Synthesis and some first-row transition-metal complexes of the 1,2,4-triazole-based Bis(terdentate) ligands TsPMAT and PMAT

The employment of a strategy based on nucleophilic substitution, rather than Schiff base condensation, for the preparation of 1,2,4-triazole-based ligands has been investigated and has led to the synthesis of two new ligands, 4-amino-3,5-bis{[N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-(4-toluenesulfonyl)amino]methyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole (TsPMAT, 14) and 4-amino-3,5-bis{[(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole (PMAT, 15). These are the first examples of bis(terdentate) ligands incorporating the 1,2,4-triazole unit. TsPMAT (14) forms a dinuclear 2:2 complex with Co(BF4)2.6 H2O even when reacted in a metal-to-ligand molar ratio of 2:1. Similarly, the reaction of PMAT (15) with Mn(ClO4)2.6H2O or M(BF4)2.6 H2O (M=Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) in a ligand-to-metal molar ratio of 1:1 has afforded a series of complexes with the general formula [M(II) (2)(PMAT)2]X4. The metal centres in these complexes of TsPMAT (14) and PMAT (15) are encapsulated by two ligand molecules and doubly bridged by the N2 units of the 1,2,4-triazole moieties, which gives rise to N6 coordination spheres that are strongly distorted from octahedral, as evidenced by the X-ray crystal structure analyses of [Co(II) (2)(TsPMAT)(2)](BF(4))(4)6 MeCN (246 MeCN) and [Fe(II) 2(PMAT)2](BF4)4DMF (27DMF). Studies of the magnetic properties of [Co(II) 2(TsPMAT)2](BF4)4.4 H2O (244 H2O), [Mn(II) 2(PMAT)2](ClO4)4 (26), and [Co(II) 2(PMAT)2](BF4)4 (28) have revealed weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J=-3.3, -0.16, and -2.4 cm(-1), respectively) between the two metal centres in these complexes.     

Copper-induced N-N bond cleavage results in an octanuclear expanded-core grid-like complex

Reaction of copper(I) acetate and 4-amino-3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole (adpt) in methanol under ambient conditions yields octanuclear [Cu(II)(8)(dpt)(4)(OH)(4)(OAc)(8)]; OAc = acetate anion, and dpt(-) = anion of deaminated adpt, 3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazolate. However, reaction of copper(ii) acetate with dptH gives tetranuclear [Cu(II)(4)(dpt)(2)(OH)(OMe)(OAc)(4)].     

Remarkable steric effects and influence of monodentate axial ligands l on the spin-crossover properties of trans-[FeII(N4 ligand)L] complexes

Iron(II) complexes obtained from tetradentate, rigid, linear N4 ligands have been investigated to appraise the influence of steric effects and the impact of trans-coordinated anions on the spin-transition behavior. As expected, the well-designed ligands embrace the metal center, resulting in octahedral iron(II) complexes where the basal plane is fully occupied by the pyridine/pyrazole N4 ligand, while anions or solvent molecules are exclusively axially coordinated. Precursor complexes, namely, [Fe(bpzbpy)(MeOH)2](BF4)2 (where bpzbpy symbolizes the ligand 6,6'-bis(N-pyrazolylmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) and [Fe(mbpzbpy)(MeOH)2](BF4)2 (where mbpzbpy symbolizes the ligand 6,6'-bis(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine), have been used for the in situ preparation of a series of structural analogues via the exchange of the weakly coordinated trans methanol molecules by various anions, such as thiocyanate, selenocyanate, or dicyanamide. The magnetic properties of all seven iron(II) compounds thus obtained have been investigated. Two iron(II) complexes, i.e., [Fe(bpzbpy)(NCS)2] and [Fe(bpzbpy)(NCSe)2], exhibit gradual spin-crossover (SCO) properties typical of isolated mononuclear species with weak cooperative interaction. These two SCO materials have been studied by M?ssbauer spectroscopy, and the light-induced excited spin state trapping effect has been investigated, revealing the possibility to induce the spin-transition both by temperature variation and by light irradiation. A correlation between steric/anion effect and SCO behavior is suggested.     

