Simple ligand-field theory of d4 and d6 transition metal complexes with a C3 symmetry axis.

There have been a number of recent studies reporting high-spin d(4,6) complexes with three- and four-coordinate geometry, which exhibit roughly trigonal symmetry. These include complexes of Fe(II) with general formula L(3)FeX, where L = thioether or dialkylphosphine donors of a tripodal chelating ligand and X is a monodentate ligand on the C(3) axis. In these systems, there is unquenched orbital angular momentum, which has significant consequences on the electronic/magnetic properties of the complexes, including magnetic susceptibility, EPR spectra, and magnetic Mössbauer spectra. We describe here a simple model using a description of the d orbitals with trigonal symmetry that along with the application of the spin-orbit interaction successfully explains the magnetic properties of such systems. These d orbitals with 3-fold symmetry are complex orbitals with a parameter, a, that is determined by the bond angle, α, of LFeX. We demonstrate that the E symmetry states in such systems with S > 1/2 cannot be properly "simulated by" or be "represented by" the Zeeman and second-order zero-field spin Hamiltonian alone because by definition the parameters D and E are second-order terms. One must include the first-order spin-orbit interaction. We also find these systems to be very anisotropic in all their magnetic properties. For example, the perpendicular values of g and the hyperfine interaction parameter are essentially zero for the ground-state doublet. For illustrative purposes, the discussion focuses primarily on two specific Fe(II) complexes: one with the bond angle α greater than tetrahedral and another with the bond angle α less than tetrahedral. The nature of the EPR spectra and hyperfine interaction of (57)Fe are discussed.

Modeling the geometric, electronic, and redox properties of iron(III)-containing amphiphiles with asymmetric [NN'O] headgroups.

Two iron(III)-containing amphiphiles 1 and 2 have been synthesized with the [NN'O] ligands HL(tBu-ODA) (2-((octadecyl(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol) and HL(I-ODA) (2-((octadecyl(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl)-4,6-diiodophenol), respectively. Compound 1 is monometallic, whereas EXAFS data suggest that 2 is a mixture of mono- and bimetallic species. The archetypical [Fe(III)(L(NN'O))(2)](+) complexes 3-9 have been isolated and characterized in order to understand the geometric, electronic, and redox properties of the amphiphiles. Preference for a monometallic or bimetallic nuclearity is dependent on (i) the nature of the solvent used for synthesis and (ii) the type of the substituent in the phenol moiety. In methanol, the tert-butyl-, methoxy-, and chloro-substituted 3, 4, and 5 are monometallic species, whereas the bromo- and iodo-substituted 6 and 7 form bimetallic complexes taking advantage of stabilizing methoxo bridges generated by solvent deprotonation. In dichloromethane, the bromo- and iodo-substituted 8 and 9 are monometallic species; however, these species favor meridional coordination in opposition to the facial coordination observed for the tert-butyl- and methoxy-substituted compounds. Molecular structures for species 5, 7, 8, and 9 have been solved by X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, the electronic spectrum of the amphiphile 1 was expected to be similar to those of facial/cis archetypes with similar substituents, but close resemblance was observed with the profile for those meridional/cis species, suggesting a similar coordination mode. This trend is discussed based on DFT calculations, where preference for the meridional/cis coordination mode appears related to the presence of tertiary amine nitrogen on the ligand, as when a long alkyl chain is attached to the [NN'O] headgroup.

Metals in anticancer therapy: copper(II) complexes as inhibitors of the 20S proteasome.

Selective 20S proteasomal inhibition and apoptosis induction were observed when several lines of cancer cells were treated with a series of copper complexes described as [Cu(L(I))Cl] (1), [Cu(L(I))OAc] (2), and [Cu(HL(I))(L(I))]OAc (3), where HL(I) is the ligand 2,4-diiodo-6-((pyridine-2-ylmethylamino)methyl)phenol. These complexes were synthesized, characterized by means of ESI spectrometry, infrared, UV-visible and EPR spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction when possible. After full characterization species 1-3 were evaluated for their ability to function as proteasome inhibitors and apoptosis inducers in C4-2B and PC-3 human prostate cancer cells and MCF-10A normal cells. With distinct stoichiometries and protonation states, this series suggests the assignment of species [CuL(I)](+) as the minimal pharmacophore needed for proteasomal chymotryspin-like activity inhibition and permits some initial inference of mechanistic information.

