Effect of Distortions on the Geometric and Electronic Structures of One-Electron Oxidized Vanadium(IV), Copper(II), and Cobalt(II)/(III) Salen Complexes.

The ligands N,N'-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methoxysalicylidene)-1,2-ethanediamine and N,N'-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methoxysalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine were chelated to V(IV)═O (1, 2), Cu(II) (3, 4), Co(II) (5), and Co(III) (6). The X-ray crystal structures of 1-6 were solved. The vanadium center in 1-2 resides in square pyramidal geometry, with an axially bound oxo ligand, whereas the metal ion displays a tetrahedrally distorted square planar geometry in 3-5. The extent of distortion is correlated to the length of the diamine spacer: The longer the linker, the larger the tetrahedral distortions. Complex 6 is octahedral with a bidentate acetate molecule that completes the coordination sphere. All the complexes were characterized by UV-vis and EPR spectroscopies, as well as DFT calculations and electrochemistry. Complexes 1-6 exhibit a reversible one-electron oxidation wave in the range -0.11-0.26 V vs Fc+/Fc. The cations 1+ and 2+ were structurally characterized, showing an octahedral V(V) ion with one oxo and one water molecule coordinated in axial positions. Their vis-NIR spectra are dominated by a band at 727 and 815 nm, respectively, which is assigned to a phenolate-to-vanadium(V) charge transfer (CT) transition. The crystal structures of 3+ and 4+ are congruent with Cu(II)-radical species, wherein the metal center remains four-coordinated. Both feature a Class II (Robin-Day classification scale) IVCT transition at around 1200 nm (ε > 1 mM cm-1), indicative of partial localization of the radical. The structure of 5+ displays a square pyramidal cobalt ion, where the fifth (axial) coordination is occupied by a water molecule. It displays a NIR feature at 1244 nm and is described as intermediate between high spin Co(III) and Co(II) radical. In the presence of acetate the dimer [(5)2(µ-OAc)]+ forms, which was structurally characterized and shows a blue shift and lowering in intensity of the NIR absorption band in comparison to 5+. Complex 6+ is a genuine Co(III) radical complex, wherein the phenoxyl moiety is localized on one side of the molecule.

Stable M(II)-Radicals and Nickel(III) Complexes of a Bis(phenol) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Chelated to Group 10 Metal Ions.

The tetradentate ligand based on (1-imidazolium-3,5-di tert-butylphenol) units was prepared and chelated to group 10 metal ions (Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II)), affording complexes 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The X-ray crystal structures of 1-3 show a square planar metal ion coordinated to two N-heterocyclic carbenes and two phenolate moieties. The cyclic voltammetry curves of complexes 1-3 show two reversible oxidation waves in the range 0.11-0.21 V ( E1/21) and 0.55-0.65 V ( E1/22) vs Fc+/Fc, which are assigned to the successive oxidations of the phenolate moieties. One-electron oxidation affords mononuclear ( S = 1/2) systems. Complex 1+·SbF6- was remarkably stable, and its structure was characterized. The coordination sphere is slightly dissymmetric, while the typical patterns of phenoxyl radicals were observed within the ligand framework. Complex 1+ exhibits a rhombic signal at g = 2.087, 2.016, and 1.992, confirming its predominant phenoxyl radical character. The g-values are slightly smaller for 2+ (2.021, 2.008, and 1.983) and larger for 3+ (2.140, 1.999, and 1.885) yet consistent with phenoxyl radical species. The electronic spectra of 1+-3+ display an intervalence charge-transfer (IVCT) transition at 2396, 2600, and 2294 nm, respectively. Its intensity supports the description of cations 1+ and 3+ as mixed-valent (Class II/III) compounds according to the Robin Day classification. Complex 2+ behaves as a mixed-valent class II radical compound. In the presence of pyridine, radical species 1+ is successively converted into stable mono and bis(adducts), which are both Ni(III) complexes. Dications 1+2-3+2 were prepared electrochemically. They are electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-silent and do not show IVCT transition in their NIR spectra, consistent with a bis(radical) formulation. The proposed electronic structures are fully supported by density functional theory calculations.

