From cubane-assembled Mn-oxo clusters to monodispersed manganese oxide colloidal nanocrystals

The assemblies of [M4O4] (M = metal) cubanes represent a fascinating class of materials for a variety of application fields. Although such a structural characteristic is relatively common in small molecules and in extended bulk solids, high nuclearity clusters composed of multiple [M4O4] units as their backbones are rare. In this work, we report two new Mn-oxo clusters, MnII 8MnIII 10O10(OOCMe)12(OMe)14(py)2 ([Mn18-Ac]) and MnII 4MnIII 14O14(OOCCMe3)8(OMe)14(MeOH)5(py) ([Mn18-Piv]), whose core structures are assemblies of either 6- or 7-cubanes in different packing patterns, which have been unambiguously revealed by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The cubane-assembled structural features can be deemed as the embryonic structures of the bulk manganese oxide. Herein, this report demonstrates the first case study of utilizing Mn-oxo clusters as precursors for the preparation of manganese oxide nanocrystals, which has never been explored before. Through a simple colloidal synthetic approach, high-quality, monodisperse Mn3O4 nanocrystals can be readily prepared by employing both precursors, while their morphologies were found to be quite different. This work confirms that the structural similarity between precursors and nanomaterials is instrumental in affording more kinetically efficient pathways for materials formation, and the structure of the precursor has a significant impact on the morphology of final nanocrystal products.

A dinuclear Co(iii)/Co(ii) complex based on the H2pmide ligand showing field-induced SMM behaviour

We report a combined computational and experimental study of the field-induced SMM behaviour of a Co(ii)/Co(iii) dinuclear complex with a pair-like H-bond intermolecular interaction.

The effect of the orientation of the Jahn–Teller distortion on the magnetic interactions of trinuclear mixed-valence Mn(ii)/Mn(iii) complexes

The effect of the orientation of the Jahn–Teller distortion on the magnetic interactions in two new mixed-valence trinuclear Mn(iii)–Mn(ii)–Mn(iii) complexes has been investigated.

Incorporating polyoxometalates and organic ligands to pursue 3d–4f heterometallic clusters: a series of {Cr4Ln4} clusters stabilized by phthalic acid and [SiW12O40]4−

By introduction of trilacunary Keggin-type polyoxometalate to the hydrothermal reaction system of Cr³⁺, Ln³⁺ and phthalic acid, a series of novel {Cr₄Ln₄} heterometallic clusters with the formula Cs₂[Cr₄Ln₄(μ₄-O)₄(μ₃-O)₄(C₈H₄O₄)₄(H₂O)₁₂](H₃SiW₁₂O₄₀)Cl·23H₂O (1-Ln, Ln = Ce, Pr, Nd) and [Cr₄Ln₄(μ₄-O)₄(μ₃-O)₄(C₈H₄O₄)₄(H₂O)₁₀](H₆SiW₁₂O₄₀)Cl₂·18H₂O (2-Ln, Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) have been obtained. Single-crystal structural analyses show that 1-Ln and 2-Ln constitute the first cases of Cr–Ln heterometallic clusters stabilized by inorganic polyoxometalate anions and organic ligands. Optical spectra studies demonstrate that 1-Ln and 2-Ln are narrow-gap semiconductors with band gaps of about 1.5 eV. Magnetic investigation shows that compound 2-Dy is a potential single molecule magnet.

By introduction of trilacunary Keggin-type polyoxometalate to the hydrothermal reaction system of Cr³⁺, Ln³⁺ and phthalic acid, a series of novel {Cr₄Ln₄} heterometallic clusters have been obtained.

