Efficient reduction of formic acid to formaldehyde by zinc

The possibility of thermally reducing formic acid to formaldehyde selectively has been probed using metallic zinc. Good selectivity (over 80%) was obtained with low concentrations of formic acid, with methanol and methyl formate as secondary products. The selectivity can be tuned by changing the carrier gas flow, temperature, and zinc amount. Zinc was oxidized to zinc oxide during this process.

Syn-gas from waste: the reduction of CO2 with H2S

In this paper, we demonstrate that syngas (H₂/CO) can be produced from oil waste (H₂S/CO₂) forming SO₂ and S as secondary products at 600–800 °C in a flow reactor set-up.

A nitrogen-rich ligand as a scaffold for slow magnetic relaxation in dysprosium-based 0D and 1D architectures

A recently designed nitrogen-rich ligand is successfully applied as a scaffold for lanthanide ions to show that the intricate chemistry of energetic materials can be combined with other fields of research, including that of molecular magnetism. Herein, we report the synthesis of two different types of molecular architectures using a single ligand template, in which the discrete monomer exhibits single-molecule magnet-like behaviour along with two well-isolated modes of magnetic relaxation.

Confinement effects of a crystalline sponge on ferrocene and ferrocene carboxaldehyde

The pivotal role of ππ interactions in the inclusion behaviour of a series of organometallic sandwich compounds is studied through single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The confinement effects of a crystalline sponge host are investigated where, notably, we observe an enhanced rotation of the ligand ring once encapsulated by the nanoporous framework, as evidenced by SSNMR experiments.

Electro- and Photocatalytic Generation of H2 Using a Distinctive CoII "PN3 P" Pincer Supported Complex with Water or Saturated Saline as a Hydrogen Source

Efficient electrocatalytic production of H₂ from mixed water/acetonitrile solutions was achieved using three new Co^II complexes supported by the neutral pincer ligand bis(diphenylphosphino)-2,6-di(methylamino)pyridine ("PN₃ P"). At -1.9 V vs. Fc/Fc⁺ , these catalysts showed 96 % Faradaic efficiency with added water or saturated aqueous saline at rates of up to 316 L(mol cat)^-1 (cm² )^-1  h^-1 using a glassy carbon working electrode. The complex [Co(κ³ -2,6-{Ph₂ PNMe}₂ (NC₅ H₃ )Br₂ ] (1) was also able to photocatalytically reduce water to hydrogen in the presence of a Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ photosensitizer and a reductant.

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.

Strong ferromagnetic exchange coupling in a {Ni} cluster mediated through an air-stable tetrazine-based radical anion

A planar tetradentate 3,6-bis(2-pyrimidyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (BpymTz) templating chelate affords the formation of an unprecedented BpymTz˙^- radical anion bridged {Ni} complex. Detailed magnetic measurements performed on the isolated air stable [Ni(BpymTz˙^-)Cl₆(DMF)₈]Cl·0.5(H₂O) compound reveal strong ferromagnetic Ni^II-BpymTz˙^- interactions with a coupling constant of J = 98.84 cm^-1.

Stepwise crystallographic visualization of dynamic guest binding in a nanoporous framework

Binding sites are at the heart of all host-guest systems, whether biological or chemical. When considering binding sites that form covalent bonds with the guest, we generally envision a single, highly specific binding motif. Through single-crystal X-ray crystallography, the dynamic binding of a guest that displays a variety of covalent binding motifs in a single site of adsorption is directly observed for the first time. The stepwise crystallographic visualization of the incorporation of I2 within a porous MOF is presented, wherein the preferred binding motifs throughout the uptake process are identified. The guest I2 molecules initially bind with terminal iodide atoms of the framework to form [I4]2- units. However, as the adsorption progresses, the I2 molecules are observed to form less energetically favorable I3- groups with the same framework iodide atoms, thereby allowing for more guest molecules to be chemisorbed. At near saturation, even more binding motifs are observed in the same pores, including both physisorbed and chemisorbed guest molecules. Herein, we present the successful identification of a unique set of host-guest interactions which will drive the improvement of high capacity iodine capture materials.

Electrocatalytic generation of H2 from neutral water in acetonitrile using manganese polypyridyl complexes with ligand assistance

The earth-abundant element, manganese can be employed in electrocatalytically active complexes for H₂ generation from neutral water added to acetonitrile solutions.