Spin crossover in iron(II) complexes of 3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazoles and 3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazolates

The iron coordination chemistry of 3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazoles and 3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazolates is reviewed. This includes both mononuclear and dinuclear complexes, and both iron(II) and iron(III) oxidation states. The main focus is on the synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of these complexes.     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of unusual nonlinear polynuclear copper(II) complexes containing derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole and pivalate ligands

Novel polynuclear Cu(II) complexes containing derivatives of 1,2,4-trizaole and pivalate ligands, [Cu(3)(mu(3)-OH)(mu-adetrz)(2)(piv)(5)(H(2)O)].6.5H(2)O (1) (adetrz = 4-amino-3,5-diethyl-1,2,4-triazole, piv = pivalate), [Cu(4)(mu(3)-OH)(2)(mu-atrz)(2)(mu-piv)(4)(piv)(2)].2MeOH.H(2)O (2) (atrz = 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole), [Cu(4)(mu(3)-OH)(2)(mu-tbtrz)(2)(mu-piv)(2)(piv)(4)].4H(2)O (3) (tbtrz = 4-tert-butyl-1,2,4-trizaole), and [Cu(4)(mu(3)-O)(2)(mu-admtrz)(4)(admtrz)(2)(mu-piv)(2)(piv)(2)].2[Cu(2)(mu-H(2)O)(mu-admtrz)(piv)(4)].13H(2)O [4 = 4a.2(4b).13H(2)O; admtrz = 4-amino-3,5-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazole], have been prepared and structurally characterized. 1 is an asymmetrical triangular complex containing a [Cu(3)(mu(3)-OH)] core with two Cu---Cu edges spanned by bridging adetrz ligands. 2, 3, and 4a are novel tetranuclear compounds containing a [Cu(4)(mu(3)-O)(2)] or [Cu(4)(mu(3)-OH)(2)] core with Cu---Cu edges spanned by bridging 1,2,4-triazole or pivalate ligands. 4b is a dinuclear compound with one admtrz and one water bridge, and it is the first dinuclear Cu(II) triazole complex with one bridging water molecule. 1 is one of few reported triangular Cu(II) complexes with derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole, while 2, 3, and 4a are the first group of the nonlinear tetranuclear Cu(II) compounds with derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies on the powder samples of 1-3 reveal the overall antiferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) ions with J values of -55.6 to -12.8 cm(-1) (1), -216.4 to 0 cm(-1) (2), and -259.8 to 4.8 cm(-1) (3).     

Synthesis of mononuclear and dinuclear ruthenium(II) tris(heteroleptic) complexes via photosubstitution in bis(carbonyl) precursors

A novel, and quite general, approach for the preparation of tris(heteroleptic) ruthenium(II) complexes is reported. Using this method, which is based on photosubstitution of carbonyl ligands in precursors such as [Ru(bpy)(CO)(2)Cl(2)] and [Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)(CO)(2)](PF(6))(2), mononuclear and dinuclear Ru(II) tris(heteroleptic) polypyridyl complexes containing the bridging ligands 3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole (Hbpt) and 3,5-bis(pyrazin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole (Hbpzt) have been prepared. The complexes obtained were purified by column chromatography and characterized by HPLC, mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, absorption and emission spectroscopy and by electrochemical methods. The X-ray structures of the compounds [Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)(bpt)](PF(6))x0.5C(4)H(10)O [1x0.5C(4)H(10)O], [Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)(bpzt)](PF(6))xH(2)O (2xH(2)O) and [Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2)xC(4)H(10)O (6xC(4)H(10)O) are reported. The synthesis and characterisation of the dinuclear analogues of 1 and 2, [{Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)}(2)bpt](PF(6))(3)x2H(2)O (3) and [{Ru(bpy)(Me(2)bpy)}(2)bpzt](PF(6))(3) (4), are also described.     