Structural, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Investigation of a T-Shaped [Fe3(μ3-O)] Cluster

The synthesis, X-ray crystal and electronic structures of [Fe₃(μ₃-O)(mpmae)₂(OAc)₂ Cl₃], 1, where mpmae-H = 2-(N-methyl-N-((pyridine-2-yl)methyl)amino)ethanol, are described. This cluster comprises three high-spin ferric ions and exhibits a T-shaped site topology. Variable-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance measurements performed on single crystals of 1 demonstrate a total spin S_T = 5/2 ground state, characterized by a small, negative, and nearly axial zero-field splitting tensor D = -0.49 cm^-1, E/D ≈ 0.055. Analysis of magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and magneto-structural correlations further corroborate the presence of a sextet ground-spin state. The observed ground state originates from the strong anti-ferromagnetic interaction of two iron(III) spins, with J = 115(5) cm^-1, that, in turn, are only weakly coupled to the spin of the third site, with j = 7(1) cm^-1. These exchange interactions lead to a ground state with magnetic properties that are essentially entirely determined by the weakly coupled site. The contributions of the individual spins to the total ground state of the cluster were monitored using variable-field ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Field-dependent spectra reveal that, while one of the iron sites exhibits a large negative internal field, typical of ferric ions, the other two sites exhibit small, but not null, negative and positive internal fields. A theoretical analysis reveals that these small internal fields originate from the mixing of the lowest S_T = 5/2 excited state into the ground state which, in turn, is induced by a minute structural distortion.

Trinuclear nickel and cobalt complexes containing unsymmetrical tripodal tetradentate ligands: syntheses, structural, magnetic, and catalytic properties

The coordination chemistries of the tetradentate N2O2-type ligands N-(2-pyridylmethyl)iminodiethanol (H2pmide) and N-(2-pyridylmethyl)iminodiisopropanol (H2pmidip) have been investigated with nickel(ii) and cobalt(ii/iii) ions. Three novel complexes prepared and characterized are [(Hpmide)2Ni3(CH3COO)4] (1), [(Hpmide)2Co3(CH3COO)4] (2), and [(pmidip)2Co3(CH3COO)4] (3). In 1 and 2, two terminal nickel(ii)/cobalt(ii) units are coordinated to one Hpmide(-) and two CH3CO2(-). The terminal units are each connected to a central nickel(ii)/cobalt(ii) cation through one oxygen atom of Hpmide(-) and two oxygen atoms of acetate ions, giving rise to nickel(ii) and cobalt(ii) trinuclear complexes, respectively. Trinuclear complexes 1 and 2 are isomorphous. In 3, two terminal cobalt(iii) units are coordinated to pmidip(2-) and two CH3CO2(-). The terminal units are each linked to a central cobalt(ii) cation through two oxygen atoms of pmidip(2-) and one oxygen atom of a bidentate acetate ion, resulting in a linear trinuclear mixed-valence cobalt complex. 1 shows a weak ferromagnetic interaction with the ethoxo and acetato groups between the nickel(ii) ions (g = 2.24, J = 2.35 cm(-1)). However, 2 indicates a weak antiferromagnetic coupling with the ethoxo and acetato groups between the cobalt(ii) ions (g = 2.37, J = -0.5 cm(-1)). Additionally, 3 behaves as a paramagnetic cobalt(ii) monomer, due to the diamagnetic cobalt(iii) ions in the terminal units (g = 2.53, |D| = 36.0 cm(-1)). No catalytic activity was observed in 1. However, 2 and 3 showed significant catalytic activities toward various olefins with modest to good yields. 3 was slightly less efficient toward olefin epoxidation reaction than 2. Also 2 was used for terminal olefin oxidation reaction and was oxidised to the corresponding epoxides in moderate yields (34-75%) with conversions ranging from 47-100%. The cobalt complexes 2 and 3 promoted the O-O bond cleavage to ∼75% heterolysis and ∼25% homolysis.

Multiple superhyperfine fields in a {DyFe2Dy} coordination cluster revealed using bulk susceptibility and 57Fe Mössbauer studies

A study which demonstrates the decisive role that the timescale of measurement techniques play in helping to unravel the details of relaxation processes in magnetic materials is presented.

Anticancer activity of a cis-dichloridoplatinum(ii) complex of a chelating nitrogen mustard: insight into unusual guanine binding mode and low deactivation by glutathione

A platinum(ii) complex (2) of a chelating nitrogen mustard shows potency against MIA PaCa2.2displays anti-angiogenic potential and displays excellent cytotoxicity profile even in presence of GSH in hypoxia.

