Coordination Modes, Oxidation, and Protonation Levels of 2,6-Pyridinediimine and 2,2':6',2'́-Terpyridine Ligands in New Complexes of Cobalt, Zirconium, and Ruthenium. An Experimental and Density Functional Theory Computational Study.

The syntheses and molecular and electronic structures of the following complexes have been established by single crystal X-ray crystallography and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, and verified by density functional theory calculations (DFT B3LYP): [(η5-Cp)2ZrIV(tpy2-)]0 ( S = 0) 1, [(η5-Cp)2ZrIV(OMepdi2-)]0 ( S = 0) 2, [CoII(OMepdi•)(η2-BH4)]0 ( S = 0) 4, [RuII(OMepdi-H)Cl(PPh3)2]0 ( S = 0) 5, cis-[RuII(OMepdi0)Cl2(PPh3)]0 ( S = 0) 6, and [RuII(η2-OMepdi0)(η2-OMepdi-H)2]0 ( S = 0) 7, with (tpy0) being neutral 2,2':6',2'́-terpyridine, (tpy•)1- its π radical anion, (tpy2-)2- its dianion; (OMepdi0) neutral 2,6-bis(4-methoxyphenylmethylimine)pyridine, (OMepdi•)1- its radical anion and (OMepdi2-)2- its dianion; (OMepdi-H)1- represents the deprotonated form of the (OMepdi0) ligand where deprotonation takes place at the meta-position of the pyridine ring. Density functional theory calculations using the B3LYP functional were performed, establishing geometry optimized molecular and electronic structures. The structural parameter Δ = [(average distance Cpy-Cimine) - (av. distance Cpy-Npy + av. distance Cimine-Nimime)] is introduced for the characterization of the oxidation level of pdi (and analogously of tpy) ligands of M(pdi) (or M(tpy)) motifs for first row transition metals. The M(L0) unit in second and third row low-valent transition metal ion complexes may exhibit significant π-backdonation M → L0 structural effects.

Ligand-Directed Reactivity in Dioxygen and Water Binding to cis-[Pd(NHC)2(η2-O2)].

Reaction of [Pd(IPr)2] (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) and O2 leads to the surprising discovery that at low temperature the initial reaction product is a highly labile peroxide complex cis-[Pd(IPr)2(η2-O2)]. At temperatures ≳ -40 °C, cis-[Pd(IPr)2(η2-O2)] adds a second O2 to form trans-[Pd(IPr)2(η1-O2)2]. Squid magnetometry and EPR studies yield data that are consistent with a singlet diradical ground state with a thermally accessible triplet state for this unique bis-superoxide complex. In addition to reaction with O2, cis-[Pd(IPr)2(η2-O2)] reacts at low temperature with H2O in methanol/ether solution to form trans-[Pd(IPr)2(OH)(OOH)]. The crystal structure of trans-[Pd(IPr)2(OOH)(OH)] is reported. Neither reaction with O2 nor reaction with H2O occurs under comparable conditions for cis-[Pd(IMes)2(η2-O2)] (IMes = 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene). The increased reactivity of cis-[Pd(IPr)2(η2-O2)] is attributed to the enthalpy of binding of O2 to [Pd(IPr)2] (-14.5 ± 1.0 kcal/mol) that is approximately one-half that of [Pd(IMes)2] (-27.9 ± 1.5 kcal/mol). Computational studies identify the cause as interligand repulsion forcing a wider C-Pd-C angle and tilting of the NHC plane in cis-[Pd(IPr)2(η2-O2)]. Arene-arene interactions are more favorable and serve to further stabilize cis-[Pd(IMes)2(η2-O2)]. Inclusion of dispersion effects in DFT calculations leads to improved agreement between experimental and computational enthalpies of O2 binding. A complete reaction diagram is constructed for formation of trans-[Pd(IPr)2(η1-O2)2] and leads to the conclusion that kinetic factors inhibit formation of trans-[Pd(IMes)2(η1-O2)2] at the low temperatures at which it is thermodynamically favored. Failure to detect the predicted T-shaped intermediate trans-[Pd(NHC)2(η1-O2)] for either NHC = IMes or IPr is attributed to dynamic effects. A partial potential energy diagram for initial binding of O2 is constructed. A range of low-energy pathways at different angles of approach are present and blur the distinction between pure "side-on" or "end-on" trajectories for oxygen binding.

Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization of Rhenium Complexes Containing Neutral, Monoanionic, and Dianionic Ligands of 2,2'-Bipyridines and 2,2':6,2″-Terpyridines: An Experimental and Density Functional Theory (DFT)-Computational Study.

