Organocatalytic Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Fluorooxindoles to Quinone Methides

Fluorooxindoles undergo asymmetric Michael addition to para-quinone methides under phase-transfer conditions with 10 mol% of a readily available cinchona alkaloid ammonium catalyst. This reaction affords sterically encumbered, multifunctional fluorinated organic compounds displaying two adjacent chirality centers with high yields, ee's and dr's.

Organometallic Chirality Sensing via "Click"-Like η6-Arene Coordination with an Achiral Cp*Ru(II) Piano Stool Complex

Piano stool complexes have been studied over many years and found widespread applications in organic synthesis, catalysis, materials and drug development. We now report the first examples of quantitative chiroptical molecular recognition of chiral compounds through click-like η6-arene coordination with readily available half sandwich complexes. This conceptually new approach to chirality sensing is based on irreversible acetonitrile displacement of [Cp*Ru(CH3CN)3]PF6 by an aromatic target molecule, a process that is fast and complete within a few minutes at room temperature. The metal coordination coincides with characteristic circular dichroism inductions that can be easily correlated to the absolute configuration and enantiomeric ratio of the bound molecule. A relay assay that decouples the determination of the enantiomeric composition and of the total sample amount by a practical CD/UV measurement protocol was developed and successfully tested. The introduction of piano stool complexes to the chiroptical sensing realm is mechanistically unique and extends the scope of currently known methods with small-molecule probes that require the presence of amino, alcohol, carboxylate or other privileged functional groups for binding of the target compound. A broad application range including pharmaceutically relevant multifunctional molecules and the use in chromatography-free asymmetric reaction analysis are also demonstrated.

Alkaline earth metal-assisted dinitrogen activation at nickel

Rare examples of trinuclear [Ni-N2-M-N2-Ni] core (M = Ca, Mg) with linear bridged dinitrogen ligands are reported in this work. The reduction of [iPr2NN]Ni(μ-Br)2Li(thf)2 (1) (iPr2NN = 2,4-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenylimido)pentyl) with elemental Mg or Ca in THF under an atmosphere of dinitrogen yields the complex {iPr2NNNi(μ-N2)}2M (thf)4 (M = Mg, complex 2 and M = Ca, complex 3). The bridging end-on (μ-N2)2M(thf)4 moiety connects the two [iPr2NNNi]- nickelate fragments. A combination of X-ray crystallography, solution and solid-state spectroscopy have been applied to characterize complexes 2 and 3, and DFT studies have been used to help explain the bonding and electronic structure in these unique Ni-N2-Mg and Ni-N2-Ca complexes.

General alkyl fluoride functionalization via short-lived carbocation-organozincate ion pairs

Fluorinated organic compounds are frequently used across the chemical and life sciences. Although a large, structurally diverse pool of alkyl fluorides is nowadays available, synthetic applications trail behind the widely accepted utility of other halides. We envisioned that C(sp2)-C(sp3) cross-coupling reactions of alkyl fluorides with fluorophilic organozinc compounds should be possible through a heterolytic mechanism that involves short-lived ion pairs and uses the stability of the Zn-F bond as the thermodynamic driving force. This would be mechanistically different from previously reported radical reactions and overcome long-standing limitations of organometallic cross-coupling methodology, including competing β-hydride elimination, homodimerization and hydrodefluorination. Here, we show a practical Csp3-F bond functionalization method that expands the currently restricted synthetic space of unactivated primary, secondary and tertiary C(sp3)-F bonds but also uses benzylic, propargylic and acyl fluorides. Many functional groups and sterically demanding substrates are tolerated, which allows practical carbon-carbon bond formation and late-stage functionalization.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cerium-Oxo Clusters Capped by Acetylacetonate

Cerium-oxo clusters have applications in fields ranging from catalysis to electronics and also hold the potential to inform on aspects of actinide chemistry. Toward this end, a cerium-acetylacetonate (acac1-) monomeric molecule, Ce(acac)4 (Ce-1), and two acac1--decorated cerium-oxo clusters, [Ce10O8(acac)14(CH3O)6(CH3OH)2]·10.5MeOH (Ce-10) and [Ce12O12(OH)4(acac)16(CH3COO)2]·6(CH3CN) (Ce-12), were prepared and structurally characterized. The Ce(acac)4 monomer contains CeIV. Crystallographic data and bond valence summation values for the Ce-10 and Ce-12 clusters are consistent with both clusters having a mixture of CeIII and CeIV cations. Ce L3-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, performed on Ce-10, showed contributions from both CeIII and CeIV. The Ce-10 cluster is built from a hexameric cluster, with six CeIV sites, that is capped by two dimeric CeIII units. By comparison, Ce-12, which formed upon dissolution of Ce-10 in acetonitrile, consists of a central decamer built from edge sharing CeIV hexameric units, and two monomeric CeIII sites that are bound on the outer corners of the inner Ce10 core. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry data for solutions prepared by dissolving Ce-10 in acetonitrile showed that the major ions could be attributed to Ce10 clusters that differed primarily in the number of acac1-, OH1-, MeO1-, and O2- ligands. Small angle X-ray scattering measurements for Ce-10 dissolved in acetonitrile showed structural units slightly larger than either Ce10 or Ce12 in solution, likely due to aggregation. Taken together, these results suggest that the acetylacetonate supported clusters can support diverse solution-phase speciation in organic solutions that could lead to stabilization of higher order cerium containing clusters, such as cluster sizes that are greater than the Ce10 and Ce12 reported herein.

