Testing of Exchange-Correlation Functionals of DFT for a Reliable Description of the Electron Density Distribution in Organic Molecules.

Researchers carrying out calculations using the DFT method face the problem of the correct choice of the exchange-correlation functional to describe the quantities they are interested in. This article deals with benchmark calculations aimed at testing various exchange-correlation functionals in terms of a reliable description of the electron density distribution in molecules. For this purpose, 30 functionals representing all rungs of Jacob's Ladder are selected and then the values of some QTAIM-based parameters are compared with their reference equivalents obtained at the CCSD/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. The presented results show that the DFT method undoubtedly has the greatest problems with a reliable description of the electron density distribution in multiple strongly polar bonds, such as C=O, and bonds associated with large electron charge delocalization. The performance of the tested functionals turned out to be unsystematic. Nevertheless, in terms of a reliable general description of QTAIM-based parameters, the M11, SVWN, BHHLYP, M06-HF, and, to a slightly lesser extent, also BLYP, B3LYP, and X3LYP functionals turned out to be the worst. It is alarming to find the most popular B3LYP functional in this group. On the other hand, in the case of the electron density at the bond critical point, being the most important QTAIM-based parameter, the M06-HF functional is especially discouraged due to the very poor description of the C=O bond. On the contrary, the VSXC, M06-L, SOGGA11-X, M06-2X, MN12-SX, and, to a slightly lesser extent, also TPSS, TPSSh, and B1B95 perform well in this respect. Particularly noteworthy is the overwhelming performance of double hybrids in terms of reliable values of bond delocalization indices. The results show that there is no clear improvement in the reliability of describing the electron density distribution with climbing Jacob's Ladder, as top-ranked double hybrids are also, in some cases, able to produce poor values compared to CCSD.

Preorganized AgI Bimetallic Precursor with Labile Diphosphorus Ligands for a Programmed Synthesis of Organometallic-Organic Hybrid Polymers.

An AgI dimer capped with labile organometallic diphosphorus ligands [Cp2 Mo2 (CO)4 (η2 -P2 )] (Cp=C5 H5 ) acts as a highly pre-organized molecular precursor to direct the construction of 1D or 2D, and 3D organometallic-organic hybrid coordination polymers upon reaction with ditopic pyridine-based linkers. The formation of the supramolecular aggregates can be controlled by the stoichiometry of the organic molecules, and the mechanism is supported by DFT calculations.

Coordination Behavior of [Cp''2 Zr(η1:1 -P4 )] towards Different Lewis Acids.

A detailed method for the preparation of [Cp''2 Zr(η1:1 -P4 )] (1) is presented. The coordination behavior of 1 towards Lewis acidic transition metal complexes of tungsten, manganese, and iron, respectively, and main group compounds (AlMe3 , AlEt3 ) was investigated in detail by computational and experimental studies. In doing so, a series of unprecedented complexes with different coordination modes and multiple coordination numbers of the tetraphosphabicyclo[1.1.0]butane framework were synthesized. All products, as well as the starting materials, were comprehensively characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray structural analysis.

cyclo-P4 Building Blocks: Achieving Non-Classical Fullerene Topology and Beyond.

The cyclo-P4 complexes [CpR Ta(CO)2 (η4 -P4 )] (CpR : Cp''=1,3-C5 H3 tBu2 , Cp'''=1,2,4-C5 H2 tBu3 ) turned out to be predestined for the formation of hollow spherical supramolecules with non-classical fullerene-like topology. The resulting assemblies constructed with CuX (X=Cl, Br) showed a highly symmetric 32-vertex core of solely four- and six-membered rings. In some supramolecules, the inner cavity was occupied by an additional CuX unit. On the other hand, using CuI, two different supramolecules with either peanut- or pear-like shapes and outer diameters in the range of 2-2.5 nm were isolated. Furthermore, the spherical supramolecules containing Cp''' ligands at tantalum are soluble in CH2 Cl2 . NMR spectroscopic investigations in solution revealed the formation of isomeric supramolecules owing to the steric hindrance caused by the third tBu group on the Cp''' ligand. In addition, a 2D coordination polymer was obtained and structurally characterized.

