Four-Step Spin Crossover in a New Cyano-Bridged Iron-Silver Coordination Polymer.

Spin-crossover complexes with multistep transitions attract much attention due to their potential applications as multi-switches and for data storage. A four-step spin crossover is observed in the new iron(II)-based cyanometallic guest-free framework compound Fe(2-ethoxypyrazine)2 {Ag(CN)2 }2 during the transition from the low-spin to the high-spin state. A reverse process occurs in three steps. Crystallographic studies reveal an associated stepwise evolution of the crystal structures. Multiple transitions in the reported complex originate from distinct FeII sites which exist due to the packing of the ligand with a bulky substituent.

Cooperative Spin Crossover above Room Temperature in the Iron(II) Cyanoborohydride-Pyrazine Complex.

Hysteretic spin crossover in coordination complexes of 3d-metal ions represents one of the most spectacular phenomena of molecular bistability. In this paper we describe a self-assembly of pyrazine (pz) and Fe(BH3CN)2 that afforded the new 2D coordination polymer [Fe(pz)2(BH3CN)2]∞. It undergoes an abrupt, hysteretic spin crossover (SCO) with a T1/2 of 338 K (heating) and 326 K (cooling) according to magnetic susceptibility measurements. Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed a complete transition between the low-spin (LS) and the high-spin (HS) states of the iron centers. This LS-to-HS transition induced an increase of the unit cell volume by 10.6%. Meanwhile, a modulation of multiple [C-Hδ+···Hδ--B] dihydrogen bonds stimulates a contraction in direction c (2.2%). The simplicity of the synthesis, mild temperatures of transition, a pronounced thermochromism, stability upon thermal cycling, a striking volume expansion upon SCO, and an easy processability to composite films make this new complex an attractive material for switchable components of diverse applications.

Two-Step Spin Crossover in Hofmann-Type Coordination Polymers [Fe(2-phenylpyrazine)2{M(CN)2}2] (M = Ag, Au).

Two 2D Hofmann-type complexes of the composition [Fe(Phpz)2{M(CN)2}2] (where Phpz = 2-phenylpyrazine; M = Ag, Au) have been synthesized, and their spin-crossover (SCO) behavior has been thoroughly characterized. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that these complexes contain a crystallographically unique Fe(II) center surrounded by two axial Phpz ligands and four equatorial cyanide [M(CN)2]- bridges. It is shown that, using of a ligand with two aromatic rings, an advanced system of weak supramolecular interactions (metal-metal, C-H···M, and π···π stacking contacts) is realized. This ensures additional stabilization of the structures and the absence of solvent-accessible voids due to dense packing. Both complexes are characterized by a highly reproducible two-step SCO behavior, as revealed by different techniques (superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, optical microscopy, etc.). Research shows the exceptional role of the presence of various supramolecular interactions in the structure and the influence of the bulky substituent in the ligand on SCO behavior. Moreover, the perspective of substituted pyrazines for the design of new switchable materials is supported by this work.

Water Oxidation by Pentapyridyl Base Metal Complexes? A Case Study.

The design of molecular water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) requires a rational approach that considers the intermediate steps of the catalytic cycle, including water binding, deprotonation, storage of oxidizing equivalents, O-O bond formation, and O2 release. We investigated several of these properties for a series of base metal complexes (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) bearing two variants of a pentapyridyl ligand framework, of which some were reported previously to be active WOCs. We found that only [Fe(Py5OMe)Cl]+ (Py5OMe = pyridine-2,6-diylbis[di-(pyridin-2-yl)methoxymethane]) showed an appreciable catalytic activity with a turnover number (TON) = 130 in light-driven experiments using the [Ru(bpy)3]2+/S2O82- system at pH 8.0, but that activity is demonstrated to arise from the rapid degradation in the buffered solution leading to the formation of catalytically active amorphous iron oxide/hydroxide (FeOOH), which subsequently lost the catalytic activity by forming more extensive and structured FeOOH species. The detailed analysis of the redox and water-binding properties employing electrochemistry, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), UV-vis spectroscopy, and density-functional theory (DFT) showed that all complexes were able to undergo the MIII/MII oxidation, but none was able to yield a detectable amount of a MIV state in our potential window (up to +2 V vs SHE). This inability was traced to (i) the preference for binding Cl- or acetonitrile instead of water-derived species in the apical position, which excludes redox leveling via proton coupled electron transfer, and (ii) the lack of sigma donor ligands that would stabilize oxidation states beyond MIII. On that basis, design features for next-generation molecular WOCs are suggested.

