Remarkably enhanced proton conduction of {NBu2(CH2COOH)2}[MnCr(ox)3] by multiplication of carboxyl carrier in the cation.

The proton conduction of {NBu2(CH2COOH)2}[MnCr(ox)3] (dic-MnCr) is studied in comparison with its analogous {NBu3(CH2COOH)}[MnCr(ox)3] (moc-MnCr). The proton conductivity is enhanced remarkably by the multiplication of the carboxyl carrier in the cation, from 5.2 × 10-7 S cm-1 at 90% RH (25 °C) in moc-MnCr to 1.8 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 95% RH (25 °C) in dic-MnCr.

Proton Conduction Study on Water Confined in Channel or Layer Networks of La(III)M(III)(ox)3·10H2O (M = Cr, Co, Ru, La).

Proton conduction of the La(III)M(III) compounds, LaM(ox)3·10H2O (abbreviated to LaM; M = Cr, Co, Ru, La; ox(2-) = oxalate) is studied in view of their networks. LaCr and LaCo have a ladder structure, and the ladders are woven to form a channel network. LaRu and LaLa have a honeycomb sheet structure, and the sheets are combined to form a layer network. The occurrence of these structures is explained by the rigidness versus flexibility of [M(ox)3](3-) in the framework with large La(III). The channel networks of LaCr and LaCo show a remarkably high proton conductivity, in the range from 1 × 10(-6) to 1 × 10(-5) S cm(-1) over 40-95% relative humidity (RH) at 298 K, whereas the layer networks of LaCr and LaCo show a lower proton conductivity, ∼3 × 10(-8) S cm(-1) (40-95% RH, 298 K). Activation energy measurements demonstrate that the channels filled with water molecules serve as efficient pathways for proton transport. LaCo was gradually converted to La(III)Co(II)(ox)2.5·4H2O, which had no channel structure and exhibited a low proton conductivity of less than 1 × 10(-10) S cm(-1). The conduction-network correlation of LaCo(ox)2.5·4H2O is reported.

Proton-conductive magnetic metal-organic frameworks, {NR3(CH2COOH)}[M(a)(II)M(b)(III)(ox)3]: effect of carboxyl residue upon proton conduction.

Proton-conductive magnetic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), {NR(3)(CH(2)COOH)}[M(a)(II)M(b)(III)(ox)(3)] (abbreviated as R-M(a)M(b): R = ethyl (Et), n-butyl (Bu); M(a)M(b) = MnCr, FeCr, FeFe) have been studied. The following six MOFs were prepared: Et-MnCr·2H(2)O, Et-FeCr·2H(2)O, Et-FeFe·2H(2)O, Bu-MnCr, Bu-FeCr, and Bu-FeFe. The structure of Bu-MnCr was determined by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data: trigonal, R3c (#161), a = 9.3928(13) Å, c = 51.0080(13) Å, Z = 6. The crystal consists of oxalate-bridged bimetallic layers interleaved by {NBu(3)(CH(2)COOH)}(+) ions. Et-MnCr·2H(2)O and Bu-MnCr (R-MnCr MOFs) show a ferromagnetic ordering with T(C) of 5.5-5.9 K, and Et-FeCr·2H(2)O and Bu-FeCr (R-FeCr MOFs) also show a ferromagnetic ordering with T(C) of 11.0-11.5 K. Et-FeFe·2H(2)O and Bu-FeFe (R-FeFe MOFs) belong to the class II of mixed-valence compounds and show the magnetism characteristic of Néel N-type ferrimagnets. The Et-MOFs (Et-MnCr·2H(2)O, Et-FeCr·2H(2)O and Et-FeFe·2H(2)O) show high proton conduction, whereas the Bu-MOFs (Bu-MnCr, Bu-FeCr, and Bu-FeFe) show moderate proton conduction. Together with water adsorption isotherm studies, the significance of the carboxyl residues as proton carriers is revealed. The R-MnCr MOFs and the R-FeCr MOFs are rare examples of coexistent ferromagnetism and proton conduction, and the R-FeFe MOFs are the first examples of coexistent Néel N-type ferrimagnetism and proton conduction.