Single-molecule magnet behaviour in a tetranuclear DyIII complex formed from a novel tetrazine-centered hydrazone Schiff base ligand

A tetranuclear dysprosium complex, bridged by a novel tetrazine-centered Schiff base ligand, exhibits ferromagnetic exchange coupling and a large anisotropic barrier.

Cycloheptatrienyl trianion: an elusive bridge in the search of exchange coupled dinuclear organolanthanide single-molecule magnets

Lanthanide inverse sandwich compounds of the cycloheptatrienyl trianion give rise to ferromagnetic exchange and slow relaxation of the magnetisation.

The preparation of η-cyclopentadienyl (η⁵-C₅R₅), η-arene (η⁶-C₆R₆), and η-cyclooctatetraenyl (η⁸-C₈R₈) bridging motifs are common in organometallic chemistry; however, the synthetic preparation of η-cycloheptatrienyl (η⁷-C₇R₇) bridging motifs has remained a synthetic challenge in 4f chemistry. To this end, we have developed a synthetic route towards a series of rare dinuclear organolanthanide inverse sandwich complexes containing the elusive η⁷-C₇H₇ bridge. Herein, we present the structures and magnetic properties of the lanthanide inverse sandwich complexes [KLn₂(C₇H₇)(N(SiMe₃)₂)₄] (Ln = Gd^III (1), Dy^III (2), Er^III (3)) and [K(THF)₂Er₂(C₇H₇)(N(SiMe₃)₂)₄] (4). These compounds are the first single-molecule magnets (SMMs) to feature this type of bridging motif. Furthermore, η⁷-C₇H₇ was found to efficiently promote ferromagnetic exchange interactions between metal ions. Variable temperature dc magnetic susceptibility measurements and subsequent simulations give significant exchange constants of J = +1.384, +1.798, and +3.149 cm^–1 and dipolar constants of J = –0.603, –0.601, and –0.475 cm^–1 for compounds 2–4, respectively. Frequency dependent ac susceptibility measurements under an applied static field resulted in the observation of dual relaxation processes, and brought forth a greater understanding of the intermolecularly driven process at high frequency. In particular, this type of analysis of compound 3 under 800 Oe elicited an energy barrier of U_eff = 58 K. Ab initio calculations were performed in order to understand the nature of magnetic coupling and the origin of slow relaxation of magnetisation. Through these studies, the effect of the amido ancillary ligands on the magnetic axiality of the lanthanide ions was found to be competitive with the crystal field of the η⁷-C₇H₇ π-electron cloud. Our findings suggest that the tunability of the dipolar and exchange components of the magnetic interactions lie within the dihedral angle imposed by the amido ligands, thus offering potential for the development of new exchange coupled lanthanide systems.

Capturing Re(i) in an neutral N,N,N pincer Scaffold and resulting enhanced absorption of visible light

The organometallic and coordination chemistry of rhenium(i) has been largely restricted to bidentate α-diimine ligation and facial tricarbonyl coordination geometries. The thermal transformation of bidentate bis(imino)pyridine and bidentate terpyridine complexes at 200-240 °C under nitrogen led to a family of Re(i) pincer complexes [κ(3)-2,6-{ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]CMe}2(NC5H3)]Re(CO)2X (Ar[double bond, length as m-dash]C6H5, Me2C6H3, (i)Pr2C6H3; X = Cl, Br) and (κ(3)-terpy)Re(CO)2X (X = Cl, Br). The synthesis, single crystal X-ray structural and spectroscopic characterization of these eight species documents their Re coordination geometries and demonstrates the accessibility of such compounds. The basic photophysical features of these compounds show significant elaboration in both number and intensity of the d-π* transitions observed in the UV-vis spectra relative to the bidentate starting materials and these spectra were analyzed using time-dependent DFT computations.

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 using Mn complexes with unconventional coordination environments

New complexes, Mn{κ(3)-[2,6-{Ph2PNMe}2(NC5H3)]}(CO)3(+)Br(-) (1(+)Br(-)) and MnBr{κ(2)-(Ph2P)NMe(NC5H4)}(CO)3 (2), are reported and present new ligand environments for CO2 electrocatalytic reduction to CO. Compound 1(+) presents a unique metal geometry for CO production (96%) in the absence of added water while 2 required addition of water and generated both CO and H2 products.