The molecular and electronic structures of the members of the following electron transfer series have been determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography, temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements, and UV-vis-NIR and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and verified by density functional theory calculations (DFT B3LYP): [Re((Me)bpy)3](n), [Re(tpy)2](n), [Re(Tp)(bpy)Cl](n) (n = 2+, 1+, 0, 1-), and [Re(bpy)(CO)3](1+,0,1-) ((Me)bpy = 4, 4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine; Tp(-) = tris-pyrazolylborate, tpy = 2, 2':6, 2″-terpyridine). For each series we show that the average Cpy-Cpy bond length and the average C-Nchel bond distance vary in a linear fashion with the charge n of the N,N'-coordinated (bpy)(n) and N,N',N″-coordinated (tpy)(n) ligand. Consequently, the difference Δ between these two bond lengths varies also linearly with n. Δ is shown to be a useful single marker for the oxidation level of these two heterocyclic ligands (neutral, π-radical anion, and dianion). In addition, we have synthesized and structurally as well as spectroscopically characterized the following complexes: [((cy)DAB(•))Re(IV)Cl3(PPh3)](0) 1, [Re(III)(tpy(•))Cl(PPh3)2]Cl 2, [Re(III)(tpy(0))2Cl](OTf)2·2Et2O 8. There are no structurally significant (experimentally detectable) π-back-bond effects of the neutral bpy(0) or tpy(0) ligands irrespective of the d(N) configuration (N = 0-7) of the central Re atom.

Molecular and Electronic Structures of Homoleptic Six-Coordinate Cobalt(I) Complexes of 2,2':6',2″-Terpyridine, 2,2'-Bipyridine, and 1,10-Phenanthroline. An Experimental and Computational Study.

The crystal structures of nine homoleptic, pseudooctahedral cobalt complexes, 1-9, containing either 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (tpy), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine ((t)bpy), or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligands have been determined in three oxidation levels, namely, cobalt(III), cobalt(II), and, for the first time, the corresponding presumed cobalt(I) species. The intraligand bond distances in the complexes [Co(I)(tpy(0))2](+), [Co(I)((t)bpy(0))3](+), and [Co(I)(phen(0))3](+) are identical, within experimental error, not only with those in the corresponding trications and dications but also with the uncoordinated neutral ligands tpy(0), bpy(0), and phen(0). On this basis, a cobalt(I) oxidation state assignment can be inferred for the monocationic complexes. The trications are clearly low-spin Co(III) (S = 0) species, and the dicationic species [Co(II)(tpy(0))2](2+), [Co(II)((t)bpy(0))3](2+), and [Co(II)(phen(0))3](2+) contain high-spin (S = (3)/2) Co(II). Notably, the cobalt(I) complexes do not display any structural indication of significant metal-to-ligand (t2g → π*) π-back-donation effects. Consistent with this proposal, the temperature-dependent molar magnetic susceptibilities of the three cobalt(I) species have been recorded (3-300 K) and a common S = 1 ground state confirmed. In contrast to the corresponding electronic spectra of isoelectronic (and isostructural) [Ni(II)(tpy(0))2](2+), [Ni(II)(bpy(0))3](2+), and [Ni(II)(phen(0))3](2+), which display d → d bands with very small molar extinction coefficients (ε < 60 M(-1) cm(-1)), the spectra of the cobalt(I) species exhibit intense bands (ε > 10(3) M(-1) cm(-1)) in the visible and near-IR regions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP functional have validated the experimentally derived electronic structure assignments of the monocations as cobalt(I) complexes with minimal cobalt-to-ligand π-back-bonding. Similar calculations for the six-coordinate neutral complexes [Co(II)(tpy(•))2](0) and [Co(II)(bpy(•))2(bpy(0))](0) point to a common S = (3)/2 ground state, each possessing a central high-spin Co(II) ion and two π-radical anion ligands. In addition, the excited-states and ground state magnetic properties of [Co(I)(tpy(0))2][Co(I-)(CO)4] have been explored by variable-temperature variable-magnetic-field magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy. A series of strong signals associated with the paramagnetic monocation exhibit pronounced C-term behavior indicative of the presence of metal-to-ligand charge-transfer bands [in contrast to d-d transitions of the nickel(II) analogue]. Time-dependent DFT calculations have allowed assignment of these transitions as Co(3d) → π*(tpy) excitations. Metal-to-ligand charge-transfer states intermixing with the Co(d(8)) multiplets explain the remarkably large (and negative) zero-field-splitting parameter D obtained from SQUID and MCD measurements. Ground-state electron- and spin-density distributions of [Co(I)(tpy(0))2](+) have been investigated by multireference electronic structure methods: complete active-space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and N-electron perturbation theory to second order (NEVPT2). Both correlated CASSCF/NEVPT2 and spin-unrestricted B3LYP-based DFT calculations show a significant delocalization of the spin density from the Co(I) dxz,yz orbitals toward the empty π* orbitals located on the two central pyridine fragments in the trans position. This spin density is of an alternating α,ß-spin polarization type (McConnel mechanism I) and is definitely not due to magnetic metal-to-radical coupling. A comparison of these results with those for [Ni(II)(tpy(0))2](2+) (S = 1) is presented.

Solution Dynamics of Redox Noninnocent Nitrosoarene Ligands: Mapping the Electronic Criteria for the Formation of Persistent Metal-Coordinated Nitroxide Radicals.

