Alkyl chain length influence of the functionalized diethanolamine ligand on the slow relaxation of the magnetization in {CoIII3DyIII3} complexes.

We report the synthesis, structural characterization and magnetic properties of a series of Co(III)/Dy(III) complexes built up from an N-alkyl derivatized amino-alcohol ligand diethanolamine, functionalized with CnH2n+1 alkyl chains (n = 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10). While n = 3 afforded a butterfly {CoIII2DyIII2} core, the other alkyl chains (n = 4, 6, 8) afforded hexanuclear triangle-in-triangle {CoIII3DyIII3} complexes as shown by single-crystal X-ray determinations. Infrared spectroscopy allows us to characterize the C10 derivative complex, which did not crystallize. Magnetic ac susceptibility data collected below 10 K at driving frequencies up to 10 kHz under zero-dc field and up to 1 T provide insight into the SMM behaviour of the studied complexes. The characteristic time of the magnetization dynamics can be understood in terms of the competing Raman, Direct and Orbach-like mechanisms. A relationship between the magnetization dynamics within the family of complexes and the increasing alkyl chain length is discussed.

Synthesis and crystallographic, spectroscopic and computational characterization of 3,3',4,4'-substituted biphenyls: effects of OR substituents on the intra-ring torsion angle.

Presented here are the synthesis, characterization and study (using single crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, quantum mechanics calculations) of the structures of a series of biphenyls substituted in positions 3, 3', 4 and 4' with a variety of R (R = methyl, acetyl, hexyl) groups connected to the biphenyl core through oxygen atoms. The molecular conformation, particularly the torsion angle between aromatic rings has been extensively studied both in the solid as well as in the liquid state. The results show that the compounds appearing as rigorously planar in the solid present instead a twisted conformation in the melt. The solid versus melt issue strongly suggests that the reasons for planarity are to be found in the packing restraints. A `rule of thumb' is suggested for the design of biphenyls with different molecular conformations, based on the selection of the OR substituent.

A combined crystallographic, thermal, Raman and computational study on polymorphism and phase transition in 1-(4-hexyloxy-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone.

The crystal structure of the triclinic polymorph of 1-(4-hexyloxy-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone, C14H20O3, differs markedly from that of the orthorhombic polymorph [Manzano et al. (2015). Acta Cryst. C71, 1022-1027]. The two molecular structures are alike with respect to their bond lengths and angles, but differ in their spatial arrangement. This gives rise to quite different packing schemes, even if built up by similar chains having the hydroxy-ethanone O-H...O hydrogen-bond synthon in common. Both phases were found to be related by a first-order thermally driven phase transformation at 338-340 K, which is discussed in detail. The relative stabilities of both polymorphs are explained on the basis of both the noncovalent interactions operating in each structure and quantum chemical calculations. The polymorphic phase transition has also been studied experimentally by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments, conducted on individual single crystals, Raman spectroscopy and controlled heating under a microscope of individual single crystals, which were further characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Polymorphism of a widely used building block for halogen-bonded assemblies: 1,3,5-trifluoro-2,4,6-triiodobenzene.

After reporting the structure of a new polymorph of 1,3,5-trifluoro-2,4,6-triiodobenzene (denoted BzF3I3), C6F3I3, (I), which crystallized in the space group P21/c, we perform a comparative analysis with the already reported P21/n polymorph, (II) [Reddy et al. (2006). Chem. Eur. J. 12, 2222-2234]. In polymorph (II), type-II I...I halogen bonds and I...π interactions connect molecules in such a way that a three-dimensional structure is formed; however, the way in which molecules are connected in polymorph (I), through type-II I...I halogen bonds and π-π interactions, gives rise to an exfoldable lamellar structure, which looks less tightly bound than that of (II). In agreement with this structural observation, both the melting point and the melting enthalpy of (I) are lower than those of (II).

A dihydro-ß-agarofuran sesquiterpene from Maytenus boaria.

