Axial stereocontrol in tropos dibenz[c,e]azepines: the individual and cooperative effects of alkyl substituents.

6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepines, a class of secondary amine incorporating a centre-axis chirality relay, can be prepared from N-(2-bromobenzyl)-N-(1-arylalkyl)methanesulfonamides via Pd-catalysed intramolecular direct arylation, and methylated at C(7) via the 5,7-trans diastereoselective addition of methylmagnesium bromide to the derived N-benzylazepinium tetraphenylborate. Using these methods, the 4,5-dimethylated and 4,5,7-trimethylated homologues 13 and 14 were obtained and shown by 1H NMR spectroscopy to be axially biased in opposite senses, as defined by the respective pseudoaxial or pseudoequatorial orientation of the 5-substituent in the preferred conformers, while retaining their tropos nature (the Arrhenius activation energy, EA, for the conformational exchange process in 14 was estimated to be 57 kJ mol-1 using 2D-EXSY NMR spectroscopy at 233-248 K). These results serve to illustrate how substituent effects might be exploited in new designs of bridged biaryl ligand in which tropos dynamics operate in combination with a pre-existing axial stereochemical bias.

An Extensive Family of Heterometallic Titanium(IV)-Metal(III) Rings with Structure Control through Templates.

A family of heterometallic [Cat][Tix MO(x+1 )(O2 Ct Bu)2x+2 ] rings is reported where Cat=a secondary or tertiary alkyl ammonium ion, x=7, 8 or 9, and M=FeIII , GaIII , CrIII , InIII and AlIII . The structures are regular polygons with eight, nine or ten vertices with each edge bridged by an oxide and two pivalates. The size of the ring formed is controlled by the alkylammonium cation present. In each case a homometallic by-product is found [Cat][Tix O(x+1 )(O2 Ct Bu)2x-1 ].

Hybrid organic-inorganic rotaxanes and molecular shuttles.

The tetravalency of carbon and its ability to form covalent bonds with itself and other elements enables large organic molecules with complex structures, functions and dynamics to be constructed. The varied electronic configurations and bonding patterns of inorganic elements, on the other hand, can impart diverse electronic, magnetic, catalytic and other useful properties to molecular-level structures. Some hybrid organic-inorganic materials that combine features of both chemistries have been developed, most notably metal-organic frameworks, dense and extended organic-inorganic frameworks and coordination polymers. Metal ions have also been incorporated into molecules that contain interlocked subunits, such as rotaxanes and catenanes, and structures in which many inorganic clusters encircle polymer chains have been described. Here we report the synthesis of a series of discrete rotaxane molecules in which inorganic and organic structural units are linked together mechanically at the molecular level. Structural units (dialkyammonium groups) in dumb-bell-shaped organic molecules template the assembly of essentially inorganic 'rings' about 'axles' to form rotaxanes consisting of various numbers of rings and axles. One of the rotaxanes behaves as a 'molecular shuttle': the ring moves between two binding sites on the axle in a large-amplitude motion typical of some synthetic molecular machine systems. The architecture of the rotaxanes ensures that the electronic, magnetic and paramagnetic characteristics of the inorganic rings-properties that could make them suitable as qubits for quantum computers-can influence, and potentially be influenced by, the organic portion of the molecule.

A classification of spin frustration in molecular magnets from a physical study of large odd-numbered-metal, odd electron rings.

The term "frustration" in the context of magnetism was originally used by P. W. Anderson and quickly adopted for application to the description of spin glasses and later to very special lattice types, such as the kagomé. The original use of the term was to describe systems with competing antiferromagnetic interactions and is important in current condensed matter physics in areas such as the description of emergent magnetic monopoles in spin ice. Within molecular magnetism, at least two very different definitions of frustration are used. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of unusual nine-metal rings, using magnetic measurements and inelastic neutron scattering, supported by density functional theory calculations. These compounds show different electronic/magnetic structures caused by frustration, and the findings lead us to propose a classification for frustration within molecular magnets that encompasses and clarifies all previous definitions.