Impact of reduction on the properties of metal bisdithiolenes: multinuclear solid-state NMR and structural studies on Pt(tfd)2 and its reduced forms.

Transition-metal dithiolene complexes have interesting structures and fascinating redox properties, making them promising candidates for a number of applications, including superconductors, photonic devices, chemical sensors, and catalysts. However, not enough is known about the molecular electronic origins of these properties. Multinuclear solid-state NMR spectroscopy and first-principles calculations are used to examine the molecular and electronic structures of the redox series [Pt(tfd)(2)](z-) (tfd = S(2)C(2)(CF(3))(2); z = 0, 1, 2; the anionic species have [NEt(4)](+) countercations). Single-crystal X-ray structures for the neutral (z = 0) and the fully reduced forms (z = 2) were obtained. The two species have very similar structures but differ slightly in their intraligand bond lengths. (19)F-(195)Pt CP/CPMG and (195)Pt magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR experiments are used to probe the diamagnetic (z = 0, 2) species, revealing large platinum chemical shielding anisotropies (CSA) with distinct CS tensor properties, despite the very similar structural features of these species. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to rationalize the large platinum CSAs and CS tensor orientations of the diamagnetic species using molecular orbital (MO) analysis, and are used to explain their distinct molecular electronic structures in the context of the NMR data. The paramagnetic species (z = 1) is examined using both EPR spectroscopy and (13)C and (19)F MAS NMR spectroscopy. Platinum g-tensor components were determined by using solid-state EPR experiments. The unpaired electron spin densities at (13)C and (19)F nuclei were measured by employing variable-temperature (13)C and (19)F NMR experiments. DFT and ab initio calculations are able to qualitatively reproduce the experimentally measured g-tensor components and spin densities. The combination of experimental and theoretical data confirm localization of unpaired electron density in the pi-system of the dithiolene rings.

Photochemical reactions of fac-[Mn(CO)3(phen)imidazole]+: evidence for long-lived radical species intermediates.

The electronic absorption spectrum of fac-[Mn(CO)(3)(phen)imH](+), fac-1 in CH(2)Cl(2) is characterized by a strong absorption band at 378 nm (epsilon(max) = 3200 mol(-1) L cm(-1)). On the basis of quantum mechanical calculations, the visible absorption band has been assigned to ligand-to-ligand charge-transfer (LLCT, im-->phen) and metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT, Mn-->phen) charge transfer transition. When fac-1 in CH(2)Cl(2) is irradiated with 350 nm continuous light, the absorption features are gradually shifted to represent those of the meridional complex mer-[Mn(CO)(3)(phen)imH](+), mer-1 (lambda(max) = 556 nm). The net photoreaction under these conditions is a photoisomerization, although, the presence of the long-lived radical species was also detected by (1)H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. 355 nm continuous photolysis of fac-1 in CH(3)CN solution also gives the long-lived intermediate which is readily trapped by metylviologen (MV(2+)) giving rise to the formation of the one-electron reduced methyl viologen (MV(*+)). The UV-vis spectra monitored during the slow (45 min) thermal back reaction exhibited isosbestic conversion at 426 nm. On the basis of spectroscopic techniques and quantum mechanical calculations, the role of the radicals produced is analyzed.

A phosphine-mediated through-space exchange coupling pathway for unpaired electrons in a heterobimetallic lanthanide-transition metal complex.