Hofmann-Like Frameworks Fe(2-methylpyrazine)n[M(CN)2]2 (M = Au, Ag): Spin-Crossover Defined by the Precious Metal.

Hofmann-like cyanometalates constitute a large class of spin-crossover iron(II) complexes with variable switching properties. However, it is not yet clearly understood how the temperature and cooperativity of a spin transition are influenced by their structure. In this paper, we report the synthesis and crystal structures of the metal-organic coordination polymers {FeII(Mepz)[AuI(CN)2]2} ([Au]) and {FeII(Mepz)2[AgI(CN)2]2} ([Ag]), where Mepz = 2-methylpyrazine, along with characterization of their spin-state behavior by variable-temperature SQUID magnetometry and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The compounds are built of cyanoheterometallic layers, which are pillared by the bridging Mepz ligands in [Au] but separated in [Ag]. The complex [Au] exhibits an incomplete stepped spin transition as a function of the temperature with TSCO1 = 170 K and TSCO2 = 308 K for the two subsequent steps. In contrast, the complex [Ag] attains the high-spin state over the whole temperature range. In the crystal structure of [Ag], weak interlayer contacts (Ag-π, Me-π, and Ag-N) are found that may be responsible for an unusual axial elongation of the FeN6 polyhedra. We propose that this structural distortion contributes to the trapping of iron in its high-spin state.

Photoinduced hole transfer from tris(bipyridine)ruthenium dye to a high-valent iron-based water oxidation catalyst.

An efficient water oxidation system is a prerequisite for developing solar energy conversion devices. Using advanced time-resolved spectroscopy, we study the initial catalytic relevant electron transfer events in the light-driven water oxidation system utilizing [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) as a light harvester, persulfate as a sacrificial electron acceptor, and a high-valent iron clathrochelate complex as a catalyst. Upon irradiation by visible light, the excited state of the ruthenium dye is quenched by persulfate to afford a [Ru(bpy)3]3+/SO4˙- pair, showing a cage escape yield up to 75%. This is followed by the subsequent fast hole transfer from [Ru(bpy)3]3+ to the FeIV catalyst to give the long-lived FeV intermediate in aqueous solution. In the presence of excess photosensitizer, this process exhibits pseudo-first order kinetics with respect to the catalyst with a rate constant of 3.2(1) × 1010 s-1. Consequently, efficient hole scavenging activity of the high-valent iron complex is proposed to explain its high catalytic performance for water oxidation.

Solvent-dependent SCO Behavior of Dinuclear Iron(II) Complexes with a 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Bridging Ligand.

Two dinuclear iron(II) complexes [Fe2(µ-L)2]X4*4DMF (X = BF4(-) (1·4DMF) and ClO4(-) (2·4DMF)) with a 1,3,4-thiadiazole bridging ligand have been synthesized and show a very distinct solvent-depending SCO behavior. The complexes represent new solvatomorphs of the first dinuclear iron(II) complexes with the ligand L (2,5-bis[(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole). The incorporated lattice DMF molecules directly affect the spin state of these complexes. This behavior reveals a structural insight into the role of the solvent molecules on the spin transition.

Spin Crossover in Fe(II)-M(II) Cyanoheterobimetallic Frameworks (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) with 2-Substituted Pyrazines.

Discovery of spin-crossover (SCO) behavior in the family of Fe(II)-based Hofmann clathrates has led to a "new rush" in the field of bistable molecular materials. To date this class of SCO complexes is represented by several dozens of individual compounds, and areas of their potential application steadily increase. Starting from Fe(2+), square planar tetracyanometalates M(II)(CN)4(2-) (M(II) = Ni, Pd, Pt) and 2-substituted pyrazines Xpz (X = Cl, Me, I) as coligands we obtained a series of nine new Hofmann clathrate-like coordination frameworks. X-ray diffraction reveals that in these complexes Fe(II) ion has a pseudo-octahedral coordination environment supported by four µ4-tetracyanometallates forming its equatorial coordination environment. Depending on the nature of X and M, axial positions are occupied by two 2X-pyrazines (X = Cl and M(II) = Ni (1), Pd (2), Pt (3); X = Me and M(II) = Ni (4), Pd (5)) or one 2X-pyrazine and one water molecule (X = I and M(II) = Ni (7), Pd (8), Pt (9)), or, alternatively, two distinct Fe(II) positions with either two pyrazines or two water molecules (X = Me and M(II) = Pt (6)) are observed. Temperature behavior of magnetic susceptibility indicates that all compounds bearing FeN6 units (1-6) display cooperative spin transition, while Fe(II) ions in N5O or N4O2 surrounding are high spin (HS). Structural changes in the nearest Fe(II) environment upon low-spin (LS) to HS transition, which include ca. 10% Fe-N distance increase, lead to the cell expansion. Mössbauer spectroscopy is used to characterize the spin state of all HS, LS, and intermediate phases of 1-9 (see abstract figure). Effects of a pyrazine substituent and M(II) nature on the hyperfine parameters in both spin states are established.

