Spin-state variation in solid state and solution of mononuclear iron(II) 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclonane complexes

Expanding the dimensionality of bis(tetrazolyl)alkane-based Fe(II) coordination polymers by the application of dinitrile coligands

Reactions between 1,2-di(tetrazol-2-yl)ethane (ebtz), 1,6-di(tetrazol-2-yl)hexane (hbtz) or 1,1'-di(tetrazol-1-yl)methane (1ditz) and Fe(BF4)2 in the presence of adiponitrile (ADN), glutaronitrile (GLN) or suberonitrile (SUN) resulted in the formation of coordination polymers [Fe(μ-ebtz)2(μ-ADN)](BF4)2 (1), [Fe(μ-hbtz)2(μ-ADN)](BF4)2 (2), [Fe(μ-1ditz)2(GLN)2](BF4)2·GLN (3) and [Fe(μ-1ditz)2(μ-SUN)](BF4)2·SUN (4). It was established that the application of dinitriles allows an increase in the dimensionality of the ebtz and hbtz based systems while maintaining the structure of the polymeric units characteristic of previously studied mononitrile based analogues. In 3 and 4, regardless of the type of dinitrile coligand, the motif of 2D polymeric layers constituted by 1ditz molecules remains preserved. However, the dimensionality of 1ditz based networks is governed by the coordination modes of dinitriles. 3, based on a shorter molecule of glutaronitrile, crystallizes as a two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymer. In this compound, dinitriles coordinate monodentately or play the role of guest molecules. The substitution of glutaronitrile with suberonitrile enables the bridging of neighboring polymeric layers, resulting in a 3D network. The intentional selection of bis(tetrazoles) and dinitriles as building blocks has led, as expected, to obtaining systems with the structure of the first coordination sphere consisting of four tetrazole rings and two axially coordinated nitrile molecules. It created the conditions required for the occurrence of thermally induced spin crossover. Magnetic measurements and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were used for the characterization of the spin crossover properties of 1-4.

An investigation of steric influence on the reactivity of FeV(O)(OH) tautomers in stereospecific C-H hydroxylation

Two new tetradentate N4 ligands (LN4), LN4 = Me2,Me2PyzTACN (1-(2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl)-4,7-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) and Me2,MeImTACN (1-((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)-4,7-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) have been synthesized and their corresponding Fe(II) complexes [Fe^II(Me2,Me2PyzTACN)(CF₃SO₃)₂], 1Pz, and [Fe^II(Me2,MeImTACN)(CF₃SO₃)₂], 1Im, have been prepared and characterized. Complexes 1Pz and 1Im catalyse the hydroxylation of C-H bonds of alkanes with excellent efficiencies, using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The high H/D kinetic isotope effect values for C-H hydroxylation, large normalized tertiary/secondary C-H (C3/C2) bond selectivities in adamantane oxidation, and high degrees of stereoretention in the oxidation of cis-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane are indicative of metal-based oxidation processes. The complexes also catalyse the oxidation of cyclooctene to form its corresponding epoxide and syn-diol. For 1Pz the epoxide is the main product, while for the analogous complex 1Im the syn-diol predominates. The active oxidant is proposed to be an [(LN4)Fe^V(O)(OH)]²⁺ species (2Pz, LN4 = Me2,Me2PyzTACN and 2Im, LN4 = Me2,MeImTACN) which may exist in two tautomeric forms related by a proton shift between the oxo and hydroxo ligands. Isotope labelling experiments show that the oxygen atom in the hydroxylated products originates from both water and hydrogen peroxide, and labelling experiments involving oxygen atom transfer to sterically bulky substrates provide indirect information on the steric influence exerted by the two ligands in the relative reactivities of the two hypervalent iron tautomers. Based on these labelling studies, the steric influence exerted by each of the ligands towards the relative reactivity of the oxo ligands of the corresponding pair of Fe(V)(O)(OH) tautomers can be derived. Furthermore, this steric influence can be gauged relative to related complexes/ligands.

