The single-atom R1: a new optimization method to solve crystal structures

A crystal structure with N atoms in its unit cell can be solved starting from a model with atoms 1 to j - 1 being located. To locate the next atom j, the method uses a modified definition of the traditional R1 factor where its dependencies on the locations of atoms j + 1 to N are removed. This modified R1 is called the single-atom R1 (sR1), because the locations of atoms 1 to j - 1 in sR1 are the known parameters, and only the location of atom j is unknown. Finding the correct position of atom j translates thus into the optimization of the sR1 function, with respect to its fractional coordinates, xj, yj, zj. Using experimental data, it has been verified that an sR1 has a hole near each missing atom. Further, it has been verified that an algorithm based on sR1, hereby called the sR1 method, can solve crystal structures (with up to 156 non-hydrogen atoms in the unit cell). The strategy to carry out this calculation has also been optimized. The main feature of the sR1 method is that, starting from a single arbitrarily positioned atom, the structure is gradually revealed. With the user's help to delete poorly determined parts of the structure, the sR1 method can build the model to a high final quality. Thus, sR1 is a viable and useful tool for solving crystal structures.

Asymmetric by Design: Heteroleptic Coordination Compounds with Redox-Active Dithiolene and 1,2,4,5-Tetrakis(isopropylthio)benzene Ligands

The 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(alkylthio)benzenes are redox-active organosulfur molecules that support oxidation to a stable radical cation. Their utility as ligands for the assembly of multimetal complexes with tailored functionality/property is unexamined. Here, 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(isopropylthio)benzene (tptbz, 1) is shown to bind PdCl2 at either one end, leaving the other open, or at both ends to form centrosymmetric [Cl2Pd(tptbz)PdCl2], 4. Ligand metathesis between Na2[(N≡C)2C2S2] (Na2mnt) and [Cl2M(tptbz)] (M = Pd, 2; M = Pt, 3) yields [(mnt)M(tptbz)] (M = Pd, 5; M = Pt, 6), but an alternative route involving transmetalation with [(mnt)SnMe2] delivers substantially greater yield. The mixed dithiolene-dithioether compound [(Ph2C2S2)Pt(tptbz)] (8) is formed by a similar transmetalation protocol using [(Ph2C2S2)SnnBu2]. Compounds 5, 6, and 8 are the first such heteroleptic complexes prepared by deliberate synthesis. The cyclic voltammetry of 8 reveals anodic waves at +0.14 and +0.97 V vs Fc+/Fc, which are attributed to successive dithiolene oxidation processes. While oxidized at +0.73 V as a free ligand, the redox-active MO of tptbz is pushed to a higher potential upon coordination to Pt2+ and is inaccessible. Calculations of the structures of [8]+ and of [((Cl2-3,5-C6H3)2C2S2)Pt(tptbz)]+ show that, in the latter, the dithiolene MOs are drawn down in energy into proximity with the tptbz MOs.

Fully Reduced and Mixed-Valent Multi-Copper Aggregates Supported by Tetradentate Diamino Bis(thiolate) Ligands

Tetradentate diamino bis(thiolate) ligands (l-N₂S₂(2-)) with saturated linkages between heteroatoms support fully reduced [(Cu(l-N₂S₂))₂Cu₂] complexes that bear relevance as an entry point toward molecules featuring the Cu₂^ICu₂^II(μ₄-S) core composition of nitrous oxide reductase (N₂OR). Tetracopper [(Cu(l-N₂(S^Me₂)₂))₂Cu₂] (l-N₂(S^Me₂H)₂ = N¹,N²-bis(2-methyl-2-mercaptopropane)-N¹,N²-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine) does not support clean S atom oxidative addition but undergoes Cl atom transfer from PhICl₂ or Ph₃CCl to afford [(Cu(l-N₂(S^Me₂)₂))₃(CuCl)₅], 14. When introduced to Cu(I) sources, the l-N₂(S^ArH)₂ ligand (l-N₂(S^ArH)₂ = N¹,N²-bis(2-mercaptophenyl)-N¹,N²-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine), made by a newly devised route from N¹,N²-bis(2-fluorophenyl)-N¹,N²-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine, ultimately yields the mixed-valent pentacopper [(Cu(l-N₂S^Ar₂))₃Cu₂] (19), which has 3-fold rotational symmetry (D₃) around a Cu₂ axis. The single Cu^II ion of 19 is ensconced within an equatorial l-N₂(S^Ar)₂(2-) ligand, as shown by ¹⁴N coupling in its EPR spectrum. Formation of 19 proceeds from an initial, fully reduced product, [(Cu(l-N₂S^Ar₂))₃Cu₂(Cu(MeCN))] (17), which is C₂ symmetric and exceedingly air-sensitive. While unreactive toward chalcogen donors, 19 supports reversible reduction to the all-cuprous state; generation of [19]^1- and treatment with S atom donors only return 19 because structural adjustments necessary for oxidative addition are noncompetitive with outer-sphere electron transfer. Oxidation of 19 is marked by intense darkening, consistent with greater mixed valency, and by dimerization in the crystalline state to a decacopper species ([20]²⁺) of S₄ symmetry.

