Synthesis and Characterization of a Redox-Active Bis(thiophenolato)amide Ligand, [SNS]3–, and the Homoleptic Tungsten Complexes, W[SNS]2 and W[ONO]2

Desulfurization and N2 Binding at an Iron Complex Derived from the C-S Activation of Benzothiophene

Metal insertion into the C-S bonds of thiophenes is a facile route to interesting polydentate ligand scaffolds with C and S donors. Here, we describe iron-mediated C-S activation of a diphenylphosphine-functionalized benzothiophene proligand. Metalation of the proligand with "tetrakis(trimethylphosphine)iron" gives an initial five-coordinate, diamagnetic iron(II) species with two PMe3 ligands and a dianionic PCS pincer ligand. Upon one-electron reduction, a reactive anionic iron(I) complex is formed. This species then undergoes deep-seated changes, notably cleavage of C-S and C-P bonds in the supporting ligand. Substantial coordination sphere alterations accompany the ligand C-S bond activation, including loss of a sulfur anion from the S-Fe-C metallacycle and reorganization of the two PMe3 ligands. The resulting desulfurized six-coordinate PCC iron complex also has an N2 ligand trans to the vinyl C. Reducing this complex then cleaves a C-P bond in the appended diphenylphosphine, giving a phosphido arm. These ligand transformations demonstrate novel approaches to pincers with thiolates and phosphides, which would be difficult to synthesize using typical methods through free ligand salts.

Expanding the Utility of β-Diketiminate Ligands in Heavy Group VI Chemistry of Molybdenum and Tungsten

We report the synthesis of 17 molybdenum and tungsten complexes supported by the ubiquitous BDI ligand framework (BDI = β-diketiminate). The focal entry point is the synthesis of four molybdenum and tungsten(V) BDI complexes of the general formula [MO(BDI^R)Cl₂] [M = Mo, R = Dipp (1); M = W, R = Dipp (2); M = Mo, R = Mes (3); M = W, R = Mes (4)] synthesized by the reaction between MoOCl₃(THF)₂ or WOCl₃(THF)₂ and LiBDI^R. Reactivity studies show that the BDI^Dipp complexes are excellent precursors toward adduct formation, reacting smoothly with dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and triethylphosphine oxide (OPEt₃). No reaction with small phosphines has been observed, strongly contrasting the chemistry of previously reported rhenium(V) complexes. Additionally, the complexes 1 and 2 are good precursors for salt metathesis reactions. While 1 can be chemically reduced to the first stable example of a Mo(IV) BDI complex 15, reduction of 2 resulted in degradation of the BDI ligand via a nitrene transfer reaction, leading to MAD (4-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino)pent-2-enide) supported tungsten(V) and tungsten(VI) complexes 16 and 17. All reported complexes have been thoroughly studied by VT-NMR and (heteronuclear) NMR spectroscopy, as well as UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis.

Two-Electron Mixed Valency in a Heterotrimetallic Nickel-Vanadium-Nickel Complex

Mixed-valence complexes represent an enticing class of coordination compounds to interrogate electron transfer confined within a molecular framework. The diamagnetic heterotrimetallic anion, [V(SNS)₂{Ni(dppe)}₂]^-, was prepared by reducing (dppe)NiCl₂ in the presence of the chelating metalloligand [V(SNS)₂]^- [dppe = bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; (SNS)^3- = bis(2-thiolato-4-methylphenyl)amide]. Vanadium-nickel bonds span the heterotrimetallic core in the structure of [V(SNS)₂{Ni(dppe)}₂]^-, with V-Ni bond lengths of 2.78 and 2.79 Å. One-electron oxidation of monoanionic [V(SNS)₂{Ni(dppe)}₂]^- yielded neutral, paramagnetic V(SNS)₂{Ni(dppe)}₂. The solid-state structure of V(SNS)₂{Ni(dppe)}₂ revealed that the two nickel ions occupy unique coordination environments: one nickel is in a square-planar S₂P₂ coordination environment (τ₄ = 0.19), with a long Ni···V distance of 3.45 Å; the other nickel is in a tetrahedral S₂P₂ coordination environment (τ₄ = 0.84) with a short Ni-V distance of 2.60 Å, consistent with a formal metal-metal bond. Continuous-wave X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, electrochemical investigations, and density functional theory computations indicated that the unpaired electron in the neutral V(SNS)₂{Ni(dppe)}₂ cluster is localized on the bridging [V(SNS)₂] metalloligand, and as a result, V(SNS)₂{Ni(dppe)}₂ is best described as a two-electron mixed-valence complex. These results demonstrate the important role that metal-metal interactions and flexible coordination geometries play in enabling multiple, reversible electron transfer processes in small cluster complexes.