The reaction of P(CH2OH)3 with methyl anthranilate NH2C6H4-2-CO2Me produced the ligand precursor P(CH2NHC6H4-2-CO2Me)3 (1). The reaction of 1 with [Y{N(SiMe3)2}3] produced hexadentate yttrium complex [Y{P(CH2NC6H4-2-CO2Me)3}] (2), in which the metal centre is coordinated by three amido donors and the three carbonyl oxygen atoms of the ester groups. The 31P{1H} NMR spectrum features 1J Y,P=15 Hz, and DFT calculations demonstrate that through-space interaction between the minor lobe of the phosphine lone pair and the yttrium centre allows a large Fermi contact contribution to this spin coupling constant. The EPR spectrum of the analogous paramagnetic Gd complex [Gd{P(CH2NC6H4-2-CO2Me)3}] (3) can be modelled by using a B20 crystal field parameter of +/-0.19 cm(-1). Heterodinuclear complexes were prepared by the reactions of 1 and 3 with [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl)porphinato]cobalt(II), by binding of the phosphine lone pair to the d(7) cobalt centre. The solid-state EPR spectrum of the heterodinuclear yttrium complex 4 exhibits large superhyperfine coupling to the phosphorus nucleus, indicative of an S=1/2 complex in which the unpaired electron resides in the cobalt dz2 orbital directed at the phosphine donor. The magnetic susceptibility of the heterodinuclear Gd-Co complex 5 demonstrates that through-space antiferromagnetic coupling occurs between unpaired electrons on the gadolinium and cobalt centres.

Archetypical modeling and amphiphilic behavior of cobalt(II)-containing soft-materials with asymmetric tridentate ligands.

The stabilization of a bivalent oxidation state in cobalt complexes of phenolate-based asymmetric tridentate ligands with iodo and bromo substituents is studied. The complexes [CoII(LIA)2].2CH3OH (1) and [CoII(LBrA)2].CH3OH (2) were characterized by means of several spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. The molecular structure of 1 was determined by diffractometric analysis and reveals the cobalt(II) ion in a distorted-octahedral geometry. The centrosymmetric metal ion adopts a local D2h symmetry and is surrounded by facially coordinated ligands. Equivalent donor sets in both ligands are trans to each other, and DFT calculations suggest that the fac-trans configuration is favored by a small margin when compared to the fac-cis isomers. Both DFT calculations and EPR spectroscopy agree with a high-spin S=3/2 electronic configuration given by [ag1, b1g1, ag1, b2g2, b3g2]. This oxidation state was indirectly observed by the lack of a ppiphenolate-->dsigma*cobalt(III) charge-transfer band, which is found between 430 and 470 nm for similar cobalt(III) species. On the basis of the geometrical preferences and the oxidation state of archetypical 1 and 2, two metallosurfactants [CoII(LI-ODA)2] (3) and [CoII(LI-NOBA)2].CH2Cl2 (4) were obtained. The redox chemistry of 1-4 is marked by metal- and ligand-centered activity with several follow up processes and film formation on the electrode. Both metallosurfactants exhibit amphiphilic properties and organization, as shown by compression isotherms and Brewster angle microscopy but exhibit dissimilar collapse mechanisms; whereas 3 collapses at constant pressure, 4 exhibits a constant-area collapse. Langmuir-Blodgett films are readily obtained and were characterized by equilibrium contact angle and atomic force microscopy.

Design of molecular scaffolds based on unusual geometries for magnetic modulation of spin-diverse complexes with selective redox response.

A weakly coupled heterometallic [CuFe] complex has been prepared in which the metal centers are coordinated to a new electroactive ligand. The spin-diverse system delivers distinct ground states upon application of selective redox potentials. Ligand oxidation fosters radical generation, and the initial ground state associated with a weakly coupled [CuFe] core switches to a ground state associated with the [Fe-radical] coupling; the Cu(II) ion remains uncoupled. A third state is obtained upon reduction of the cupric center and in absence of the radical. The possibilities and limitations of these systems are discussed.

Structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical behavior of trans-phenolato cobalt(III) complexes of asymmetric NN'O ligands as archetypes for metallomesogens.

In order to understand and predict structural, redox, magnetic, and optical properties of more complex and potentially mesogenic electroactive compounds such as [Co(III)(L(t-BuLC))2]ClO4 (1), five archetypical complexes of general formula [Co(III)(L(RA))2]ClO4, where R = H (2), tert-butyl (3), methoxy (4), nitro (5), and chloro (6), were obtained and studied by means of several spectrometric, spectroscopic, and electrochemical methods. The complexes 2, 4, and 6 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and show the metal center in an approximate D2h symmetry. Experimental results support the fact that the electron donating or withdrawing nature of the phenolate-appended substituents changes dramatically the redox and spectroscopic properties of these compounds. The 3d6 electronic configuration of the metal ion dominates the overall geometry adopted by these compounds with the phenolate rings occupying trans positions to one another. Formation of phenoxyl radicals has been observed for 1, 3, and 6, but irreversible ligand oxidation takes place upon bulk electrolysis. These data were compared to detailed B3LYP/6-31G (d)-level computational calculations and have been used to account for the results observed. A comparison between compound 1 and archetype 3, validates the approach of using archetypical models to study metal-containing soft materials.

Structural and electronic behavior of unprecedented five-coordinate iron(III) and gallium(III) complexes with a new phenol-rich electroactive ligand.

A new asymmetric pentadentate ligand was designed to impose low symmetry to trivalent ions. Five-coordinate Fe3+ and Ga3+ complexes were investigated by crystallographic, electrochemical, and electron paramagnetic resonance methods showing enhanced redox reversibility. Calculations were performed to account for the observed trends.

Influence of ligand rigidity and ring substitution on the structural and electronic behavior of trivalent iron and gallium complexes with asymmetric tridentate ligands.

Species 1-6 are [M(III)(L)2]ClO4 complexes formed with the PhO--CH=N-CH2-Py imines, (L(I))- and (L(tBuI))-, and PhO--CH2-NH-CH2-Py amines, (L(A))- and (L(tBuA))-, in which PhO- is a phenolate ring and Py is a pyridine ring and the prefix tBu indicates the presence of tertiary butyl groups occupying the positions 4 and 6 of the phenol ring. Monometallic species with d5 high-spin iron (1, 2, 3, 4) and d10 gallium (5, 6) were synthesized and characterized to assess the influence of the ligand rigidity and the presence of tertiary butyl-substituted phenol rings on their steric, electronic, and redox behavior. Characterization by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, IR, UV-visible, and EPR spectroscopies, and electrochemistry has been performed, and complexes [FeIII(L(tBuI))2]ClO4 (2), [FeIII(L(tBuA))2]ClO4 (4), and [Ga(III)(L(tBuI))2]ClO4 (5) have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structures show the imine ligands meridionally coordinated to the metal centers, whereas the amine ligands are coordinate in a facial mode. Cyclic voltammetry shows that the complexes with the ligands (L(tBuI))- and (L(tBuA))- were able to generate ligand-based phenoxyl radicals, whereas unsubstituted ligands displayed ill-defined redox processes. EPR spectroscopy supports high-spin configurations for the iron complexes. UV-visible spectra are dominated by charge-transfer phenomena, and imine compounds exhibit dramatic hyperchromism when compared to equivalent amines. The tertiary butyl groups on the phenolate ring enhance this trend. Detailed B3LYP/6-31G(d)-level calculations have been used to account for the results observed.

Heterometallic manganese/zinc-phytate complex as a model compound for metal storage in wheat grains.