Bis[1,2-bis-(4-tert-butyl-phen-yl)ethyl-ene-1,2-di-thiol-ato(1-)]nickel(II) pentane 0.25-solvate

The title compound, [Ni(C₂₂H₂₆S₂)₂], 1, is a square-planar D _2h -symmetric compound that occurs on a general position in non-centrosymmetric tetra-gonal P4₁2₁2 (No. 92) with ¼ eq of n-pentane (C₅H₁₂) as co-crystallite. Intra-ligand bond lengths show the di-thiol-ene ligands to be in their half-oxidized radical monoanionic form. Inter-molecular ^t Bu-C-H⋯arene_centroid and ^t Bu-C-H⋯NiS₂C_{2 centroid} close contacts guide the packing arrangement for 1.

Crystal structure of 4,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxol-2-one

4,5-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxol-2-one crystallizes on a mirror plane in P2₁/m and forms layered sheets that comprise anti­parallel linear strands. Close O⋯H, C⋯O and C⋯C inter­molecular contacts are formed between strands and sheets.

The planar title compound 4,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxol-2-one, C₅H₆O₃, 1, crystallizes with its mol­ecular C₂ axis coincident with a crystallographic mirror plane in space group P2₁/m. In the plane defined by the b axis and an ac face diagonal, anti­parallel linear strands of 1, formed by simple translation, associate to form sheets with close H⋯H and O⋯O inter­molecular contacts. Between the sheets, parallel strands of 1 place the carbonyl O atom near the five-membered ring centroid of a neighboring mol­ecule with close O⋯O and O⋯C contacts.

Bis[1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene-1,2-dithiolato(1–)]nickel(II)

The title compound, [Ni(S2C2(C6H4-p-Cl)2)2] or [Ni(C14H8Cl2S2)2], crystallizes in the triclinic space group P\overline{1} as pairs of molecules disposed about an inversion center at the bc face of the cell. Close intermolecular C—H...S (2.884 Å) and C—H...Ni (3.032 Å) contacts that are less than the sum of the van der Waals radii appear to induce slight bowing of the molecular planes toward one another. The angles at which the four p-ClC6H4- rings join the NiS2C2 chelate rings [39.37 (9)– 53.41 (6)°] are similarly influenced by these intermolecular contacts. In the larger packing arrangement, sheets of molecules extend in the direction of the ac face diagonal.

Open-Ended Metallodithiolene Complexes with the 1,2,4,5-Tetrakis(diphenylphosphino)benzene Ligand: Modular Building Elements for the Synthesis of Multimetal Complexes

Open-ended, singly metalated dithiolene complexes with 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (tpbz) are prepared either by ligand transfer to [Cl₂M(tpbz)] from (R₂C₂S₂)SnR′₂ (R = CN, R′ = Me; R = Me, R′ = ⁿBu) or by a direct reaction between tpbz and [M(S₂C₂R₂)₂] (M = Ni, Pd, Pt; R = Ph, p-anisyl) in a 1:1 ratio. The formation of dimetallic [(R₂C₂S₂)M(tpbz)M(S₂C₂R₂)] attends these syntheses in modest amounts, but the open-ended compounds are readily separated by silica chromatography. As affirmed by X-ray crystallographic characterization of numerous members of the set, the [(R₂C₂S₂)M(tpbz)] compounds show dithiolene ligands in their fully reduced ene-1,2-dithiolate form conjoined with divalent Group 10 ions. Minor amounts of octahedral [(Ph₂C₂S₂)₂Pt^IV(tpbz)], a presumed intermediate, are isolated from the preparation of [(Ph₂C₂S₂)Pt^II(tpbz)]. Heterodimetallic [(Ph₂C₂S₂)Pt(tpbz)Ni(S₂C₂Me₂)] is prepared from [(Ph₂C₂S₂)Pt^II(tpbz)]; its cyclic voltammogram, upon anodic scanning, shows two pairs of closely spaced, but resolved, 1e^– oxidations corresponding first to [R₂C₂S₂^2–] – 1e^– → [R₂C₂S^•S^–] and then to [R₂C₂S^•S^–] – 1e^– → [R₂(C=S)₂]. The open diphosphine of [(R₂C₂S₂)M(tpbz)] can be oxidized to afford open-ended [(R₂C₂S₂)M(tpbzE₂)] (E = O, S). Synthesis of the octahedral [(dppbO₂)₃Ni][I₃]₂ [dppbO₂ = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)benzene] suggests that the steric profile of [(R₂C₂S₂)M(tpbzE₂)] is moderated enough that three could be accommodated as ligands around a metal ion.