Unexpected fragmentations of triphosphaferrocene - formation of supramolecular assemblies containing the (1,2,4-P3C2Mes2)(-) ligand.

While reacting the sterically demanding triphosphaferrocene [Cp*Fe(η(5)-P3C2Mes2)] () with Cu(i) halides, the sandwich complex undergoes an unprecedented fragmentation into decamethylferrocene, FeX2 (X = Cl, Br, I) and [P3C2Mes2](-) units. Subsequently, these phospholyl ligands act as versatile, negatively charged building blocks for the formation of supramolecular aggregates representing the monomeric, dimeric and polymeric (1D and 2D) coordination compounds [(P3C2Mes2)2{Cu7(CH3CN)7(µ4-X)(µ3-X)2(µ-X)}{Cu2(µ2-X)2X}{Cu(CH3CN)(µ2-X)}]2·6CH3CN (·6CH3CN: X = Cl, ·6CH3CN: X = Br), [(P3C2Mes2)2{Cu(CH3CN)}6(µ-Br)2(µ3-Br)2{Cu(CH3CN)2Br}2]·CH3CN (·CH3CN), [(P3C2Mes2)4{Cu5(CH3CN)5(µ2-Br)}{Cu(CH3CN)2CuBr2}2{Cu(CH3CN)2}]n(+)[CuBr2]n(-)·2CH3CN (·2CH3CN), [(P3C2Mes2){Cu(CH3CN)(µ-I)}4{Cu(CH3CN)3}]·0.5C7H8·2.5CH3CN (·0.5C7H8·2.5CH3CN), [(P3C2Mes2)Cu7(CH3CN)4(µ4-I)2(µ3-I)2(µ-I)2]x·2C7H8 (·2C7H8), [(P3C2Mes2){Cu(CH3CN)3}2{Cu(µ-I)}6]·0.5CH2Cl2·3CH3CN (·0.5CH2Cl2·3CH3CN) and [Cp*Fe(CH3CN)3]n(+)[(P3C2Mes2)2{Cu(CH3CN)2}{Cu(µ-I)}6]n(-)·0.6CH2Cl2 (·0.6CH2Cl2) with rather non-typical structural motifs within the large varieties of copper halide chemistry. Besides the X-ray structural analyses the obtained assemblies were also characterized in solution in which they undergo fragmentation and re-aggregation processes.

Stoichiometry-controlled FeP nanoparticles synthesized from a single source precursor.

Phase-pure FeP nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized through low temperature thermolysis of the single source precursor [(CO)4Fe(PH3)]. Examination of the mechanism demonstrates the central role of the labile CO ligands and the weak P-H bonds to yield stoichiometry controlled FeP materials.

Ruthenium stilbenyl and diruthenium distyrylethene complexes: aspects of electron delocalization and electrocatalyzed isomerization of the Z-isomer.

Regio- and stereoselective insertion of the terminal ethynyl functions of 4-ethynylstilbene, the E and Z isomers of 4,4'-bis(ethynylphenyl)ethene and a backbone-rigidified cyclohexenyl derivative of the Z isomer into the Ru-H bond of the complex RuClH(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) provides the corresponding vinyl ruthenium complexes, which have been characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray crystallography. Large red shifts of the UV/vis absorption bands evidence efficient incorporation of the vinyl metal subunit(s) into the conjugated π-system. All complexes oxidize at low potentials. The various oxidized forms of all complexes were generated and characterized by UV/vis/NIR, IR and EPR spectroscopies. These studies indicated electrocatalytic Z→E isomerization of the oxidized Z-distyrylethene complex Ru-Z2, which is prevented in its backbone-rigidified derivative Ru-Z2fix. The radical cations of the E and the configurationally stable cyclohexene-bridged Z-derivatives are spin-delocalized on the EPR time scale but charge-localized on the faster IR time scale. The degree of ground-state charge delocalization in the mixed-valent state has been quantified by the incremental shifts of the Ru-CO bands upon stepwise oxidation to the radical cations and the dications and was found to be remarkably large (19% and 9%) considering redox splittings ΔE(1/2) of just 49 or 74 mV. Quantum chemical studies with various levels of sophistication reproduce our experimental results including the electronic spectra of the neutral complexes and the intrinsically localized nature of the radical cations of the dinuclear complexes.

