Role of Redox-Inactive Metal Ions in Modulating the Reduction Potential of Uranyl Schiff Base Complexes: Detailed Experimental and Theoretical Studies.

A mononuclear uranyl complex, [UO2L] (1), has been synthesized with the ligand N,N'-bis(3-methoxy-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-1,6-diamino-3-azahexane (H2L). The complex showed a reversible U(VI)/U(V) redox couple in cyclic voltammetric measurements. The reduction potential of this couple showed a positive shift upon the addition of redox-inactive alkali- and alkaline-earth Lewis acidic metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+) to an acetonitrile solution of complex 1. The positive shift of the reduction potential has been explained on the basis of the Lewis acidity and internal electric-field effect of the respective metal ions. The bimetallic complexes [UO2LLi(NO3)] (2), [UO2LNa(BF4)]2 (3), [UO2LK(PF6)]2 (4), [(UO2L)2Ca]·(ClO4)2·CH3CN (5), [(UO2L)2Sr(H2O)2]·(ClO4)2·CH3CN (6), and [(UO2L)2Ba(ClO4)]·(ClO4) (7) have also been isolated in the solid state by reacting complex 1 with the corresponding metal ions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Density functional theory calculations of the optimized [UO2LM]n+ complexes have been used to rationalize the experimental reduction and electric-field potentials imposed by the non-redox-active cations.

Reaction of Cu(II) Chelates with Uranyl Nitrate to Form a Coordination Complex or H-Bonded Adduct: Experimental Observations and Rationalization by Theoretical Calculations.

Four new heterometallic Cu(II)-U(VI) species, [{(CuL1)(CH3CN)}UO2(NO3)2] (1), [{(CuL2)(CH3CN)}UO2(NO3)2] (2), [{(CuL3)(H2O)}UO2(NO3)2] (3), and [UO2(NO3)2(H2O)2]·2[CuL4]·H2O (4), were synthesized using four different metalloligands ([CuL1], [CuL2], [CuL3], and [CuL4], respectively) derived from four unsymmetrically dicondensed N,O-donor Schiff bases. Single-crystal structural analyses revealed that complexes 1, 2, and 3 have a discrete dinuclear [Cu-UO2] core in which one metalloligand, [CuL], is connected to the uranyl moiety via a double phenoxido bridge. Two chelating nitrate ions complete the octa-coordination around uranium. Species 4 is a cocrystal, where a uranyl nitrate dihydrate is sandwiched between two metalloligands [CuL4] by the formation of strong hydrogen bonds between the H atoms of the coordinated water molecules to U(VI) and the O atoms of [CuL4]. Spectrophotometric titrations of these four metalloligands with uranyl nitrate dihydrate in acetonitrile showed a well-anchored isosbestic point between 300 and 500 nm in all cases, conforming with the coordination of [CuL1], [CuL2], [CuL3], and the H-bonding interaction of [CuL4] with UO2(NO3)2. This behavior of [CuL4] was utilized to selectively bind metal ions (e.g., Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, and La3+) in the presence of UO2(NO3)2·2H2O in acetonitrile. The formation of these Cu(II)-U(VI) species in solution was also evaluated by steady-state fluorescence quenching experiments. The difference in the coordination behavior of these metalloligands toward [UO2(NO3)2(H2O)2] was studied by density functional theory calculations. The lower flexibility of the ethylenediamine ring and a large negative binding energy obtained from the evaluation of H bonds and supramolecular interactions between [CuL4] and [UO2(NO3)2(H2O)2] corroborate the formation of cocrystal 4. A very good linear correlation (r2 = 0.9949) was observed between the experimental U═O stretching frequencies and the strength of the equatorial bonds that connect the U atom to the metalloligand.

Elucidating the secondary effect in the Lewis acid mediated anodic shift of electrochemical oxidation of a Cu(ii) complex with a N2O2 donor unsymmetrical ligand.