Where is the unpaired electron density? A combined experimental and theoretical finding on the geometric and electronic structures of the Co(iii) and Mn(iv) complexes of the unsymmetrical non-innocent pincer ONS ligand

The geometry and electronic structures of the Co and Mn complexes of the pincer H3LONS ligand composed of both hard and soft donor atoms at the coordinating sites are reported.

Metal-Ion Influence on Ligand-Centered Hydrogen-Atom Transfer

The ligand-centered hydrogen-atom-transfer (HAT) reactivity was examined for a family of group 10 metal complexes containing a tridentate pincer ligand derived from bis(2-mercapto-p-tolyl)amine, [SNS]H₃. Six new metal complexes of palladium and platinum were synthesized with the [SNS] ligand platform in different redox and protonation states to complete the group 10 series previously reported with nickel. The HAT reactivity was examined for this family of nickel, palladium, and platinum complexes to determine the impact of a metal ion on the ligand-centered reactivity. Thermodynamic measurements revealed that N-H bond dissociation free energies increased by approximately 10 kcal mol^-1 along the series Ni < Pd < Pt driven by changes to both the redox potential and pK_a of the ligand. Kinetic analyses for all three metal complexes suggest that the barrier to the HAT reactivity is primarily entropic rather than enthalpic for this system.

Nonclassical oxygen atom transfer reactions of an eight-coordinate dioxomolybdenum(vi) complex

Eight-coordinate MoO₂(DOPO^Q)₂ can donate two oxygen atoms to substrates such as phosphines in a four-electron nonclassical oxygen atom transfer reaction.

Techniques in the synthesis of organometallic compounds of tungsten

Tungsten is an elegant substance, and its compounds have great significance because of their extensive range of applications in diverse fields such as in gas sensors, photocatalysis, lithium ion batteries, H2production, electrochromic devices, dyed sensitized solar cells, microchip technology, and liquid crystal displays. Tungsten compounds exhibit a more efficient catalytic behavior, and tungsten-dependent enzymes generally catalyze the transfer of an oxygen atom to or from a physiological donor/acceptor with the metal center. Furthermore, tungsten has an n-type semiconductor band gap. Tungsten forms complexes by reacting with several elements such as H, C, N, O, and P as well as other numerous inorganic elements. Interestingly, all tungsten reactions occur at ambient temperature, usually with tetrahydrofuran and dichloromethane under vacuum. Tungsten has extraordinarily high-temperature properties, making it very useful for X-ray production and heating elements in furnaces. Tungsten coordinates with diverse nonmetallic elements and ligands and produces interesting compounds. This article describes an overview of the synthesis of various organometallic compounds of tungsten.

Molecular Routes to Two-Dimensional Metal Dichalcogenides MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se)

New synthetic access to two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) is highly desired to exploit their extraordinary semiconducting and optoelectronic properties for practical applications. We introduce here an entirely novel class of molecular precursors, [M^IV(XEtN(Me)EtX)₂] (M^IV = Mo^IV, W^IV, X = S, Se), enabling chemical vapor deposition of TMDC thin films. Molybdenum and tungsten complexes of dianionic tridentate pincer-type ligands (HXEt)₂NR (R = methyl, tert-butyl, phenyl) produced air-stable monomeric dichalcogenide complexes, [W(SEtN(Me)EtS)₂] and [Mo(SEtN(Me)EtS)₂], displaying W and Mo centers in an octahedral environment of 4 S and 2 N donor atoms. Owing to their remarkable volatility and clean thermal decomposition, both Mo and W complexes, when used in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, produced crystalline MoS₂ and WS₂ thin films. X-ray diffraction analysis and atomic-scale imaging confirmed the phase purity and 2D structural characteristics of MoS₂ and WS₂ films. The new set of ligands presented in this work open ups convenient access to a scalable and precursor-based synthesis of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides.