Promotion of low-humidity proton conduction by controlling hydrophilicity in layered metal-organic frameworks.

We controlled the hydrophilicity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to achieve high proton conductivity and high adsorption of water under low humidity conditions, by employing novel class of MOFs, {NR(3)(CH(2)COOH)}[MCr(ox)(3)]·nH(2)O (abbreviated as R-MCr, where R = Me (methyl), Et (ethyl), or Bu (n-butyl), and M = Mn or Fe): Me-FeCr, Et-MnCr, Bu-MnCr, and Bu-FeCr. The cationic components have a carboxyl group that functions as the proton carrier. The hydrophilicity of the cationic ions was tuned by the NR(3) residue to decrease with increasing bulkiness of the residue: {NMe(3)(CH(2)COOH)}(+) > {NEt(3)(CH(2)COOH)}(+) > {NBu(3)(CH(2)COOH)}(+). The proton conduction of the MOFs increased with increasing hydrophilicity of the cationic ions. The most hydrophilic sample, Me-FeCr, adsorbed a large number of water molecules and showed a high proton conductivity of ~10(-4) S cm(-1), even at a low humidity of 65% relative humidity (RH), at ambient temperature. Notably, this is the highest conductivity among the previously reported proton-conducting MOFs that operate under low RH conditions.

Oxalate-bridged bimetallic complexes {NH(prol)3}[MCr(ox)3] (M = Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II); NH(prol)3(+) = tri(3-hydroxypropyl)ammonium) exhibiting coexistent ferromagnetism and proton conduction.

The oxalate-bridged bimetallic complexes {NH(prol)(3)}[M(II)Cr(III)(ox)(3)] (M(II) = Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II)) with hydrophilic tri(3-hydroxypropyl)ammonium (NH(prol)(3)(+)) were prepared by a new synthetic procedure, and the effects of the NH(prol)(3)(+) ion upon the structure, magnetism, and electrical conduction were studied. An X-ray crystallographic study of the MnCr dihydrate, {NH(prol)(3)}[MnCr(ox)(3)].2H(2)O, was performed. Crystal data: hexagonal, P6(3), a = b = 9.3808(14) A, c = 15.8006(14) A, Z = 2. The structure comprises oxalate-bridged bimetallic layers interleaved by NH(prol)(3)(+) ions. The ions assume a tripodal configuration and are hydrogen bonded to the bimetallic layers together with water molecules, giving rise to a short interlayer separation (7.90 A) and unsymmetrical faces to the bimetallic layer. Cryomagnetic studies demonstrate ferromagnetic ordering with transition temperature of 5.5 K for the MnCr complex, 9.0 K for the FeCr complex, and 10.0 K for the CoCr complex. The interlayer magnetic interaction is negligibly weak in all of the complexes despite the short interlayer separation. A slow magnetization is observed in all the complexes. This is explained by spin canting associated with the unsymmetrical feature of the bimetallic layer. The complexes show proton conduction of 1.2 x 10(-10) to 4.4 x 10(-10) S cm(-1) under 40% relative humidity (RH) and approximately 1 x 10(-4) S cm(-1) under 75% RH. On the basis of water adsorption/desorption profiles, the conduction under 40% RH is mediated through the hydrogen-bonded network formed by the bimetallic layer, NH(prol)(3)(+) ions, and water molecules (two per MCr). Under 75% RH, additional water molecules (three per MCr) are concerned with the high proton conduction. This is the first example of a metal complex system exhibiting coexistent ferromagnetism and proton conduction.

Series of trinuclear NiIILnIIINiII complexes derived from 2,6-Di(acetoacetyl)pyridine: synthesis, structure, and magnetism.