Effect of counteranion X on the spin crossover properties of a family of diiron(II) triazole complexes [Fe(II)2(PMAT)2](X)4

Seven diiron(II) complexes, [Fe(II)(2)(PMAT)(2)](X)(4), varying only in the anion X, have been prepared, where PMAT is 4-amino-3,5-bis{[(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino]methyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole and X = BF(4)(-) (1), Cl(-) (2), PF(6)(-) (3), SbF(6)(-) (4), CF(3)SO(3)(-) (5), B(PhF)(4)(-) (6), and C(16)H(33)SO(3)(-) (7). Most were isolated as solvates, and the microcrystalline ([3], [4]·2H(2)O, [5]·H(2)O, and [6]·?MeCN) or powder ([2]·4H(2)O, and [7]·2H(2)O) samples obtained were studied by variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and Mo?ssbauer methods. A structure determination on a crystal of [2]·2MeOH·H(2)O, revealed it to be a [LS-HS] mixed low spin (LS)-high spin (HS) state dinuclear complex at 90 K, but fully high spin, [HS-HS], at 293 K. In contrast, structures of both [5]·?IPA·H(2)O and [7]·1.6MeOH·0.4H(2)O showed them to be [HS-HS] at 90 K, whereas magnetic and M?ssbauer studies on [5]·H(2)O and [7]·2H(2)O revealed a different spin state, [LS-HS], at 90 K, presumably because of the difference in solvation. None of these complexes undergo thermal spin crossover (SCO) to the fully LS form, [LS-LS]. The PF(6)(-) and SbF(6)(-) complexes, 3 and [4]·2H(2)O, appear to be a mixture of [HS-LS] and [HS-HS] at low temperature, and undergo gradual SCO to [HS-HS] on warming. The CF(3)SO(3)(-) complex [5]·H(2)O undergoes gradual, partial SCO from [HS-LS] to a mixture of [HS-LS] and [HS-HS] at T(1/2) ≈ 180 K. The B(PhF)(4)(-) and C(16)H(33)SO(3)(-) complexes, [6]·(1)/(2)MeCN and [7]·2H(2)O, are approximately [LS-HS] at all temperatures, with an onset of gradual SCO with T(1/2) > 300 K.     

Anion-solvent dependence of bistability in a family of meridional N-donor-ligand-containing iron(II) spin crossover complexes

Five mononuclear spin crossover iron(II) bis-meridional ligand complexes of the general formula [Fe(L)(2)](X)(2).solvent, have been synthesized, where X = BF(4)- or ClO(4)-; L = 2-(1-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyrazine (picpzpz) or 2-(3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine) (picpypz); solvent = MeOH or EtOH. The magnetic and structural consequences of systematic variation of meridional ligand, solvent, and anion, including a desolvated species, have been investigated. The complex [Fe(picpzpz)(2)](BF(4))(2).MeOH, 1.MeOH, displays several unique properties including a two-step spin transition with a gradual higher-temperature step ((1)T(1/2) = 197 K) and an abrupt low-temperature step with hysteresis ((2)T(1/2) = 91/98 K) and a metastable intermediate spin state below 70 K with quench-cooling. Removal of the solvent methanol results in the loss of the abrupt step and associated hysteresis (T(1/2) = 150 K). The complexes [Fe(picpzpz)(2)](BF(4))(2).EtOH (1.EtOH), [Fe(picpzpz)(2)](ClO(4))(2).MeOH (2.MeOH), [Fe(picpzpz)(2)](ClO(4))(2).EtOH (2.EtOH), and [Fe(picpypz)(2)](BF(4))(2).MeOH (3.MeOH) all show gradual one-step spin transitions with T(1/2) values in the range 210-250 K. Photomagnetic LIESST measurements on 1.MeOH reveal a near-quantitative excitation of high-spin sites and a unique two-step relaxation process related to the two-step thermal spin transition ((1)T(LIESST) = 49 K and (2)T(LIESST) = 70 K). The structural consequences of the unusual spin transition displayed by 1.MeOH have been investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction structural analyses between 25 and 293 K. Detailed characterization of the unit cell parameter evolution vs temperature reflects both the gradual high-temperature step and abrupt low-temperature step, including the thermal hysteresis, observed magnetically.     