Open-ended metallodithiolene complexes with 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (tpbz) are prepared either by the reaction of [M(S₂C₂R₂)₂] with tpbz in a 1:1 ratio or by transmetalation from [(R₂C₂S₂)SnR′₂] to [Cl₂M(tpbz)]. ³¹P NMR spectroscopy provides a clear diagnostic with the metalated (∼55 ppm) and open-phosphine (−14 ppm) signals. These compounds may be metalated at their open end to produce heterodimetallic compounds, or the open phosphines may be oxidized with chalcogen donors to the corresponding phosphine oxides or sulfides.

Tris[N,N-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)dithiocarbamato-κ2 S,S′]-μ3-sulfido-tris-μ2-disulfido-triangulo-trimolybdenum(IV) iodide

The title compound, [Mo3(C31H46NS2)3S7]I, crystallizes on a threefold rotational axis in P31c (space group No. 159). The [Mo3S7(S2CN(CH2C6H3-3,5- t Bu2)2)3]+ cations are arrayed in sheets in the ab plane with interligand hydrophobic interactions between tert-butyl groups guiding the packing arrangement. These cations form stacks parallel to the c axis with a separating distance of 10.9815 (6) Å (the c axis length) between the Mo3 centroids. On the underside of the cluster, opposite the μ3-S2− ligand, the iodide counteranion forms close contacts of 3.166 (2) Å with the sulfur atoms of the μ2-S2 2− ligands. These contacts are less than the sum of the van der Waals radii of the atoms (1.8 and 2.1 Å for S and I, respectively), thus indicating an appreciable degree of covalency to the [Mo3S7(S2CN(CH2C6H3-3,5- t Bu2)2)3]+...I− interactions.

Photocatalytic H2-Evolution by Homogeneous Molybdenum Sulfide Clusters Supported by Dithiocarbamate Ligands

Irradiation at 460 nm of [Mo₃(μ₃-S)(μ₂-S₂)₃(S₂CNR₂)₃]I ([2a]I, R = Me; [2b]I, R = Et; [2c]I, R = ⁱBu; [2d]I, R = CH₂C₆H₅) in a mixed aqueous-polar organic medium with [Ru(bipy)₃]²⁺ as photosensitizer and Et₃N as electron donor leads to H₂ evolution. Maximum activity (300 turnovers, 3 h) is found with R = ⁱBu in 1:9 H₂O:MeCN; diminished activity is attributed to deterioration of [Ru(bipy)₃]²⁺. Monitoring of the photolysis mixture by mass spectrometry suggests transformation of [Mo₃(μ₃-S)(μ₂-S₂)₃(S₂CNR₂)₃]⁺ to [Mo₃(μ₃-S)(μ₂-S)₃(S₂CNR₂)₃]⁺ via extrusion of sulfur on a time scale of minutes without accumulation of the intermediate [Mo₃S₆(S₂CNR₂)₃]⁺ or [Mo₃S₅(S₂CNR₂)₃]⁺ species. Deliberate preparation of [Mo₃S₄(S₂CNEt₂)₃]⁺ ([3]⁺) and treatment with Et₂NCS₂^1- yields [Mo₃S₄(S₂CNEt₂)₄] (4), where the fourth dithiocarbamate ligand bridges one edge of the Mo₃ triangle. Photolysis of 4 leads to H₂ evolution but at ∼25% the level observed for [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNEt₂)₃]⁺. Early time monitoring of the photolyses shows that [Mo₃S₄(S₂CNEt₂)₄] evolves H₂ immediately and at constant rate, while [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNEt₂)₃]⁺ shows a distinctive incubation prior to a more rapid H₂ evolution rate. This observation implies the operation of catalysts of different identity in the two cases. Photolysis solutions of [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNⁱBu₂)₃]⁺ left undisturbed over 24 h deposit the asymmetric Mo₆ cluster [(ⁱBu₂NCS₂)₃(μ₂-S₂)₂(μ₃-S)Mo₃](μ₃-S)(μ₃-η²,η¹-S',η¹-S″-S₂)[Mo₃(μ₂-S)₃(μ₃-S)(S₂CNⁱBu₂)₂(μ₂-S₂CNⁱBu₂)] in crystalline form, suggesting that species with this hexametallic composition and core topology are the probable H₂-evolving catalysts in photolyses beginning with [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNR₂)₃]⁺. When used as solvent, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) suppresses H₂-evolution but to a greater degree for [Mo₃S₄(S₂CNEt₂)₄] than for [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNEt₂)₃]⁺. Recrystallization of [Mo₃S₄(S₂CNEt₂)₄] from DMF affords [Mo₃S₄(S₂CNEt₂)₄(η¹,κO-DMF)] (5), implying that inhibition by DMF arises from competition for a Mo coordination site that is requisite for H₂ evolution. Computational assessment of [Mo₃S₄(S₂CNMe₂)₃]⁺ following addition of 2H⁺ and 2e^- suggests a Mo(H)-μ₂(SH) intermediate as the lowest energy species for H₂ elimination. An analogous pathway may be available to the Mo₆ cluster via dissociation of one end of the μ₂-S₂CNR₂ ligand, a known hemilabile ligand type, in the [Mo₃S₄]⁴⁺ fragment.

