Correlating Valence and 2p3d RIXS Spectroscopies: A Ligand-Field Study of Spin-Crossover Iron(II).

The molecular spin-crossover phenomenon between high-spin (HS) and low-spin (LS) states is a promising route to next-generation information storage, sensing applications, and molecular spintronics. Spin-crossover complexes also provide a unique opportunity to study the ligand field (LF) properties of a system in both HS and LS states while maintaining the same ligand environment. Presently, we employ complementing valence and core-level spectroscopic methods to probe the electronic excited-state manifolds of the spin-crossover complex [FeII(H2B(pz)2)2phen]0. Light-induced excited spin-state trapping (LIESST) at liquid He temperatures is exploited to characterize magnetic and spectroscopic properties of the photoinduced HS state using SQUID magnetometry and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. In parallel, Fe 2p3d RIXS spectroscopy is employed to examine the ΔS = 0, 1 excited LF states. These experimental studies are combined with state-of-the-art CASSCF/NEVPT2 and CASCI/NEVPT2 calculations characterizing the ground and LF excited states. Analysis of the acquired LF information further supports the notion that the spin-crossover of [FeII(H2B(pz)2)2phen]0 is asymmetric, evidenced by a decrease in eπ in the LS state. The results demonstrate the power of cross-correlating spectroscopic techniques with high and low LF information content to make accurate excited-state assignments, as well as the current capabilities of ab initio theory in interpreting these electronic properties.

Light-Induced Dyotropic Rearrangement of Diarylethenes: Scope, Mechanism, and Prospects.

Irreversible two-photon photorearrangement of 1,2-diarylethenes is a unique process providing access to complex 2a1 ,5a-dihydro-5,6-dithiaacenaphthylene (DDA) heterocyclic core. This reaction was serendipitously discovered during studies on photoswitchable diarylethenes and was initially considered as a highly undesired process. However, in recent years, it has been recognized as an efficient photochemical reaction, interesting by itself and as a promising synthetic method for the synthesis of challenging molecules. Herein, we discuss the state-of-the-art in studies on this notable process.

[(thf)5Ln(Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}2)] (Ln = Eu, Sm, Yb): Capping Metalloid Germanium Cluster with Lanthanides.

We report the synthesis of three neutral complexes with different coordination modes of a di-silylated metalloid germanium cluster to divalent lanthanides [(thf)5Ln(ηn-Ge9(Hyp)2)] (Ln = Yb (1, n = 1); Eu (2, n = 2, 3), Sm (3, n = 2, 3); Hyp = Si(SiMe3)3) by the salt metathesis of LnI2 with K2[Ge9(Hyp)2] in THF. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In thf solution, the formation of contact or solvate-separated ion pairs depending on the concentration is assumed. Compound 2 exhibits a blue luminescence typical for Eu2+. The solid-state magnetic measurements of compounds 2 and 3 confirm the presence of divalent europium and samarium, respectively.

Molecular Valence Tautomeric Metal Complexes for Chemosensing.

Switchable valence tautomeric metal complexes have been long suggested for applications as chemosensors. However, no such molecular sensors have been yet reported. Here, we present a concept for sensing and the first prototype molecular sensor based on valence tautomeric cobalt-dioxolenes. A valence tautomeric cobalt-dioxolene complex [ls-CoIII(SQ•)(Cat)(stypy)2] ⇄ [hs-CoII(SQ•)2(stypy)2] 1 (ls = low spin, hs = high spin, Cat = 3,5-di-tert-butylcatecholate(2-), SQ = one-electron oxidized, benzosemiquinone(1-) form of Cat, stypy = trans-4-styrylpyridine) has been used as a molecular sensor. The lability of axial stypy ligands of 1 in solution allows us to exchange stypy ligands by dimethyl sulfoxide and simple pyridine analytes in a controllable way, which triggers colorimetric and magnetic responses.

Unusual Dinitrogen Binding and Electron Storage in Dinuclear Iron Complexes.