Thiol and H2S-Mediated NO Generation from Nitrate at Copper(II)

Reduction of nitrate is an essential, yet challenging chemical task required to manage this relatively inert oxoanion in the environment and biology. We show that thiols, ubiquitous reductants in biology, convert nitrate to nitric oxide at a Cu(II) center under mild conditions. The β-diketiminato complex [Cl₂NN_F6]Cu(κ²-O₂NO) engages in O-atom transfer with various thiols (RSH) to form the corresponding copper(II) nitrite [Cu^II](κ²-O₂N) and sulfenic acid (RSOH). The copper(II) nitrite further reacts with RSH to give S-nitrosothiols RSNO and [Cu^II]₂(μ-OH)₂ en route to NO formation via [Cu^II]-SR intermediates. The gasotransmitter H₂S also reduces nitrate at copper(II) to generate NO, providing a lens into NO₃^-/H₂S crosstalk. The interaction of thiols with nitrate at copper(II) releases a cascade of N- and S-based signaling molecules in biology.

Lewis acid-assisted reduction of nitrite to nitric and nitrous oxides via the elusive nitrite radical dianion

Reduction of nitrite anions (NO2-) to nitric oxide (NO), nitrous oxide (N2O) and ultimately dinitrogen (N2) takes place in a variety of environments, including in the soil as part of the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle and in acidified nuclear waste. Nitrite reduction typically takes place within the coordination sphere of a redox-active transition metal. Here we show that Lewis acid coordination can substantially modify the reduction potential of this polyoxoanion to allow for its reduction under non-aqueous conditions (-0.74 V versus NHE). Detailed characterization confirms the formation of the borane-capped radical nitrite dianion (NO22-), which features a N(II) oxidation state. Protonation of the nitrite dianion results in the facile loss of nitric oxide (NO), whereas its reaction with NO results in disproportionation to nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitrite (NO2-). This system connects three redox levels in the global nitrogen cycle and provides fundamental insights into the conversion of NO2- to NO.

NO Coupling at Copper to cis-Hyponitrite: N2O Formation via Protonation and H-Atom Transfer

Copper nitrite reductases (CuNIRs) convert NO2- to NO as well as NO to N2O under high NO flux at a mononuclear type 2 Cu center. While model complexes illustrate N-N coupling from NO that results in symmetric trans-hyponitrite [CuII]-ONNO-[CuII] complexes, we report NO assembly at a single Cu site in the presence of an external reductant Cp*2M (M = Co, Fe) to give the first copper cis-hyponitrites [Cp*2M]{[CuII](κ2-O2N2)[CuI]}. Importantly, the κ1-N-bound [CuI] fragment may be easily removed by the addition of mild Lewis bases such as CNAr or pyridine to form the spectroscopically similar anion {[CuII](κ2-O2N2)}-. The addition of electrophiles such as H+ to these anionic copper(II) cis-hyponitrites leads to N2O generation with the formation of the dicopper(II)-bis-μ-hydroxide [CuII]2(μ-OH)2. One-electron oxidation of the {[CuII](κ2-O2N2)}- core turns on H-atom transfer reactivity, enabling the oxidation of 9,10-dihydroanthracene to anthracene with concomitant formation of N2O and [CuII]2(μ-OH)2. These studies illustrate both the reductive coupling of NO at a single copper center and a way to harness the strong oxidizing power of nitric oxide via the neutral cis-hyponitrite [Cu](κ2-O2N2).

