Preparation of Dimeric Monopentamethylcyclopentadienyltitanium(III) Dihalides and Related Derivatives.

The synthesis, crystal structure, and reactivity of a series of half-sandwich titanium(III) dihalide complexes [Ti(η5-C5Me5)X2] (X = Cl, Br, I) and several of its Lewis base derivatives were investigated. The reaction of the trihalides [Ti(η5-C5Me5)X3] (X = Cl (1), Br (2), I (3)) with LiAlH4 (≥1 equiv) in toluene at room temperature results in the formation of the halide-bridged dimers [{Ti(η5-C5Me5)X(µ-X)}2] (X = Cl (4), Br (5), I (6)). The treatment of 4 with [Li{N(SiMe3)2}] (≥2 equiv) at room temperature affords the precipitation of the amido titanium(III) complex [{Ti(η5-C5Me5)(µ-Cl){N(SiMe3)2}}2] (7), but analogous reactions of 4 with other lithium reagents [LiR] (R = Me, CH2SiMe3, NMe2) lead to disproportionation into titanium(IV) [Ti(η5-C5Me5)R3] and presumably titanium(II) derivatives. Similarly, complex 4 in solution at temperatures higher than 100 °C undergoes disproportionation as demonstrated by its reactions with cobaltocene and N-(4-methylbenzylidene)aniline yielding the ionic paramagnetic compound [Co(η5-C5H5)2][Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl3] (8) and the diamagnetic diazatitanacyclopentane [Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl{N(Ph)CH(p-tolyl)}2], respectively. Treatment of complex 4 with 2 equiv of 2,6-dimethylphenylisocyanide or tert-butylisocyanide in toluene at room temperature affords the paramagnetic titanium(III) dinuclear adducts [{Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl(µ-Cl)(CNR)}2] (R = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (9), tBu (10)). Magnetic studies for polycrystalline 9 show that it displays a weak intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling between the Ti ions, which is consistent with the long Ti-Ti distance of 3.857(1) Å determined by X-ray diffraction. The isocyanide ligands in complex 10 undergo a reductive coupling reaction in toluene to give the titanium(IV) iminoacyl derivative [{Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl2}2(µ-η2:η2-tBuN═C-C═NtBu)] (11). Whereas an analogous dinuclear structure was found in the aqua titanium(III) complex [{Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl(µ-Cl)(OH2)}2] (12), resulting from the reaction of 4 with adventitious amounts of water, compound 4 reacts with excess ammonia to give a mononuclear adduct [Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl2(NH3)2] (13) with a robust layered pattern in the solid state.

pH- and Time-Dependent Release of Phytohormones from Diruthenium Complexes.

The controlled release of functionally active compounds is important in a variety of applications. Here, we have synthesized, characterized, and studied the magnetic properties of three novel metal-metal-bonded tris(formamidinato) Ru25+ complexes. We have used different auxin-related hormones, indole-3-acetate (IAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D), and 1-naphthaleneacetate (NAA), to generate [Ru2Cl(µ-DPhF)3(µ-IAA)] (RuIAA), [Ru2Cl(µ-DPhF)3(µ-2,4-D)] (Ru2,4-D), and [Ru2Cl(µ-DPhF)3(µ-NAA)] (RuNAA) (DPhF = N,N'-diphenylformamidinate). The crystal structures of RuIAA, RuIAA·THF, Ru2,4-D·CH2Cl2, and RuNAA·0.5THF have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. To assess the releasing capacity of the bound hormone, we have employed a biological assay that relied on Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing an auxin reporter gene and we demonstrate that the release of the phytohormones from RuIAA, Ru2,4-D, and RuNAA is pH- and time-dependent. These studies serve as a proof of concept showing the potential of these types of compounds as biological molecule carriers.

Fingerprinting the junctions of RNA structure by an open-paddlewheel diruthenium compound.

RNA function is determined by its structural organization. The RNA structure consists of the combination of distinct secondary structure motifs connected by junctions that play an essential role in RNA folding. Selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) probing is an established methodology to analyze the secondary structure of long RNA molecules in solution, which provides accurate data about unpaired nucleotides. However, the residues located at the junctions of RNA structures usually remain undetected. Here we report an RNA probing method based on the use of a novel open-paddlewheel diruthenium (OPW-Ru) compound [Ru2Cl2(µ-DPhF)3(DMSO)] (DPhF = N,N'-diphenylformamidinate). This compound has four potential coordination sites in a singular disposition to establish covalent bonds with substrates. As a proof of concept, we have analyzed the reactivity of OPW-Ru toward RNA using two viral internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements whose function depends on the structural organization of the molecule. Our study suggests that the compound OPW-Ru preferentially attacks at positions located one or two nucleotides away from junctions or bulges of the RNA structure. The OPW-Ru fingerprinting data differ from that obtained by other chemical reagents and provides new information about RNA structure features.

