Redox-Active 1D Coordination Polymers of Iron–Sulfur Clusters

Structure and Synthesizability of Iron-Sulfur Metal-Organic Frameworks

Sulfur-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers (CPs) are an emerging class of hybrid materials that have received growing attention due to their magnetic, conductive, and catalytic properties with potential applications in electrocatalysis and energy storage. In this work, we report a high-throughput virtual screening protocol to predict the synthesizability of candidate metal-sulfur MOFs/CPs by computing the thermodynamically stable structures resulting from a particular combination of metal cluster, linker, cation, and synthetic conditions. Free energies are computed by using all-atom classical mechanical thermodynamic integration. Low-free-energy structures are refined using ab initio density functional theory, and pair distribution functions and powder X-ray diffraction patterns are calculated to complement and guide experimental structure determination. We validate the computational approach by retrospective predictions of the stable structure produced by experimental syntheses, and a subsequent screen predicts Fe4S4-BDT-TPP as a new thermodynamically stable one-dimensional (1D) CP comprising a redox-active Fe4S4 cluster, a 1,4-benzenedithiolate (BDT) linker, and a tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP) countercation. This material is experimentally synthesized, and the 1D chain structure of the crystal is confirmed using microcrystal electron diffraction. The computational screening pipeline is generically transferable to neutral and ionic MOFs/CPs comprising arbitrary metal clusters, linkers, cations, and synthetic conditions, and we make it freely available as an open source tool to guide and accelerate the discovery and engineering of novel porous materials.

A sulfur-templated Ni-Ni' coordination polymer that relies on a polarizable nickel nitrosyl hub

The templating properties of a diaza-nickel-cis-dithiolate towards triphenylphosphine gold(I), yielding a transoid [Ni(N2S2)·2Au(PPh3)] complex (T. A. Pinder, S. K. Montalvo, A. M. Lunsford, C.-H. Hsieh, J. H. Reibenspies and M. Y. Darensbourg, Dalton Trans., 2014, 43, 138-144) suggested that a suitable analogue of d10-Au(I), i.e., {Ni(NO)}10, could generate a tetrahedral nickel node for a [Ni(N2S2)·2Ni(NO)(X)]n coordination polymer. Monomeric precursors, derived from Feltham's [(Ph3P)2Ni(NO)(Cl)] (R. D. Feltham, Inorg. Chem., 1964, 3, 116-119) produced the bidentate/sulfur-chelated [Ni(N2S2)·Ni(NO)(X)] species with loss of PPh3. Exchange of Cl- by azide, N3-, in the {Ni(NO)}10 synthon led to the balance of electrophilicity at Ni(NO) and non-covalent (H-bonding and van der Waals) interactions that stabilized the extended chain of bridging sulfurs, in transoid connectivities, between a square planar NiII and a tetrahedral Ni, the latter within the electronic and spin-delocalized {Ni(NO)}10 system. This study defines a new path that creates coordination polymers using metallodithiolates, the success of which, in this case, depends on the highly polarizable {Ni(NO)}10 unit.

Electroreduction-Driven Formation and Connectivity of Polyoxometalate Coordination Networks

We present the synthesis of metal oxide coordination networks based on Preyssler-type polyoxoanions ([NaP5W30O110]14- and [NaP5MoW29O110]14-) bridged with metal-aquo complexes ([M(H2O)n]m+, Mm+ = Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Y3+), induced by electrochemical reduction. Networks bridged with first-row transition metals are isostructural with a previously reported Co-bridged structure, while the Y3+-bridged structure is new. All networks feature an uncommon binding motif of the metal cation to the oxygen atoms at cap positions, which we hypothesize is due to increased electron density at the cap upon reduction. Oxidation of a Zn2+-bridged network resulted in a new structure in which Zn2+-Ocap bonds are lost, indicating the importance of reduction in the connectivity of these polyoxometalate-based coordination networks.