NO Generation from the Cross-Talks between Ene-diol Antioxidants and Nitrite at Metal Sites

The one-electron reduction of nitrite (NO₂^-) to nitric oxide (NO) and ene-diol oxidation are two important biochemical transformations. Employing mononuclear cobalt-nitrite complexes with Co^III and Co^II oxidation states, [(Bz₃Tren)Co^III(nitrite)₂](ClO₄) (1) and [(Bz₃Tren)Co^II(nitrite)](ClO₄) (2), this report illustrates NO release coupled to stepwise oxidation of ene-diol antioxidants such as l-ascorbic acid (AH₂) and catechol. Analysis of the AH₂ end-product reveals that the reaction with complex 1 affords dehydroascorbic acid. Intriguingly, a controlled oxidation of AH₂ with complex 2 results in a [Co^II]-bound ascorbyl radical-anion (8). Finally, NO release with the concomitant generation of metal-bound 3,5-di-tert-butyl-semiquinone radical anion from the reactions of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-catechol and [(Bz₃Tren)M^II(nitrite)](ClO₄) (2, M = Co; 4, M = Zn) provides mechanistic insights into the cross-talk between nitrite and ene-diols at the metal sites.

Reactivity of a Chloride Decorated, Mixed Valent CeIII/IV38-Oxo Cluster

A cerium-oxo nanocluster capped by chloride ligands, [Ce^IV_38-nCe^III_nO_56-(n+1)(OH)_n+1Cl₅₁(H₂O)₁₁]^10- (n = 1-24), has been isolated from acidic chloride solutions by using potassium counterions. The crystal structure was elucidated using single crystal X-ray diffraction. At the center of the cluster is a {Ce₁₄} core that exhibits the same fluorite-type structure as bulk CeO₂, with eight-coordinate Ce sites bridged by tetrahedral oxo anions. The {Ce₁₄} is further surrounded by a peripheral shell of six tetranuclear {Ce₄} subunits that are located on each of the faces of the core to yield the {Ce₃₈} cluster. The surface of the cluster is capped by 51 bridging/terminal chloride ligands and 11 water molecules; the anionic cluster is charge balanced by potassium counterions that exist in the outer coordination sphere. While assignment of the Ce oxidation state by bond valence summation was ambiguous, Ce L₃-edge X-ray absorption, X-ray photoelectron, and UV-vis-NIR absorption results were consistent with a Ce^III/Ce^IV cluster. Systematic changes in the XANES and UV-vis-NIR absorption spectra over time pointed to reactivity of the cluster upon exposure to air. These changes were examined using single crystal X-ray diffraction, and a clear single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation was captured; an overall loss of surface-bound chlorides and water molecules as well as new μ₂-OH sites was observed on the cluster surface. This work provides a rare snapshot of metal oxide cluster reactivity. The results may hold implications for understanding the physical and chemical properties of ceria nanoparticles and provide insight into the behavior of other metal-oxo clusters of significant technological and environmental interest.

Harnessing Bismuth Coordination Chemistry to Achieve Bright, Long-Lived Organic Phosphorescence

A new bismuth(III)-organic compound, Hphen[Bi₂(HPDC)₂(PDC)₂(NO₃)]·4H₂O (Bi-1; PDC = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), was synthesized, and the structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound was found to display bright-blue-green phosphorescence in the solid state under UV irradiation, with a luminescent lifetime of 1.776 ms at room temperature. The room temperature and low-temperature (77 K) emission spectra exhibited the vibronic structure characteristic of Hphen phosphorescence. Time-dependent density functional theory studies showed that the excitation pathway arises from an energy transfer from the dimeric structural unit to Hphen, with participation from a nine-coordinate Bi center. The triplet state of Hphen is believed to be stabilized via supramolecular interactions, which, when coupled with the heavy-atom effect induced by Bi, leads to the observed long-lived luminescence. The compound displayed a solid-state quantum yield of over 27%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such compound to exhibit phenanthrolinium phosphorescence with such long-lived, room temperature lifetimes in the solid state. To further elucidate the energy-transfer mechanism, Ln³⁺ (Ln = Eu, Tb, Sm) ions were successfully doped into the parent compound, and the resulting materials exhibited dual emission from Hphen and Ln, promoting tunability of the emission color.