A Structurally Characterized CuIII Complex Supported by a Bis(anilido) Ligand and Its Oxidative Catalytic Activity.

Three copper(II) complexes of the (R,R)-N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-aminobenzylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane ligand, namely [Cu(N L)], [Cu(N LH)]+ and [Cu(N LH2 )]2+ , were prepared and structurally characterized. In [Cu(N LH2 )]2+ the copper ion lies in an octahedral geometry with the aniline groups coordinated in equatorial positions. In [Cu(N L)] the anilines are deprotonated (anilido moieties) and coordinated to an almost square-planar metal ion. Complex [Cu(N L)] displays two oxidation waves at E1/2ox, 1 =-0.14 V and E1/2ox, 2 =0.36 V vs. Fc+ /Fc in CH2 Cl2 . Complex [Cu(N LH2 )]2+ displays an irreversible oxidation wave at high potential (1.21 V), but shows a readily accessible and reversible metal-centered reduction at E1/2red =-0.67 V (CuII /CuI redox couple). Oxidation of [Cu(N L)] by AgSbF6 produces [Cu(N L)](SbF6 ), which was isolated as single crystals. X-ray structure analysis discloses a contraction of the coordination sphere by 0.05 Šupon oxidation, supporting a metal-centered process. Complex [Cu(N L)](SbF6 ) displays an intense NIR band at 1260 nm corresponding to an anilido-to-copper(III) charge transfer transition. This compound slowly evolves in CH2 Cl2 solution towards [Cu(N LH)](SbF6 ), which is a copper(II) complex comprised of both anilido and aniline groups coordinated to the metal center. The copper(III) complex [Cu(N L)](SbF6 ) is an efficient catalyst for benzyl alcohol oxidation, with 236 TON in 24 h at 298 K, without additives other than oxygen and a base.

Template-Mediated Stabilization of a DNA G-Quadruplex formed in the HIV-1 Promoter and Comparative Binding Studies.

G-rich DNA oligonucleotides derived from the promoter region of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) were assembled onto an addressable cyclopeptide platform through sequential oxime ligation, a thiol-iodoacetamide SN2 reaction, and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions. The resulting conjugate was shown to fold into a highly stable antiparallel G4 architecture as demonstrated by UV, circular dichroism (CD), and NMR spectroscopic analysis. The binding affinities of six state-of-the-art G4-binding ligands toward the HIV-G4 structure were compared to those obtained with a telomeric G4 structure and a hairpin structure. Surface plasmon resonance binding analysis provides new insights into the binding mode of broadly exploited G4 chemical probes and further suggests that potent and selective recognition of viral G4 structures of functional significance might be achieved.

Templated Formation of Discrete RNA and DNA:RNA Hybrid G-Quadruplexes and Their Interactions with Targeting Ligands.

G-rich RNA and DNA oligonucleotides derived from the human telomeric sequence were assembled onto addressable cyclopeptide platforms through oxime ligations and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAc) reactions. The resulting conjugates were able to fold into highly stable RNA and DNA:RNA hybrid G-quadruplex (G4) architectures as demonstrated by UV, circular dichroism (CD), and NMR spectroscopic analysis. Whereas rationally designed parallel RNA and DNA:RNA hybrid G4 topologies could be obtained, we could not force the formation of an antiparallel RNA G4 structure, thus supporting the idea that this topology is strongly disfavored. The binding affinities of four representative G4 ligands toward the discrete RNA and DNA:RNA hybrid G4 topologies were compared to the one obtained with the corresponding DNA G4 structure. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding analysis suggests that the accessibility to G4 recognition elements is different among the three structures and supports the idea that G4 ligands might be shaped to achieve structure selectivity in a biological context.

Interaction of polycationic Ni(II)-salophen complexes with G-quadruplex DNA.