The natural compound (1S,4S,5S,6R,7R,8R,9R,10S)-6-acetoxy-4,9,10-trihydroxy-2,2,5a,9-tetramethyloctahydro-2H-3,9a-methanobenzo[b]oxepin-5-yl furan-3-carboxylate, C22H30O9, (I), is a ß-agarofuran sesquiterpene isolated from the seeds of Maytenus boaria as part of a study of the secondary metabolites from Chilean flora. The compound presents a central structure formed by a decalin system esterified with acetate at site 1 and furan-3-carboxylate at site 9. The chirality of the skeleton can be described as 1S,4S,5S,6R,7R,8R,9R,10S, which is consistent with that suggested by NMR studies. Unlike previously reported structures of sesquiterpenes containing a pure dihydro-ß-agarofuran skeleton, (I) exhibits a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network.

Br...Br and van der Waals interactions along a homologous series: crystal packing of 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dialkoxybenzenes.

The crystalline structures of four homologues of the 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dialkoxybenzene series [Br2C6H2(OCnH2n + 1)2 for n = 2, 12, 14 and 18] have been solved by means of single-crystal crystallography. Comparison along the series, including the previously reported n = 10 and n = 16 derivatives, shows a clear metric trend (b and c essentially fixed along the series and a growing linearly with n), in spite of some subtle differences in space groups and/or packing modes. A uniform packing pattern for the aliphatic chains has been found for the n = 12 to 18 homologues, which slightly differs from that of the n = 10 derivative. The crystalline structures of all the higher homologues (n = 10-18) seem to arise from van der Waals interchain interactions and, to a lesser extent, type II Br...Br interactions. The dominant role of interchain interactions provides direct structural support for the usual interpretation of melting point trends like that found along this series. Atoms in Molecules (AIM) analysis allows a comparison of the relative magnitude of the interchain and Br...Br interactions, an analysis validated by the measured melting enthalpies.

Supramolecular Assembly of pH-Sensitive Triphenylene Derived π-Gelators and Their Application as Molecular Template for the Preparation of Silica Nanotubes.

The gelation properties and mode of self-assembly of six asymmetrical hexaether triphenylene derivatives mono-functionalized with carboxylic and primary amine groups were investigated. The presence of a carboxylic and amine group attached to the triphenylene core generated stable, thermo- and pH-sensitive supramolecular π-organogels with a reversible response to both stimuli. In order to understand the gelation process, we studied the effect of the spacer length and found a different gelation scope for the acid and basic derivatives that accounts for a different supramolecular self-assembly. The presence of the basic group on the amino derivatives was used to guide and catalyze the templated in situ sol-gel polymerization of TEOS and allowed us, under controlled hydrolytic conditions, to prepare an entangled fibrillar network of silica nanotubes.

Crystallographic identification of an unexpected by-product in an Ullman's reaction toward biphenyls: 1-(4-hexyloxy-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone.

The synthesis of 3,3'-diacetoxy-4,4'-bis(hexyloxy)biphenyl following the nickel-modified Ullmann reaction yielded a by-product which was identified successfully by crystallographic analysis as 1-(4-hexyloxy-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone, C14H20O3. This unexpected nonbiphenyl by-product exhibited IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and COSY (correlation spectroscopy) spectra fully consistent with the proposed structure. The compound crystallized in the orthorombic Pbca space group, with two independent formula units in the asymmetric unit (one of which was slightly disordered), and showed a supramolecular architecture in which molecules linked by hydroxy-ethanone O-H···O interactions are organized in columns separated by the aliphatic tails.

The three-component cocrystal 1,3,5-trifluoro-2,4,6-triiodobenzene-pyridine N-oxide-water (1/2/1) built up by halogen bonds, hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions.