Enantioselective Guest Effect on the Spin State of a Chiral Coordination Framework.

The diversity of spin crossover (SCO) complexes that, on the one hand, display variable temperature, abruptness and hysteresis of the spin transition, and on the other hand, are spin-sensitive to the various guest molecules, makes these materials unique for the detection of different organic and inorganic compounds. We have developed a homochiral SCO coordination polymer with a spin transition sensitive to the inclusion of the guest 2-butanol, and these solvates with (R)- and (S)-alcohols demonstrate different SCO behaviours depending on the chirality of the organic analyte. A stereoselective response to the guest inclusion is detected as a shift in the temperature of the transition both from dia- to para- and from para- to diamagnetic states in heating and cooling modes respectively. Furthermore, the Mössbauer spectroscopy directly visualizes how the metallic centres in a chiral coordination framework differently sense the interaction with guests of different chiralities.

Synthesis of Nanocrystals and Particle Size Effects Studies on the Thermally Induced Spin Transition of the Model Spin Crossover Compound [Fe(phen)2(NCS)2].

Surfactant-free nanocrystals of the model spin-crossover compound [Fe(phen)2(NCS)2] (phen: 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized applying the reverse micelle technique. The morphology of the nanocrystals, characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, corresponds to rhombohedric platelets with dimensions ranging from 203 × 203 × 106 nm to 142 × 142 × 74 nm. Variation of the concentration of the Fe(BF4)2·6H2O salt in the synthesis has been found to have little influence on the crystallite size. In contrast, the solvent-surfactant ratio (ω) is critical for a good particle growth. The spin transition of the nanocrystals has been characterized by magnetic susceptibility measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The nanocrystals undergo an abrupt and more cooperative spin transition in comparison with the bulk compound. The spin transition is centered in the interval of temperature of 175-185 K and is accompanied by 8 K of thermal hysteresis width. The crystallite quality more than the crystallite size is responsible for the higher cooperativity. The magnetic properties of the nanocrystals embedded in organic polymers such as polyethylene glycol, nujol, glycerol, and triton have been studied as well. The spin transition in the nanocrystals is affected by the polymer coating. The abrupt and first-order spin transition transforms into a more continuous spin transition as a result of the chemical pressure asserted by the organic polymers on the Fe(II) centers.

New cyanido-bridged iron(II) spin crossover coordination polymers with an unusual ladder-like topology: an alternative to Hofmann clathrates.

Two new cyanido-bridged {FeIIMII} double chains were obtained by reacting cyanido anions [M(CN)4]2- with complex cations [FeII(tptz)]2+ (preformed in situ by mixing a hydrated tetrafluoroborate salt of iron(II) and a tptz ligand, tptz = 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine) having the general formula [FeII(tptz)MII(CN)4]·2H2O·CH3CN, where M = Pd (1) or Pt (2). Additionally, two molecular complexes formulated as [FeII(tptz)2][MII(CN)4]·4.25H2O, where M = Pd (3) or Pt (4), were subsequently obtained from the same reaction, as secondary products. Single crystal X-ray analysis revealed that 1 and 2 are isostructural and crystallize in the P-1 triclinic space group. Their structure consists of a double-chain with a ladder-like topology, in which cyanido-based [M(CN)4]2- metalloligands coordinate, through three CN- ligands and three [FeII(tptz)]2+ complex cations. Compounds 3 and 4 are also isostructural and crystallize in the P1̄ triclinic space group, and the X-ray structural data show the formation of [FeII(tptz)2]2+ and [MII(CN)4]2- ionic units interconnected through H-bonds and π⋯π stacking supramolecular interactions. The static DC magnetic measurements recorded in the temperature range of 2-300 K showed that 1 and 2 exhibit incomplete spin transition on cooling, which is also confirmed by single crystal XRD analysis and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Compounds 3 and 4 are diamagnetic, most likely due to the encapsulation of Fe(II) in a tight pocket formed by two tptz ligands that preserve the low-spin state in the temperature range of 2-400 K.

Crystal structure of a water oxidation catalyst solvate with composition (NH4)2[FeIV(L-6H)]·3CH3COOH (L = clathrochelate ligand).