Uncovering Redox Non-innocent Hydrogen-Bonding in Cu(I)-Diazene Complexes

The life-sustaining reduction of N₂ to NH₃ is thermoneutral yet kinetically challenged by high-energy intermediates such as N₂H₂. Exploring intramolecular H-bonding as a potential strategy to stabilize diazene intermediates, we employ a series of [^xHetTpCu]₂(μ-N₂H₂) complexes that exhibit H-bonding between pendant aromatic N-heterocycles (^xHet) such as pyridine and a bridging trans-N₂H₂ ligand at copper(I) centers. X-ray crystallography and IR spectroscopy clearly reveal H-bonding in [^pyMeTpCu]₂(μ-N₂H₂) while low-temperature ¹H NMR studies coupled with DFT analysis reveals a dynamic equilibrium between two closely related, symmetric H-bonded structural motifs. Importantly, the ^xHet pendant negligibly influences the electronic structure of ^xHetTpCu^I centers in ^xHetTpCu(CNAr^2,6-Me₂) complexes that lack H-bonding as judged by nearly indistinguishable ν(CN) frequencies (2113-2117 cm^-1). Nonetheless, H-bonding in the corresponding [^xHetTpCu]₂(μ-N₂H₂) complexes results in marked changes in ν(NN) (1398-1419 cm^-1) revealed through resonance Raman studies. Due to the closely matched N-H BDEs of N₂H₂ and the pyH⁰ cation radical, the aromatic N-heterocyclic pendants may encourage partial H-atom transfer (HAT) from N₂H₂ to ^xHet through redox-non-innocent H-bonding in [^xHetTpCu]₂(μ-N₂H₂). DFT studies reveal modest thermodynamic barriers for concerted transfer of both H-atoms of coordinated N₂H₂ to the ^xHet pendants to generate tautomeric [^xHetHTpCu]₂(μ-N₂) complexes, identifying metal-assisted concerted dual HAT as a thermodynamically favorable pathway for N₂/N₂H₂ interconversion.

Thionitrite and Perthionitrite in NO Signaling at Zinc

NO and H₂ S serve as signaling molecules in biology with intertwined reactivity. HSNO and HSSNO with their conjugate bases ^- SNO and ^- SSNO form in the reaction of H₂ S with NO as well as S-nitrosothiols (RSNO) and nitrite (NO₂ ^- ) that serve as NO reservoirs. While HSNO and HSSNO are elusive, their conjugate bases form isolable zinc complexes ^Ph,Me TpZn(SNO) and ^Ph,Me TpZn(SSNO) supported by tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands. Reaction of Na(15-C-5)SSNO with ^Ph,Me TpZn(ClO₄ ) provides ^Ph,Me TpZn(SSNO) that undergoes S-atom removal by PEt₃ to give ^Ph,Me TpZn(SNO) and S=PEt₃ . Unexpectedly stable at room temperature, these Zn-SNO and Zn-SSNO complexes release NO upon heating. ^Ph,Me TpZn(SNO) and ^Ph,Me TpZn(SSNO) quickly react with acidic thiols such as C₆ F₅ SH to form N₂ O and NO, respectively. Increasing the thiol basicity in p-substituted aromatic thiols ^4-X ArSH in the reaction with ^Ph,Me TpZn(SNO) turns on competing S-nitrosation to form ^Ph,Me TpZn-SH and RSNO, the latter a known precursor for NO.

Structure-Property Relationships in Photoluminescent Bismuth Halide Organic Hybrid Materials

Seven novel bismuth(III)-halide phases, Bi₂Cl₆(terpy)₂·0.5(H₂O) (1), Bi₂Cl₄(terpy)₂(k₂-TC)₂(2) (TC = 2-thiophene monocarboxylate), BiCl(terpy)(k₂-TC)₂ (3A-Cl), BiBr(terpy)(k₂-TC)₂ (3A-Br), BiCl(terpy)(k₂-TC)₂ (3B-Cl), [BiCl(terpy)(k₂-TC)₂][Bi(terpy)(k₂-TC)₃]·0.55(TCA) (4), [BiBr₃(terpy)(MeOH)] (5), and [BiBr₂(terpy)(k₂-TC)][BiBr_1.16(terpy)(k₂-TC)_1.84] (6), were prepared under mild synthetic conditions from methanolic/aqueous solutions containing BiX₃ (X = Cl, Br) and 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (terpy) and/or 2-thiophene monocarboxylic acid (TCA). A heterometallic series, 3A-Bi_1-xEu_xCl, with the general formula Bi_1-xEu_xCl(terpy)(k₂-TC)₂ (x = 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05) was also prepared through trace Eu doping of the 3A-Cl phase. The structures were determined through single-crystal X-ray diffraction and are built from a range of molecular units including monomeric and dimeric complexes. The solid-state photoluminescent properties of the compounds were examined through steady-state and time-resolved methods. While the homometallic phases exhibited broad green to yellow emission, the heterometallic phases displayed yellow, orange, and red emission that can be attributed to the simultaneous ligand/Bi-halide and Eu centered emissions. Photoluminescent color tuning was achieved by controlling the relative intensities of these concurrent emissions through compositional modifications including the Eu doping percentage. Notably, all emissive homo- and heterometallic phases exhibited rare visible excitation pathways that based on theoretical quantum mechanical calculations are attributed to halide-metal to ligand charge transfer (XMLCT). Through a combined experimental and computational approach, fundamental insight into the structure-property relationships within these Bi halide organic hybrid materials is provided.