Di- and tetra-nuclear copper(II), nickel(II), and cobalt(II) complexes of four bis-tetradentate triazole-based ligands: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Four bis-tetradentate N(4)-substituted-3,5-{bis[bis-N-(2-pyridinemethyl)]aminomethyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole ligands, L(Tz1)-L(Tz4), differing only in the triazole N(4) substituent R (where R is amino, pyrrolyl, phenyl, or 4-tertbutylphenyl, respectively) have been synthesized, characterized, and reacted with M(II)(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O (M(II) = Cu, Ni or Co) and Co(SCN)(2). Experiments using all 16 possible combinations of metal salt and L(TzR) were carried out: 14 pure complexes were obtained, 11 of which are dinuclear, while the other three are tetranuclear. The dinuclear complexes include two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4) (2), [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(2) (4); two nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(H(2)O)(3)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(4)·0.5(CH(3)CN) (5) and [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4)·H(2)O (8); and seven cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·H(2)O (9), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·2H(2)O (10), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(H(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(4) (11), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·3H(2)O (12), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(SCN)(4)]·3H(2)O (13), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(SCN)(4)]·2H(2)O (14), and [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(SCN)(4)]·H(2)O (15). The tetranuclear complexes are [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz1))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(6) (1), [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(μ-F)(2)](BF(4))(6)·0.5H(2)O (3), and [Ni(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)(μ-F(2))](BF(4))(6)·6.5H(2)O (7). Single crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed different solvent content from that found by microanalysis of the bulk sample after drying under a vacuum and confirmed that 5', 8', 9', 11', 12', and 15' are dinuclear while 1' and 7' are tetranuclear. As expected, magnetic measurements showed that weak antiferromagnetic intracomplex interactions are present in 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8, stabilizing a singlet spin ground state. All seven of the dinuclear cobalt(II) complexes, 9-15, have similar magnetic behavior and remain in the [HS-HS] state between 300 and 1.8 K.     

Synthetic models of the reduced active site of superoxide reductase

We report the synthesis, structural and spectroscopic characterization, and magnetic and electrochemical studies of a series of iron(II) complexes of the pyridyl-appended diazacyclooctane ligand L(8)py(2), including several that model the square-pyramidal [Fe(II)(N(his))(4)(S(cys))] structure of the reduced active site of the non-heme iron enzyme superoxide reductase. Combination of L(8)py(2) with FeCl(2) provides [L(8)py(2)FeCl(2)] (1), which contains a trigonal-prismatic hexacoordinate iron(II) center, whereas a parallel reaction using [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](BF(4))(2) provides [L(8)py(2)Fe(FBF(3))]BF(4) (2), a novel BF(4)(-)-ligated square-pyramidal iron(II) complex. Substitution of the BF(4)(-) ligand in 2 with formate or acetate ions affords distorted pentacoordinate [L(8)py(2)Fe(O(2)CH)]BF(4) (3) and [L(8)py(2)Fe(O(2)CCH(3))]BF(4) (4), respectively. Models of the superoxide reductase active site are prepared upon reaction of 2 with sodium salts of aromatic and aliphatic thiolates. These model complexes include [L(8)py(2)Fe(SC(6)H(4)-p-CH(3))]BF(4) (5), [L(8)py(2)Fe(SC(6)H(4)-m-CH(3))]BF(4) (6), and [L(8)py(2)Fe(SC(6)H(11))]BF(4) (7). X-ray crystallographic studies confirm that the iron(II)-thiolate complexes model the square-pyramidal geometry and N(4)S donor set of the reduced active site of superoxide reductase. The iron(II)-thiolate complexes are high spin (S = 2), and their solutions are yellow in color because of multiple charge-transfer transitions that occur between 300 and 425 nm. The ambient temperature cyclic voltammograms of the iron(II)-thiolate complexes contain irreversible oxidation waves with anodic peak potentials that correlate with the relative electron donating abilities of the thiolate ligands. This electrochemical irreversibility is attributed to the bimolecular generation of disulfides from the electrochemically generated iron(III)-thiolate species.     

