High pressure behaviour of the organic semiconductor salt (TTF-BTD)2I3.

This study focuses on the effect of structure compression and cooling on the stereoelectronic properties of the planar π-conjugated TTF-BTD (TTF = tetrathiafulvalene; BTD = 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole) molecule, a prototypical example in which an electron-donor moiety is compactly annulated to an electron-acceptor moiety. Its partially oxidised iodine salt (TTF-BTD)2I3 is a crystalline semiconductor featuring segregated columns of TTF+0.5 units stacked via alternating short and long π-π interactions. We studied TTF-BTD at temperatures ranging from 300 K to 90 K and at pressures up to 7.5 GPa, using both X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy to determine the properties of the compressed samples. Periodic DFT calculations and several theoretical tools were employed to characterize the calculated structural modifications and to predict the structural changes up to 60 GPa. The existence of an unprecedented new phase is predicted above 20 GPa, following a covalent bond formation between two neighbouring TTF-BTD units.

Coupled Potential Energy Surfaces Strongly Impact the Lowest-Energy Spin-Flip Transition in Six-Coordinate Nickel(II) Complexes.

Luminescent complexes of earth-abundant first-row transition metals are of renewed, broad interest due to their spectroscopic and photochemical properties as well as emerging applications. New strong-field polypyridine ligands have led to six-coordinate 3d3 chromium(III) complexes with intense spin-flip luminescence in solution at room temperature. The ground and emissive states both arise from the (t2)3 electron configuration involving the dπ levels (O point group symmetry labels). Pseudoctahedral 3d8 nickel(II) complexes with such strong ligands are a priori also promising candidates for spin-flip luminescence. In contrast, the relevant electron configurations involve the dσ orbitals and (e)2 configurations. We have prepared the known nickel(II) complexes [Ni(terpy)2]2+, [Ni(phen)3]2+, and [Ni(ddpd)2]2+ as well as the novel complexes [Ni(dgpy)2]2+ and [Ni(tpe)2]2+ forming a series with increasing ligand field strengths (terpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; ddpd = N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-dipyridine-2-ylpyridine-2,6-diamine; dgpy = 2,6-diguanidylpyridine; tpe = 1,1,1-tris(pyrid-2-yl)ethane). The lowest-energy singlet and triplet excited states of these nickel(II) complexes are analyzed based on absorption spectra using ligand field theory and CASSCF-NEVPT2 calculations for vertical transition energies and a model based on coupled potential energy surfaces, leading to calculated absorption spectra in good agreement with the experimental data. No photoluminescence signal was observed in the wavelength ranges identified through the analyses of the absorption spectra. The models provide insight into key differences between the nickel(II) complexes and their strongly luminescent chromium(III) analogues.

Highly emissive polymorphs of anhydrous cadmium tetracyanoplatinate and their solvated coordination networks.

Two anhydrous polymorphs of cadmium cyanoplatinate Cd[Pt(CN)4] coordination polymers have been synthesized and thermally, spectroscopically, and structurally characterized. α-Cd[Pt(CN)4] and ß-Cd[Pt(CN)4] are densely packed, highly emissive 3-D solids, with quantum yields of 0.85 (λem = 520 nm) and 0.79 (λem = 448 nm) respectively. Their mutual hydrate, Cd(H2O)[Pt(CN)4]·2H2O, forms a complex 3-D coordination polymer with Cd-O-Cd bridges and Pt-Pt interactions. Additionally, exposure of solid α-Cd[Pt(CN)4] and ß-Cd[Pt(CN)4] to several solvent vapours results in the formation of 2-D cyanometallate sheets of the adduct compounds CdL2[Pt(CN)4] (L = DMSO, DMF, and pyridine). Cd(pyridine)2[Pt(CN)4] shows a significantly lower quantum yield (0.32) in comparison to the parent Cd[Pt(CN)4] coordination polymers. Upon heating CdL2[Pt(CN)4] preferentially forms the kinetic product α-Cd[Pt(CN)4].