Questions of Noninnocence and Ease of Azo Reduction in Diruthenium Frameworks with a 1,8-Bis(( E)-phenyldiazenyl)naphthalene-2,7-dioxido Bridge.

Ligands containing the azo group are often used in various metal complexes owing to their facile one-electron reduction, which in effect extends the means of degrading environmentally harmful azo dyes. In order to probe the idea of the generally accepted ease of reduction of azo-containing compounds, we present here three different diruthenium complexes [(acac)2RuIII(µ-L2-)RuIII(acac)2] (diastereomeric 1/2), [(bpy)2RuII(µ-L2-)RuII(bpy)2](ClO4)2 ([3](ClO4)2), and [(pap)2RuII(µ-L2-)RuII(pap)2](ClO4)2 ([4](ClO4)2 ) with a bridging ligand (L2- = 1,8-bis(( E)-phenyldiazenyl)naphthalene-2,7-dioxido) that contains azo groups in addition to phenoxide-type donors. The RuIII-RuIII complexes (1/2) display interesting one-dimensional-chain effects, as revealed by temperature-dependent magnetic studies. The stability of the RuIII oxidation state in 1/2 under ambient conditions correlates well with the σ-donating acetylacetonato (acac) coligands. However, with π-accepting 2,2/-bipyridine (bpy) or phenylazopyridine (pap) the RuII state is preferably stabilized in 32+ or 42+, respectively, but there are interesting differences in their oxidative chemistry. The moderately π accepting bpy allows for the RuII to RuIII oxidation at reasonably low anodic potentials. However, for the strongly π accepting pap, no RuII to RuIII oxidation is observed within the solvent window. Instead, a phenoxide to phenoxyl radical type of oxidation based on the bridging ligand is observed. Surprisingly, the reductive chemistry of all three complexes is dominated by either the ruthenium centers or the coligands (bpy or pap), with no reductions observed on the azo function associated with the central bridging ligand (L2-). All of the above conclusions were drawn from combined structural, electrochemical, magnetic, spectroelectrochemical, and DFT investigations. Our results thus conclusively establish that the ease of reduction of an azo group in a particular compound is critically dependent on its substituents and that the noninnocence of the bridging ligands (L2-) in the dinuclear complexes can be decisively tuned by the appropriate choice of ancillary ligands.

Unsymmetric (µ-oxido)/(µ-pyrazolato) and Symmetric (µ-pyrazolato)2 Bridged Diosmium Frameworks: Electronic Structure and Magnetic Properties.

The present article deals with the structurally characterized unsymmetric oxido/pyrazolato-bridged [(bpy)2Os(III)(µ-oxido)(µ-pz)Os(III)(bpy)2](ClO4)3 ([1](ClO4)3) and symmetric dipyrazolato-bridged [(bpy)2Os(II)(µ-pz)2Os(II)(bpy)2](ClO4)2 ([2](ClO4)2) (pz = pyrazolato, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) complexes with the Os···Os separations of 3.484 and 4.172 Å, respectively. The anti-ferromagnetically coupled Os(III) centers [E(S = 1)-E(BS(1,1) S = 0) = 322.504 cm(-1)] in 1(3+) and diamagnetic (S = 0) 2(2+) exhibit well-resolved (1)H NMR resonances. [1](ClO4)3 shows temperature- and magnetic field-dependent paramagnetism at low magnetic field and diamagnetism at high magnetic field. 1(3+) and 2(2+) display successive metal-based oxidation processes involving the intermediate mixed-valent states and isovalent congeners: Os(IV)Os(IV) (1(5+))→Os(III)Os(IV) (1(4+))⇌Os(III)Os(III) (1(3+))⇌Os(III)Os(II) (1(2+)) and Os(III)Os(III) (2(4+))→Os(II)Os(III) (2(3+))⇌Os(II)Os(II) (2(2+)) as well as bpy-centered reductions. The effect of π donor O(2-) and σ/π-donating pz(-) in 1(3+) and 2(2+), respectively, leads to varying oxidation state of the metal ions in the isolated complexes: Os(III)Os(III) versus Os(II)Os(II). UV-visible-near-IR-electron paramagnetic resonance spectro-electrochemistry and density functional theory (DFT)/time-dependent DFT calculations collectively reveal overlapping of the metal- and ligand (pz, O, bpy)-based frontier orbitals in the delocalized mixed-valent states in 1(4+) and 1(2+) with comproportionation constant (Kc) value > 1 × 10(14) as well as in isovalent 1(3+), resulting in mixed metal/ligand to metal/ligand near-IR transitions in all the three states. The mixed-valent Os(II)Os(III) state in 2(3+) exhibits high Kc value of 1 × 10(22) corresponding to a strong electrochemical coupling situation. However, closeness of the bandwidth (Δν1/2, 4861 cm(-1)) of broad and weak intervalence charge transfer transition of 2(3+) at 1360 nm (ε/M(-1) cm(-1): 490) with the calculated Δν1/2 of 4121 cm(-1) based on the Hush formula as well as spin-density distributions of Os1: 0.811/0.799, Os2: 0.045/0042, and pz: 0.162/0.173 in meso and rac diastereomeric forms, respectively, attribute its localized class II state.