A new bis-phenolate mesoionic carbene ligand for early transition metal chemistry

A new chelating mesoionic carbene ligand, derived from 1,2,3-triazoles, with two redox-active tert-butyl-phenolate linkers has been synthesized and explored towards its reactivity and electrochemical properties in early transition metal chemistry.

Six-coordinate [CoIII(L)2]z (z = 1-, 0, 1+) complexes of an azo-appended o-aminophenolate in amidate(2-) and iminosemiquinonate π-radical (1-) redox-levels: the existence of valence-tautomerism

Aerobic reaction of the ligand H2L1, 2-(2-phenylazo)-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, CoCl2·6H2O and Et3N in MeOH under refluxing conditions produces, after work-up and recrystallization, black crystals of [Co(L1)2] (1). When examined by cyclic voltammetry, 1 displays in CH2Cl2 three one-electron redox responses: two oxidative, E11/2 = 0.30 V (peak-to-peak separation, ΔEp = 100 mV) and E21/2 = 1.04 V (ΔEp = 120 mV), and one reductive E1/2 = -0.27 V (ΔEp = 120 mV) vs. SCE. Consequently, 1 is chemically oxidized by 1 equiv. of [FeIII(η5-C5H5)2][PF6], affording the isolation of deep purple crystals of [Co(L1)2][PF6]·2CH2Cl2 (2), and one-electron reduction with [CoII(η5-C5H5)2] yielded bluish-black crystals of [CoIII(η5-C5H5)2][Co(L1)2]·MeCN (3). A solid sample of 1 exhibits temperature-independent (50-300 K) magnetism, revealing the presence of a free radical (S = 1/2), which exhibits an isotropic EPR signal (g = 2.003) at 298 K and at 77 K an eight-line feature characteristic of hyperfine-interaction of the radical with the Co (I = 7/2) nucleus. Based on X-ray structural parameters of 1-3 at 100 K, magnetic and EPR spectral behaviour of 1, and variable-temperature (233-313 K) 1H NMR spectral features of 1-3 and 13C NMR spectra at 298 K of 2 and 3 in CDCl3 point to the electronic structure of the complexes as either [CoIII{(LAP)2-}{(LISQ)}˙-] or [CoIII{(L1)2}˙3-] (delocalized nature favours the latter description) (1), [CoIII{(LISQ)˙-}2][PF6]·2CH2Cl2 (2) and [CoIII(η5-C5H5)2][CoIII{(LAP)2-}2]·MeCN (3) [(LAP)2- and (LISQ)˙- represent the redox-level of coordinated ligands o-amidophenolate(2-) ion and o-iminobenzosemiquinonate(1-) π-radical ion, respectively]. Notably, all the observed redox processes are ligand-centred. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that six-coordinate complexes of a common tridentate o-aminophenolate-based ligand have been structurally characterized for the parent 1, its monocation 2 and the monoanion 3 counterparts. Temperature-dependent 1H NMR spectra reveal the existence of valence-tautomeric equilibria in 1-3. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP-level of theory corroborate the electronic structural assignment of 1-3 from experimental data. The origins of the observed UV-VIS-NIR absorptions for 1-3 have been assigned, based on time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations.

A non-innocent pincer H3LONS ligand and its corresponding octahedral low-spin Fe(iii) complex formation via ligand-centric homolytic S-S bond scission

In the presence of FeCl3 and Et3N, a ligand H4Ldtda(AP) underwent S-S bond cleavage and generated a pincer non-innocent H3LONS ligand, which formed a homoleptic, six-coordinate, low-spin Fe(iii) complex (1). The complex comprised two 2-iminobenzosemiquinone (1-) π-radicals and one thiyl π-radical.

Easily reduced bis-pincer (NS2)2molybdenum(iv) to (NHS2)2Mo(ii) by alcohols vs. redox-inert (NS2)(NHS2)iron(iii) complexes

Iron and molybdenum complexes supported by a pincer-type dianionic [NS₂]²⁻ donor were prepared to compare their structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties.

Redox-active diaminoazobenzene complexes of rhodium(iii): synthesis, structure and spectroscopic characterization

Coordination diversity of an aromatic diamine with Rh(iii) is presented together with the elucidation of the molecular and electronic structures, electron transfer, and electronic transitions.

Molybdenum(vi) tris(amidophenoxide) complexes

Strong π bonding in molybdenum(vi) tris(amidophenoxides) drives a preference for the fac geometry and quenches the metal's Lewis acidity.

