A hemicryptophane with a triple-stranded helical structure.

A hemicryptophane cage bearing amine and amide functions in its three linkers was synthesized in five steps. The X-ray molecular structure of the cage shows a triple-stranded helical arrangement of the linkers stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds between amide and amine groups. The chirality of the cyclotriveratrylene unit controls the propeller arrangement of the three aromatic rings in the opposite part of the cage. 1H NMR studies suggest that this structure is retained in solution.

Remarkable effect of iridium cyclometalation on the nonlinear absorption properties of a quadrupolar imine ligand.

A new type of dinuclear iridium complex, based on a quadrupolar Schiff base ligand, is synthesized and its structure fully characterized. Its linear and nonlinear spectroscopic properties are investigated, evidencing a strong contribution of the metal-to-ligand transitions not only to the linear absorption but also to the two- and three-photon absorption properties.

Efficient dibenzo[c]acridine helicene-like synthesis and resolution: scaleup, structural control, and high chiroptical properties.

Herein, we describe our recent expeditious synthesis of dibenzo[c]acridine helicene-like compounds on a large scale in pure enantiomeric form. This flexible synthesis allows for variation at several positions on the skeleton. Geometrical parameters related to these compounds have been obtained from monocrystal X-ray structure resolution. Additionally, chiroptical parameters have been recorded, highlighting the versatility of this family showing for example optical rotation at 589 nm varying between 135 and 150 deg g(-1)cm(2).

Inherently chiral phosphonatocavitands as artificial chemo- and enantio-selective receptors of natural ammoniums.

Inherently chiral phosphonatocavitands with various bridging moieties at their wide rim were synthesized. Optical resolution by chiral HPLC was performed with cavitand 8 to afford enantiopure compounds (+)-8 and (-)-8. The molecular structures of hosts 8 and 12 were determined by X-ray diffraction. The host properties were investigated by (1)H and (31)P NMR spectroscopy. The phosphonatocavitands form inclusion complexes with chiral ammonium neurotransmitters, some presenting enantioselectivity towards the right or left-handed host enantiomers.

Near-infrared nitrofluorene substitued aza-Boron-dipyrromethenes dyes.

The synthesis, spectroscopic properties, and TD-DFT calculations of new aza-Boron-dipyromethene dyes featuring pendant nitrofluorenylethynyl substituents are described. This functionalization allows for moving the luminescence in the NIR, conserving a good quantum yield efficiency.

Restricted guest tumbling in phosphorylated self-assembled capsules.

ABii diphosphonatocavitands self-assemble in chloroform solution to form dimeric molecular capsules. The molecular capsules can incarcerate an N-methylpyridinium or N-methylpicolinium guest. We have demonstrated that the supramolecular assembly acts as a molecular rotor as a result of the restricted motion of the guest inside the molecular cavity. In the solid state, X-ray diffraction analysis of the free host showed that two cavitands interact through strong hydrogen bonds to give the supramolecular self-assembled capsule. The solid-state structure of the N-methylpicolinium complex is comparable to that of the free host and indicates that the guest is not a prerequisite for the formation of the capsule. DOSY NMR studies provided a definitive argument for the formation of the free and complexed supramolecular capsule in CDCl(3) solution. In solution, the tumbling of the N-methylpyridinium and N-methylpicolinium guests about the equatorial axes of the host can be frozen and differs by the respective energy barriers, with the larger picolinium substrate having a larger value (ΔG(++) = 69.7 kJ mol(-1)) than the shorter pyridinium guest (ΔG(++) = 44.8 kJ mol(-1)). This behavior corresponds to the restricted rotation of a rotator in a supramolecular rotor.

Continuous symmetry breaking induced by ion pairing effect in heptamethine cyanine dyes: beyond the cyanine limit.

The association of heptamethine cyanine cation 1(+) with various counterions A (A = Br(-), I(-), PF(6)(-), SbF(6)(-), B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-), TRISPHAT) was realized. The six different ion pairs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, and their absorption properties were studied in polar (DCM) and apolar (toluene) solvents. A small, hard anion (Br(-)) is able to strongly polarize the polymethine chain, resulting in the stabilization of an asymmetric dipolar-like structure in the crystal and in nondissociating solvents. On the contrary, in more polar solvents or when it is associated with a bulky soft anion (TRISPHAT or B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-)), the same cyanine dye adopts preferentially the ideal polymethine state. The solid-state and solution absorption properties of heptamethine dyes are therefore strongly correlated to the nature of the counterion.

A new class of C3-symmetrical hemicryptophane hosts: triamide- and tren-hemicryptophanes.