Halide Influence on Molecular and Supramolecular Arrangements of Iron Complexes with a 3,5-Bis(2-Pyridyl)-1,2,4,6-Thiatriazine Ligand

A series of iron centered complexes, namely, [Fe(Py2TTA)Cl2] (1), [Fe(Py2TTA)Br2] (2), and [Fe(μ-F)(Py2TTAO)F]∞ (3), were isolated via complexation of 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,6-thiatriazine (Py2TTAH) with various ferric halides (e.g., FeF3, FeCl3, and FeBr3). Comparison of the optical and electrochemical spectroscopy, structural analysis, and magnetic studies reveal numerous similarities between the chlorido (1) and bromido (2) derivatives, which crystallize as discrete five-coordinate iron centered complexes with coordination geometries that are intermediate between trigonal bipyramidal and square base pyramid. Conversely, the fluorido derivative (3) results in a completely different structure due to oxidation of the ligand and the formation of a one-dimensional coordination polymer held together through a bridging fluoride ion. Consequently, the spectroscopic and magnetic behavior of 3 differs significantly compared with 1 and 2. Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit paramagnetic properties typical for a mononuclear S = 5/2 system with weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions at low temperatures, whereas complex 3 demonstrates significant exchange couplings within the chain and weak antiferromagnetic interchain interactions, which stabilize a canted antiferromagnetic state below 4.2 K.

Intercalation of Coordinatively Unsaturated Fe(III) Ion within Interpenetrated Metal-Organic Framework MOF-5

Coordinatively unsaturated Fe(III) metal sites were successfully incorporated into the iconic MOF-5 framework. This new structure, Fe(III) -iMOF-5, is the first example of an interpenetrated MOF linked through intercalated metal ions. Structural characterization was performed with single-crystal and powder XRD, followed by extensive analysis by spectroscopic methods and solid-state NMR, which reveals the paramagnetic ion through its interaction with the framework. EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed that the intercalated ions were indeed Fe(III) , whereas DFT calculations were employed to ascertain the unique pentacoordinate architecture around the Fe(III) ion. Interestingly, this is also the first crystallographic evidence of pentacoordinate Zn(II) within the MOF-5 SBU. This new MOF structure displays the potential for metal-site addition as a framework connector, thus creating further opportunity for the innovative development of new MOF materials.

Hydridosilylamido complexes of Ta and Mo isolobal with Berry's zirconocenes: syntheses, β-Si-H agostic interactions, catalytic hydrosilylation, and insight into mechanism

The syntheses of novel Group 5 and Group 6 hydrosilylamido complexes of the type R(ArN[double bond, length as m-dash])M{N((t)Bu)SiMe2-H}X (M = Ta, R = Cp; M = Mo, R = ArN; X = Cl, H, OBn, Me) are described. The various substituents in the X position seem to play the key role in determining the extent of β-agostic interaction with the Si-H bond. The Mo agostic hydrido complex (ArN[double bond, length as m-dash])2Mo{η(3)-N((t)Bu)SiMe2-H}H is a pre-catalyst for the hydrosilylation of carbonyls. The stoichiometric reaction between benzaldehyde and (ArN[double bond, length as m-dash])2Mo{η(3)-N((t)Bu)SiMe2-H}H gives the benzoxy complex (ArN[double bond, length as m-dash])2Mo{N((t)Bu)SiMe2-H}(OBn), which showed a similar catalytic reactivity compared to the parent hydride. Mechanistic studies suggest that a non-hydride mechanism is operative.

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).

Probing the structural and magnetic properties of a new family of centrosymmetric dinuclear lanthanide complexes

A series of centrosymmetric dinuclear lanthanide complexes, including Gd^III (1), Dy^​III (2), Ho^​III (3), Er^​III (4) and Yb^III (5), have been synthesized and studied for the effects of lanthanide contraction on their magnetic properties.

Pyridine–copper(ii) formates for the generation of high conductivity copper films at low temperatures

Pyridine derivatives coordinated to copper(ii) formates are shown to have lower decomposition temperatures than the alkylamine analogues.

Structural and electronic trends for five coordinate 1st row transition metal complexes: Mn(ii) to Zn(ii) captured in a bis(iminopyridine) framework

A series of divalent bis(iminopyridine) complexes {2,6-[PhCN(tBu₂C₆H₃)]₂C₅H₃N}MBr₂ provided a unique system for investigating the correlation of experimental structure and electronic structure analysis.

NHC carbene supported half-sandwich hydridosilyl complexes of ruthenium: the impact of supporting ligands on Si⋯H interligand interactions

Electron donating NHC carbene ligand IPr exerts stronger RuH⋯Si interactions in complexes Cp(IPr)RuH₂(SiR₃) than in related ⁱPr₃P complexes Cp(ⁱPr₃P)RuH₂(SiR₃).