A detailed study of the magnetism of chiral {Cr7M} rings: an investigation into parametrization and transferability of parameters.

Compounds of general formula [Cr7MF3(Etglu)(O2C(t)Bu)15(Phpy)] [H5Etglu = N-ethyl-d-glucamine; Phpy = 4-phenylpyridine; M = Zn (1), Mn (2), Ni (3)] have been prepared. The structures contain an irregular octagon of metal sites formed around the penta-deprotonated Etglu(5-) ligand; the chirality of N-ethyl-d-glucamine is retained in the final product. The seven Cr(III) sites have a range of coordination environments, and the divalent metal site is crystallographically identified and has a Phpy ligand attached to it. By using complementary experimental techniques, including magnetization and specific heat measurements, inelastic neutron scattering, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we have investigated the magnetic features of this family of {Cr7M} rings. Microscopic parameters of the spin Hamiltonian have been determined as a result of best fits of the different experimental data, allowing a direct comparison with corresponding parameters found in the parent compounds. We examine whether these parameters can be transferred between compounds and compare them with those of an earlier family of heterometallic rings.

Antibacterial activities of novel nicotinic acid hydrazides and their conversion into N-acetyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles.

Synthesis of a series of novel N-acylhydrazones of nicotinic acid hydrazides 3a-j via condensation of nicotinic acid hydrazide 1 with the corresponding aldehydes and ketones is described. The series 3a-j was evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against two gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and two gram positive (Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The zone of inhibition was measured using the disk diffusion method, and in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration indicating that compounds 3a and 3e were effective against P. aeruginosa with MICs of 0.220 and 0.195 µg respectively.

A synthetic approach to novel carvotacetone and antheminone analogues with anti-tumour activity.

A synthetic approach to analogues of the terpenoid natural product antheminone A is described which employs (-)-quinic acid as starting material. A key conjugate addition step proved to be unpredictable regarding its stereochemical outcome however the route allowed access to two diastereoisomeric series of compounds. The results of biological assay of the toxicity of the target compounds towards non-small-cell lung cancer cell line A549 are reported.

Chemical control of spin propagation between heterometallic rings.

We present a synthetic, structural, theoretical, and spectroscopic study of a family of heterometallic ring dimers which have the formula [{Cr(7)NiF(3)(Etglu)(O(2)CtBu)(15)}(2)(NLN)], in which Etglu is the pentadeprotonated form of the sugar N-ethyl-D-glucamine, and NLN is an aromatic bridging diimine ligand. By varying NLN we are able to adjust the strength of the interaction between rings with the aim of understanding how to tune our system to achieve weak magnetic communication between the spins, a prerequisite for quantum entanglement. Micro-SQUID and EPR data reveal that the magnetic coupling between rings is partly related to the through-bond distance between the spin centers, but also depends on spin-polarization mechanisms and torsion angles between aromatic rings. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations allow us to make predictions of how such chemically variable parameters could be used to tune very precisely the interaction in such systems. For possible applications in quantum information processing and molecular spintronics, such precise control is essential.

Atroposelective formation of dibenz[c,e]azepines via intramolecular direct arylation with centre-axis chirality transfer.

5-Substituted 6,7-dihydrodibenz[c,e]azepines, a class of secondary amine incorporating a centre-axis chirality relay, are accessible from 1-substituted N-(2-bromobenzyl)-1-phenylmethanamines via N-acylation and ring-closing intramolecular direct arylation. The ring closure proceeds with high atropodiastereoselectivity due to strain effects that are induced by trigonalisation of the nitrogen atom, as predicted using molecular mechanics calculations.