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of dicopper and tricobalt complexes based on N-(2-pyridylmethyl)iminodiethanol

A novel unsymmetrical dinuclear copper complex [Cu(H₂pmide)(NO₃)Cu(Hpmide)](NO₃)₂ (1) and a mixed-valence trinuclear cobalt compound [(pmide)₂Co₃(CH₃CO₂)₂(NCS)₂]·4CH₃OH (2) have been prepared and characterized using structure and molecular magnetism.

22-Azametallacrown-8 complex with a triazole-bridged ligand: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties

Reaction of Mn(OAc)2·4H2O with the H2L ligand affords a new manganese 22-MC-8 azametallacrown [Mn8(μ3-O)2(μ3-OH)2(μ2-OH)2(L)6(OAc)2(OH2)4]·2DMF (H2L = 3-(2-oxyphenyl)-5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole). The structural analysis of the complex reveals that the azaMC ring possesses -[Mn-O-Mn-N-N-Mn-N-N-Mn-N-N]- connectivity. The magnetic behavior of the complex shows the dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between the manganese ions with S = 4 and the frequency-dependent out-of-phase signal.

Crystal structure of di-chlorido-{2-[(2-hy-droxyeth-yl)(pyridin-2-ylmeth-yl)amino]-ethano-lato-κ(4) N,N',O,O'}iron(III) dihydrate from synchrotron data

In the title compound, [Fe(C10H15N2O2)Cl2]·2H2O, the Fe(III) ion is coordinated by two N and two O atoms of the tetra-dentate 2-{(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)(pyridin-2-ylmeth-yl)amino}-ethano-late ligand and by two chloride anions, resulting in a distorted octa-hedral coordination sphere. The average Fe-X (X = ligand N and O atoms) and Fe-Cl bond lengths are 2.10 and 2.32 Å, respectively. In the crystal, duplex O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl and eth-oxy groups of two neighbouring complexes give rise to a dimeric unit. The dimers are connected to the lattice water mol-ecules (one of which is equally disordered over two sets of sites) through O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming undulating sheets parallel to (010). Weak C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds are also observed.

Catalysis and molecular magnetism of dinuclear iron(III) complexes with N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-iminodiethanol/-ate

The reaction of N-(2-pyridylmethyl)iminodiethanol (H2pmide) and Fe(NO3)3·9H2O in MeOH led to the formation of a dimeric iron(III) complex, [(Hpmide)Fe(NO3)]2(NO3)2·2CH3OH (1). Its anion-exchanged form, [(pmide)Fe(N3)]2 (2), was prepared by the reaction of 1and NaN3 in MeOH, during which the Hpmide ligand of 1 was also deprotonated. These compounds were investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetochemistry. In complex 1, one iron(III) ion was bonded with a mono-deprotonated Hpmide ligand and a nitrate ion. The two iron(III) ions within the dinuclear unit were connected by two ethoxy groups with an inversion center. In 2, one iron(III) ion was coordinated with a deprotonated pmide ligand and an azide ion. The Fe(pmide)(N3) unit was related by symmetry through an inversion center. Both 1 and 2 efficiently catalyzed the oxidation of a variety of alcohols under mild conditions. The oxidation mechanism was proposed to involve an Fe(IV)=O intermediate as the major reactive species and an Fe(V)=O intermediate as a minor oxidant. Evidence for this proposal was derived from reactivity and Hammett studies, KIE (kH/kD) values, and the use of MPPH (2-methyl-1-phenylprop-2-yl hydroperoxide) as a mechanistic probe. Both compounds had significant antiferromagnetic interactions between the iron(III) ions via the oxygen atoms. 1 showed a strong antiferromagnetic interaction within the Fe(III) dimer, while 2 had a weak antiferromagnetic coupling within the Fe(III) dimer.

Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of a family of heterometallic [Mn(II)2Mn(III)2Ln(III)2] clusters

A new family of isostructural Mn-Ln heterometallic clusters, [Mn(II)(2)Mn(III)(2)Ln(III)(2)(Piv)(8)(thme)(2)(H(2)tea)(2)] (H(3)thme = 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane, Hpiv = pivalic acid, H(3)tea = triethanolamine, and Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, and Dy) have been prepared by reaction of the hexanuclear manganese precursor, [Mn(6)O(2)(Piv)(10)(4-Me-Py)(2.5)(Hpiv)(1.5)], with H(3)thme, H(3)tea, and Ln(NO(3))(3)·6H(2)O under the solvothermal conditions. Complexes 1Pr-7Dy were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and their core [Mn(2)(III)Mn(2)(II)Ln(2)(III)(μ(3)-OR)(4)(μ(2)-OR)(6)](6+) composed of four face-sharing defected cubane units. Antiferromagnetic (AF) exchange interactions were suggested for all of the complexes by solid-state dc magnetic susceptibility measurements. Complexes 6Tb and 7Dy, show frequency-dependent ac susceptibility signals suggestive of slow magnetic relaxation.

Comproportionation reactions to manganese(III/IV) pivalate clusters: a new half-integer spin single-molecule magnet

The comproportionation reaction between Mn(II) and Mn(VII) reagents under acidic conditions has been investigated in the presence of pivalic acid as a route to new high oxidation state manganese pivalate clusters containing some Mn(IV). The reaction of Mn(O(2)CBu(t))(2) and NBu(n)(4)MnO(4) with an excess of pivalic acid in the presence of Mn(ClO(4))(2) and NBu(n)(4)Cl in hot MeCN led to the isolation of [Mn(8)O(6)(OH)(O(2)CBu(t))(9)Cl(3)(Bu(t)CO(2)H)(0.5)(MeCN)(0.5)] (1). In contrast, the reaction of Mn(NO(3))(2) and NBu(n)(4)MnO(4) in hot MeCN with an excess of pivalic acid gave a different octanuclear complex, [Mn(8)O(9)(O(2)CBu(t))(12)] (2). The latter reaction but with Mn(O(2)CBu(t))(2) in place of Mn(NO(3))(2), and in a MeCN/THF solvent medium, gave [Mn(9)O(7)(O(2)CBu(t))(13)(THF)(2)] (3). Complexes 1-3 possess rare or unprecedented Mn(x) topologies: 1 possesses a [Mn(III)(7)Mn(IV)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(4)-O)(2)(μ(3)-OH)(μ(4)-Cl)(μ(2)-Cl)](8+) core consisting of two body-fused Mn(4) butterfly units attached to the remaining Mn atoms via bridging O(2-), OH(-), and Cl(-) ions. In contrast, 2 possesses a [Mn(6)(IV)Mn(2)(III)(μ(3)-O)(6)(μ-O)(3)](12+) core consisting of two [Mn(3)O(4)] incomplete cubanes linked by their O(2-) ions to two Mn(III) atoms. The cores of 1 and 2 are unprecedented in Mn chemistry. The [Mn(III)(9)(μ(3)-O)(7)](13+) core of 3 also contains two body-fused Mn(4) butterfly units, but they are linked to the remaining Mn atoms in a different manner than in 1. Solid-state direct current (dc) and/or alternating current (ac) magnetic susceptibility data established S = (15)/(2), S = 2, and S = 1 ground states for 1·MeCN, 2·(1)/(4)MeCN, and 3, respectively. The ac susceptibility data also revealed nonzero, frequency-dependent out-of-phase (χ″(M)) signals for 1·MeCN at temperatures below 3 K, suggesting possible single-molecule magnet behavior, which was confirmed by single-crystal magnetization vs dc field scans that exhibited hysteresis loops. The combined work thus demonstrates the continuing potential of comproportionation reactions for isolating high oxidation state Mn(x) clusters, and the sensitivity of the product identity to minor changes in the reaction conditions.