A metalloligand [CuL] (H2L = N-α-methylsalicylidene-N'-salicylidene-1,3-propanediamine) was reacted with a series (Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Pr3+, Nd3+ and Sm3+) of redox-inactive metal ions (in excess) with different Lewis acidities in acetonitrile to form heterometallic complexes in situ. In the cases of K+ and Zn2+, single crystals were isolated from their respective solutions and solved. The complexes were found to be trinuclear with the phenoxido bridge between the redox-inactive metals and the copper center having closest equilibrium distance. In solution, some metal ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+) formed predominantly 1 : 1 [CuL] : Mn+ adducts whereas others did not. Spectroscopic studies revealed that both the energy and intensity of the LMCT band of [CuL] at 363 nm were influenced by the Lewis acidity of the guest metal ions. The blue shift and the hypochromic shift of this band showed a linear dependence on the Lewis acidity of the corresponding redox-inactive metal ions only for 1 : 1 adducts. A combined EPR and d-d transition spectral analysis of these 1 : 1 adducts in acetonitrile at 298 K indicates that there is a change in the coordination geometry around Cu(ii) on proximal cation binding of free [CuL]. The correlation of the half wave potential (E1/2) of the first oxidation of [CuL] with pKa of the corresponding metal(aqua)n+ ion as a measure of its Lewis acidity revealed that the potentials were linearly dependent for 1 : 1 adducts whereas in the case of the other metal ions an unexpected deviation from linearity was observed. An incremental addition of water to some of these mixtures revealed a decrease in the corresponding oxidation peak potential with a concomitant increase in the molar absorptivity. The molar absorptivities of different mixtures with their corresponding E1/2 values show a linear dependence with better correlation suggesting that the modulation of electron density around Cu(ii) regulates the electrochemical oxidation of the metalloligand.

Structural variations in (CuL)2Ln complexes of a series of lanthanide ions with a salen-type unsymmetrical Schiff base(H2L): Dy and Tb derivatives as potential single-molecule magnets.

A new series of heterometallic trinuclear Cu2Ln complexes [lanthanide ions Ln = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), Ho (4) and Er (5)] has been synthesized using a Cu(ii)-metalloligand derived from a N2O2 donor unsymmetrical Schiff base, H2L (where H2L = N-α-methylsalicylidene-N'-salicylidene-1,3-propanediamine), and structurally characterized. Among these complexes, [(CuL)2Gd(NO3)3(CH3CN)2] (1), [(CuL)2Tb(NO3)3(CH3CN)2] (2) and [(CuL)2Dy(NO3)3(CH3CN)2] (3) are isomorphic and isostructural. In these complexes two metalloligands coordinate to the central Ln(iii) (Ln = Gd, Tb and Dy respectively) ion in a transoid fashion viaµ2-phenoxido oxygen atoms. The Ln(iii) ions are deca-coordinated with a distorted tetradecahedron geometry. The two terminal Cu(ii) ions of the complexes possess a hexa-coordinated distorted octahedral geometry. In contrast, in complexes [(CuL)2Ho(NO3)3(CH3CN)], (4) and [(CuL)2Er(NO3)3(CH3CN)]·0.5(CH3CN) (5), the two metalloligands coordinated to the Ln(iii) ions in a cisoid fashion. The Ho(iii) ion in 4 is nona-coordinated with a distorted tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry and the Er(iii) ion in 5 is octa-coordinated with a distorted square antiprismatic geometry. The two terminal Cu(ii) ions in complexes 4 and 5 are penta-coordinated with a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The dc magnetic susceptibilities and field dependent magnetization measurement of complex 1 reveal the occurrence of ferromagnetic interactions between Cu(ii) and Gd(iii) ions as well as intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions. Both complexes 2 and 3 show ferromagnetic interactions between Cu(ii) and Ln(iii) ions. The ac magnetic susceptibilities of all the complexes were also recorded and it was found that only complexes 2 and 3 exhibit slow relaxation of magnetization reorientation below 10 K at 2000 Oe applied dc field, this being characteristic of single molecule magnets.

Subtle Structural Changes in (CuIIL)2MnII Complexes To Induce Heterometallic Cooperative Catalytic Oxidase Activities on Phenolic Substrates (H2L = Salen Type Unsymmetrical Schiff Base).

