Chromium Nitride Umpolung Tuned by the Locus of Oxidation.

Oxidation of a series of CrV nitride salen complexes (CrVNSalR) with different para-phenolate substituents (R = CF3, tBu, NMe2) was investigated to determine how the locus of oxidation (either metal or ligand) dictates reactivity at the nitride. Para-phenolate substituents were chosen to provide maximum variation in the electron-donating ability of the tetradentate ligand at a site remote from the metal coordination sphere. We show that one-electron oxidation affords CrVI nitrides ([CrVINSalR]+; R = CF3, tBu) and a localized CrV nitride phenoxyl radical for the more electron-donating NMe2 substituent ([CrVNSalNMe2]•+). The facile nitride homocoupling observed for the MnVI analogues was significantly attenuated for the CrVI complexes due to a smaller increase in nitride character in the M≡N π* orbitals for Cr relative to Mn. Upon oxidation, both the calculated nitride natural population analysis (NPA) charge and energy of molecular orbitals associated with the {Cr≡N} unit change to a lesser extent for the CrV ligand radical derivative ([CrVNSalNMe2]•+) in comparison to the CrVI derivatives ([CrVINSalR]+; R = CF3, tBu). As a result, [CrVNSalNMe2]•+ reacts with B(C6F5)3, thus exhibiting similar nucleophilic reactivity to the neutral CrV nitride derivatives. In contrast, the CrVI derivatives ([CrVINSalR]+; R = CF3, tBu) act as electrophiles, displaying facile reactivity with PPh3 and no reaction with B(C6F5)3. Thus, while oxidation to the ligand radical does not change the reactivity profile, metal-based oxidation to CrVI results in umpolung, a switch from nucleophilic to electrophilic reactivity at the terminal nitride.

Radical Complexes of Nickel(II)/Copper(II) and Redox Non-innocent MB-DIPY Ligands: Unusual Stability and Strong Near-Infrared Absorption at λmax ∼1300†nm.

The preparation of radicals with intense and redox-switchable absorption beyond 1000 nm is a long-standing challenge in the chemistry of functional dyes. Here we report the preparation of a series of unprecedented stable neutral nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of "Manitoba dipyrromethenes" (MB-DIPYs) in which the organic chromophore is present in the radical-anion state. The new stable radicals have an intense absorption at λmax ∼1300 nm and can be either oxidized to regular [MII (MB-DIPY)]+ (M=Cu or Ni) or reduced to [MII (MB-DIPY)]- compounds. The radical nature of the stable [MII (MB-DIPY)] complexes was confirmed by EPR spectroscopy with additional insight into their electronic structure obtained by UV-Vis spectroscopy, electro- and spectroelectrochemistry, magnetic measurements, and X-ray crystallography. The electronic structures and spectroscopic properties of the radical-based chromophores were also probed by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations. These nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes represent the first stable radical compounds with a MB-DIPY ligand.

Functionalizing Carbon Nanotubes with Bis(2,9-dialkyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(II) Complexes for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

A new ligand, namely, 2-(5-(pyren-1-yl)pentyl)-9-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline, as well as new bis(2,9-dialkyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(II) complexes were designed, which were immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes. These complexes show a high tendency of autoreduction into their copper(I) form according to electrochemical and EPR experiments. These complexes exhibit strong interactions with MWCNT sidewalls either with or without anchor functions such as the pyrene moiety. The pyrene-modified derivative can be electropolymerized on glassy carbon and MWCNT electrodes to form a poly-[bis(2-(5-(pyren-1-yl)pentyl)-9-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(II)] metallopolymer film. Furthermore, these MWCNT-supported bis(2,9-dialkyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper complexes demonstrate a low overpotential for a 4H+/4e- oxygen reduction reaction at pH 5 with an onset potential of 0.86 V versus RHE. Integration of these functionalized MWCNTs at gas-diffusion electrodes of H2/air fuel cells led to a high open-circuit voltage of 0.84 V and a maximum current density of 1.77 mW cm-2 using a Pt/C anode.