Synthesis, structure, and dynamic properties of hybrid organic-inorganic rotaxanes.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of hybrid organic-inorganic [2]rotaxanes is described. The ring components are heterometallic octa- ([Cr(7)MF(8)(O(2)C(t)Bu)(16)]; M = Co, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Cd) nuclear cages in which the metal centers are bridged by fluoride and pivalate ((t)BuCO(2)(-)) anions; the thread components feature dialkylammonium units that template the formation of the heterometallic rings about the axle to form the interlocked structures in up to 92% yield in conventional macrocyclization or one-pot 'stoppering-plus-macrocyclization' strategies. The presence in the reaction mixture of additives (secondary or tertiary amines or quaternary ammonium salts), and the nature of the stoppering groups (3,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)CO(2)- or (t)BuCONH-), can have a significant effect on the rotaxane yield. The X-ray crystal structures of 11 different [2]rotaxanes, a pseudorotaxane, and a two-station molecular shuttle show two distinct types of intercomponent hydrogen bond motifs between the ammonium groups of the organic thread and the fluoride groups of the inorganic ring. The different hydrogen bonding motifs account for the very different rates of dynamics observed for the heterometallic ring on the thread (shuttling slow; rotation fast).

Probing the structure, conformation, and stereochemical exchange in a family of lanthanide complexes derived from tetrapyridyl-appended cyclen.

A series of lanthanide complexes have been synthesized from 1,4,7,10-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane. Crystallographic studies indicate that, in the solid phase, all of the lanthanide ions are 9-coordinate and are bound to eight N atoms from the donor ligand, with the ninth site being filled by a counterion or solvent molecule. In solution, time-resolved luminescence studies indicate that the luminescence exhibits contributions from two species corresponding to the nonhydrated and hydrated forms. The NMR spectra in protic media show the presence of two dominant isomers on the NMR time scale; furthermore, the spectra are very different from those obtained for 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N',N'',N''',N''''-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and its derivatives. The different forms of the complex undergo slow conformational and enantiomeric exchange in solution, which has been measured by NMR. The exchange path has been mapped out by density functional theory calculations and shows multiple metastable conformations (with respect to the dihedral angles of the cyclen ring). This contrasts with the established NMR behavior of DOTA complexes, which has been described by a two-state solution equilibrium.

High performance, acene-based organic thin film transistors.

1,4,8,11-Methyl-substituted 6,13-triethylsilylethynylpentacene shows extended pi-pi overlap when deposited from solution, yielding organic thin film transistors with high and reproducible hole mobility with negligible hysteresis.

Proton NMR study of Cr-Co heterometallic wheel complexes.

(1)H NMR spectra of the paramagnetic heterometallic complexes of general formula [cation][Cr(7)CoF(8)(O(2)C(t)Bu)(16)] have been recorded. The NMR spectra have allowed the investigation of the structure of these complexes in solution. These experiments show that the complexes are stable and maintain the solid state structure in solution, retaining the protonated amine in the cavity of the heterometallic ring.

Chemistry and supramolecular chemistry of chromium horseshoes.

Synthetic and structural studies of Cr horseshoes are reported which show that these compounds demonstrate a rich supramolecular chemistry through H-bonding interactions, and can act as ligands for metal clusters.

Enhanced Photosensitive Schottky Diode Behavior of Pyrazine over 2-Aminopyrimidine Ligand in Copper(II)-Phthalate MOFs: Experimental and Theoretical Rationalization.

Two novel Cu(II)-based metal-organic frameworks [C40H34Cu2N6O18 (1) and C20H18CuN2O10 (2)] have been synthesized using 2-aminopyrimidine or pyrazine ligands and phthalate ion and characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Both 1 and 2 show electrical conductivity and photosensitivity, evidencing their potentiality in optoelectronic device applications. Experimental and theoretical investigations revealed that the electrical conductivity under irradiation of visible light increases compared to that under dark condition (photosensitive Schottky barrier diode behavior), especially in complex 2. Both 1 and 2 have been successfully applied in technologically challenging thin-film active devices.

Chromium chains as polydentate fluoride ligands for actinides and group IV metals.