Influence of Coordinated Triflate Anions on the Solution Magnetic Properties of a Neutral Iron(II) Complex

In an effort to probe the impacts of speciation on spin-state switching, the synthesis and unique solution-phase magnetic properties of [((^TIPSC≡C)₃tren)Fe(OTf)₂] (1) are described. Analysis of the single-crystal X-ray diffraction data shows that the tris(iminoalkyne) ligand coordinates to the iron(II) center through all four nitrogen atoms, while the other two coordination sites are filled by the oxygen atoms from triflate anions. Solid-state variable-temperature (VT) magnetic studies show that 1 remains high-spin (HS) at all temperatures. In the presence of moderately strong coordinating solvents, solvent replaces the two bound triflate counteranions, as observed by ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy and supported by conductivity measurements. VT solution measurements show 1 to be in the HS state when this solvent is oxygen-donating but low-spin (LS) with a nitrogen-donating solvent. In the noncoordinating solvent dichloromethane, both triflates are bound to the iron(II) center at room temperature, but upon cooling, 1 undergoes a coordination change, resulting in the loss of one triflate, as shown by ¹⁹F NMR. With the moderately coordinating solvent acetone, triflate dissociation upon cooling results in a spin-switching species with a T_1/2 value of 171 K, characterized via ¹⁹F NMR, Evans' method, and solution magnetometry measurements. Solution magnetic measurements collected in structurally similar cyclopentanone suggest that the spin-state switching event is exclusive to the acetone environment, suggesting the influence of both the local coordination environment and aggregation. Additionally, a comparison of the solvodoynamic diameters via dynamic light scattering suggests that aggregation of 1 is significantly different in (CH₃)₂CO and (CD₃)₂CO, leading to the observation of spin-switching behavior in the former and fully HS behavior in the latter. This study highlights the sensitivity of solution magnetic properties to solvent choice.

Interplay of Spin Crossover and Coordination-Induced Spin State Switch for Iron Bis(pyrazolyl)methanes in Solution

Bis(pyrazolyl)bipyridinylmethane iron(II) complexes show a versatile spin state switching behavior in different solvents. In the solid, the magnetic properties of the compounds have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mößbauer spectroscopy, and SQUID magnetometry and point toward a high spin state. For nitrilic solvents, the solvation of the complexes leads to a change of the coordination environment from {N₅O} to {N₆} and results in a temperature-dependent SCO behavior. Thermodynamic properties of this transformation are obtained via UV/vis spectroscopy, SQUID measurements, and the Evans NMR method. Moreover, a coordination-induced spin state switch (CISSS) to low spin is observed by using methanol as solvent, triggered through a rearrangement of the coordination sphere. The same behavior can be observed by changing the stoichiometry of the ligand-to-metal ratio in MeCN, where the process is reversible. This transformation is monitored via UV/vis spectroscopy, and the resulting new bis-meridional coordination motif, first described for bis(pyrazolyl)methanes, is characterized in the solid state via X-ray diffraction, Mößbauer spectroscopy, and SQUID measurements. The sophisticated correlation of these switchable properties in dependence on different types of solvents reveals that the influence of the solvent on the coordination environment and magnetic properties should not be underestimated. Furthermore, careful investigation is necessary to differentiate between a thermally-induced spin crossover and a coordination-induced spin state switch.

Seeing Is Believing: Experimental Spin States from Machine Learning Model Structure Predictions

Determination of ground-state spins of open-shell transition-metal complexes is critical to understanding catalytic and materials properties but also challenging with approximate electronic structure methods. As an alternative approach, we demonstrate how structure alone can be used to guide assignment of ground-state spin from experimentally determined crystal structures of transition-metal complexes. We first identify the limits of distance-based heuristics from distributions of metal–ligand bond lengths of over 2000 unique mononuclear Fe(II)/Fe(III) transition-metal complexes. To overcome these limits, we employ artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict spin-state-dependent metal–ligand bond lengths and classify experimental ground-state spins based on agreement of experimental structures with the ANN predictions. Although the ANN is trained on hybrid density functional theory data, we exploit the method-insensitivity of geometric properties to enable assignment of ground states for the majority (ca. 80–90%) of structures. We demonstrate the utility of the ANN by data-mining the literature for spin-crossover (SCO) complexes, which have experimentally observed temperature-dependent geometric structure changes, by correctly assigning almost all (>95%) spin states in the 46 Fe(II) SCO complex set. This approach represents a promising complement to more conventional energy-based spin-state assignment from electronic structure theory at the low cost of a machine learning model.