Ultrafast and long-time excited state kinetics of an NIR-emissive vanadium(iii) complex I: synthesis, spectroscopy and static quantum chemistry.

In spite of intense, recent research efforts, luminescent transition metal complexes with Earth-abundant metals are still very rare owing to the small ligand field splitting of 3d transition metal complexes and the resulting non-emissive low-energy metal-centered states. Low-energy excited states decay efficiently non-radiatively, so that near-infrared emissive transition metal complexes with 3d transition metals are even more challenging. We report that the heteroleptic pseudo-octahedral d2-vanadium(iii) complex VCl3(ddpd) (ddpd = N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-dipyridine-2-yl-pyridine-2,6-diamine) shows near-infrared singlet → triplet spin-flip phosphorescence maxima at 1102, 1219 and 1256 nm with a lifetime of 0.5 µs at room temperature. Band splitting, ligand deuteration, excitation energy and temperature effects on the excited state dynamics will be discussed on slow and fast timescales using Raman, static and time-resolved photoluminescence, step-scan FTIR and fs-UV pump-vis probe spectroscopy as well as photolysis experiments in combination with static quantum chemical calculations. These results inform future design strategies for molecular materials of Earth-abundant metal ions exhibiting spin-flip luminescence and photoinduced metal-ligand bond homolysis.

Hypersensitive pressure-dependence of the conversion temperature of hysteretic valence tautomeric manganese-nitronyl nitroxide radical 2D-frameworks.

Valence tautomeric manganese(ii)-radical lamellar compounds {[Mn2(NITIm)3]X}n with NITIm a nitronyl nitroxide radical and X = ClO4- (1) or BF4- (2) show a pressure-induced increase of their conversion temperature by approximately 40 K at a mild external pressure of 0.1 GPa, shifting the transition from near room temperature to hot temperature regions.

Two RuII Linkage Isomers with Distinctly Different Charge Transfer Photophysics.

The ligand PHEHAT (PHEHAT = 1,10-phenanthrolino[5,6-b]1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene) presents a structural asymmetry that has a dramatic influence on the photophysical properties depending on the chelation site of the metal ion in the linkage isomers. While [RuII(phen)2HATPHE]2+ behaves classically, like [RuII(bpy)3]2+, [RuII(phen)2PHEHAT]2+ exhibits an unusual behavior. It appears that this complex has two 3MLCT bright states, the lower one being weakly emissive or nonemissive depending on the solvent and temperature. Different photophysical techniques involving a wide range of various temperatures and timescales are essential to analyze this difference. A full photophysical scheme is proposed based on experimental data and density functional theory calculations. While previous studies focused on high temperatures and longer timescale emission, we explore the complexes at very low temperatures and very short times in order to obtain a more complete picture of the intriguing photophysical behavior of these complexes.

Thermally-induced hysteretic valence tautomeric conversions in the solid state via two-step labile electron transfers in manganese-nitronyl nitroxide 2D-frameworks.

Near room temperature hysteretic thermo-induced valence tautomerism was discovered in a layered 2D-coordination polymer of manganese(ii) with nitronyl nitroxide radicals separated by ClO4- anions (1). This opens a novel approach towards switchable materials with hysteresis and under ambient conditions with prospects for applications and for investigating solid-state intramolecular electron transfers. Herein, two new compounds with similar layered structures where the anions (X) are BF4- (2) or PF6- (3) are presented. Their magnetic behaviors also reveal hysteretic thermo-induced valence tautomeric conversions but in two steps and evidencing a strong effect of the anion. This occurs near room temperature (278-220 K) for 2 and higher for 3 (380-330 K). Their single crystal structures at different temperatures show that this involves two successive thermally-triggered electron transfers with switching between three redox tautomers formulated as {[MnII2-yMnIIIy(NITIm)3-y(NITRed)y]X}n, where y is temperature dependent. Upon cooling from the high-temperature redox-tautomer (y = 0) to the intermediate one (y = 1), half of the manganese(ii) centers are oxidized to manganese(iii) and 1/3 of the nitronyl nitroxide radicals (NITIm-) are reduced to the aminoxyl form (NITRed2-). On further cooling, the second half of the manganese(ii) centers are oxidized and another 1/3 of the radicals are reduced to reach the low-temperature redox-tautomer (y = 2). Upon reheating, reverse electron transfers occur. This is complementarily supported by X-ray powder measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and electron paramagnetic resonance and Raman spectroscopies. These multi-stable compounds in which manganese ions exchange reversibly their electron with the nitronyl nitroxide radical are outstanding rare examples of two-step valence tautomerism in the solid state promoted by the polymeric structure.

