Cobalt(III)-containing penta-dentate "helmet"-type phthalogens: synthesis, solid-state structures and their thermal and electrochemical characterization.

Treatment of unsubstituted and substituted phthalonitrile (1a-d) with appropriate equivalents of sodium methoxide and ammonia afforded the corresponding 1,3-diiminoisoindolines (2a-d), which were converted to cobalt(III)-containing penta-dentate "helmet"-type phthalogens (3a-d) by the reaction with CoCl2·6H2O as templating agent in the inert solvent 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. The identities of 2a-d and 3a-d were established by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). A computational study was performed to determine the most stable tautomeric form of 2a-c in the gas phase. The solid-state structures of 2b and 2c were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) studies to confirm their existence in the stereoisomeric anti-form, which is aligned with quantum chemical computations. SC-XRD studies of 3a and 3b revealed a slightly distorted octahedral geometry around the CoIII ions which are coordinated by five N-donor atoms and one extra co-ligand, resulting in a coordination environment of CoN5Cl (3a) and CoN5O (3b), respectively. The thermal stabilities of 2a-d and 3a-d were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in the temperature range of 40-500 °C and 40-800 °C, respectively, revealing that 3a-d were converted to the parent cobalt(II)-containing phthalocyanines (4a-d), which was verified independently by furnace heating experiments. Moreover, the electrochemical behavior of 3a was studied exemplarily for the phthalogens by cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. This study showed that 4a (CoPc) is formed irreversibly by reducing 3a electrochemically.

Ultra-Sensitive and Fast Humidity Sensors Based on Direct Laser-Scribed Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanotubes Composites.

In this paper, the relative humidity sensor properties of graphene oxide (GO) and graphene oxide/multiwalled nanotubes (GO/MWNTs) composites have been investigated. Composite sensors were fabricated by direct laser scribing and characterized using UV-vis-NIR, Raman, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopies, electron scanning microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and impedance spectroscopy (IS). These methods confirm the composite homogeneity and laser reduction of GO/MWNT with dominant GO characteristics, while ISresults analysis reveals the circuit model for rGO-GO-rGO structure and the effect of MWNT on the sensor properties. Although direct laser scribing of GO-based humidity sensor shows an outstanding response (|ΔZ|/|Z| up to 638,800%), a lack of stability and repeatability has been observed. GO/MWNT-based humidity sensors are more conductive than GO sensors and relatively less sensitive (|ΔZ|/|Z| = 163,000%). However, they are more stable in harsh humid conditions, repeatable, and reproducible even after several years of shelf-life. In addition, they have fast response/recovery times of 10.7 s and 9.3 s and an ultra-fast response time of 61 ms when abrupt humidification/dehumidification is applied by respiration. All carbon-based sensors' overall properties confirm the advantage of introducing the GO/MWNT hybrid and laser direct writing to produce stable structures and sensors.

PEDOT: PSS/AuNPs-Based Composite as Voltammetric Sensor for the Detection of Pirimicarb.

An electrochemical sensor for the pesticide Pirimicarb (PMC) has been developed. A screen-printed electrode (SPCE) was used and modified with the conducting polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to enhance electrochemical proprieties. Electrode characterizations were performed using scattering electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). With the SPCE/PEDOT:PSS/AuNPs modified electrode, a new peak at 1.0 V appeared in the presence of PMC related to the PMC oxidation. To elucidate the mechanism of PMC oxidation, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), where two major peaks were identified, evidencing that the device can both detect and degrade PMC by an electro-oxidation process. Exploring this peak signal, it was possible the sensor development, performing detection from 93.81-750 µmol L-1, limits of quantification (LOQ) and detection (LOD) of 93.91 µmol L-1 and 28.34 µmol L-1, respectively. Thus, it was possible to study and optimization of PMC degradation, moreover, to perform detection at low concentrations and with good selectivity against different interferents using a low-cost printed electrode based on graphite modified with conductive polymer and AuNPs.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry: The Ultimate Chemical Sensing and Manipulation Combination.