Diamagnetic Carrier-Doping-Induced Continuous Electronic and Magnetic Crossover in One-Dimensional Coordination Polymers

The potential to introduce tunable electrical conductivity and molecular magnetism through carrier doping in metal-organic coordination polymers is particularly promising for nanoelectronics applications. Precise control of the doping level is essential for determining the electronic and magnetic properties. In this study, we present a series of one-dimensional coordination polymers, {(HNEt3)0.5[CuxCo(1-x)(L)]}n (HNEt3 = triethylammonium, L = 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(methanesulfonamido)benzene), doped with diamagnetic Cu1+ carriers. Through comprehensive characterization of the structural, optical, and magnetic properties, we observed continuous electronic and magnetic crossover as the doping level was gradually increased. When x < 0.5, the doped compounds exhibit ferromagnetic insulating behavior with very high energy barriers (Ueff up to 560 K) and excellent slow relaxation of magnetization. At x = 0.5, {(HNEt3)0.5[Cu0.5Co0.5(L)]}n functions as a paramagnetic semiconductor at high temperatures and a single-molecule magnet at low temperatures. When x > 0.5, the doped compounds act as diluted antiferromagnetic semiconductors with narrow band gaps (Ea = 0.2 eV). The emergence of such rich electronic and magnetic crossovers is ascribed to the cooperation of the strong electron-donating ability of the ligand and the pronounced crystal-field effects. Our findings indicate that one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymers are promising for the design of novel low-dimensional magnetic semiconductors.

Catalytic, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Studies of Fe4S4-Based Coordination Polymers as Heterogenous Coupled Proton-Electron Transfer Mediators for Electrocatalysis

Iron-sulfur clusters play essential roles in biological systems, and thus synthetic [Fe4S4] clusters have been an area of active research. Recent studies have demonstrated that soluble [Fe4S4] clusters can serve as net H atom transfer mediators, improving the activity and selectivity of a homogeneous Mn CO2 reduction catalyst. Here, we demonstrate that incorporating these [Fe4S4] clusters into a coordination polymer enables heterogeneous H atom transfer from an electrode surface to a Mn complex dissolved in solution. A previously reported solution-processable Fe4S4-based coordination polymer was successfully deposited on the surfaces of different electrodes. The coated electrodes serve as H atom transfer mediators to a soluble Mn CO2 reduction catalyst displaying good product selectivity for formic acid. Furthermore, these electrodes are recyclable with a minimal decrease in activity after multiple catalytic cycles. The heterogenization of the mediator also enables the characterization of solution-phase and electrode surface species separately. Surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) reveals spectroscopic signatures for an in situ generated active Mn-H species, providing a more complete mechanistic picture for this system. The active species, reaction mechanism, and the protonation sites on the [Fe4S4] clusters were further confirmed by density functional theory calculations. The observed H atom transfer reactivity of these coordination polymer-coated electrodes motivates additional applications of this composite material in reductive H atom transfer electrocatalysis.

Inorganic-organic hybrid Cu-dipyridyl semiconducting polymers based on the redox-active cluster [SFe3(CO)9]2-: filling the gap in iron carbonyl chalcogenide polymers

The construction of sulfur-incorporated cluster-based coordination polymers was limited and underexplored due to the lack of efficient synthetic routes. Herein, we report facile mechanochemical ways toward a new series of SFe3(CO)9-based dipyridyl-Cu polymers by three-component reactions of [Et4N]2[SFe3(CO)9] ([Et4N]2[1]) and [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4] with conjugated or conjugation-interrupted dipyridyl ligands, 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpee), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpea), 4,4'-dipyridyl (dpy), or 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp), respectively. X-ray analysis showed that bpee-containing 2D polymers demonstrated unique SFe3(CO)9 cluster-armed and cluster-one-armed coordination modes via the hypervalent μ5-S atom. These S-Fe-Cu polymers could undergo flexible structural transformations with the change of cluster bonding modes by grinding with stoichiometric amounts of dipyridyls or 1/[Cu(MeCN)4]+. They exhibited semiconducting behaviors with low energy gaps of 1.55-1.79 eV and good electrical conductivities of 3.26 × 10-8-1.48 × 10-6 S cm-1, tuned by the SFe3(CO)9 cluster bonding modes accompanied by secondary interactions in the solid state. The electron transport efficiency of these polymers was further elucidated by solid-state packing, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), density of states (DOS), and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analysis. Finally, the solid-state electrochemistry of these polymers demonstrated redox-active behaviors with cathodically-shifted patterns compared to that of [Et4N]2[1], showing that their efficient electron communication was effectively enhanced by introducing 1 and dipyridyls as hybrid ligands into Cu+-containing networks.

