Magneto-Structural Properties and Theoretical Studies of a Family of Simple Heterodinuclear Phenoxide/Alkoxide Bridged MnIIILnIII Complexes: On the Nature of the Magnetic Exchange and Magnetic Anisotropy.

A family of MnIIILnIII strictly dinuclear complexes of general formula [MnIII(µ-L)(µ-OMe)(NO3)LnIII(NO3)2(MeOH)] (LnIII = Gd, Dy, Er, Ho) has been assembled in a one pot synthesis from a polydentate, multipocket aminobis(phenol)ligand [6,6'-{(2-(1-morpholyl)ethylazanediyl)bis(methylene)}bis(2-methoxy-4-methylphenol)], Mn(NO3)2·4H2O, Ln(NO3)3· nH2O, and NEt3 in MeOH. These compounds represent the first examples of fully structurally and magnetically characterized dinuclear MnIIILnIII complexes. Single X-ray diffraction studies reveal that all complexes are isostructural, consisting of neutral dinuclear molecules where the MnIII and LnIII metal ions, which exhibit distorted octahedral MnN2O4 and distorted LnO9 coordination spheres, are linked by phenoxide/methoxide double bridging groups. Static magnetic studies show that the MnIIIGdIII derivative exhibits a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the metal ions, with a negative axial zero-field splitting D parameter. The MnIIIGdIII complex shows a notable magnetocaloric effect with magnetic entropy change at 5 T and 3 K of -Δ Sm = 16.8 J kg-1 K-1. Theoretical studies were performed to support the sign and magnitude of the magnetic anisotropy of the MnIII ion ( ab initio), to predict the value and nature of JMnGd, to disclose the mechanism of magnetic coupling, and to establish magneto-structural correlations (DFT calculations). The results of these calculations are corroborated by quantum theory of atoms in molecule analysis (QTAIM). Finally, MnIII-DyIII and MnIII-ErIII complexes show field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetization but without reaching a maximum above 2 K in the out-of-phase ac susceptibility. Ab initio calculations were also performed on MnIII-DyIII/HoIII systems to unravel the origin behind the weak SMM characteristics of the molecules possessing two strongly anisotropic ions. The mechanism of magnetic relaxation was developed, revealing a large QTM/tunnel splitting at the single-ion level. Furthermore, the anisotropy axes of the MnIII and LnIII ions were calculated to be noncollinear, leading to reduction of the overall anisotropy in the molecules. Hence, the herein reported complexes demonstrate that a combination of two anisotropic metal ions does not guarantee SMM behavior.

Highly Syndiotactic or Isotactic Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Ligand-Controlled Yttrium-Catalyzed Stereoselective Ring-Opening Polymerization of Functional Racemic ß-Lactones.

Reported herein is the first stereoselective controlled ROP of a specific family of racemic functional ß-lactones, namely 4-alkoxymethylene-ß-propiolactones (BPLOR s). This process is catalyzed by an yttrium complex stabilized by a nonchiral tetradentate amino alkoxy bisphenolate ligand {ONOOR'2 }2- , which features both a good activity and a high degree of control over the molar masses of the resulting functional poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s. A simple modification of the R' substituents in ortho and para position on the ligand platform allows for a complete reversal from virtually pure syndioselectivity (Ps up to 0.91 with R'=cumyl) to very high isoselectivity (Pi up to 0.93 with R'=Cl), as supported by DFT insights. This is the first example of a highly isoselective ROP of a racemic chiral ß-lactone.

Towards multifunctional materials incorporating elastomers and reversible redox-active fragments.

This paper presents a novel and unique feature of metallacarboranes, consisting of the linkage of this redox electro-active site to a stretchable polymer. This is based on polyTHF, a known and applied material. This hybrid material has the two ends functionalized: one with the aforementioned redox molecule and the other with a terminal OH group, both linked by a molecular spring. Moreover, the redox electro-active molecules can be synthesized with either cobalt (cobaltabisdicarbollide) or with iron (ferrabisdicarbollide), species whose respective E(1/2) value differs by almost 1 V. The polymerization mechanism, based on an intermediate molecular crystal structure, is explained through an unexpected cyclization process of the dioxanate derivative of the metallacarboranes with an additional THF molecule. This is achieved in the absence of any metal or external electrophile. Surface functionalization of a Pt electrode by the electropolymerization of pyrrole doped with the pristine metallacarboranes and with the polyTHF hybrid materials is reported in this paper.