Functionalized derivatives of 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene as precursors for biomedical applications: synthesis, structures, spectroscopy and photochemical activation in the presence of dioxygen.

Decomposition of endoperoxide containing molecules is an attractive approach for the delayed release of singlet oxygen under mild reaction conditions. Here we describe a new method for the adaptation of the corresponding decay times by controlling the supramolecular functional structure of the surrounding matrix in the immediate vicinity of embedded singlet oxygen precursors. Thus, a significant prolongation of the lifetime of the endoperoxide species is possible by raising the energy barrier of the thermal (1)O(2)-releasing step via a restriction of the free volume of the applied carrier material. Enabling such a prolonged decomposition period is crucial for potential biomedical applications of endoperoxide containing molecules, since sufficient time for appropriate cell uptake and transport to the desired target region must be available under physiological conditions before the tissue damaging-power of the reactive oxygen species formed is completely exhausted. Two novel polyaromatic systems for the intermediate storage and transport of endoperoxides and the controlled release of singlet oxygen in the context of anticancer and antibiotic activity have been prepared and characterized. These compounds are based on functionalized derivatives of the 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene family which are readily forming metastable endoperoxide species in the presence of dioxygen, a photosensitizer molecule such as methylene blue and visible light. In contrast to previously known systems of similar photoreactivity, the endoperoxide carrying molecules have been designed with optimized molecular properties in terms of potential chemotherapeutic applications. These include modifications of polarity to improve their incorporation into various biocompatible carrier materials, the introduction of hydrogen bonding motifs to additionally influence the endoperoxide decay kinetics, and the synthesis of bifunctional derivatives to enable synergistic effects of multiple singlet oxygen binding sites with an enhanced local concentration of reactive species. With these compounds, a promising degree of endoperoxide stability adjustment within the carrier matrix has been achieved (polymer films or nanoparticles), which now opens the stage for appropriate targeting of the corresponding pro-drugs into live cells. First results on cytocidal and cytostatic properties of these compounds embedded in ethylcellulose nanoparticles are presented. Furthermore, an efficient low-cost method for the photochemical production of reactive endoperoxides based on high-power 660 nm LED excitation at room temperature and ambient conditions in ethanol solution is reported.

Coordination polymers based on [Cp*Fe(η5-P5)]: solid-state structure and MAS NMR studies.

Slow diffusion reactions of the pentaphosphaferrocene [Cp*Fe(η(5)-P(5))] (Cp*=η(5)-C(5)Me(5) (1)) with CuX (X=Cl, Br, I) in different stoichiometric ratios and solvent mixtures result in the formation of one- and two-dimensional polymeric compounds 2-6 with molecular formula [{Cu(µ-X)}{Cp*Fe(µ(3),η(5):η(1):η(1)-P(5))}](n) (X=Cl (2a), I (2'c)), [{Cu(µ-I)}{Cp*Fe(µ(3),η(5):η(1):η(1)-P(5))}](n) (3), [{CuX}{Cp*Fe(µ(4),η(5):η(1):η(1):η(1)-P(5))}](n) (X=Cl (4a), Br (4b), I (4c), Br (4'b), I (4'c)), [{Cu(3)(µ-I)(2)(µ(3)-I)}{Cp*Fe(µ(5),η(5):η(1):η(1):η(1):η(1)-P(5))}](n) (5) and [{Cu(4)(µ-X)(4)(CH(3)CN)}{Cp*Fe(µ(7),η(5):η(2):η(1):η(1):η(1):η(1):η(1)-P(5))}](n) (X=Cl (6a), Br (6b)), respectively. The polymeric compounds have been characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and, for selected examples, by magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. The solid-state structures demonstrate the versatile coordination modes of the cyclo-P(5) ligand of 1, extending from two to five coordinating phosphorus atoms in either σ or σ-and-π fashion. In compounds 2a, 2'c and 3, two phosphorus atoms of 1 coordinate to copper atoms in a 1,2 coordination mode (2a, 2'c) and an unprecedented 1,3 coordination mode (3) to form one-dimensional polymers. Compounds 4a-c, 4'b, 4'c and 5 represent two-dimensional coordination polymers. In compounds 4, three phosphorus atoms coordinate to copper atoms in a 1,2,4 coordination mode, whereas in 5 the cyclo-P(5) ligand binds in an unprecedented 1,2,3,4 coordination mode. The crystal structures of 6a,b display a tilted tube, in which all P atoms of the cyclo-P(5) ligand are coordinated to copper atoms in σ- and π-bonding modes.

