a way that channels are formed in which disordered acetonitrile solvate molecules are located. This overall structural motif is very similar to that observed in Ni(NCS)2[4-(boc-amino)pyridine]2·CH3CN reported in the literature. At room temperature, the title compound loses its solvent molecules within a few hours, leading to a crystalline phase that is structurally related to that of the pristine material. If the ansolvate is stored in an acetonitrile atmosphere, the solvate is formed again. Single-crystal X-ray analysis at room-temperature proves that the crystals decompose immediately, presumably because of the loss of solvent molecules, and from the reciprocal space plots it is obvious that this reaction, in contrast to that in Ni(NCS)2[4-(boc-amino)pyridine]2·CH3CN, does not proceed via a topotactic reaction.

Co(NCS)2 Chain Compound with Alternating 5- and 6-Fold Coordination: Influence of Metal Coordination on the Magnetic Properties

The reaction of Co(NCS)₂ with 3-bromopyridine leads to the formation of discrete complexes [Co(NCS)₂(3-bromopyridine)₄] (1), [Co(NCS)₂(3-bromopyridine)₂(H₂O)₂] (2), and [Co(NCS)₂(3-bromopyridine)₂(MeOH)₂] (3) depending on the solvent. Thermogravimetric measurements on 2 and 3 show a transformation into [Co(NCS)₂(3-bromopyridine)₂]_n (4), which upon further heating is converted to [{Co(NCS)₂}₂(3-bromopyridine)₃]_n (5), whereas 1 transforms directly into 5 upon heating. Compound 5 can also be obtained from solution, which is not possible for 4. In 4 and 5, the cobalt(II) cations are linked by pairs of μ-1,3-bridging thiocyanate anions into chains. In compound 4, all cobalt(II) cations are octahedrally coordinated (OC-6), as is usually observed in such compounds, whereas in 5, a previously unkown alternating 5- and 6-fold coordination is observed, leading to vacant octahedral (vOC-5) and octahedral (OC-6) environments, respectively. In contrast to 4, the chains in 5 are very efficiently packed and linked by π···π stacking of the pyridine rings and interchain Co···Br interactions, which is the basis for the formation of this unusual chain. The spin chains in 4 demonstrate ferromagnetic intrachain exchange and much weaker interchain interactions, as is usually observed for such linear chain compounds. In contrast, compound 5 shows almost single-ion-like magnetic susceptibility, but the magnetic ordering temperature deduced from specific heat measurements is twice as high as that in 4, which might originate from π···π stacking and Co···Br interactions between neighboring chains. More importantly, unlike all linear Co(NCS)₂ chain compounds, a dominant antiferromagnetic exchange is observed for 5, which is explained by density functional theory calculations predicting an alternating ferro- and aniferromagnetic exchange within the chains. Theoretical calculations on the two different cobalt(II) ions present in 5 predict an easy-axis anisotropy that is much stronger for the octahedral cobalt(II) ion than for the one with the vacant octahedral coordination, with the magnetic axes of the two ions being canted by an angle of 84°. This almost orthogonal orientation of the easy axis of magnetization for the two cobalt(II) ions is the rationale for the observed non-Ising behavior of 5.

Relaxation processes in a single crystal of Co(NCS)2(4-methoxypyridine)2 spin chain

A single crystal of [Co(NCS)₂(4-methoxypyridine)₂]_n was obtained and investigated. The magnetic measurements performed along three perpendicular crystallographic directions are compared to the results obtained previously for a powder sample. The magnetic inter- and intrachain interactions do not differ, however, a change of the energy barrier of magnetic relaxations is obtained. For the single crystal sample the relaxation is much slower, which is attributed to the presence of longer chains, and show that below the ordering temperature the spin chains relax by the process that involves a single domain wall. Above the ordering temperature, a second relaxation process is observed, for which the relaxation time is temperature independent, indicating a negligible energy barrier. Such phenomenon was previously not observed for any of the powder samples of compounds from the [Co(NCS)₂(ligand)₂]_n family.