The redox-noninnocence of metal-coordinated C-organo nitrosoarenes has been established on the basis of solid-state characterization techniques, but the solution-phase properties of this class of metal-coordinated radicals have been relatively underexplored. In this report, the solution-phase properties and dynamics of the bis-nitrosobenzene diradical complex trans-Pd(κ(1)-N-PhNO)2(CNAr(Dipp2))2 are presented. This complex, which is best described as containing singly reduced phenylnitroxide radical ligands, is shown to undergo facile nitrosobenzene dissociation in solution to form the metalloxaziridine Pd(η(2)-N,O-PhNO)(CNAr(Dipp2))2 and thus is not a persistent species in solution. An equilibrium between trans-Pd(κ(1)-N-PhNO)2(CNAr(Dipp2))2, Pd(η(2)-N,O-PhNO)(CNAr(Dipp2))2, and free nitrosobenzene is established in solution, with the metalloxaziridine being predominantly favored. Efforts to perturb this equilibrium by the addition of excess nitrosobenzene reveal that the formation of trans-Pd(κ(1)-N-PhNO)2(CNAr(Dipp2))2 is in competition with insertion-type chemistry of Pd(η(2)-N,O-PhNO)(CNAr(Dipp2))2 and is therefore not a viable strategy for the production of a kinetically persistent bis-nitroxide radical complex. Electronic modification of the nitrosoarene framework was explored as a means to generate a persistent trans-Pd(κ(1)-N-ArNO)2(CNAr(Dipp2))2 complex. While most substitution schemes failed to significantly perturb the kinetic lability of the nitrosoarene ligands in the corresponding trans-Pd(κ(1)-N-ArNO)2(CNAr(Dipp2))2 complexes, utilization of para-formyl or para-cyano nitrosobenzene produced bis-nitroxide diradical complexes that display kinetic persistence in solution. The origin of this persistence is rationalized by the ability of para-formyl- and para-cyano-aryl groups to both attenuate the trans effect of the corresponding nitrosoarene and, more importantly, delocalize spin density away from the aryl-nitroxide NO unit. The results presented here highlight the inherent instability of metal-coordinated nitroxide radicals and suggest a general synthetic strategy for kinetically stabilizing these species in solution.

Molecular and Electronic Structures of Mononuclear and Dinuclear Titanium Complexes Containing π-Radical Anions of 2,2'-Bipyridine and 1,10-Phenanthroline: An Experimental and DFT Computational Study.

Whereas reaction of [(η(5)-Cp*)Ti(IV)Cl3](0) (1) with 2 equiv of neutral 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and 1.5 equiv of magnesium in tetrahydrofuran affords the mononuclear complex [(η(5)-Cp*)Ti(III)(bpy(•))2](0) (2), performing the same reaction with only 1 equiv each of magnesium and bpy provides the dinuclear complex [{(η(5)-Cp*)Ti(µ-Cl)(bpy(•))}2](0) (3). Conducting the latter reaction using 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) in place of bpy resulted in formation of dinuclear [{(η(5)-Cp*)Ti(µ-Cl)(phen(•))}2](0) (4). The structures of 2, 3, and 4 have all been determined by high-resolution X-ray crystallography at 153 K; the Cpy-Cpy distances of 1.420(3) and 1.431(4) Å in the N,N'-coordinated bpy ligands of 2 and 3, respectively, are indicative of the presence of (bpy(•))(1-) ligands, rather than neutral (bpy(0)). The electronic spectra (300-1600 nm) of these two complexes are similar in form, and contain intense π → π* transitions associated with the (bpy(•))(1-) radical anion. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements (4-300 K) show that mononuclear 2 possesses a temperature independent magnetic moment of 1.73 µB, which is indicative of an S = (1)/2 ground state. Broken symmetry density functional theory (BS-DFT) calculations yield a picture consistent with the experimental findings, in which the central Ti atom possesses a +3 oxidation state and is coordinated by a η(5)-Cp* ligand and two (bpy(•))(1-). Strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling of these three unpaired spins, one each on the Ti(III) center and on the two (bpy(•))(1-) ligands, affords the experimentally observed doublet ground state. The magnetic susceptibility measurements for dinuclear 3 and 4 display weak but significant ferromagnetic coupling, and indicate that these complexes possess S = 1 ground states. The mechanism of the spin coupling phenomenon that yields the observed behavior was analyzed using BS-DFT calculations, and it was discovered that the tight π-stacking of the N,N'-coordinated (bpy(•))(1-)/(phen(•))(1-) ligands in these two complexes results from direct overlap of their SOMOs and formation of a two-electron multicentered bond. This yields a diamagnetic {(bpy)2}(2-)/{(phen)2}(2-) bridging unit whose doubly occupied HOMO is spread equally over both ligands. The two remaining unpaired electrons, one at each Ti(III) center, couple weakly in a ferromagnetic fashion to yield the experimentally observed S = 1 ground states.

Re-evaluating the Cu K pre-edge XAS transition in complexes with covalent metal-ligand interactions.

Three [Me2NN]Cu(η2-L2) complexes (Me2NN = HC[C(Me)NAr]2; L2 = PhNO (2), (3), PhCH[double bond, length as m-dash]CH2 (4); Ar = 2,6-Me2-C6H3; ArF = 3,5-(CF3)2-C6H3) have been studied by Cu K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, as well as single- and multi-reference computational methods (DFT, TD-DFT, CASSCF, MRCI, and OVB). The study was extended to a range of both known and theoretical compounds bearing 2p-element donors as a means of deriving a consistent view of how the pre-edge transition energy responds in systems with significant ground state covalency. The ground state electronic structures of many of the compounds under investigation were found to be strongly influenced by correlation effects, resulting in ground state descriptions with majority contributions from a configuration comprised of a Cu(ii) metal center anti-ferromagentically coupled to radical anion O2, PhNO, and ligands. In contrast, the styrene complex 4, which displays a Cu K pre-edge transition despite its formal d10 electron configuration, exhibits what can best be described as a Cu(i):(styrene)0 ground state with strong π-backbonding. The Cu K pre-edge features for these complexes increase in energy from 1 to 4, a trend that was tracked to the percent Cu(ii)-character in the ground state. The unexpected shift to higher pre-edge transition energies with decreasing charge on copper (Q Cu) contributed to an assignment of the pre-edge features for these species as arising from metal-to-ligand charge transfer instead of the traditional Cu1s → Cu3d designation.