A new Cu(II) complex of an asymmetrically dicondensed Schiff base (H2L = N-(2-hydroxyacetophenylidene)-N'-salicylidene-1,3-propanediamine) derived from 1,3-propanediamine, salicylaldehyde, and o-hydroxyacetophenone has been synthesized. Using this complex, [CuL] (1), as a metalloligand, two new trinuclear Cu-Mn complexes, [(CuL)2Mn(N3)(H2O)](ClO4)·H2O (2) and [(CuL)2Mn(NCS)2] (3), have been prepared. Single-crystal structural analyses reveal that complexes 2 and 3 both have the same bent trinuclear {(CuL)2Mn}2+ structural unit in which two terminal bidentate square-planar (CuL) units are chelated to the central octahedral Mn(II) ion. This structural similarity is also evident from the variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, which suggest that compounds 2 and 3 are both antiferromagnetically coupled with comparable exchange coupling constants (-21.8 and -22.3 cm-1, respectively). The only difference between 2 and 3 lies in the coordination around the central Mn(II) ion; in 3, two SCN- groups are coordinated to the Mn(II), leaving a neutral complex, but in 2, one N3- group and one H2O molecule are coordinated to give a positively charged species. The presence of such a labile H2O coligand makes 2 catalytically active in mimicking two well-known polynuclear copper proteins, catecholase and phenoxazinone synthase. The turnover numbers (kcat) for the aerial oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol and o-aminophenol are 1118 and 6581 h-1, respectively, values which reflect the facility of the heterometallic catalyst in terms of both efficiency and catalytic promiscuity for aerial dioxygen activation. The mechanisms of these biomimetic oxidase reactions are proposed for the first time involving any heterometallic catalyst on the basis of mass spectral analysis, EPR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The evidence of the intermediates indicates possible heterometallic cooperative activity where the substrates bind to a Mn(II) center and Cu(II) plays the role of an electron carrier for transformation of the phenolic substrates to their respective products with the reduction of aerial dioxygen.

Strong ferromagnetic exchange interactions in hinge-like Dy(O2Cu)2 complexes involving double oxygen bridges.

Two trinuclear isomeric compounds, [{(Cu(II)(salpn))(Me(CO)Me)}2Dy(III)(NO3)3] (1) and [{Cu(II)(salpn)}2Dy(III)(H2O)(NO3)3]·MeOH (2), along with one polymeric compound, {[{Cu(II)(salpn)}2Dy(III)(NO3)3bpy]·MeOH·H2O}n (3), were synthesized using a metalloligand, [Cu(II)(salpn)], where H2salpn and bpy stand for N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine and 4,4'-bipyridine, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 were selectively prepared with two solvents: the less polar acetone led to the exclusive crystallization of 1 with a transoid trinuclear architecture, while more polar solvent methanol provided sole construction of 2 with a cisoid trinuclear architecture. Compound 3 was prepared from 1 or 2 after bpy was introduced as a bridge. The Dy and Cu ions are doubly bridged with oxygen atoms, and the core DyO2Cu skeletons are characterized by different "butterfly angles" of 140.9(1)°, 147.1(19)°, and 142.4(2)° for 1, 2, and 3, respectively. We have examined the molecular structures and magnetic properties of 1-3 using high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (HF-EPR), magnetization, and magnetic susceptibility techniques. These compounds showed slow magnetization reversal in the measurements of alternating current magnetic susceptibility. We analyzed EPR frequency-field diagrams using an effective spin-Hamiltonian including only one doublet of Dy sublevels and found that the exchange couplings are ferromagnetic in all compounds. The exchange coupling parameters JDy-Cu of 1, 2, and 3 were determined as 2.25 ± 0.05, 1.82 ± 0.04, and 1.79 ± 0.04 K, respectively. These values are larger than those found in previous research using EPR analysis on [Cu(II)(L(A))(C3H6O)Dy(III)(NO3)3] (H2L(A) = N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,3-diamino-2,2-dimethylpropane) and [Dy(III)L(B)2(NO3)2{Cu(II)(CH3OH)}2](NO3)(CH3OH) (H2L(B) = 2,6-bis(acetylaceto)pyridine). The present result shows an advantage of doubly oxygen-bridged motifs to built strong ferromagnetic interactions between lanthanide and transition metal ions. We found that the exchange coupling strength is sensitive to the structural parameters such as bond angles, bond lengths, and butterfly angles. Precise determination of the exchange parameters would contribute to development of exchange-coupled 4f-3d heterometallic complexes.

Trinuclear heterometallic Cu(II)-Mn(II) complexes of a salen type Schiff base ligand: anion dependent variation of phenoxido bridging angles and magnetic coupling.