Two C3 -symmetric Dy3III complexes with triple di-µ-methoxo-µ-phenoxo bridges, magnetic ground state, and single-molecule magnetic behavior.

Two series of isostructural C(3)-symmetric Ln(3) complexes Ln(3)⋅[BPh(4)] and Ln(3)⋅0.33[Ln(NO(3))(6)] (in which Ln(III) =Gd and Dy) have been prepared from an amino-bis(phenol) ligand. X-ray studies reveal that Ln(III) ions are connected by one µ(2)-phenoxo and two µ(3)-methoxo bridges, thus leading to a hexagonal bipyramidal Ln(3)O(5) bridging core in which Ln(III) ions exhibit a biaugmented trigonal-prismatic geometry. Magnetic susceptibility studies and ab initio complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations indicate that the magnetic coupling between the Dy(III) ions, which possess a high axial anisotropy in the ground state, is very weakly antiferromagnetic and mainly dipolar in nature. To reduce the electronic repulsion from the coordinating oxygen atom with the shortest Dy-O distance, the local magnetic moments are oriented almost perpendicular to the Dy(3) plane, thus leading to a paramagnetic ground state. CASSCF plus restricted active space state interaction (RASSI) calculations also show that the ground and first excited state of the Dy(III) ions are separated by approximately 150 and 177 cm(-1), for Dy(3)⋅[BPh(4)] and Dy(3)⋅0.33[Dy(NO(3))(6)], respectively. As expected for these large energy gaps, Dy(3)⋅[BPh(4)] and Dy(3)⋅0.33[Dy(NO(3)(6)] exhibit, under zero direct-current (dc) field, thermally activated slow relaxation of the magnetization, which overlap with a quantum tunneling relaxation process. Under an applied Hdc field of 1000 Oe, Dy(3)⋅[BPh(4)] exhibits two thermally activated processes with U(eff) values of 34.7 and 19.5 cm(-1), whereas Dy(3)⋅0.33[Dy(NO(3))(6)] shows only one activated process with Ueff =19.5 cm(-1).

Aqueous self-assembly and cation selectivity of cobaltabisdicarbollide dianionic dumbbells.

The anion [3,3'-Co(C2B9H11)2](-) ([COSAN](-)) produces aggregates in water. These aggregates are interpreted to be the result of C-H⋅⋅⋅H-B interactions. It is possible to generate aggregates even after the incorporation of additional functional groups into the [COSAN](-) units. The approach is to join two [COSAN](-) anions by a linker that can adapt itself to act as a crown ether. The linker has been chosen to have six oxygen atoms, which is the ideal number for K(+) selectivity in crown ethers. The linker binds the alkaline metal ions with different affinities; thus showing a distinct degree of selectivity. The highest affinity is shown towards K(+) from a mixture containing Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Rb(+) and Cs(+); this can be indicative of pseudo-crown ether performance of the dumbbell. One interesting possibility is that the [COSAN](-) anions at the two ends of the linker can act as a hook-and-loop fastener to close the ring. This facet is intriguing and deserves further consideration for possible applications. The distinct affinity towards alkaline metal ions is corroborated by solubility studies and isothermal calorimetry thermograms. Furthermore, cryoTEM micrographs, along with light scattering results, reveal the existence of small self-assemblies and compact nanostructures ranging from spheres to single-/multi-layer vesicles in aqueous solutions. The studies reported herein show that these dumbbells can have different appearances, either as molecules or aggregates, in water or lipophilic phases; this offers a distinct model as drug carriers.

1-Phenyl-3-(pyrid-2-yl)benzo[e][1,2,4]triazinyl: the first "Blatter radical" for coordination chemistry.