Suppression of realgar cage degradation during complexation: formation of hybrid coordination polymers with As4S4, PAs3S3, and Cu(I) halide building blocks.

Realgar, As(4)S(4), reacts with Cr(CO)(5)THF under cage degradation to give As(4)S(3)·Cr(CO)(5) (1). The reverse structural change is found if solutions of 1 in CH(2)Cl(2) react with equimolar amounts of PAs(3)S(3)·W(CO)(5) and CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) in CH(3)CN under biphasic diffusion conditions. The resulting coordination polymers 2-4 contain a reconstituted realgar molecule along with the PAs(3)S(3) cage. The crystal structures of (CuX)(As(4)S(4))(PAs(3)S(3)) (X = Cl: 2; Br: 3) are characterized by one-dimensional (1D) (CuX)(As(4)S(4)) strands, which are formed by alternating As(4)S(4) cages and CuX dumbbells. Terminal PAs(3)S(3) molecules are coordinated to copper by apical phosphorus and bridging realgar through sulfur. The As(3) triangles of the resulting (CuX)(As(4)S(4))(PAs(3)S(3)) strands interact with halides of neighbored strands to give a folded three-dimensional (3D) network. The structure of (CuI)(3)(As(4)S(4))(PAs(3)S(3)) (4) contains 1D (Cu(3)I(3))(n) strands as backbones, which are bridged by sulfur atoms of two η(1:2)-As(4)S(4) molecules while PAs(3)S(3) confines the resulting sheet. The As(3) triangles at the surface of the layers interact with iodide of the next layer to form a layered 3D network.

Syntheses, crystal structures, reactivity, and photochemistry of gold(III) bromides bearing N-heterocyclic carbenes.

Gold(I) complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) of the type (NHC)AuBr (3a/3b) [NHC = 1-methyl-3-benzylimidazol-2-ylidene (= MeBnIm), and 1,3-dibenzylimidazol-2-ylidene (= Bn(2)Im)] are prepared by transmetallation reactions of (tht)AuBr (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) and (NHC)AgBr (2a/2b). The homoleptic, ionic complexes [(NHC)(2)Au]Br (6a/6b) are synthesized by the reaction with free carbene. Successive oxidation of 3a/3b and 6a/6b with bromine gave the respective (NHC)AuBr(3) (4a/4b) and [(NHC)(2)AuBr(2)]Br (7a/7b) in good overall yields as yellow powders. All complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Reactions of the Au(III) complexes towards anionic ligands like carboxylates, phenolates and thiophenolates were investigated and result in a complete or partial reduction to a Au(I) complex. Irradiation of the Au(III) complexes with UV light yield the Au(I) congeners in a clean photo-reaction.

Synthesis, structure and photophysical properties of binuclear methylplatinum complexes containing cyclometalating 2-phenylpyridine or benzo{h}quinoline ligands: a comparison of intramolecular Pt-Pt and π-π interactions.