Iron(II) Complexes of a Hemilabile SNS Amido Ligand: Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity

We report an easily prepared bis(thioether) amine ligand, S^MeN^HS^Me, along with the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of the paramagnetic iron(II) bis(amido) complex, [Fe(κ³-S^MeNS^Me)₂] (1). Binding of the two different thioethers to Fe generates both five- and six-membered rings with Fe-S bonds in the five-membered rings (av 2.54 Å) being significantly shorter than those in the six-membered rings (av 2.71 Å), suggesting hemilability of the latter thioethers. Consistent with this hypothesis, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and computational (TD-DFT) studies indicate that 1 in solution contains a five-coordinate component [Fe(κ³-S^MeNS^Me)(κ²-S^MeNS^Me)] (2). This ligand hemilability was demonstrated further by reactivity studies of 1 with 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, and 2,6-dimethylphenyl isonitrile to afford iron(II) complexes [L₂Fe(κ²-S^MeNS^Me)₂] (3-5). Addition of a Brønsted acid, HNTf₂, to 1 produces the paramagnetic, iron(II) amine-amido cation, [Fe(κ³-S^MeNS^Me)(κ³-S^MeN^HS^Me)](NTf₂) (6; Tf = SO₂CF₃). Cation 6 readily undergoes amine ligand substitution by triphos, affording the 16e^- complex [Fe(κ²-S^MeNS^Me)(κ³-triphos)](NTf₂) (7; triphos = bis(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)phenylphosphine). These complexes are characterized by elemental analysis; ¹H NMR, Mössbauer, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy; and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Preliminary results of amine-borane dehydrogenation catalysis show complex 7 to be a selective and particularly robust precatalyst.

A Redox-Active Cascade Precursor: Isolation of a Zwitterionic Triphenylphosphonio-Hydrazyl Radical and an Indazolo-Indazole Derivative

A redox-active [ML] unit (M = Co^II and Mn^II; LH₂ = N'-(1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)benzohydrazide) defined as a cascade precursor that undergoes a multicomponent redox reaction comprising of a C-N bond formation, tautomerization, oxidation, C-C coupling, demetalation, and affording 6,14-dibenzoylbenzo[f]benzo[5,6]indazolo[3a,3-c]indazole-5,8,13,16-tetraone (^IndL₂) is reported. Conversion of LH₂ → ^IndL₂ in air is overall a (6H⁺+6e) oxidation reaction, and it opens a route for the syntheses of bioactive diarylindazolo[3a,3-c]indazole derivatives. The reaction occurs via a radical coupling reaction, and the radical intermediate was isolated as a triphenylphosphonio adduct. In presence of PPh₃ the [ML] unit promotes a reaction that involves a C-P bond formation, tautomerization, and oxidation to yield a stable zwitterionic triphenylphosphonio-hydrazyl radical (^PPh3L^±•). Conversion of LH₂ → ^PPh3L^±• is a (3H⁺+3e) oxidation reaction. To authenticate the [ML] unit, in addition to the ^IndL₂, a zinc(II) complex, [(L₃)Zn^II(H₂O)Cl]·2MeOH (1·2MeOH), was successfully isolated (L₃H = a pyridazine derivative of 1,4 naphthoquinone) from a reaction of LH₂ with hydrated ZnCl₂. Conversion of 3LH₂ → 1 is also a multicomponent (6H⁺+6e) oxidation reaction promoted by zinc(II) ion via a radical intermediate. Facile oxidation of [L^2-] to [L^•-] that was considered as an intermediate of these conversions was confirmed by isolating a 1,4 naphthoquinone-benzhydrazyl radical (LH^•) complex, [(LH^•)Zn^II(H₂O)Cl₂] (2H^•). The intermediates of LH₂ → ^IndL₂, LH₂ → ^PPh3L^±•, and 3LH₂ → 1 conversions were analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. The molecular and electronic structures of ^PPh3L^±•, ^IndL₂, 1·2MeOH, and 2H^• were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations.

Heterobimetallic complexes of palladium and platinum containing a redox-active W[SNS]2 metalloligand

Heterobimetallic W–Pd and W–Pt complexes have been prepared using the redox-active W(SNS)₂ metalloligand.

