An Inorganic Fluorescent Chemosensor: Rational Design and Selective Mg2+ Detection.

A Zn2+ based complex, 3, displays greatly increased fluorescence emission in the presence of Mg2+. Fluorescent and computational studies suggest that 3 selectively interacts with Mg2+ due to optimal cavity size formation between two uncoordinated pyrazole side arms. This work thus represents a new approach to the development of fluorescent chemosensors.

Synthesis and characterization of trigonal bipyramidal FeIII complexes and their solution behavior.

A series of air-stable trigonal bipyramidal FeIII complexes supported by a redox non-innocent NNN pincer ligand, Cz tBu(PyrR)2 - (R = iPr, Me, or H), were synthesized, fully characterized, and utilized for the investigation of the interaction between acetone and the FeIII center. The magnetic moments determined from the paramagnetic 1H NMR spectra in conjunction with EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopy indicate the presence of a high-spin ferric center. Cyclic voltammetry studies feature two quasi-reversible events corresponding to a metal-centered FeIII/II reduction around -0.40 V (vs. Fc) and a ligand-centered Cz tBu(PyrR)2/Cz tBu(PyrR)2 •+ oxidation at potentials near +0.70 V (vs. Fc). UV-Visible spectroscopy in CH2Cl2 showcases ligand-metal charge transfer (LMCT) bands, as well as coordination of acetone to Cz tBu(PyrH)2FeCl2. In situ IR spectroscopy and solution conductivity (κ) measurements of Cz tBu(PyrR)2FeCl2 with varied equivalents of acetone reveal that acetone is weakly associated with the iron center.

Synthesis, characterization, DFT calculations, and reactivity study of a nitrido-bridged dimeric vanadium(iv) complex.

Two vanadium(iii) complexes, CztBu(PyriPr)2VCl2 (1) and CztBu(PyriPr)2V(N3)2 (2), were synthesized and characterized. Chemical reduction of both 1 and 2 gives the thermally stable nitrido-bridged vanadium(iv) dimer complex, [{CztBu(PyriPr)2}V]2(µ-N)2 (3), which is a rare example of a dimeric vanadium(iv) complex bridged by two nitrido ligands. The nitride ligands of 3 are unreactive due to the well-protected environment provided by the pincer ligand and its substituents, as is supported by its X-ray crystal structure and further described by DFT calculations.

Intramolecular C-H Functionalization Followed by a [2σ + 2π] Addition via an Intermediate Nickel-Nitridyl Complex.

Irradiation of a disphenoidal Ni(II) azido complex, [Cz tBu(Pyr iPr)2NiN3] (1), revealed an unprecedented nickel complex, [Cz tBu(Pyr iPr)(NH2-Pyr iPr)] (2), in >90% isolated yield. As evidenced by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 2 is produced by double intramolecular C-H activation of a putative nickel-nitridyl intermediate, [Cz tBu(Pyr iPr)2Ni-⃛N•]. Calculations support the generation of an intermediate with significant nitridyl radical character after the loss of N2, which, in turn, undergoes tandem C-H activations, leading to functionalized intermediates and products. This is an unprecedented example of transient Ni-⃛N•-promoted intramolecular C-H functionalization, followed by a [2σ + 2π] addition, yielding bis-metallacyclic product 2. Complex 2 is also observed from the reaction of Ni(I) precursor Cz tBu(Pyr iPr)2Ni (3) and Me3SiN3, suggesting a unique thermal route toward a masked nickel-nitridyl intermediate.