One of the lessons we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is that the need for ultrasensitive detection systems is now more critical than ever. While sensors' sensitivity, portability, selectivity, and low cost are crucial, new ways to couple synergistic methods enable the highest performance levels. This review article critically discusses the synergetic combinations of optical and electrochemical methods. We also discuss three key application fields-energy, biomedicine, and environment. Finally, we selected the most promising approaches and examples, the open challenges in sensing, and ways to overcome them. We expect this work to set a clear reference for developing and understanding strategies, pros and cons of different combinations of electrochemical and optical sensors integrated into a single device.

Effect of the Diamagnetic Single-Crystalline Host on the Angular-Resolved Electron Nuclear Double Resonance Experiments: Case of Paramagnetic [nBu4N]2[Cu(opba)] Embedded in Diamagnetic [nBu4N]2[Ni(opba)].

The electron spin resonance (ESR) and electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopies are frequently used to determine hyperfine (A) and quadrupole (Q) tensors for the paramagnetic transition-metal complexes, which knowledge enables estimation of the spin density distribution in the complex and the assessment of magnetic exchange pathways in polynuclear molecular networks. The most accurate results can be obtained if paramagnetic complexes are isolated in a single-crystalline diamagnetic host. In this work we were able to detect angle-resolved ESR/ENDOR spectra of the paramagnetic [nBu4N]2[Cu(opba)] (opba = o-phenylenebis(oxamato) complex hosted by the single crystal of diamagnetic [nBu4N]2[Ni(opba)], which allow recovery of A, Q, and g-tensors, all at once. Remarkably, with the aid of theoretical modeling, our data have unveiled the effect of multipositional hosting of the paramagnetic complex in the diamagnetic matrix. This effect can have a profound influence on the data handling and must be carefully considered while interpreting similar experiments.

Promotion of antiferromagnetic exchange interaction in multinuclear copper(ii) complexes via fused oxamato/oxamidato ligands.

Treatment of N,N'-bis(2-aminophenyl)oxalamide (bapoxH6, 1) with ethyl oxalyl chloride in THF afforded oxamide-N,N'-bis(o-phenylene oxamic acid ethyl ester) (L1H4Et2, 2), which was converted to 3 (oxamide-(o-phenylene oxamic acid ethyl ester)(o-phenylene-N1-methyloxalamide); L2H5EtMe) and 4 (oxamide-N,N'-bis(o-phenylene-N1-methyloxalamide); L3H6Me2) by the addition of appropriate equivalents of MeNH2. Successive treatment of 2-4 with six equivalents of [nBu4N]OH and two equivalents of CuII salt resulted in the formation of the binuclear complexes [nBu4N]2[Cu2(L1)] (5), [nBu4N]2[Cu2(L2Me)] (6) and [nBu4N]2[Cu2(L3Me2)] (7). Upon addition of one equivalent of [Cu(pmdta)(NO3)2] (pmdta = N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) to 5-7, the trinuclear complexes [Cu3(L1)(pmdta)] (8), [Cu3(L2Me)(pmdta)] (9) and [Cu3(L3Me2)(pmdta)] (10) were obtained, while the addition of two equivalents of [Cu(pmdta)(NO3)2] gave rise to the tetranuclear complexes [Cu4(L1)(pmdta)2](NO3)2 (11), [Cu4(L2Me)(pmdta)2](NO3)2 (12) and [Cu4(L3Me2)(pmdta)2](NO3)2 (13). The identities of compounds 2-4 were established by elemental analyses, NMR and IR spectroscopy, and ESI-MS measurements. For the multinuclear complexes 5-13, elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy were applied to confirm their identities. Furthermore, the solid-state structures of 5-8 and 11-13 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The magnetic behavior of 5-8 and 11-13 was studied by direct current susceptibility measurements as a function of temperature. For the binuclear complexes 5-7, exceptionally large antiferromagnetic exchange interactions with J1,2 values of -378, -397 and -419 cm-1 were determined. Astonishingly, the tendency of these series of magnetic exchange interactions can be smoothly associated with the d-d transitions of 5-7 measured through UV-Vis spectroscopy. The J1,2 value of 8 amounts to -507 cm-1, while for the tetranuclear complexes 11-13, this value is significantly smaller and amounts to -294, -292 and -370 cm-1. The second antiferromagnetic exchange interactions J2,3 and J1,4 are equal due to inversion symmetry and are -100, -135, -80 and -108 cm-1 for 8 and 11-13, respectively, in the expected range. Magneto-structural correlations are used to discuss the variable magnetic exchange interactions of all here reported multinuclear complexes.