Metal-Induced Thiophene Ring Opening and C-C Bond Formation To Produce Unique Hexa-1,3,5-trienediyl-Coupled Non-Innocent Ligand Chelates.

Ring opening of thiophenes containing an azo function in 2-position and subsequent dimerization through C-C coupling were observed on reaction with [Ru(acac)2 (CH3 CN)2 ] (acac=acetylacetonate) to produce two 1,3,5-hexatriene-linked redox-active azothiocarbonyl chelate systems. Interaction of the non-innocent chelate ligands and of the metals at a nanoscale distance of 1.45 nm via the conjugated hexatriene bridge was studied by magnetic and electron spectroscopic measurements in conjunction with DFT calculations, revealing four-center magnetic interactions of this unique setting and weak intervalence coupling after reduction.

Sensitivity of the valence structure in diruthenium complexes as a function of terminal and bridging ligands.

The compounds [(acac)2Ru(III)(µ-H2L(2-))Ru(III)(acac)2] (rac, 1, and meso, 1') and [(bpy)2Ru(II)(µ-H2L(•-))Ru(II)(bpy)2](ClO4)3 (meso, [2](ClO4)3) have been structurally, magnetically, spectroelectrochemically, and computationally characterized (acac(-) = acetylacetonate, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, and H4L = 1,4-diamino-9,10-anthraquinone). The N,O;N',O'-coordinated µ-H2L(n-) forms two ß-ketiminato-type chelate rings, and 1 or 1' are connected via NH···O hydrogen bridges in the crystals. 1 exhibits a complex magnetic behavior, while [2](ClO4)3 is a radical species with mixed ligand/metal-based spin. The combination of redox noninnocent bridge (H2L(0) → → → →H2L(4-)) and {(acac)2Ru(II)} → →{(acac)2Ru(IV)} or {(bpy)2Ru(II)} → {(bpy)2Ru(III)} in 1/1' or 2 generates alternatives regarding the oxidation state formulations for the accessible redox states (1(n) and 2(n)), which have been assessed by UV-vis-NIR, EPR, and DFT/TD-DFT calculations. The experimental and theoretical studies suggest variable mixing of the frontier orbitals of the metals and the bridge, leading to the following most appropriate oxidation state combinations: [(acac)2Ru(III)(µ-H2L(•-))Ru(III)(acac)2](+) (1(+)) → [(acac)2Ru(III)(µ-H2L(2-))Ru(III)(acac)2] (1) → [(acac)2Ru(III)(µ-H2L(•3-))Ru(III)(acac)2](-)/[(acac)2Ru(III)(µ-H2L(2-))Ru(II)(acac)2](-) (1(-)) → [(acac)2Ru(III)(µ-H2L(4-))Ru(III)(acac)2](2-)/[(acac)2Ru(II)(µ-H2L(2-))Ru(II)(acac)2](2-) (1(2-)) and [(bpy)2Ru(III)(µ-H2L(•-))Ru(II)(bpy)2](4+) (2(4+)) → [(bpy)2Ru(II)(µ-H2L(•-))Ru(II)(bpy)2](3+)/[(bpy)2Ru(II)(µ-H2L(2-))Ru(III)(bpy)2](3+) (2(3+)) → [(bpy)2Ru(II)(µ-H2L(2-))Ru(II)(bpy)2](2+) (2(2+)). The favoring of Ru(III) by σ-donating acac(-) and of Ru(II) by the π-accepting bpy coligands shifts the conceivable valence alternatives accordingly. Similarly, the introduction of the NH donor function in H2L(n) as compared to O causes a cathodic shift of redox potentials with corresponding consequences for the valence structure.

Modulation of the magnetic properties of two-dimensional compounds [NiX2(N-N)] by tailoring their crystal structure.

A series of 2-D nickel compounds with the stoichiometry [NiCl2(N-N)] has been prepared, [N-N = pyrazine (1), 4,4'-bipyridine (2), trans-4,4'-azopyridine (3), trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (4), and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (5)]. The complex [NiBr2(4,4'-bpy)] (6) was also obtained for comparative reasons. Compound 2 is the ß phase of the previously reported complex [NiCl2(4,4'-bpy)]. The syntheses of complexes 1-6 were carried out using solvothermal and microwave techniques. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and powder X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures of compounds 1, 4, and 5 have been solved using ab initio X-ray powder diffraction methods. Compounds 1-6 show the same arrangement, and their structures are described as layers formed by [NiX2] chains linked perpendicularly by N-N ligands. The magnetic properties of the compounds are explained as a balance between the ferromagnetic interactions along the [NiX2] chains and the antiferromagnetic interactions between chains from different layers. This work demonstrates that this balance can be tuned by the length of the N-N ligand.