Spin Cross-Over (SCO) Complex Based on Unsymmetrical Functionalized Triazacyclononane Ligand: Structural Characterization and Magnetic Properties

The unsymmetrical ligand 1-(2-aminophenyl)-4,7-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L6) has been prepared and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The L6 ligand is based on the triazamacrocycle (tacn) ring that is functionalized by two flexible 2-pyridylmethyl and one rigid 2-aminophenyl groups. Reaction of this ligand with Fe(ClO4)2·xH2O led to the complex [Fe(L6)](ClO4)2 (1), which was characterized as the first Fe(II) complex based on the unsymmetrical N-functionalized tacn ligand. The crystal structure revealed a discrete monomeric [FeL6]2+ entity in which the unsymmetrical N-functionalized triazacyclononane molecule (L6) acts as hexadentate ligand. As observed in the few parent examples that are based on the symmetrical N-functionalized tacn ligands, the triazacyclononane ring is facially coordinated and the N-donor atoms of the three functional groups (two pyridine and one aniline groups) are disposed in the same side of the tacn ring, leading to a distorted FeN6 environment. The magnetic studies of 1 revealed the presence of an incomplete spin crossover (SCO) transition above 425 K, whose progress would be prevented by a very exothermic thermal decomposition at ca. 472 K, as shown by thermogravimetric and DSC measurements.

Recyclable iron(ii) caffeine-derived ionic salt catalyst in the Diels–Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene and α,β-unsaturated N-acyl-oxazolidinones in dimethyl carbonate

Iron(ii) triflate was used in combination with caffeine-derived salts as recyclable catalysts for the Diels–Alder reaction run in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a green solvent.

Highly enantioselective epoxidation of olefins by H2O2 catalyzed by a non-heme Fe(ii) catalyst of a chiral tetradentate ligand

A new chiral Fe(ii)-complex mediates the asymmetric epoxidation of prochiral olefins with good enantioselectivity.

A Structural Model for the Iron-Nitrosyl Adduct of Gentisate Dioxygenase

We present the synthesis, properties, and characterization of [Fe(T1Et4iPrIP)(NO)(H₂O)₂](OTf)₂ (1) (T1Et4iPrIP = Tris(1-ethyl-4-isopropyl-imidazolyl)phosphine) as a model for the nitrosyl adduct of gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (GDO). The further characterization of [Fe(T1Et4iPrIP)(THF)(NO)(OTf)](OTf) (2) which was previously communicated (Inorg. Chem. 2014, 53, 5414) is also presented. The weighted average Fe-N-O angle of 162° for 1 is very close to linear (≥ 165°) for these types of complexes. The coordinated water ligands participate in hydrogen bonding interactions. The spectral properties (EPR, UV-vis, FTIR) for 1 are compared with 2 and found to be quite comparable. Complex 1 closely follows the relationship between the Fe-N-O angle and NO vibrational frequency which was previously identified for 6-coordinate {FeNO}⁷ complexes. Liquid FTIR studies on 2 indicate that the ν(NO) vibration position is sensitive to solvent shifting to lower energy (relative to the solid) in donor solvent THF and shifting to higher energy in dichloromethane. The basis for this behavior is discussed. The K _eq for NO binding in 2 was calculated in THF and found to be 470 M^-1. Density functional theory (DFT) studies on 1 indicate donation of electron density to the iron center from the π* orbitals of formally NO^-. Such a donation accounts for the near linearity of the Fe-N-O bond and the large ν(NO) value of 1791 cm^-1.