Synthesis and Characterization of Bis-1,2,3-Triazole Ligand and its Corresponding Copper Complex for the Development of Electrochemical Affinity Biosensors.

The bis-triazole ligand and its corresponding copper complexes were synthesized and characterized for the first time and proposed as new labels for the development of electrochemical aptasensors. The bis-triazole ligand was prepared from methyl 1,6-heptadiyne-4-carboxylate and 2-(azidomethyl)phenol using classical CuAAC in presence of different copper salts. The X-ray structure of bis-triazole showed a symmetry center (C1). UV-Vis and X-band EPR spectra showed that the coordination capacity of the bis-triazole ligand was improved in the presence of triethylamine due to deprotonation of the triazole and phenolate moieties. After complexation with copper, the obtained complex was successfully attached to an anti-estradiol aptamer through thiol-maleimide coupling, and the resulting labelled aptamer was immobilized on a carbon screen-printed electrode by carbodiimide coupling. The electrochemical response of the resulting sensor was shown to decrease in the presence of estradiol, demonstrating that the developed complexes can be applied for the development of aptasensors.

Substituent Effects in Carbon-Nanotube-Supported Copper Phenolato Complexes for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Unprotected mononuclear pyrene-modified (bispyridylaminomethyl)methylphenol copper complexes were designed to be immobilized at multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes and form dinuclear bis(µ-phenolato) complexes on the surface. These complexes exhibit a high oxygen reduction reaction activity of 12.7 mA cm-2 and an onset potential of 0.78 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. The higher activity of these complexes compared to that of mononuclear complexes with bulkier groups is induced by the favorable early formation of a dinuclear catalytic species on MWCNT.

Effect of Distortions on the Geometric and Electronic Structures of One-Electron Oxidized Vanadium(IV), Copper(II), and Cobalt(II)/(III) Salen Complexes.

The ligands N,N'-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methoxysalicylidene)-1,2-ethanediamine and N,N'-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methoxysalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine were chelated to V(IV)═O (1, 2), Cu(II) (3, 4), Co(II) (5), and Co(III) (6). The X-ray crystal structures of 1-6 were solved. The vanadium center in 1-2 resides in square pyramidal geometry, with an axially bound oxo ligand, whereas the metal ion displays a tetrahedrally distorted square planar geometry in 3-5. The extent of distortion is correlated to the length of the diamine spacer: The longer the linker, the larger the tetrahedral distortions. Complex 6 is octahedral with a bidentate acetate molecule that completes the coordination sphere. All the complexes were characterized by UV-vis and EPR spectroscopies, as well as DFT calculations and electrochemistry. Complexes 1-6 exhibit a reversible one-electron oxidation wave in the range -0.11-0.26 V vs Fc+/Fc. The cations 1+ and 2+ were structurally characterized, showing an octahedral V(V) ion with one oxo and one water molecule coordinated in axial positions. Their vis-NIR spectra are dominated by a band at 727 and 815 nm, respectively, which is assigned to a phenolate-to-vanadium(V) charge transfer (CT) transition. The crystal structures of 3+ and 4+ are congruent with Cu(II)-radical species, wherein the metal center remains four-coordinated. Both feature a Class II (Robin-Day classification scale) IVCT transition at around 1200 nm (ε > 1 mM cm-1), indicative of partial localization of the radical. The structure of 5+ displays a square pyramidal cobalt ion, where the fifth (axial) coordination is occupied by a water molecule. It displays a NIR feature at 1244 nm and is described as intermediate between high spin Co(III) and Co(II) radical. In the presence of acetate the dimer [(5)2(µ-OAc)]+ forms, which was structurally characterized and shows a blue shift and lowering in intensity of the NIR absorption band in comparison to 5+. Complex 6+ is a genuine Co(III) radical complex, wherein the phenoxyl moiety is localized on one side of the molecule.