Correspondence of Ru(III) Ru(II) and Ru(IV) Ru(III) mixed valent states in a small dinuclear complex.

The diruthenium(III) compound [(µ-oxa){Ru(acac)(2)}(2)] [1, oxa(2-) =oxamidato(2-), acac(-) =2,4-pentanedionato] exhibits an S=1 ground state with antiferromagnetic spin-spin coupling (J=-40 cm(-1)). The molecular structure in the crystal of 1⋅2 C(7)H(8) revealed an intramolecular metal-metal distance of 5.433 Å and a notable asymmetry within the bridging ligand. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry (EPR, UV/Vis/NIR) of the two-step reduction and of the two-step oxidation (irreversible second step) produced monocation and monoanion intermediates (K(c) =10(5.9)) with broad NIR absorption bands (ε ca. 2000 M(-1)cm(-1)) and maxima at 1800 (1(-)) and 1500 nm (1(+)). TD-DFT calculations support a Ru(III)Ru(II) formulation for 1(-) with a doublet ground state. The 1(+) ion (Ru(IV)Ru(III)) was calculated with an S=3/2 ground state and the doublet state higher in energy (ΔE=694.6 cm(-1)). The Mulliken spin density calculations showed little participation of the ligand bridge in the spin accommodation for all paramagnetic species [(µ-oxa){Ru(acac)(2)}(2)](n), n=+1, 0, -1, and, accordingly, the NIR absorptions were identified as metal-to-metal (intervalence) charge transfers. Whereas only one such NIR band was observed for the Ru(III)Ru(II) (4d(5)/4d(6)) system 1(-), the Ru(IV)Ru(III) (4d(4)/4d(5)) form 1(+) exhibited extended absorbance over the UV/Vis/NIR range.

Structure and properties of one-dimensional heterobimetallic polymers containing dicyanoaurate and dirhodium(II) fragments.

The synthesis and characterization of compound [Rh(2)(O(2)CEt)(4)(H(2)O)(2)] (1) and one-dimensional heterobimetallic polymers K(n){Rh(2)(O(2)CEt)(4)[Au(CN)(2)]}(n) (2) and K(n){Rh(2)(O(2)CMe)(4)[Au(CN)(2)]}(n)·4nH(2)O (3), constructed from dirhodiumtetracarboxylato units, [Rh(2)(O(2)CR)(4)](+), and dicyanoaurate, [Au(CN)(2)](-), fragments are described. In both compounds 2 and 3 the resulting polymeric chains are nonlinear and have in common similar structural parameters, although the solid state supramolecular arrangement is very different. These structural differences explain the fact that complex 2 displays aurophilic interactions while this type of interactions are absent in complex 3. As a result, compound 2 shows rich blue luminescent properties whereas compound 3 is not luminescent. The electrical conductivity in solid state of compounds 2 and 3 is also studied.

Charged, but found "not guilty": innocence of the suspect bridging ligands [RO(O)CNNC(O)OR]2- = L2- in [(acac)2Ru(µ-L)Ru(acac)2]n, n = +,0,-,2-.

Neutral diastereoisomeric diruthenium(III) complexes, meso- and rac-[(acac)(2)Ru(µ-adc-OR)Ru(acac)(2)] (acac(-) = 2,4-pentanedionato and adc-OR(2-) = dialkylazodicarboxylato = [RO(O)CNNC(O)OR](2-), R = tert-butyl or isopropyl), were obtained from electron transfer reactions between Ru(acac)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2) and azodicarboxylic acid dialkyl esters (adc-OR). The meso isomer 3 with R = isopropyl was structurally characterized, revealing two deprotonated and N-N coupled carbamate functions in a reduced dianionic bridge with d(N-N) = 1.440(5) Å. A rather short distance of 4.764 Å has been determined between the two oxidized, antiferromagnetically coupled Ru(III) centers. The rac isomer 4 with R = isopropyl exhibited stronger antiferromagnetic coupling. While the oxidation of the neutral compounds was fully reversible only for 3 and 4, two well-separated (10(8) < K(c) < 10(10)) reversible one-electron reduction steps produced monoanionic intermediates 1(-)-4(-) with intense (ε ≈ 3000 M(-1) cm(-1)), broad (Δν(1/2) ≈ 3000 cm(-1)) absorptions in the near-infrared (NIR) region around 2000 nm. The absence of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals even at 4 K favors the mixed-valent formulation Ru(II)(adc-OR(2-))Ru(III) with innocently behaving bridging ligands over the radical-bridged alternative Ru(II)(adc-OR(•-))Ru(II), a view which is supported by the metal-centered spin as calculated by density functional theory (DFT) for the methyl ester model system. The second reduction of the complexes causes the NIR absorption to disappear completely, the EPR silent oxidized forms 3(+) and 4(+), calculated with asymmetrical spin distribution, do not exhibit near infrared (NIR) activity. The series of azo-bridged diruthenium complex redox systems [(acac)(2)Ru(µ-adc-R)Ru(acac)(2)](n) (n = +,0,-,2-), [(bpy)(2)Ru(µ-adc-R)Ru(bpy)(2)](k) (k = 4+,3+,2+,0,2-), and [(acac)(2)Ru(µ-dih-R)Ru(acac)(2)](m) (m = 2+,+,0,-,2-; dih-R(2-) = 1,2-diiminoacylhydrazido(2-)) is being compared in terms of electronic structure and identity of the odd-electron intermediates, revealing the dichotomy of innocent vs noninnocent behavior.