Myo-inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate, also known as phytate, is a natural metal chelate present in cereals, an important feedstock worldwide. This article reports the characterization of three metal storage model complexes: the homometallic Mn(II) myo-inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate (IP6), the heterometallic Zn(II), Mn(II) analogue Na4MnZn4(C6H6O24P6) x (NO3)2 x 8H2O (MnZn4IP6) and the homometallic Zn(II) metal complex Na3Zn5(C6H6O24P6)OH x 9H2O (Zn5IP6). The techniques of high-resolution 23Na, 13C and 31P NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were applied in this study. The complexation of Zn(II) and Mn(II) by phosphate groups of IP6 is demonstrated by NMR and XPS results. 13C NMR results show a conformation for IP6 consisting of five equatorial phosphate groups to one axial group showing only one chemical environment for Zn and two for Mn, when characterized by XPS and EPR, in both Mn complexes. These results support, for the first time, a probable supramacromolecular structure for phytate complexes of transition metals. Based on the similarity between the EPR spectra of wheat seeds and that of the MnZn4IP6 compound, the manganese storage centers in wheat grains can be assigned to similar heterometallic phytate complexes.

4,4'-dithiodipyridine as a bridging ligand in osmium and ruthenium complexes: the electron conductor ability of the -S-S- bridge.

The compounds [Ru(NH(3))(5)(dtdp)](TFMS)(3), [Os(NH(3))(5)(dtdp)](TFMS)(3), [(NH(3))(5)Os(dtdp)Os(NH(3))(5)](TFMS)(6), [(NH(3))(5)Os(dtdp)Ru(NH(3))(5)](TFMS)(3)(PF(6))(2), and [(NH(3))(5)Os(dtdp)Fe(CN)(5)] (dtdp = 4,4'-dithiodipyridine, TFMS = trifluoromethanesulfonate) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, electronic, vibrational, EPR, and (1)H NMR spectroscopies. Changes in the electronic and voltammetric spectra of the ion complex [Os(NH(3))(5)(dtdp)](3+) as a function of the solution pH enable us to calculate the pK(a) for the [Os(NH(3))(5)(dtdpH)](4+) and [Os(NH(3))(5)(dtdpH)](3+) acids as 3.5 and 5.5, respectively. The comparison of the above pK(a) data with that for the free ligand (pK(1) = 4.8) provides evidence for the -S-S- bridge efficiency as an electron conductor between the two pyridine rings. The symmetric complex, [(NH(3))(5)Os(dtdp)Os(NH(3))(5)](6+), is found to exist in two geometric forms, and the most abundant form (most probably trans) has a strong conductivity through the -S-S- bridge, as is shown by EPR, which finds it to have an S = 1 spin state with a spin-spin interaction parameter of 150-200 G both in the solid sate and in frozen solution. Further the NMR of the same complex shows a large displacement of unpaired spin into the pi orbitals of the dttp ligand relative to that found in [Os(NH(3))(5)(dtdp)](3+). The comproportionation constant, K(c) = 2.0 x 10(5), for the equilibrium equation [Os(II)Os(II)] + [Os(III)Os(III)] right harpoon over left harpoon 2[Os(II)Os(III)] and the near-infrared band energy for the mixed-valence species (MMCT), [(NH(3))(5)Os(dtdp)Os(NH(3))(5)](5+) (lambda(MMCT) = 1665 nm, epsilon = 3.5 x 10(3) M(-)(1) cm(-)(1), deltanu(1/2) = 3.7 x 10(3) cm(-)(1), alpha = 0.13, and H(AB) = 7.8 x 10(2) cm(-)(1)), are quite indicative of strong electron delocalization between the two osmium centers. The electrochemical and spectroscopic data for the unsymmetrical binuclear complexes [(NH(3))(5)Os(III)(dtdp)Ru(II)(NH(3))(5)](5+) (lambda(MMCT) = 965 nm, epsilon = 2.2 x 10(2) M(-)(1) cm(-)(1), deltanu(1/2) = 3.0 x 10(3) cm(-)(1), and H(AB) = 2.2 x 10(2) cm(-)(1)) and [(NH(3))(5)Os(III)(dtdp)Fe(II)(CN)(5)] (lambda(MMCT) = 790 nm, epsilon = 7.5 x 10 M(-)(1) cm(-)(1), deltanu(1/2) = 5.4 x 10(3) cm(-)(1), and H(AB) = 2.0 x 10(2) cm(-)(1)) also suggest a considerable electron delocalization through the S-S bridge. As indicated by a comparison of K(c) and energy of the MMCT process in the iron, ruthenium, and osmium complexes, the electron delocalization between the two metal centers increases in the following order: Fe < Ru < Os.

