Multifunctional Polyoxometalate Platforms for Supramolecular Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution*.

Multifunctional supramolecular systems are a central research topic in light-driven solar energy conversion. Here, we report a polyoxometalate (POM)-based supramolecular dyad, where two platinum-complex hydrogen evolution catalysts are covalently anchored to an Anderson polyoxomolybdate anion. Supramolecular electrostatic coupling of the system to an iridium photosensitizer enables visible light-driven hydrogen evolution. Combined theory and experiment demonstrate the multifunctionality of the POM, which acts as photosensitizer/catalyst-binding-site[1] and facilitates light-induced charge-transfer and catalytic turnover. Chemical modification of the Pt-catalyst site leads to increased hydrogen evolution reactivity. Mechanistic studies shed light on the role of the individual components and provide a molecular understanding of the interactions which govern stability and reactivity. The system could serve as a blueprint for multifunctional polyoxometalates in energy conversion and storage.

Is electron ping-pong limiting the catalytic hydrogen evolution activity in covalent photosensitizer-polyoxometalate dyads?

Understanding the limitations of catalytic processes enables the design of optimized catalysts. Here, femtosecond transient absorption spectroelectrochemistry is used to explore the photophysics of polyoxometalate-based covalent photosensitizer-hydrogen evolution catalyst dyads. The study shows that the presence of light-driven forward and backward electron transfer, i.e. "electron ping-pong", is a limiting factor for charge accumulation on the polyoxometalate. Based on this insight, chemical means of optimizing catalyst performance are proposed.

Yield-not only Lifetime-of the Photoinduced Charge-Separated State in Iridium Complex-Polyoxometalate Dyads Impact Their Hydrogen Evolution Reactivity.

Covalently linked photosensitizer-polyoxometalate (PS-POM) dyads are promising molecular systems for light-induced energy conversion processes, such as "solar" hydrogen generation. To date, very little is known of their fundamental photophysical properties which affect the catalytic reactivity and stability of the systems. PS-POM dyads often feature short-lived photoinduced charge-separated states, and the lifetimes of these states are considered crucial for the function of PS-POM dyads in molecular photocatalysis. Hence, strategies have been developed to extend the lifetimes of the photoinduced charge-separated states, either by tuning the PS photophysics or by tuning the POM redox properties. Recently, some of us reported PS-POM dyads based on cyclometalated IrIII complexes covalently linked to Anderson-type polyoxometalate. Distinct hydrogen evolution reactivity (HER) of the dyads was observed, which was tuned by varying the central metal ion M of the POMM (M=Mn3+ , Co3+ , Fe3+ ). In this manuscript, the photoinduced electron-transfer processes in the three Ir-POMM dyads are investigated to rationalize the underlying reasons for the differences in HER activity observed. We report that upon excitation of the IrIII complex, ultrafast (sub-ps) charge separation occurs, leading to different amounts of the charge-separated states (Ir.+ -POMM .- ) generated in the different dyads. However, in all dyads studied, the resulting Ir.+ -POMM .- species are short-lived (sub-ns) when compared to reference electron acceptors (e.g. porphyrins or fullerenes) reported in the literature. The reductive quenching of Ir.+ -POMM .- by a sacrificial donor, triethyl amine (1 m), to generate the intermediate Ir-POMM .- is estimated to be very efficient (70-80 %) for all dyads studied. Based on this analyses, we conclude that the yield instead of the lifetime of the Ir.+ -POMM .- charge-separated state determines the catalytic capacity of the dyads investigated. This new feature in the PS-POM photophysics could lead to new design criteria for the development of novel PS-POM dyads.

New mixed ligand zinc(II) complexes based on the antiepileptic drug sodium valproate and bioactive nitrogen-donor ligands. Synthesis, structure and biological properties.

Starting from the precursor [Zinc Valproate complex] (1), new mixed ligand zinc(II) complexes of valproic acid and nitrogen-based ligands, formulating as, [Zn(valp)22,9-dmphen] (2), [Zn2(valp)4(quin)2] (3), [Zn(valp)2(2-ampy)2] (4), and [Zn(valp)2(2-ampic)2] (5) (valp = valproate, 2,9-dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, quin = quinoline, 2-ampy = 2-aminopyridine, 2-ampic = 2-amino-6-picoline) were synthesized and characterized using IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C{(1)H} NMR and UV-Vis spectrometry. The crystal structures of complexes 2, 3 and 4 were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes were also evaluated for their anti-bacterial activity using in-vitro agar diffusion method against three Gram-positive (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis) and three Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis) species. Complex 2 showed considerable activity against all tested microorganisms and the effect of complexation on the anti-bacterial activity of the parent ligand of 2 was also investigated. The anti-bacterial activity of 2,9-dmphen against Gram-negative bacteria was enhanced upon complexation with zinc valproate. On the other hand, complexes 1 and 3 showed weak inhibition activity against the tested species and complexes 4 and 5 didn't show any activity at all. Two methods were used for testing the inhibition of ferriprotoporphyrinIX bio-mineralization: a semi-quantitative micro-assay and a previously self-developed quantitative in-vitro method. Both were used to study the efficiency of these complexes in inhibiting the formation of the Malaria pigment which considered being the target of many known anti-malarial drugs such as Chloroquine and Amodiaquine. Results showed that the efficiency of complex 2 in preventing the formation of ß-Hematin was 80%. The efficiency of Amodiaquine as a standard drug was reported to give 91%.