Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of a Titanium(IV)-Tetrathiafulvalene-Based Complex.

To deeply investigate the interaction between a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit and a Ti(IV) center, a monomeric heteroleptic octahedral Ti(IV) complex containing a diimine ligand composed of a 1,10-phenanthroline core fused with a TTF fragment (ligand 2a) was prepared. The stable complex formulated as Ti(1)2(2a), where 1 is a 2,2'-biphenolato derivative, was efficiently synthesized by following a one-step approach. This complex and its model species [Ti(1)2(2b)] were fully characterized in solution, and their solid-state structures were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Density functional theory calculations allowed the assignment of the frontier orbitals involved in the electronic transitions characterized by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies revealed that the TTF unit within Ti(1)2(2a) can undergo two reversible one-electron oxidation processes; a reversible one-electron reduction of the Ti(IV) atom was highlighted. The photophysical measurements performed for this donor-acceptor molecular system indicated that an electron transfer process upon light excitation occurred within Ti(1)2(2a).

Circular Heterochiral Titanium-Based Self-Assembled Architectures.

Circular trinuclear helicates have been synthesized from a bis-biphenol strand (LH4), titanium isopropoxide, and various diimine ligands. These self-assembled architectures constructed around three TiO4N2 nodes have a heterochiral structure (C1 symmetry) when 2,2'-bipyridine (A), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (B), 4,4'-bromo-2,2'-bipyridine (C), or 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyrimidine (D) is employed. Within these complexes, one nitrogen ligand is endo-positioned inside the metallo-macrocycle, whereas the other two diimine ligands point outside the helicate framework. This investigation highlights that the nitrogen ligand which does not participate in the helicate framework of the complex controls the overall symmetry of the helicate since the 2,2'-bipyrimidine chelate (F) ends in the formation of a homochiral aggregate (C3 symmetry). The lack of symmetry found in the solid state for the trinuclear species ([Ti3L3(B)3], [Ti3L3(C)3], and [Ti3L3(D)3]) is observed for these complexes in solution (dichloromethane or chloroform). Remarkably, the 2,2'-bipyrazine ligand (ligand E) ends in the formation of a hexameric aggregate formulated as [Ti6L6(E)6], whereas the use of 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyrimidine (ligand D) permits to generate the dinuclear complexes ([Ti2L(D)2(OiPr)4] and [Ti2L2(D)2]) in addition to the trimeric structure [Ti3L3(D)3]. The behavior of [Ti3L3(A)3] in solution, on the other hand, is unique since an equilibrium between the homochiral and the heterochiral form is reached within 17 days after the complex has been dissolved in dichloromethane (C3-[Ti3L3(A)3]/C1-[Ti3L3(A)3] ratio = 0.3). In chloroform, the heterochiral form of [Ti3L3(A)3] is stable for the same period of time, evidencing the dependence of this stereochemical transformation toward the solvent medium. The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters linked to this stereochemical equilibrium have been obtained and point to the fact that the transformation is intramolecular and not induced by the presence of external ligands. The thermodynamic constant of the C1-[Ti3L3(A)3]/C3-[Ti3L3(A)3] equilibrium is found to be K = 0.34 ± 10%. Further evidence to rationalize this solvent-induced symmetry switch is obtained via a DFT calculation and classical molecular dynamics. In particular, this computational investigation elucidates the reason why the stereochemical transformation of a heterochiral architecture into a homochiral structure is possible only for a trinuclear assembly containing ligand A.

A Chiral [2+3] Covalent Organic Cage Based on 1,1'-Bi-2-naphthol (BINOL) Units.

