Photo- and Stress-Induced Bending of (E)-1,2-Bis(pyridinium-4-yl)ethene Dinitrate Crystals.

We report on the elastic and photodynamic properties of (E)-1,2-bis(pyridinium-4-yl)ethene dinitrate [H2Ebpe](NO3)2, whose needle-like crystals can be reversibly deformed by applying external mechanical stress. The macro-scale mechanical properties of [H2Ebpe](NO3)2 crystals were quantified by a three-point bending test, which gave a stress-strain curve with an elastic modulus of 1.18 GPa, and its values are lower than those of other flexible elastic organic crystals. It can also be reversibly bent through the [2+2] cycloaddition reaction of the olefin moiety, depending on the direction of UV irradiation.

Woven, Polycatenated, or Cage Structures: Effect of Modulation of Ligand Curvature in Heteroleptic Uranyl Ion Complexes.

Combining the flexible zwitterionic dicarboxylate 4,4'-bis(2-carboxylatoethyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium (L) and the anionic dicarboxylate ligands isophthalate (ipht2-) and 1,2-, 1,3-, or 1,4-phenylenediacetate (1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-pda2-), of varying shape and curvature, has allowed isolation of five uranyl ion complexes by synthesis under solvo-hydrothermal conditions. [(UO2)2(L)(ipht)2] (1) and [(UO2)2(L)(1,2-pda)2]·2H2O (2) have the same stoichiometry, and both crystallize as monoperiodic coordination polymers containing two uranyl-(anionic carboxylate) strands united by L linkers into a wide ribbon, all ligands being in the divergent conformation. Complex 3, [(UO2)2(L)(1,3-pda)2]·0.5CH3CN, with the same stoichiometry but ligands in a convergent conformation, is a discrete, binuclear species which is the first example of a heteroleptic uranyl carboxylate coordination cage. With all ligands in a divergent conformation, [(UO2)2(L)(1,4-pda)(1,4-pdaH)2] (4) crystallizes as a sinuous and thread-like monoperiodic polymer; two families of chains run along different directions and are woven into diperiodic layers. Modification of the synthetic conditions leads to [(UO2)4(LH)2(1,4-pda)5]·H2O·2CH3CN (5), a monoperiodic polymer based on tetranuclear (UO2)4(1,4-pda)4 rings; intrachain hydrogen bonding of the terminal LH+ ligands results in diperiodic network formation through parallel polycatenation involving the tetranuclear rings and the LH+ rods. Complexes 1-3 and 5 are emissive, with complex 2 having the highest photoluminescence quantum yield (19%), and their spectra show the maxima positions usual for tris-κ2O,O'-chelated uranyl cations.

Flexible Aliphatic Diammonioacetates as Zwitterionic Ligands in UO22+ Complexes: Diverse Topologies and Interpenetrated Structures.

N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethane-1,2-diammonioacetate (L1) and N,N,N',N'-tetramethylpropane-1,3-diammonioacetate (L2) are two flexible zwitterionic dicarboxylates which have been used as ligands for the uranyl ion, 12 complexes having been obtained from their coupling to diverse anions, mostly anionic polycarboxylates, or oxo, hydroxo and chlorido donors. The protonated zwitterion is a simple counterion in [H2L1][UO2(2,6-pydc)2] (1), where 2,6-pydc2- is 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate, but it is deprotonated and coordinated in all the other complexes. [(UO2)2(L2)(2,4-pydcH)4] (2), where 2,4-pydc2- is 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylate, is a discrete, binuclear complex due to the terminal nature of the partially deprotonated anionic ligands. [(UO2)2(L1)(ipht)2]·4H2O (3) and [(UO2)2(L1)(pda)2] (4), where ipht2- and pda2- are isophthalate and 1,4-phenylenediacetate, are monoperiodic coordination polymers in which central L1 bridges connect two lateral strands. Oxalate anions (ox2-) generated in situ give [(UO2)2(L1)(ox)2] (5) a diperiodic network with the hcb topology. [(UO2)2(L2)(ipht)2]·H2O (6) differs from 3 in being a diperiodic network with the V2O5 topological type. [(UO2)2(L1)(2,5-pydc)2]·4H2O (7), where 2,5-pydc2- is 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylate, is a hcb network with a square-wave profile, while [(UO2)2(L1)(dnhpa)2] (8), where dnhpa2- is 3,5-dinitro-2-hydroxyphenoxyacetate, formed in situ from 1,2-phenylenedioxydiacetic acid, has the same topology but a strongly corrugated shape leading to interdigitation of layers. (2R,3R,4S,5S)-Tetrahydrofurantetracarboxylic acid (thftcH4) is only partially deprotonated in [(UO2)3(L1)(thftcH)2(H2O)] (9), which crystallizes as a diperiodic polymer with the fes topology. [(UO2)2Cl2(L1)3][(UO2Cl3)2(L1)] (10) is an ionic compound in which discrete, binuclear anions cross the cells of the cationic hcb network. 2,5-Thiophenediacetate (tdc2-) is peculiar in promoting self-sorting of the ligands in the ionic complex [(UO2)5(L1)7(tdc)(H2O)][(UO2)2(tdc)3]4·CH3CN·12H2O (11), which is the first example of heterointerpenetration in uranyl chemistry, involving a triperiodic, cationic framework and diperiodic, anionic hcb networks. Finally, [(UO2)7(O)3(OH)4.3Cl2.7(L2)2]Cl·7H2O (12) crystallizes as a 2-fold interpenetrated, triperiodic framework in which chlorouranate undulating monoperiodic subunits are bridged by the L2 ligands. Complexes 1, 2, 3, and 7 are emissive with photoluminescence quantum yields in the range of 8-24%, and their solid-state emission spectra show the usual dependence on number and nature of donor atoms.