The electron transfer series [Mo(III)(bpy)3](n) (n = 3+, 2+, 1+, 0, 1-), and the dinuclear species [{Mo(III)Cl((Me)bpy)2}2(µ2-O)]Cl2 and [{Mo(IV)(tpy·)2}2(µ2-MoO4)](PF6)2⋠4 MeCN.

The electronic structures of the five members of the electron transfer series [Mo(bpy)3](n) (n = 3+, 2+, 1+, 0, 1-) are determined through a combination of techniques: electro- and magnetochemistry, UV/Vis and EPR spectroscopies, and X-ray crystallography. The mono- and dication are prepared and isolated as PF6 salts for the first time. It is shown that all species contain a central Mo(III) ion (4d(3)). The successive one-electron reductions/oxidations within the series are all ligand-based, involving neutral (bpy(0)), the π-radical anion (bpy·)(1-), and the diamagnetic dianion (bpy(2-))(2-): [Mo(III)(bpy(0))3](3+) (S = 3/2), [Mo(III)(bpy·)(bpy(0))2](2+) (S = 1), [Mo(III)(bpy·)2(bpy(0))](1+) (S = 1/2), [Mo(III)(bpy·)3] (S = 0), and [Mo(III)(bpy·)2(bpy(2-))](1-) (S = 1/2). The previously described diamagnetic dication "[Mo(II)(bpy(0))3](BF4)2" is proposed to be a diamagnetic dinuclear species [{Mo(bpy)3}2(µ2-O)](BF4)4. Two new polynuclear complexes are prepared and structurally characterized: [{Mo(III)Cl((Me)bpy(0))2}2(µ2-O)]Cl2 and [{Mo(IV)(tpy·)2}2(µ2-Mo(VI)O4)](PF6)2⋅4 MeCN.

Molecular and electronic structures of the members of the electron transfer series [Mn(bpy)3]n (n = 2+, 1+, 0, 1-) and [Mn(tpy)2]m (m = 4+, 3+, 2+, 1+, 0). An experimental and density functional theory study.

The members of the electron transfer series [Mn(bpy)3](n) (n = 2+, 1+, 0, 1-) and [Mn(tpy)2](m) (m = 2+, 1+, 0) have been investigated using a combination of magnetochemistry, electrochemistry, and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy; and X-ray crystal structures of [Mn(II)((Me)bpy(•))2((Me)bpy(0))](0), [Li(THF)4][Mn(II)(bpy(•))3], and [Mn(II)(tpy(•))2](0) have been obtained (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; (Me)bpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine; tpy = 2,2':6,2″-terpyridine; THF = tetrahydrofuran). It is the first time that the latter complex has been isolated and characterized. Through these studies, the electronic structures of each member of both series of complexes have been elucidated, and their molecular and electronic structures further corroborated by broken symmetry (BS) density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations. It is shown that all one-electron reductions that comprise the aforementioned redox series are ligand-based. Hence, all species contain a central high-spin Mn(II) ion (SMn = 5/2). In contrast, the analogous series of Tc(II) and Re(II) complexes possess low-spin electron configurations.

Molecular and electronic structures of six-coordinate "low-valent" [M((Me)bpy)3]0 (M = Ti, V, Cr, Mo) and [M(tpy)2]0 (M = Ti, V, Cr), and seven-coordinate [MoF((Me)bpy)3](PF6) and [MX(tpy)2](PF6) (M = Mo, X = Cl and M = W, X = F).

The electronic structures of a series of so-called "low-valent" transition metal complexes [M((Me)bpy)3](0) and [M(tpy)2](0) ((Me)bpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine and tpy = 2,2',6',2″-terpyridine) have been determined using a combination of X-ray crystallography, magnetochemistry, and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. More specifically, the crystal structures of the long-known complexes [Ti(IV)(tpy(2-))2](0) (S = 0, 6), [V(IV)(tpy(2-))2] (S = 1/2, 7), [Ti(III)((Me)bpy(•))3](0) (S = 0, 1), [V(II)((Me)bpy(•))2((Me)bpy(0))](0) (S = 1/2, 2), and [Mo(III)((Me)bpy(•))3](0) (S = 0, 4) have been determined for the first time. In all cases, the experimental results confirm the electronic structure assignments that we ourselves have recently proposed. Additionally, the six-coordinate complex [Mo(III)(bpy(0))2Cl2]Cl·2.5CH3OH (S = 3/2, 13), and seven-coordinate species [Mo(IV)F((Me)bpy(•))2((Me)bpy(0))](PF6) (S = 0, 5), [Mo(IV)Cl(tpy(•))2](PF6)·CH2Cl2 (S = 0, 11), and [W(V)F(tpy(•))(tpy(2-))](PF6)·CH2Cl2 (S = 0, 12) have been synthesized and, for the first time, crystallographically characterized. Using the resulting data, plus that from previously published high-resolution X-ray structures of analogous compounds, it is shown that there is a linear correlation between the average C(py)-C'(py) bond distances in these complexes and the total charge (n) of the ligands, {(bpy)3}(n) and {(tpy)2}(n). Hence, an assignment of the total charge of coordinated bpy or tpy ligands and, by extension, the oxidation state of the central metal ion can reliably be made on the basis of X-ray crystallography alone. In this study, the oxidation states of the metal ions range from +II to +V and in no case has an oxidation state of zero been validated. It is, therefore, highly misleading to use the term "low-valent" to describe any of the aforementioned neutral complexes.