A rare example of a dinuclear iron core with a non-linearly bridged dinitrogen ligand is reported in this work. One-electron reduction of [(tBupyrr2py)Fe(OEt2)] (1) (tBupyrr2py2- = 2,6-bis((3,5-di-tert-butyl)pyrrol-2-yl)pyridine) with KC8 yields the complex [K]2[(tBupyrr2py)Fe]2(µ2-η1:η1-N2) (2), where the unusual cis-divacant octahedral coordination geometry about each iron and the η5-cation-π coordination of two potassium ions with four pyrrolyl units of the ligand cause distortion of the bridging end-on µ-N2 about the FeN2Fe core. Attempts to generate a Et2O-free version of 1 resulted instead in a dinuclear helical dimer, [(tBupyrr2py)Fe]2 (3), via bridging of the pyridine moieties of the ligand. Reduction of 3 by two electrons under N2 does not break up the dimer, nor does it result in formation of 2 but instead formation of the ate-complex [K(OEt2)]2[(tBupyrr2py)Fe]2 (4). Reduction of 1 by two electrons and in the presence of crown-ether forms the tetraanionic N2 complex [K2][K(18-crown-6)]2(tBupyrr2py)Fe]2(µ2-η1:η1-N2) (5), also having a distorted FeN2Fe moiety akin to 2. Complex 2 is thermally unstable and loses N2, disproportionating to Fe nanoparticles among other products. A combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, solution and solid-state magnetic studies, and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy has been applied to characterize complexes 2-5, whereas DFT studies have been used to help explain the bonding and electronic structure in these unique diiron-N2 complexes 2 and 5.

Phenanthroline-Based Molecular Switches for Prospective Chemical Grafting: A Synthetic Strategy and Its Application to Spin-Crossover Complexes.

1,10-Phenanthroline represents a well-known versatile ligand system finding many applications in chemistry, biology, and material science. The properties and thus the use of these molecules are determined by coordinating metal ions and ligand substituents. Advanced ligand systems that, for instance, feature simultaneously an integrated photochrome and a surface anchoring group require the introduction of several differing substituents and the synthesis of asymmetric derivatives. In spite of a long history of the ligand system-and to our great surprise-a general synthetic approach allowing the introduction of differing substituents at positions (3,8) and (5,6) of 1,10-phenanthroline is not known. Here, we present a general approach for the synthesis of such phenanthrolines. The approach is used to integrate a diarylethene photochrome into a functionalized phenanthroline and thus to synthesize a novel photoswitchable phenanthroline and a corresponding spin-crossover molecular photoswitch. The functionality of both the ligand and its iron(II) complex at room temperature has been demonstrated. The importance of this work for chemical grafting of molecular switches based on phenanthrolines is emphasized.

Kinetic Control of Interpenetration in Fe-Biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylate Metal-Organic Frameworks by Coordination and Oxidation Modulation.

Phase control in the self-assembly of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is often a case of trial and error; judicious control over a number of synthetic variables is required to select the desired topology and control features such as interpenetration and defectivity. Herein, we present a comprehensive investigation of self-assembly in the Fe-biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylate system, demonstrating that coordination modulation can reliably tune between the kinetic product, noninterpenetrated MIL-88D(Fe), and the thermodynamic product, two-fold interpenetrated MIL-126(Fe). Density functional theory simulations reveal that correlated disorder of the terminal anions on the metal clusters results in hydrogen bonding between adjacent nets in the interpenetrated phase and this is the thermodynamic driving force for its formation. Coordination modulation slows self-assembly and therefore selects the thermodynamic product MIL-126(Fe), while offering fine control over defectivity, inducing mesoporosity, but electron microscopy shows MIL-88D(Fe) persists in many samples despite not being evident by diffraction. Interpenetration control is also demonstrated using the 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylate linker; it is energetically prohibitive for it to adopt the twisted conformation required to form the interpenetrated phase, although multiple alternative phases are identified due to additional coordination of Fe cations to its N donors. Finally, we introduce oxidation modulation-the use of metal precursors in different oxidation states from that found in the final MOF-to kinetically control self-assembly. Combining coordination and oxidation modulation allows the synthesis of pristine MIL-126(Fe) with BET surface areas close to the predicted maximum for the first time, suggesting that combining the two may be a powerful methodology for the controlled self-assembly of high-valent MOFs.

