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This study presents the role of 5d orbitals in the bonding, and electronic and magnetic structure of Ce imido and oxo complexes synthesized with a tris(hydroxylaminato) [((2- t BuNO)C6H4CH2)3N]3- (TriNO x 3-) ligand framework, including the reported synthesis and characterization of two new alkali metal-capped Ce oxo species. X-ray spectroscopy measurements reveal that the imido and oxo materials exhibit an intermediate valent ground state of the Ce, displaying hallmark features in the Ce LIII absorption of partial f-orbital occupancy that are relatively constant for all measured compounds. These spectra feature a double peak consistent with other formal Ce(iv) compounds. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal enhanced levels of temperature-independent paramagnetism (TIP). In contrast to systems with direct bonding to an aromatic ligand, no clear correlation between the level of TIP and f-orbital occupancy is observed. CASSCF calculations defy a conventional van Vleck explanation of the TIP, indicating a single-reference ground state with no low-lying triplet excited state, despite accurately predicting the measured values of f-orbital occupancy. The calculations do, however, predict strong 4f/5d hybridization. In fact, within these complexes, despite having similar f-orbital occupancies and therefore levels of 4f/5d hybridization, the d-state distributions vary depending on the bonding motif (Ce[double bond, length as m-dash]O vs. Ce[double bond, length as m-dash]N) of the complex, and can also be fine-tuned based on varying alkali metal cation capping species. This system therefore provides a platform for understanding the characteristic nature of Ce multiple bonds and potential impact that the associated d-state distribution may have on resulting reactivity.

A series of cerium(iv) mixed-ligand guanidinate-amide complexes, {[(Me3Si)2NC(N i Pr)2] x CeIV[N(SiMe3)2]3-x }+ (x = 0-3), was prepared by chemical oxidation of the corresponding cerium(iii) complexes, where x = 1 and 2 represent novel complexes. The Ce(iv) complexes exhibited a range of intense colors, including red, black, cyan, and green. Notably, increasing the number of the guanidinate ligands from zero to three resulted in significant redshift of the absorption bands from 503 nm (2.48 eV) to 785 nm (1.58 eV) in THF. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra indicated increasing f occupancy (n f) with more guanidinate ligands, and revealed the multiconfigurational ground states for all Ce(iv) complexes. Cyclic voltammetry experiments demonstrated less stabilization of the Ce(iv) oxidation state with more guanidinate ligands. Moreover, the Ce(iv) tris(guanidinate) complex exhibited temperature independent paramagnetism (TIP) arising from the small energy gap between the ground- and excited states with considerable magnetic moments. Computational analysis suggested that the origin of the low energy absorption bands was a charge transfer between guanidinate π orbitals that were close in energy to the unoccupied Ce 4f orbitals. However, the incorporation of sterically hindered guanidinate ligands inhibited optimal overlaps between Ce 5d and ligand N 2p orbitals. As a result, there was an overall decrease of ligand-to-metal donation and a less stabilized Ce(iv) oxidation state, while at the same time, more of the donated electron density ended up in the 4f shell. The results indicate that incorporating guanidinate ligands into Ce(iv) complexes gives rise to intense charge transfer bands and noteworthy electronic structures, providing insights into the stabilization of tetravalent lanthanide oxidation states.

A series of cerium(iv) mixed-ligand guanidinate-amide complexes, {[(Me3Si)2NC(N i Pr)2] x CeIV[N(SiMe3)2]3-x }+ (x = 0-3), was prepared by chemical oxidation of the corresponding cerium(iii) complexes, where x = 1 and 2 represent novel complexes. The Ce(iv) complexes exhibited a range of intense colors, including red, black, cyan, and green. Notably, increasing the number of the guanidinate ligands from zero to three resulted in significant redshift of the absorption bands from 503 nm (2.48 eV) to 785 nm (1.58 eV) in THF. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra indicated increasing f occupancy (n f) with more guanidinate ligands, and revealed the multiconfigurational ground states for all Ce(iv) complexes. Cyclic voltammetry experiments demonstrated less stabilization of the Ce(iv) oxidation state with more guanidinate ligands. Moreover, the Ce(iv) tris(guanidinate) complex exhibited temperature independent paramagnetism (TIP) arising from the small energy gap between the ground- and excited states with considerable magnetic moments. Computational analysis suggested that the origin of the low energy absorption bands was a charge transfer between guanidinate π orbitals that were close in energy to the unoccupied Ce 4f orbitals. However, the incorporation of sterically hindered guanidinate ligands inhibited optimal overlaps between Ce 5d and ligand N 2p orbitals. As a result, there was an overall decrease of ligand-to-metal donation and a less stabilized Ce(iv) oxidation state, while at the same time, more of the donated electron density ended up in the 4f shell. The results indicate that incorporating guanidinate ligands into Ce(iv) complexes gives rise to intense charge transfer bands and noteworthy electronic structures, providing insights into the stabilization of tetravalent lanthanide oxidation states.