Luminescence and Light-Driven Energy and Electron Transfer from an Exceptionally Long-Lived Excited State of a Non-Innocent Chromium(III) Complex.

Photoactive metal complexes employing Earth-abundant metal ions are a key to sustainable photophysical and photochemical applications. We exploit the effects of an inversion center and ligand non-innocence to tune the luminescence and photochemistry of the excited state of the [CrN6 ] chromophore [Cr(tpe)2 ]3+ with close to octahedral symmetry (tpe=1,1,1-tris(pyrid-2-yl)ethane). [Cr(tpe)2 ]3+ exhibits the longest luminescence lifetime (τ=4500 µs) reported up to date for a molecular polypyridyl chromium(III) complex together with a very high luminescence quantum yield of Φ=8.2 % at room temperature in fluid solution. Furthermore, the tpe ligands in [Cr(tpe)2 ]3+ are redox non-innocent, leading to reversible reductive chemistry. The excited state redox potential and lifetime of [Cr(tpe)2 ]3+ surpass those of the classical photosensitizer [Ru(bpy)3 ]2+ (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) enabling energy transfer (to oxygen) and photoredox processes (with azulene and tri(n-butyl)amine).

Mononuclear manganese(iii) complexes with reduced imino nitroxide radicals by single-electron transfer and intermolecular hydrogen bonds as an intramolecular structural driving force.

Manganese(iii) complexes were synthesized by one-electron transfer from a Mn(ii) ion to the imino nitroxide radical 2-(2-imidazolyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl (IMImH) in methanol. After the manganese ions attained the +III oxidation state, the imino nitroxide radicals were found to be irreversibly reduced in the complexes. Depending on the synthesis conditions, two complexes differing by their counter-anions were isolated as single crystals. These are [Mn(IMHIm)2(MeOH)2]ClO4·H2O (1) and [Mn(IMHIm)2(MeOH)2]PF6 (2), which crystallize in the monoclinic P21/n and triclinic P1[combining macron] space groups, respectively. The two complexes show Jahn-Teller distortions typical of Mn(iii) centres and only reduced radicals are coordinated, as indicated by the N-O bond lengths and electroneutrality. In addition, the crystal structure analyses reveal two intermolecular hydrogen bonding networks. One involves counter-anions, water molecules and reduced radicals, and the other involves coordinated methanol molecules and imidazole moieties. These intermolecular interactions are driving forces that stabilize the two complexes. They also suggest that the tautomer is in the amino imine-oxide form after reduction of the radical and reveal the deprotonation of the imidazole ring, which is required for electroneutrality. This assessment is supported by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, EPR and Raman spectroscopy as well as magnetic and electrochemical studies.

Remarkably Intricate Raman Spectra of Platinum(II)-Ligand Skeletal Modes in Diamminedihalido Complexes.

More than 100 calculations of vibrational frequencies for cis-[Pt(NH3)2X2] (X = Cl-, Br-) and trans-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] have been published over the past 25 years. The high-quality Raman spectra presented here have sufficient resolution in the crucial region of metal-ligand modes to permit an assessment of frequency calculations. The peaks for symmetric and antisymmetric Pt-Cl stretching modes νs and νa are resolved in the 312-333 cm-1 region. Frequency variations due to 35Cl and 37Cl isotopes are shown to be comparable in size to the differences between νs and νa. Peaks corresponding to the two Pt-Br stretching frequencies are observed at 213 and 218 cm-1 and Pt-N stretching frequencies for all compounds between 485 and 540 cm-1. The crystal structures of trans-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] and cis-[Pt(NH3)2Br2] at 300 and 120 K are reported and complement the variable-temperature vibrational frequencies.