Thiomolybdate Clusters: From Homogeneous Catalysis to Heterogenization and Active Sites

Thiomolybdates are molecular molybdenum-sulfide clusters formed from Mo centers and sulfur-based ligands. For decades, they have attracted the interest of synthetic chemists due to their unique structures and their relevance in biological systems, e.g., as reactive sites in enzymes. More recently, thiomolybdates are explored from the catalytic point of view and applied as homogeneous and molecular mimics of heterogeneous molybdenum sulfide catalysts. This review summarizes prominent examples of thiomolybdate-based electro- and photocatalysis and provides a comprehensive analysis of their reactivities under homogeneous and heterogenized conditions. Active sites of thiomolybdates relevant for the hydrogen evolution reaction are examined, aiming to shed light on the link between cluster structure and performance. The shift from solution-phase to surface-supported thiomolybdates is discussed with a focus on applications in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. The outlook highlights current trends and emerging areas of thiomolybdate research, ending with a summary of challenges and key takeaway messages based on the state-of-the-art research.

Electrically conductive [Fe4S4]-based organometallic polymers

Tailoring the molecular components of hybrid organic-inorganic materials enables precise control over their electronic properties. Designing electrically conductive coordination materials, e.g. metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), has relied on single-metal nodes because the metal-oxo clusters present in the vast majority of MOFs are not suitable for electrical conduction due to their localized electron orbitals. Therefore, the development of metal-cluster nodes with delocalized bonding would greatly expand the structural and electrochemical tunability of conductive materials. Whereas the cuboidal [Fe4S4] cluster is a ubiquitous cofactor for electron transport in biological systems, few electrically conductive artificial materials employ the [Fe4S4] cluster as a building unit due to the lack of suitable bridging linkers. In this work, we bridge the [Fe4S4] clusters with ditopic N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) linkers through charge-delocalized Fe-C bonds that enhance electronic communication between the clusters. [Fe4S4Cl2(ditopic NHC)] exhibits a high electrical conductivity of 1 mS cm-1 at 25 °C, surpassing the conductivity of related but less covalent materials. These results highlight that synthetic control over individual bonds is critical to the design of long-range behavior in semiconductors.

Breaking the Trade-Off Between Polymer Dielectric Constant and Loss via Aluminum Oxo Macrocycle Dopants for High-Performance Neuromorphic Electronics

The dielectric layer is crucial in regulating the overall performance of field-effect transistors (FETs), the key component in central processing units, sensors, and displays. Despite considerable efforts being devoted to developing high-permittivity (k) dielectrics, limited progress is made due to the inherent trade-off between dielectric constant and loss. Here, a solution is presented by designing a monodispersed disk-shaped Ce-Al-O-macrocycle as a dopant in polymer dielectrics. The molecule features a central Ce(III) core connected with eight Al atoms through sixteen bridging hydroxyls and eight 3-aminophenyl peripheries. The incorporation of this macrocycle in polymer dielectrics results in an up to sevenfold increase in dielectric constants and up to 89% reduction in dielectric loss at low frequencies. Moreover, the leakage-current densities decrease, and the breakdown strengths are improved by 63%. Relying on the above merits, FETs bearing cluster-doped polymer dielectrics give near three-orders source-drain current increments while maintaining low-level leakage/off currents, resulting in much higher charge-carrier mobilities (up to 2.45 cm2  V-1  s-1 ) and on/off ratios. This cluster-doping strategy is generalizable and shows great promise for ultralow-power photoelectric synapses and neuromorphic retinas. This work successfully breaks the trade-off between dielectric constant and loss and offers a unique design for polymer composite dielectrics.