Mechanism of O-Atom Transfer from Nitrite: Nitric Oxide Release at Copper(II)

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule in health and disease. While nitrite acts as a reservoir of NO activity, mechanisms for NO release require further understanding. A series of electronically varied β-diketiminatocopper(II) nitrite complexes [Cu^II](κ²-O₂N) react with a range of electronically tuned triarylphosphines PAr^Z₃ that release NO with the formation of O═PAr^Z₃. Second-order rate constants are largest for electron-poor copper(II) nitrite and electron-rich phosphine pairs. Computational analysis reveals a transition-state structure energetically matched with experimentally determined activation barriers. The production of NO follows a pathway that involves nitrite isomerization at Cu^II from κ²-O₂N to κ¹-NO₂ followed by O-atom transfer (OAT) to form O═PAr^Z₃ and [Cu^I]-NO that releases NO upon PAr^Z₃ binding at Cu^I to form [Cu^I]-PAr^Z₃. These findings illustrate important mechanistic considerations involved in NO formation from nitrite via OAT.

Impact of Noncovalent Interactions on the Structural Chemistry of Thorium(IV)-Aquo-Chloro Complexes

Five novel tetravalent thorium (Th) compounds that consist of Th(H₂O)_xCl_y structural units were isolated from acidic aqueous solutions using a series of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic hydrogen (H) bond donors. Taken together with three previously reported phases, the compounds provide a series of monomeric Th^IV complexes wherein the effects of noncovalent interactions (and H-bond donor identity) on Th structural chemistry can be examined. Seven distinct structural units of the general formulas [Th(H₂O)_xCl_8-x]^x-4 (x = 2, 4) and [Th(H₂O)_xCl_9-x]^x-5 (x = 5-7) are described. The complexes range from chloride-deficient [Th(H₂O)₇Cl₂]²⁺ to chloride-rich [Th(H₂O)₂Cl₆]^2- species, and theory was used to understand the relative energies that separate complexes within this series via the stepwise chloride addition to an aquated Th cation. Electronic structure theory predicted the reaction energies of chloride addition and release of water through a series of transformations, generally highlighting an energetic driving force for chloride complexation. To probe the role of the counterion in the stabilization of these complexes, electrostatic potential (ESP) surfaces were calculated. The ESP surfaces indicated a dependence of the chloride distribution about the Th metal center on the pK_a of the countercation, highlighting the directing effects of noncovalent interactions (e.g., Hbonding) on Th speciation.

Copper(ii) ketimides in sp3 C–H amination

Commercially available benzophenone imine (HN Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> CPh₂) reacts with β-diketiminato copper(ii) tert-butoxide complexes [Cu^II]–O^tBu to form isolable copper(ii) ketimides [Cu^II]–NCPh₂. Structural characterization of the three coordinate copper(ii) ketimide [Me₃NN]Cu–NCPh₂ reveals a short Cu-N_ketimide distance (1.700(2) Å) with a nearly linear Cu–N–C linkage (178.9(2)°). Copper(ii) ketimides [Cu^II]–NCPh₂ readily capture alkyl radicals R˙ (PhCH(˙)Me and Cy˙) to form the corresponding R–NCPh₂ products in a process that competes with N–N coupling of copper(ii) ketimides [Cu^II]–NCPh₂ to form the azine Ph₂CN–NCPh₂. Copper(ii) ketimides [Cu^II]–NCAr₂ serve as intermediates in catalytic sp³ C–H amination of substrates R–H with ketimines HNCAr₂ and ^tBuOO^tBu as oxidant to form N-alkyl ketimines R–NCAr₂. This protocol enables the use of unactivated sp³ C–H bonds to give R–NCAr₂ products easily converted to primary amines R–NH₂via simple acidic deprotection.

Commercially available benzophenone imine (HNCPh₂) reacts with β-diketiminato copper(ii) tert-butoxide complexes [Cu^II]–O^tBu to form isolable copper(ii) ketimides [Cu^II]–NCPh₂ that serve as intermediates in catalytic sp³ C−H amination via radical relay.

Synthesis, structural characterization, and luminescence properties of heteroleptic bismuth-organic compounds

The synthesis and photoluminescent properties of four bismuth-organic compounds, their lanthanide doped analogs, and an isostructural europium complex are reported.