A [2+3] chiral covalent organic cage is produced through a dynamic covalent chemistry approach by mixing two readily available building units, viz. an enantiopure 3,3'-diformyl 2,2'-BINOL compound (A) with a triamino spacer (B). The two enantiomeric (R,R,R) and (S,S,S) forms of the cage C are formed nearly quantitatively thanks to the reversibility of the imine linkage. The X-ray diffraction analysis of cage (S,S,S)-C highlights that the six OH functions of the BINOL fragments are positioned inside the cage cavity. Upon reduction of the imine bonds of cage C, the amine cage D is obtained. The ability of the cage D to host the 1-phenylethylammonium cation (EH+) as a guest is evaluated through UV, CD and DOSY NMR studies. A higher binding constant for (R)-EH+ cation (Ka=1.7 106±10 % M-1) related to (S)-EH+ (Ka=0.9 106±10 % M-1) is determined in the presence of the (R,R,R)-D cage. This enantiopreference is in close agreement with molecular dynamics simulation.

Going Up the Ladder: Stacking Four 4,4'-Bipyridine Moieties within a Ti(IV)-Based Tetranuclear Architecture.

Biphenol-based ligands have proven their ability to bind titanium(IV) centers and generate sophisticated self-assembled structures in which auxiliary nitrogen ligands often complete the coordination sphere of the metal and improve stability. Here, a central 4,4'-bipyridine, which acts as both a spacer and a source of monodentate nitrogen to complete the coordination sphere of the Ti(IV) complex, was incorporated within two bis-2,2'-biphenol strands, 3H4 and 4H4. Both proligands possess structural features that are well adapted to form self-assembled structures built from titanium-oxygen-nitrogen units; however, their different degrees of torsional freedom strongly influenced the nuclearity of the complexes formed. The presence of a phenyl spacer between the bipyridine and the biphenol moieties of 3H4 provided enough flexibility for the ligand to wrap around one titanium(IV) center to form a mononuclear complex Ti(3)(DMF)2 in the presence of dimethylformamide (DMF). Assembly of the more rigid ligand 4H4 with Ti(OiPr)4 afforded a tetranuclear complex Ti4(4)2(4H)2(OEt)2 containing four stacked 4,4'-bipyridine units as shown by the X-ray structure of the complex. Density functional theory studies suggested that the assembly of this tetrametallic complex involves a dimetallic intermediate with TiO6 nodes that is converted to the thermodynamically stable tetranuclear complex with two TiO6 nodes and two TiO5N units with enhanced covalent character.

An Alternate [2×2] Grid Constructed Around TiO4 N2 Units.

The formation of a tetranuclear self-assembled species constructed around a TiO4 N2 motif is reported. This aggregate is generated from Ti(Oi Pr)4 , 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpym) and a bis-biphenol strand (L2 H4 ) where two 2,2'-biphenol units are connected with a biphenyl spacer. The solid-state structure of the [Ti4 (L2 )4 (bpym)4 ] architecture reveals the formation of an unprecedented chiral alternate [2×2] grid. In addition to the structural characterization of the [Ti4 (L2 )4 (bpym)4 ] architecture, geometry optimisation on various possible isomeric tetrameric assemblies ([2×2] grid, alternate [2×2] grid, circular helicate or cyclic hemihelicate) is performed using DFT calculations. These results confirm the higher stability of the alternate [2×2] grid over the other possible tetranuclear isomers and allow examining the replacement of the bpym ligands by two novel diimine chelates within the tetranuclear assembly (2,2'-bipyridine=bipy and 2,2'-bipyrazine=bipyraz). From this initial theoretical investigation, the competition between these three nitrogen ligands in the course of the self-assembly process is next evaluated. Overall, this investigation shows that the exclusive formation of the alternate [2×2] grid is driven by CH⋅⋅⋅N interactions.

Chemistry on the Complex: Derivatization of TiO4 N2 -Based Complexes and Application to Multi-Step Synthesis.

The chemistry on octahedral TiO4 N2 -complexes is described. The Ti(IV)-based precursors are composed of two 3,3'-diphenyl-2,2'-biphenolato ligands (1) and one substituted 1,10-phenanthroline ligand (2-5). The application of imine condensation, palladium-catalyzed C-C bond formation or copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition allowed the grafting of various new groups onto these species. In particular Sonogashira reactions permitted to observe an excellent conversion of the starting complexes. This systematic study enabled to compile the factors required to preserve the framework of the complexes in the course of a chemical transformation. Thanks to this chemistry realized on the complex, the Ti(1)2 fragment was used as a protecting group to develop a multi-step synthesis of a bis-phenanthroline compound (12), for which the synthesis without this protection failed. Thus, a dinuclear complex [Ti2 (1)4 (12)] was first prepared starting from complex precursor bearing an acetylenic function via a Hay coupling reaction. This was followed by a deprotection step affording 12. Overall, this work illustrates how the Ti(1)2 fragment could be an useful tool for the preparation of unprecedented diimine compounds.