A general method for metallocluster site-differentiation

The deployment of metalloclusters in applications such as catalysis and materials synthesis requires robust methods for site-differentiation: the conversion of clusters with symmetric ligand spheres to those with unsymmetrical ligand spheres. However, imparting precise patterns of site-differentiation is challenging because, compared with mononuclear complexes, the ligands bound to clusters exert limited spatial and electronic influence on one another. Here, we report a method that employs sterically encumbering ligands to bind to only a subset of a cluster's coordination sites. Specifically, we show that homoleptic, phosphine-ligated Fe-S clusters undergo ligand substitution with N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) to give heteroleptic clusters in which the resultant clusters' site-differentiation patterns are encoded by the steric profile of the incoming NHC. This method affords access to every site-differentiation pattern for cuboidal [Fe4S4] clusters and can be extended to other cluster types, particularly in the stereoselective synthesis of site-differentiated Chevrel-type [Fe6S8] clusters.

Order-order assembly transition-driven polyamines detection based on iron-sulfur complexes

Innovative modes of response can greatly push forward chemical sensing processes and subsequently improve sensing performance. Classical chemical sensing modes seldom involve the transition of a delicate molecular assembly during the response. Here, we display a sensing mode for polyamine detection based on an order-order transition of iron-sulfur complexes upon their assembly. Strong validation proves that the unique order-order transition of the assemblies is the driving force of the response, in which the polyamine captures the metal ion of the iron-sulfur complex, leading it to decompose into a metal-polyamine product, accompanied by an order-order transition of the assemblies. This mechanism makes the detection process more intuitive and selective, and remarkably improves the detection efficiency, achieving excellent polyamines specificity, second-level response, convenient visual detection, and good recyclability of the sensing system. Furthermore, this paper also provides opportunities for the further application of the iron-sulfur platform in environment-related fields.

Bioinspired Framework Catalysts: From Enzyme Immobilization to Biomimetic Catalysis

Enzymatic catalysis has fueled considerable interest from chemists due to its high efficiency and selectivity. However, the structural complexity and vulnerability hamper the application potentials of enzymes. Driven by the practical demand for chemical conversion, there is a long-sought quest for bioinspired catalysts reproducing and even surpassing the functions of natural enzymes. As nanoporous materials with high surface areas and crystallinity, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent an exquisite case of how natural enzymes and their active sites are integrated into porous solids, affording bioinspired heterogeneous catalysts with superior stability and customizable structures. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the advances of bioinspired MOFs for catalysis, discuss the design principle of various MOF-based catalysts, such as MOF-enzyme composites and MOFs embedded with active sites, and explore the utility of these catalysts in different reactions. The advantages of MOFs as enzyme mimetics are also highlighted, including confinement, templating effects, and functionality, in comparison with homogeneous supramolecular catalysts. A perspective is provided to discuss potential solutions addressing current challenges in MOF catalysis.

Structure and Magnetic Properties of Pseudo-1D Chromium Thiolate Coordination Polymers

The synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of two novel, pseudo-one-dimensional (1D) chromium thiolate coordination polymers (CPs), CrBTT and Cr₂BDT₃, are reported. The structures of these materials were determined using X-ray powder diffraction revealing highly symmetric 1D chains embedded within a CP framework. The magnetic coupling of this chain system was measured by SQUID magnetometry, revealing a switch from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic behavior dictated by the angular geometrical constraints within the CP scaffold consistent with the Goodenough-Kanamori-Anderson rules. Intrachain magnetic coupling constants J_NN of -32.0 and +5.7 K were found for CrBTT and Cr₂BDT₃, respectively, using the 1D Bonner-Fisher model of magnetism. The band structure of these materials has also been examined by optical spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations revealing semiconducting behavior. Our findings here demonstrate how CP scaffolds can support idealized low-dimensional structural motifs and dictate magnetic interactions through tuning of geometry and inter-spin couplings.