Three-Coordinate Copper(II) Alkynyl Complex in C-C Bond Formation: The Sesquicentennial of the Glaser Coupling

Copper(II) alkynyl species are proposed as key intermediates in numerous Cu-catalyzed C-C coupling reactions. Supported by a β-diketiminate ligand, the three-coordinate copper(II) alkynyl [Cu^II]-C≡CAr (Ar = 2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃) forms upon reaction of the alkyne H-C≡CAr with the copper(II) tert-butoxide complex [Cu^II]-O^tBu. In solution, this [Cu^II]-C≡CAr species cleanly transforms to the Glaser coupling product ArC≡C-C≡CAr and [Cu^I](solvent). Addition of nucleophiles R'C≡C-Li (R' = aryl, silyl) and Ph-Li to [Cu^II]-C≡CAr affords the corresponding C_sp-C_sp and C_sp-C_sp2 coupled products RC≡C-C≡CAr and Ph-C≡CAr with concomitant generation of [Cu^I](solvent) and {[Cu^I]-C≡CAr}^-, respectively. Supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, redox disproportionation forms [Cu^III](C≡CAr)(R) species that reductively eliminate R-C≡CAr products. [Cu^II]-C≡CAr also captures the trityl radical Ph₃C· to give Ph₃C-C≡CAr. Radical capture represents the key C_sp-C_sp3 bond-forming step in the copper-catalyzed C-H functionalization of benzylic substrates R-H with alkynes H-C≡CR' (R' = (hetero)aryl, silyl) that provide C_sp-C_sp3 coupled products R-C≡CR via radical relay with ^tBuOO^tBu as oxidant.

Synthesis and photoluminescence of three bismuth(III)-organic compounds bearing heterocyclic N-donor ligands

Three bismuth(iii)-organic compounds, [Bi4Cl8(PDC)2(phen)4]·2MeCN (1), [BiCl3(phen)2] (2), and [Bi2Cl6(terpy)2] (3), were prepared from solvothermal reactions of bismuth chloride, 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (H2PDC), and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2';6',2''-terpyridine (terpy). The structures were determined through single crystal X-ray diffraction and the compounds were further characterized via powder X-ray diffraction, Raman and infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The photoluminescence properties of the solid-state materials were assessed using steady state and time-dependent techniques to obtain excitation and emission profiles as well as lifetimes. The compounds exhibit visible emission ranging from the yellow-green to orange region upon UV excitation. Theoretical quantum mechanical calculations aimed at elucidating the observed emissive behavior show that the transitions can be assigned as predominantly ligand-to-ligand and ligand-to-metal charge transfer transitions. The solid-state structural chemistry, spectroscopic properties, and luminescence behavior of the bismuth compounds are presented herein.

Lewis Acid Coordination Redirects S-Nitrosothiol Signaling Output

S-Nitrosothiols (RSNOs) serve as air-stable reservoirs for nitric oxide in biology. While copper enzymes promote NO release from RSNOs by serving as Lewis acids for intramolecular electron-transfer, redox-innocent Lewis acids separate these two functions to reveal the effect of coordination on structure and reactivity. The synthetic Lewis acid B(C6 F5 )3 coordinates to the RSNO oxygen atom, leading to profound changes in the RSNO electronic structure and reactivity. Although RSNOs possess relatively negative reduction potentials, B(C6 F5 )3 coordination increases their reduction potential by over 1 V into the physiologically accessible +0.1 V vs. NHE. Outer-sphere chemical reduction gives the Lewis acid stabilized hyponitrite dianion trans-[LA-O-N=N-O-LA]2- [LA=B(C6 F5 )3 ], which releases N2 O upon acidification. Mechanistic and computational studies support initial reduction to the [RSNO-B(C6 F5 )3 ] radical anion, which is susceptible to N-N coupling prior to loss of RSSR.

Phenol Reduces Nitrite to NO at Copper(II): Role of a Proton-Responsive Outer Coordination Sphere in Phenol Oxidation

In the view of physiological significance, the transition-metal-mediated routes for nitrite (NO₂^-) to nitric oxide (NO) conversion and phenol oxidation are of prime importance. Probing the reactivity of substituted phenols toward the nitritocopper(II) cryptate complex [mC]Cu(κ²-O₂N)(ClO₄) (1a), this report illustrates NO release from nitrite at copper(II) following a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) pathway. Moreover, a different protonated state of 1a with a proton hosted in the outer coordination sphere, [mCH]Cu(κ²-O₂N)(ClO₄)₂ (3), also reacts with substituted phenols via primary electron transfer from the phenol. Intriguingly, the alternative mechanism operative because of the presence of a proton at the remote site in 3 facilitates an unusual anaerobic pathway for phenol nitration.

NOx- anion recognition by bimetallic cryptates: selectivity for nitrite over nitrate

Nitrate and nitrite anions have multifaceted impacts on the environment and human health. We herein report selective recognition of nitrite over nitrate anion inside the cavity of bimetallic azacryptates having p-xylyl spacers. This work reveals a number of binding interactions which play pivotal roles in nitrite anion recognition by rigid metal cryptates.