Seven Reversible Redox Processes in a Self-Assembled Cobalt Pentanuclear Bis(triple-stranded helicate): Structural, Spectroscopic, and Magnetic Characterizations in the CoICoII4, CoII5, and CoII3CoIII2 Redox States.

We report on the synthesis and structural characterization of the cobalt pentanuclear helicate complex from the rigid tetradentate bis(2-pyridyl)-3,5-pyrazolate ligand bpp-, namely, [{CoII(µ-bpp)3}2CoII3(µ3-OH)]3+ (13+), in which a trinuclear {CoII3(µ3-OH)} core is wrapped by two {CoII(µ-bpp)3} units. The cyclic voltammogram of 13+ in CH3CN revealed seven successive reversible one-electron waves, in the 0 and -3.0 V potential range, highlighting the remarkable stability of such architecture in several redox states. Two mixed-valent states of this complex, the two-electron-oxidized CoII3CoIII2 (15+) and the one-electron-reduced species CoICoII4 (12+), were generated by bulk electrolyses and successfully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction among the eight redox levels between CoI5 and CoII3CoIII2 that can be accessed under electrochemical conditions. Because of the crystallographic characterization of 15+ and 12+, the five reduction processes located at E1/2 values of -1.63 (13+/2+), -1.88 (12+/+), -2.14 (1+/0), -2.40 (10/-), and -2.60 V (1-/2-) versus Ag/AgNO3 were unambiguously assigned to the successive reduction of each of the five Co(II) ions to Co(I), starting with the three ions located in the central core followed by the two apical ions. The two other redox events at E1/2 values of -0.21 (14+/3+) and -0.11 V (15+/4+) are assigned to the successive oxidation of the apical Co(II) ions to Co(III). The Co(I) complexes are rare, and the stabilization of a Co(I) within a trinuclear µ-hydroxo core in the reduced species, 12+, 1+, 10, 1-, and 12-, is probably the result of the particular structure of this complex in the presence of the two apical sites that maintain the trinuclear core through the six bridging bpp- ligands. The spectroscopic characteristics of 12+, 13+, and 15+ (ultraviolet-visible and X-band electron paramagnetic resonance) are also described as well as their magnetic properties in the solid state.

Stable M(II)-Radicals and Nickel(III) Complexes of a Bis(phenol) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Chelated to Group 10 Metal Ions.

The tetradentate ligand based on (1-imidazolium-3,5-di tert-butylphenol) units was prepared and chelated to group 10 metal ions (Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II)), affording complexes 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The X-ray crystal structures of 1-3 show a square planar metal ion coordinated to two N-heterocyclic carbenes and two phenolate moieties. The cyclic voltammetry curves of complexes 1-3 show two reversible oxidation waves in the range 0.11-0.21 V ( E1/21) and 0.55-0.65 V ( E1/22) vs Fc+/Fc, which are assigned to the successive oxidations of the phenolate moieties. One-electron oxidation affords mononuclear ( S = 1/2) systems. Complex 1+·SbF6- was remarkably stable, and its structure was characterized. The coordination sphere is slightly dissymmetric, while the typical patterns of phenoxyl radicals were observed within the ligand framework. Complex 1+ exhibits a rhombic signal at g = 2.087, 2.016, and 1.992, confirming its predominant phenoxyl radical character. The g-values are slightly smaller for 2+ (2.021, 2.008, and 1.983) and larger for 3+ (2.140, 1.999, and 1.885) yet consistent with phenoxyl radical species. The electronic spectra of 1+-3+ display an intervalence charge-transfer (IVCT) transition at 2396, 2600, and 2294 nm, respectively. Its intensity supports the description of cations 1+ and 3+ as mixed-valent (Class II/III) compounds according to the Robin Day classification. Complex 2+ behaves as a mixed-valent class II radical compound. In the presence of pyridine, radical species 1+ is successively converted into stable mono and bis(adducts), which are both Ni(III) complexes. Dications 1+2-3+2 were prepared electrochemically. They are electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-silent and do not show IVCT transition in their NIR spectra, consistent with a bis(radical) formulation. The proposed electronic structures are fully supported by density functional theory calculations.