Five new trinuclear heterometallic Cu(II)-Mn(II) complexes [(CuL)2Mn(O2CPh)2] (1), [(CuL)2Mn(N3)2] (2), [(CuL)2Mn(NCO)2] (3), [(CuL)2Mn(NO3)2] (4) and [(CuL)2Mn(Sal)2]·CH2Cl2 (5) have been synthesized with the di-Schiff base ligand H2L (where H2L = N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine and Sal = salicylate). These complexes with different anionic co-ligands have been synthesized to attain a large variation in phenoxido bridging angles and to investigate its consequence on magnetic properties. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that complexes 1, 2, 4 and 5 are linear, whereas 3 has an angular geometry. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that all five complexes possess an overall antiferromagnetic interaction between Cu(II) and Mn(II) ions, which results in a final ferrimagnetic ground state with spin 3/2 in the Cu(II)-Mn(II)-Cu(II) trinuclear structure. The weakest antiferromagnetic interaction (J(Cu-Mn) = -7.0 cm(-1)) is observed for 2 having the lowest value of the Cu-O-Mn angle (92.0°), while the strongest antiferromagnetic interaction (J(Cu-Mn) = -26.5 cm(-1)) is observed for 3 having the largest Cu-O-Mn angle (101.4°). Complexes 1, 4 and 5 show average Cu-O-Mn angles of 98.2°, 97.6° and 97.7°, respectively, that lead to intermediate antiferromagnetic interactions (J(Cu-Mn) = -9.6, -9.7, -9.3 cm(-1) respectively).

Solvent-templated supramolecular isomerism in 2D coordination polymer constructed by Ni(II)2Co(II) nodes and dicyanamido spacers: drastic change in magnetic behaviours.

Two heterometallic coordination polymers (CPs) have been prepared using [Ni(II)L]2Co(II) (where H2L = N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine) as nodes and dicyanamido spacers by varying the solvent for synthesis. Structural characterizations revealed that methanol assisted the formation of a two-dimensional (4,4) connected rhombic grid network of [(NiL)2Co(NCNCN)2]∞ (1a) whereas relatively less polar acetonitrile afforded a different superstructure {[(NiL)2Co(NCNCN)2]·CH3CN}∞ (1b) with a two-dimensional (4,4) connected square grid network. The presence of acetonitrile molecules in the structure of 1b seems to change the spatial orientation of the terminal metalloligands [NiL] from pseudo-eclipsed in 1a to staggered-like in 1b around the central Co(II). These structural changes in the nodes together with the conformationally flexible dicyanamido spacers, which are cis coordinated to the Co(II) in both trinuclear units, led to the differences in the final 2D network. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that this supramolecular isomerism led to a drastic transition from spin-frustrated antiferromagnetism for 1a to a dominant ferromagnetic behaviour for 1b. The geometrical differences in Ni2Co coordination clusters (CCs) which are scalene triangular in 1a but nearly linear in 1b, are held responsible for the changes of the magnetic properties. The DFT calculations of exchange interactions between metal centres provide a clear evidence of the role played by the fundamental geometrical factors on the nature and magnitude of the magnetic coupling in these pseudo-polymorphic CPs.

Use of metalloligands [CuL] (H2L = salen type di-Schiff bases) in the formation of heterobimetallic copper(II)-uranyl complexes: photophysical investigations, structural variations, and theoretical calculations.

Five heterobimetallic copper(II)-uranium(VI) complexes [(CuL(1))UO2(NO3)2] (1), [{CuL(1)(CH3CN)}UO2(NO3)2] (2), [{CuL(1)(CH3COCH3)}UO2(NO3)2] (3), [{CuL(2)(CH3CN)}UO2(NO3)2](4), and [{CuL(2)(CH3COCH3)}UO2(NO3)2][{CuL(2)}UO2(NO3)2] (5) have been synthesized by reacting the Cu(II)-derived metalloligands [CuL(1)] and [CuL(2)] (where, H2L(1) = N,N'-bis(α-methylsalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine and H2L(2) = N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine) with UO2(NO3)2·6H2O in 1:1 ratio by varying the reaction temperature and solvents. Absorption and fluorescence quenching experiments (steady-state and time-resolved) indicate the formation of 1:1 ground-state charge transfer copper(II)-uranium(VI) complexes in solution. X-ray single-crystal structure reveals that each complex contains diphenoxido bridged Cu(II)-U(VI) dinuclear core with two chelated nitrato coligands. The complexes are solvated (acetonitrile or acetone) in the axial position of the Cu(II) in different manner or desolvated. The supramolecular interactions that depend upon the co-ordinating metalloligands seem to control the solvation. In complexes 2 and 3 a rare NO3(-)···NO3(-) weak interaction plays an important role in forming supramolecular network whereas an uncommon U═O···NO3(-) weak interaction helps to self-assemble heterobinuclear units in complex 5. The significance of the noncovalent interactions in terms of energies and geometries has been analyzed using theoretical calculations.