Ligand Radicals as Modular Organic Electron Spin Qubits

The intrinsic redox activity of the dithiolene ligand is presented here as the novel spin host in the design of a prototype molecular electron spin qubit, where the traditional roles of the metal and ligand components in coordination complexes are inverted. A series of paramagnetic bis(dithiolene) complexes with group 10 metals-nickel, palladium, platinum-provides a backdrop to investigate the spin dynamics of the organic ligand radical using pulsed EPR spectroscopy. The temperature dependence of the phase memory time (T_M ) is shown to be dependent on the identity of the diamagnetic metal ion, with the short times recorded for platinum a consequence of a diminishing spin-lattice (T₁ ) relaxation time driven by spin-orbit coupling. The utility of the radical ligand spin center is confirmed when it delivers one of the longest phase memory times ever recorded for a molecular two-qubit prototype.

A dibenzofuran derivative: 2-(pentyloxy)dibenzo[b,d]furan

The title compound, C17H18O2, crystallizes in two-dimensional sheets, in which the 2-(pentyloxy)dibenzo[b,d]furan molecules are arranged in a head-to-head and tail-to-tail fashion that enables hydrophobic interactions between fully extended 2-pentoxy chains and π-π stacking between dibenzofuran rings in adjacent rings. Nearest intermolecular π-π stacking contacts are 3.3731 (12) Å. The molecule is nearly planar with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0803 Å from the mean plane defined by the nineteen non-hydrogen atoms.

Ethyl 2-[2-(4-oxo-4H-chromen-2-yl)phenoxy]acetate

In the title flavonoid derivative, C₁₉H₁₆O₅, the chromene portion is planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.022 Å) with the substituents lying closely to the same plane. The dihedral angle between its mean plane and that of the benzene ring is 4.9 (1)°. This planarity is due, in part, to the presence of a strong intramolecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bond and to two weak C-H⋯O contacts. In the crystal, neighboring molecules are linked by a C-H⋯O hydrogen bond and a C-H⋯π interaction, forming chains along the a-axis direction.

Redox-Active Metallodithiolene Groups Separated by Insulating Tetraphosphinobenzene Spacers

Compounds of the type [(S₂C₂R₂)M(μ-tpbz)M(S₂C₂R₂)] (R = CN, Me, Ph, p-anisyl; M = Ni, Pd, Pt; tpbz = 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(diphenylphosphino)benzene) have been prepared by transmetalation with [(S₂C₂R₂)SnR'₂] reagents, by direct displacement of dithiolene ligand from [M(S₂C₂R₂)₂] with 0.5 equiv of tpbz, or by salt metathesis using Na₂[S₂C₂(CN)₂] in conjunction with X₂M(μ-tpbz)MX₂ (X = halide). X-ray crystallography reveals a range of topologies (undulating, chair, bowed) for the (S₂C₂)M(P₂C₆P₂)M(S₂C₂) core. The [(S₂C₂R₂)M(μ-tpbz)M(S₂C₂R₂)] (R = Me, Ph, p-anisyl) compounds support reversible or quasireversible oxidations corresponding to concurrent oxidation of the dithiolene terminal ligands from ene-1,2-dithiolates to radical monoanions, forming [(^-S^•SC₂R₂)M(μ-tpbz)M(^-S^•SC₂R₂)]²⁺. The R = Ph and p-anisyl compounds support a second, reversible oxidation of the dithiolene ligands to their α-dithione form. In contrast, [(S₂C₂(CN)₂)Ni(tpbz)Ni(S₂C₂(CN)₂)] sustains only reversible, metal-centered reductions. Spectroscopic examination of [(^-S^•SC₂( p-anisyl)₂)Ni(μ-tpbz)Ni(^-S^•SC₂( p-anisyl)₂)]²⁺ by EPR reveals a near degenerate singlet-triplet ground state, with spectral simulation revealing a remarkably small dipolar coupling constant of 18 × 10^-4 cm^-1 that is representative of an interspin distance of 11.3 Å. This weak interaction is mediated by the rigid tpbz ligand, whose capacity to electronically insulate is an essential quality in the development of molecular-based spintronic devices.