Spin crossover in di-, tri- and tetranuclear, mixed-ligand tris(pyrazolyl)methane iron(II) complexes

A series of polynuclear mixed-ligand tris(pyrazolyl)methane iron(II) complexes displaying high temperature spin crossover behaviour has been synthesised. These complexes are of the type [(Fe((3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)CH))(n)(μ-L)](BF(4))(2n), where μ-L is one of five bridging ligands X(CH(2)OCH(2)C(pz)(3))(n), (X = the central linking moiety, pz = pyrazolyl ring and n = 2 (ditopic), 3 (tritopic) or 4 (tetratopic)). Throughout the series the terminal tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane co-ligand (3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)CH and the BF(4)(-) counter anion were kept constant while variations in the central linking moiety have produced three dinuclear complexes and a trinuclear and tetranuclear complex, all isolated as solvates. The three dinuclear complexes are a 1,4-xylene-bridged complex 1·2DME, a 2,6-naphthalene-bridged complex 2·2.5MeCN.2DME and a 1,4-butene-bridged complex 3·2DME. The trinuclear complex 4·solvent (solvent undefined) has a 1,3,5-mesitylene core and the tetranuclear complex, 5·8MeCN.2(t)BuOMe, has a 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene core (DME = dimethoxyethane, (t)BuOMe = tertiarybutyl-methylether). The trinuclear cluster has a "3-up" cup shape with the cups arranging themselves in pairs to form capsules that contain anion guests. All the solvated compounds have been structurally characterised and both the solvated and desolvated versions have had their magnetic and thermal properties thoroughly investigated by variable temperature magnetic susceptibility, differential scanning calorimetric and M?ssbauer spectral methods. They all display typical low spin iron(II) magnetic behaviour at room temperature and all undergo a spin state transition to high spin iron(II) above room temperature. In particular, complex 1·2DME shows an abrupt spin transition which shifts, upon desolvation, to a lower value of T(1/2) and in addition displays a small thermal hysteresis.     

Tuning of the critical temperature in iron(II) spin-crossover materials based on bridging polycyanidometallates: pentacyanidonitrosylferrate(II) and hexacyanidoplatinate(IV)

The reactions of iron(II) sulfate, 4-amino-3,5-di-2-pyridyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (abpt), and pentacyanidonitrosylferrate(II) or hexacyanidoplatinate(IV) resulted in the formation of one-dimensional iron(II) spin-crossover compounds [Fe(abpt)(2)(μ-Fe(CN)(5)(NO))](n) (1) and [Fe(abpt)(2)(μ-Pt(CN)(6))](n) (2) with the spin-transition critical temperature near or above room temperature accompanied by thermochromism. Furthermore, it has been proven that the critical temperature T(c) is influenced by the type of dianionic polycyanidometallate within the series of discussed systems, and it changes in the sequence of [Fe(CN)(5)(NO)](2-) < [Pt(CN)(6))](2-) < [Ni(CN)(4))](2-) ≈ [Pd(CN)(4))](2-) ≈ [Pt(CN)(4))](2-).     

The magnetic and structural elucidation of 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazolate-bridged dinuclear iron(II) spin crossover compounds

Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility, Mössbauer spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic studies are described on two structurally similar families of dinuclear iron(II) spin crossover (SCO) complexes of formula [Fe(NCX)(py)]₂(μ-L)₂, where L is either a 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-pyrazolate bridging ligand, bpypz⁻, examples of which have been earlier reported by Kaizaki and coworkers, or a corresponding 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazolate, bpytz⁻. Compounds synthesised were [Fe(NCS)(py)]₂(μ-bpypz)₂ (1), [Fe(NCSe)(py)]₂(μ-bpypz)₂ (2), [Fe(NCS)(py)]₂(μ-bpytz)₂ (3), [Fe(NCSe)(py)]₂(μ-bpytz)₂ (4), [Fe(NCBH₃)(py)]₂(μ-bpytz)₂ (5). The crystal and molecular structures of 1 and 3 are very similar in their HS–HS forms (HS = high spin d⁶). In contrast to reported SCO behaviour for precipitated samples of 1, also repeated here, crystals of 1 show only HS–HS behaviour with no spin crossover transition. Complex 3 likewise displays HS–HS magnetism, with very weak antiferromagnetic coupling. Compound 5 displays a well resolved two-step, full spin transition from HS–HS to LS–LS states while compound 2 shows a one step transition. The Mössbauer data for 2 and 5 show unusual features at low temperatures.     