Contrasting Networks and Entanglements in Uranyl Ion Complexes with Adipic and trans,trans-Muconic Acids.

Adipic (hexane-1,6-dicarboxylic, adpH2) and trans,trans-muconic (trans,trans-hexa-2,4-diene-1,6-dicarboxylic, mucH2) acids have been reacted with uranyl cations under solvo-hydrothermal conditions, yielding nine homo- or heterometallic complexes displaying in their crystal structure the effects of the different flexibility of the ligands. The complexes [PPh4]2[(UO2)2(adp)3] (1) and [Ni(bipy)3][(UO2)2(muc)3]·5H2O (2), where bipy is 2,2'-bipyridine, crystallize as diperiodic networks with the hcb topology, the layers being strongly puckered or quasiplanar, respectively. Whereas [(UO2)2(adp)3Ni(cyclam)]·2H2O (3), where cyclam is 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, crystallizes as a diperiodic network, [(UO2)2(muc)3Ni(cyclam)]·2H2O (4) is a triperiodic framework in which the NiII cations are introduced as pillars within a uranyl-muc2- framework with the mog topology. [UO2(adp)(HCOO)2Cu(R,S-Me6cyclam)]·2H2O (5), where R,S-Me6cyclam is 7(R),14(S)-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethylcyclam, is a diperiodic assembly with the sql topology, and it crystallizes together with [H2NMe2]2[(UO2)2(adp)3] (6), a highly corrugated hcb network with a square-wave profile, which displays 3-fold parallel interpenetration. In contrast, [(UO2)3(muc)2(O)2Cu(R,S-Me6cyclam)] (7) is a diperiodic assembly containing hexanuclear, µ3-oxido-bridged secondary building units which are the nodes of a network with the hxl topology. The two related complexes [PPh3Me]2[(UO2)2(adp)3]·4H2O (8) and [PPh3Me]2[(UO2)2(muc)3]·H2O (9) crystallize as hcb networks, but their different shapes, undulated or quasiplanar, respectively, result in different entanglements, 2-fold parallel interpenetration in 8 and 2-fold inclined 2D → 3D polycatenation in 9.

Ni(2,2':6',2″-Terpyridine-4'-carboxylate)2 Zwitterions and Carboxylate Polyanions in Mixed-Ligand Uranyl Ion Complexes with a Wide Range of Topologies.