Crystal structure of tetra-iso-butyl-thiuram di-sulfide

Tetra-kis(2-methyl-prop-yl)thio-per-oxy-dicarbonic di-amide, or tetra-iso-butyl-thiuram di-sulfide, C18H36N2S4, crystallizes in a general position in the triclinic space group P-1 but shows pseudo-C2 symmetry about the di-sulfide bond. The C-S-S-C torsion angle [-85.81 (2)°] and the dihedral angle between the two NCS2 mean planes [85.91 (5)°] are within the range observed for this compound type. Multiple intra- and inter-molecular S⋯H-C close contacts appear to play a role in assisting the specific conformation of the pendant isobutyl groups and the packing arrangement of mol-ecules within the cell. Tetra-iso-butyl-thiuram di-sulfide mol-ecules of one optical configuration form sheets in the plane of the a and b axes. Inversion centers exist between adjoining sheets, which stack along the c axis and alternate in the handedness of their constituent mol-ecules.

Expanding the Scope of Ligand Substitution from [M(S2C2Ph2] (M = Ni2+, Pd2+, Pt2+) To Afford New Heteroleptic Dithiolene Complexes

The scope of direct substitution of the dithiolene ligand from [M(S₂C₂Ph₂)₂] [M = Ni²⁺ (1), Pd²⁺ (2), Pt²⁺ (3)] to produce heteroleptic species [M(S₂C₂Ph₂)₂L_n] (n = 1, 2) has been broadened to include isonitriles and dithiooxamides in addition to phosphines and diimines. Collective observations regarding ligands that cleanly produce [M(S₂C₂Ph₂)L_n], do not react at all, or lead to ill-defined decomposition identify soft σ donors as the ligand type capable of dithiolene substitution. Substitution of MeNC from [Ni(S₂C₂Ph₂)(CNMe)₂] by L provides access to a variety of heteroleptic dithiolene complexes not accessible from 1. Substitution of a dithiolene ligand from 1 involves net redox disproportionation of the ligands from radical monoanions, ^-S^•SC₂Ph₂, to enedithiolate and dithione, the latter of which is an enhanced leaving group that is subject to further irreversible reactions.

An S4-symmetric mixed-valent decacopper cage comprised of [CuII(L-S2N2)] complexes bridged by CuI(MeCN)n (n = 1 or 2) cations

Oxidative addition of 1,2,11,12-tetrathia-5,8,15,19-tetra(N-methylamino)cycloicosane to [Cu(MeCN)₄][BF₄] yields an S₄-symmetric decacopper cage compound with four cupric ions in distorted square planar bis(amino) bis(thiolato) ligand environments bridged by six cuprous ions with MeCN ligands.

The Hairpin Furans: Easily Prepared Hybrids of Helicenes and Twisted Acenes

The thermal reaction of a cyclopentadienone with 6,6'-dimethoxy-5,5'-binaphthoquinone gives, in a single step, a molecular ribbon consisting of two twisted aromatic systems fused to a heteropentahelicene. Such molecules constitute a new class of chiral polycyclic aromatic compounds, the "hairpin furans".

Tetrahydroberberine, a pharmacologically active naturally occurring alkaloid

Tetrahydroberberine (systematic name: 9,10-dimethoxy-5,8,13,13a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[g][1,3]benzodioxolo[5,6-a]quinolizine), C20H21NO4, a widely distributed naturally occurring alkaloid, has been crystallized as a racemic mixture about an inversion center. A bent conformation of the molecule is observed, with an angle of 24.72 (5)° between the arene rings at the two ends of the reduced quinolizinium core. The intermolecular hydrogen bonds that play an apparent role in crystal packing are 1,3-benzodioxole -CH2···OCH3 and -OCH3···OCH3 interactions between neighboring molecules.