Bidirectional noninnocence of hinge-like deprotonated bis-lawsone on selective ruthenium platform: a function of varying ancillary ligands.

The present work aimed to obtain discrete heavier metal complexes of unperturbed deprotonated bis-lawsone (hinge-like H2L = 2,2'-bis(3-hydroxy-1,4-napthoquinone). This is primarily due to its limited examples with lighter metal ions (Co, Zn, and Ga) and the fact that our earlier approach with the osmium ion facilitated its functionalisation. Herein, we demonstrated the successful synthesis and structural characterisation of L2--derived diruthenium [(bpy)2RuII(µ-L2-)RuII(bpy)2](ClO4)2 [1](ClO4)2 (S = 0), (acac)2RuIII(µ-L2-)RuIII(acac)22 (S = 1) and monoruthenium (pap)2Ru(L2-) 3 (S = 0) derivatives (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, acac = acetylacetonate, and pap = 2-phenylazopyridine). The crystal structures established that (i) O,O-/O,O- donating five-membered bis-bidentate and O-,O- donating seven-membered bidentate chelating modes of deprotonated L2- in rac (ΔΔ/ΛΛ) diastereomeric [1](ClO4)2, 2 and 3, respectively. (ii) The L2- bridging unit in [1](ClO4)2, 2 and 3 underwent twisting its two naphthoquinone rings with respect to the ring connecting C-C bond by 73.01°, 62.15° and 59.12°, respectively. (iii) Intermolecular π-π interactions (∼3.5 Å) between the neighbouring molecules. The paramagnetic complex 2 (S = 1) with two non-interacting Ru(III) (S = 1/2) ions exhibited weak antiferromagnetic coupling only at very low temperatures. In agreement with the magnetic results, 2 displayed typical RuIII-based anisotropic EPR in CH3CN (/Δg: 2.314/0.564) but without any forbidden g1/2 signal at 120 K. The complexes exhibited multiple redox processes in CH3CN in the experimental potential window of ± 2.0 V versus SCE. The analysis of the redox steps via a combined experimental and theoretical (DFT/TD-DFT) approach revealed the involvement of L2- to varying extents in both the oxidative and reductive processes as a consequence of its bidirectional redox non-innocent feature. The mixing of the frontier orbitals of the metal ion and L2- due to their closeness in energy indeed led to the resonating electronic form in certain redox states instead of any precise electronic structural state.

New insights into progressive ligand replacement from [Ru2Cl(O2CCH3)4]: synthetic strategies and variation in redox potentials and paramagnetic shifts.

The complete series of [Ru2Cl(Dp-FPhF)x(O2CCH3)4-x] (x = 1-4; Dp-FPhF- = N,N'-bis(4-fluorophenyl)formamidinate) compounds, has been prepared and characterized by a multi-technique approach, including single crystal X-ray diffraction. A careful study of the different methodologies has allowed us to prepare four compounds with good yields and without an inert atmosphere or further purification. Specifically, [Ru2Cl(Dp-FPhF)(O2CCH3)3] (1) was obtained using an ultrasound-assisted (USS) method, while [Ru2Cl(Dp-FPhF)4] (4) was prepared by microwave assisted solvothermal synthesis (MWS). The intermediate substitution products cis-[Ru2Cl(Dp-FPhF)2(O2CCH3)2] (2) and [Ru2Cl(Dp-FPhF)3(O2CCH3)] (3) have been prepared by conventional heating, controlling the molar ratio of the starting materials. ESI-MS and infrared spectroscopy were used to follow all the reactions and permitted a qualitative evaluation of the axial reactivity in this series. Magnetic and absorption measurements confirmed a high spin σ2π4δ2(π*δ*)3 electronic configuration in all cases. However, the effect of the gradual modification of the electronic density in the diruthenium core markedly affects other properties. The cyclic voltammograms of the compounds show a strong decrease in the one electron oxidation potential and an increase in the reduction potential in the series from 1 to 4. Furthermore, despite their paramagnetic nature, 1H- and 19F-NMR spectra were recorded, and a correlation between the paramagnetic shift of the signals and the substitution degree of the diruthenium species was observed. These results provide a comprehensive guide to synthesise and understand the effects of equatorial ligand substitution on the properties of Ru25+ compounds.