The title three-component cocrystal, C6F3I3·2C5H5NO·H2O, has been prepared as a strong candidate for multiple I...O interactions. Its crystal structure is compared with its 1:1 close relative, C6F3I3·C5H5NO [Aakeröy et al. (2014a). CrystEngComm, 16, 28-31]. The 1,3,5-trifluoro-2,4,6-triiodobenzene and water species both have crystallographic twofold axial symmetry. The main synthon in both structures is the π-π stacking of benzene rings, complemented by a number of O-H...O, C-F...π and, fundamentally, C-I...O interactions. As expected, the latter are among the strongest and more directional interactions of the sort reported in the literature, confirming that pyridine N-oxide is an eager acceptor. On the other hand, the structure presents only two of these contacts per 1,3,5-trifluoro-2,4,6-triiodobenzene molecule instead of the expected three. Possible reasons for this limitation are analyzed.

The topotactic dehydration of monoclinic {[Co(pht)(bpy)(H2O)2]·2H2O}n into orthorhombic [Co(pht)(bpy)(H2O)2]n (pht is phthalate and bpy is 4,4'-bipyridine).

Controlled heating of single crystals of the previously reported [Köferstein & Robl (2007). Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 633, 1127-1130] dihydrate {[Co(pht)(bpy)(H2O)2]·2H2O}n, (II) [where pht is phthalate (C8H4O4) and bpy is 4,4'-bipyridine (C10H8N2)], produced a topotactic transformation into an unreported diaqua anhydrate, namely poly[diaqua(µ2-benzene-1,2-dicarboxylato-κ(2)O(1):O(2))(µ2-4,4'-bipyridine-κ(2)N:N')cobalt(II)], [Co(C8H4O4)(C10H8N2)(H2O)2]n, (IIa). The structural change consists of the loss of the two solvent water molecules linking the original two-dimensional covalent substructures which are the `main frame' of the monoclinic P2/n hydrate (strictly preserved during the transformation), with further reaccommodation of the latter. The anhydrate organizes itself in the orthorhombic system (space group Pmn2(1)) in a disordered fashion, where the space-group-symmetry restrictions are achieved only in a statistical sense, with mirror-related two-dimensional planar substructures, mirrored in a plane perpendicular to [100]. Thus, the asymmetric unit in the refined model is composed of two superimposed mirror-related `ghosts' of half-occupancy each. Similarities and differences with the parent dihydrate and some other related structures in the literature are discussed.

The structure of {[Co(pht)(bpy)(H2O)]·3H2O}n (pht is phthalate and bpy is 4,4'-bipyridine) and the role of solvent water clusters in structure stability.

The Co(II) cation in poly[[aqua(µ-benzene-1,2-dicarboxylato-κ(3)O(1),O(2):O(1))(µ-4,4'-bipyridine-κ(2)N:N')cobalt(II)] trihydrate], {[Co(C8H4O4)(C10H8N2)(H2O)]·3H2O}n, is octahedrally coordinated by two N atoms of two 4,4'-bipyridine ligands, three O atoms from phthalate anions and a fourth O atom from a coordinated water molecule. The packing consists of planes of coordination polymers linked by hydrogen bonds mediated by three solvent water molecules; the linkage is achieved by the water molecules forming intricate oligomeric clusters which also involve the O atoms of the phthalate ligands.

Simulation of mesogenic diruthenium tetracarboxylates: Development of a force field for coordination polymers of the MMX type.

A classical molecular mechanics force field, able to simulate coordination polymers (CP) based on ruthenium carboxylates (Ru2 (O2CReq )4 Lax) (eq = equatorial group containing aliphatic chains, Lax = axial ligand), has been developed. New parameters extracted from experimental data and quantum calculations on short aliphatic chains model systems were included in the generalized AMBER force field. The proposed parametrization was evaluated using model systems with known structure, containing either short or long aliphatic chains; experimental results were reproduced satisfactorily. This modified force field, although in a preliminary stage, could then be applied to long chain liquid crystalline compounds. The resulting atomistic simulations allowed assessing the relative influence of the factors determining the CP conformation, determinant for the physical properties of these materials.

Relative influence of noncovalent interactions on the melting points of a homologous series of 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dialkoxybenzenes.