A series of nine Ni(II) salophen complexes involving one, two, or three alkyl-imidazolium side-chains was prepared. The lengths of the side-chains were varied from one to three carbons. The crystal structure of one complex revealed a square planar geometry of the nickel ion. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting of G-quadruplex structures in the presence of salophen complex were performed. The G-quadruplex DNA structures were stabilized in the presence of the complexes, but a duplex DNA was not. The binding constants of the complexes for parallel and antiparallel G-quadruplex DNA, as well as hairpin DNA, were measured by surface plasmon resonance. The compounds were selective for G-quadruplex DNA, as reflected by equilibrium dissociation constant KD values in the region 0.1-1 µM for G-quadruplexes and greater than 2 µM for duplex DNA. Complexes with more and shorter side-chains had the highest binding constants. The structural basis for the interaction of the complexes with the human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA was investigated by computational studies: the aromatic core of the complex stacked over the last tetrad of the G-quadruplex with peripherical cationic side chains inserted into opposite grooves. Biochemical studies (telomeric repeat amplification protocol assays) indicated that the complexes significantly inhibited telomerase activity with IC50 values as low as 700 nM; the complexes did not significantly inhibit polymerase activity.

Stable anilinyl radicals coordinated to nickel: X-ray crystal structure and characterization.

Two anilinosalen and a mixed phenol-anilinosalen ligands involving sterically hindered anilines moieties were synthesized. Their nickel(II) complexes 1, 2, and 3 were prepared and characterized. They could be readily one-electron oxidized (E(1/2)=-0.30, -0.26 and 0.10 V vs. Fc(+)/Fc, respectively) into anilinyl radicals species [1](+), [2](+), and [3](+), respectively. The radical complexes are extremely stable and were isolated as single crystals. X-ray crystallographic structures reveal that the changes in bond length resulting from oxidation do not exceed 0.02 Å within the ligand framework in the symmetrical [1](+) and [2](+). No quinoid bond pattern was present. In contrast, larger structural rearrangements were evidenced for the unsymmetrical [3](+), with shortening of one C(ortho)-C(meta) bond. Radical species [1](+) and [2](+) exhibit a strong absorption band at around 6000 cm(-1) (class III mixed valence compounds). This band is significantly less intense than [3](+), consistent with a rather localized anilinyl radical character, and thus a classification of this species as class II mixed-valence compound. Magnetic and electronic properties, as well as structural parameters, have been computed by DFT methods.

Structural and spectroscopic investigation of an anilinosalen cobalt complex with relevance to hydrogen production.

A Co(II) anilinosalen catalyst containing proton relays in the first coordination sphere has been synthesized that catalyzes the electrochemical production of hydrogen from acid in dichloromethane and acetonitrile solutions. The complex has been spectroscopically and theoretically characterized in different protonation and redox states. We show that both coordinated anilido groups of the neutral Co(II) complex can be protonated into aniline form. Protonation induces an anodic shift of more than 1 V of the reduction wave, which concomitantly becomes irreversible. Hydrogen evolution that originates from the aniline protons located in the first coordination sphere is observed upon bulk electrolysis at -1.5 V of the protonated complex in absence of external acid. Structures for intermediates in the catalytic reaction have been identified based on this data.

Ligand-centered redox activity in cobalt(II) and nickel(II) bis(phenolate)-dipyrrin complexes.

One for all: a trianionic ligand containing the biologically relevant moieties phenolate and porphyrin was designed and synthesized. One-electron oxidation of the nickel and cobalt complexes of these ligands affords an unprecedented and highly stable hybrid porphyrinyl-phenoxyl radical bound to the metal center. Two-electron oxidation of these complexes leads to the M(2+) -(close-shell two-electron oxidized ligand) species.

Geometric and electronic structures of phenoxyl radicals hydrogen bonded to neutral and cationic partners.