Unprecedented spin localisation in a metal–metal bonded dirhenium complex

[N(n-Bu)₄]₃[Re₂(mnt)₅] is the first class I, valence localized dirhenium(iii,iv) compound, with a metal–metal bond.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy systematics at the tungsten L-edge

A series of mononuclear six-coordinate tungsten compounds spanning formal oxidation states from 0 to +VI, largely in a ligand environment of inert chloride and/or phosphine, was interrogated by tungsten L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The L-edge spectra of this compound set, comprised of [W(0)(PMe3)6], [W(II)Cl2(PMePh2)4], [W(III)Cl2(dppe)2][PF6] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), [W(IV)Cl4(PMePh2)2], [W(V)(NPh)Cl3(PMe3)2], and [W(VI)Cl6], correlate with formal oxidation state and have usefulness as references for the interpretation of the L-edge spectra of tungsten compounds with redox-active ligands and ambiguous electronic structure descriptions. The utility of these spectra arises from the combined correlation of the estimated branching ratio of the L3,2-edges and the L1 rising-edge energy with metal Zeff, thereby permitting an assessment of effective metal oxidation state. An application of these reference spectra is illustrated by their use as backdrop for the L-edge X-ray absorption spectra of [W(IV)(mdt)2(CO)2] and [W(IV)(mdt)2(CN)2](2-) (mdt(2-) = 1,2-dimethylethene-1,2-dithiolate), which shows that both compounds are effectively W(IV) species even though the mdt ligands exist at different redox levels in the two compounds. Use of metal L-edge XAS to assess a compound of uncertain formulation requires: (1) Placement of that data within the context of spectra offered by unambiguous calibrant compounds, preferably with the same coordination number and similar metal ligand distances. Such spectra assist in defining upper and/or lower limits for metal Zeff in the species of interest. (2) Evaluation of that data in conjunction with information from other physical methods, especially ligand K-edge XAS. (3) Increased care in interpretation if strong π-acceptor ligands, particularly CO, or π-donor ligands are present. The electron-withdrawing/donating nature of these ligand types, combined with relatively short metal-ligand distances, exaggerate the difference between formal oxidation state and metal Zeff or, as in the case of [W(IV)(mdt)2(CO)2], exert the subtle effect of modulating the redox level of other ligands in the coordination sphere.

Weak C-H···X (X = O, N) hydrogen bonds in the crystal structure of dihydroberberine

Dihydroberberine (systematic name: 9,10-dimethoxy-6,8-dihydro-5H-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolino[3,2-a]isoquinoline), C20H19NO4, a reduced form of pharmacologically important berberine, crystallizes from ethanol without interstitial solvent. The molecule shows a dihedral angle of 27.94 (5)° between the two arene rings at the ends of the molecule, owing to the partial saturation of the inner quinolizine ring system. Although lacking classical O-H or N-H donors, the packing in the crystalline state is clearly governed by C-H···N and C-H···O hydrogen bonds involving the two acetal-type C-H bonds of the 1,3-dioxole ring. Each dihydroberberine molecule is engaged in four hydrogen bonds with neighbouring molecules, twice as donor and twice as acceptor, thus forming a two-dimensional sheet network that lies parallel to the (100) plane.

Element misidentification in X-ray crystallography: a reassessment of the [MCl2(diazadiene)] (M = Cr, Mo, W) series

A series of reports describing the syntheses and structures of [MCl2(diazadiene)] (M = Cr, Mo, W) complexes is reassessed in the context of known chemistry of low-valent Group VI metal complexes, crystallographic trends such as M-Cl bond lengths and unit cell volumes, and calculated metal-ligand bond lengths. Crystallographic data and computational results are inconsistent with any of these species being second or third row transition metal complexes. A review of the crystallographic information files accompanying the [MCl2(diazadiene)] (M = Mo, W) published structures reveals that the metal atoms were inappropriately treated with partial site occupancy factors (0.775 for Mo; 0.4005 and 0.417 for W), the effect of which was to manifest lighter-element behavior and better refinement in accord with the metal atoms' correct identity. A deliberate synthesis and characterization by X-ray diffraction of [ZnCl2((Mes)dad(Me))] ((Mes)dad(Me) = 1,4-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene) are reported. Refinement of this structure with the same combination of second or third row metal and offsetting partial site occupancy is shown to provide final refinement statistics essentially the same as with the correct model employing M = Zn at site occupancy 1.00. Use of the published method for synthesis of [WCl2(diazadiene)] with (Mes)dad(Me) and [WBr4(MeCN)2] in lieu of [WCl4(MeCN)2] is shown to produce [ZnBr2((Mes)dad(Me))], which has also been characterized by X-ray diffraction. It is concluded that the unusual putative 12-electron [MCl2(diazadiene)] (M = Cr, Mo, W) complexes are in all cases the corresponding [ZnCl2(diazadiene)] complexes, Zn having been commonly employed as reducing agent in their synthesis.