Dipyrrolyldiketonato Titanium(IV) Complexes from Monomeric to Multinuclear Architectures: Synthesis, Stability, and Liquid-Crystal Properties.

Dipyrrolyldiketone ligands (dpkH) are used with Ti(OiPr)4 to afford monomeric titanium(IV) complexes displaying the general formula C2-[Ti(dpk)2(OiPr)2]. The dpkH ligands employed consist of two dipyrrolyldiketone compounds (2H and 3H) and three diphenyl-substituted analogues (4H-6H). The behavior of these octahedral [Ti(dpk)2(OiPr)2] species in solution was investigated by 1H NMR at variable temperatures. Dynamic phenomena were evidenced, and the activation parameters associated with these processes (ΔH⧧, ΔS⧧, and ΔG⧧) were retrieved. [Ti(dpk)2(OiPr)2] complexes are precursors for the formation of high-nuclearity aggregates whose structures depend on the substituents on the diketone backbone. The crystal structures of monomeric ([Ti(1)2(OiPr)2]; 1 is the 1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedionato ligand) and [Ti(2)2(OEt)2]), dimeric ([Ti2(1)4(µ2-O)2]), and tetrameric ([Ti4(4)8(µ2-O)4]) species have been established, and the origin of this structural diversity is discussed. The solid-state optical properties of several complexes were determined and interpreted with the help of DFT calculations. Finally, the dinuclear complex [Ti(6)2(µ2-O)2] was synthesized, where ligand 6 incorporates six long alkyl chains (C16H33). This complex shows rich mesomorphic properties, with an original room-temperature plastic crystal phase followed by a hexagonal columnar liquid-crystalline phase.

Bent 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligands within Octahedral Complexes Constructed around a TiO4N2 Core.

The synthesis of monomeric octahedral complexes constructed around a TiO4N2 core bearing neocuproine derivatives is detailed. These architectures follow the [Ti(1)2(N-N)] general formulas, where 1 is the 6,6'-diphenyl-2,2'-biphenolato ligand and N-N is a 1,10-phenanthroline derivative. Single-crystal analysis revealed that the neocuproine-based ligands within these architectures adopt a nonplanar geometry. The distortion of these aromatic diimine systems has been quantified through measurement of a torsion angle (α) and a dihedral angle (ß) defined by two planes within the aromatic diimine molecule (π1 and π2), permitting one to evaluate the twisting and bending of a coordinated nitrogen ligand, respectively. Next, the scope of this investigation was extended to the synthesis of a dimeric architecture, [Ti2(1)4(3)], where 3 is the 5,5'-bis(neocuproine) ligand. Again, a strong distortion of the neocuproine fragments was characterized in the crystalline state for such a complex. The UV-visible properties of these complexes were interpreted with the help of time-dependent density functional theory calculations. The solution behavior as well as good hydrolytic stability of these species has been established.

From monomeric complexes to double-stranded helicates constructed around trans-TiO4N2 motifs with intramolecular inter-ligand hydrogen-bonding interactions.