Cobalt(II) Pentaaza-Macrocyclic Schiff Base Complex as Catalyst for Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution in Water: Electrochemical Generation and Theoretical Investigation of the One-Electron Reduced Species.

We previously reported that the tetraazamacrocyclic Schiff base complex [CoIII(CR14)(X)2]n+ (CR14 = 2,12-dimethyl-3,7,11,17-tetraazabicyclo[11.3.1]heptadeca-1(17),2,11,13,15-pentaene, X = Cl (n = 1) (1-Cl2) or H2O (n = 3) (1-(H2O)2)) is a very efficient H2-evolving catalyst (HEC) in fully aqueous solutions at pH 4.0-4.5 when used in a photocatalytic system including a photosensitizer and ascorbate as sacrificial electron donor. The excellent H2-evolving activity of this complex, compared to other cobalt and rhodium catalysts studied in the same photocatalytic conditions, can be related to the high stability of its two-electron reduced form, the putative "Co(I)" state. These very interesting results led us to investigate the H2-evolving performances of a series of compounds from a close-related family, the pentaaza-macrocyclic cobalt [CoII(CR15)(H2O)2]Cl2 complex (2, CR15 = 2,13-dimethyl-3,6,9,12,18-pentaazabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),2,12,14,16-pentaene), which comprises a larger macrocycle with five nitrogen atoms instead of four. Electrochemical as well as spectroscopic investigations in CH3CN coupled to density functional theory (DFT) calculations point to decoordination of one of the amine upon reduction of Co(II) to the low-valent "Co(I)" form. The resulting unchelated amine could potentially act as a proton relay promoting the H2 formation via proton-coupled-electron transfer (PCET) reactions. Besides, the iron, manganese, and zinc analogues, [FeII(CR15)(X)2]n+ (X = Cl (n = 0) or H2O (n = 2)) (3), [MnII(CR15)(CH3CN)2](PF6)2 (4), and {[ZnII(CR15)Cl](PF6)}n (5) were also synthesized and investigated. The photocatalytic activity of 2-5 toward proton reduction was then evaluated in a tricomponent system containing the [RuII(bpy)3]Cl2 photosensitizer and ascorbate, in fully aqueous solution. The photocatalytic activity of 2 was also compared with that of 1 in the same experimental conditions. It was found that the number of catalytic cycles versus catalyst for 2 are slightly lower than that for 1, suggesting that if the amine released upon reduction of 2 plays a role in promoting the H2-evolving catalytic activity, other factors balance this effect. Finally, photophysical and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopies were used to investigate the photocatalytic system.

Electronic Structure and Reactivity of One-Electron-Oxidized Copper(II) Bis(phenolate)-Dipyrrin Complexes.