Bis(acetylacetonato)ruthenium complexes of noninnocent 1,2-dioxolene ligands: qualitatively different bonding in relation to monoimino and diimino analogues.

Coordination compounds [Ru(acac)(2)(Q)] (acac=acetylacetonate; Q=o-benzoquinone) were prepared as complexes 1 (Q=o-benzoquinone), 2 (Q=3-methoxy-o-benzoquinone), 3 (Q=4-methyl-o-benzoquinone), and 4 (Q=3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone). The structures of 1 and 2 were determined to reveal a Ru(III)/o-benzosemiquinone formulation, supported by analysis of experimental data (spectroscopy, magnetism of 1) and by DFT calculations. The S=1 ground state calculated for 1 stands in contrast to the spin-paired analogues with arylimino-o-benzosemiquinonato and diimino-o-benzoquinone ligands. The close contacts of about 5.3 Å possible between semiquinone O atoms of different molecules in the crystal allow for intermolecular spin-spin interactions and an overall complex magnetic behavior. One quasireversible oxidation and two reversible one-electron reductions yielded the corresponding molecular ions, which were characterized by UV-visible-NIR and EPR spectroelectrochemistry in terms of [Ru(III)(acac)(2)(Q(0))](+) , [Ru(III)(acac)(2)(Q(2-))](-), and [Ru(II)(acac)(2)(Q(2-))](2-) descriptions in agreement with DFT results. The use of acceptor-substituted 1,2-dioxolenes resulted in the isolation of ionic species Na[Ru(acac)(2)(Q)] (Na(5); Q=4-chloro-o-benzoquinone) and Na(6) (Q=4-nitro-o-benzoquinone), which were similarly investigated as compounds 1-4. Magnetic susceptibility and EPR results confirm an S=1/2 ground state based on ruthenium(III). The combined studies reveal a remarkable substituent sensitivity, and in comparison to recently analyzed Ru(acac)(2) complexes with o-benzoquinone monoimine and diimine ligands, the all-O-donor-containing new systems are distinguished by a qualitatively different metal-ligand interaction based on closer intermolecular radical-radical contacts and on weaker intramolecular dπ-π* interactions.

Reductive approach to mixed valency (n = 1-) in the pyrazine ligand-bridged [(acac)2Ru(µ-L(2-))Ru(acac)2](n) (L(2-) = 2,5-pyrazine-dicarboxylate) through experiment and theory.

The diruthenium(III) complex [(acac)(2)Ru(µ-L(2-))Ru(acac)(2)] (1) with acac(-) = acetylacetonato = 2,4-pentanedionato and a 2,5-pyrazine-dicarboxylato bridge, L(2-), has been obtained and structurally characterized as the rac (ΔΔ,ΛΛ) diastereomer. The Ru(III)Ru(III) configuration in 1 (d(Ru-Ru) = 6.799 Å) results in a triplet ground state (µ = 2.82 µ(B) at 300 K) with a density functional theory (DFT) calculated triplet-singlet gap of 10840 cm(-1) and the metal ions as the primary spin-bearing centers (Mulliken spin densities: Ru, 1.711; L, 0.105; acac, 0.184). The paramagnetic 1 exhibits broad, upfield shifted (1)H NMR signals with δ values ranging from -10 to -65 ppm and an anisotropic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum (g = 2.133, g(1) - g(3) = Δg = 0.512), accompanied by a weak half-field signal at g = 4.420 in glassy frozen acetonitrile at 4 K. Compound 1 displays two closely spaced oxidation steps to yield labile cations. In contrast, two well separated reversible reduction steps of 1 signify appreciable electrochemical metal-metal interaction in the Ru(II)Ru(III) mixed-valent state 1(-) (K(c) ≈ 10(7)). The intermediate 1(-) shows a weak, broad Ru(II)→Ru(III) intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) band at about 1040 nm (ε = 380 M(-1) cm(-1)); the DFT approach for 1(-) yielded Mulliken spin densities of 0.460 and 0.685 for the two metal centers. The monitoring of the ν(C═O) frequencies of the uncoordinated C═O groups of L(2-) in 1(n) by IR spectroelectrochemistry suggests valence averaging (Ru(2.5)Ru(2.5)) in 1(-) on the vibrational time scale. The mixed-valent 1(-) displays a rhombic EPR signal (g = 2.239 and Δg = 0.32) which reveals non-negligible contributions from the bridging ligand, reflecting a partial hole-transfer mechanism and being confirmed by the DFT-calculated spin distribution (Mulliken spin density of -0.241 for L in 1(-)). The major low energy electronic transitions in 1(n) (n = 0,-,2-) have been assigned as charge transfer processes with the support of TD-DFT analysis.