Photochromic diarylethene ligands featuring 2-(imidazol-2-yl)pyridine coordination site and their iron(II) complexes.

A new family of photochromic diarylethene-based ligands bearing a 2-(imidazol-2-yl)pyridine coordination unit has been developed. Four members of the new family have been synthesized. The photoactive ligands feature non-aromatic ethene bridges (cyclopentene, cyclopentenone, and cyclohexenone), as well as closely spaced photoactive and metal coordination sites aiming a strong impact of photocyclization on the electronic structure of the coordinated metal ion. The ligands with cyclopentenone and cyclohexenone bridges show good cycloreversion quantum yields of 0.20-0.32. The thermal stability of closed-ring isomers reveals half-lives of up to 20 days in solution at room temperature. The ligands were used to explore coordination chemistry with iron(II) targeting photoswitchable spin-crossover complexes. Unexpectedly, dinuclear and tetranuclear iron(II) complexes were obtained, which were thoroughly characterized by X-ray crystallography, magnetic measurements, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The formation of multinuclear complexes is facilitated by two coordination sites of the diarylethene, acting as a bridging ligand. The bridging nature of the diarylethene in the complexes prevents photocyclization.

Dinuclear Iron(III) and Cobalt(III) Complexes Featuring a Biradical Bridge: Their Molecular Structures and Magnetic, Spectroscopic, and Redox Properties.

Bis-bidentate ligand H4LB featuring two o-amidophenol noninnocent units was used to synthesize novel binuclear complexes [(LR)MIII(•LB•)MIII(LR)](ClO4)2, M = Fe (1) and Co (2, 3), with HLR (R = CH3, Cl) being the facially coordinating tetradentate coligands. Upon the synthesis, the fully reduced amidophenolate form of the ligand (LB)4- becomes oxidized, resulting in the formation of a rare example of a biradical (•LB•)2- bridge connecting two metal ions, as supported by X-ray crystallography. The electronic structures of the complexes have been probed by Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Species 1 contains two high-spin Fe(III) ions (S = 5/2) each coupled strongly antiferromagnetically (|J| > 150 cm-1; H = -2JS1S2) with a semiquinone π-radical (S = 1/2) form of the bridging (•LB•)2- ligand. The effective S = 2 spins of each [Fe(III)+R●] monomeric unit are then weakly ferromagnetically coupled with J = +0.22 cm-1. Species 2 and 3 reveal very similar electronic structures: the low-spin Co(III) ion is diamagnetic, which leaves the two-spin carriers at the bridging (•LB•)2- biradical to display an isotropic EPR signal at g = 1.995 for 2 (1.993 for 3) in solution at room temperature and in the frozen state with no hyperfine structure. The weak half-field signal at g = 3.988 for 2 (3.978 for 3) was also observed at 17 K for the spin-forbidden |ΔMS| = 2 transition due to ferromagnetically coupled S = 1/2 spins (J = +47 cm-1) of the bridging biradical. The compounds show rich electrochemistry, displaying two (1) or four (2, 3) one-electron reversible processes. Normal and differential pulse voltammetry as well as constant potential coulometry, combined with EPR experiments, confirmed that the observed electron transfers are all localized at the bridging noninnocent (•LB•)2- ligand.

The First Lanthanide Complexes with a Redox-Active Sulfur Diimide Ligand: Synthesis and Characterization of [LnCp*2 (RN=)2 S], Ln=Sm, Eu, Yb; R=SiMe3.