The sterically hindered bis(phenol)-dipyrrin ligands HLH3 and PhLH3 were reacted with 1 equiv of copper(II) under ambient conditions to produce the copper radical complexes [Cu(HL)] and [Cu(PhL)]. Their X-ray crystal structures show relatively short C-O bond distances (mean bond distances of 1.287 and 1.291 Å), reminiscent of mixed pyrrolyl-phenoxyl radical species. Complexes [Cu(HL)] and [Cu(PhL)] exhibit rich electronic spectra, with an intense near-IR (NIR) band (ε > 6 mM-1 cm-1) at 1346 and 1321 nm, respectively, assigned to a ligand-to-ligand charger-transfer transition. Both show a reversible oxidation wave ( E1/21,ox = 0.05 and 0.04 V), as well as a reversible reduction wave ( E1/21,red = -0.40 and -0.56 V versus ferrocenium/ferrocene, respectively). The cations ([Cu(HL)]+ and [Cu(PhL)]+) and anions ([Cu(HL)]- and [Cu(PhL)]-) were generated. They all display an axial ( S = 1/2) signal with a copper hyperfine structure in their electron paramagnetic resonance spectra, consistent with ligand-centered redox processes in both reduction and oxidation. Complex [Cu(HL)](SbF6) was cocrystallized with [Cu(HL)]. Oxidation is accompanied by a slight contraction of both the C-O bonds (mean bond distance of 1.280 Å) and the C-C bonds connecting the peripheral rings to the dipyrrin. The cations show vis-NIR bands of up to 1090 nm due to their quinoidal nature. The anions do not show a significant band above 700 nm, in agreement with their bis(phenolate)-dipyrrin character. The radical complexes efficiently catalyze the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol, 1-phenylethanol, and unactivated 2-phenylethanol in basic conditions.

A Structurally Characterized CuIII Complex Supported by a Bis(anilido) Ligand and Its Oxidative Catalytic Activity.

Three copper(II) complexes of the (R,R)-N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-aminobenzylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane ligand, namely [Cu(N L)], [Cu(N LH)]+ and [Cu(N LH2 )]2+ , were prepared and structurally characterized. In [Cu(N LH2 )]2+ the copper ion lies in an octahedral geometry with the aniline groups coordinated in equatorial positions. In [Cu(N L)] the anilines are deprotonated (anilido moieties) and coordinated to an almost square-planar metal ion. Complex [Cu(N L)] displays two oxidation waves at E1/2ox, 1 =-0.14 V and E1/2ox, 2 =0.36 V vs. Fc+ /Fc in CH2 Cl2 . Complex [Cu(N LH2 )]2+ displays an irreversible oxidation wave at high potential (1.21 V), but shows a readily accessible and reversible metal-centered reduction at E1/2red =-0.67 V (CuII /CuI redox couple). Oxidation of [Cu(N L)] by AgSbF6 produces [Cu(N L)](SbF6 ), which was isolated as single crystals. X-ray structure analysis discloses a contraction of the coordination sphere by 0.05 Šupon oxidation, supporting a metal-centered process. Complex [Cu(N L)](SbF6 ) displays an intense NIR band at 1260 nm corresponding to an anilido-to-copper(III) charge transfer transition. This compound slowly evolves in CH2 Cl2 solution towards [Cu(N LH)](SbF6 ), which is a copper(II) complex comprised of both anilido and aniline groups coordinated to the metal center. The copper(III) complex [Cu(N L)](SbF6 ) is an efficient catalyst for benzyl alcohol oxidation, with 236 TON in 24 h at 298 K, without additives other than oxygen and a base.

Template-Mediated Stabilization of a DNA G-Quadruplex formed in the HIV-1 Promoter and Comparative Binding Studies.

G-rich DNA oligonucleotides derived from the promoter region of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) were assembled onto an addressable cyclopeptide platform through sequential oxime ligation, a thiol-iodoacetamide SN2 reaction, and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions. The resulting conjugate was shown to fold into a highly stable antiparallel G4 architecture as demonstrated by UV, circular dichroism (CD), and NMR spectroscopic analysis. The binding affinities of six state-of-the-art G4-binding ligands toward the HIV-G4 structure were compared to those obtained with a telomeric G4 structure and a hairpin structure. Surface plasmon resonance binding analysis provides new insights into the binding mode of broadly exploited G4 chemical probes and further suggests that potent and selective recognition of viral G4 structures of functional significance might be achieved.

Ni(II) Complexes of the Redox-Active Bis(2-aminophenyl)dipyrrin: Structural, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Characterization of Three Members of an Electron Transfer Series.