A coordination chemistry involving trans-TiO4N2 motifs is described, where the oxygen ligands are 2,2'-biphenolato derivatives (L1 or L2) and the nitrogen ligands are pyridine (Pyr), 2,3-dihydro-7-azaindole (DHA) or 2-(methylamino)pyridine (MePyr). Monomeric complexes and double-stranded helicates incorporating this set of ligands are characterized. The monomeric species are obtained from the precursor [Ti(L1)2(HOiPr)2] whereas the helical dinuclear architectures are synthesized following a multicomponent self-assembly approach starting from L2H4, Ti(OiPr)4 and two equivalents of the nitrogen ligand. It is proposed that the trans isomerism in TiO4N2 observed in these structures results from the destabilisation of the cis isomer by the trans influence of the Ti-N bonds. The crystal structures and infra-red analysis demonstrate hydrogen bonding interactions occurring between the NH group of DHA or MePyr and the oxygens belonging to the titanium coordination sphere. The strength of these interactions is estimated using the PACHA (Partial Atomic Charges Analysis) software.

Titanium(iv)-based helicates incorporating the ortho-phenylenediamine ligand: a structural and a computational investigation.

The multicomponent coordination chemistry involving Ti(OPri)4, the ortho-phenylenediamine ligand (opda) and 2,2'-biphenol-based proligands (L2H4 and L3H6) is described. The proligands L2H4 and L3H6 incorporate two and three 2,2'-biphenol units linked with p-phenylene bridges (p-PLB) respectively. We demonstrate that this selected set of components allows the spontaneous formation of neutral double-stranded helicates. In particular, we report the X-ray crystal structure of a multicomponent helicate formed with L2, named Ti2(L2)2(opda)2. The molecular structure of the helicate shows two inequivalent L2 ligands. 1H NMR analysis at variable temperature highlights an intramolecular fluxional phenomenon for this species. An insight into this dynamic behaviour is obtained via the energy profiles of Ti2(L2)2(opda)2 resulting from the full rotation of the p-PLB rings. Additionally, the thermodynamic parameters associated with the formation of the Ti2(L2)2(opda)2 complex are modelled and discussed related to the ones linked to the formation of a related monomeric complex.

Monomeric Ti(iv)-based complexes incorporating luminescent nitrogen ligands: synthesis, structural characterization, emission spectroscopy and cytotoxic activities.

This manuscript describes the synthesis of a series of neutral titanium(iv) monomeric complexes constructed around a TiO4N2 core. The two nitrogen atoms that compose the coordination sphere of the metallic center belong to 2,2'-bipyrimidine ligands homo-disubstituted in the 4 and 4' positions by methyl (2a), phenylvinyl (2b), naphthylvinyl (2c) or anthrylvinyl (2d) groups. The crystal structures of these complexes named [Ti(1)2(2a)], [Ti(1)2(2b)], [Ti(1)2(2c)] and [Ti(1)2(2d)] (where 1 is a 2,2'-biphenolato ligand substituted in the 6 and 6' positions by phenyl groups) are reported. The hydrolytic stability of the four complexes is evaluated by monitoring the evolution of the free 2a-d signals by 1H NMR spectroscopy. For the conditions tested (6 mM, DMSO-d6/D2O: 8/1), a rather good stability with t1/2 ranging from 180 to 300 min is determined for the complexes. In the presence of an acid (DCl), the hydrolysis of [Ti(1)2(2a)] is faster than without an acid. The cytotoxic activity against gastric cancer cells of the titanium-based compounds and the free disubstituted 2,2'-bipyrimidine ligands is tested, showing IC50 ranging from 6.2 ± 1.2 µM to 274 ± 56 µM. The fluorescence studies of the ligands 2a-d, and the complexes [Ti(1)2(2a-d)] reveal an important fluorescence loss of the ligands 2c and 2d upon coordination with the Ti(1)2 fragment. Frontier orbitals obtained by DFT calculations permit us to explain this fluorescence quenching.

Titanium oxo-clusters derivatized from the Ti10O12(cat)8(py)8 complex: structural investigation and spectroscopic studies of light absorption.

