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Multistability on the molecular scale level required for molecular devices can be realized using metallocomplexes with redox-active ligands such as o-quinones, o-quinoneimines and o-diimines as building blocks. Herein, we prepared four sterically shielded di-o-quinones bridged with a dioxyarylene linker with different topology and steric characteristics and studied the properties of their reduced species. EPR spectroscopy investigation revealed that the intramolecular exchange interaction between paramagnetic centers in the biradical dianion derivatives of synthesized di-o-quinones predominantly depends on the steric environment of the linker and the nature of the counter cation at the dioxolene site, and the topology of the linker plays a secondary role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ditopic di-o-quinone with a resorcinol bridge exhibits the ability to self-assemble in a reaction with copper, giving a cage-like binuclear complex that, due to the cofacially placed metal ions, is capable of encapsulation of different solvent molecules as guest ligands. Notably, the geometry of the internal cavity of this complex adjusts depending on the coordinating properties of the encapsulated molecule (mono- or bidentate). A feature of this species is that the cage-forming units are copper(II) bis-semiquinonate moieties, capable of undergoing ligand-centered redox transformations. Electrochemical and EPR spectroscopy studies showed that there is a channel for intramolecular electronic exchange interactions between the redox centres of the molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ditopic di- o -quinone with a resorcinol bridge exhibits the ability to self-assemble in a reaction with copper, giving a cage-like binuclear complex that, due to the cofacially placed metal ions, is capable of encapsulation of different solvent molecules as guest ligands. Notably, the geometry of the internal cavity of this complex adjusts depending on the coordinating properties of the encapsulated molecule (mono- or bidentate). A feature of this species is that the cage-forming units are copper(II) bis-semiquinonate moieties, capable of undergoing ligand-centered redox transformations. Electrochemical and EPR spectroscopy studies showed that there is a channel for intramolecular electronic exchange interactions between the redox centres of the molecule.

Especially grown crystals (elongated plates) of the complex (1,10-phen)Co(3,6-DBSQ) 2 ( 1 ) reversibly elastically bend under laser excitation (532 or 808 nm) and/or heating in the temperature interval ∼242-265 K (1,10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 3,6-DBSQ = anion-radical and 3,6-DBCat = dianion of 3,6-di- tert -butyl- o -benzoquinone). The abrupt interconversion of valence tautomers is observed in this temperature range: (phen)Co(3,6-DBCat)(3,6-DBSQ) ⇌ (phen)Co(3,6-DBSQ) 2 . Solving the problem of design of photo- (thermo-) actuators with preset parameters, the series of solid solutions of general formula (phen) x (bpy) 1- x Co(3,6-DBSQ) 2 was obtained and crystallized as thin elongated plates. Crystals of each solid solution demonstrate the maximal photomechanical response (bending) at a temperature close to its own valence tautomeric (VT) transition temperature. On the other hand, the VT transition temperature depends on the composition of the solid solution. So, by setting the composition of the solid solution, one can set the temperature of the photomechanical response. It is the first example of temperature-manageable photomechanical properties.

o-Semiquinonic nickel pincer complexes (R2PCP)Ni(SQ) show a versatile coordination sphere dynamics via "swing" or "fan" oscillations depending on the steric properties of the phosphorus substituents.

A number of square pyramidal o-semiquinonic nickel complexes with 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenyl were investigated by EPR spectroscopy in solution. The complexes have flexible coordination spheres and can exist in solution as two isomers rapidly (on the EPR timescale) interconverting one to another at room temperature. The equilibrium is entropy driven and does not significantly depend on the substituents in the semiquinone ring. The spin density distribution depends on mesomeric properties and bulkiness of substituents in ortho-position to oxygen atoms.

Square pyramidal o-semiquinonic nickel complexes with 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenyl have a flexible coordination sphere and exist in solution as the mixture of tautomers rapidly, according to EPR time scale, interconverting at room temperature.