Redox-rich spin-spin-coupled semiquinoneruthenium dimers with intense near-IR absorption.

Using the [RuCl(µ-tppz)ClRu](2+) [tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine] platform for bridging two o-quinone/catecholate two-step redox systems (unsubstituted, Q(n), or 3,5- di-tert-butyl-substituted, DTBQ(n)), we have obtained the stable complexes [(Q(•-))Ru(II)Cl(µ-tppz)ClRu(II)(Q(•-))] (1) and the structurally characterized [(DTBQ(•-))Ru(II)Cl(µ-tppz)ClRu(II)(DTBQ(•-))] (2). The compounds exhibit mostly quinone-ligand-based redox activity within a narrow potential range, high-intensity near-IR absorptions (λ(max) ≈ 920 nm; ε > 50,000 M(-1) cm(-1)), and variable intra- and intermolecular spin-spin interactions. Density functional theory calculations, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and spectroelectrochemical results (UV-vis-near-IR region) for three one-electron-reduction and two one-electron-oxidation processes were used to probe the electronic structures of the systems in the various accessible valence states. EPR spectroscopy of the singly charged doublet species showed semiquinone-type response for 1(+), 2(+), and 2(-), while 1 exhibits more metal based spin, a consequence of the easier reduction of Q as compared to DTBQ. Comparison with the analogous redox series involving a more basic N-phenyliminoquinone ligand reveals significant differences related to the shifted redox potentials, different space requirements, and different interactions between the metals and the quinone-type ligands. As a result, the tppz bridge is reduced here only after full reduction of the terminal quinone ligands to their catecholate states.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of water-soluble monosubstituted diruthenium compounds.

The elusive monosubstituted diruthenium complexes [Ru2Cl(DAniF)(O2CMe)3] (1), [Ru2Cl(DPhF)(O2CMe)3] (2), [Ru2Cl(D-p-CNPhF)(O2CMe)3] (3), [Ru2Cl(D-o-TolF)(O2CMe)3] (4), [Ru2Cl(D-m-TolF)(O2CMe)3] (5), [Ru2Cl(D-p-TolF)(O2CMe)3] (6) and [Ru2Cl(p-TolA)(O2CMe)3] (7) have been synthesized using for the first time ultrasound-assisted synthesis to carry out a substitution reaction in metal-metal bonded dinuclear compounds (DAniF- = N,N'-bis(4-anisyl)formamidinate; DPhF- = N,N'-diphenylformamidinate; D-p-CNPhF- = N,N'-bis(4-cyanophenyl)formamidinate; D-o/m/p-TolF- = N,N'-bis(2/3/4-tolyl)formamidinate; p-TolA- = N-4-tolylamidate). This is a simpler and greener method than the tedious procedures described in the literature, and it has permitted to obtain water-soluble complexes with good yields in a short period of time. A synthetic study has been implemented to find the best experimental conditions to prepare compounds 1-7. Two different types of ligands, formamidinate and amidate, have been used to check the generality of the method for the preparation of monosubstituted complexes. Five new compounds (2-6) have been obtained using a formamidinate ligand, the synthesis of the previously described compound 1 has been improved, and an unprecedented monoamidate complex has been achieved (7). The crystal structures of compounds 3 and 7 have been solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction. These compounds show the typical paddlewheel structure with three acetate ligands and one formamidinate (3) or amidate (7) bridging ligand at the equatorial positions. The axial positions are occupied by the chloride ligand giving rise to one-dimensional polymer structures that were previously unknown for monosubstituted compounds.

Tuning the magnetic moment of [Ru2(DPhF)3(O2CMe)L]+ complexes (DPhF=N,N'-diphenylformamidinate): a theoretical explanation of the axial ligand influence.