Molecular Ruby under Pressure.

The intensely luminescent chromium(III) complexes [Cr(ddpd)2 ]3+ and [Cr(H2 tpda)2 ]3+ show surprising pressure-induced red shifts of up to -15 cm-1 kbar-1 for their sharp spin-flip emission bands (ddpd=N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-dipyridine-2-yl-pyridine-2,6-diamine; H2 tpda=2,6-bis(2-pyridylamino)pyridine). These shifts surpass that of the established standard, ruby Al2 O3 :Cr3+ , by a factor of 20. Beyond the common application in the crystalline state, the very high quantum yield of [Cr(ddpd)2 ]3+ enables optical pressure sensing in aqueous and methanolic solution. These unique features of the molecular rubies [Cr(ddpd)2 ]3+ and [Cr(H2 tpda)2 ]3+ pave the way for highly sensitive optical pressure determination and unprecedented molecule-based pressure sensing with a single type of emitter.

Variation of M···H-C Interactions in Square-Planar Complexes of Nickel(II), Palladium(II), and Platinum(II) Probed by Luminescence Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction at Variable Pressure.

Luminescence spectra of isoelectronic square-planar d8 complexes with 3d, 4d, and 5d metal centers show d-d luminescence with an energetic order different from that of the spectrochemical series, indicating that additional structural effects, such as different ligand-metal-ligand angles, are important factors. Variable-pressure luminescence spectra of square-planar nickel(II), palladium(II), and platinum(II) complexes with dimethyldithiocarbamate ({CH3}2DTC) ligands and their deuterated analogues show unexpected variations of the shifts of their maxima. High-resolution crystal structures and crystal structures at variable pressure for [Pt{(CH3)2DTC}2] indicate that intermolecular M···H-C interactions are at the origin of these different shifts.

Controlling Second Coordination Sphere Effects in Luminescent Ruthenium Complexes by Means of External Pressure.

Two luminescent heteroleptic RuII complexes with a 2,2'-biimidazole (biimH2 ) ligand form doubly hydrogen-bonded salt bridges to 4-sulfobenzoate anions in single crystals. The structure of one of these cation-anion adducts shows that the biimH2 ligand is deprotonated. Its 3 MLCT luminescence band does not shift significantly under the influence of an external hydrostatic pressure, a behavior typical for these electronic transitions. In contrast, hydrostatic pressure on the other crystalline cation-anion adduct induces a shift of proton density from the peripheral N-H groups of biimH2 towards benzoate, leading to a pronounced redshift of the 3 MLCT luminescence band. Such a significant and pressure-tunable influence from an interaction in the second coordination sphere is unprecedented in artificial small-molecule-based systems.

Large d-d luminescence energy variations in square-planar bis(dithiocarbamate) platinum(ii) and palladium(ii) complexes with near-identical MS4 motifs: a variable-pressure study.

We present the variable-pressure luminescence spectra of crystals of isostructural palladium(ii) and platinum(ii) complexes with bis-N-benzyl-N'-3-methylpyridyldithiocarbamate (bmpDTC) ligands. The d-d luminescence band maxima Emax for these complexes are compared to others with different peripheral substituents on the dithiocarbamate ligands in the solid state. The comparison reveals significant variations of Emax despite very similar metal coordination geometries. Emax varies by 3000 cm-1 and 1300 cm-1 among four dithiocarbamate complexes of platinum(ii) and palladium(ii), respectively. Variations of Emax with pressure reveal the effects of intermolecular MH-C interactions on several complexes. ΔEmax/ΔP values are negative for the bmpDTC complexes, unprecedented in the dithiocarbamate family. Static orientation and pressure-induced movement of the C-H bonds involved in intermolecular interactions have a significant effect on Emax and ΔEmax/ΔP, with a stronger impact on platinum(ii) complexes than on their palladium(ii) analogs.