Syntheses and crystal structures of the ethanol, acetonitrile and diethyl ether Werner clathrates bis(isothiocyanato-κN)tetrakis(3-methylpyridine-κN)nickel(II)

The crystal structures of the title compounds consist of discrete octa­hedral complexes that are arranged in such a way that cavities are formed in which the solvate mol­ecules are located.

The reaction of nickel(II)thio­cyanate with 3-methyl­pyridine (3-picoline; C₆H₇N) in different solvents leads to the formation of crystals of bis­(iso­thio­cyanato-κN)tetra­kis­(3-methyl­pyridine-κN)nickel(II) as the ethanol disolvate, [Ni(NCS)₂(C₆H₇N)₄]·2C₂H₅OH (1), the acetonitrile disolvate, [Ni(NCS)₂(C₆H₇N)₄]·2CH₃CN (2), and the diethyl ether monosolvate, [Ni(NCS)₂(C₆H₇N)₄]·C₄H₁₀O (3). The crystal structures of these compounds consist of Ni^II cations coordinated by two N-bonded thio­cyanate anions and four 3-methyl­pyridine ligands to generate NiN₆ octa­hedra with the thio­cyanate groups in a trans orientation. In compounds 1 and 2 these complexes are located on centers of inversion, whereas in compound 3, they occupy general positions. In the crystal structures, the complexes are packed in such a way that cavities are formed in which the solvent mol­ecules are located. Compounds 1 and 2 are isotypic, which is not the case for compound 3. In compounds 1 and 2 the solvate mol­ecules are disordered, whereas they are fully ordered in compound 3. Disorder is also observed for one of the 3-methyl­pyridine ligands in compound 2. Powder X-ray diffraction and IR measurements show that at room temperature all compounds decompose almost immediately into the same phase, as a result of the loss of the solvent mol­ecules.

Syntheses, crystal structures and properties of tetrakis(3-methylpyridine-κN)bis(isothiocyanato-κN)manganese(II) and tetrakis(3-methylpyridine-κN)bis(isothiocyanato-κN)iron(II)

The crystal structures of the title compounds consist of discrete complexes, in which the metal cations are octa­hedrally coordinated.

The reaction of Mn(NCS)₂ or Fe(NCS)₂ with 3-methyl­pyridine (C₆H₇N) leads to the formation of two isostructural compounds with compositions [Mn(NCS)₂(C₆H₇N)₄] (1) and [Fe(NCS)₂(C₆H₇N)₄] (2). IR spectroscopic investigations indicate that only terminally coordinated thio­cyanate anions are present. This is confirmed by single-crystal structure analysis, which shows that their crystal structures consist of discrete centrosymmetric complexes, in which the metal cations are octa­hedrally coordinated by two N-bonded thio­cyanate anions and four 3-methyl­pyridine ligands. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) proves that pure samples have been obtained. Thermogravimetric measurements show that decomposition starts at about 90°C and that the two coligands are removed in one step for 1 whereas for 2 no clearly resolved steps are visible. XRPD measurements of the residue obtained after the first mass loss of 1 show that a new and unknown crystalline compound has been formed.

Copper‐Catalyzed Monooxygenation of Phenols: Evidence for a Mononuclear Reaction Mechanism

The Cu^I salts [Cu(CH₃CN)₄]PF and [Cu(oDFB)₂]PF with the very weakly coordinating anion Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄⁻ (PF) as well as [Cu(NEt₃)₂]PF comprising the unique, linear bis‐triethylamine complex [Cu(NEt₃)₂]⁺ were synthesized and examined as catalysts for the conversion of monophenols to o‐quinones. The activities of these Cu^I salts towards monooxygenation of 2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol (DTBP‐H) were compared to those of [Cu(CH₃CN)₄]X salts with “classic” anions (BF₄⁻, OTf⁻, PF₆⁻), revealing an anion effect on the activity of the catalyst and a ligand effect on the reaction rate. The reaction is drastically accelerated by employing Cu^II‐semiquinone complexes as catalysts, indicating that formation of a Cu^II complex precedes the actual catalytic cycle. This result and other experimental observations show that with these systems the oxygenation of monophenols does not follow a dinuclear, but a mononuclear pathway analogous to that of topaquinone cofactor biosynthesis in amine oxidase.