A series of deep-red colored nano-sized titanium oxo-clusters bearing catecholato ligands is reported. These architectures are produced via post-synthetic modification of the Ti10O12(cat)8(py)8 (cat = catecholato, py = pyridine) complex through quantitative substitution of labile pyridine ligands by three substituted pyridines (pico, 4-Phpy and pyrald). The crystal structure analysis reveals a common Ti10O12(cat)8 backbone for the three isolated molecular architectures. Partial charge analysis indicates two types of titanium atoms within these complexes with one resembling titanium(iv) found in TiO2. These complexes strongly absorb visible light in solution (λmax = 411 nm, ε = 10 800 for Ti10O12(cat)8(py)8 in CHCl3) and in the solid-state. The band gaps estimated from the reflectance spectra are between 1.85 eV and 1.97 eV. The present work also details the HOMO and LUMO representations obtained via DFT calculation for Ti10O12(cat)8(py)8 and a virtual Ti10O12(cat)8 complex as well as the DOS (density of states) plots calculated for those structures. This computational study highlights an impact of the pyridine ligand on the DOS plots.

Identification of Zr(iv)-based architectures generated from ligands incorporating the 2,2'-biphenolato unit.

The structural identification in solution of the Zr(iv) complexes involving two 2,2-biphenol-based proligands is reported. The proligand L(1)H2 contains one 2,2-biphenol unit whereas L(2)H4 incorporates two 2,2-biphenol units linked by a para-phenylene bridge. Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY) combined with electrospray mass spectrometry analysis and density functional theory (DFT) allowed for determining the molecular structures of such Zr(iv)-based architectures. It is proposed that [Zr(OPr(i))4(HOPr(i))] in the presence of L(1)H2 generates an octahedral complex formulated as [ZrL(1)3H2]. Concerning the self-assembled architecture incorporating the L(2) ligand, the analytical data highlight the formation of an unprecedented neutral Zr(iv) triple-stranded helicate ([Zr2L(2)3H4]). Insight into the geometry of these complexes is obtained via DFT calculations. Remarkably, the helicate structure characterized in solution strongly contrasts with the triple-stranded structure of the complex that crystallizes.

A bowl-shaped circular trinuclear helicate generated from a TiO4 N2 motif by a multicomponent self-assembly approach.

The synthesis of a bowl-shaped trinuclear circular titanium-based helicate is reported. The strategy allowing access to this neutral architecture is based on a multicomponent self-assembly approach in which the ligands involved in the process are a bis-biphenol strand and 2,2'- bipyrimidine. By reacting the bis-biphenol ligand and 2,2'-bipyrimidine with an equimolar amount [Ti(OiPr)4 ], a bowl-shaped architecture is obtained through the formation of 18 new coordination bonds. This aggregate built from three octahedral TiO4 N2 nodes displays an unusually high stability in solution compared to related species. In addition, by modifying the stoichiometry of the initial components, two assemblies incorporating two titanium centers bridged by a 2,2'-bipyrimidine ligand are obtained. The crystal structures of these species are reported.

A remarkable solvent effect on the nuclearity of neutral titanium(IV)-based helicate assemblies.

The spontaneous self-assembly of a neutral circular trinuclear Ti(IV) -based helicate is described through the reaction of titanium(IV) isopropoxide with a rationally designed tetraphenolic ligand. The trimeric ring helicate was obtained after diffusion of n-pentane into a solution with dichloromethane. The circular helicate has been characterized by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction study, (13) C CP-MAS NMR and (1) H NMR DOSY solution spectroscopic, and positive electrospray ionization mass-spectrometric analysis. These analytical data were compared with those obtained from a previously reported double-stranded helicate that crystallizes in toluene. The trimeric ring was unstable in a pure solution with dichloromethane and transformed into the double-stranded helicate. Thermodynamic analysis by means of the PACHA software revealed that formation of the double-stranded helicates was characterized by ΔH(toluene)=-30 kJ mol(-1) and ΔS(toluene)=+357 J K(-1) mol(-1) , whereas these values were ΔH(CH2 Cl2 )=-75 kJ mol(-1) and ΔS(CH2 Cl2 )=-37 J K(-1) mol(-1) for the ring helicate. The transformation of the ring helicate into the double-stranded helicate was a strongly endothermic process characterized by ΔH(CH2 Cl2 )=+127 kJ mol(-1) and ΔH(n-pentane)=+644 kJ mol(-1) associated with a large positive entropy change ΔS=+1115 J K(-1) ⋅mol(-1) . Consequently, the instability of the ring helicate in pure dichloromethane was attributed to the rather high dielectric constant and dipole moment of dichloromethane relative to n-pentane. Suggestions for increasing the stability of the ring helicate are given.