Room Temperature Magnetic Switchability Assisted by Hysteretic Valence Tautomerism in a Layered Two-Dimensional Manganese-Radical Coordination Framework.

The manganese-nitronyl-nitroxide two-dimensional coordination polymer {[Mn2(NITIm)3]ClO4}n (1) (NITImH = 2-(2-imidazolyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-3-oxide-1-oxyl) undergoes an unusual hysteretic thermo-induced valence tautomeric transition near room temperature, during which the manganese(II) ions are oxidized to manganese(III) and two of the three deprotonated radicals (NITIm-) are reduced to their diamagnetic aminoxyl form (denoted NITRed2-). Upon cooling, the high-temperature species {[MnII2(NITIm)3]ClO4}n (1HT) turns into the low-temperature species {[MnIII2(NITRed)2(NITIm)]ClO4}n (1LT) around 274 K, while on heating the process is reversed at about 287 K. This valence tautomeric phenomenon is supported by temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), crystal structure determination, UV-vis absorption, X-ray absorption (XAS), and emission (XES) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies in the solid state.

Characterization of PdH-C interactions in bis-dimethyldithiocarbamate palladium(ii) and its deuterated analog by luminescence spectroscopy at variable pressure.

We present the variable-pressure d-d luminescence spectra of crystalline bis-dimethyldithiocarbamate palladium(ii) and its deuterated analog. The energies and shifts of the band maxima provide evidence for intermolecular PdH-C interactions, with quantitative differences observed for the deuterated complex. Shifts show distinct interactions in three pressure ranges between 1 bar and 85 kbar.

Temperature and pressure variations of d-d luminescence band maxima of bis(pyridylalkenolato)palladium(II) complexes with different ligand substituents: opposite-signed trends.

Luminescence spectra of two d(8)-configured bis(pyridylalkenolato)palladium(ii) complexes, [Pd{PyCHC(C3F7)O}2] and [Pd{PyCHC(CH3)O}2], are presented at variable temperature and pressure. Bands are assigned as d-d transitions. The heptafluoropropyl and methyl substituents on the ligands have different steric demands, influencing luminescence spectra. Broad bands with maxima at approximately 12 700 cm(-1) (790 nm) for ligands with heptafluoropropyl substituents and 12,100 cm(-1) (830 nm) for ligands with methyl substituents and widths of approximately 2100 cm(-1) for both complexes are observed at 80 K. Quenching of the luminescence is observed as temperature increases. The maxima of [Pd{PyCHC(C3F7)O}2] show a shift of -0.9 ± 0.1 cm(-1) K(-1) due to broadening of the spectra to lower energy. The luminescence maxima of [Pd{PyCHC(CH3)O}2] shift in the opposite direction by +7.2 ± 0.7 cm(-1) K(-1). Shifts with different signs are also obtained from variable-pressure luminescence spectra, with values of +13 ± 2 cm(-1) kbar(-1) and -15 ± 7 cm(-1) kbar(-1) for [Pd{PyCHC(C3F7)O}2] and [Pd{PyCHC(CH3)O}2], respectively. The pressure-induced decrease is unusual and likely caused by intermolecular interactions involving the palladium(ii) center and a vinylic proton of a neighboring complex.

Observation of a re-entrant phase transition in the molecular complex tris(µ2-3,5-diiso-propyl-1,2,4-triazolato-κ2N1:N2)trigold(I) under high pressure.

We report a molecular crystal that exhibits four successive phase transitions under hydro-static pressure, driven by aurophilic interactions, with the ground-state structure re-emerging at high pressure. The effect of pressure on two polytypes of tris(µ2-3,5-diiso-propyl-1,2,4-triazolato-κ2N1:N2)trigold(I) (denoted Form-I and Form-II) has been analysed using luminescence spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and first-principles computation. A unique phase behaviour was observed in Form-I, with a complex sequence of phase transitions between 1 and 3.5 GPa. The ambient C2/c mother cell transforms to a P21/n phase above 1 GPa, followed by a P21/a phase above 2 GPa and a large-volume C2/c supercell at 2.70 GPa, with the previously observed P21/n phase then reappearing at higher pressure. The observation of crystallographically identical low- and high-pressure P21/n phases makes this a rare example of a re-entrant phase transformation. The phase behaviour has been characterized using detailed crystallographic theory and modelling, and rationalized in terms of molecular structural distortions. The dramatic changes in conformation are correlated with shifts of the luminescence maxima, from a band maximum at 14040 cm-1 at 2.40 GPa, decreasing steeply to 13550 cm-1 at 3 GPa. A similar study of Form-II displays more conventional crystallographic behaviour, indicating that the complex behaviour observed in Form-I is likely to be a direct consequence of the differences in crystal packing between the two polytypes.