A series of mono‐ and di‐nuclear AgI complexes supported by a flexible macrocyclic ligand are reported. The geometric flexibility of the ligand was found to allow for a range of Ag−Ag interactions in the disilver complexes, depending on the identities of both the ancillary ligand and the counterion. Studies of the solution‐phase dynamic exchange processes for these latter complexes found rapid interconversion through a mechanism that retained the multi‐nuclearity. Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and Independent Gradient Model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH) analyses are used to evaluate the d10‐d10 interactions between silver centers in the various geometries observed for the solid‐state structures of these complexes, revealing nearly identical Ag−Ag interactions, regardless of the relative geometries of the Ag centers. Instead, a weak, but non‐negligible, inter‐ligand interaction between two isocyanide units may contribute to the folded‐ligand geometry observed in the solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their connection to ammonia synthesis, little is known about the ability of iron‐bound, bridging nitrides to form N−H bonds. Herein we report a linear diiron bridging nitride complex supported by a redox‐active macrocycle. The unique ability of the ligand scaffold to adapt to the geometric preference of the bridging species was found to facilitate the formation of N−H bonds via proton‐coupled electron transfer to generate a μ‐amide product. The structurally analogous μ‐silyl‐ and μ‐borylamide complexes were shown to form from the net insertion of the nitride into the E−H bonds (E=B, Si). Protonation of the parent bridging amide produced ammonia in high yield, and treatment of the nitride with PhSH was found to liberate NH3 in high yield through a reaction that engages the redox‐activity of the ligand during PCET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The separation of rare‐earth ions from one another is challenging due to their chemical and physical similarities. Nearly all rare‐earth separations rely upon small changes in ionic radii to direct speciation or reactivity. Herein, we show that the intrinsic magnetic properties of the rare‐earth ions impact the separations of light/heavy and selected heavy/heavy binary mixtures. Using TriNOx3− ([{(2‐tBuNO)C6H4CH2}3N]3−) rare‐earth complexes, we efficiently and selectively crystallized heavy rare earths (Tb–Yb) from a mixture with light rare earths (La and Nd) in the presence of an external Fe14Nd2B magnet, concomitant with the introduction of a concentration gradient (decrease in temperature). The optimal separation was observed for an equimolar mixture of La:Dy, which gave an enrichment factor of EFLa:Dy=297±31 for the solid fraction, compared to EFLa:Dy=159±22 in the absence of the field, and achieving a 99.7 % pure Dy sample in one step. These results indicate that the application of a magnetic field can improve performance in a molecular separation system for paramagnetic rare‐earth cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A structural modification strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance of a series of cerium(iii) bis(guanidinate) mono(amide) molecular luminophores was demonstrated. Reducing the steric bulkiness of the amide ligand gave rise to two categories of complexes with distinct photophysical and photochemical properties. A structural parameter, the amide cone angle (ϑ), was applied to differentiate the two categories. Complexes with smaller cone angles (ϑ ＜ 156°, category B) exhibited more reducing potentials and faster electron-transfer rates than those of complexes with larger cone angles (ϑ ＞ 173°, category A). And only complexes in the category B could achieve the photocatalytic phenylation of an aryl bromide. These results demonstrated that reducing the steric bulkiness of the amide ligand improved the performance of cerium(iii) bis(guanidinate) mono(amide) photocatalysts in a systematic manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A methoxy-substituted tripodal hydroxylamine ligand, H3TriNOxOMe, was synthesized and coordinated to rare earth cations for separation purposes. Metrics of the resulting complexes were investigated and compared with their parent TriNOx3− counterparts for determination of the molecular basis for the described rare earth separation system. Addition of an electron donating group to the aryl backbone resulted in a more electron rich ligand that increased the equilbrium constant for complex dimerization five-fold. The