The first lanthanide complexes with a redox-active sulfur diimide ligand, [LnCp*2 (Me3 SiN=)2 S] (Ln=Sm, Eu, Yb; Cp*=η5 -C5 Me5 ), are reported. The complexes were synthesized by using [LnCp*2 (THF)2 ] and (Me3 SiN=)2 S and have been thoroughly characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, EPR spectroscopy, UV/Vis/NIR electronic absorption spectroscopy and SQUID magnetometry. The results, as interpreted by CASSCF/SOC-RASSI calculations providing a non-perturbative treatment of spin-orbit coupling, indicate that these paramagnetic complexes are best described as Ln3+ and [(Me3 SiN=)2 S]-. adducts. As such, these complexes contain the first isolated and structurally characterized acyclic [(RN=)2 S]-. radical anions.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Iron(II) Spin-Crossover Molecular Photoswitches Functioning at Room Temperature.

Spin-crossover molecular switches [FeII(H2B(pz)2)2L] (L = novel phenanthroline-based ligands featuring photochromic diarylethene units; pz = 1-pyrazolyl) were synthesized and thoroughly characterized by variable-temperature X-ray crystallography, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. The effect of substituents introduced into the phenanthroline backbone (L2) and into the photochromic diarylethene unit (L3) on photophysical properties of metal-free ligands and spin-crossover iron(II) complexes 2 and 3, respectively, were investigated in detail. Both ligands and complexes could be switched with light in solution at room temperature. The photocyclization of 2 was accompanied by a high-spin to low-spin photoconversion determined at 19%. The closed-ring isomers of L3 and 3 reveal the lifetimes in the range of minutes, whereas those of L2 and 2 are thermally stable for days in solutions at room temperature. The reversibility of the photoswitching can be improved by avoiding the photostationary states. Prospective introduction of anchoring groups to the phenanthroline backbone might allow the construction of chemisorbed self-assembled monolayers of spin-crossover species switchable with light at room temperature.

How to Switch Spin-Crossover Metal Complexes at Constant Room Temperature.

Spin-crossover metal complexes represent a highly promising class of molecular switches, the diverse physicochemical properties of which can be reversibly changed by different physical and chemical stimuli. One of the most interesting and examined features of these materials is the change of magnetic properties by changing the temperature or by irradiation with light at low temperatures. However, most prospective applications of such complexes require functioning at room temperature. This Concept article provides an overview about how the switching of spin-crossover metal complexes can be achieved at constant room temperature. The principles of switching by different physical and chemical methods in solution and in the solid state are presented in an easy-to-read form for nonspecialists. These are further supported and clarified by examples from the literature. The overview might also be interesting for experts that target spin-crossover systems functioning at ambient conditions.

Square-planar ruthenium(II) complexes: control of spin state by pincer ligand functionalization.

Functionalization of the PNP pincer ligand backbone allows for a comparison of the dialkyl amido, vinyl alkyl amido, and divinyl amido ruthenium(II) pincer complex series [RuCl{N(CH2 CH2 PtBu2 )2 }], [RuCl{N(CHCHPtBu2 )(CH2 CH2 PtBu2 )}], and [RuCl{N(CHCHPtBu2 )2 }], in which the ruthenium(II) ions are in the extremely rare square-planar coordination geometry. Whereas the dialkylamido complex adopts an electronic singlet (S=0) ground state and energetically low-lying triplet (S=1) state, the vinyl alkyl amido and the divinyl amido complexes exhibit unusual triplet (S=1) ground states as confirmed by experimental and computational examination. However, essentially non-magnetic ground states arise for the two intermediate-spin complexes owing to unusually large zero-field splitting (D>+200 cm(-1) ). The change in ground state electronic configuration is attributed to tailored pincer ligand-to-metal π-donation within the PNP ligand series.

Reversible Photoswitching of a Spin-Crossover Molecular Complex in the Solid State at Room Temperature.