2,2'-Bipyridine compounds of group 14 elements: a density functional theory study.

The molecular and electronic structures of the 2,2'-bipyridine containing series of group 14 compounds (a) [MF4(bpy)](0); (b) [MCl2(bpy)2](2+/0) (c) [MCl2(bpy)](0); (d) [M(bpy)2](2+/0); (e) [Si(bpy)3](1+,0,1-,2-); and (f) [M(bpy)3](0) (M = C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) have been calculated using density functional theory (DFT). Where possible, geometry optimized structures are compared with their experimentally determined structures. In general, good to excellent agreement is observed. It is shown that the three successive one-electron reductions within the experimentally known series [Si(bpy)3](1+,0,1-,2-) are ligand-based and the Si center has a +IV oxidation state throughout. Hence, these species have the electronic structures [Si(IV)(bpy(•))3](+) (S = 1/2), [Si(IV)(bpy(•))2(bpy(2-))](0) (S = 0), [Si(IV)(bpy(•))(bpy(2-))2](-) (S = 1/2), and [Si(IV)(bpy(2-))3](2-) (S = 0). Similarly, it is shown that the crystallographically characterized compound [Si(bpy)2](0) (S = 0) possesses the electronic structure [Si(IV)(bpy(2-))2](0), which contains a tetravalent Si ion and two (bpy(2-))(2-) dianions. It should not be described as [Si(0)(bpy(0))2](0). For the heavier Ge, Sn, and Pb congeners the divalent state, characterized by a stereochemically active electron pair, becomes increasingly significant and dominates in 4-coordinate Sn and Pb species.

Ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes bearing bipyridine and the N-heterocyclic carbene-based C

Ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes [M(C^N^C)(N^N)L](n+) (L = Cl(-), n = 1; L = CH3CN, t-BuNC, n = 2) containing a neutral tridentate N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-based pincer ligand, either 2,6-bis(1-butylimidazol-2-ylidene)pyridine (C(1)^N^C(1)) or 2,6-bis(3-butylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene)pyridine (C(2)^N^C(2)), and a neutral 2,2'-bipyridine-type aromatic diimine have been prepared. Investigations into the effects of varying M (Ru and Os), C^N^C, N^N, and L on the structural, electrochemical, absorption, and emission characteristics associated with [M(C^N^C)(N^N)L](n+) are presented. Interestingly, spectroscopic findings and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations in this work support a dπ(Ru(II)/Os(II)) → π*(N^N) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) assignment for the lowest-energy transition in [M(C^N^C)(N^N)L](n+) and not a dπ(Ru(II)/Os(II)) → π*(C^N^C) MLCT assignment. This is in stark contrast to [Ru(tpy)(bpy)Cl](+) and [Os(tpy)(bpy)Cl](+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) for which the lowest-energy transitions are assigned as dπ(Ru/Os) → π*(tpy) MLCT transitions. [Ru(II)(C^N^C)(N^N)L](n+) is emissive with emission maxima of around 600-700 nm observed upon photoexcitation of their dπ(Ru(II)) → π*(N^N) MLCT bands. The electronic structures for [Ru(C^N^C)(N^N)Cl](0) have also been probed by spectroelectrochemistry, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and DFT calculations, which reveal that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) for [Ru(C^N^C)(N^N)Cl](+) are N^N-based.

New complexes of chromium(III) containing organic π-radical ligands: an experimental and density functional theory study.