Hexa- and octanuclear iron(III) salicylaldoxime clusters

The syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of six iron complexes stabilised with the derivatised salicylaldoxime ligands Me-saoH(2) (2-hydroxyethanone oxime) and Et-saoH(2) (2-hydroxypropiophenone oxime) are discussed. The four hexanuclear and two octanuclear complexes of formulae [Fe(8)O(2)(OMe)(4)(Me-sao)(6)Br(4)(py)(4)]·2Et(2)O·MeOH (1·2Et(2)O·MeOH), [Fe(8)O(2)(OMe)(3.85)(N(3))(4.15)(Me-sao)(6)(py)(2)] (2), [Fe(6)O(2)(O(2)CPh-4-NO(2))(4)(Me-sao)(2)(OMe)(4)Cl(2)(py)(2)] (3), [Fe(6)O(2)(O(2)CPh-4-NO(2))(4)(Et-sao)(2)(OMe)(4)Cl(2)(py)(2)]·2Et(2)O·MeOH (4·2Et(2)O·MeOH), [HNEt(3)](2)[Fe(6)O(2)(Me-sao)(4)(SO(4))(2)(OMe)(4)(MeOH)(2)] (5) and [HNEt(3)](2)[Fe(6)O(2)(Et-sao)(4)(SO(4))(2)(OMe)(4)(MeOH)(2)] (6) all are built from a series of edge-sharing [Fe(4)(μ(4)-O)](10+) tetrahedra. Complexes 1 and 2 display a new μ(4)-coordination mode of the oxime ligand and join a small group of Fe-phenolic oxime complexes with nuclearity greater than six.     

In situ solvothermal generation of 1,2,4-triazolates and related compounds from organonitrile and hydrazine hydrate: a mechanism study

The facile and effective one-pot solvothermal syntheses of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazole and its derivatives (substituted group = alkyl, aryl, and pyridyl) through cyclocondensations of organonitriles and hydrazine hydrate in the absence/presence of metal salts have been established. By control of the solvothermal conditions and/or the addition of counteranions, different intermediates and final products were derived from various organonitriles, in which an intermediate N,N'-bis(picolinamide)azine (H4bpa) has been successfully trapped in its neutral manganese(II) complexes. A systematical study shows that, after the initial formation of 2-pyridylamidrazone from 2-cyanopyridine and hydrazine, two reaction paths are involved in the formation of 1,2,4-triazoles: via the formation of 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine and H4bpa as intermediates. The tetrazine and H4bpa paths are preferred in the absence and presence of metal ions, respectively. In the presence of metal ions, metal ion binding can stabilize the tautomers, enhance the nucleophilic reactivity of the imino C atom, and inhibit the tautomerization of H4bpa, hence leading to the formation of 1,2,4-triazolates or H4bpa in complexed forms. The in situ cyclocondensation reactions of 2-pyridylamidrazone and carboxylate into asymmetric 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazolates under solvothermal conditions have also been observed for the first time. Crystal structures of the crystalline metal complexes have been obtained, including dinuclear [Mn2(bpt)2Cl2(H2O)2] (1) and [Mn2(bpt)2(SCN)2(H2O)2] (3; Hbpt = 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole), tetranuclear [Mn4(H3bpa)2(mpt)4(N3)2].2H2O (5; Hmpt = 3-methyl-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole), [Mn4(H3bpa)2(pt)4(N3)2].2C2H5OH (6; Hpt = 5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole), and [Mn4(H3bpa)4(SCN)4].2C2H5OH (7), as well as helical [Cu(bpt)] (2). Among them, 7 is the first example of a neutral tetranuclear [2 x 2] grid manganese(II) complex. Both 5 and 7 exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Structural and magnetic resolution of a two-step full spin-crossover transition in a dinuclear iron(II) pyridyl-bridged compound