Eighteen trinuclear NiII2LnIII complexes of 2,6-di(acetoacetyl)pyridine (H2L) (Ln=La-Lu except for Pm) were prepared by a "one-pot reaction" of H2L, Ni(NO3)2.6H2O, and Ln(NO3)3.nH2O in methanol. X-ray crystallographic studies indicate that two L2- ligands sandwich two NiII ions with the terminal 1,3-diketonate sites and one LnIII ion with the central 2,6-diacylpyridine site, forming the trinuclear [Ni2Ln(L)2] core of a linear NiLnNi structure. The terminal Ni assumes a six-coordinate geometry together with methanol or water molecules, and the central Ln assumes a 10-coordinate geometry together with two or three nitrate ions. The [Ni2Ln(L)2] core is essentially coplanar for large Ln ions (La, Ce, Pr, Nd) but shows a distortion with respect to the two L2- ligands for smaller Ln ions. Magnetic studies for the Ni2Ln complexes of diamagnetic LaIII and LuIII indicate an antiferromagnetic interaction between the terminal NiII ions. A magnetic analysis of the Ni2Gd complex based on the isotropic Heisenberg model indicates a ferromagnetic interaction between the adjacent NiII and GdIII ions and an antiferromagnetic interaction between the terminal NiII ions. The magnetic properties of other Ni2Ln complexes were studied on the basis of a numerical approach with the Ni2La complex and analogous Zn2Ln complexes, and they indicated that the NiII-LnIII interaction is weakly antiferromagnetic for Ln=Ce, Pr, and Nd and ferromagnetic for Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er.

Stepwise synthesis and magnetic control of trimetallic magnets [Co2Ln(L)2(H2O)4][Cr(CN)6].nH2O (Ln = La, Gd; H2L = 2,6-Di(acetoacetyl)pyridine) with 3-D pillared-layer structure.

Integration of mononuclear [Cr(CN)6]3- and preorganized trinuclear [Co2Ln(L)2]3+ complexes provides novel trimetallic magnets having a 3-D pillared-layer framework with an alternate array of 2-D layer extended by Cr(III)-CN-Co(II) linkages and Ln(III) ion. The overall magnetic nature can be systematically controlled by Ln(III) ions inserted between the 2-D ferromagnetic layers.

A three-dimensional ferromagnet, [Ni(dipn)]3[Cr(CN)6]2.3H2O (dipn = dipropylene triamine), based on a cubic Cr8Ni12 unit.

The combination of Ni2+, dipropylenetriamine (dipn), and [Cr(CN)6]3- affords the cyanide-bridged bimetallic assembly, [Ni(dipn)]3[Cr(CN)6]2.3H2O (1). This compound crystallizes in cubic space group Pa, with a = b = c = 20.9742(7) A and Z = 8. A three-dimensional network is constructed on the basis of a Cr8Ni12 cubane unit formed by an alternate array of [Cr(CN)6]3- and [Ni(dipn)]2+ units through Cr-CN-Ni-NC-Cr edges. Cryomagnetic studies reveal a ferromagnetic interaction between Cr(III) and Ni(II) ions and a long-range ferromagnetic ordering below 42 K with very small coercive field. To the best of our knowledge, this compound is the first "complete ferromagnet" providing three-dimensional ferromagnetic interaction through a three-dimensional bridging structure that is based on a cubic unit among general metal-oxide and molecule-based magnets. Magnetooptical studies demonstrate a strong correlation between magnetic and optical properties.

1-D cobalt(II) spin transition compound with strong interchain interaction: [Co(pyterpy)Cl(2)].X.

Cobalt(II) compounds [Co(pyterpy)Cl(2)].MeOH (1.(MeOH)) and [Co(pyterpy)Cl(2)].2H(2)O (1.(2H(2)O)) were synthesized. The compound 1.(MeOH) forms the quasi 3-D networks by making pi-pi stacking between the 1-D chains. The methanol molecules from 1.(MeOH) can be removed by heating, and substituted by absorption of water molecules. The MeOH molecules in 1.(MeOH) are removed by heating at 410 K, and they are substituted by water molecules to form 1.(2H(2)O). 1.(2H(2)O) exhibits a S = (3)/(2) (HS) left arrow over right arrow S = (1)/(2) (LS) spin transition with a thermal hysteresis. We have succeeded in constructing a guest dependent 1-D spin-crossover cobalt(II) compound.