Structures, Spectroscopic Properties, and Dioxygen Reactivity of 5- and 6-Coordinate Nonheme Iron(II) Complexes: A Combined Enzyme/Model Study of Thiol Dioxygenases

The synthesis of four new FeII(N4S(thiolate)) complexes as models of the thiol dioxygenases are described. They are composed of derivatives of the neutral, tridentate ligand triazacyclononane (R3TACN; R = Me, iPr) and 2-aminobenzenethiolate (abtx; X = H, CF3), a non-native substrate for thiol dioxygenases. The coordination number of these complexes depends on the identity of the TACN derivative, giving 6-coordinate (6-coord) complexes for FeII(Me3TACN)(abtx)(OTf) (1: X = H; 2: X = CF3) and 5-coordinate (5-coord) complexes for [FeII(iPr3TACN)(abtx)](OTf) (3: X = H; 4: X = CF3). Complexes 1-4 were examined by UV-vis, 1H/19F NMR, and Mössbauer spectroscopies, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to support the data. Mössbauer spectroscopy reveals that the 6-coord 1-2 and 5-coord 3- 4 exhibit distinct spectra, and these data are compared with that for cysteine-bound CDO, helping to clarify the coordination environment of the cys-bound FeII active site. Reaction of 1 or 2 with O2 at -95 °C leads to S-oxygenation of the abt ligand, and in the case of 2, a rare di(sulfinato)-bridged complex, [Fe2III(μ-O)((2-NH2) p-CF3C6H3SO2)2](OTf)2 ( 5), was obtained. Parallel enzymatic studies on the CDO variant C93G were carried out with the abt substrate and show that reaction with O2 leads to disulfide formation, as opposed to S-oxygenation. The combined model and enzyme studies show that the thiol dioxygenases can operate via a 6-coord FeII center, in contrast to the accepted mechanism for nonheme iron dioxygenases, and that proper substrate chelation to Fe appears to be critical for S-oxygenation.

Synthesis and reactivity of a 4His enzyme model complex

A new iron(II) complex has been prepared and characterized. [Fe(TrIm)4(OTf)2] (1, TrIm = 1-Tritylimidazole). The solid state structure of 1 has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 crystallizes in triclinic space group P1̄, with a = 13.342(7) Å, b = 13.5131(7) Å and c = 13.7025(7) Å. The iron center resides in distorted octahedral geometry coordinated to four equatorial imidazole groups and two axial triflate oxygens groups. The complex is high spin between 20 K and 300 K as indicated by variable field variable temperature magnetic measurements. A fit of the magnetic data yielded g = 2.24 and D = -0.80 cm-1. A large HOMO-LUMO gap energy (3.89 eV) exists for 1 indicating high stability. Addition of H2O2 or t BuOOH to 1 results in formation of an oxygenated intermediate which upon decomposition results in oxidation of the trityl substituent on the imidazole ligand.

Assembly of a mononuclear ferrous site using a bulky aldehyde-imidazole ligand

A new iron(II) complex has been prepared and characterized. [Fe(TrImA)2(OTf)2] (1, TrImA = 1-Tritylimidazole-4-carboxaldehyde). The solid state structure of 1 has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/c, with a = 10.8323(18) Å, b = 8.1606(13) Å and c = 24.818(4) Å. The iron center is coordinated to two imidazole groups, two pendant aldehyde-derived carbonyl oxygens and two triflate oxygens. The complex is high spin between 300 and 20 K as indicated by variable field variable temperature magnetic measurements. A fit of the magnetic data yielded g = 2.17 and D = 4.05 cm-1. A large HOMO-LUMO gap energy (4.49 eV) exists for 1 indicating high stability.

Enhanced Cooperativity in Supported Spin-Crossover Metal-Organic Frameworks

The impact of surface deposition on cooperativity is explored in Au(111)-supported self-assembled metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on Fe(II) ions. Using a thermodynamic model, we first demonstrate that dimensionality reduction combined with deposition on a metal surface is likely to deeply enhance the spin-crossover cooperativity, going from γ_3D = 16 K for the bulk material to γ_2D^supp = 386 K for its 2D supported derivative. On the basis of density functional theory, we then elucidate the electronic structure of a promising Fe-based MOF. A chemical strategy is proposed to turn a weakly interacting magnetic system into a strongly cooperative spin-crossover monolayer with γ_MOF^Au(111) = 83 K. These results open a promising route to the fabrication of cooperative materials based on SCO Fe(II) platforms.