A dinuclear iron(II) complex containing the new pyridyl bridging ligand, 2,5-di(2',2'-dipyridylamino)pyridine (ddpp) has been synthesised and characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility and M?ssbauer spectral methods. This compound, [Fe(2)(ddpp)(2)(NCS)(4)]4 CH(2)Cl(2), undergoes a two-step full spin crossover. Structural analysis at each of the three plateau temperatures has revealed a dinuclear molecule with spin states HS-HS, HS-LS and LS-LS (HS: high spin, LS: low spin) for the two iron(II) centres. This is the first time that resolution of the metal centres in a HS-LS ordered state has been achieved in a two-step dinuclear iron(II) spin-crossover compound. Thermogravimetric data show that the dichloromethane solvate molecules can be removed in two distinct steps at 120 degrees C and 200 degrees C. The partially de-solvated clathrate, [Fe(2)(ddpp)(2)(NCS)(4)]CH(2)Cl(2), undergoes a one-step transition with an increased transition temperature with respect to the as synthesised material. Structural characterisation of this material reveals subtle changes to the coordination geometries at each of the iron(II) centres and striking changes to the local environment of the dinuclear complex. The fully de-solvated material remains high spin over all temperatures. Interestingly, the solvent can be re-introduced into the monosolvated solid to achieve complete conversion back to the original two-step crossover material, [Fe(2)(ddpp)(2)(NCS)(4)]4 CH(2)Cl(2).     

Dinuclear and 1D iron(III) Schiff base complexes bridged by 4-salicylideneamino-1,2,4-triazolate: X-ray structures and magnetic properties

Four new iron(III) complexes were obtained by the reaction of 4-salicylideneamino-1,2,4-triazole (Hsaltrz) and selected dinuclear μ-oxo-bridged iron(III) Schiff base complexes [{FeL(4)}(2)(μ-O)], where L(4) represents a terminal tetradentate dianionic Schiff-base ligand. X-ray structural analysis revealed a novel bridging mode of κN,κO of the saltrz ligand to form dinuclear complexes [{Fe(salen)(μ-saltrz)}(2)]·CH(3)OH (1) (H(2)salen = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylimine)) and [{Fe(salpn)(μ-saltrz)}(2)] (2) (H(2)salpn = N,N'-1,2-propylenbis(salicylimine)), whereas one-dimensional (1D) zig-zag chains were formed in the case of [{Fe(salch)(μ-saltrz)}·0.5CH(3)OH](n) (3) (H(2)salch = N,N'-cyclohexanebis(salicylimine)) and [Fe(salophen)(μ-saltrz)](n) (4) (H(2)salophen = N,N'-o-phenylenebis(salicylimine)). It was also shown that the rigidity of the terminal ligand L(4) can be considered as the key factor for the molecular dimensionality of the products. The thorough magnetic analysis based on SQUID experiments, including the isotropic exchange and the zero-field splitting of both temperature and field dependent data, was performed for dimeric (1 and 2) and also for polymeric compounds (3 and 4) and revealed weak antiferromagnetic exchange mediated by the saltrz anions with much larger D-parameter (|D|?|J|).     

Metallacycles of iron, zinc, and cadmium assembled by polytopic bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands and fluoride abstraction from BF4-