A neutral air- and moisture-stable N,N'-chelating radical ligand, 1-phenyl-3-(pyrid-2-yl)benzo[e][1,2,4]triazinyl (1) was synthesized and characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and magnetic measurements. Subsequent reaction of 1 with Cu(hfac)2·2H2O (hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) under ambient conditions afforded the coordination complex Cu(1)(hfac)2 in which the radical binds to the metal in a bidentate fashion. Magnetic susceptibility data collected from 1.8 to 300 K indicate a strong ferromagnetic metal-radical interaction in the complex and weak antiferromagnetic radical···radical interactions between the Cu(1)(hfac)2 units. Detailed computational investigations support this assignment. Radical 1 is a new addition to the growing library of 1,2,4-triazinyl radicals and the first member of this family of paramagnetic species synthesized specifically for coordination purposes.

Single-molecule magnet behavior and magnetocaloric effect in ferromagnetically coupled Ln(III)-Ni(II)-Ni(II)-Ln(III) (Ln(III) = Dy(III) and Gd(III)) linear complexes.

New types of linear tetranuclear Ln(III)-Ni(II)-Ni(II)-Ln(III) (Ln(III) = Dy (1), Gd (2)) complexes have been prepared using the multidentate ligand N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,3-diaminobenzene, which has two sets of NO and OO' coordination pockets that are able to selectively accommodate Ni(II) and Ln(III) ions, respectively. The X-ray structure analysis reveals that the Ni(II) ions are bridged by phenylenediimine groups forming a 12-membered metallacycle in the central body of the complex, whereas the Ln(III) ions are located at both sides of the metallacycle and linked to the Ni(II) ions by diphenoxo bridging groups. Phenylenediimine and diphenoxo bridging groups transmit ferromagnetic exchange interactions between the two Ni(II) ions and between the Ni(II) and the Ln(III) ions, respectively. Complex 1 shows slow relaxation of the magnetization at zero field and a thermal energy barrier Ueff = 7.4 K with HDC = 1000 Oe, whereas complex 2 exhibits an S = 9 ground state and significant magnetocaloric effect (-ΔSm = 18.5 J kg(-1) K(-1) at T = 3 K and ΔB = 5 T).

Heptacoordinated molybdenum(VI) complexes of phenylenediamine bis(phenolate): a stable molybdenum amidophenoxide radical.

The syntheses, crystallographic structures, magnetic properties, and theoretical studies of two heptacoordinated molybdenum complexes with N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2-phenylenediamine (H4N2O2) are reported. A formally molybdenum(VI) complex [Mo(N2O2)Cl2(dmf)] (1) was synthesized by the reaction between [MoO2Cl2(dmf)2] and H4N2O2, whereas the other molybdenum(VI) complex [Mo(N2O2)(HN2O2)] (2) was formed when [MoO2(acac)2] was used as a molybdenum source. Both complexes represent a rare case of the Mo(VI) ion without any multiply bonded terminal ligands. In addition, molecular structures, magnetic measurements, ESR spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations indicate that complex 2 is the first stable molybdenum(VI) amidophenoxide radical.

Ferromagnetic dinuclear mixed-valence Mn(II)/Mn(III) complexes: building blocks for the higher nuclearity complexes. structure, magnetic properties, and density functional theory calculations.

A series of six mixed-valence Mn(II)/Mn(III) dinuclear complexes were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The reactivity of the complexes was surveyed, and structures of three additional trinuclear mixed-valence Mn(III)/Mn(II)/Mn(III) species were resolved. The magnetic properties of the complexes were studied in detail both experimentally and theoretically. All dinuclear complexes show ferromagnetic intramolecular interactions, which were justified on the basis of the electronic structures of the Mn(II) and Mn(III) ions. The large Mn(II)-O-Mn(III) bond angle and small distortion of the Mn(II) cation from the ideal square pyramidal geometry were shown to enhance the ferromagnetic interactions since these geometrical conditions seem to favor the orthogonal arrangement of the magnetic orbitals.

Syntheses of four enantiomers of 2,3-diendo- and 3-endo-aminobicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene-2-exo-carboxylic acid and their saturated analogues.