Modulation of the FeII spin crossover effect in the pentadecanuclear {Fe9[M(CN)8]6} (M = Re, W) clusters by facial coordination of tridentate polyamine ligands

N,N,N-tridentate ligands coordinated to {Fe₉[M(CN)₈]₆} (M = Re, W) induce the spin crossover on the external Fe sites of the cluster.

C-H Bond Oxidation Catalyzed by an Imine-Based Iron Complex: A Mechanistic Insight

A family of imine-based nonheme iron(II) complexes (LX)2Fe(OTf)2 has been prepared, characterized, and employed as C-H oxidation catalysts. Ligands LX (X = 1, 2, 3, and 4) stand for tridentate imine ligands resulting from spontaneous condensation of 2-pycolyl-amine and 4-substituted-2-picolyl aldehydes. Fast and quantitative formation of the complex occurs just upon mixing aldehyde, amine, and Fe(OTf)2 in a 2:2:1 ratio in acetonitrile solution. The solid-state structures of (L1)2Fe(OTf)(ClO4) and (L3)2Fe(OTf)2 are reported, showing a low-spin octahedral iron center, with the ligands arranged in a meridional fashion. (1)H NMR analyses indicate that the solid-state structure and spin state is retained in solution. These analyses also show the presence of an amine-imine tautomeric equilibrium. (LX)2Fe(OTf)2 efficiently catalyze the oxidation of alkyl C-H bonds employing H2O2 as a terminal oxidant. Manipulation of the electronic properties of the imine ligand has only a minor impact on efficiency and selectivity of the oxidative process. A mechanistic study is presented, providing evidence that C-H oxidations are metal-based. Reactions occur with stereoretention at the hydroxylated carbon and selectively at tertiary over secondary C-H bonds. Isotopic labeling analyses show that H2O2 is the dominant origin of the oxygen atoms inserted in the oxygenated product. Experimental evidence is provided that reactions involve initial oxidation of the complexes to the ferric state, and it is proposed that a ligand arm dissociates to enable hydrogen peroxide binding and activation. Selectivity patterns and isotopic labeling studies strongly suggest that activation of hydrogen peroxide occurs by heterolytic O-O cleavage, without the assistance of a cis-binding water or alkyl carboxylic acid. The sum of these observations provides sound evidence that controlled activation of H2O2 at (LX)2Fe(OTf)2 differs from that occurring in biomimetic iron catalysts described to date.

Oxoiron(IV) Complex of the Ethylene-Bridged Dialkylcyclam Ligand Me2EBC

We report herein the first example of an oxoiron(IV) complex of an ethylene-bridged dialkylcyclam ligand, [Fe(IV)(O)(Me2EBC)(NCMe)](2+) (2; Me2EBC = 4,11-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane). Complex 2 has been characterized by UV-vis, (1)H NMR, resonance Raman, Mössbauer, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy as well as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and its properties have been compared with those of the closely related [Fe(IV)(O)(TMC)(NCMe)](2+) (3; TMC = 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), the intensively studied prototypical oxoiron(IV) complex of the macrocyclic tetramethylcyclam ligand. Me2EBC has an N4 donor set nearly identical with that of TMC but possesses an ethylene bridge in place of the 1- and 8-methyl groups of TMC. As a consequence, Me2EBC is forced to deviate from the trans-I configuration typically found for Fe(IV)(O)(TMC) complexes and instead adopts a folded cis-V stereochemistry that requires the MeCN ligand to coordinate cis to the Fe(IV)═O unit in 2 rather than in the trans arrangement found in 3. However, switching from the trans geometry of 3 to the cis geometry of 2 did not significantly affect their ground-state electronic structures, although a decrease in ν(Fe═O) was observed for 2. Remarkably, despite having comparable Fe(IV/III) reduction potentials, 2 was found to be significantly more reactive than 3 in both oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) and hydrogen-atom-transfer (HAT) reactions. A careful analysis of density functional theory calculations on the HAT reactivity of 2 and 3 revealed the root cause to be the higher oxyl character of 2, leading to a stronger O---H bond specifically in the quintet transition state.