The zwitterionic complex formed by NiII and 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine-4'-carboxylate, Ni(tpyc)2, has been used as a coligand with a diverse group of polycarboxylates in uranyl ion complexes synthesized under solvo-hydrothermal conditions, thus giving a series of 14 mixed ligand, heterometallic compounds. Both [(UO2)2(c-1,2-chdc)Ni(tpyc)2(NO3)2]2·4CH3CN (1) and [(UO2)2(tdc)Ni(tpyc)2(NO3)2]2 (2), where c-1,2-chdc2- is cis-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate and tdc2- is 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate, display discrete U4Ni2 dinickelatetrauranacycles, a motif which is also found as part of a daisychain coordination polymer in [(UO2)4(bdc)3Ni2(tpyc)4(NO3)2]·2CH3CN·2H2O (3), where bdc2- is 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate. Similar U4Ni2 rings associate to form a nanotubular polymer in [(UO2)2(tca)Ni(tpyc)2(NO3)]·2CH3CN·2H2O (4), where tca3- is tricarballylate. [(UO2)2(1,2-pda) (1,2-pdaH)Ni(tpyc)2(NO3)]·CH3CN (5), where 1,2-pda2- is 1,2-phenylenediacetate, crystallizes as a meander-like chain in which each bent section can be seen as an open, semi-U4Ni2 ring. Oxalate (ox2-) gives [(UO2)2(ox)2Ni(tpyc)2] (6), a monoperiodic polymer containing smaller U4Ni rings, while 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylate (1,2,3-btc3-) and citrate (citH3-) give [Ni(tpycH)(H2O)3][UO2(1,2,3-btc)]2·2H2O (7) and [UO2Ni2(tpyc)4][UO2(citH)]2 (8), two complexes with charge separation, the latter displaying one-periodic + two-periodic semi-interpenetration. [(UO2)2(btcH)Ni(tpyc)2(NO3)] (9) and [(UO2)2(cbtcH)Ni(tpyc)2(NO3)] (10), where btc4- and cbtc4- are 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate and cis,trans,cis-1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylate, respectively, are diperiodic networks with hcb topology, and [(UO2)2(ndc)Ni(tpyc)2(OH)(NO3)] (11), where ndc2- is 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate, is a sql network containing dinuclear nodes and involving 100-membered U10Ni4 metallacyclic units. U4Ni2 rings are found in the diperiodic polymer formed in [(UO2)4(t-R-1,2-chdc)4Ni2(tpyc)4] (12), where t-R-1,2-chdc2- is trans-R,R-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, the heavily puckered sheets being interlocked. 1,3-Phenylenediacetate (1,3-pda2-) gives a very thick diperiodic polymer with KIa topology, [(UO2)4(1,3-pda)4Ni2(tpyc)4]·CH3CN·2H2O (13). A triperiodic framework is formed with nitrilotriacetate (nta3-) in [(UO2)2(nta)2Ni2(tpyc)2] (14), where NiII is found in Ni(tpyc)2 units as well as in Ni(nta)24- moieties which both act as 4-coordinated nodes.

Pd(II) Complexes with Pyridine Ligands: Substituent Effects on the NMR Data, Crystal Structures, and Catalytic Activity.

A wide range of functionalized pyridine ligands have been employed to synthesize a variety of Pd(II) complexes of the general formulas [PdL4](NO3)2 and [PdL2Y2], where L = 4-X-py and Y = Cl- or NO3-. Their structures have been unambiguously established via analytical and spectroscopic methods in solution (NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry) as well as in the solid state (X-ray diffraction). This in-depth characterization has shown that the functionalization of ligand molecules with groups of either electron-withdrawing or -donating nature (EWG and EDG) results in significant changes in the physicochemical properties of the desired coordination compounds. Downfield shifts of signals in the 1H NMR spectra were observed upon coordination within and across the complex families, clearly indicating the relationship between NMR chemical shifts and the ligand basicity as estimated from pKa values. A detailed crystallographic study has revealed the operation of a variety of weak interactions, which may be factors explaining aspects of the solution chemistry of the complexes. The Pd(II) complexes have been found to be efficient and versatile precatalysts in Suzuki-Miyaura and Heck cross-coupling reactions within a scope of structurally distinct substrates, and factors have been identified that have contributed to efficiency improvement in both processes.

Zwitterionic and Anionic Polycarboxylates as Coligands in Uranyl Ion Complexes, and Their Influence on Periodicity and Topology.

The three zwitterionic di- and tricarboxylate ligands 1,1'-[(2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene-1,4-diyl)bis(methylene)]bis(pyridin-1-ium-4-carboxylate) (pL1), 1,1'-[(2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene-1,4-diyl)bis(methylene)]bis(pyridin-1-ium-3-carboxylate) (mL1), and 1,1',1″-[(2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-triyl)tris(methylene)]tris(pyridin-1-ium-4-carboxylate) (L2) have been used as ligands to synthesize a series of 15 uranyl ion complexes involving various anionic coligands, in most cases polycarboxylates. [(UO2)2(pL1)2(cbtc)(H2O)2]·10H2O (1, cbtc4- = cis,trans,cis-1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylate) is a discrete, dinuclear ring-shaped complex with a central cbtc4- pillar. While [UO2(pL1)(NO3)2] (2), [UO2(pL1)(OAc)2] (3), and [UO2(pL1)(HCOO)2] (4) are simple chains, [(UO2)2(mL1)(1,3-pda)2] (5, 1,3-pda2- = 1,3-phenylenediacetate) is a daisy chain and [UO2(pL1)(pdda)]3·10H2O (6, pdda2- = 1,2-phenylenedioxydiacetate) is a double-stranded, ribbon-like chain. Both [UO2(pL1)(pht)]·5H2O (7, pht2- = phthalate) and [(UO2)3(mL1)(pht)2(OH)2] (8) crystallize as diperiodic networks with the sql topology, the latter involving hydroxo-bridged trinuclear nodes. [(UO2)2(pL1)(c/t-1,3-chdc)2] (9, c/t-1,3-chdc2- = cis/trans-1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) and [UO2(pL1)(t-1,4-chdc)]·1.5H2O (10, t-1,4-chdc2- = trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) are also diperiodic, with the V2O5 and sql topologies, respectively. Both [(UO2)2(mL1)(c/t-1,4-chdc)2] (11) and [(UO2)2(pL1)(1,2-pda)2] (12, 1,2-pda2- = 1,2-phenylenediacetate) crystallize as diperiodic networks with hcb topology, and they display threefold parallel interpenetration. [HL2][(UO2)3(L2)(adc)3]Br (13, adc2- = 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylate) contains a very corrugated hcb network with two different kinds of cells, and the uncoordinated HL2+ molecule associates with the coordinated L2 to form a capsule containing the bromide anion. [(UO2)2(pL1)(kpim)2] (14, kpim2- = 4-ketopimelate) is a three-periodic framework with pL1 molecules pillaring fes diperiodic subunits, whereas [(UO2)2(L2)2(t-1,4-chdc)](NO3)1.7Br0.3·6H2O (15), the only cationic complex in the series, is a triperiodic framework with dmc topology and t-1,4-chdc2- anions pillaring fes diperiodic subunits. Solid-state emission spectra and photoluminescence quantum yields are reported for all complexes.