The electronic structures of a series of chromium complexes 1-7 have been experimentally investigated using a combination of X-ray crystallography, magneto- and electrochemistry, and Cr K-edge X-ray absorption and UV-vis spectroscopies. Reaction of the dimer [Cr(II)2(µ-CH3CO2)4](0) with 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy(0)) produced the complex [Cr(III)(bpy(0))(bpy(•))(CH3CO2)2](0) (S = 1) (1), but in the presence of isopropylamine ((i)PrNH2) [Cr(III)(bpy(•))((i)PrNH2)2(CH3CO2)2](0) (S = 1) (2) was obtained. Both 1 and 2 contain a Cr(III) ion and a single (bpy(•))(1-) ligand, so are not low-spin Cr(II) species. One-electron oxidation of 1 and 2 yielded [Cr(III)(bpy(0))2(CH3CO2)2]PF6 (S = 3/2) (3) in both cases. In addition, the new neutral species [Cr(III)(DAD(•))3](0) (S = 0) (4) and [Cr(III)(CF3AP(•))3](0) (S = 0) (5) have been synthesized. Both complexes contain three π-radical anion ligands, which derive from one electron reduction of 1,4-bis(cyclohexyl)-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene and one electron oxidation of 2-(2-trifluoromethyl)-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenolate, respectively. Intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling to d(3) Cr(III) gives the observed singlet ground states. Reaction of [Cr(II)(CH3CN)6](PF6)2 with 2,6-bis[1-(4-methoxyphenylimino)ethyl]pyridine (PDI(0)) under anaerobic conditions affords dark brown microcrystals of [Cr(III)(PDI(0))(PDI(•))](PF6)2 (S = 1) (6). This complex is shown to be a member of the electron transfer series [Cr(III)(PDI)2](3+/2+/1+/0), in which all one-electron transfer processes are ligand-based. By X-ray crystallography, it was shown that 6 possesses a localized electronic structure, such that one ligand is neutral (PDI(0)) and the other is a π-radical monoanion (PDI(•))(1-). Again, it should be highlighted that 6 is not a Cr(II) species. Lastly, the structure of [Cr(III)((Me)bpy(•))3](0) (S = 0) (7, (Me)bpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) has been established by high resolution X-ray crystallography and clearly shows that three ((Me)bpy(•))(1-) radical anions are present. To further validate our electronic structure assignments, complexes 1-6 were investigated computationally using density functional theory (DFT) and found in all cases to contain a Cr(III) ion. This oxidation state assignment was experimentally confirmed for complexes 2, 4, 5, and 6 by Cr K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

Electronic structures of homoleptic [tris(2,2'-bipyridine)M]n complexes of the early transition metals (M = Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta; n = 1+, 0, 1-, 2-, 3-): an experimental and density functional theoretical study.

The electronic structures of the complexes [M((t)bpy)(3)](0,1-) (M = Nb, Ta; (t)bpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine) have been investigated using a combination of UV-vis spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, and XAS. Furthermore, the crystal structure of [Na(THF)(5)][Ta((t)bpy)(3)] has been determined. These studies were supplemented by density functional theory (DFT) and the calculations extended to include the series [Y(bpy)(3)](m) (m = 0, 1-, 2-, 3-), [Ti(bpy)(3)](n) (n = 1+, 0, 1-, 2-, 3-), [Zr(bpy)(3)](p), and [Hf(bpy)(3)](p) (p = 0, 1-, 2-). This has allowed us to define the correct electronic structures of these early transition metal tris(2,2'-bipyridine) complexes. It is shown that in the [Y(bpy)(3)](m) series the central ion possesses an invariant +III oxidation state and that the three successive one-electron redox processes that comprise the series are solely ligand-based, yielding three (bpy(•))(1-) radical anions in the neutral complex through to three diamagnetic dianions (bpy(2-))(2-) in the trianion. The same is true for the [Ti(bpy)(3)](n) series where the neutral complex contains 3(bpy(•))(1-) and the trianion 3(bpy(2-))(2-) anions. Hence, the central ion always possesses a central Ti(III) (d(1)) ion that intramolecularly antiferromagnetically couples to any (bpy(•))(1-) ligands present. In contrast, the central metal ions in the series [Zr(bpy)(3)](p) and [Hf(bpy)(3)](p) always possess a +IV oxidation state; hence, the dianions contain three (bpy(2-))(2-) ligands and yield an S = 0 ground state. The electronic structures of the neutral Nb and Ta analogues possessing S = (1)/(2) ground states are best described as [Nb(IV)(bpy(2-))(2)(bpy)(0))](0) and [Ta(V)(bpy(•))(bpy(2-))(2)](0), and their S = 0 monoanions as [Nb(IV)(bpy(•))(bpy(2-))(2)](1-) and [Ta(V)(bpy(2-))(3)](1-). The central metal ion in the Nb series maintains a +IV oxidation state, while in the Ta series the central metal ion displays a +V oxidation state throughout.

The trivalent copper complex of a conjugated bis-dithiocarbazate Schiff base: stabilization of Cu in three different oxidation states.

The new tribasic N(2)S(2) ligand H(3)ttfasbz has been synthesized by condensation of 4-thenoyl 2,2,2-trifluoroacetone and S-benzyl dithiocarbazate. On complexation with copper(II) acetate, spontaneous oxidation to the Cu(III) oxidation state is observed, and the complex [Cu(ttfasbz)] has been isolated and characterized structurally. Reduction to the EPR active Cu(II) analogue has been achieved chemically and also electrochemically, and in both cases, the process is totally reversible. The Cu(III/II) redox potential of the complex is remarkably low and similar to that of the ferrocenium/ferrocene couple. Further reduction to the formally monovalent (d(10)) dianion [Cu(I)(ttfasbz)](2-) may be achieved electrochemically. Computational chemistry demonstrates that the three redox states [Cu(ttfasbz)], [Cu(ttfasbz)](-), and [Cu(ttfasbz)](2-) are truly Cu(III), Cu(II), and Cu(I) complexes, respectively, and the potentially noninnocent ligand does not undergo any redox reactions.

Oxidative addition of carbon-carbon bonds with a redox-active bis(imino)pyridine iron complex.