A two-in-one pincer ligand and its diiron(II) complex showing spin state switching in solution through reversible ligand exchange

A novel pyrazolate-bridged ligand providing two {PNN} pincer-type compartments has been synthesized. Its diiron(II) complex LFe2(OTf)3(CH3CN) (1; Tf = triflate) features, in solid state, two bridging triflate ligands, with a terminal triflate and a MeCN ligand completing the octahedral coordination spheres of the two high-spin metal ions. In MeCN solution, 1 is shown to undergo a sequential, reversible, and complete spin transition to the low-spin state upon cooling. Detailed UV/Vis and (19)F NMR spectroscopic studies as well as magnetic measurements have unraveled that spin state switching correlates with a rapid multistep triflate/MeCN ligand exchange equilibrium. The spin transition temperature can be continuously tuned by varying the triflate concentration in solution.

A cubic Fe4Mo4 oxo framework and its reversible four-electron redox chemistry

The potential of iron molybdates as catalysts in the Formox process stimulates research on aggregated but molecular iron-molybdenum oxo compounds. In this context, [(Me3TACN)Fe](OTf)2 was reacted with (nBu4N)2[MoO4], which led to an oxo cluster, [[(Me3TACN)Fe][μ-(MoO4-κ(3)O,O',O″)]]4 (1, Fe4Mo4) with a distorted cubic structure, where the corners are occupied by (Me3TACN)Fe(2+) and [Mo═O](4+) units in an alternating fashion, being bridged by oxido ligands. The cyclic voltammogram revealed four reversible oxidation waves that are assigned to four consecutive Fe(II) → Fe(III) transfers and motivated attempts to isolate compounds containing the respective cations. Indeed, a salt with a Fe(II)2Fe(III)2Mo(VI)4 constellation, [Fe4Mo4](TCNQ)2 (2), could be isolated after treatment with TCNQ. The Fe(II)Fe(III)3Mo(VI)4 stage could be reached via oxidation with DDQ or 3 equiv of thianthrenium hexafluorophosphate (ThPF6), giving [Fe4Mo4](DDQ)3 (4) or [Fe4Mo4](PF6)3 (5), respectively. The fully oxidized Fe(III)4Mo(VI)4 state was generated through oxidation with 4 equiv of ThPF6, leading to [Fe4Mo4](PF6)4, which showed a unique behavior: upon storage, one of the [Mo═O](4+) corners inverts, so that the terminal oxido ligand is located in the interior of the cage, leading to the formation of [[(Me3TACN)Fe]4[μ-([MoO4]3[MoO4(MeCN-κN)])-κ(3)O,O',O″)](PF6)4 (7). In this form, the compound could no longer be employed to enter the cyclic voltammogram recorded for 1, 3, and 5 from the oxidized side; no discrete redox events were observed. Compounds 1-3 and 7 were characterized structurally and 1, 3, and 7 additionally by SQUID measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The data reveal a high degree of charge delocalization. (16)O/(18)O exchange experiments with labeled water performed with 1 revealed an interesting parallel with the Formox catalyst: water-(18)O exchanges its label with all of the oxido ligands (bridging and terminal). This property relates to the ion mobility being held responsible for the activity of iron molybdate catalysts compared to neat MoO3 or Fe2O3.

Aluminum-stabilized low-spin iron(II) hydrido complexes of 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane

We investigated herein the reactions of (Me3tacn)FeCln (1a: n = 3, 1b: n = 2) with common aluminum hydride reagents and a bulky dihydridoaluminate {Li(ether)2}{Al(OC6H3-2,6-(t)Bu2)}(μ-H)2, which yielded the diamagnetic hydrido complexes 2-4 containing Fe(II) and Al(III). In particular, the use of divalent 1b afforded excellent isolated yields. The structures of 2-4 were determined using spectroscopic and crystallographic analyses. The crystal structures showed distorted octahedral Fe centers and fairly short Fe-Al distances [2.19-2.24 Å]. The structures of cation moiety 2 and neutral complex 4 were further probed using DFT calculations, which indicated a stable low-spin Fe(II) state and strongly electron-donating nature of the (Me3tacn)FeH3 fragment toward the Al(III) center.