A series of trinuclear Cu(II)Ln(III)Cu(II) complexes derived from 2,6-Di(acetoacetyl)pyridine: synthesis, structure, and magnetism.

A series of trinuclear Cu(II)Ln(III)Cu(II) complexes with the bridging ligand 2,6-di(acetoacetyl)pyridine have been prepared by one-pot reaction with Cu(NO(3))(2).3H(2)O and Ln(NO(3))(3).nH(2)O in methanol. X-ray crystallographic studies for all the complexes indicate that two L(2)(-) ligands selectively sandwich two Cu(II) ions with the 1,3-diketonate entities and one Ln(III) ion with the 2,6-acetylpyridine entity to form a trinuclear CuLnCu core bridged by the enolate oxygen atoms. Cryomagnetic properties of the complexes are studied with respect to the electronic structure of the Ln ion.

Site specificity of metal ions in heterodinuclear complexes derived from an "end-off" compartmental ligand.

A phenol-based "end-off" compartmental ligand, 2-[N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]iminomethyl]-6-[N,N-di(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-4-methylphenol (HL), having a bidentate arm and a tridentate arm attached to the 2 and 6 positions of the phenolic ring, has afforded the following heterodinuclear M(a)(II)M(b)(II) complexes: [CuM(L)(AcO)(2)]ClO(4) (M = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3), Ni (4), Zn (5)), [ZnM(L)(AcO)(2)]ClO(4) (M = Co (6), Ni (7)), and [CuNi(L)(AcO)(NCS)(2)] (8). 1.MeOH (1'), 2.MeOH (2'), 3.MeOH (3'), 4.MeOH (4'), 5.MeOH (5'), and 7.MeOH (7') are isostructural and have a heterodinuclear core bridged by the phenolic oxygen atom of L(-) and two acetate groups. In 1'-5' the Cu(II) is bound to the bidentate arm and has a square-pyramidal geometry with one acetate oxygen at the apical site. The M(II) is bound to the tridentate arm and has a six-coordinate geometry together with two acetate oxygen atoms. In the case of 7' the Zn is bound to the bidentate arm and the Ni is bound to the tridentate arm. 8.2-PrOH (8') has a dinuclear core bridged by the phenolic oxygen atom of L(-) and one acetate group. The Cu bound to the bidentate arm has a square-pyramidal geometry with an isothiocyanate group at the apical site. The Ni bound to the tridentate arm has a six-coordinate geometry with further coordination of an isothiocyanate group. The site specificity of the metal ions is discussed together with the crystal structure of [Cu(4)(L)(2)(AcO)(3)](ClO(4))(3).H(2)O (9) prepared in this work.

Insertion of a strongly pi-pi stacked chloranilate pair into an M4 arrangement preorganized within a large macrocyclic ligand (M = Zn2+ and Cu2+).

Four Zn(II) ions arranged within a pyridine-modified large phenolate-containing macrocyle Lpy2- encapsulate two chloranilate ions in a double bis-didentate bridging fashion; the ligands are strongly pi-pi stacked with each other with a short distance of 3.27 A and are electrochemically reduced at the same potential of -1.00 V to produce a reasonably stable biradical species with T1/2 = 60 min at 25 degrees C.

Coordination-position isomeric M(II)Cu(II) and Cu(II)M(II) (M = Co, Ni, Zn) complexes derived from macrocyclic compartmental ligands.