Crystal structures are presented for two members of the homologous series of 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dialkoxybenzenes, viz. those with decyloxy and hexadecyloxy substituents, namely 1,2-dibromo-4,5-bis(decyloxy)benzene, C(26)H(44)Br(2)O(2), (II), and 1,2-dibromo-4,5-bis(hexadecyloxy)benzene, C(38)H(68)Br(2)O(2), (III). The relative influences which halogen bonding, π-π stacking and van der Waals interactions have on these structures are analysed and the results compared with those already found for the lightest homologue, 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzene, (I) [Cukiernik, Zelcer, Garland & Baggio (2008). Acta Cryst. C64, o604-o608]. The results confirm that the prevalent interactions stabilizing the structures of (II) and (III) are van der Waals contacts between the aliphatic chains. In the case of (II), weak halogen C-Br···(Br-C)' interactions are also present and contribute to the stability of the structure. In the case of (III), van der Waals interactions between the aliphatic chains are almost exclusive, weaker C-Br···π interactions being the only additional interactions detected. The results are in line with commonly accepted models concerning trends in crystal stability along a homologous series (as measured by their melting points), but the earlier report for n = 1, and the present report for n = 10 and 16, are among the few providing single-crystal information validating the hypothesis.

Electronic Delocalization in Coordination Polymers Based on Bimetallic Carboxylates.

Computational methods (DFT at the B3LYP, PBE0 and m06 levels, MO fragments decomposition, and the broken symmetry approach) have been used to evaluate the influence of the bridging ligand (BL) on the extent of electron delocalization in coordination polymers based on diruthenium tetracarboxylates. The efficiency of three different nitrogenated axial ligands, namely pyrazine (pz), phenazine (phz), and tetrazine (tz), to mediate electron coupling between Ru2(II,II) or Ru2(II,III) centers has been estimated through four different parameters: calculated Ru-N distances, HOMO-LUMO gaps, HOMO and LUMO compositions, and magnetic coupling constants J. All these parameters pointed toward a coordination polymer based on Ru2(II,II) centers axially linked by tetrazine being the best candidate for exhibiting electron delocalization through the Ru2-BL framework. Such a compound has been synthesized and characterized; its vis-NIR spectrum exhibited the predicted features, mainly an intense low-energy MLCT band, assigned to the expected Ru2(II,II) → tz process associated with electron delocalization.

Comparison of halogen bonding and van der Waals and pi-pi interactions in 4,5-dibromo-2-hexyloxyphenol.

The title compound, C(12)H(16)BrO(2), is an interesting case of a simple organic molecule making use of five different types of intra- and intermolecular interactions (viz. conventional and nonconventional hydrogen bonds, and pi-pi, Br...Br and Br...O contacts), all of them relevant in the molecular and crystal structure geometry. The molecules are strictly planar, with an intramolecular O-H...O hydrogen bond, and associate into two-dimensional structures parallel to (201) through two different types of halogen bonding. The planar structures, in turn, stack parallel to each other interlinked by C-H...pi and pi-pi contacts. Also discussed are the relevant structural features leading to the rather low melting point of the compound.

4'-[2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethoxy]biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid: correlation between its crystalline and smectic phases.

The crystal structure of the dimeric title compound, C(19)H(22)O(5), is dominated by a head-to-head hydrogen-bonding interaction between centrosymmetrically related carboxyl groups in each monomer. The result is a dimeric axis of unusual length (ca 34 A), but still shorter than what could be expected for a fully extended chain, owing to two turning points in the oligoethoxy ends. This allows for an explanation of the structure of the smectic mesophase exhibited by this compound and at the same time fully validates former geometric estimations based on PM3 calculations.

Halogen bonding in 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzene and 1,2-diiodo-4,5-dimethoxybenzene.