Paramagnetic Clusters of Mn3(O2CCH3)6(Bpy)2 in Polyacrylamide Nanobeads as a New Design Approach to a T1- T2 Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent

There is an increasing need for gadolinium-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, particularly for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. Using a cluster-nanocarrier combination, we have identified a novel approach to the design of biomedical nanomaterials and report here the criteria for the cluster and the nanocarrier and the advantages of this combination. We have investigated the relaxivity of the following manganese oxo clusters: the parent cluster Mn₃(O₂CCH₃)₆(Bpy)₂ (1) where Bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and three new analogs, Mn₃(O₂CC₆H₄CH═CH₂)₆(Bpy)₂ (2), Mn₃(O₂CC(CH₃)═CH₂)₆(Bpy)₂ (3), and Mn₃O(O₂CCH₃)₆(Pyr)₂ (4) where Pyr = pyridine. The parent cluster, Mn₃(O₂CCH₃)₆(Bpy)₂ (1), had impressive relaxivity ( r₁ = 6.9 mM^-1 s^-1, r₂ = 125 mM^-1 s^-1) and was found to be the most amenable for the synthesis of cluster-nanocarrier nanobeads. Using the inverse miniemulsion polymerization technique (1) in combination with the hydrophilic monomer acrylamide, we synthesized nanobeads (∼125 nm diameter) with homogeneously dispersed clusters within the polyacrylamide matrix (termed Mn₃Bpy-PAm). The nanobeads were surface-modified by co-polymerization with an amine-functionalized monomer. This enabled various postsynthetic modifications, for example, to attach a near-IR dye, Cyanine7, as well as a targeting agent. When evaluated as a potential multimodal MRI contrast agent, high relaxivity and contrast were observed with r₁ = 54.4 mM^-1 s^-1 and r₂ = 144 mM^-1 s^-1, surpassing T₁ relaxivity of clinically used Gd-DTPA chelates as well as comparable T₂ relaxivity to iron oxide microspheres. Physicochemical properties, cellular uptake, and impacts on cell viability were also investigated.

β-Strand inspired bifacial π-conjugated polymers

Access to diverse, relatively high molecular weight soluble linear polymers without pendant solubilizing chains is the key to solution state synthesis of structurally diverse nanoribbons of conjugated materials. However, realizing soluble 1D-π-conjugated polymers without pendant solubilizing chains is a daunting task. Herein, inspired from the polypeptide β-strand architecture, we have designed and developed novel bifacial π-conjugated polymers (M _n: ca. 24 kDa) that are soluble (ca. 70 to >250 mM) despite the absence of pendant solubilizing chains. The impact of varying the bifacial monomer height on polymer solubility, optical properties, and interactions with small molecules is reported.

Nitrosyl Linkage Isomers: NO Coupling to N2O at a Mononuclear Site

Linkage isomers of reduced metal-nitrosyl complexes serve as key species in nitric oxide (NO) reduction at monometallic sites to produce nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas. While factors leading to extremely rare side-on nitrosyls are unclear, we describe a pair of nickel-nitrosyl linkage isomers through controlled tuning of noncovalent interactions between the nitrosyl ligands and differently encapsulated potassium cations. Furthermore, these reduced metal-nitrosyl species with N-centered spin density undergo radical coupling with free NO and provide a N-N coupled cis-hyponitrite intermediate whose protonation triggers the release of N₂O. This report outlines a stepwise molecular mechanism of NO reduction to form N₂O at a mononuclear metal site that provides insight into the related biological reduction of NO to N₂O.

Bismuth(iii)-thiophenedicarboxylates as host frameworks for lanthanide ions: synthesis, structural characterization, and photoluminescent behavior

Three bismuth-2,5-thiophenedicarboxylates (Bi-TDC) and two europium-2,5-thiophenedicarboxylates (Eu-TDC) were synthesized under ambient conditions. The structures were determined through single crystal X-ray diffraction, and three of the phases were further characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Reactions of bismuth nitrate, 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate, and pyridine in an acidic solution of acetic acid and ethanol yield Hpy[Bi(TDC)2(H2O)]·1.5H2O (1), whereas reactions in a water/ethanol mixture produce a minor phase, [Hpy]3[Bi2(TDC)4(HTDC)(H2O)]·xH2O (2) along with a major product, (Hpy)2[Bi(TDC)2(HTDC)]·0.36H2O (3). The structures of 1-3 are all built from anionic Bi-TDC chains that are further bridged through additional TDC linkages into interpenetrated 2D sheets. Addition of an aqueous lanthanide solution to the reaction mixtures that yielded 1 and 2-3 resulted in the formation of doped phases, Hpy[Bi1-xLnx(TDC)2(H2O)]·1.5H2O (Bi1-xLnx-1), where Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, and Yb, and (Hpy)2[Bi0.99Eu0.01 (TDC)2(HTDC)]·0.36H2O (Bi0.99Eu0.01-3). Using europium nitrate rather than the bismuth precursor resulted in the formation of two homometallic europium based phases, [Eu(TDC)(NO3)(H2O)]n (4) and [Eu2(TDC)3(H2O)9]·5H2O (5), which adopt an extended 3D network and an interpenetrated 2D structure, respectively. Photophysical measurements were carried out for 1 and the lanthanide containing phases and quantum yield and lifetime values were determined for the visible light emitters. Herein, the structural chemistry, spectroscopic properties, and luminescence of the bismuth phases, their lanthanide doped analogs, and the europium compounds are presented.