An unprecedented high nuclearity catecholato-based Ti(IV)-architecture bearing labile pyridine ligands.

We describe the synthesis and characterisation of a robust S4-symmetry titanium-based architecture bearing catecholato and pyridine ligands. This neutral complex formulated as [Ti10O12(cat)8(py)8] displays a tetrahedral inorganic core decorated by catecholato ligands with unusual coordination modes. In solution, the pyridine ligands are labile as shown in DOSY studies at variable temperature. The light absorption property in the visible domain (λmax = 411 nm, ε = 10 800) was also characterised for the complex.

Stereoselective synthesis of biphenolate/binaphtolate titanate and zirconate alkoxide species: structural characterization and use in the controlled ROP of lactide.

Well-defined biphenol/binaphtolate group 4 alkoxide salt species [(Ph-Biphen-O)(2)M(O(i)Pr)]Li(THF) (2a, M = Ti; 4a, M = Zr) and [(Ph-binapht-O)(2)M(O(i)Pr)]Li(THF) (2b, M = Ti; 4b, M = Zr) were found to be readily accessible in good yields via alcohol elimination routes and/or substitution reactions from the corresponding pro-ligands Ph-Biphen-OH (1a) and rac-Ph-Binapht-OH (1b). As established via X-ray crystallographic analysis, the molecular structures of the Ti derivatives 2a and 2b consist of Li(+) salts of anionic Ti-O(i)Pr moieties in which the Ti center adopts a distorted tbp geometry and is effectively chelated by two biphenolate/binaphtolate units. Remarkably, the solution and solid state data for salt species 2a,b agree with the sole presence of one diastereomer (with a (Δ, aS, aS)/(Λ, aR, aR) configuration), thus indicating that formation of the Ti and Zr alkoxide complexes 2a,b/4a,b proceeds stereoselectively. In contrast, the neutral biphenolate/binaphtolate Zr complexes (Ph-biphen-O)(2)Zr(THF)(2) (3a) and (Ph-binapht-O)(2)Zr(THF)(2) (3b) were both isolated and X-ray characterized as stereomers in a heterochiral configuration (Δ, aR, aS)/(Λ, aS, aR). The Ti and Zr alkoxide anionic chelates were found to initiate the ROP of rac-lactide in a controlled manner for production of narrowly disperse and ester-end group PLA, as deduced from SEC, kinetic, and MALDI-TOF data. The Zr-O(i)Pr derivatives 4a,b exhibit superior performance to their Ti counterparts (whether regarding activity, polymerization control, or stereoselectivity) to produce narrowly disperse and heterotactically enriched PLA (P(r) = 0.67, PDI < 1.15). The significantly decreased Lewis acidity of the Zr metal center in anions 4a,b (versus neutral analogues) due to the anionic charge and a likely substantial electronic π donation of the four Zr-O(ArO) oxygens to the Zr metal center may rationalize the moderate polymerization activity. Control experiments suggest that the nature of the countercation has little influence on lactide ROP activity and stereocontrol.

A guest-induced reversible switching of a self-assembled H-bonded supramolecular framework.

A new class of organic crystalline 2,2'-biphenol-based H-bonded material displaying 1D-channels encapsulating solvent molecules is described. A reversible guest-induced crystal-to-crystal conversion between the solvated H-bonded phase and a compact H-bonded non-solvated phase was observed. The energy competition between intramolecular H-bonds formation and solvation of organic pores has been characterized using PACHA calculations.

Spontaneous symmetry breaking during self-assembly of a double stranded biphenolate-based Ti(IV)-helicate.

A binuclear Ti(IV)-based helicate synthesized from a symmetric tetrahydroxyheptaphenylene strand was self-assembled in solution and shown to undergo a spontaneous head-to-tail differentiation according to single-crystal X-ray diffraction.