The binuclear cyclometalated complexes [Pt(2)Me(2)(ppy)(2)(µ-dppm)], 1a, and [Pt(2)Me(2)(bhq)(2)(µ-dppm)], 1b, in which ppy = 2-phenylpyridyl, bhq = benzo{h}quinoline and dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, were synthesized by the reaction of [PtMe(SMe(2))(ppy)] or [PtMe(SMe(2))(bhq)] with 1/2 equiv of dppm at room temperature, respectively. Complexes 1a and 1b were fully characterized by multinuclear ((1)H, (31)P, (13)C, and (195)Pt) NMR spectroscopy and were further identified by single crystal X-ray structure determination. A comparison of the intramolecular Pt-Pt and π-π interactions in complexes 1a and 1b has been made on the basis of data on crystal structures and wave functions analysis. The binuclear complexes 1a and 1b are luminescent in the solid state, and showing relatively intense orange-red emissions stemming from (3)MMLCT excited states. The reaction of complex 1b with excess MeI gave the binuclear cyclometalated Pt(IV)-Pt(IV) complex [Pt(2)Me(4)(bhq)(2)(µ-I)(2)], 2. Crystal structure of complex 2 shows intermolecular C-H···I and C-H···π interactions in solid state.

PAs3S3 cage as a new building block in copper halide coordination polymers.

First examples of the coordination chemistry of the PAs(3)S(3) cage were obtained from solutions of PAs(3)S(3)·W(CO)(5) (1) in CH(2)Cl(2) or CH(2)Cl(2)/toluene and CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) in MeCN through interdiffusion techniques. Crystals of [Cu(PAs(3)S(3))(4)]X (2, X = Cl; 3, X = Br) and [(Cu(2)I)(PAs(3)S(3))(3)]I (4) were obtained and characterized by Raman spectroscopy (2) and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The solid-state structures reveal an unexpected coordination versatility of the PAs(3)S(3) ligand: apical phosphorus and bridging sulfur atoms interact with copper, while As···X interactions determine the dimensionality of the frameworks. The structures of 2 and 3 contain tetrahedral [(PAs(3)S(3))(4)Cu](+) cations as secondary building units (SBUs), which are arranged by interactions with Cl(-) or Br(-) anions into two- and three-dimensional substructures. These interpenetrate into a (2D + 3D) polycatenane. Compound 4 is built up by a one-dimensional [(Cu(2)I)(PAs(3)S(3))(3)](n)(n+) ribbon with PAs(3)S(3) cages as P,S-linkers. The As atoms of the exo PAs(3)S(4) linkers interact with iodide counterions (3.35 < d(As-I) < 3.59 Å). The resulting two-dimensional layer is organized by weak As···I interactions (d(As-I = 3.87 Å) into a 3D network.

Benzotriazolate cage complexes of tin(II) and lithium: halide-influenced serendipitous assembly.

The one-pot reactions of the tin(II) halides SnX(2) (X = F, Cl, Br, I) with lithium hexamethyldisilazide, [Li(hmds)], and benzotriazole, (bta)H, produce contrasting outcomes. Tin(II) fluoride does not react with [Li(hmds)] and (bta)H, the outcome being the formation of insoluble [Li(bta)](∞). Tin(II) chloride and tin(II) bromide react with [Li(hmds)] and (bta)H in toluene to produce the hexadecametallic tin(II)-lithium cages [(hmds)(8)Sn(8)(bta)(12)Li(8)X(4)]·(n toluene) [X = Cl, 3·(8 toluene); X = Br, 4·(3 toluene)]. The reaction of tin(II) iodide with [Li(hmds)] and (bta)H in thf solvent produces the ion-separated species [{(thf)(2)Li(bta)}(3){Li(thf)}](2)[SnI(4)]·(thf), [5](2)[SnI(4)]·(thf), the structure of which contains a cyclic trimeric unit of lithium benzotriazolate and a rare example of the tetraiodostannate(II) dianion.

Palladium(II)- and platinum(II)phenyl-2,6-bis(oxazole) pincer complexes: syntheses, crystal structures, and photophysical properties.