2,5-Thiophenedicarboxylate: An Interpenetration-Inducing Ligand in Uranyl Chemistry.

Seven uranyl ion complexes have been crystallized under solvo-hydrothermal conditions from 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid (tdcH2) and diverse additional, structure-directing species. [UO2(tdc)(DMF)] (1) is a two-stranded monoperiodic coordination polymer, while [PPh3Me][UO2(tdc)(HCOO)] (2) is a simple chain with terminal formate coligands. Although it is also monoperiodic, [C(NH2)3][H2NMe2]2[(UO2)3(tdc)4(HCOO)] (3) displays an alternation of tetra- and hexanuclear rings. Two-stranded subunits are bridged by oxo-coordinated NiII cations to form a diperiodic network in [UO2(tdc)2Ni(cyclam)] (4), but a homometallic sql diperiodic assembly is built in [Cu(R,S-Me6cyclam)(H2O)][UO2(tdc)2]·H2O (5), to which the counterion is hydrogen bonded only. Diperiodic networks with the hcb topology are formed in both [Zn(phen)3][(UO2)2(tdc)3]·2H2O·3CH3CN (6) and [PPh4]2[(UO2)2(tdc)3]·2H2O (7). The slightly undulating layers in 6 are crossed by oblique columns of weakly interacting counterions in polythreading-like fashion. In contrast, the larger curvature in 7 allows for three-fold, parallel 2D interpenetration to occur. These results are compared with previously reported cases of interpenetration and polycatenation in the uranyl-tdc2- system.

Cavity Formation in Uranyl Ion Complexes with Kemp's Tricarboxylate: Grooved Diperiodic Nets and Polynuclear Cages.

Kemp's triacid (cis,cis-1,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, H3kta) was reacted with uranyl nitrate under solvo-hydrothermal conditions in the presence of diverse counterions or additional metal cations to give eight zero- or diperiodic complexes. All the coordination polymers in the series, [PPh3Me][UO2(kta)]·0.5H2O (1), [PPh4][UO2(kta)] (2), [C(NH2)3][UO2(kta)] (3), [Cd(bipy)3][UO2(kta)]2 (4), and [Zn(phen)3][UO2(kta)]2·2H2O (5) (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) crystallize as networks with the hcb topology, the ligand being in the chair conformation with the three carboxylate groups equatorial, except in 3, in which the axial/diequatorial boat conformation is present. Various degrees of corrugation and different arrangements of neighboring layers are observed depending on the counterion, with complexes 4 and 5, in particular, displaying cavities containing the bulky cations. [Co(en)3]2[(UO2)2(kta)(Hkta)2]2·2NMP·10H2O (6) (en = 1,2-ethanediamine; NMP = N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) contains a metallatricyclic, tetranuclear anionic species, displaying two clefts in which the cations are held by extensive hydrogen bonding, and with the ligands in both triaxial chair and axial/diequatorial boat conformations. [(UO2)3Pb(kta)2(Hkta)(H2O)]2·1.5THF (7) (THF = tetrahydrofuran) and [(UO2)2Pb2(kta)2(Hkta)(NMP)]2 (8) are two heterometallic cage compounds containing only the convergent, triaxial chair form of the ligand, which have the same topology in spite of the different U/Pb ratio. These complexes are compared to previous ones also involving Kemp's triacid anions, and the roles of ligand conformation and of counterions in the formation of cavities, either in cage-like species or as grooves in diperiodic networks, is discussed.

Hydrogen Bonding Directed Self-Assembly of a Binuclear Ag(I) Metallacycle into a 1D Supramolecular Polymer.