Two di-tert-butylphenols incorporating an N-methylbenzimidazole moiety in the ortho or para position have been synthesised ((Me)OH and (pMe)OH, respectively). Their X-ray structures evidence a hydrogen bond between the phenolic proton and the iminic nitrogen atom, whose nature is intra- and intermolecular, respectively. The present studies demonstrate that (Me)OH is readily oxidised by an intramolecular PET mechanism to form the hydrogen-bonded phenoxyl-N-methylbenzimidazolium system ((Me)OH)(.+) , whereas oxidation of (pMe)OH occurs by intermolecular PET, affording the neutral phenoxyl benzimidazole ((pMe)O)(.) system. The deprotonations of (Me)OH and (pMe)OH yield the corresponding phenolate species ((Me)O)(-) and ((pMe)O)(-), respectively, whilst that of the previously reported (H)OH (analogous to (Me)OH but lacking the N-methyl group) produces an unprecedented hydrogen-bonded phenol benzimidazolate species, as evidenced by its X-ray structure. The latter is believed to be in equilibrium in solution with its tautomeric phenolate form, as suggested by NMR, electrochemistry and DFT studies. The one-electron oxidations of the anions occur by a simple ET process affording phenoxyl radical species, whose electronic structure has been studied by HF-EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. In particular, analysis of the g(1) tensor shows the order 2.0079>2.0072>2.0069>2.0067 for ((Me)O)(.), ((H)O)(.), ((Me)OH)(.+) and ((H)OH)(.+), respectively. ((Me)O)(.) exhibits the largest g(1) tensor (2.0079), consistent with the absence of intramolecular hydrogen bond. The g(1) tensor of ((H)O)(.) is intermediate between those of ((Me)OH)(.+) and ((Me)O)(.) (g(1)=2.0072), indicating that the phenoxyl oxygen is hydrogen-bonded with a neutral benzimidazole partner.

Radical localization in a series of symmetric Ni(II) complexes with oxidized salen ligands.

Square-planar nickel(II) complexes of salen ligands, N,N'-bis(3-tert-butyl-(5R)-salicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine), in which R=tert-butyl (1), OMe (2), and NMe(2) (3), were prepared and the electronic structure of the one-electron-oxidized species [1-3](+·) was investigated in solution. Cyclic voltammograms of [1-3] showed two quasi-reversible redox waves that were assigned to the oxidation of the phenolate moieties to phenoxyl radicals. From the difference between the first and second redox potentials, the trend of electronic delocalization 1(+·) >2(+·) >3(+·) was obtained. The cations [1-3](+·) exhibited isotropic g tensors of 2.045, 2.023, and 2.005, respectively, reflecting a lower metal character of the singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) for systems that involve strongly electron-donating substituents. Pulsed-EPR spectroscopy showed a single population of equivalent imino nitrogen atoms for 1(+·), whereas two distinct populations were observed for 2(+·). The resonance Raman spectra of 2(+·) and 3(+·) displayed the ν(8a) band of the phenoxyl radicals at 1612 cm(-1), as well as the ν(8a) bands of the phenolates. In contrast, the Raman spectrum of 1(+·) exhibited the ν(8a) band at 1602 cm(-1), without any evidence of the phenolate peak. Previous work showed an intense near-infrared (NIR) electronic transition for 1(+·) (Δν(1/2) =660 cm(-1), ε=21,700 M(-1) cm(-1)), indicating that the electron hole is fully delocalized over the ligand. The broader and moderately intense NIR transition of 2(+·) (Δν(1/2) =1250 cm(-1) , ε=12,800 M(-1) cm(-1)) suggests a certain degree of ligand-radical localization, whereas the very broad NIR transition of 3(+·) (Δν(1/2) =8630 cm(-1), ε=2550 M(-1) cm(-1)) indicates significant localization of the ligand radical on a single ring. Therefore, 1(+·) is a Class III mixed-valence complex, 2(+·) is Class II/III borderline complex, and 3(+·) is a Class II complex according to the Robin-Day classification method. By employing the Coulomb-attenuated method (CAM-B3LYP) we were able to predict the electron-hole localization and NIR transitions in the series, and show that the energy match between the redox-active ligand and the metal d orbitals is crucial for delocalization of the radical SOMO.

Ligand contributions to the electronic structures of the oxidized cobalt(II) salen complexes.