Photoluminescence of Visible and NIR-Emitting Lanthanide-Doped Bismuth-Organic Materials

A bismuth-organic compound containing 2,2':6'2"-terpyridine (terpy) and 2-thiophenecarboxylate (TC), of the general formula (terpy)Bi(κ² -TC)₃ ⋅0.47 H₂ O (BiOM-1), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Addition of a lanthanide nitrate solution to the reaction mixture led to statistical replacement of the bismuth centers, and yielded isomorphous lanthanide containing compounds Bi_1-x Ln_x OM-1 (Ln=Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Er, and Yb) that showed bismuth and/or ligand sensitized lanthanide-centered emission, and the first example of NIR emission from a lanthanide doped BiOM. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and the level and uniformity of lanthanide ion incorporation into the bismuth host was determined by ICP-OES and electron microprobe analysis. For the visible emitters, lifetime data and quantum yields are presented. A high efficiency of sensitization was calculated for the europium analog (50.1 %), showing significant improvement over previously reported europium thiophenecarboxylates. These novel materials may provide strategies to address concerns over the long-term sustainability of the rare earth elements, especially relating to optical devices.

One step synthesis of a fused four-ring heterocycle

The rearrangement of a diphenylurea to a more stable quinazolinone is confirmed through X-ray diffraction and DFT calculations.

Crystal structure of a diaryl carbonate: 1,3-phenylene bis(phenyl carbonate)

The whole mol­ecule of the title di­aryl­carbonate is generated by mirror symmetry, the mirror bis­ecting the central benzene ring, and the carbonate groups adopt an s-cis-s-cis conformation. In the crystal, there are only weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and offset π–π inter­actions present.

The whole mol­ecule of the title compound, C₂₀H₁₄O₆, is generated by mirror symmetry, the mirror bis­ecting the central benzene ring. The carbonate groups adopt an s-cis-s-cis conformation, with torsion angles of 58.7 (2) and 116.32 (15)°. The crystal structure of 1,3-phenyl­ene bis­(phenyl carbonate) contains no strong hydrogen bonds, though weak C—H⋯O and offset π–π inter­actions are observed, forming layers parallel to the ac plane.

A new polymorph of 2,6-diaminopyridine

2,6-Diaminopyridine (26-DAP, C₅H₇N₃) is a common intermediate in the synthesis of aromatic azo chromophores, which are widespread in the dyes and pigments industry. Sublimation of commercial 26-DAP powder yielded a new polymorph, denoted Form II, which grew as colorless orthorhombic needles. Recrystallization from acetone or toluene also yielded Form II as the major phase. Thermal analysis shows that Form II is a less stable polymorph and it converts upon heating at 335 K to the previously reported Form I.

Quantitative Analysis of Different Formation Modes of Platinum Nanocrystals Controlled by Ligand Chemistry

Well-defined metal nanocrystals play important roles in various fields, such as catalysis, medicine, and nanotechnology. They are often synthesized through kinetically controlled process in colloidal systems that contain metal precursors and surfactant molecules. The chemical functionality of surfactants as coordinating ligands to metal ions however remains a largely unsolved problem in this process. Understanding the metal-ligand complexation and its effect on formation kinetics at the molecular level is challenging but essential to the synthesis design of colloidal nanocrystals. Herein we report that spontaneous ligand replacement and anion exchange control the form of coordinated Pt-ligand intermediates in the system of platinum acetylacetonate [Pt(acac)₂], primary aliphatic amine, and carboxylic acid ligands. The formed intermediates govern the formation mode of Pt nanocrystals, leading to either a pseudo two-step or a one-step mechanism by switching on or off an autocatalytic surface growth. This finding shows the importance of metal-ligand complexation at the prenucleation stage and represents a critical step forward for the designed synthesis of nanocrystal-based materials.