A Study of the Spin-State Transition and Phase Transformation in [Fe(bpp)(2)][CF(3)SO(3)](2).H(2)O and [Fe(bpp)(2)][BF(4)](2) Using Mn(2+) Electron Spin Resonance.

X-band ESR powder studies have been done on the spin transition in Mn(2+)-doped [Fe(bpp)(2)][CF(3)SO(3)](2).H(2)O and [Fe(bpp)(2)][BF(4)](2) (bpp = 2,6-bis(pyrazol-3-yl) pyridine). The change in D value of Mn(2+) during the thermally induced high-spin (HS) <--> low-spin (LS) transition shows that the spin transition is accompanied by a phase transformation involving a domain mechanism. Irradiation experiments at 77 K have shown that a LS --> HS spin change occurs without a change in the crystalline phase. The rate of the change from the HS phase to the LS phase in the vicinity of 100 K has been measured and is found to be the same as that measured for the corresponding spin change obtained from Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility studies.

ESR Investigations of the Radicals {Li(3)[E(N(t)Bu)(3)](2)}(*) (E = S, Se) and the Radical Anions SO(x)()(N(t)Bu)(3)(-)(x)()(*)(-) (x = 1, 2).

The air oxidation of the cluster compounds [Li(2)E(N(t)Bu)(3)](2) (E = S, Se) in toluene produces deep blue (E = S) or green (E = Se) solutions. The ESR spectra of these solutions consist of a septet (1:3:6:7:6:3:1) of decuplets. The simulation of these spectra shows that the secondary hyperfine splitting results from interaction of the unpaired electron with three equivalent (7)Li ions consistent with the formation of the neutral radicals {Li(3)[E(N(t)Bu)(3)](2)}(*) (4a, E = S, g = 2.0039, a((14)N) = 5.69 G, a((7)Li) = 0.82 G; 4b, E = Se, g = 2.00652, a((14)N) = 5.41 G, a((7)Li) = 0.79 G). Over a period of 25 h the seven line pattern of 4b is replaced first by a five line (1:2:3:2:1) spectrum (g = 2.009, a((14)N) = 13.4 G) and, subsequently, by a three line (1:1:1) spectrum (g = 2.00946, a((14)N) = 15.4 G, a((77)Se) = 4.3 G), neither of which exhibit (7)Li hyperfine splitting. These spectra are tentatively assigned to the radical anions SeO(N(t)Bu)(2)(*)(-) and SeO(2)(N(t)Bu)(*)(-), respectively. The cluster {Li(2)[O(2)S(N(t)Bu)]}(n)() (3) is prepared by the reaction of sulfur dioxide with 2 equiv of LiNH(t)Bu in toluene. The air oxidation of toluene solutions of {Li(2)[OS(N(t)Bu)(2)]}(6) (2a) or 3 produces deep blue species. In the former case the initial ESR spectrum is a 1:2:3:2:1 quintet (g = 2.009, a((14)N) = 13.3 G) which, after 16 h, evolves into a 1:1:1 triplet (g = 2.0088, a((14)N) = 15.9 G). The same triplet is observed in the ESR spectrum of oxidized solutions of 3 leading to the assignments OS(N(t)Bu)(2)(*)(-) and O(2)S(N(t)Bu)(*)(-) for the quintet and triplet, respectively. The disproportionation 2OS(N(t)Bu)(2)(*)(-) --> O(2)S(N(t)Bu)(*)(-) + S(N(t)Bu)(3)(*)(-) is indicated by the changes observed for the ESR spectra of oxidized solutions of 2a.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of the Formation of the Diazene PhSN=C(H)N=NC(H)=NSPh from HCN(2)(SPh)(3) by a Thiyl-Radical-Catalyzed Mechanism: Identification of the HC(NSPh)(2)(*) Radical and X-ray Structures of HCN(2)(SPh)(3) and PhSN=C(H)N=NC(H)=NSPh.