The reactions of {Cr6} horseshoe chains {[nPr2NH2]3[Cr6F11(O2CtBu)10]}2, 1 and precursors of actinides and group IV metals led to a series of ring complexes [nPr2NH2][Cr7TiF6O2(O2CtBu)16], 2, [nPr2NH2][Cr6Ti2F5O3(O2CtBu)16], 3, [Cr6ThF7(O2CtBu)15 (Me2SO)], 4, [(nPr2NH2)2(Cr6Th2F12(O2CtBu)16)], 5 and [nPr2NH2][Cr6U2O2F8(O2CtBu)16(Me2SO)], 6. X-ray structure studies indicate that the {Cr6} chains maintain their structures in these complexes, acting as polydentate fluoride ligands. Their static magnetic properties were measured and fitted by isotropic exchange Hamiltonian. In accordance with 1, the magnetic exchanges between CrIII are antiferromagnetic, while the exchange interactions can be modified by the tetravalent metals. For compound 6, ferromagnetic exchanges JCr-U and JU-U are obtained. EPR spectra of compounds 2-5 were measured at Q band and were simulated. The spectrum of 2 has the same profile as {Cr7Cd} and {Cr7Zn} rings with a ground state S = 3/2. 3, 4 and 5 give similar EPR spectra with S = 0 ground states.

Halogen bonding in a series of Br(CF2)nBr-DABCO adducts (n = 4, 6, 8).

Halogen bonding (XB) is a highly-directional class of intermolecular interactions that has been used as a powerful tool to drive the design of crystals in the solid phase. To date, the majority of XB donors have been iodine-containing compounds, with many fewer involving brominated analogues. We report the formation of adducts in the vapour phase from a series of dibromoperfluoroalkyl compounds, BrCF2(CF2)nCF2Br (n = 2, 4, 6), and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of the colourless crystals identified 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-dibromoperfluorobutane (1/1), C4Br2F8·C6H12N2, (I), 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,6-dibromoperfluorohexane (1/1), C6Br2F12·C6H12N2, (II), and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,8-dibromoperfluorooctane (1/1), C8Br2F16·C6H12N2, (III), each of which displays a one-dimensional halogen-bonded network. All three adducts exhibit N...Br distances less than the sum of the van der Waals radii, with butane analogue (I) showing the shortest N...Br halogen-bond distances yet reported between a bromoperfluorocarbon and a nitrogen base [2.809 (3) and 2.818 (3) Å], which are 0.58 and 0.59 Šshorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii.

Transition metal-free, visible-light mediated synthesis of 1,10-phenanthroline derived ligand systems.

A broad range of 1,10-phenanthroline substrates was efficiently C-H functionalised, providing rapid, gram-scale access to substituted heteroaromatic cores of broad utility. Furthermore, this C-H functionalisation pathway was extended to the synthesis of previously inaccessible, ultra-soluble, 2,9-bis-triazinyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BTPhen) ligands for advanced nuclear fuel cycles.

Synthesis and reactions of N-heterocycle functionalised variants of heterometallic {Cr7Ni} rings.

Here we present a series of linked cage complexes of functionalised variants of the octametallic ring {Cr7Ni} with the general formula [(n)Pr2NH2][Cr7NiF8(O2C(t)Bu)15(O2CR)], where HO2CR is a N-heterocycle containing carboxylic acid. These compounds are made by reacting [(n)Pr2NH2][Cr7NiF8(O2C(t)Bu)15(O2CR)] with a variety of simple metal salts and metal dimers. The carboxylic acids studied include iso-nicotinic acid, 3-(4-pyridyl)acrylic acid and 4-pyridazine carboxylic acid. These new linked cage complexes have been studied structurally and the study highlights the versatility of functionalised {Cr7Ni} as a Lewis base ligand. As {Cr7Ni} is a putative molecular electron spin qubit this work contributes to our understanding of the chemistry that might be required to assemble molecular spin qubits.