The sterically hindered bis(2-aminophenyl)dipyrrin ligand H3NL was prepared. X-ray diffraction discloses a bifurcated hydrogen bonding network involving the dipyrrin and one aniline ring. The reaction of H3NL with one equivalent of nickel(II) in the air produces a paramagnetic neutral complex, which absorbs intensively in the Vis-NIR region. Its electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum displays resonances at g1 = 2.033, g2 = 2.008, and g3 = 1.962 that are reminiscent of an (S = 1/2) system having a predominant organic radical character. Both the structural investigation (X-ray diffraction) and density functional theory calculations on [NiII(NL•)] points to an unprecedented mixed "pyrrolyl-anilinyl" radical character. The neutral complex [NiII(NL•)] exhibits both a reversible oxidation wave at -0.28 V vs Fc+/Fc and a reversible reduction wave at -0.91 V. The anion was found to be highly air-sensitive, but could be prepared by reduction with cobaltocene and structurally characterized. It comprises a Ni(II) ion coordinated to a closed-shell trianionic ligand and hence can be formulated as [NiII(NL)]-. The cation was generated by reacting [NiII(NL•)] with one equivalent of silver hexafluoroantimonate. By X-ray diffraction we established that it contains an oxidized, closed-shell ligand coordinated to a nickel(II) ion. We found that a reliable hallmark for both the oxidation state of the ligand and the extent of delocalization within the series is the bond connecting the dipyrrin and the aniline, which ranges between 1.391 Š(cation) and 1.449 Š(anion). The cation and anion exhibit a rich Vis-NIR spectrum, despite their nonradical nature. The low energy bands correspond to ligand-based electronic excitations. Hence, the HOMO-LUMO gap is small, and the redox processes in the electron transfer series are exclusively ligand-centered.

Templated Formation of Discrete RNA and DNA:RNA Hybrid G-Quadruplexes and Their Interactions with Targeting Ligands.

G-rich RNA and DNA oligonucleotides derived from the human telomeric sequence were assembled onto addressable cyclopeptide platforms through oxime ligations and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAc) reactions. The resulting conjugates were able to fold into highly stable RNA and DNA:RNA hybrid G-quadruplex (G4) architectures as demonstrated by UV, circular dichroism (CD), and NMR spectroscopic analysis. Whereas rationally designed parallel RNA and DNA:RNA hybrid G4 topologies could be obtained, we could not force the formation of an antiparallel RNA G4 structure, thus supporting the idea that this topology is strongly disfavored. The binding affinities of four representative G4 ligands toward the discrete RNA and DNA:RNA hybrid G4 topologies were compared to the one obtained with the corresponding DNA G4 structure. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding analysis suggests that the accessibility to G4 recognition elements is different among the three structures and supports the idea that G4 ligands might be shaped to achieve structure selectivity in a biological context.

Geometric and Electronic Structures of Nickel(II) Complexes of Redox Noninnocent Tetradentate Phenylenediamine Ligands.

Five tetradentate ligands based on the N,N'-bis(2-amino-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-o-phenylenediamine backbone were prepared, with different substituents at positions 4 and 5 (CH3 (3a), p-CH3O-C6H4 (3b), H (3c), Cl (3d), F (3e)). Their reaction with a nickel(II) salt in air affords the neutral species 4(a-e), which were isolated as single crystals. 4(a-e) feature two antiferromagnetically exchange-coupled diiminosemiquinonate moieties, both located on peripheral rings, and a diamidobenzene bridging unit. Oxidation of 4(a-e) with 1 equiv of AgSbF6 yields the cations 4(a-e)(+), which harbor a single diiminosemiquinonate radical. Significant structural differences were observed within the series. 4b(+) is mononuclear and contains a localized diiminosemiquinonate moiety. In contrast, 4c(+) is a dimer wherein the diiminosemiquinonate radical is rather delocalized over both peripheral rings. 4d(+) represents an intermediate case where the complex is mononuclear, but the radical is fully delocalized. Oxidation of 4(a-e) with 2 equiv of AgSbF6 produces the corresponding mononuclear dications. X-ray diffraction data on 4(b-d)(2+) reveals that the bridging ring retains its diamidobenzene character, whereas both peripheral rings have been oxidized into diiminobenzoquinone moieties. All the complexes were characterized by electrochemistry, EPR, and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. Remarkably, the electronic structures of the complexes differ from those reported by Wieghardt et al. for copper and zinc complexes of a related ligand involving a mixed N2O2 donor set (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1999, 121, 9599). The easier oxidation of phenylenediamine moieties in comparison to aminophenols is proposed to account for the difference.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic H2-Evolving Activity of a Family of [Co(N4Py)(X)](n+) Complexes in Aqueous Solution.