Composition-driven archetype dynamics in polyoxovanadates

Molecular metal oxides often adopt common structural frameworks (i.e. archetypes), many of them boasting impressive structural robustness and stability. However, the ability to adapt and to undergo transformations between different structural archetypes is a desirable material design feature offering applicability in different environments. Using systems thinking approach that integrates synthetic, analytical and computational techniques, we explore the transformations governing the chemistry of polyoxovanadates (POVs) constructed of arsenate and vanadate building units. The water-soluble salt of the low nuclearity polyanion [V₆As₈O₂₆]⁴⁻ can be effectively used for the synthesis of the larger spherical (i.e. kegginoidal) mixed-valent [V₁₂As₈O₄₀]⁴⁻ precipitate, while the novel [V₁₀As₁₂O₄₀]⁸⁻ POVs having tubular cyclic structures are another, well soluble product. Surprisingly, in contrast to the common observation that high-nuclearity polyoxometalate (POM) clusters are fragmented to form smaller moieties in solution, the low nuclearity [V₆As₈O₂₆]⁴⁻ anion is in situ transformed into the higher nuclearity cluster anions. The obtained products support a conceptually new model that is outlined in this article and that describes a continuous evolution between spherical and cyclic POV assemblies. This new model represents a milestone on the way to rational and designable POV self-assemblies.

Systems-based elucidation of the polyoxovanadate speciation reveals that heterogroup substitution can transform spherical kegginoids into tubular architectures in a programmable manner.

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of coordination compounds of Mn(NCS)2 with the 3-bromopyridine ligand

Reactions of Mn(NCS)2 with 3-bromopyridine in acetonitrile lead to the formation of Mn(NCS)2(3-bromopyridine)4 (1) and Mn(NCS)2(3-bromopyridine)2(MeCN)2 (2) that were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 consist of discrete complexes, in which the Mn(II) cations are octahedrally coordinated by two trans-N-bonding thiocyanate anions and four pyridine (1) or two pyridine and two acetonitrile ligands (2). Thermoanalytical measurements on 1 and 2 have shown that upon heating half of the 3-bromopyridine co-ligands from 1 or both acetonitrile ligands from 2 are removed leading to a crystalline phase with the composition [Mn(NCS)2(3-bromopyridine)2] n (3-II). From dry n-butanol a phase with the same composition was obtained (3-I) that corresponds to a polymorphic or isomeric form of 3-II. Crystal structure analysis of 3-I shows that in this form the Mn cations are linked by pairs of anionic ligands into linear chains. The results of magnetic measurements on 3-I show antiferromagnetic interactions along the chains and the analysis of the magnetic susceptibility using the Fisher model for chains gave a J value of −5.76(5) K.

M-CPOnes: transition metal complexes with cyclopropenone-based ligands for light-triggered carbon monoxide release

A new class of CO-releasing molecules, M-CPOnes, was prepared combining cyclopropenone-based ligands for CO release with the modular scaffold of transition metal complexes. In proof-of-concept studies, M-CPOnes based on Zn^II, Fe^II and Co^II are stable in the dark but undergo light-triggered CO release with the cyclopropenone substituents and metal ions enabling tuning of the photophysical properties. Furthermore, the choice of metal allows the use of different spectroscopic methods to monitor photodecarbonylation from fluorescence spectroscopy to UV/vis spectroscopy and paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy. The modularity of M-CPOnes from the metal ion to the cyclopropenone substitution and potential for further functionalisation of the ligand make M-CPOnes appealing for tailored functionality in applications.

The Dynamic Covalent Chemistry of Amidoboronates: Tuning the rac5 /rac6 Ratio via the B-N and B-O Dynamic Covalent Bonds

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Anna J. McConnell and Christian Näther from Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Germany. The cover picture shows an amidoboronate puzzle divided into four quarters that represent four possible amidoboronates. How do these amidoboronates interconvert? The right combination of aniline (yellow circles) and catechol (grey and purple circles) pieces solves this conundrum and the amidoboronates interconvert via dynamic covalent B-N (left to right) and B-O bonds (top to bottom). More information can be found in the Research Article by Anna J. McConnell and co-workers.