The first hemicryptophanes derived from tris(N-alkyl-carbamoylmethyl)amine and tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) have been synthesized following a single synthetic pathway that allows the subsequent formation of the two heteroditopic hosts 3 and 4. X-ray crystal structures show a well-defined cavity encapsulating a solvent guest for both compounds emphasizing their complexation properties.

Fluorescence and FTIR Spectra Analysis of Trans-A2B2-Substituted Di- and Tetra-Phenyl Porphyrins.

A series of asymmetrically substituted free-base di- and tetra-phenylporphyrins and the associated Zn-phenylporphyrins were synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction, NMR, infrared, electronic absorption spectra, as well as fluorescence emission spectroscopy, along with theoretical simulations of the electronic and vibration structures. The synthesis selectively afforded trans-A2B2 porphyrins, without scrambling observed, where the AA and BB were taken as donor- and acceptor-substituted phenyl groups. The combined results point to similar properties to symmetrically substituted porphyrins reported in the literature. The differences in FTIR and fluorescence were analyzed by means of detailed density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The X-ray diffraction analysis for single crystals of zinc-containing porphyrins revealed small deviations from planarity for the porphyrin core in perfect agreement with the DFT optimized structures. All calculated vibrational modes (2162 modes for all six compounds studied) were found and fully characterized and assigned to the observed FTIR spectra. The most intense IR bands are discussed in connection with the generic similarity and differences of calculated normal modes. Absorption spectra of all compounds in the UV and visible regions show the typical ethio type feature of meso-tetraarylporphyrins with a very intense Soret band and weak Q bands of decreasing intensity. In diphenyl derivatives, the presence of only two phenyl rings causes a pronounced hypsochromic shift of all bands in the absorption spectra. Time-dependent DFT calculations revealed some peculiarities in the electronic excited states structure and connected them with vibronic bands in the absorption and fluorescence spectra from associated vibrational sublevels.

Self-complementary phosphonate cavitands.

iii-Phosphorylated cavitands incorporating an N-methylpyridinium guest moiety as the fourth bridging unit form supramolecular associations by inclusion of the charged CH(3)N(+)-pyridinium head into a neighboring host cavity. The dimeric association is favored in solution and was characterized by NMR, mass spectrometry, DOSY experiments, and single crystal X-ray analysis.

A rational design of catechol-based compounds: an experimental and theoretical study of optical properties.

The synthesis and optical properties of 4,5-disubstituted (tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-protected catechol derivatives are reported. One or two carbon-carbon triple bond functions were introduced through the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. The effects on the optical properties of monosubstitution at the 4-position or disubstitution at the 4- and 5-positions of these catechol derivatives with electron-withdrawing or -donating substituents have been investigated. The experimental chemical-structure-polarisability relationship has been studied by using the Lippert-Mataga correlation and compared with the results of a theoretical study carried out with DFT calculations. These compounds are promising candidates for the fine-tuning of internal charge transfer, but also as potential non-linear chromophores and ligands within multifunctional coordination complexes.

Structure, magnetic properties, polarized neutron diffraction, and theoretical study of a copper(II) cubane.

The paper reports the synthesis, X-ray and neutron diffraction crystal structures, magnetic properties, high field-high frequency EPR (HF-EPR), spin density and theoretical description of the tetranuclear CuII complex [Cu4L4] with cubane-like structure (LH2=1,1,1-trifluoro-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-5-aza-hept-3-en-2-one). The simulation of the magnetic behavior gives a predominant ferromagnetic interaction J1 (+30.5 cm(-1)) and a weak antiferromagnetic interaction J2 (-5.5 cm(-1)), which correspond to short and long Cu-Cu distances, respectively, as evidence from the crystal structure [see formulate in text]. It is in agreement with DFT calculations and with the saturation magnetization value of an S=2 ground spin state. HF-EPR measurements at low temperatures (5 to 30 K) provide evidence for a negative axial zero-field splitting parameter D (-0.25+/-0.01 cm(-1)) plus a small rhombic term E (0.025+/-0.001 cm(-1), E/D = 0.1). The experimental spin distribution from polarized neutron diffraction is mainly located in the basal plane of the CuII ion with a distortion of yz-type for one CuII ion. Delocalization on the ligand (L) is observed but to a smaller extent than expected from DFT calculations.

Stable near-infrared anionic polymethine dyes: structure, photophysical, and redox properties.

The concept of cyanine has been successfully extended to an anionic heptamethine dye featuring tricyanofuran (TCF) moieties in terms of structure, reactivity, and photophysical properties. Importantly, absorption and emission are red-shifted compared to its classical cationic analog without any cost in terms of thermal stability. In addition to its "cyanine" behavior, this molecule exhibits further redox properties: oxidation and reduction led to the reversible formation of radical species whose absorption is in marked contrast with that of cyanines.