Ancillary ligand effects upon dithiolene redox noninnocence in tungsten bis(dithiolene) complexes

An expanded set of compounds of the type [W(S2C2Me2)2L1L2](n) (n = 0: L1 = L2 = CO, 1; L1 = L2 = CN(t)Bu, 2; L1 = CO, L2 = carbene, 3; L1 = CO, L2 = phosphine, 4; L1 = L2 = phosphine, 5. n = 2-: L1 = L2 = CN(-), [6](2-)) has been synthesized and characterized. Despite isoelectronic formulations, the compound set reveals gradations in the dithiolene ligand redox level as revealed by intraligand bond lengths, υ(CCchelate), and rising edge energies in the sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectra (XAS). Differences among the terminal series members, 1 and [6](2-), are comparable to differences seen in homoleptic dithiolene complexes related by full electron transfer to/from a dithiolene-based MO. The key feature governing these differences is the favorable energy of the CO π* orbitals, which are suitably positioned to overlap with tungsten d orbitals and exert an oxidizing effect on both metal and dithiolene ligand via π-backbonding. The CN(-) π* orbitals are too high in energy to mix effectively with tungsten and thus leave the filled dithiolene π* orbitals unperturbed. This work shows how, and the degree to which, the redox level of a noninnocent ligand can be modulated by the choice of ancillary ligands(s).

The chalcone derivative (E)-1-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-3-(4-hy-droxy-3-meth-oxy-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one monohydrate

The title compound, C₁₆H₁₃FO₃·H₂O, has a cis disposition of the carbonyl and olefin bonds about the enone single bond. The arene rings are inclined to one another by 10.05 (6) Å. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked via O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the water mol­ecules, forming loops which are, in turn, linked via O—H.·O and C—H⋯F hydrogen bonds, forming sheets lying parallel to (103). These networks are linked via π–π inter­actions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.641 (1) Å] involving inversion-related 4-fluoro­phenyl and 4-hy­droxy-3-meth­oxy­phenyl rings.

The dithiolene ligand and tetrathiafulvalene precursor molecules 4,5-bis(bromomethyl)-1,3-dithiol-2-one and 4,5-bis[(dihydroxyphosphoryl)methyl]-1,3-dithiol-2-one

The crystal structures of 4,5-bis(bromomethyl)-1,3-dithiol-2-one, C(5)H(4)Br(2)OS(2), (I), and 4,5-bis[(dihydroxyphosphoryl)methyl]-1,3-dithiol-2-one, C(5)H(8)O(7)P(2)S(2), (II), occur with similar unit cells in the same monoclinic space group. Both molecules reside on a twofold symmetry axis coincident with the C=O bond, so that the substituents in the 4- and 5-positions project above and below the plane of the 1,3-dithiol-2-one ring. In both structures, the molecules align themselves in a head-to-tail fashion along the b axis, and these rows of molecules then stack, with alternating directionality, along the c axis. For (II), an extensive network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds occurs between molecules within the same stack and between adjacent stacks. Each -CH(2)P(O)(OH)(2) group participates in four hydrogen bonds, twice as donor and twice as acceptor.

Long-range spin coupling: a tetraphosphine-bridged palladium dimer

The dipalladium compound [{(adt)Pd}(2)(μ-tpbz)] (1) (adt = bis(p-anisyl)-1,2-ethylenedithiolate, tpbz = 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(diphenylphosphino)benzene) has been synthesized from [{Cl(2)Pd}(2)(μ-tpbz)] by transmetalation employing (adt)SnMe(2). The cyclic voltammogram (CV) of 1 reveals reversible oxidation waves at 0.00 V and +0.50 V (vs [Fc](+)/Fc) with current amplitude twice that for identical processes in the monopalladium compound [(adt)Pd(dppb)] (2) (dppb = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene), an observation indicating each wave involves simultaneous one-electron oxidations at each metallodithiolene fragment. This assignment is affirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations that show the redox-active molecular orbital (MO) is principally composed of the dithiolene S(2)C(2) π-system, and by spectroelectrochemical UV-vis of [1](2+), which displays hallmark low energy charge transfer (CT) bands. Dication [1](2+) is a diradical with a near degenerate singlet-triplet ground state; fluid solution electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra validate the DFT-derived isotropic exchange coupling, J' = -6.3 cm(-1). The frozen solution X-band EPR spectrum of [1](2+) is consistent with a spin-triplet bearing a very faint half-field ("ΔM(S) = 2") signal. It is successfully simulated with an amazingly small zero field splitting, D = -15 × 10(-4) cm(-1) and negligible rhombicity (E/D = 0.008). These zero-field splitting parameters, which stem from the long-range dipolar spin coupling, are very accurately reproduced using a multipoint dipole model with an optimized interspin distance of 12.434 Å. With the framework reported herein for understanding how the weak interaction of two spins is mediated by tpbz, this bridging ligand can now be incorporated into extended systems with tailored chemical and physical properties for use in a variety of molecular-based electronic and magnetic devices.