First-Principles Perspective on Gas Adsorption by [Fe4S4]-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks

[Fe₄S₄] or [4S-4Fe] clusters are responsible for storing and transferring electrons in key cellular processes and interact with their microenvironment to modulate their oxidation and magnetic states. Therefore, these clusters are ideal for the metal node of chemically and electromagnetically tunable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). To examine the adsorption-based applications of [Fe₄S₄]-based MOFs, we used density functional theory calculations and studied the adsorption of CO₂, CH₄, H₂O, H₂, N₂, NO₂, O₂, and SO₂ onto [Fe₄S₄]⁰, [Fe₄S₄]²⁺, and two 1D MOF models with the carboxylate and 1,4-benzenedithiolate organic linkers. Our reaction kinetics and thermodynamics results indicated that MOF formation promotes the oxidative and hydrolytic stability of the [Fe₄S₄] clusters but decreases their adsorption efficiency. Our study suggests the potential industrial applications of these [Fe₄S₄]-based MOFs because of their limited capacity to adsorb CO₂, CH₄, H₂O, H₂, N₂, O₂, and SO₂ and high selectivity for NO₂ adsorption.

A one-dimensional conductive metal-organic framework with extended π-d conjugated nanoribbon layers

Conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have performed well in the fields of energy and catalysis, among which two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) MOFs are well-known. Here, we have synthesized a one-dimensional (1D) conductive metal-organic framework (MOF) in which hexacoordinated 1,5-Diamino-4,8-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraceneedione (DDA) ligands are connected by double Cu ions, resulting in nanoribbon layers with 1D π-d conjugated nanoribbon plane and out-of-plane π-π stacking, which facilitates charge transport along two dimensions. The DDA-Cu as a highly conductive n-type MOF has high crystalline quality with a conductivity of ~ 9.4 S·m^-1, which is at least two orders of magnitude higher than that of conventional 1D MOFs. Its electrical band gap (E_g) and exciton binding energy (E_b) are approximately 0.49 eV and 0.3 eV, respectively. When utilized as electrode material in a supercapacitor, the DDA-Cu exhibits good charge storage capacity and cycle stability. Meanwhile, as thse active semiconductor layer, it successfully simulates the artificial visual perception system with excellent bending resistance and air stability as a MOF-based flexible optoelectronic synaptic case. The controllable preparation of high-quality 1D DDA-Cu MOF may enable new architectural designs and various applications in the future.

PEG-Infiltrated Polyoxometalate Frameworks with Flexible Form-Factors

We present the synthesis of metal oxide frameworks composed of the Preyssler anion, [NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]^14-, bridged with transition-metal cations and infiltrated with polyethylene glycol. The frameworks can be dissolved in water to form freestanding rigid or flexible films or gels. Powder X-ray diffraction shows that all form-factors maintain the short-range order of the original crystals. Raman spectroscopy reveals that, similar to hydrogels, the macroscopic mechanical properties of these composites are dependent on the water content and the extent of hydrogen-bonding within the water network. The understanding gained from these studies facilitates solution-phase processing of polyoxometalate frameworks into flexible form factors.

Synthesis and disassembly of an organometallic polymer comprising redox-active Co4S4 clusters and Janus biscarbene linkers

Here, we show for the first time that main-chain organometallic polymers (MCOPs) can be prepared from Janus N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) linkers and polynuclear cluster nodes. The crosslinked framework Co₄S₄-MCOP is synthesized via ligand displacement reactions and undergoes reversible electron transfer in the solid state. Discrete molecular cluster species can be excised from the framework by digesting the solid in solutions of excess monocarbene. Finally, we demonstrate a synthetic route to monodisperse framework particles via coordination modulation.