The magnetic behaviour of the compounds containing the [Ru(2)(DPhF)(3)(O(2)CMe)](+) ion (DPhF(-)=N,N'-diphenylformamidinate) shows a strong dependence on the nature of the ligand bonded to the axial position. The new complexes [Ru(2)(DPhF)(3)(O(2)CMe)(OPMe(3))][BF(4)]0.5 CH(2)Cl(2) (1 0.5 CH(2)Cl(2)) and [Ru(2)(DPhF)(3)(O(2)CMe)(4-pic)][BF(4)] (2) (4-pic=4-methylpyridine) clearly display this influence. Complex 1.0.5 CH(2)Cl(2) shows a magnetic moment corresponding to a S=3/2 system affected by the common zero-field splitting (ZFS) and a weak antiferromagnetic interaction, whereas complex 2 displays an intermediate behaviour between S=3/2 and S=1/2 systems. The experimental data of complex 1 are fitted with a model that considers the ZFS effect using the Hamiltonian H(D)=S.D.S. The weak antiferromagnetic coupling is introduced as a perturbation, using the molecular field approximation. DFT calculations demonstrate that, in the [Ru(2)(O(2)CMe)(DPhF)(3)(L)](+) complexes, the energy level of the metal-metal molecular orbitals is strongly dependent on the nature of the axial ligand (L). This study reveals that the increase in the pi-acceptor character of L leads to a greater split between the pi* and delta* HOMO orbitals. The influence of the axial ligand in the relative energy between the doublet and quartet states in this type of complexes was also analysed. This study was performed on the new complexes 1.0.5 CH(2)Cl(2) and 2. The previously isolated [Ru(2)(DPhF)(3)(O(2)CMe)(OH(2))][BF(4)].0.5 CH(2)Cl(2) (3.0.5 CH(2)Cl(2)) and [Ru(2)(DPhF)(3)(O(2)CMe)(CO)][BF(4)].CH(2)Cl(2) (4.CH(2)Cl(2)) complexes were also included in this study as representative examples of spin-admixed and low-spin configurations, respectively. The [Ru(2)(DPhF)(3)(O(2)CMe)](+) (5) unit was used as a reference compound. These theoretical studies are in accordance with the different magnetic behaviour experimentally observed.

Three Bis-BODIPY Analogous Diruthenium Redox Series: Characterization and Electronic Structure Analysis.

The dianion derived from (2Z,6Z)-3,7-diphenyl-N2,N6-di(pyridin-2-yl)pyrrolo[2,3-f]indole-2,6(1H,5H)-diimine (H2 BL), a modified BODIPY ligand precursor, is shown to be capable of bridging two metal complex fragments RuL2 , L=2,4-pentanedionato (acac- ), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) or 2-phenylazopyridine (pap) in [Ru(acac)2 Ru(µ-BL)Ru(acac)2 ] (1/2), [Ru(bpy)2 Ru(µ-BL)Ru(bpy)2 ](ClO4 )2 ([3](ClO4 )2 ) and [Ru(pap)2 Ru(µ-BL)Ru(pap)2 ](ClO4 )2 ([4](ClO4 )2 ). The compounds, including a diastereoisomeric pair 1 (meso) and 2 (rac) were spectroscopically and structurally characterized. Reversible electron transfers as revealed by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry allowed for an EPR and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical investigation of several neighboring charge states. Together with susceptibility measurements and TD-DFT calculations the assignment of oxidation states reveals that 1, 2 are diruthenium(III) species which can be oxidized or reduced by one electron whereas 32+ and 42+ contain ruthenium(II) and get reduced or oxidized mainly at the dianionic bridge (32+ ) or are reduced at the ancillary ligands pap (42+ ).

Heteronuclear Dirhodium-Gold Anionic Complexes: Polymeric Chains and Discrete Units.

In this article, we report on the synthesis and characterization of the tetracarboxylatodirhodium(II) complexes [Rh2(µ-O2CCH2OMe)4(THF)2] (1) and [Rh2(µ-O2CC6H4-p-CMe3)4(OH2)2] (2) by metathesis reaction of [Rh2(µ-O2CMe)4] with the corresponding ligand acting also as the reaction solvent. The reaction of the corresponding tetracarboxylato precursor, [Rh2(µ-O2CR)4], with PPh4[Au(CN)2] at room temperature, yielded the one-dimensional polymers (PPh4)n[Rh2(µ-O2CR)4Au(CN)2]n (R = Me (3), CH2OMe (4), CH2OEt (5)) and the non-polymeric compounds (PPh4)2{Rh2(µ-O2CR)4[Au(CN)2]2} (R = CMe3 (6), C6H4-p-CMe3 (7)). The structural characterization of 1, 3·2CH2Cl2, 4·3CH2Cl2, 5, 6, and 7·2OCMe2 is also provided with a detailed description of their crystal structures and intermolecular interactions. The polymeric compounds 3·2CH2Cl2, 4·3CH2Cl2, and 5 show wavy chains with Rh-Au-Rh and Rh-N-C angles in the ranges 177.18°-178.69° and 163.0°-170.4°, respectively. A comparative study with related rhodium-silver complexes previously reported indicates no significant influence of the gold or silver atoms in the solid-state arrangement of these kinds of complexes.