The dinucleating macrocyclic ligands (L(2;2))(2-) and (L(2;3))(2-), comprised of two 2-[(N-methylamino)methyl]-6-(iminomethyl)-4-bromophenolate entities combined by the -(CH(2))(2)- chain between the two aminic nitrogen atoms and by the -(CH(2))(2)- or -(CH(2))(3)- chain between the two iminic nitrogen atoms, have afforded the following M(II)Cu(II) complexes: [CoCu(L(2;2))](ClO(4))(2).MeCN (1A), [NiCu(L(2;2))](ClO(4))(2) (2A), [ZnCu(L(2;2))](ClO(4))(2).0.5MeCN.EtOH (3A), [CoCu(L(2;3))(MeCN)(2-PrOH)](ClO(4))(2) (4A), [NiCu(L(2;3))](ClO(4))(2) (5A), and [ZnCu(L(2;3))](ClO(4))(2).1.5DMF (6A). [CoCu(L(2;2))(MeCN)(3)](ClO(4))(2) (1A') crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, a = 11.691(2) A, b = 18.572(3) A, c = 17.058(3) A, beta= 91.18(2) degrees, V = 3703(1) A(3), and Z = 4. [NiCu(L(2;2))(DMF)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2A') crystallizes in the triclinic space group P(-)1, a = 11.260(2) A, b = 16.359(6) A, c = 10.853(4) A, alpha= 96.98(3) degrees, beta= 91.18(2) degrees, gamma= 75.20(2) degrees, V = 1917(1) A(3), and Z = 2. 4A crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 15.064(8) A, b = 11.434(5) A, c = 21.352(5) A, beta= 95.83(2)degrees, V = 3659(2) A(3), and Z = 4. The X-ray crystallographic results demonstrate the M(II) to reside in the N(amine)(2)O(2) site and the Cu(II) in the N(imine)(2)O(2) site. The complexes 1-6 are regarded to be isomeric with [CuCo(L(2;2)))](ClO(4))(2).DMF (1B), [CuNi(L(2;2)))](ClO(4))(2).DMF.MeOH (2B), [CuZn(L(2;2)))](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (3B)), [CuCo(L(2;3)))](ClO(4))(2).2H(2)O (4B), [CuNi(L(2;3)))](ClO(4))(2) (5B), and [CuZn(L(2;3)))](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (6B) reported previously, when we ignore exogenous donating and solvating molecules. The isomeric M(II)Cu(II) and Cu(II)M(II) complexes are differentiated by X-ray structural, magnetic, visible spectroscopic, and electrochemical studies. The two isomeric forms are significantly stabilized by the "macrocyclic effect" of the ligands, but 1A is converted into 1B on an electrode, and 2A is converted into 2B at elevated temperature.

A Three-Dimensional Ferrimagnet with a High Magnetic Transition Temperature (TC ) of 53 K Based on a Chiral Molecule.

The transparent, double bridged-(R)-spiral three-dimensional polymeric complex K0.4 [Cr(CN)6 ][Mn(S)-pn](S)-pnH0.6 ((S)-pn=(S)-1,2-diaminopropane) has been synthesized and characterized (see X-ray structure; Cr: brown, Mn: red, C: gray, N: blue, K: green). Magnetic measurements on the complex show that the MnII and CrIII ions interact ferrimagnetically and magnetic transition occurs at 53 K (Curie temperature).

Tetracopper Assembly Complexes Comprised of One Dimetallic Core and Two Monometallic Auxiliaries: Intramolecular Electron-Transfer Relevant to Multicopper Oxidases.