Addition of biphenylene to the bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen complexes, ((iPr)PDI)Fe(N(2))(2) and [((Me)PDI)Fe(N(2))](2)(µ(2)-N(2)) ((R)PDI = 2,6-(2,6-R(2)-C(6)H(3)-N═CMe)(2)C(5)H(3)N; R = Me, (i)Pr), resulted in oxidative addition of a C-C bond at ambient temperature to yield the corresponding iron biphenyl compounds, ((R)PDI)Fe(biphenyl). The molecular structures of the resulting bis(imino)pyridine iron metallacycles were established by X-ray diffraction and revealed idealized square pyramidal geometries. The electronic structures of the compounds were studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, magnetochemistry, and X-ray absorption and X-ray emission spectroscopies. The experimental data, in combination with broken-symmetry density functional theory calculations, established spin crossover (low to intermediate spin) ferric compounds antiferromagnetically coupled to bis(imino)pyridine radical anions. Thus, the overall oxidation reaction involves cooperative electron loss from both the iron center and the redox-active bis(imino)pyridine ligand.

Bis(imino)pyridine Iron Dinitrogen Compounds Revisited: Differences in Electronic Structure Between Four- and Five-Coordinate Derivatives.

The electronic structures of the four- and five-coordinate aryl-substituted bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen complexes, ((iPr)PDI)FeN(2) and ((iPr)PDI)Fe(N(2))(2) ((iPr)PDI = 2,6-(2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3)-N=CMe)(2)C(5)H(3)N), have been investigated by a combination of spectroscopic techniques (NMR, Mössbauer, X-ray Absorption and X-ray Emission) and DFT calculations. Homologation of the imine methyl backbone to ethyl or isopropyl groups resulted in the preparation of the new bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen complexes, ((iPr)RPDI)FeN(2) ((iPr)RPDI = 2,6-(2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3)-N=CR)(2)C(5)H(3)N; R = Et, (i)Pr), that are exclusively four coordinate both in the solid state and in solution. The spectroscopic and computational data establish that the ((iPr)RPDI)FeN(2) compounds are intermediate spin ferrous derivatives (S(Fe) = 1) antiferromagnetically coupled to bis(imino)pyridine triplet diradical dianions (S(PDI) = 1). While this ground state description is identical to that previously reported for ((iPr)PDI)Fe(DMAP) (DMAP = 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine) and other four-coordinate iron compounds with principally σ-donating ligands, the d-orbital energetics determine the degree of coupling of the metal-chelate magnetic orbitals resulting in different NMR spectroscopic behavior. For ((iPr)RPDI)Fe(DMAP) and related compounds, this coupling is strong and results in temperature independent paramagnetism where a triplet excited state mixes with the singlet ground state via spin orbit coupling. In the ((iPr)RPDI)FeN(2) family, one of the iron SOMOs is essentially d(z2) in character resulting in poor overlap with the magnetic orbitals of the chelate, leading to thermal population of the triplet state and hence temperature dependent NMR behavior. The electronic structures of ((iPr)RPDI)FeN(2) and ((iPr)PDI)Fe(DMAP) differ from ((iPr)PDI)Fe(N(2))(2), a highly covalent molecule with a redox non-innocent chelate that is best described as a resonance hybrid between iron(0) and iron(II) canonical forms as originally proposed in 2004.

Scrutinizing low-spin Cr(II) complexes.

The oxidation state of the chromium center in the following compounds has been probed using a combination of chromium K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory: [Cr(phen)(3)][PF(6)](2) (1), [Cr(phen)(3)][PF(6)](3) (2), [CrCl(2)((t)bpy)(2)] (3), [CrCl(2)(bpy)(2)]Cl(0.38)[PF(6)](0.62) (4), [Cr(TPP)(py)(2)] (5), [Cr((t)BuNC)(6)][PF(6)](2) (6), [CrCl(2)(dmpe)(2)] (7), and [Cr(Cp)(2)] (8), where phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, (t)bpy is 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine, and TPP(2-) is doubly deprotonated 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin. The X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1, [Cr(phen)(3)][OTf](2) (1'), and 3 are reported. The X-ray absorption and computational data reveal that complexes 1-5 all contain a central Cr(III) ion (S(Cr) = (3)/(2)), whereas complexes 6-8 contain a central low-spin (S = 1) Cr(II) ion. Therefore, the electronic structures of 1-8 are best described as [Cr(III)(phen(•))(phen(0))(2)][PF(6)](2), [Cr(III)(phen(0))(3)][PF(6)](3), [Cr(III)Cl(2)((t)bpy(•))((t)bpy(0))], [Cr(III)Cl(2)(bpy(0))(2)]Cl(0.38)[PF(6)](0.62), [Cr(III)(TPP(3•-))(py)(2)], [Cr(II)((t)BuNC)(6)][PF(6)](2), [Cr(II)Cl(2)(dmpe)(2)], and [Cr(II)(Cp)(2)], respectively, where (L(0)) and (L(•))(-) (L = phen, (t)bpy, or bpy) are the diamagnetic neutral and one-electron-reduced radical monoanionic forms of L, and TPP(3•-) is the one-electron-reduced doublet form of diamagnetic TPP(2-). Following our previous results that have shown [Cr((t)bpy)(3)](2+) and [Cr(tpy)(2)](2+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) to contain a central Cr(III) ion, the current results further refine the scope of compounds that may be described as low-spin Cr(II) and reveal that this is a very rare oxidation state accessible only with ligands in the strong-field extreme of the spectrochemical series.