Spectroscopic studies of lanthanide complexes of varying nuclearity based on a compartmentalised ligand.

The synthesis, characterization and solid-state luminescence spectroscopy of mononuclear (f), heterodinuclear (d-f) and heterotrinuclear (d-f-d) coordination compounds with the compartmental ligand N,N'-bis(3-hydroxyl salicylidene)benzene-1,2-diamine (H2L) are reported. The trivalent lanthanide ions Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III) and Dy(III) as single metal centres or in combination with either Zn(II) or Ni(II) were coordinated. Compounds are characterised by elemental analyses, IR, 1D and 2D solution (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, measurements of magnetic moments and solid state UV-Vis-NIR reflectance, luminescence and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Crystal structures of the dinuclear compounds [SmZn(O2NO)3(L)(OH2)]·EtOH and [DyZn(O2NO)2(Cl)(L)(EtOH)]·3EtOH and the trinuclear compound [TbZn2(L)2(Cl)2(OH2)](NO3)·EtOH are presented, where samarium(iii) displays a coordination number of ten, with a bicapped cubic geometry, while for the dysprosium compound a nine-coordinated environment with a tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry is shown. Their crystals belong to the triclinic system and the P1[combining macron] space group. The coordination number for terbium(iii) in the trinuclear complex is nine, with a tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry, and its crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, space group C2/c. For these three compounds, the zinc ion stabilises a penta-coordinated environment with square pyramid geometry. All mononuclear and dinuclear compounds are neutral, whereas the trinuclear complexes are ionic. The results of DFT theoretical calculations for the ligand (H2L) are used to assign the ligand singlet and triplet excited state energy levels. Luminescence studies of the neodymium compounds indicate that the ligand is a sensitizer for NIR emitters.

Interpreting effects of structure variations induced by temperature and pressure on luminescence spectra of platinum(II) bis(dithiocarbamate) compounds.

Luminescence spectra of two square-planar dithiocarbamate complexes of platinum(II) with different steric bulk, platinum(II) bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate) (Pt(MeDTC)2) and platinum(II) bis(di(o-pyridyl)dithiocarbamate) (Pt(dopDTC)2), are presented at variable temperature and pressure. The spectra show broad d-d luminescence transitions with maxima at approximately 13500 cm(-1) (740 nm). Variations of the solid-state spectra with temperature and pressure reveal intrinsic differences due to subtle variations of molecular and crystal structures, reported at 100 and 296 K for Pt(dopDTC)2. Luminescence maxima of Pt(MeDTC)2 shift to higher energy as temperature increases by +320 cm(-1) for an increase by 200 K, mainly caused by a bandwidth increase from 3065 to 4000 cm(-1) on the high-energy side of the band over the same temperature range. Luminescence maxima of Pt(dopDTC)2 shift in the opposite direction by -460 cm(-1) for a temperature increase by 200 K. The bandwidth of approximately 2900 cm(-1) does not vary with temperature. Both ground and emitting-state properties and subtle structural differences between the two compounds lead to this different behavior. Luminescence maxima measured at variable pressure show shifts to higher energy by +47 ± 3 and +11 ± 1 cm(-1)/kbar, for Pt(MeDTC)2 and Pt(dopDTC)2, respectively, a surprising difference by a factor of 4. The crystal structures indicate that decreasing intermolecular interactions with increasing pressure are likely to contribute to the exceptionally high shift for Pt(MeDTC)2.