Structural diversity and spectral and thermal properties of the first alkaline earth metal tetracyanidoborates: [Mg(H2O)6][B(CN)4]2, [Mg(H2O)2][B(CN)4]2, [Mg(DMF)6][B(CN)4]2, [Ca(H2O)3][B(CN)4]2, and [Ca(H2O)2(CH3CN)][B(CN)4]2

The syntheses, structures, and spectral and thermal properties of the first tetracyanidoborate salts coordinating weakly to solvated alkaline earth cations are discussed.

Asymmetric epoxidation with H2O2 by manipulating the electronic properties of non-heme iron catalysts

A non-heme iron complex that catalyzes highly enantioselective epoxidation of olefins with H2O2 is described. Improvement of enantiomeric excesses is attained by the use of catalytic amounts of carboxylic acid additives. Electronic effects imposed by the ligand on the iron center are shown to synergistically cooperate with catalytic amounts of carboxylic acids in promoting efficient O-O cleavage and creating highly chemo- and enantioselective epoxidizing species which provide a broad range of epoxides in synthetically valuable yields and short reaction times.

Nonprecious metal catalysts for fuel cell applications: electrochemical dioxygen activation by a series of first row transition metal tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine complexes

A series of divalent first row triflate complexes supported by the ligand tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA) have been investigated as oxygen reduction catalysts for fuel cell applications. [(TPA)M(2+)](n+) (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) derivatives were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, NMR spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, IR spectroscopy, and conductance measurements. The stoichiometric and electrochemical O(2) reactivities of the series were examined. Rotating-ring disk electrode (RRDE) voltammetry was used to examine the catalytic activity of the complexes on a carbon support in acidic media, emulating fuel cell performance. The iron complex displayed a selectivity of 89% for four-electron conversion and demonstrated the fastest reaction kinetics, as determined by a kinetic current of 7.6 mA. Additionally, the Mn, Co, and Cu complexes all showed selective four-electron oxygen reduction (<28% H(2)O(2)) at onset potentials (~0.44 V vs RHE) comparable to state of the art molecular catalysts, while being straightforward to access synthetically and derived from nonprecious metals.

Macrocycle-based spin-crossover materials

New iron(II) complexes of formula [Fe(L1)](BF(4))(2) (1) and [Fe(L2)](BF(4))(2) x H(2)O (2) (L1 = 1,7-bis(2'-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane; L2 = 1,8-bis(2'-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) have been synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. The crystal structure determinations of 1 and 2 reveal in both cases discrete iron(II) monomeric structures in which the two functionalized tetraazamacrocycles (L1 and L2) act as hexadentate ligands; the iron(II) ions are coordinated with six nitrogen atoms: four from the macrocycle and two from two pyridine groups occupying two cis positions around the metal ion. In 1, the N-Fe-N bond angles indicate that the Fe(II) ion adopts an unusual distorted trigonal prismatic geometry. In agreement with the observed paramagnetic behavior, the average of the six Fe-N distances at 293 K (2.218(6) A) and at 90 K (2.209(2) A) correspond well with distances observed for high-spin (HS) Fe(II) complexes with a coordination index of 6. For 2, the Fe(II) ion adopts a distorted octahedral geometry for which the six Fe-N distances (average 2.197(4) A) at room temperature are in the range expected for HS Fe(II) complexes. The crystal structure solved at 90 K showed a strong modification of the iron coordination sphere, suggesting the presence of a spin-crossover transition from HS to low spin (LS). Surprisingly, the averaged Fe-N value (2.077(4) A) at this temperature is not in agreement with the magnetic measurements since the chi(m)T product versus T showed a full LS state at 90 K. This may be explained by the presence of important distortions arising from the macrocycle constraints. To understand how the crystal and the lattice parameters were affected by the magnetic transition, the temperature dependence of the lattice parameters of 2 was determined in the range 293-90 K: the a and b parameters show essentially linear and gradual decreases, while the c and beta parameters show dramatic decreases nearly similar to that observed in the magnetic behavior.