A Heterobimetallic W-Ni Complex Containing a Redox-Active W[SNS]2 Metalloligand

The tungsten complex W[SNS]2 ([SNS]H3 = bis(2-mercapto-4-methylphenyl)amine) was bound to a Ni(dppe) [dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane] fragment to form the new heterobimetallic complex W[SNS]2Ni(dppe). Characterization of the complex by single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed the presence of a short W-Ni bond, which renders the complex diamagnetic despite formal tungsten(V) and nickel(I) oxidation states. The W[SNS]2 unit acts as a redox-active metalloligand in the bimetallic complex, which displays four one-electron redox processes by cyclic voltammetry. In the presence of the organic acid 4-cyanoanilinium tetrafluoroborate, W[SNS]2Ni(dppe) catalyzes the electrochemical reduction of protons to hydrogen coincident with the first reduction of the complex.

Mononuclear, Dinuclear, and Trinuclear Iron Complexes Featuring a New Monoanionic SNS Thiolate Ligand

The new tridentate ligand, S(Me)N(H)S = 2-(2-methylthiophenyl)benzothiazolidine, prepared in a single step from commercial precursors in excellent yield, undergoes ring-opening on treatment with Fe(OTf)2 in the presence of base affording a trinuclear iron complex, [Fe3(μ2-S(Me)NS(-))4](OTf)2 (1) which is fully characterized by structural and spectroscopic methods. X-ray structural data reveal that 1 contains four S(Me)NS(-) ligands meridionally bound to two pseudooctahedral iron centers each bridged by two thiolates to a distorted tetrahedral central iron. The combined spectroscopic (UV-vis, Mössbauer, NMR), magnetic (solution and solid state), and computational (DFT) studies indicate that 1 includes a central, high-spin Fe(II) (S = 2) with two low-spin (S = 0) peripheral Fe(II) centers. Complex 1 reacts with excess PMePh2, CNxylyl (2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide), and P(OMe)3 in CH3CN to form diamagnetic, thiolate-bridged, dinuclear Fe(II) complexes {[Fe(μ-S(Me)NS(-))L2]2}(OTf)2 (2-4). These complexes are characterized by elemental analysis; (1)H NMR, IR, UV-vis, and Mössbauer spectroscopy; and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, addition of excess P(OMe)3 to complex 1 in CH2Cl2 produces primarily the diamagnetic, mononuclear Fe(II) complex, {Fe(S(Me)NS(-))[P(OMe)3]3}(OTf) (5).

Tris(2,2'-azobispyridine) complexes of copper(II): X-ray structures, reactivities, and the radical nonradical bis(ligand) analogues

Tris(abpy) complexes of types mer-[Cu(II)(abpy)3][PF6]2 (mer-1(2+)[PF6(–)]2) and ctc-[Cu(II)(abpy)2(bpy)][PF6]2 (ctc-2(2+)[PF6(–)]2) were successfully isolated and characterized by spectra and single-crystal X-ray structure determinations (abpy = 2,2′-azobispyridine; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine). Reactions of mer-1(2+) and ctc-2(2+) ions with catechol, o-aminophenol, p-phenylenediamine, and diphenylamine (Ph–NH–Ph) in 2:1 molar ratio afford [CuI(abpy)2](+) (3(+)) and corresponding quinone derivatives. The similar reactions of [Cu(II)(bpy)3](2+) and [Cu(II)(phen)3](2+) with these substrates yielding [Cu(I)(bpy)2](+) and [Cu(I)(phen)2](+) imply that these complexes undergo reduction-induced ligand dissociation reactions (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The average −N═N– lengths in mer-1(2+)[PF6(–)]2 and ctc-2(2+)[PF6(–)]2 are 1.248(4), while that in 3(+)[PF6(–)]·2CH2Cl2 is relatively longer, 1.275(2) Å, due to dCu → πazo* back bonding. In cyclic voltammetry, mer-1(2+) exhibits one quasi-reversible wave at −0.42 V due to Cu(II)/Cu(I) and abpy/abpy(•–) couples and two reversible waves at −0.90 and −1.28 V due to abpy/abpy(•–) couple, while those of ctc-2(2+) ion appear at −0.44, −0.86, and −1.10 V versus Fc(+)/Fc couple. The anodic 3(2+)/3(+) and the cathodic 3(+)/3 redox waves at +0.33 and −0.40 V are reversible. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and density functional theory (DFT) calculations authenticated the existence of abpy anion radical (abpy(•–)) in 3, which is defined as a hybrid state of [Cu(I)(abpy(0.5•–))(abpy(0.5•–))] and [Cu(II)(abpy(•–))(abpy(•–))] states. 3(2+) ion is a neutral abpy complex of copper(II) of type [Cu(II)(abpy)2](2+). 3 exhibits a near-IR absorption band at 2400–3000 nm because of the intervalence ligand-to-ligand charge transfer, elucidated by time-dependent DFT calculations in CH2Cl2.