Spin-crossover metal complexes are highly promising magnetic molecular switches for prospective molecule-based devices. The spin-crossover molecular photoswitches developed so far operate either at very low temperatures or in the liquid phase, which hinders practical applications. Herein, we present a molecular spin-crossover iron(II) complex that can be switched between paramagnetic high-spin and diamagnetic low-spin states with light at room temperature in the solid state. The reversible photoswitching is induced by alternating irradiation with ultraviolet and visible light and proceeds at the molecular level.

An intermediate cobalt(IV) nitrido complex and its N-migratory insertion product.

Low-temperature photolysis experiments (T = 10 K) on the tripodal azido complex [(BIMPN(Mes,Ad,Me))Co(II)(N3)] (1) were monitored by EPR spectroscopy and support the formation of an exceedingly reactive, high-valent Co nitrido species [(BIMPN(Mes,Ad,Me))Co(IV)(N)] (2). Density functional theory calculations suggest a low-spin d(5), S = 1/2, electronic configuration of the central cobalt ion in 2 and, thus, are in line with the formulation of complex 2 as a genuine, low-spin Co(IV) nitride species. Although the reactivity of this species precludes handling above 50 K or isolation in the solid state, the N-migratory insertion product [(NH-BIMPN(Mes,Ad,Me))Co(II)](BPh4) (3) is isolable and was reproducibly synthesized as well as fully characterized, including CHN elemental analysis, paramagnetic (1)H NMR, IR, UV-vis, and EPR spectroscopy as well as SQUID magnetization and single-crystal X-ray crystallography studies. A computational analysis of the reaction pathway 2 → 3 indicates that the reaction readily occurs via N-migratory insertion into the Co-C bond (activation barrier of 2.2 kcal mol(-1)). In addition to the unusual reactivity of the nitride 2, the resulting divalent cobalt complex 3 is a rare example of a trigonal pyramidal complex with four different donor ligands of a tetradentate chelate-an N-heterocyclic carbene, a phenolate, an imine, and an amine-binding to a high-spin Co(II) ion. This renders complex 3 chiral-at-metal.

Modulation of magnetic properties at room temperature: coordination-induced valence tautomerism in a cobalt dioxolene complex.

The valence-tautomeric six-coordinate complex [Co(tbdiox)2(4-papy)2] (1; tbdiox = redox-active 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-dioxolene, 4-papy = 4-phenylazopyridine) was synthesized and its electronic structure examined. Whereas 1 shows regular thermally driven valence tautomerism in the solid state, it partially dissociates in solution to form the five-coordinate species [Co(tbdiox)2(4-papy)] (2) and free 4-papy. Species 1 and 2 exhibit different electronic structures-low-spin (ls) Co(III) and high-spin (hs) Co(II), respectively-in solution at room temperature and therefore different magnetic properties. Since 1 and 2 are in an equilibrium that is 4-papy-dependent, the magnetic moment of the solution species can be tuned by means of the ligand content. Thus, the concept of coordination-induced valence tautomerism (CIVT) has been introduced. The electronic structures of 1 and 2 as well as their CIVT were elucidated by X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, titration experiments, and all variable-temperature SQUID susceptometry, NMR, EPR, and electronic absorption spectroscopy. The experimental findings are strongly supported by broken-symmetry DFT calculations. The magnetic exchange interactions in different types of valence-tautomeric cobalt complexes were explored computationally.

Tuning the electronic properties in ruthenium-quinone complexes through metal coordination and substitution at the bridge.