Redox-Switchable Allosteric Effects in Molecular Clusters

We demonstrate that allosteric effects and redox state changes can be harnessed to create a switch that selectively and reversibly regulates the coordination chemistry of a single site on the surface of a molecular cluster. This redox-switchable allostery is employed as a guiding force to assemble the molecular clusters Zn₃Co₆Se₈L'₆ (L' = Ph₂PN(H)Tol, Ph = phenyl, Tol = 4-tolyl) into materials of predetermined dimensionality (1- or 2-D) and to encode them with emissive properties. This work paves the path to program the assembly and function of inorganic clusters into stimuli-responsive, atomically precise materials.

Approach toward Iron(II) Coordination Polymers Based on Chain Motifs with Thiolate or Mixed Thiolate/Carboxylate Bridges: Structures and Magnetic Properties

The search for iron-sulfur-based coordination polymers (CPs) has become an attractive field in recent years. Here we demonstrate how it is possible to synthesize new iron-sulfur-based CPs by solvothermal reactions of [CpFe(CO)₂]₂ (Cp = cyclopentadienyl) with two positional isomeric ligands 6-mercaptonicotinic acid (6-H₂mna) and 2-mercaptoisonicotinic acid (2-H₂mina) in different mixed-solvent systems. The reactions afforded, in moderate yields, a variety of desired CPs, namely, [Fe(6-Hmna)₂] (1), [Fe₃(6-Hmna)₂(6-mna)₂] (2), [Fe₂(6-mna)₂]·H₂O (3), and [Fe(2 mina)(H₂O)] (4 and 5). The structures of these compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which reveals that they all contain 1D chain motifs of iron held together in different ways by thiolate or mixed thiolate/carboxylate bridges. These chains are further connected through the ligand backbones to form 3D networks of 1-3 and 5 and a 2D sheet of 4. Moreover, magnetic investigations indicate that both 1 and 4 display canted antiferromagnetic behavior with weak ferromagnetism, while 2 and 5 possess short-range antiferromagnetic order at ∼20 K. CP 3 exhibits paramagnetic behavior down to 2 K with strong spin frustration.

Machine-Learning-Assisted Selective Synthesis of a Semiconductive Silver Thiolate Coordination Polymer with Segregated Paths for Holes and Electrons

Coordination polymers (CPs) with infinite metal-sulfur bond networks have unique electrical conductivities and optical properties. However, the development of new (-M-S-)_n -structured CPs is hindered by difficulties with their crystallization. Herein, we describe the use of machine learning to optimize the synthesis of trithiocyanuric acid (H₃ ttc)-based semiconductive CPs with infinite Ag-S bond networks, report three CP crystal structures, and reveal that isomer selectivity is mainly determined by proton concentration in the reaction medium. One of the CPs, [Ag₂ Httc]_n , features a 3D-extended infinite Ag-S bond network with 1D columns of stacked triazine rings, which, according to first-principle calculations, provide separate paths for holes and electrons. Time-resolved microwave conductivity experiments show that [Ag₂ Httc]_n is highly photoconductive (φΣμ_max =1.6×10^-4  cm²  V^-1  s^-1 ). Thus, our method promotes the discovery of novel CPs with selective topologies that are difficult to crystallize.

Redox-Active Tin Metal-Organic Framework with a Thiolate-Based Ligand

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers composed of thiolates as coordinating functional groups are interesting materials with unique optical and electronical properties. Herein, we report the preparation of KGF-4 and KGF-10, two Sn-MOF crystal structures with bonds between Sn and thiolate. KGF-10 was isolated as a pure phase and found to exhibit redox properties and a semiconducting band structure, as confirmed by first-principles (density functional theory) calculations.

Steric and electronic effects of ligand substitution on redox-active Fe4S4-based coordination polymers

One of the notable advantages of molecular materials is the ability to precisely tune structure, properties, and function via molecular substitutions. While many studies have demonstrated this principle with classic carboxylate-based coordination polymers, there are comparatively fewer examples where systematic changes to sulfur-based coordination polymers have been investigated. Here we present such a study on 1D coordination chains of redox-active Fe₄S₄ clusters linked by methylated 1,4-benzene-dithiolates. A series of new Fe₄S₄-based coordination polymers were synthesized with either 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-benzenedithiol (DMBDT) or 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzenedithiol (TMBDT). The structures of these compounds have been characterized based on synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction while their chemical and physical properties have been characterized by techniques including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and UV-visible spectroscopy. Methylation results in the general trend of increasing electron-richness in the series, but the tetramethyl version exhibits unexpected properties arising from steric constraints. All these results highlight how substitutions on organic linkers can modulate electronic factors to fine-tune the electronic structures of metal-organic materials.