Two tetracopper assembly complexes, comprised of one dimetallic di(3-iminomethylsalicylato)dicopper(II) core and two monometallic copper(II) auxiliaries attached to the imino nitrogens of the dinuclear core through an alkane chain, have been prepared. [Cu(4)(L(1))](PF(6))(4).2CH(3)CN.3H(2)O (1) has di(2-pyridylmethyl)aminecopper(II) as the monometallic auxiliary, and [Cu(4)(L(2))](ClO(4))(4).CH(3)OH (2) has 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecanecopper(II) as the auxiliary. Assembly 1 in acetonitrile shows a two-electron reduction at -0.08 V (vs SCE) followed by a one-electron reduction at -0.42 V. Together with EPR studies for electrolyzed solutions, it is shown that the two monometallic auxiliaries are reduced at -0.08 V, followed by an intramolecular electron transfer from one of the reduced auxiliaries to the dimetallic core and by the second reduction at the resulting monometallic Cu(II) center at -0.42 V: {Cu(II)-Cu(2)(II,II)-Cu(II)}/{Cu(I)-Cu(2)(II,II)-Cu(I)} --> {Cu(I)-Cu(2)(I,II)-Cu(II)}/{Cu(I)-Cu(2)(I,II)-Cu(I)}. The CV of 2 in DMSO shows two couples at -0.68 and -0.99 V attributable to the stepwise reductions: {Cu(II)-Cu(2)(II,II)-Cu(II)}/{Cu(II)-Cu(2)(I,II)-Cu(II)}/{Cu(I)-Cu(2)(I,II)-Cu(II)}. Assembly 1 is reduced with ascorbic acid to the {Cu(I)-Cu(2)(I,II)-Cu(I)} species, whereas 2 is not reduced with ascorbic acid. The relevance of the intramolecular electron transfer observed for 1 to multicopper oxidases is discussed.

[Mn(en)]3 [Cr(CN)6 ]2 ⋠4 H2 O: A Three-Dimensional Dimetallic Ferrimagnet (Tc =69 K) with a Defective Cubane Unit.

The first modified analogue of the AII3 [BIII (CN)6 ]2 ⋅x H2 O type of Prussian-Blue, the title compound, has a three-dimensional network structure extended by CrIII -CN-MnII linkages, which is based on a defective cubane unit comprising three Cr and four Mn ions (see structure), and shows ferrimagnetic ordering below 69 K.

Synthesis, Crystal and Network Structures, and Magnetic Properties of a Hybrid Layered Compound: [K(18-cr)(2-PrOH)(2)][{Mn(acacen)}(2){Fe(CN)(6)}] (18-cr = 18-Crown-6-ether, acacen = N,N'-Ethylenebis(acetylacetonylideneiminate)).

A hybrid layered compound [{K(18-cr)(2-PrOH)(2)}{Mn(acacen)}(2){Fe(CN)(6)}] has been prepared by the reaction of [Mn(acacen)(Cl)] with [K(18-cr)(H(2)O)(2)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)].3H(2)O in an ethanol/2-propanol mixed solvent (18-cr = 18-crown-6-ether, acacen = N,N'-ethylenebis(acetylacetonylideneiminate)). It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/a with cell dimensions of a = 13.272(3) Å, b = 15.768 (2) Å, c = 14.771(2) Å, beta = 105.64(1) degrees, Z = 2. It assumes a hybrid layered structure of alternating arrays of two types of layers. One of the layers is formed by the anionic part [{Mn(acacen)}(2){Fe(CN)(6)}](n)()(n)()(-), where [Fe(CN)(6)](3)(-) coordinates through its four cyanide groups on a plane to the axial sites of four [Mn(acacen)](+) entities. The two-dimensional layer consists of the cyclic octamer [-Mn-NC-Fe-CN-](4) having the Fe ions at the corners and the Mn ions on the edges of a deformed square. Another layer is formed by the cationic part [K(18-cr)(2-PrOH)(2)](+) that has a hexagonal-bipyramidal geometry about the metal with two 2-PrOH molecules at the apexes of the nearly planar [K(18-cr)](+). The anionic and cationic layers are combined by the hydrogen bond between the cyanide groups (free from coordination) of the anionic layer and the 2-propanol groups of the cationic layer with bond distance of N.O = 2.861(5) Å. Magnetic studies (magnetic susceptibility vs T, field-cooled magnetization vs T, saturation magnetization vs H) indicate that the compound is a metamagnet with a Néel temperature T(N) = 5.0 K, showing the onset of ferromagnetic ordering within the anionic layer and an antiferromagnetic interlayer interaction. Magnetization as a function of the applied magnetic field indicates a spin-flipping from antiferromagnetic arrangement to ferromagnetic arrangement between the layers around 1200 Oe and exhibits hysteresis behavior.