An Ag(I) metallacycle obtained unexpectedly during the preparation of Pd(II) complexes of the bifunctional ligand 5-([2,2'-bipyridin]-5-yl)pyrimidine-2-amine (L) has been characterized using X-ray structure determination as a binuclear, metallacyclic species [Ag2L2](SbF6)2, where both the bipyridine and pyrimidine-N donors of L are involved in coordination to the metal. The full coordination environment of the Ag(I) defines a case of highly irregular 4-coordination. In the crystal, the Ag-metallacycles assemble into one-dimensional supramolecular metalladynamers linked together by hydrogen-bonding interactions.

Uranyl Tricarballylate Triperiodic and Nanotubular Species. Counterion Control of Nanotube Diameter.

Tricarballylic acid (propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, H3 tca) was reacted with uranyl nitrate hexahydrate under solvo-hydrothermal conditions and in the presence of different additional cations, yielding four complexes which have been crystallographically characterized. [(UO2)2Ba(tca)2(H2O)4] (1), isomorphous to the PbII analogue previously reported, crystallizes as a triperiodic framework in which diperiodic uranyl-tca3- subunits with the hcb (honeycomb) topology are linked by carboxylate-bound BaII cations. Triperiodic polymerization is also found in [(UO2)2(tca)2Ni(cyclam)] (2) and [(UO2)2(tca)2Cu(R,S-Me6cyclam)] (3), but here the diperiodic uranyl-tca3- subunits have the sql (square lattice) topology, and the frameworks formed through bridging by NiII or CuII cations have different topologies, tcs in 2 and xww in 3. [Co(en)3][UO2(tca)]3·2H2O (4) crystallizes as a monoperiodic coordination polymer with the hcb topology and a nanotubular geometry. In contrast to the square-section nanotubules previously found in [NH4][(UO2)2Pb(tca)2(NO3)(bipy)] (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine), those in 4 have a hexagonal section with a width of ∼7 Å. The structure-directing role of the hydrogen bonded counterions in these nanotubular species, either NH4+ located within the nanotubule cavity or [Co(en)3]3+ located outside, is discussed. Emission spectra in the solid state display the usual vibronic fine structure for 1 and 4, while uranyl emission is quenched in 3.

Functionalized Aromatic Dicarboxylate Ligands in Uranyl-Organic Assemblies: The Cases of Carboxycinnamate and 1,2-/1,3-Phenylenedioxydiacetate.

2-Carboxycinnamic acid (ccnH2) and the isomeric 1,2- and 1,3-phenylenedioxydiacetic acids (1,2- and 1,3-pddaH2) have been used to synthesize eight uranyl ion complexes under solvo-hydrothermal conditions. In the four complexes [PPh4]2[UO2(ccn)(NO3)]2 (1), [PPh4]2[UO2(ccn)(dibf)]2 (2), [UO2(ccn)(bipy)]2 (3), and [Ni(R,S-Me6cyclam)][UO2(ccn)(HCOO)]2 (4), the ccn2- dianion retains a nearly planar geometry, which favors the formation of the centrosymmetric [UO2(ccn)]2 dimeric unit. Additional terminal ligands, either neutral (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) or anionic (nitrate, dibf- = 1,3-dihydro-3-oxo-1-isobenzofuranacetate, and formate, the two latter formed in situ), complete the uranyl coordination sphere, leading in all cases to discrete, dinuclear species. Sodium(I) bonding to the carboxylate/ether O4 site of the 1,2-pdda2- dianion in the two complexes [UO2Na(1,2-pdda)(OH)] (5) and [(UO2)2Na2(1,2-pdda)2(C2O4)] (6) results in this ligand being planar. Further lateral coordination to uranyl and sodium bonding to a uranyl oxo group allow formation of heterometallic diperiodic networks containing monoperiodic uranyl-only subunits. In the absence of Na+ cations, 1,2-pdda2- adopts a conformation in which one carboxylate group is tilted out of the ligand plane in [UO2(1,2-pdda)2Ni(cyclam)] (7) and diaxial carboxylato bonding to nickel(II) unites uranyl-only monoperiodic subunits into a diperiodic network. The 1,3-pdda2- ligand in [UO2(1,3-pdda)(H2O)] (8) is also nonplanar with one tilted carboxylate group, and the bridging bidentate nature of both carboxylate groups allows formation of a triperiodic framework in which both metal and ligand are four-coordinated nodes. While the emission spectra of complexes 1 and 5 display the vibronic progression considered typical of uranyl ion, those of complexes 2, 4, and 8 show broad emission bands which in the case of complex 4 completely replace the uranyl emission and which appear to be ligand-centered. The low energy of these broad bands can be rationalized in terms of the close association of certain ligand pairs within the structures.