Phenyl-2,6-bis(oxazole) ligands have been explored for the synthesis of novel palladium(II) and platinum(II) pincer complexes. The materials were characterized by spectroscopic methods and by X-ray crystallography. Investigations of the photophysical properties revealed that the lowest triplet states of the materials are largely centred at the bis(oxazole) ligands. The platinum(II) compounds are moderately emissive in fluid solution at ambient temperature. Introduction of both strong donors and strong acceptors leads to a significant red shift of the emission. Due to the facile synthesis of bis(oxazole) based complexes with electronically tuneable oxazole moieties, these materials might be promising alternatives to the well-established phenyl-2,6-bipyridyl systems.

Improvement of (bipy)Pt(XR)2 (X=O, S) type photosensitizers by covalent dye attachment.

Irradiation into the dye-based absorption band of complexes ((t)Bu(2)bipy)Pt(SR)(2) and ((t)Bu(2)bipy)Pt(OR)(2) where R denotes a coumarine-based thiolate and alkoxolate substituent populates the same excited triplet state as is obtained by excitation into the much weaker (RX)(2)Pt→(t)Bu(2)bipy (X = O, S) charge-transfer band. This paves the way toward more efficient photosensitizers.

Dimerization of pentanuclear clusters [Fe3Q(AsMe)(CO)9] (Q = Se, Te) as a conversion pathway to novel cubane-like aggregates.

The first examples of carbonyl heterocubane-type clusters, [Fe(4)(µ(3)-Q)(2)(µ(3)-AsMe)(2)(CO)(12)] (2, Q = Se (a), Te (b)), which simultaneously contain elements of group 15 and 16, were obtained by thermolysis of [Fe(3)(µ(3)-Q)(µ(3)-AsMe)(CO)(9)] (1) in acetonitrile. The clusters 2 possess a cubic Fe(4)Q(2)As(2) core with alternating Fe and Q/As atoms. The coordination environment of the Fe atoms is close to octahedral, and those of Q or As atoms are tetrahedral, which determines the distorted cubic cluster core geometry. The second main products of thermolysis are the clusters [Fe(6)(µ(3)-Q)(µ(4)-Q)(µ(4)-AsMe)(2)(CO)(12)] (3a,b), whose core contains double the elemental composition of the initial cluster 1. In the case of the Se-containing cluster two other minor products [Fe(4)(µ(4)-Se)(µ(4)-SeAsMe)(CO)(12)] (4) and [Fe(3)(µ(3)-AsMe)(2)(CO)(9)] (5) are formed. Based on the structures and properties of the products, a reaction route for the conversion of 1 into 2 is proposed, which includes the associative formation of the clusters 3 as intermediates, unlike the dissociative pathways previously known for the transformations of similar clusters of the type [Fe(3)Q(2)(CO)(9)].

Bright sky-blue phosphorescence of [n-Bu4N][Pt(4,6-dFppy)(CN)2]: synthesis, crystal structure, and detailed photophysical studies.

This work describes the synthesis, crystal structure, and detailed photophysical studies of [n-Bu(4)N][Pt(4,6-dFppy)(CN)(2)] (n-Bu = n-butyl, 4,6-dFppy = (4',6'-difluorophenyl)pyridinate). The material can easily be prepared in high yield and purity by the reaction of [Pt(4,6-dFppy)(H-4,6-dFppy)Cl], [n-Bu(4)N]Cl, and KCN in CH(2)Cl(2). Because of the bulky counterion [n-Bu(4)N](+), Pt-Pt interactions, which frequently lead to aggregate formation, are suppressed in the solid state. Thus, monomer emission is observed. The phosphorescence quantum yield of the neat powder amounts to phi(PL) = 60% at ambient temperature and decays with 19 micros. In tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution, on the other hand, the emission decay time is with 0.26 micros distinctly shorter, and the quantum yield is very low. By means of emission decay time studies in frozen THF and investigations of the highly resolved single crystal emission at 1.2 K, we can assign the emitting T(1) state of the compound as being largely of ligand centered ((3)LC, (3)pi pi*) character. The observed differences of the emission properties of the neat powder compared to the fluid solution are rationalized with an energy stabilization of quenching dd* states in solution because of molecular distortions and/or bond elongations.