Enchaining EDTA-chelated lanthanide molecular magnets into ordered 1D networks

Extending molecular systems into chain networks is a unique method with which to orient magnetic molecules into well-ordered arrays along one dimension, and study their resulting properties.

Terminal solvent effects on the anisotropy barriers of Dy2 systems

A family of three dinuclear dysprosium complexes, all of which exhibit single-molecule magnet behaviour under zero applied dc fields, have exemplified that terminally bonded solvent molecules can drastically impact slow magnetic relaxation properties.

Alkyl-functionalization of 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,6-thiatriazine

S-Alkyl-1,2,4,6-thiatriazines, which can be preparedviatwo pathways, are described. The regioselectivity and photophysical properties are rationalized through computational studies.

Connecting mononuclear dysprosium single-molecule magnets to form dinuclear complexes via in situ ligand oxidation

A Dy₂ complex, exhibiting SMM behaviour, and its Y analogue were prepared via in situ oxidation of Py₂TTA, a pincer type ligand, followed by dimerisation.

Unique molecular geometries of reduced 4- and 5-coordinate zinc complexes stabilised by diiminopyridine ligand

Stepwise reduction of the diiminopyridine complex dimpyrZnCl₂ by KC₈ leads to compounds dimpyrZnCl (2), dimpyrZnCl(DMAP) (3) and dimpyrZn(DMAP)₂ (4) having unusual square-planar and see-saw geometries.

Brønsted acid-promoted C-F bond activation in [P,S]-ligated neutral and anionic perfluoronickelacyclopentanes

Treatment of L2Ni(CF2)44a-c (L = PPh3, PPh2Me, pyridine) with an external Lewis acid (trimethylsilyl triflate) gives new L-functionalized fluoronickelacyclopentanes 5a-c. Complexes L2Ni(CF2)44a,b react with the thiol form of the bidentate ligand 1,2,4-(HS)(Ph2P)Me(C6H3) [P,SH] through a unique Brønsted acid-promoted Cα-F bond activation mechanism, affording phosphine-functionalized nickelacycles bearing a phosphinothiolate ligand 6a-b. Furthermore, substituting monodentate ligands in L2Ni(CF2)44a-c with the deprotonated form of the bidentate ligand [P,S(-)] leads to the first anionic perfluoronickelacycle 7. The anionic metallacyle reacts with phosphonium salts [PHPh3](Br) and [PHPh2Me](Br) to yield HF and phosphine-functionalized nickelacycles 6a,b that still contain the terminal thiolate moiety.

Coinage metal complexes supported by a "PN(3)P" scaffold

A series of monovalent group 11 complexes, [2,6-{Ph2PNMe}2(NC5H3)]CuBr 1, [2,6-{Ph2PNMe}2(NC5H3)]CuOTf 2, [2,6-{Ph2PNMe}2(NC5H3)]AgOTf 3, and [2,6-{Ph2PNMe}2(NC5H3)](AuCl)24, supported by a neutral PN(3)P ligand have been synthesized and characterized by multinuclear NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The variation of the coordination properties were analyzed and electronic structure calculations have been carried out to provide insight on the bonding details in these complexes. The Cu(I) complexes displayed an unusual coordination geometry with a tridentate pincer ligand and an overall four coordinate trigonal pyramidal geometry. In contrast the Ag(I) analogue displayed a bidentate κ(2)-P,P' ligation leaving the pyridyl-N atom uncoordinated and yielding a pyramidalized trigonal planar geometry around Ag. The bimetallic Au(I) complex completed the series and displayed a monodentate P-bonded ligand and a linear coordination geometry.

A T-shaped Ni[κ2-(CF2)4-] NHC complex: unusual Csp3 -F and M-CF bond functionalization reactions

The reactivity of this T-shaped perfluoronickelacyclopentane–NHC complex with Lewis- and Brønsted acids is enhanced vs. 4-coordinate variants by its low coordination number.

A T-shaped octafluoronickelacyclopentane–NHC complex is prepared and characterized. While the solid-state structure includes a weak isopropyl-CH₃ agostic interaction, the reactivity of this complex with Lewis- and Brønsted acids is clearly enhanced by its low coordination number. Reaction with Me₃SiOTf, for example, yielded a rare metal–heptafluorocyclobutyl complex whereas carboxylic acids gave substitution at the α-carbon and/or Ni–C^F bond protonolysis to afford thermally robust 4H-octafluorobutyl Ni complexes.