Structure-Directing Effects of Coordinating Solvents, Ammonium and Phosphonium Counterions in Uranyl Ion Complexes with 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-Phenylenediacetates.

The three isomers 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-phenylenediacetic acids (1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-pdaH2) have been used to synthesize 16 uranyl ion complexes under solvo-hydrothermal conditions and in the presence of various coligands and organic counterions. The two neutral and homoleptic complexes [UO2(1,2-pda)]·CH3CN (1) and [UO2(1,3-pda)] (2) crystallize as diperiodic assemblies with slightly different coordination modes of the ligands, but the same sql topology. Introduction of the coordinating solvents N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) or N,N'-dimethylpropyleneurea (DMPU) in the uranyl coordination sphere produces the four complexes [UO2(1,2-pda)(DMPU)] (3), [UO2(1,3-pda)(NMP)] (4), [UO2(1,4-pda)(NMP)] (5), and [UO2(1,4-pda)(DMPU)] (6), which are either monoperiodic (4) or diperiodic species with the fes (3 and 5) or 3,4L13 (6) topology. The presence of dimethylammonium cations is associated with the formation of ladder-like monoperiodic polymers with the 1,2 isomer in the complexes [H2NMe2]2[(UO2)2(1,2-pda)3]·H2O (7) and [H2NMe2]2[(UO2)2(1,2-pda)3]·3H2O (8), while a conformational change giving the 1,3 and 1,4 isomers a pincer-like geometry favors the formation of dinuclear ring subunits assembled into daisy-chain-like monoperiodic polymers in [H2NMe2]2[(UO2)2(1,3-pda)3]·0.5H2O (9), [H2NMe2]2[(UO2)2(1,4-pda)3] (10), and the mixed-ligand species [H2NMe2]2[(UO2)2(1,2-pda)(1,4-pda)2] (11). The unique complex including guanidinium cations, [C(NH2)3]2[(UO2)2(1,2-pda)3]·0.5H2O·CH3CN (12), crystallizes as a diperiodic polymer with the hcb topology. Due to differences in ligand conformations, the phosphonium-containing complexes [PPh3Me]2[(UO2)2(1,3-pda)3] (13) and [PPh4]2[(UO2)2(1,4-pda)3] (14) contain ladder-like and daisy-chain-like monoperiodic polymers, respectively, while only the latter geometry is found in the mixed-cation complexes [PPh3Me][H2NMe2][(UO2)2(1,4-pda)3]·H2O (15) and [PPh3Me][H2NMe2][(UO2)2(1,2-pda)(1,4-pda)2] (16). The influence of ligand conformation and the structure-directing effects of coligands and counterions throughout the series are discussed. The uranyl emission spectra of 14 of the complexes display the usual vibronic fine structure, the peak positions being dependent on the number of equatorial donors.

Dynamer and Metallodynamer Interconversion: An Alternative View to Metal Ion Complexation.

A bifunctional molecule containing both a bidentate binding site for metal ions and an aminopyrimidine H-bond donor-acceptor site has been synthesized, and its properties, in its free and coordinated forms, have been established in solution and in the solid state by analytical and spectroscopic methods as well as by X-ray structure determinations. Structural characterization has shown that it forms a one-dimensional H-bonded polymeric assembly in the solid state, while spectroscopic measurements indicate that it also aggregates in solution. The reaction of a simple Fe(II) salt with this assembly results in the emergence of two geometrical isomers of the complex: [FeL3](BF4)2·9H2O-C1 (meridional, mer) and [FeL3]2(SiF6)(BF4)2·12H2O-C2 (facial, fac). While, complex C1 in the solid state generates a one-dimensional H-bonded polymer involving just two ligands on each Fe center, with the chirality of the complex units alternating along the polymer chain, the structure of complex C2 shows NH···N interactions seen in both the ligand and mer complex (C1) structures to be completely absent. Physicochemical properties of the free and complexed ligand differ substantially.

Structure-Directing Effects of Counterions in Uranyl Ion Complexes with Long-Chain Aliphatic α,ω-Dicarboxylates: 1D to Polycatenated 3D Species.