Ethyl 2,3-diendo-3-aminobicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene-2-carboxylate ((±)-1) was resolved with O,O'-dibenzoyltartaric acid via diastereomeric salt formation. The efficient synthesis of the enantiomers of 2,3-diendo-3-aminobicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid ((+)-7 and (-)-7), 3-endo-aminobicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene-2-exo-carboxylic acid ((+)-5 and (-)-5), cis- and trans-3-aminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2-carboxylic acid ((+)-6, (-)-6, (+)-8 and (-)-8) was achieved via isomerization, hydrogenation and hydrolysis of the corresponding esters (-)-1 and (+)-1. The stereochemistry and relative configurations of the synthesized compounds were determined by NMR spectroscopy (based on the 3J(H,H) coupling constants) and X-ray crystallography.

A cocrystal of two Mo(VI) complexes bearing different diastereomers of the 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[(1-oxido-1-phenylpropan-2-yl)(methyl)amino]methyl}phenolate ligand derived from (+)-ephedrine.

The title cocrystal contains two chiral conformational diastereomers, viz. (1S,2R,RN)- and (1S,2R,SN)-, of [2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[(1-oxido-1-phenylpropan-2-yl)(methyl)amino]methyl}phenolato](methanol)-cis-dioxidomolybdenum(VI), [Mo(C25H35NO2)O2(CH3OH)], representing the first example of a structurally characterized molybdenum complex with enantiomerically pure ephedrine derivative ligands. The Mo(VI) cations exhibit differently distorted octahedral coordination environments, with two oxide ligands positioned cis to each other. The remainder of the coordination comprises phenoxide, alkoxide and methanol O atoms, with an amine N atom completing the octahedron. The distinct complexes are linked by strong intermolecular O-H···O hydrogen bonds, resulting in one-dimensional molecular chains. Furthermore, the phenyl rings are involved in weak T-shaped/edge-to-face π-π interactions with each other.

Synthesis, reactivity, and computational analysis of halophosphines supported by dianionic guanidinate ligands.

The reported chemistry and reactivity of guanidinate supported group 15 elements in the +3 oxidation state, particularly phosphorus, is limited when compared to their ubiquity in supporting metallic elements across the periodic table. We have synthesized a series of chlorophosphines utilizing homo- and heteroleptic (dianionic)guanidinates and have completed a comprehensive study of their reactivity. Most notable is the reluctancy of these four-membered rings to form the corresponding N-heterocyclic phosphenium cations, the tendency to chemically and thermally eliminate carbodiimide, and the scarcely observed ring expansion by insertion of a chloro(imino)phosphine into a P-N bond of the P-N-C-N framework. Computational analysis has provided corroborating evidence for the unwillingness of the halide abstraction reaction by demonstrating the exceptional electron acceptor properties of the target phosphenium cations and the underscoring strength of the P-X bond.

Pyrazolium- and 1,2-cyclopentadiene-based ligands as σ-donors: a theoretical study of electronic structure and bonding.

A high-level theoretical investigation of 1,2-cyclopentadiene (4) was performed using density functional theory and wave function methods. The results reveal that, in contrast to earlier assumptions, the ground state of this ephemeral "allene" is carbene-like with a small diradical component. Furthermore, the electronic structure and chemistry of 4 are found to parallel that of 1,2,4,6-cycloheptatetraene: both molecules possess a low-lying excited singlet state with a closed-shell carbenic structure, enabling rich coordination chemistry. Energy decomposition analyses conducted for currently unknown metal complexes of 4 as well as those involving stable carbenes based on the pyrazolium framework (aka "bent allenes" or remote N-heterocyclic carbenes) indicate that all investigated ligands form particularly strong metal-carbon bonds. Most notably, without exocyclic π-type substituents, 4 and pyrazolin-4-ylidenes are the strongest donor ligands examined, in large part because of the energy and shape of their highest occupied molecular orbital. As a whole, the current work opens a new chapter in the chemistry of 1,2-cyclopentadiene, which is hoped to spark renewed interest among experimentalists. In addition, results from the conducted bonding analyses underline that more emphasis should be placed on purely carbocyclic carbenes as unprecedented σ-donor strengths can be realized through this route.

Homoleptic pnictogen-chalcogen coordination complexes.