An interesting case of ;halogen-bonding-promoted' crystal structure architecture is presented. The two title compounds, C(8)H(8)Br(2)O(2) and C(8)H(8)I(2)O(2), have almost indistinguishable molecular structures but very different spatial organization, and this is mainly due to differences in the halogen-bonding interactions in which the different species present, i.e. Br and I, take part. The dibromo structure exhibits a pi-bonded columnar array involving all four independent molecules in the asymmetric unit, with intercolumnar interactions governed by C-Br...Br-C links and with no C-Br...O/N interactions present. In the diiodo structure, instead, the C-I...O synthon prevails, defining linear chains, in turn interlinked by C-I...I-C interactions.

Theoretical and experimental studies of diruthenium tetracarboxylates structure, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry.

Quantum mechanical calculations at the density functional theory (DFT) level have been performed on diruthenium tetracarboxylates of different levels of molecular complexity: from unsolvated monomers to oligomers. The agreement between the calculated and experimental molecular structures and vibrational modes of the simple [Ru2(micro-O2CCH3)4]0/+ and [Ru2(micro-O2CCH3)4(H2O)2]0/+ systems made us confident in our calculation methodology. Therefore, it has been applied to the analysis of two different kinds of properties of these compounds: the trends in the UV/vis spectroscopy and electrochemistry along the [Ru2(micro-O2CCH3)4X2]- (X=Cl-, Br-, I-) series, and the crystalline polymorphism related to the polymeric strand conformation in extended Ru2(micro-O2CR)4Cl compounds. For the [Ru2(micro-O2CCH3)4X2]- series, we report new spectroscopic and electrochemical results and interpret the trends on the basis of time dependent DFT-polarized continuum model calculations, local charge and spin analysis, and X donor properties. As far as the polymeric conformation is concerned, it has been previously suggested that the Ru-Cl-Ru angle results from a compromise between packing, orbital overlap, and microsegregation. Our calculations on [Ru2(micro-O2CCH3)4Cl]2Cl- and [Ru2(micro-O2CCH3)4Cl]3Cl- oligomers provide insights on the influence of the first two factors on the strand conformation and allows a suggestion on what is the equatorial aliphatic chain's influence on this issue.

A pyrazine bis-adduct of a binuclear rhodium(II) carboxylate containing 3,4,5-triethoxybenzoate as the equatorial ligand.

The title compound, tetrakis(mu-3,4,5-triethoxybenzoato-kappa(2)O:O')bis[(pyrazine-kappa N)rhodium(II)](Rh[bond]Rh), [Rh(2)(C(13)H(17)O(5))(4)(C(4)H(4)N(2))(2)], crystallizes on an inversion centre in the triclinic space group P1. The equatorial carboxylate ligands bridge the two Rh(II) atoms, giving a binuclear lantern-like structure. The pyrazine molecules occupy the two axial coordination sites. The phenyl rings are tilted by ca 10 degrees with respect to the attached carboxylate groups. The pyrazine planes have a torsion angle of ca 19 degrees around the Rh-N bond with respect to the plane of the nearer carboxylate group and are not coplanar with the Rh[bond]Rh bond.

A liquid crystal derived from ruthenium(II,III) and a long-chain carboxylate.

The title compound, catena-poly[[tetrakis(mu-decanoato-kappa(2)O:O')diruthenium(II,III)(Ru-Ru)]-mu-octanesulfonato-kappa(2)O:O'], [Ru(2)(C(10)H(19)O(2))(4)(C(8)H(17)O(3)S)], is an octanesulfonate derivative of the mixed-valence complex diruthenium tetradecanoate. The equatorial carboxylate ligands are bidentate, bridging two Ru atoms to form a dinuclear structure. Each of the two independent dinuclear metal complexes in the asymmetric unit is located at an inversion centre. The octanesulfonate anion bridges the two dinuclear units through axial coordination. The alkyl chains of the carboxylate and sulfonate ligands are arranged in a parallel manner. The global structure can be seen as infinite chains of polar moieties separated by a double layer of non-polar alkyl groups, without interdigitation of the alkyl chains.