Structural characterization of sodium and potassium 3-nitrohydrogenphthalate coordination polymers

The synthesis, crystal structures and properties of two alkali metal 3-nitrohydrogenphthalates obtained by a 1:2 reaction of M2CO3 (M = K or Na) with 3-nitrophthalic acid (LH2) are reported. In the anhydrous potassium coordination polymer [K(LH)] (LH = 2-carboxy-3-nitrobenzoate) 1, the K+ cation is bonded to nine oxygen atoms from six symmetry related (LH)– ligands resulting in a distorted {KO9} coordination polyhedron. Five of the six oxygen atoms including a nitro oxygen atom of the crystallographically unique 2-carboxy-3-nitrobenzoate are involved in metal binding. The μ6-bridging mode of (LH)– places the K+ cations into the layers of the two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymer. Each {KO9} polyhedron in 1 shares edges with two other polyhedra along the b and c axes. A low temperature structure redetermination of [Na(L#H)(H2O)3]·H2O (L#H = 2-carboxy-6-nitrobenzoate) 2 has revealed that the (L#H)− anion is bonded to the Na+ cation in a monodentate fashion via the carbonyl oxygen atom of the –COOH group and two of the three unique aqua ligands exhibit a bridging bidentate mode stabilizing a chain polymer. The structure of compound 2 thus consists of chains of edge-sharing {NaO6} octahedra. Thermal decomposition of 1 or 2 results in the formation of metal carbonate residues.

Crystal structure of μ3-tetrathioantimonato-tris[(cyclam)zinc(II)] tetrathioantimonate acetonitrile disolvate dihydrate showing Zn disorder over the cyclam ring planes (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)

In the crystal structure of the title compound, [Zn(cyclam)]²⁺ cations and SbS₄^3– anions are present, which are linked to aceto­nitrile and water solvate mol­ecules via inter­molecular hydrogen bonding.

Reaction of Zn(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with cyclam (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetra­aza­cyclo­tetra­decane, C₁₀H₂₄N₄) and Na₃SbS₄ in an aceto­nitrile/water mixture led to the formation of crystals of the title compound, [Zn₃(SbS₄)(C₁₀H₂₄N₄)₃](SbS₄)·2CH₃CN·2H₂O or [(Zn-cyclam)₃(SbS₄)₂](H₂O)₂(aceto­nitrile)₂. The set-up of the crystal structure is similar to that of [(Zn-cyclam)₃(SbS₄)₂]^.8H₂O reported recently [Danker et al. (2021 ▸). Dalton Trans. 50, 18107–18117]. The crystal structure of the title compound consists of three crystallographically independent Zn^II cations (each disordered around centers of inversion), three centrosymmetric cyclam ligands, one SbS₄^3– anion, one water and one aceto­nitrile mol­ecule occupying general positions. The aceto­nitrile mol­ecule is equally disordered over two sets of sites. Each Zn²⁺ cation is bound to four nitro­gen atoms of a cyclam ligand and one sulfur atom of the SbS₄^3– anion within a distorted square-pyramidal coordination. The cation disorder of the [Zn(cyclam)]²⁺ complexes is discussed in detail and is also observed in other compounds, where identical ligands are located above and below the [Zn(cyclam)]²⁺ plane. In the title compound, the building units are arranged in layers parallel to the bc plane forming pores in which the aceto­nitrile solvate mol­ecules are located. Inter­molecular C—H⋯S hydrogen bonding links these units to the SbS₄^3– anions. Between the layers, additional water solvate mol­ecules are present that act as acceptor and donor groups for inter­molecular N—H⋯O and O—H⋯S hydrogen bonding.

Synthesis and crystal structure of poly[[di-μ3-tetrathioantimonato-tris[(cyclam)cobalt(II)]] acetonitrile disolvate dihydrate] (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)

In the crystal structure of the title compound, the [SbS₄]³⁻ anions are linked by the Co(cyclam) complex cations into rings, which are further connected into layers that are linked by inter­molecular hydrogen bonding via the water solvate mol­ecules and are arranged in such a way that cavities are formed, in which the disordered aceto­nitrile solvate mol­ecules are located.