Nine uranyl ion complexes were synthesized under (solvo-)hydrothermal conditions using α,ω-dicarboxylic acids HOOC-(CH2) n-2-COOH (H2C n, n = 6-9) and diverse counterions. Complexes [PPh4][UO2(C6)(NO3)] (1) and [PPh4][UO2(C8)(NO3)] (2) contain zigzag one-dimensional (1D) chains, with further polymerization being prevented by the terminal nitrate ligands. [PPh3Me][UO2(C7)(HC7)] (3) crystallizes as a 1D polymer with a curved section, with hydrogen bonding of the uncomplexed carboxylic groups giving rise to formation of 3-fold interpenetrated two-dimensional (2D) networks. [PPh4][H2NMe2][(UO2)2(C7)3] (4) and [PPh3Me]2[(UO2)2(C8)3] (5) contain 1D chains, either ladder-like or containing doubly bridged dimers, while [PPh3Me]2[(UO2)2(C9)3]·2H2O (6) displays interdigitated, strongly corrugated honeycomb 2D nets. Ladder-like 1D polymers in [Cu( R,S-Me6cyclam)][(UO2)2(C7)2(C2O4)]·4H2O (7) are associated into layers by the hydrogen bonded counterions, whereas the [Ni(cyclam)]2+ moieties are part of the 2D polymeric arrangement in [(UO2)2(C7)2(HC7)2Ni(cyclam)]·2H2O (8) because of axial coordination of the nickel(II) center, with hydrogen bonding mediated by water molecules generating a three-dimensional (3D) net. [(UO2)2K2(C7)3(H2O)]·0.5H2O (9) contains convoluted uranyl dicarboxylate 2D subunits, which generate a 3D framework through 2D → 3D parallel polycatenation similar to that previously found in [NH4]2[(UO2)2(C7)3]·2H2O; further linking of these subunits is provided by bonding of the potassium cations to carboxylate and uranyl oxido groups. The solid-state emission spectra of complexes 1-6 and 9 display maxima positions typical of hexacoordinated uranyl carboxylate complexes, but uranyl luminescence is quenched in 7. A solid-state photoluminescence quantum yield of 11.5% has been measured for complex 1, while those for compounds 3-6 and 9 are in the range of 2.0-3.5%.

Chiral Discrete and Polymeric Uranyl Ion Complexes with (1 R,3 S)-(+)-Camphorate Ligands: Counterion-Dependent Formation of a Hexanuclear Cage.

Reaction of (1 R,3 S)-(+)-camphoric acid (H2cam) with uranyl ions under solvo-hydrothermal conditions and in the presence of bulky countercations gave five chiral complexes of varying dimensionality. [Cu( R,S-Me6cyclam)][UO2(Hcam)2(HCOO)2] (1) and [Ni( R,S-Me6cyclam)][UO2(cam)(HCOO)2] (2), in which the formate coligand is formed in situ, involve very similar countercations, but 1 is a discrete, mononuclear complex, whereas 2 crystallizes as a one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymer, and NH-bond donation by the macrocyclic ligand of the countercation complexes is present in both. [Co(en)3][(UO2)4(cam)( R,R-tart)2(OH)]·3H2O (3), in which en is ethylenediamine and H4 R,R-tart is R,R-tartaric acid, contains three enantiomerically pure chiral species, and it displays a two-dimensional (2D) arrangement, with the countercation again involved in NH-bond donation. While [PPh4][UO2(cam)(NO3)] (4) is a 1D polymer, [PPh3Me]3[NH4]3[(UO2)6(cam)9] (5) is a discrete, homochiral, and homoleptic hexanuclear cage with C3 point symmetry and a trigonal prismatic arrangement of the uranium atoms. This cage differs from the octanuclear, pseudocubic uranyl camphorate species previously described, thus providing an example of modulation of the cage size through variation of the structure-directing counterions. The cage in 5 is closely associated with three PPh3Me+ cations, two of them outside and with their methyl group directed toward the prism basis center, and one inside the cage cavity. While complex 5 is nonluminescent, complexes 1 and 4 have emission spectra in the solid state typical of equatorially hexacoordinated uranyl complexes. Solid-state photoluminescence quantum yields of 2 and 23% have been measured for complexes 1 and 4, respectively.

Tubelike Uranyl-Phenylenediacetate Assemblies from Screening of Ligand Isomers and Structure-Directing Counterions.

Reaction of 1,2-, 1,3-, or 1,4-phenylenediacetic acids (1,2-, 1,3-, or 1,4-H2PDA) with uranyl ions under solvo-hydrothermal conditions and in the presence of [M(L) n] q+ cations, in which M = transition metal cation, L = 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), n = 2 or 3, and q = 1 or 2, gave 10 complexes which have been crystallographically characterized. The diacetate ligands are bis-chelating and the uranyl cations are tris-chelated in all cases. [UO2(1,2-PDA)2Zn(phen)2]·2H2O (1) and [UO2(1,4-PDA)2Mn(bipy)2]·H2O (2) are heterometallic, neutral one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymers in which the carboxylate-coordinated 3d block metal cation is either decorating only (1) or participates in polymer building (2). [Zn(phen)3][(UO2)2(1,3-PDA)3] (3) and [Ni(phen)3][(UO2)2(1,4-PDA)3]·H2O (4), with separate counterions, crystallize as anionic two-dimensional (2D) networks, as does [Cu(bipy)2][H2NMe2][(UO2)2(1,4-PDA)3] (5), which displays parallel 2D interpenetration. The complex [Zn(phen)3][(UO2)2(1,2-PDA)3]·7H2O (6) crystallizes as a ladderlike, slightly inflated ribbon. The same topology is found in [Zn(bipy)3][(UO2)2(1,3-PDA)3] (7), but the larger separation between coordination sites and the coexistence of curved and divergent ligand conformations produce a tubelike assembly. An analogous but more regular and spacious tubular geometry is found in [M(bipy)3][(UO2)2(1,4-PDA)3], with M = Co (8) or Ni (9), and {Λ-[Ru(bipy)3]}[(UO2)2(1,4-PDA)3] (10). The disordered counterions in 8 and 9 are replaced by well-ordered, enantiomerically pure chiral counterions in 10. The tubular assemblies formed in 7-10 are characterized by an oblong section and the presence of gaps in the walls, which enable the inclusion of two rows of counterions in the cavity.