Experimental fingerprints for redox-active terpyridine in [Cr(tpy)2](PF6)n (n = 3-0), and the remarkable electronic structure of [Cr(tpy)2]1-.

The molecular and electronic structures of the four members, [Cr(tpy)(2)](PF(6))(n) (n = 3-0; complexes 1-4; tpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine), of the electron transfer series [Cr(tpy)(2)](n+) have been determined experimentally by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, by their electro- and magnetochemistry, and by the following spectroscopies: electronic absorption, X-ray absorption (XAS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The monoanion of this series, [Cr(tpy)(2)](1-), has been prepared in situ by reduction with KC(8) and its EPR spectrum recorded. The structures of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, where the latter two compounds are the Mo and W analogues of neutral 4, have been determined at 100(2) K. The optimized geometries of 1-6 have been obtained from density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP functional. The XAS and low-energy region of the electronic spectra have also been calculated using time-dependent (TD)-DFT. A consistent picture of the electronic structures of these octahedral complexes has been established. All one-electron transfer processes on going from 1 to 4 are ligand-based: 1 is [Cr(III)(tpy(0))(2)](PF(6))(3) (S = (3)/(2)), 2 is [Cr(III)(tpy(•))(tpy(0))](PF(6))(2) (S = 1), 3 is [Cr(III)(tpy(•))(2)](PF(6)) (S = (1)/(2)), and 4 is [Cr(III)(tpy(••))(tpy(•))](0) (S = 0), where (tpy(0)) is the neutral parent ligand, (tpy(•))(1-) represents its one-electron-reduced π radical monoanion, (tpy(2-))(2-) or (tpy(••))(2-) is the corresponding singlet or triplet dianion, and (tpy(3-))(3-) (S = (1)/(2)) is the trianion. The electronic structure of 2 cannot be described as [Cr(II)(tpy(0))(2)](PF(6))(2) (a low-spin Cr(II) (d(4); S = 1) complex). The geometrical features (C-C and C-N bond lengths) of these coordinated ligands have been elucidated computationally in the following hypothetical species: [Zn(II)Cl(2)(tpy(0))](0) (S = 0) (A), [Zn(II)(tpy(•))Cl(NH(3))](0) (S = (1)/(2)) (B), [Zn(II)(tpy(2-))(NH(3))(2)](0) (S = 0 or 1) (C), and [Al(III)(tpy(3-))(NH(3))(3)](0) (S = (1)/(2) and (3)/(2)) (D). The remarkable electronic structure of the monoanion has been calculated and experimentally verified by EPR spectroscopy to be [Cr(III)(tpy(2-))(tpy(••))](1-) (S = (1)/(2)), a complex in which the two dianionic tpy ligands differ only in the spin state. It has been clearly established that coordinated tpy ligands are redox-active and can exist in at least four oxidation levels.

Bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen compounds revisited: differences in electronic structure between four- and five-coordinate derivatives.

The electronic structures of the four- and five-coordinate aryl-substituted bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen complexes, ((iPr)PDI)FeN(2) and ((iPr)PDI)Fe(N(2))(2) ((iPr)PDI = 2,6-(2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3)-N=CMe)(2)C(5)H(3)N), have been investigated by a combination of spectroscopic techniques (NMR, Mössbauer, X-ray Absorption, and X-ray Emission) and DFT calculations. Homologation of the imine methyl backbone to ethyl or isopropyl groups resulted in the preparation of the new bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen complexes, ((iPr)RPDI)FeN(2) ((iPr)RPDI = 2,6-(2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3)-N=CR)(2)C(5)H(3)N; R = Et, (i)Pr), that are exclusively four coordinate both in the solid state and in solution. The spectroscopic and computational data establish that the ((iPr)RPDI)FeN(2) compounds are intermediate spin ferrous derivatives (S(Fe) = 1) antiferromagnetically coupled to bis(imino)pyridine triplet diradical dianions (S(PDI) = 1). While this ground state description is identical to that previously reported for ((iPr)PDI)Fe(DMAP) (DMAP = 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine) and other four-coordinate iron compounds with principally σ-donating ligands, the d-orbital energetics determine the degree of coupling of the metal-chelate magnetic orbitals resulting in different NMR spectroscopic behavior. For ((iPr)RPDI)Fe(DMAP) and related compounds, this coupling is strong and results in temperature independent paramagnetism where a triplet excited state mixes with the singlet ground state via spin orbit coupling. In the ((iPr)RPDI)FeN(2) family, one of the iron singly occupied molecular orbitals (SOMOs) is essentially d(z(2)) in character resulting in poor overlap with the magnetic orbitals of the chelate, leading to thermal population of the triplet state and hence temperature dependent NMR behavior. The electronic structures of ((iPr)RPDI)FeN(2) and ((iPr)PDI)Fe(DMAP) differ from ((iPr)PDI)Fe(N(2))(2), a highly covalent molecule with a redox noninnocent chelate that is best described as a resonance hybrid between iron(0) and iron(II) canonical forms as originally proposed in 2004.