Reaction of Co(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with cyclam (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetra­aza­cyclo­tetra­deca­ne) and Na₃SbS₄·9H₂O (Schlippesches salt) in a mixture of aceto­nitrile and water leads to the formation of crystals of the title compound with the composition {[Co₃(SbS₄)₂(C₁₀H₂₄N₄)₃]·2CH₃CN·2H₂O}_n or {[(Co-cyclam)₃(SbS₄)₂]·2(aceto­nitrile)·2H₂O}_n. The crystal structure of the title compound consists of three crystallographically independent [Co-cyclam]²⁺ cations, which are located on centers of inversion, one [SbS₄]³⁻ anion, one water and one aceto­nitrile mol­ecule that occupy general positions. The aceto­nitrile mol­ecule is disordered over two orientations and was refined using a split model. The Co^II cations are coordinated by four N atoms of the cyclam ligand and two trans-S atoms of the tetra­thio­anti­monate anion within slightly distorted octa­hedra. The unique [SbS₄]³⁻ anion is coordinated to all three crystallographically independent Co^II cations and this unit, with its symmetry-related counterparts, forms rings composed of six Co-cyclam cations and six tetra­thio­anti­monate anions that are further condensed into layers. These layers are perfectly stacked onto each other so that channels are formed in which acetontrile solvate mol­ecules that are hydrogen bonded to the anions are embedded. The water solvate mol­ecules are located between the layers and are connected to the cyclam ligands and the [SbS₄]³⁻ anions via inter­molecular N—H⋯O and O—H⋯S hydrogen bonding.

Crystal structures of two Co(NCS)2 urotropine coordination compounds with different Co coordinations

In the crystal structure of the title compounds, discrete complexes with different Co coordinations are observed, which are linked by inter­molecular hydrogen bonding into three-dimensional networks.

The reaction of Co(NCS)₂ with urotropine in ethanol leads to the formation of two different compounds, namely, bis­(ethanol-κO)bis­(hexa­methyl­ene­tetra­mine-κN)bis­(thio­cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)–di­aqua-κ²O-bis­(hexa­methyl­ene­tetra­mine-κN)bis­(thio­cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)–ethanol–hexa­methyl­ene­tetra­mine (1.2/0.8/1.6/4), [Co(NCS)₂(C₆H₁₂N₄)₂(C₂H₆O)₂]_1.2·[Co(NCS)₂(C₆H₁₂N₄)₂(H₂O)₂]_0.8·1.6C₂H₆O·4C₆H₁₂N₄, 1, and tris­(ethanol-κO)(hexa­methyl­ene­tetra­mine-κN)bis(thio­cyanato-κN)cobalt(II), [Co(NCS)₂(C₆H₁₂N₄)(C₂H₆O)₃], 2. In the crystal structure of compound 1, two crystallographically independent discrete complexes are observed that are located on centres of inversion. In one of them, the Co cation is octa­hedrally coordinated to two terminal N-bonded thio­cyanate anions, two urotropine ligands and two ethanol mol­ecules, whereas in the second complex 80% of the coordinating ethanol is exchanged by water. Formally, compound 1 is a mixture of two different complexes, i.e. di­aqua­dithio­cyanato­bis­(urotropine)cobalt(II) and di­ethano­ldi­thio­cyanato­bis­(uro­trop­ine)cobalt(II), that contain additional ethanol and urotropine solvate mol­ecules leading to an overall composition of [Co(NCS)₂(urotropine)₂(ethanol)_1.2(H₂O)_0.8·0.8ethanol·4urotropine. Both discrete complexes are linked by inter­molecular O—H⋯O and O—H⋯N hydrogen bonding and additional urotropine solvate mol­ecules into chains, which are further connected into layers. These layers combine into a three-dimensional network by pairs of centrosymmetric inter­molecular C—H⋯S hydrogen bonds. In the crystal structure of compound 2, di­thio­cyanato­(urotropine)tri­ethano­lcobalt(II), the cobalt cation is octa­hedrally coordinated to two terminal N-bonded thio­cyanate anions, one urotropine ligand and three ethanol mol­ecules into discrete complexes, which are located in general positions. These complexes are linked by inter­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bonding into layers, which are further connected into a three-dimensional network by inter­molecular C—H⋯S hydrogen bonding.