Luminescence of Amphiphilic PtII Complexes Controlled by Confinement.

The formation of hybrid silica-based systems to study the effect of the confinement on the emission properties of self-assembled platinum(II) complexes is reported. The complexes behave as surfactants since they possess a hydrophobic moiety and, on the ancillary ligand, a relatively long hydrophilic chain terminated with a positively charged group. The compounds, soluble in water, self-assemble, even at very low concentration, in supramolecular structures which display an orange luminescence. The properties of the assemblies have been studied in detail and in order to stabilize these supramolecular architectures and to enhance their emission properties hybrid silica porous nanoparticles have been prepared. In particular the PtII complexes have been employed as co-surfactant for the template formation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) using a sol gel synthesis. Interestingly, upon encapsulation in the silica pores, the platinum aggregates exhibit an emission profile similar in energy to the complexes assembled in solution, but the photoluminescence quantum yields of the hybrid systems are significantly higher (up to 45 %), and the excited state lifetimes much longer than those recorded in solution. Such enhancement of the photophysical properties together with the possibility to process the hybrid silica nanomaterials can pave the way to new type of emitters.

Counterion-Controlled Formation of an Octanuclear Uranyl Cage with cis-1,2-Cyclohexanedicarboxylate Ligands.

cis-1,2-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid ( c-chdcH2) was reacted with uranyl nitrate under (solvo-)hydrothermal conditions in the presence of different possible counterions. Two neutral complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry were obtained, [UO2( c-chdc)(DMF)] (1) and [UO2( c-chdc)(H2O)] (2), which crystallize as two-dimensional coordination polymers and do not include the additional cations present in solution. In contrast, the complex [NH4][PPh4][(UO2)8( c-chdc)9(H2O)6]·3H2O (3) crystallized in the presence of PPh4Br, ammonium cations being generated in situ from acetonitrile hydrolysis. This complex of 8:9 uranium:ligand stoichiometry contains an octanuclear anionic cage of D3 symmetry with a pseudo-cubic arrangement of uranium atoms. The ammonium cation is held within the cage through four hydrogen bonds with uranyl oxo groups directed inward. This cage complex is luminescent, although with a low quantum yield of 0.06, indicating limited potential as a photo-oxidant of included species.

Closed Uranyl-Dicarboxylate Oligomers: A Tetranuclear Metallatricycle with Uranyl Bridgeheads and 1,3-Adamantanediacetate Linkers.

In the presence of NH4+ and either PPh4+ or PPh3Me+ cations, 1,3-adamantanediacetic acid (H2ADA) reacts with uranyl ions under solvo-hydrothermal conditions to give the complexes [NH4]2[PPh4]2[(UO2)4(ADA)6] (1) and [NH4]2[PPh3Me]2[(UO2)4(ADA)6] (2), both of which contain a tetranuclear metallatricycle built from two 2:2 rings including convergent ligands, linked by two additional ligands in an extended conformation defining a third, larger ring. While the ammonium cations are closely associated with the 2:2 rings through triple hydrogen bonding, the large PPh4+ or PPh3Me+ cations are more loosely bound to each of the two faces of the larger ring. In contrast, the complex [H2NMe2][PPh3Me][(UO2)2(ADA)3]·H2O (3), in which dimethylammonium replaces ammonium cations, crystallizes as a two-dimensional network with honeycomb {63} topology, albeit with very distorted, elongated hexagonal cells. These and previous results show that both NH4+ and PPh4+ or PPh3Me+ cations are essential to the formation of the metallatricycle. The role of the flexibility imparted to ADA2- by the acetate arms, in comparison to the more rigid 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylate (ADC2-), is also discussed. All three complexes are luminescent, with quantum yields of 0.06, 0.06, and 0.09 for 1-3, respectively. The vibronic fine structure apparent on the emission spectra gives peak positions typical of species in which the uranyl ion is chelated by three carboxylate groups.