The synthetic availability of mol-ecular water oxidation catalysts containing high-valent ions of 3d metals in the active site is a prerequisite to enabling photo- and electrochemical water splitting on a large scale. Herein, the synthesis and crystal structure of di-ammonium {µ-1,3,4,7,8,10,12,13,16,17,19,22-dodeca-aza-tetra-cyclo-[8.8.4.13,17.18,12]tetra-cosane-5,6,14,15,20,21-hexa-onato}ferrate(IV) acetic acid tris-olvate, (NH4)2[FeIV(C12H12N12O6)]·3CH3COOH or (NH4)2[FeIV(L-6H)]·3CH3COOH is reported. The FeIV ion is encapsulated by the macropolycyclic ligand, which can be described as a dodeca-aza-quadricyclic cage with two capping tri-aza-cyclo-hexane fragments making three five- and six six-membered alternating chelate rings with the central FeIV ion. The local coord-ination environment of FeIV is formed by six deprotonated hydrazide nitro-gen atoms, which stabilize the unusual oxidation state. The FeIV ion lies on a twofold rotation axis (multiplicity 4, Wyckoff letter e) of the space group C2/c. Its coordination geometry is inter-mediate between a trigonal prism (distortion angle φ = 0°) and an anti-prism (φ = 60°) with φ = 31.1°. The Fe-N bond lengths lie in the range 1.9376 (13)-1.9617 (13) Å, as expected for tetra-valent iron. Structure analysis revealed that three acetic acid mol-ecules additionally co-crystallize per one iron(IV) complex, and one of them is positionally disordered over four positions. In the crystal structure, the ammonium cations, complex dianions and acetic acid mol-ecules are inter-connected by an intricate system of hydrogen bonds, mainly via the oxamide oxygen atoms acting as acceptors.

Nature of cyanoargentate bridges defining spin crossover in new 2D Hofmann clathrate analogues.

Chemical composition is leading among the numerous factors that determine the spin transition properties of coordination compounds. Classic dicyanometallic bridges {M(CN)2}- are commonly used to build Hofmann-like spin-crossover frameworks, but some extended bridges are also synthetically available. In this paper, we describe a successful synthesis of two very similar spin-crossover frameworks that differ in the cyanometallic bridges involved, namely [Fe(etpz)2{Ag(CN)2}2] (1) and {Fe(etpz)2[Ag2(CN)3][Ag(CN)2]} (2) (where etpz = 2-ethylpyrazine). Magnetic and Mössbauer studies demonstrated the occurrence of abrupt one-step high-spin (HS) ↔ low-spin (LS) transitions for both complexes. The spin transition temperatures are T1/2 ↓ = 233 K and T1/2 ↑ = 243 K for 1 and T1/2 ↓ = 188 K and T1/2 ↑ = 191 K for 2 with thermal hysteresis loops of 10 K for 1 and 3 K for 2. The bridging mononuclear [Ag(CN)2]- units and FeII cations assemble to form infinite 2D layers in the structure of 1. Interestingly, compound 2 forms 2D layers of FeII cations bridged by both binuclear [Ag2(CN)3]- and mononuclear [Ag(CN)2]- units. The structures of 1 and 2 comprise different types of intermolecular interactions including Ag⋯Ag and Ag⋯Netpz, which induce the creation of supramolecular 3D frameworks. The synergy between metallophilic interactions and the spin transition is also confirmed by the variation of Ag⋯Ag distances during spin crossover. The characterization of such analogues allowed us to analyze in detail the effect of the cyanometallic bridge on the structure of new frameworks and on the bistability in Hofmann-like complexes.

Pyridinium bis-(pyridine-κN)tetra-kis-(thio-cyanato-κN)ferrate(III)-pyrazine-2-carbo-nitrile-pyridine (1/4/1).

In the title compound, (C5H6N)[Fe(NCS)4(C5H5N)2]·4C5H3N3·C5H5N, the Fe(III) ion is located on an inversion centre and is six-coordinated by four N atoms of the thio-cyanate ligands and two pyridine N atoms in a trans arrangement, forming a slightly distorted octa-hedral geometry. A half-occupied H atom attached to a pyridinium cation forms an N-H⋯N hydrogen bond with a centrosymmetrically-related pyridine unit. Four pyrazine-2-carbo-nitrile mol-ecules crystallize per complex anion. In the crystal, π-π stacking inter-actions are present [centroid-centroid distances = 3.6220 (9), 3.6930 (9), 3.5532 (9), 3.5803 (9) and 3.5458 (8) Å].