new separation system yielded efficient Nd/Dy separations in toluene rather than benzene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Incorporation of photoresponsive molecules within soft materials can provide spatiotemporal control over bulk properties and address challenges in targeted delivery and mechanical variability. However, the kinetics of in situ photochemical reactions are often slow and typically employ ultraviolet wavelengths. Here, we present a novel photoactive crosslinker Ru(bipyridine)2(3‐pyridinaldehyde)2 (RuAldehyde), which was reacted with hydrazide‐functionalized hyaluronic acid to form hydrogels capable of encapsulating protein cargo. Visible light irradiation (400–500 nm) initiated rapid ligand exchange on the ruthenium center, which degraded the hydrogel within seconds to minutes, depending on gel thickness. An exemplar enzyme cargo, TEM1 β‐lactamase, was loaded into and photoreleased from the Ru‐hydrogel. To expand their applications, Ru‐hydrogels were also processed into microgels using a microfluidic platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The first example of the OCPPCO ligand, diisophosphaethynolate, is reported via reductive coupling of a Sc−OCP precursor. Upon reduction with KC8, isolation of the dinuclear complex, namely [K(OEt2)]2[(nacnac)Sc(OAr)]2(OCPPCO), is observed, leading to a unique motif [OCPPCO]4−, stabilized by two scandium centers. Detailed NMR spectra of all complexes as well as IR and single crystal X‐ray studies were obtained to fully elucidate the nature of these complexes in solution as well as in the solid state. Theory is combined to probe the electronic structure and orbitals responsible for the bonding interactions in the Sc−OCPPCO−Sc skeleton but also to compare to the linear mode observed in the precursor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The first example of the OCPPCO ligand, diisophosphaethynolate, is reported via reductive coupling of a Sc−OCP precursor. Upon reduction with KC8, isolation of the dinuclear complex, namely [K(OEt2)]2[(nacnac)Sc(OAr)]2(OCPPCO), is observed, leading to a unique motif [OCPPCO]4−, stabilized by two scandium centers. Detailed NMR spectra of all complexes as well as IR and single crystal X‐ray studies were obtained to fully elucidate the nature of these complexes in solution as well as in the solid state. Theory is combined to probe the electronic structure and orbitals responsible for the bonding interactions in the Sc−OCPPCO−Sc skeleton but also to compare to the linear mode observed in the precursor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The first example of the OCPPCO ligand, diisophosphaethynolate, is reported via reductive coupling of a Sc−OCP precursor. Upon reduction with KC8, isolation of the dinuclear complex, namely [K(OEt2)]2[(nacnac)Sc(OAr)]2(OCPPCO), is observed, leading to a unique motif [OCPPCO]4−, stabilized by two scandium centers. Detailed NMR spectra of all complexes as well as IR and single crystal X‐ray studies were obtained to fully elucidate the nature of these complexes in solution as well as in the solid state. Theory is combined to probe the electronic structure and orbitals responsible for the bonding interactions in the Sc−OCPPCO−Sc skeleton but also to compare to the linear mode observed in the precursor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The first example of the OCPPCO ligand, diisophosphaethynolate, is reported via reductive coupling of a Sc−OCP precursor. Upon reduction with KC8, isolation of the dinuclear complex, namely [K(OEt2)]2[(nacnac)Sc(OAr)]2(OCPPCO), is observed, leading to a unique motif [OCPPCO]4−, stabilized by two scandium centers. Detailed NMR spectra of all complexes as well as IR and single crystal X‐ray studies were obtained to fully elucidate the nature of these complexes in solution as well as in the solid state. Theory is combined to probe the electronic structure and orbitals responsible for the bonding interactions in the Sc−OCPPCO−Sc skeleton but also to compare to the linear mode observed in the precursor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl benzoate, N,N-dimethylbenzamide, and benzophenone were reduced by UIII[N(SiMe3)2]3 resulting in uranium(IV) products. Reduction of benzophenone lead to UIV[OC·Ph2)][N(SiMe3)2]3, (1.1) which forms the dinuclear complex, [N(SiMe3)2]3UIV(OCPhPh-CPh2O)UIV[N(SiMe3)2]3 (1.2), through coupling of the ketyl radical species upon crystallization. Reaction of N,N-dimethylbenzamide with UIII[N(SiMe3)2]3 resulted in UIV[OC·(Ph)(NMe2)][N(SiMe3)2]3 (2), a