Photoconductive Coordination Polymer with a Lead-Sulfur Two-Dimensional Coordination Sheet Structure

Coordination polymers with metal-sulfur (M-S) bonds in their nodes have interesting optical properties and can be used as photocatalysts for water splitting. A wide range of inorganic-organic hybrid materials with M-S bonds have been prepared in recent years. However, there is a dearth of structural information because of their low crystallinity, which has hampered the understanding of their underlying chemistry and physics. Thus, we conducted a structural study of a novel, highly crystalline coordination polymer with M-S bonds. Theoretical calculations were performed to elucidate its photoconductivity mechanism. The photoconductive, three-dimensional coordination polymer [Pb(tadt)]n (denoted as KGF-9; tadt = 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-dithiolate) was synthesized and confirmed to have a three-dimensional structure containing a two-dimensional Pb-S framework by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. We also performed diffuse-reflectance ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectroscopy, time-resolved microwave conductivity, and photoelectron yield spectroscopy measurements on the bulk powder samples, as well as first-principles calculations. Additionally, direct-current photoconductivity measurements were conducted on a single-crystal sample.

Metal-Organic Frameworks Derived from Calcium and Strontium Complexes of a Redox-Active Ligand

The reactions of monomeric [(dpp-Bian)M(thf)₄] (M = Ca (1a), Sr (1b); dpp-Bian = 1,2-bis[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene) with 4,4'-bipyridyl (4,4'-bipy) proceed with electron transfer from dpp-Bian^2- to 4,4'-bipy⁰ to afford calcium and strontium complexes containing simultaneously radical-anionic dpp-Bian^- and 4,4'-bipy^- ligands. In tetrahydrofuran (thf) the reactions result in 1D coordination polymers [{(dpp-Bian)M(4,4'-bipy)(thf)₂}·4thf]_n (M = Ca (2a), Sr (2b)), while in a thf/benzene mixture the reaction between 1a and 4,4'-bipy affords the 2D metal-organic framework [{(dpp-Bian)Ca(4,4'-bipy)₂}·2thf·2C₆H₆]_n (3). The structures of compounds 2a,b and 3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The presence of the ligand-localized unpaired electrons allows the use of ESR spectroscopy for characterization of the compounds 2a,b and 3. DFT calculations of model calcium complexes with the dpp-Bian, 4,4'-bipy, and thf ligands confirm the energetically favorable open-shell configurations of the molecules bearing the 4,4'-bipy fragments. The magnetic susceptibility measurements confirm the presence of two unpaired electrons per monomeric unit in 2a,b and 3. The thermal stability of compounds 2a,b and 3 was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). To the best of our knowledge, 3 is the first MOF simultaneously containing two different paramagnetic bridging ligands inside the framework.

One-dimensional and two-dimensional coordination polymers from cluster modular construction

Cluster module construction of W/Cu/S cluster-based coordination polymers and their third-order NLO properties were investigated.