Crystal structure of di-ethano-lbis(thio-cyanato)-bis(urotropine)cobalt(II) and tetra-ethano-lbis(thio-cyanato)-cobalt(II)-urotropine (1/2)

The reaction of one equivalent Co(NCS)2 with four equivalents of urotropine (hexa-methyl-ene-tetra-mine) in ethanol leads to the formation of two compounds, namely, bis-(ethanol-κO)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)bis-(urotropine-κN)cobalt(II), [Co(NCS)2(C6H12N4)2(C2H6O)2] (1), and tetra-kis-(ethanol-κO)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)-urotropine (1/2), [Co(NCS)2(C2H6O)4]·2C6H12N4 (2). In 1, the Co cations are located on centers of inversion and are sixfold coordinated by two terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anions, two ethanol and two urotropine ligands whereas in 2 the cobalt cations occupy position Wyckoff position c and are sixfold coordinated by two anionic ligands and four ethanol ligands. Compound 2 contains two additional urotropine solvate mol-ecules per formula unit, which are hydrogen bonded to the complexes. In both compounds, the building blocks are connected via inter-molecular O-H⋯N (1 and 2) and C-H⋯S (1) hydrogen bonding to form three-dimensional networks.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of bis-(1,3-di-cyclo-hexyl-thio-urea-κS)bis(iso-thiocyanato-κN)cobalt(II)

Crystals of the title compound, [Co(NCS)2(C13H24N2S)2], were obtained by the reaction of Co(NCS)2 with 1,3-di-cyclo-hexyl-thio-urea in ethanol. Its crystal structure consists of discrete complexes that are located on twofold rotation axes, in which the CoII cations are tetra-hedrally coordinated by two terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anions and two 1,3-di-cyclo-hexyl-thio-urea ligands. These complexes are linked via inter-molecular N-H⋯S and C-H⋯S hydrogen bonding into chains, which elongate in the b-axis direction. These chains are closely packed in a pseudo-hexa-gonal manner. The CN stretching vibration of the thio-cyanate anions located at 2038 cm-1 is in agreement with only terminal bonded anionic ligands linked to metal cations in a tetra-hedral coordination. TG-DTA measurements prove the decomposition of the compound at about 227°C. DSC measurements reveal a small endothermic signal before decomposition at about 174°C, which might correspond to melting.

The cation and anion bonding modes make a difference: an unprecedented layered structure and a tri(hetero)nuclear moiety in thioantimonates(V)

Mixing solutions of M²⁺ (M = Cu²⁺ or Zn²⁺) salts containing cyclam (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) as the ligand and an aqueous solution of Na₃SbS₄·9H₂O at room temperature led to the crystallization of two new compounds within minutes: {[Cu(cyclam)]₃[SbS₄]₂}_n·20nH₂O (I) and {[Zn(cyclam)]₃[SbS₄]₂}·8H₂O (II). In the structure of I [SbS₄]^3- anions acting as a tridentate ligand join CuN₄S₂ octahedra generating twelve-membered rings by corner-sharing of SbS₄ and CuN₄S₂ units. The rings are condensed into layers, which are stacked onto each other in a 6R polytype manner. The layers contain large pores with the water molecules located between the layers above and below the pores. In contrast, the structure of II comprises a discrete molecular tri(hetero)nuclear moiety with a bidentate [SbS₄]^3- anion connecting two rectangular pyramidal ZnN₄S polyhedra. The crystal water molecules of I and II can be thermally removed, and I and II are recovered by treatment under a humid atmosphere. The EPR spectrum of I indicates the presence of Cu²⁺ cations, which is unusual in the environment of S^2- anions. The different bonding situations and the preferences for the coordination geometries of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ cations are rationalized by DFT based calculations, demonstrating that Cu²⁺ prefers an octahedral environment while Zn²⁺ adopts the square-pyramidal coordination. The pronounced differences in the vibrational spectra are also analyzed with DFT, showing how the different modes are influenced by the differing bond strengths.