Structure, magnetism, and theoretical study of a mixed-valence Co(II)3Co(III)4 heptanuclear wheel: lack of SMM behavior despite negative magnetic anisotropy.

A mixed-valence Co(II)/Co(III) heptanuclear wheel [Co(II)3Co(III)4(L)6(MeO)6] (LH2 = 1,1,1-trifluoro-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-5-aza-hept-3-en-2-one) has been synthesized and its crystal structure determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The valence state of each cobalt ion was established by bond valence sum calculations. Studies of the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility and the field dependence of the magnetization evidence ferromagnetic interactions within the compound. In order to understand the magnetic properties of this Co7 wheel, we performed ab initio calculations for each cobalt fragment at the CASSCF/CASPT2 level, including spin-orbit coupling effects within the SO-RASSI approach. The four Co(III) ions were found to be diamagnetic and to give a significant temperature-independent paramagnetic contribution to the susceptibility. The spin-orbit coupling on the three Co(II) sites leads to separations of approximately 200 cm(-1) between the ground and excited Kramers doublets, placing the Co7 wheel into a weak-exchange limit in which the lowest electronic states are adequately described by the anisotropic exchange interaction between the lowest Kramers doublets on Co(II) sites. Simulation of the exchange interaction was done within the Lines model, keeping the fully ab initio treatment of magnetic anisotropy effects on individual cobalt fragments using a recently developed methodology. A good description of the susceptibility and magnetization was obtained for nearest-neighbor (J1) and next-nearest-neighbor (J2) exchange parameters (1.5 and 5.5 cm(-1), respectively). The strong ferromagnetic interaction between distant cobalt ions arises as a result of low electron-promotion energies in the exchange bridges containing Co(III) ions. The calculations showed a large value of the magnetization along the main magnetic axis (10.1 mu(B)), which is a combined effect of the ferromagnetic exchange interaction and negative magnetic anisotropy on the two marginal Co(II) sites. The lack of single-molecule magnet behavior in [Co(II)3Co(III)4(L)6(MeO)6] is explained by relatively large matrix elements of transverse magnetic moments between states of maximal magnetization of the ground Kramers doublet, evidenced by ab initio calculations, and the associated large tunneling rates between these states in the presence of dipolar transverse magnetic fields in the crystal.

A mixed-valence polyoxovanadate(III,IV) cluster with a calixarene cap exhibiting ferromagnetic V(III)-V(IV) interactions.

A series of compounds (cat)[V6O6(OCH3)8(calix)(CH3OH)] was obtained under anaerobic conditions and solvothermal reaction of VOSO4 with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (calix) in methanol using different types of bases (Et4NOH, NH4OH, pyridine, Et3N). All compounds contain the same polyoxo(alkoxo)hexavanadate anion [V6O6(OCH3)8(calix)(CH3OH)]- (1) exhibiting a mixed valence {VIIIVIV5O19} core with the so-called Lindqvist structure coordinated to a calix[4]arene macrocycle and cocrystallizing with the conjugated acid of the base (cat = Et4N+, NH4(+), pyridinium, Et3NH+) involved in the synthesis process. The structures have been fully established from X-ray diffraction on single crystals and the mixed valence state has been confirmed by bond valence sum calculations. The magnetic behavior of all compounds are the same because of the polyalkoxohexavanadate anion [V6O6(OCH3)8(calix)(CH3OH)]- (1) and have been interpreted by DFT calculations. Thus the V(III)...V(IV) interactions are found to be weakly ferromagnetic (<5.5 cm(-1)) while the V(IV)...V(IV) are antiferromagnetic (-17.6; -67.6 cm(-1)). The set of the coupling exchange parameters allows a good agreement with the magnetic experimental data.

Nickel(II) chain with alternating end-on/end-to-end single azido bridges: a combined structural, magnetic, and theoretical study.

The reaction of a tridentate Schiff base LH (L-: 1,1,1-trifluoro-7-(dimethylamino)-4-methyl-5-aza-3-hepten-2-onato) with a Ni(II) salt in the presence of azide salt has led to a new alternating end-on (EO)/end-to-end (EE) azido-bridged Ni(II) chain of formula {[Ni2(micro1,1-N3)(micro1,3-N3)(L)2(MeOH)2]}n. Its originality lies in the presence of single EE and EO coordination modes for the azide. It crystallizes in the C2/c space group, a=21.570(7) A, b=10.79(1) A, c=16.154(5) A, beta=120.81(2) degrees, Z=4. The chain can be viewed as {Ni2(N3)(L)2(MeOH)2}+ dimeric units linked to each other in a zigzag pattern by the other azide. Magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements have been performed and revealed that the chain can magnetically be depicted as isolated {Ni2(N3)} units exhibiting antiferromagnetic interaction (JAF approximately -37 cm(-1)). Ab initio calculations confirmed the efficient magnetic coupling through the EE bridge and vanishingly small EO {Ni2(micro1,1-N3)} interactions.