Hierarchical nanosheets built from superatomic clusters: properties, exfoliation and single-crystal-to-single-crystal intercalation

Tuning the properties of atomic crystals in the two-dimensional (2D) limit is synthetically challenging, but critical to unlock their potential in fundamental research and nanotechnology alike. 2D crystals assembled using superatomic blocks could provide a route to encrypt desirable functionality, yet strategies to link the inorganic blocks together in predetermined dimensionality or symmetry are scarce. Here, we describe the synthesis of anisotropic van der Waals crystalline frameworks using the designer superatomic nanocluster Co3(py)3Co6Se8L6 (py = pyridine, L = Ph2PN(Tol)), and ditopic linkers. Post-synthetically, the 3D crystals can be mechanically exfoliated into ultrathin flakes (8 to 60 nm), or intercalated with the redox-active guest tetracyanoethylene in a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation. Extensive characterization, including by single crystal X-ray diffraction, reveals how intrinsic features of the nanocluster, such as its structure, chirality, redox-activity and magnetic profile, predetermine key properties of the emerging 2D structures. Within the nanosheets, the strict and unusual stereoselectivity of the nanocluster's Co edges for the low symmetry (α,α,β) isomer gives rise to in-plane structural anisotropy, while the helically chiral nanoclusters self-organize into alternating Δ- and Λ-homochiral rows. The nanocluster's high-spin Co edges, and its rich redox profile make the nanosheets both magnetically and electrochemically active, as revealed by solid state magnetic and cyclic voltammetry studies. The length and flexibility of the ditopic linker was varied, and found to have a secondary effect on the structure and stacking of the nanosheets within the 3D crystals. With these results we introduce a deterministic and versatile synthetic entry to programmable functionality and symmetry in 2D superatomic crystals.

Heavy chalcogenide-transition metal clusters as coordination polymer nodes

While metal-oxygen clusters are widely used as secondary building units in the construction of coordination polymers or metal-organic frameworks, multimetallic nodes with heavier chalcogenide atoms (S, Se, and Te) are comparatively untapped. The lower electronegativity of heavy chalcogenides means that transition metal clusters of these elements generally exhibit enhanced coupling, delocalization, and redox-flexibility. Leveraging these features in coordination polymers provides these materials with extraordinary properties in catalysis, conductivity, magnetism, and photoactivity. In this perspective, we summarize common transition metal heavy chalcogenide building blocks including polynuclear metal nodes with organothiolate/selenolate or anionic heavy chalcogenide atoms. Based on recent discoveries, we also outline potential challenges and opportunities for applications in this field.

Redox, transmetalation, and stacking properties of tetrathiafulvalene-2,3,6,7-tetrathiolate bridged tin, nickel, and palladium compounds

Here we report that capping the molecule TTFtt (TTFtt = tetrathiafulvalene-2,3,6,7-tetrathiolate) with dialkyl tin groups enables the isolation of a stable series of redox congeners and facile transmetalation to Ni and Pd. TTFtt has been proposed as an attractive building block for molecular materials for two decades as it combines the redox chemistry of TTF and dithiolene units. TTFttH₄, however, is inherently unstable and the incorporation of TTFtt units into complexes or materials typically proceeds through the in situ generation of the tetraanion TTFtt^4-. Capping of TTFtt^4- with Bu₂Sn²⁺ units dramatically improves the stability of the TTFtt moiety and furthermore enables the isolation of a redox series where the TTF core carries the formal charges of 0, +1, and +2. All of these redox congeners show efficient and clean transmetalation to Ni and Pd resulting in an analogous series of bimetallic complexes capped by 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) ligands. Furthermore, by using the same transmetalation method, we synthesized analogous palladium complexes capped by 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) which had been previously reported. All of these species have been thoroughly characterized through a systematic survey of chemical and electronic properties by techniques including cyclic voltammetry (CV), ultraviolet-visible-near infrared spectroscopy (UV-vis-NIR), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These detailed synthetic and spectroscopic studies highlight important differences between the transmetalation strategy presented here and previously reported synthetic methods for the installation of TTFtt. In addition, the utility of this stabilization strategy can be illustrated by the observation of unusual TTF radical-radical packing in the solid state and dimerization in the solution state. Theoretical calculations based on variational 2-electron reduced density matrix methods have been used to investigate these unusual interactions and illustrate fundamentally different levels of covalency and overlap depending on the orientations of the TTF cores. Taken together, this work demonstrates that tin-capped TTFtt units are ideal reagents for the installation of redox-tunable TTFtt ligands enabling the generation of entirely new geometric and electronic structures.