Homoleptic nickel(II) complexes of redox-tunable pincer-type ligands

Different synthetic methods have been developed to prepare eight new redox-active pincer-type ligands, H(X,Y), that have pyrazol-1-yl flanking donors attached to an ortho-position of each ring of a diarylamine anchor and that have different groups, X and Y, at the para-aryl positions. Together with four previously known H(X,Y) ligands, a series of 12 Ni(X,Y)2 complexes were prepared in high yields by a simple one-pot reaction. Six of the 12 derivatives were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which showed tetragonally distorted hexacoordinate nickel(II) centers. The nickel(II) complexes exhibit two quasi-reversible one-electron oxidation waves in their cyclic voltammograms, with half-wave potentials that varied over a remarkable 700 mV range with the average of the Hammett σ(p) parameters of the para-aryl X, Y groups. The one- and two-electron oxidized derivatives [Ni(Me,Me)2](BF4)n (n = 1, 2) were prepared synthetically, were characterized by X-band EPR, electronic spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for n = 2), and were studied computationally by DFT methods. The dioxidized complex, [Ni(Me,Me)2](BF4)2, is an S = 2 species, with nickel(II) bound to two ligand radicals. The mono-oxidized complex [Ni(Me,Me)2](BF4), prepared by comproportionation, is best described as nickel(II) with one ligand centered radical. Neither the mono- nor the dioxidized derivative shows any substantial electronic coupling between the metal and their bound ligand radicals because of the orthogonal nature of their magnetic orbitals. On the other hand, weak electronic communication occurs between ligands in the mono-oxidized complex as evident from the intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) transition found in the near-IR absorption spectrum. Band shape analysis of the IVCT transition allowed comparisons of the strength of the electronic interaction with that in the related, previously known, Robin-Day class II mixed valence complex, [Ga(Me,Me)2](2+).

Octahedral to trigonal prismatic distortion driven by subjacent orbital π antibonding interactions and modulated by ligand redox noninnocence

Ruthenium and osmium bis(amidodiphenoxides) distort towards trigonal prismatic geometries to minimize aryloxide-to-metal π* interactions, limited by increasing degree of oxidation of the redox-active ligand.

Trianionic pincer and pincer-type metal complexes and catalysts

This review provides a comprehensive examination of the synthesis, characterization, properties, and catalytic applications of trianionic pincer metal complexes.

Multiple, disparate redox pathways exhibited by a tris(pyrrolido)ethane iron complex

Iron(III) complexes of the tris(pyrrolide)ethane trianion have been synthesized by reaction of one- and two-electron oxidants with [(tpe)Fe(THF)][Li(THF)4] (tpe = tris(5-mesitylpyrrolyl)ethane). X-ray crystallography, (57)Fe Mössbauer, (1)H NMR and EPR spectroscopy, SQUID magnetometry, and density functional theory calculations were employed to rigorously establish the iron 3+ oxidation state. All oxidants employed are proposed to operate via an inner-sphere electron transfer mechanism. Dialkyl peroxides and dibenzyldisulfide served to oxidize iron by one electron, and group transfer of an aryl nitrene unit to the Fe(2+) starting material resulted in formation of Fe(3+) amido species following H-atom abstraction by a presumed nitrenoid intermediate. Single electron transfer to and from diphenyldiazoalkane was also observed to yield a diphenyldiazomethanyl radical anion antiferromagnetically coupled to the S = 5/2 Fe(3+). Isolation of Fe(3+) complexes of tpe, in comparison with previous results wherein the tpe ligand was the redox active moiety, presents an unusual juxtaposition of two noncommunicating redox reservoirs, each accessible via different reaction pathways (namely, inner- and outer-sphere electron transfer).