Cubane variations: syntheses, structures, and magnetic property analyses of lanthanide(III)-copper(II) architectures with controlled nuclearities.

Starting from a molecular cubane [Cu(4)L(4)] (1, with LH(2) = 1,1,1-trifluoro-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-5-aza-hept-3-en-2-one), we successfully replaced one and then two copper(II) ions of the cubane core by lanthanide ions to elaborate new families of 3d-4f complexes. Here, we report the syntheses, crystal structures, magnetic properties, and theoretical description of the tetranuclear copper(II) complex [Cu(4)L(4)] (1, [Cu(4)]) together with original yttrium(III) and gadolinium(III) heterometallic derivatives: [YCu(3)L(3)(hfac)(3)](-) (2, [YCu(3)]); [GdCu(3)L(3)(hfac)(3)](-) (3, [GdCu(3)]); [Y(3)Cu(6)L(6)(OH)(6)(MeOH)(6)(H(2)O)(6)](3+) (4, [Y(3)Cu(6)]); [Gd(3)Cu(6)L(6)(OH)(6)(MeOH)(6)(H(2)O)(6)](3+) (5, [Gd(3)Cu(6)]). 1 crystallizes in the P2(1)/c monoclinic space group with a cubane-like structure and shows ferromagnetic behavior. 2 and 3 crystallize in the P triclinic space group and exhibit also cubane-like structures in which one copper(II) ion of the cubane core is substituted by one lanthanide ion. The magneto-structural correlations carried out on the yttrium(III) derivative reveal a spin frustration between the copper(II) ions that is retained in the gadolinium(III) analog (J approximately -30 cm(-1)). 4 and 5 crystallize in the C2/c monoclinic space group and result from the condensation of three {Ln(2)Cu(2)} cubane-like moieties giving rise to nonanuclear architectures. On the basis of the theoretical investigations, it is suggested that the electronic distribution on the yttrium(III) ion may influence the magnetic interaction between the copper(II) pairs. Indeed, the sign and magnitude of the Cu-Cu interaction extracted from 4 do not seem to be retained in 5. Thus, the introduction of lanthanide ions is likely to influence the nature of the Cu-Cu magnetic interactions in addition to their magnetic contribution. This work should contribute to improve the SMM synthesis strategy on the basis of the association of 3d and 4f ions.

Ferromagnetic interaction in an asymmetric end-to-end azido double-bridged copper(II) dinuclear complex: a combined structure, magnetic, polarized neutron diffraction and theoretical study.

A new end-to-end azido double-bridged copper(II) complex [Cu(2)L(2)(N(3))2] (1) was synthesized and characterized (L=1,1,1-trifluoro-7-(dimethylamino)-4-methyl-5-aza-3-hepten-2-onato). Despite the rather long Cu-Cu distance (5.105(1) A), the magnetic interaction is ferromagnetic with J= +16 cm(-1) (H=-JS(1)S(2)), a value that has been confirmed by DFT and high-level correlated ab initio calculations. The spin distribution was studied by using the results from polarized neutron diffraction. This is the first such study on an end-to-end system. The experimental spin density was found to be localized mainly on the copper(II) ions, with a small degree of delocalization on the ligand (L) and terminal azido nitrogens. There was zero delocalization on the central nitrogen, in agreement with DFT calculations. Such a picture corresponds to an important contribution of the d(x2-y2) orbital and a small population of the d(z2) orbital, in agreement with our calculations. Based on a correlated wavefunction analysis, the ferromagnetic behavior results from a dominant double spin polarization contribution and vanishingly small ionic forms.

Large pressure-induced red shift of the luminescence band originating from nonstacked square-planar [Pt(SCN)4]2- in a novel trimetallic complex.

Luminescence of the novel trimetallic complex {Pt(SCN)2[(mu-SCN)Mn(NCS)(bipy)2]2} originates from a d-d transition of the square-planar [Pt(SCN)4]2- moiety. The band maximum shows a red shift of -99 cm(-1) kbar(-1) under external pressure up to 32 kbar at room temperature. This red shift is comparable to values for crystals where Pt-Pt interaction between stacked complexes is enhanced by pressure, but the crystal structure for the trimetallic complex shows that no metal-metal interaction can occur.