A rare example of a mononuclear complex [(bpy)2 Ru(L(1) -H )](ClO4 ), 1(ClO4 ) and dinuclear complexes [(bpy)2 Ru(µ-L(1) -2H )Ru(bpy)2 ](ClO4 )2 , 2(ClO4 )2 , [(bpy)2 Ru(µ-L(2) -2H )Ru(bpy)2 ](ClO4 )2 , 3(ClO4 )2 , and [(bpy)2 Ru(µ-L(3) -2H )Ru(bpy)2 ](ClO4 )2 , 4(ClO4 )2 (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, L(1) =2,5-di-(isopropyl-amino)-1,4-benzoquinone, L(2) =2,5-di-(benzyl-amino)-1,4-benzoquinone, and L(3) =2,5-di-[2,4,6-(trimethyl)-anilino]-1,4-benzoquinone) with the symmetrically substituted p-quinone ligands, L, are reported. Bond-length analysis within the potentially bridging ligands in both the mono- and dinuclear complexes shows a localization of bonds, and binding to the metal centers through a phenolate-type "O(-) " and an immine/imminium-type neutral "N" donor. For the mononuclear complex 1(ClO4 ), this facilitates strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding and leads to the imminium-type character of the noncoordinated nitrogen atom. The dinuclear complexes display two oxidation and several reduction steps in acetonitrile solutions. In contrast, the mononuclear complex 1(+) exhibits just one oxidation and several reduction steps. The redox processes of 1(1+) are strongly dependent on the solvent. The one-electron oxidized forms 2(3+) , 3(3+) , and 4(3+) of the dinuclear complexes exhibit strong absorptions in the NIR region. Weak NIR absorption bands are observed for the one-electron reduced forms of all complexes. A combination of structural data, electrochemistry, UV/Vis/NIR/EPR spectroelectrochemistry, and DFT calculations is used to elucidate the electronic structures of the complexes. Our DFT results indicate that the electronic natures of the various redox states of the complexes in vacuum differ greatly from those in a solvent continuum. We show here the tuning possibilities that arise upon substituting [O] for the isoelectronic [NR] groups in such quinone ligands.

A cis-divacant octahedral and mononuclear iron(IV) imide.

A rare, low-spin Fe(IV)  imide complex [(pyrr2py)Fe=NAd] (pyrr2 py(2-) = bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine; Ad = 1-adamantyl) confined to a cis-divacant octahedral geometry, was prepared by reduction of N3Ad by the Fe(II)  precursor [(pyrr2py)Fe(OEt2)]. The imide complex is low-spin with temperature-independent paramagnetism. In comparison to an authentic Fe(III) complex, such as [(pyrr2py)FeCl], the pyrr2py(2-) ligand is virtually redox innocent.

The electronic ground state of [Fe(CO)3 (NO)](-) : a spectroscopic and theoretical study.

During the past 10 years iron-catalyzed reactions have become established in the field of organic synthesis. For example, the complex anion [Fe(CO)3 (NO)](-) , which was originally described by Hogsed and Hieber, shows catalytic activity in various organic reactions. This anion is commonly regarded as being isoelectronic with [Fe(CO)4 ](2-) , which, however, shows poor catalytic activity. The spectroscopic and quantum chemical investigations presented herein reveal that the complex ferrate [Fe(CO)3 (NO)](-) cannot be regarded as a Fe(-II) species, but rather is predominantly a Fe(0) species, in which the metal is covalently bonded to NO(-) by two π-bonds. A metal-N σ-bond is not observed.

Low-spin to low-spin valence tautomeric transition in cobalt bis-dioxolenes.

Cobalt dioxolenes are a well-known class of switchable coordination compounds showing intramolecular electron transfer, which is always accompanied by a spin state change at the cobalt center. Here, we present the first example of thermally switchable cobalt bis-dioxolenes where intramolecular electron transfer seems to take place, but the spin state change is suppressed. This leads to the detection of thermal transition between a common ls-CoIII(SQ˙-)(Cat2-) and an extremely rare ls-CoII(SQ˙-)2 electronic state (hs - high-spin, ls - low-spin, SQ˙- - benzosemiquinonate(1-) radical and Cat2- - catecholate(2-)). Parallel to the present work, a similar work but on cobalt mono-dioxolenes has just appeared (Chem. Eur. J., 2023, 29, e202300091), suggesting thermal transition between ls-CoIII(Cat2-) and ls-CoII(SQ˙-) electronic states.