The synthesis and structural characterization of dicationic selenium and tellurium analogues of the carbodiphosphorane and triphosphenium families of compounds are reported. These complexes, [Ch(dppe)][OTf](2) [Ch = Se, Te; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate], are formed using [Ch](2+) reagents via a ligand-exchange protocol and represent extremely rare examples of homoleptic pnictogen → chalcogen coordination complexes. The corresponding arsenic compounds were also prepared, [Ch(dpAse)][OTf](2) [Ch = Se, Te; dpAse = 1,2-bis(diphenylarsino)ethane], exhibiting the first instance of an arsenic → chalcogen dative bond. The electronic structures of these unique compounds were determined and compared to previously reported chalcogen dications.

Diphenoxo-bridged Ni(II)Ln(III) dinuclear complexes as platforms for heterotrimetallic (Ln(III)Ni(II))2Ru(III) systems with a high-magnetic-moment ground state: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties.

The first examples of pentanuclear heterotrimetallic [(LnNi)(2)Ru] [Ln(3+) = Gd (1) and Dy (2)] complexes were prepared and magnetostructurally characterized. They exhibit ferromagnetic interactions, leading to a high-magnetic-moment ground state.

Synthesis of highly functionalized fluorinated cispentacin derivatives.

Fluorinated highly functionalized cispentacin derivatives were synthetised starting from an unsaturated bicyclic ß-lactam through C=C bond functionalization via the dipolar cycloaddition of a nitrile oxide, isoxazoline opening, and fluorination by OH/F exchange.

Fabrication of Porous Hydrogenation Catalysts by a Selective Laser Sintering 3D Printing Technique.

Three-dimensional selective laser sintering printing was utilized to produce porous, solid objects, in which the catalytically active component, Pd/SiO2, is attached to an easily printable supporting polypropylene framework. Physical properties of the printed objects, such as porosity, were controlled by varying the printing parameters. Structural characterization of the objects was performed by helium ion microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray tomography, and the catalytic performance of the objects was tested in the hydrogenation of styrene, cyclohexene, and phenylacetylene. The results show that the selective laser sintering process provides an alternative and effective way to produce highly active and easily reusable heterogeneous catalysts without significantly reducing the catalytic efficiency of the active Pd/SiO2 component. The ability to control the size, porosity, mechanical properties, flow properties, physical properties, and chemical properties of the catalyst objects opens up possibilities to optimize devices for different reaction environments including batch reactions and continuous flow systems.

Icosahedral carboranes as scaffolds for congested regioselective polyaryl compounds: the distinct distance tuning of C-C and its antipodal B-B.

Four-fold aryl substituted o-carborane derivatives with defined patterns of substitution at the antipodal region of the cluster carbon atoms have been achieved. It is proven that this region is congested but lacks steric hindrance. Also, the two antipodal sites Cc-Cc and B9-B12 are affected very distinctly by electron donor substituents.

Steric vs. electronic stereocontrol in syndio- or iso-selective ROP of functional chiral ß-lactones mediated by achiral yttrium-bisphenolate complexes.

Origins of stereoselectivity in ROP of racemic chiral cyclic esters promoted by achiral yttrium complexes, resulting in the formation of highly heterotactic polylactide, and highly syndiotactic or, more uniquely, highly isotactic poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)s, are discussed. A close interplay between the nature of the cyclic ester, most particularly of the exocyclic functional chain installed on the chiral center of ß-lactones, and the ortho-substituents installed on the phenolate rings of the ligand, results in various determining secondary interactions of steric and also electronic nature.

Structural and electronic elucidation of a N-heterocyclic silylene vanadocene adduct.

The solid and solution state structure of the vanadium(ii) N-heterocyclic silylene (NHSi) complex, [(SiIPr)V(Cp)2] (1) is reported (SiIPr: 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1,3-diaza-2-silacyclopent-4-en-2-ylidene). The electronic structure of 1 is probed using a combination of magnetic measurements, EPR spectroscopy and computational studies. The V-Si bond strength and complex forming mechanism between vanadocene and an NHSi ligand is elucidated using computational methods.