Reactions of the arene-linked bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands m-bis[bis(1-pyrazolyl)methyl]benzene (m-[CH(pz)2]2C6H4, Lm) and 1,3,5-tris[bis(1-pyrazolyl)methyl]benzene (1,3,5-[CH(pz)2]3C6H3, L3) with BF4- salts of divalent iron, zinc, and cadmium result in fluoride abstraction from BF4- and formation of fluoride-bridged metallacyclic complexes. Treatment of Fe(BF4)2.6H2O and Zn(BF4)2.5H2O with Lm leads to the complexes [Fe2(mu-F)(mu-Lm)2](BF4)3 (1) and [Zn2(mu-F)(mu-Lm)2](BF4)3 (2), in which a single fluoride ligand and two Lm molecules bridge the two metal centers. The reaction of [Cd2(thf)5](BF4)4 with Lm results in the complex [Cd2(mu-F)2(mu-Lm)2](BF4)2 (3), which contains dimeric cations in which two fluoride and two Lm ligands bridge the cadmium centers. Equimolar amounts of the tritopic ligand L3 and Zn(BF4)2.5H2O react to give the related monofluoride-bridged complex [Zn2(mu-F)(mu-L3)2](BF4)3 (4), in which one bis(pyrazolyl)methane unit on each ligand remains unbound. NMR spectroscopic studies show that in acetonitrile the zinc metallacycles observed in the solid-state remain intact in solution.     

A high-pressure iron K-edge x-ray absorption spectral study of the spin-state crossover in (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))I(2) and (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))(BF(4))(2)

The room temperature iron K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure spectra of (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))I(2) and (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))(BF(4))(2) have been measured between ambient and 88 and 94 kbar, respectively, in an opposed diamond anvil cell. The iron(II) in (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))I(2)undergoes the expected gradual spin-state crossover from the high-spin state to the low-spin state with increasing pressure. In contrast, the iron(II) in (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))(BF(4))(2) remains high-spin between ambient and 78 kbar and is only transformed to the low-spin state at an applied pressure of between 78 and 94 kbar. No visible change is observed in the preedge peak in the spectra of (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))I(2) with increasing pressure, whereas the preedge peak in the spectra of ((e[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))(BF(4))(2) changes as expected for a high-spin to low-spin crossover with increasing pressure. The difference in the spin-state crossover behavior of these two complexes is likely related to the unusual behavior of (Fe[HC(3,5-(CH(3))(2)pz)(3)](2))(BF(4))(2) upon cooling.     

Mononuclear versus dinuclear complex formation in nickel(II) sulfate/phenyl(2-pyridyl)ketone oxime chemistry depending on the ligand to metal reaction ratio: synthetic, spectral and structural studies

The reactions of phenyl(2-pyridyl)ketone oxime (py)C(ph)NOH, with nickel(II) sulfate hexahydrate under reflux, in the absence of an external base, have been investigated. The reaction of NiSO(4).6H(2)O with two equivalents of (py)C(ph)NOH in H(2)O/MeOH leads to the dinuclear complex [Ni(2)(SO(4))(2){(py)C(ph)NOH}(4)] (1), while an excess of the organic ligand affords the 1:3 cationic complex [Ni{(py)C(ph)NOH}(3)](SO(4)) (2). Compound 1 is transformed into 2 by a reaction with an excess of ligand in refluxing H(2)O/MeOH. Reactions of 1 and 2 with a limited amount of LiOH give the known cluster [Ni(6)(SO(4))(4)(OH){(py)C(ph)NO}(3){(py)C(ph)NOH}(3)(H(2)O)(3)]. The structures of 1 and 2 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In both complexes the organic ligand chelates through its 2-pyridyl and oxime nitrogen atoms. The metal centers of 1 are bridged by two eta(1):eta(1):mu sulfato ligands; each metal ion has the cis-cis-trans deposition of the coordinated sulfato oxygen, pyridyl nitrogen and oxime nitrogen atoms, respectively. The cation of 2 is the fac isomer considering the positions of the coordinated pyridyl and oxime nitrogen atoms. The crystal structures of both complexes are stabilized by hydrogen bonds. Compounds 1 and 2 join a small family of structurally characterized metal complexes containing the neutral or anionic forms of phenyl(2-pyridyl)ketone oxime as ligands. The IR spectra of the two complexes are discussed in terms of the nature of bonding and their structures. From the vibrational spectroscopy viewpoint, the SO(4)(2-) groups in 1 and 2 appear to have lower symmetries compared with those deduced from X-ray crystallography; this is attributed to the participation of sulfates in hydrogen bonding interactions.