A series of [Co(III)(N4Py)(X)](ClO4)n (X = Cl(-), Br(-), OH(-), N3(-), NCS(-)-κN, n = 2: X = OH2, NCMe, DMSO-κO, n = 3) complexes containing the tetrapyridyl N5 ligand N4Py (N4Py = 1,1-di(pyridin-2-yl)-N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)methanamine) has been prepared and fully characterized by infrared (IR), UV-visible, and NMR spectroscopies, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESI-MS), elemental analysis, X-ray crystallography, and electrochemistry. The reduced Co(II) and Co(I) species of these complexes have been also generated by bulk electrolyses in MeCN and characterized by UV-visible and EPR spectroscopies. All tested complexes are catalysts for the photocatalytic production of H2 from water at pH 4.0 in the presence of ascorbic acid/ascorbate, using [Ru(bpy)3](2+) as a photosensitizer, and all display similar H2-evolving activities. Detailed mechanistic studies show that while the complexes retain the monodentate X ligand upon electrochemical reduction to Co(II) species in MeCN solution, in aqueous solution, upon reduction by ascorbate (photocatalytic conditions), [Co(II)(N4Py)(HA)](+) is formed in all cases and is the precursor to the Co(I) species which presumably reacts with a proton. These results are in accordance with the fact that the H2-evolving activity does not depend on the chemical nature of the monodentate ligand and differ from those previously reported for similar complexes. The catalytic activity of this series of complexes in terms of turnover number versus catalyst (TONCat) was also found to be dependent on the catalyst concentration, with the highest value of 230 TONCat at 5 × 10(-6) M. As revealed by nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy measurements, the first electron-transfer steps of the photocatalytic mechanism involve a reductive quenching of the excited state of [Ru(bpy)3](2+) by ascorbate followed by an electron transfer from [Ru(II)(bpy)2(bpy(•-))](+) to the [Co(II)(N4Py)(HA)](+) catalyst. The reduced catalyst then enters into the H2-evolution cycle.

Electrocatalytic O2 Reduction at a Bio-inspired Mononuclear Copper Phenolato Complex Immobilized on a Carbon Nanotube Electrode.

An original copper-phenolate complex, mimicking the active center of galactose oxidase, featuring a pyrene group was synthesized. Supramolecular pi-stacking allows its efficient and soft immobilization at the surface of a Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) electrode. This MWCNT-supported galactose oxidase model exhibits a 4 H(+)/4 e(-) electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction at a redox potential of 0.60 V vs. RHE at pH 5.

Air-persistent monomeric (amino)(carboxy) radicals derived from cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbenes.

A series of monomeric (amino)(carboxy) radicals featuring carbonyl substituents with increasing electron-withdrawing properties (3a, phenyl; 3b, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl; 3c, perfluorophenyl; 3d, heptafluoropropyl; 3e, 2H-pyrroliumyl) were synthesized in two or three steps from stable cyclic (alky)(amino)carbenes (CAACs). Although (amino)(carboxy) radicals had been previously considered as highly air-sensitive, some of these compounds feature half-lives of hours (3d), and even days (3c and 3e) in well-aerated solutions. DFT calculations show that (amino)(carboxy) radicals evolve from C-centered radical to ambidentate C,O-radicals when increasing the electron-withdrawing properties of the carbonyl substituent. This is paralleled with a destabilization of the peroxide resulting from the addition of dioxygen to the radical. This latter reaction is even predicted to be endothermic for substituents with Hammett constant σp > 0.2.