Macrocyclic Heterodinuclear Zn(II)Pb(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Structures, and Hydrolytic Function toward Tris(p-nitrophenyl) Phosphate.

A heterodinuclear Zn(II)Pb(II) complex ZnPb(L)(ClO(4))(2).2H(2)O (1) has been obtained where (L)(2)(-) is an unsymmetric macrocycle derived from the 2:1:1 condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol, ethylenediamine and diethylenetriamine and has the "salen"- and "saldien"-like metal-binding sites sharing the phenolic moiety. Its DMF adduct, ZnPb(L)(ClO(4))(2).MeOH.2DMF (1'), crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 14.457(4) Å, b = 14.795(6) Å, c = 10.307(9) Å, alpha = 109.04(5) degrees, beta = 96.24(5) degrees, gamma = 102.56(3) degrees, V = 1995(2) Å(3), and Z = 2. The refinement converges with R = 0.058 and R(w) = 0.060 for 3532 reflections with |F(0)| > 3sigma(|F(0)|). It has a discrete heterodinuclear core with the Zn(II) in the "salen" site and the Pb(II) in the "saldien" site of the macrocycle (L)(2)(-). The Zn has a square-pyramidal geometry together with a methanol oxygen, and the Pb has a seven-coordinate geometry together with one DMF oxygen and one perchlorate oxygen. The complex 1 is converted into [ZnPb(L)(OH)ClO(4)]H(2)O (2) under a weak alkaline condition. Its anhydrous form, [ZnPb(L)(OH)]ClO(4) (2), crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 25.835(4) Å, b = 13.190(6) Å, c = 16.553 Å, beta = 106.31(2) degrees, V = 5413(2) Å(3), and Z = 8. The refinement converges with R = 0.038 and R(w) = 0.029 for 3944 reflections with |F(0)| > 3sigma(|F(0)|). It has a dimer structure of a dinuclear {ZnPb(L)(OH)}(+) unit having the Zn(II) in the "salen" site and the Pb(II) in the "saldien" site of the macrocycle. The hydroxide is bound to the Zn(II) to afford a square-pyramidal geometry about the metal. The dimeric core [ZnPb(L)(OH)](2)(2+) is formed by the bridge of the hydroxide oxygen to the Pb of the adjacent molecule and vice versa. The geometry about the Pb in the dimer structure is a pentagonal pyramid showing a distortion to "umbrella-like" structure, with the bridging hydroxide oxygen at the apex. In a DMSO solution, an equilibrium exists between the dimeric and monomeric species: [{ZnPb(L)(OH)}(2)](2+) right harpoon over left harpoon 2[ZnPb(L)(OH)](+). On the basis of (31)P NMR and visible spectra, 2 is shown to hydrolyze tris(p-nitorophenyl) phosphate (TNP) into bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNP) in DMSO. 1 also exhibits a low activity to hydrolyze TNP into BNP due to the equilibrium [ZnPb(L)(H(2)O)](2+) right harpoon over left harpoon [ZnPb(L)(OH)](+) + H(+). From the reaction mixture with 2, a BNP complex [ZnPb(L)(BNP)]ClO(4) (3) has been isolated. 3 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 13.494(9) Å, b = 13.88(1) Å, c = 12.765(8) Å, alpha = 94.71(6) degrees, beta = 97.02(6) degrees, gamma = 61.68(5) degrees, V = 2088(2) Å(3), Z = 2. The refinement converges with R = 0.044 and R(w) = 0.056 for 6070 reflections with |F(0)| > 3sigma(|F(0)|). The BNP(-) group bridges the pair of metal ions through its two oxygens, together with two phenolic oxygens of (L)(2)(-). On the basis of the above findings, a mechanistic scheme for the TNP hydrolysis by 2 is proposed; a TNP molecule is bound to the Pb center, and the hydroxide on the adjacent Zn ion attacks the phosphorus nucleus of TNP, leading to the formation of the BNP complex 3.