Square planar cobalt(II) complexes of salen ligands N,N'-bis(3-tert-butyl-5R-salicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine), where R = OMe (1) and tert-butyl (2), were prepared. 1 and 2 were electrochemically reversibly oxidized into cations [1-H(2)O](+) and [2-H(2)O](+) in CH(2)Cl(2). The chemically generated [1-H(2)O](SbF(6))·0.68 H(2)O·0.82CH(2)Cl(2) and [2-H(2)O](SbF(6))·0.3H(2)O·0.85CH(2)Cl(2) were characterized by X-ray diffraction and NIR spectroscopy. Both complexes are paramagnetic species containing a square pyramidal cobalt ion coordinated at the apical position by an exogenous water molecule. They exhibit remarkable NIR bands at 1220 (7370 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 1060 nm (5560 M(-1) cm(-1)), respectively, assigned to a CT transition. DFT calculations and magnetic measurements confirm the paramagnetic (S = 1) ground spin state of the cations. They show that more than 70% of the total spin density in [1-H(2)O](+) and [2-H(2)O](+) is localized on the metal, the remaining spin density being distributed over the aromatic rings (30% phenoxyl character). In the presence of N-methylimidazole 1 and 2 are irreversibly oxidized by air into the genuine octahedral cobalt(III) bis(phenolate) complexes [1-im(2)](+) and [2-im(2)](+), the former being structurally characterized. Neither [1-im(2)](+) nor [2-im(2)](+) exhibits a NIR feature in its electronic spectrum. 1 and 2 were electrochemically two-electron oxidized into [1](2+) and [2](2+). The cations were identified as Co(III)-phenoxyl species by their characteristic absorption band at ca. 400 nm in the UV-vis spectrum. Coordination of the phenoxyl radical to the cobalt(III) metal ion is evidenced by the EPR signal centered at g = 2.00.

Seven-coordinate lanthanide complexes with a tripodal redox active ligand: structural, electrochemical and spectroscopic investigations.

The tripodal ligand TREN-(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)3 (H3L) was synthesized and its tris(phenolato) lanthanide complexes L-Ln (Ln = NdIII, EuIII, TbIII, GdIII, ErIII, YbIII and LuIII) were prepared. The X-Ray crystal structures confirm that each metal ion resides in a similar monocapped octahedral geometry, excluding water molecules from the coordination sphere. The coordination bond distances are in agreement with the lanthanide contraction, with Ln-O bond lengths in the range 2.139-2.216 Å. The complexes show three reversible monoelectronic oxidation waves, which are assigned to the successive oxidation of the phenolate moieties to phenoxyl radicals. The L-Nd complex is the easiest to oxidize, with E = 0.11, E = 0.21 and E = 0.34 V vs. Fc+/Fc, due to the larger size of the lanthanide ion. The ΔE1/2 value (ΔE1/2 = E-E) is correlated to the lanthanide radius, with values of 0.10 V for L-Nd and 0.22 V for L-Lu. The monoradical species were persistent in solution, allowing for their characterisation. All exhibit a distinct absorption band at around 445 nm due to the phenoxyl π-π* transitions. The EPR spectrum of L-Lu+ consists of a single resonance at giso = 1.999, confirming the radical nature of the oxidized product. Most of the other complexes (L-Gd, L-Er, L-Yb) show a quenching of the LnIII-based resonances upon oxidation, indicative of magnetic interactions between the metal and the radical spins. The L-Ln (L = Nd, Er, Yb) complexes exhibit a metal-based luminescence upon excitation of the ligand. A significant quenching of the luminescence was observed upon radical formation: 92%, 83% and 79% respectively for L-Nd+, L-Er+ and L-Yb+.

A versatile electronic hole in one-electron oxidized NiIIbis-salicylidene phenylenediamine complexes.

The nickel complexes 1(+)-3(+) exhibit a delocalized radical character, the extent of which depends on the electronic properties of the phenolate para-substituent.

The structure of a one-electron oxidized Mn(iii)-bis(phenolate)dipyrrin radical complex and oxidation catalysis control via ligand-centered redox activity.