The reaction of HCN(2)(SiMe(3))(3) with benzenesulfenyl chloride in a 1:3 molar ratio produces HCN(2)(SPh)(3) (4) as thermally unstable, colorless crystals. The decomposition of (4) in toluene at 95 degrees C was monitored by UV-visible, (1)H NMR and ESR spectroscopy. The major final products of the decomposition were identified as PhSN=C(H)N=NC(H)=NSPh (5) and PhSSPh. The structures of 4 and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The crystals of 4 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/a, with a = 9.874(2) Å, b = 19.133(2) Å, c = 10.280(2) Å, beta = 113.37(1) degrees, V = 1782.8(5) Å(3), and Z = 4. The final R and R(w) values were 0.042 and 0.049, respectively. The crystals of 5 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 5.897(6) Å, b = 18.458(10) Å, c = 7.050(8) Å, beta = 110.97(5) degrees, V = 716(1) Å(3), and Z = 2. The final R and R(w) values were 0.075 and 0.085, respectively. The diazene 5 adopts a Z,E,Z structure with weak intramolecular S.N contacts of 2.83 Å, giving rise to four-membered NCNS rings. During the thermolysis of 4 at 95 degrees C in toluene a transient species (lambda(max) 820 nm) was detected. It decomposes with second-order kinetics to give 5 (lambda(max) 450 nm). The ESR spectrum of the reaction mixture consisted of the superposition of a three-line 1:1:1 spectrum (g = 2.0074, A(N) = 11.45 G), attributed to (PhS)(2)N(*), upon a doublet of quintets (1:2:3:2:1) with g = 2.0070, A(N) = 6.14 G, A(H) = 2.1 G assigned to the radical HCN(2)(SPh)(2)(*). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for the models of the radical showed the E,Z isomer to have the lowest energy. Thermochemical calculations indicate that the decomposition of HCN(2)(SH)(3) into the diazene (Z,E,Z)-HSN=C(H)N=NC(H)=NSH (and 2 HSSH) is substantially more exothermic (DeltaH = -176.1 kJ mol(-)(1)) than the corresponding formation of the isomeric eight-membered ring (HC)(2)N(4)(SH)(2) (DeltaH = -40.6 kJ mol(-)(1)). These calculations also indicate that the diazene is formed by a mechanism in which the RS(*) radical acts as a catalyst.

Electron-Transfer Processes in Indium(II) Iodide-o-Quinone Systems.

Indium(II) iodide reacts with various substituted o-quinones in nonaqueous solution by successive one-electron-transfer reactions to give (SQ)InI(2) products (SQ = semiquinonate radical anion). Electron spin resonance spectroscopy demonstrates the presence of both mono- and diradical species in the reaction mixture. Addition of 4-picoline to a mixture of In(2)I(4) and TBQ (=3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-quinone) in toluene causes the precipitation of the indium(III)-semiquinonate complex (TBSQ)InI(2)(pic)(2) whose structure has been established by X-ray crystallography: space group P&onemacr;, with a = 13.013(3) Å, b = 13.317(3) Å, c = 10.828(5) Å, alpha = 97.71(3) degrees, beta = 107.98(3) degrees, gamma = 103.92(3) degrees, V = 1684.8(1.2) Å(3), Z = 2. Refinement converged at R = 0.051 and R(w) = 0.064 for 5918 reflections at 23 degrees C. The InO(2)N(2)I(2) kernel is pseudooctahedral, and the structure confirms the presence of the semiquinonate ligand. A reaction scheme which incorporates these results is proposed.