Influence of Electron-Withdrawing Substituents on the Electronic Structure of Oxidized Ni and Cu Salen Complexes.

Nickel (Ni(Sal(CF3))) and copper (Cu(Sal(CF3))) complexes of an electron-poor salen ligand were prepared, and their one-electron oxidized counterparts were studied using an array of spectroscopic and theoretical methods. The electrochemistry of both complexes exhibited quasi-reversible redox processes at higher potentials in comparison to the M(Sal(R)) (R = (t)Bu, OMe, NMe2) analogues, in line with the electron-withdrawing nature of the para-CF3 substituent. Chemical oxidation, monitored by ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-vis-NIR) spectroscopy, afforded their corresponding one-electron oxidized products. Ligand-based oxidation was observed for [Ni(Sal(CF3))](+•), as evidenced by sharp NIR transitions in the UV-vis-NIR spectrum and a broad isotropic signal at g = 2.067 by solution electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Such sharp NIR transitions observed for [Ni(Sal(CF3))](+•) are indicative of a delocalized electronic structure, which is in good agreement with electrochemical measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, the increased Lewis acidity of [Ni(Sal(CF3))](+•), evident from the EPR g-value and DFT calculations, was further quantified by the binding affinity of axial ligands to [Ni(Sal(CF3))](+•). For [Cu(Sal(CF3))](+), an intense ligand-to-metal charge transfer band at 18 700 cm(-1) in the UV-vis-NIR spectrum was observed, which is diagnostic for the formation of a Cu(III) species [J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2008, 130, 15448-15459]. The Cu(III) character for [Cu(Sal(CF3))](+) is further confirmed by (19)F NMR analysis. Taken together, these results show that the electron-deficient salen ligand H2Sal(CF3) increases the Lewis acidity of the coordinating metal center.

Redox noninnocence of the bridge in copper(II) salophen and bis(oxamato) complexes.

Two square-planar copper(II) complexes of 1,2-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzimino)-4,5-bis(dimethylamino)benzene (1) and N-[4,5-bis(dimethylamino)-2-(oxalylamino)benzene]oxamate (2(2-)) were prepared. The crystal structures of the proligands H2L(1) and Et2H2L(2), as well as the corresponding complexes, are reported. The proligands each display a one-electron-oxidation wave, which is assigned to oxidation of the bis(dimethylamino)benzene moiety into a π radical. Complexes 1 and 2(2-) exhibit reversible one-electron-oxidation waves in their cyclic voltammograms (E1/2(1) = 0.14 and E1/2(2) = 0.31 V for 1 and E1/2(1) = -0.47 V vs Fc(+)/Fc for 2(2-)). The first process corresponds to oxidation of the bis(dimethylamino)benzene central ring into a π radical, while the second process for 1 is ascribed to oxidation of the π radical into an α-diiminoquinone. The one-electron-oxidized species 1(+) and 2(-) exhibit intense visible-near-IR absorptions, which are diagnostic of π radicals. They display a triplet signal in their electron paramagnetic resonance spectra, which stem from magnetic coupling between the ligand-radical spin and the copper(II) spin. The zero-field-splitting parameters are larger for 2(-) than 1(+) because of greater delocalization of the spin density onto the coordinated amidato N atoms. Density functional theory calculations support a π-radical nature of the one-electron-oxidized complexes, as well as S = 1 ground spin states. The electrogenerated 1(2+) comprises a closed-shell diiminoquinone ligand coordinated to a copper(II) metal center. Both 1 and 2 catalyze the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol, albeit with different yields.