The tetradentate ligand dppH3, which features a half-porphyrin and two electron-rich phenol moieties, was prepared and chelated to manganese. The mononuclear Mn(iii)-dipyrrophenolate complex 1 was structurally characterized. The metal ion lies in a square pyramidal environment, the apical position being occupied by a methanol molecule. Complex 1 displays two reversible oxidation waves at 0.00 V and 0.47 V vs. Fc+/Fc, which are assigned to ligand-centered processes. The one-electron oxidized species 1+ SbF6- was crystallized, showing an octahedral Mn(iii) center with two water molecules coordinated at both apical positions. The bond distance analysis and DFT calculations disclose that the radical is delocalized over the whole aromatic framework. Complex 1+ SbF6- exhibits an Stot = 3/2 spin state due to the antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn(iii) and the ligand radical. The zero field splitting parameters are D = 1.6 cm-1, E/D = 0.18(1), g⊥ = 1.99 and g∥ = 1.98. The dication 12+ is an integer spin system, which is assigned to a doubly oxidized ligand coordinated to a Mn(iii) metal center. Both 1 and 1+ SbF6- catalyze styrene oxidation in the presence of PhIO, but the nature of the main reaction product is different. Styrene oxide is the main reaction product when using 1, but phenylacetaldehyde is formed predominantly when using 1+ SbF6-. We examined the ability of complex 1+ SbF6- to catalyze the isomerization of styrene oxide and found that it is an efficient catalyst for the anti-Markovnikov opening of styrene oxide. The formation of phenylacetaldehyde from styrene therefore proceeds in a tandem E-I (epoxidation-isomerization) mechanism in the case of 1+ SbF6-. This is the first evidence of control of the reactivity for styrene oxidation by changing the oxidation state of a catalyst based on a redox-active ligand.

Efficient Inhibition of Telomerase by Nickel-Salophen Complexes.

Four nickel(II)-salophen complexes containing alkyl-imidazolium chains connected at the ortho or meta positions were prepared: N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-4-methyl-3H-imidazol-1-iumbenzylideneamino)phenylenediamine (1), N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3H-imidazol-1-iumbenzylideneamino)phenylenediamine (2), N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3H-imidazol-1-iumbenzylideneamino)methyl-3H-imidazol-1-iumphenylenediamine (3), and N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-4-methyl-3H-imidazol-1-iumbenzylideneamino)methyl-3H-imidazol-1-iumphenylenediamine (4). They protect G-quadruplex DNA (G4 -DNA) against thermal denaturation and show KA values in the range of 7.4×10(5) to 4×10(7) m(-1) for G4 -DNA models. Complex 4 exhibits an IC50 value of 70 nm for telomerase inhibition.

Nickel(ii) radical complexes of thiosemicarbazone ligands appended by salicylidene, aminophenol and aminothiophenol moieties.

The nickel(ii) complexes of three unsymmetrical thiosemicarbazone-based ligands featuring a sterically hindered salicylidene (1), aminophenol (2) or thiophenol (3) moiety were synthesized and structurally characterized. The metal ion lies in an almost square planar geometry in all the complexes. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) curve of 1 shows an irreversible oxidation wave at E = 0.49 V, which is assigned to the phenoxyl/phenolate redox couple. The CV curves of 2 and 3 display a reversible one-electron oxidation wave (E1/2 = 0.26 and 0.22 V vs. Fc(+)/Fc, respectively) and an one-electron reduction wave (E1/2 = -1.55 and -1.46 V, respectively). The cations 2(+) and 3(+) as well as the anions 2(-) and 3(-) were generated. The EPR spectra of the cations in THF show a rhombic signal at g1 = 2.034, g2 = 2.010 and g3 = 1.992 (2(+)) and g1 = 2.069, g2 = 2.018, g3 = 1.986 (3(+)) that is consistent with a main radical character of the complexes. The difference in anisotropy is assigned to the different nature of the radical, iminosemiquinonate vs. iminothiosemiquinonate. The anions display an isotropic EPR signal at giso = 2.003 (2(+)) and 2.006 (3(+)), which is indicative of a main α-diimine radical character of the compounds. Both the anions and cations exhibit charge transfer transitions of low to moderate intensity in their visible spectrum. Quantum chemical calculations (B3LYP) reproduce both the g-values and Vis-NIR spectra of the complexes. The radical anions readily react with dioxygen to give the radical cations. 2(+) catalyzes the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol into benzaldehyde.

A singlet ground state for a cobalt(II)-anilinosalen radical complex.

The cobalt(II) anilinosalen complex [Co(II)(L)] was prepared and subsequently oxidized by one electron. The resulting cation comprises a square planar low spin Co(II) ion anti-ferromagnetically exchange coupled to an anilinyl radical.