trans-Bis(N,N-diethyl-ethylenediamine)-nickel(II) dibromide

The structure of the title compound, [Ni(C₆H₁₆N₂)₂]Br₂ or [Ni(Et₂en)₂]Br₂ (Et₂en is asymmetric N,N-diethyl­ethylene­diamine), containing an Ni^II atom (site symmetry ) in square-planar NiN₄ coordination, is described and contrasted with related structures containing Ni^II in octa­hedral coordination with axial X⁻ ligands (X⁻ = variable anions). The dialkyl­ated N atom has an appreciably longer bond length to the Ni^II atom [1.9666 (13) Å] than does the unsubstituted N atom [1.9202 (14) Å]. The Ni—N bond lengths in [Ni(Et₂en)₂]Br₂ are significantly shorter than corresponding values in tetra­gonally distorted [Ni(Et₂en)₂X₂] compounds (X = ⁻O₂CCF₃, OH₂, or ⁻NCS), which have a triplet ground state. The electronic configuration in these axially ligated [Ni(Et₂en)₂X₂] compounds populates the metal-based d_x²_-y² orbital, which is Ni—N anti­bonding in character. Each Et₂en ligand in each [Ni(Et₂en)₂]²⁺ cation forms a pair of N—H⋯Br hydrogen bonds to the Br⁻ anions, one above and below the NiN₄ square plane. Thus, a ribbon of alternating Br⁻ pairs and [Ni(Et₂en)₂]²⁺ cations that are canted at 65° relative to one another is formed by hydrogen bonds.

Synthesis, structures, and properties of 1,2,4,5-benzenetetrathiolate linked group 10 metal complexes

Dimetallic compounds [(P-P)M(S(2)C(6)H(2)S(2))M(P-P)] (M = Ni, Pd; P-P = chelating bis(phosphine), 3a-3f) are prepared from O=CS(2)C(6)H(2)S(2)C=O or (n)Bu(2)SnS(2)C(6)H(2)S(2)Sn(n)Bu(2), which are protected forms of 1,2,4,5-benzenetetrathiolate. Selective monodeprotections of O=CS(2)C(6)H(2)S(2)C=O or (n)Bu(2)SnS(2)C(6)H(2)S(2)Sn(n)Bu(2) lead to [(P-P)Ni(S(2)C(6)H(2)S(2)C=O)] or [(P-P)Ni(S(2)C(6)H(2)S(2)Sn(n)Bu(2))]; the former is used to prepare trimetallic compounds [(dcpe)Ni(S(2)C(6)H(2)S(2))M(S(2)C(6)H(2)S(2))Ni(dcpe)] (M = Ni (6a) or Pt (6b); dcpe = 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane). Compounds 3a-3f are redox active and display two oxidation processes, of which the first is generally reversible. Dinickel compound [(dcpe)Ni(S(2)C(6)H(2)S(2))Ni(dcpe)] (3d) reveals two reversible oxidation waves with DeltaE(1/2) = 0.66 V, corresponding to K(c) of 1.6 x 10(11) for the mixed valence species. Electrochemical behavior is unstable to repeated scanning in the presence of [Bu(4)N][PF(6)] electrolyte but indefinitely stable with Na[BArF(24)] (BArF(24) = tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate), suggesting that the radical cation generated by oxidation is vulnerable to reaction with PF(6)(-). Chemical oxidation of 3d with [Cp(2)Fe][BArF(24)] leads to formation of [3d][BArF(24)]. Structural identification of [3d][BArF(24)] reveals appreciable shortening and lengthening of C-S and C-C bond distances, respectively, within the tetrathioarene fragment compared to charge-neutral 3d, indicating this to be the redox active moiety. Attempted oxidation of [(dppb)Ni(S(2)C(6)H(2)S(2))Ni(dppb)] (3c) (dppb = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene) with AgBArF(24) produces [[(dppb)Ni(S(2)C(6)H(2)S(2))Ni(dppb)](2)(mu-Ag(2))][BArF(24)](2), [4c][BArF(24)](2), in which no redox chemistry has occurred. Crystal structures of bis(disulfide)-linked compounds [(P-P)Ni(S(2)C(6)H(2)(mu-S(2))(2)C(6)H(2)S(2))Ni(P-P)] are reported. Near IR spectroscopy upon cationic [3d](+) and neutral 6a reveals multiple intense absorptions in the 950-1400 nm region. Time-dependent density functional theory (DFT) calculations on a 6a model compound indicate that these absorptions are transitions between ligand-based pi-type orbitals that have significant contributions from the sulfur p orbitals.