Probing the magnetic superexchange couplings between terminal CuII ions in heterotrinuclear bis(oxamidato) type complexes.

The reaction of one equivalent of [n-Bu4N]2[Ni(opboR2)] with two equivalents of [Cu(pmdta)(X)2] afforded the heterotrinuclear CuIINiIICuII containing bis(oxamidato) type complexes [Cu2Ni(opboR2)(pmdta)2]X2 (R = Me, X = NO3- (1); R = Et, X = ClO4- (2); R = n-Pr, X = NO3- (3); opboR2 = o-phenylenebis(NR-substituted oxamidato); pmdta = N,N,N',N",N"-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine). The identities of the heterotrinuclear complexes 1-3 were established by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed the cationic complex fragments [Cu2Ni(opboR2)(pmdta)2]2+ as not involved in any further intermolecular interactions. As a consequence thereof, the complexes 1-3 possess terminal paramagnetic [Cu(pmdta)]2+ fragments separated by [NiII(opboR2)]2- bridging units representing diamagnetic SNi = 0 states. The magnetic field dependence of the magnetization M(H) of 1-3 at T = 1.8 K has been determined and is shown to be highly reproducible with the Brillouin function for an ideal paramagnetic spin = 1/2 system, verifying experimentally that no magnetic superexchange couplings exists between the terminal paramagnetic [Cu(pmdta)]2+ fragments. Susceptibility measurements versus temperature of 1-3 between 1.8-300 K were performed to reinforce the statement of the absence of magnetic superexchange couplings in these three heterotrinuclear complexes.

Tuning the spin coherence time of Cu(II)-(bis)oxamato and Cu(II)-(bis)oxamidato complexes by advanced ESR pulse protocols.

We have investigated with the pulsed ESR technique at X- and Q-band frequencies the coherence and relaxation of Cu spins S = 1/2 in single crystals of diamagnetically diluted mononuclear [n-Bu4N]2[Cu(opba)] (1%) in the host lattice of [n-Bu4N]2[Ni(opba)] (99%, opba = o-phenylenebis(oxamato)) and of diamagnetically diluted mononuclear [n-Bu4N]2[Cu(opbon-Pr2)] (1%) in the host lattice of [n-Bu4N]2[Ni(opbon-Pr2)] (99%, opbon-Pr2 = o-phenylenebis(N(propyl)oxamidato)). For that we have measured the electron spin dephasing time Tm at different temperatures with the two-pulse primary echo and with the special Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) multiple microwave pulse sequence. Application of the CPMG protocol has led to a substantial increase of the spin coherence lifetime in both complexes as compared to the primary echo results. It shows the efficiency of the suppression of the electron spin decoherence channel in the studied complexes arising due to spectral diffusion induced by a random modulation of the hyperfine interaction with the nuclear spins. We argue that this method can be used as a test for the relevance of the spectral diffusion for the electron spin decoherence. Our results have revealed a prominent role of the opba4- and opbon-Pr24- ligands for the dephasing of the Cu spins. The presence of additional 14N nuclei and protons in [Cu(opbon-Pr2)]2- as compared to [Cu(opba)]2- yields significantly shorter Tm times. Such a detrimental effect of the opbon-Pr24- ligands has to be considered when discussing a potential application of the Cu(II)-(bis)oxamato and Cu(II)-(bis)oxamidato complexes as building blocks of more complex molecular structures in prototype spintronic devices. Furthermore, in our work we propose an improved CPMG pulse protocol that enables elimination of unwanted echoes that inevitably appear in the case of inhomogeneously broadened ESR spectra due to the selective excitation of electron spins.