uranium(IV) compound and the first example of a chargeseparated amide radical. In the case of methyl benzoate, the reduction resulted in UIV(OMe)[N(SiMe3)2]3 (3) and benzaldehyde as the reduced organic fragment. Compound 2 showed the ability to act as a uranium(III) synthon in its reactivity with trimethylsilyl azide, a reaction that yielded UV(= NSiMe3)[N(SiMe3)2]3. Additionally, 2 was reduced with potassium graphite resulting in [U(μ-O)[O=C(NMe2)(Ph)] [N(SiMe3)2]2]2 (4), a dinuclear uranium compound bridged by oxo ligands. Reduction of 2 in the presence of 15-crown-5 afforded isolation of the mono-oxo compound, [(15-crown- 5)2K][UO[N(SiMe3)2]3] (5). The results expand the reduction capabilities of UIII complexes and demonstrate a strategy for isolating novel metal-stabilized radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic methods for the coordination of the monoanionic bis[2-(diisopropylphosphino)-4-methylphenyl]amido (PNP) ligand framework to the cerium(III) cation have been developed and applied for the isolation of a series of {(PNP)Ce} and {(PNP)2Ce} type complexes. The structures of the complexes were studied by X-ray diffraction and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. We found that the cerium(III) ion can induce the elimination of one of the iPr groups at phosphorus to yield a new dianionic PNP tridentate framework (PNP- iPr) featuring a phosphido-donor functionality, which is bound to the cerium ion with the shortest known Ce−P bond of 2.7884(14) Å for molecular compounds. The reaction of the complex [(PNP)Ce{N(SiMe3)2}2] ( 1) with Ph2CO gave the Ce-bound product of C−C coupling, -N(SiMe3)SiMe2CH2-CPh2O−, through the C−H bond activation of a SiMe3 group. 31P NMR spectroscopy was used to estimate the presence of a vacant coordination position at the cerium ion in the CeIII-PNP complexes by the examination of the δ(31P) shift recorded both in non-polar (C6D6) and polar ([D8]THF) solvents. Moreover, 31P NMR spectroscopy was also found to be a useful tool for the estimation of the Ce−P bond distances in {(PNP)CeIII} and {(PNP)2CeIII} systems. Electrochemical and computational studies for 1 and its lanthanum analogue containing a redox-innocent metal center revealed the stabilization of the CeIII oxidation state by the PNP ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dicobalt complexes supported by flexible macrocyclic ligands were used to target the generation of the bridging nitrido species [( nPDI2)Co2(μ-N)(PMe3)2]3+ (PDI=2,6-pyridyldiimine; n=2, 3, corresponding to the number of catenated methylene units between imino nitrogen atoms). Depending on the size of the macrocycle and the reaction conditions (solution versus solid-state), the thermolysis of azide precursors yielded bridging phosphinimido [(2PDI2)Co2(μ-NPMe3)(PMe3)2]3+, amido [( nPDI2)Co2(μ-NH2)(PMe3)2]3+ ( n=2, 3), and C−H amination [(3PDI2*-μ-NH)Co2(PMe3)2]3+ products. All results are consistent with the initial formation of [( nPDI2)Co2(μ-N)(PMe3)2]3+, followed by 1) PMe3 attack on the nitride, 2) net hydrogen-atom transfer to form N−H bonds, or 3) C−H amination of the alkyl linker of the nPDI2 ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purification of rare earth elements is challenging due to their chemical similarities. All of the deployed separation methods rely on thermodynamic properties, such as distribution equilibria in solvent extraction. Rare-earth-metal separations based on kinetic differences have not been examined. Herein, we demonstrate a new approach for rare-earth-element separations by exploiting differences in the oxidation rates within a series of rare earth compounds containing the redox-active ligand [{2-( tBuN(O))C6H4CH2}3N]3−. Using this method, a single-step separation factor up to 261 was obtained for the separation of a 50:50 yttrium-lutetium mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex [(nacnac)Ti(OAr)]2(μ2:η2,η2-P2) ( 1) is formed via reductive decarbonylation of the phosphaethynolate ion −[OCP], which serves as a P atom source. Complex 1 is the first structurally characterized Group 4 transition metal P2 complex and its structure reveals the rhombic Ti2P2 core is essentially planar with short bond lengths suggesting some degree of multiple bonding character between the Ti-P and P-P sites. Computational studies of 1 provide an understanding of the Ti2P2 core as well as the origin of the highly downfield 31P NMR spectroscopic signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis and structure of a titanium(iv) benzophenone adduct bearing a terminal oxo ligand, (PNP)Ti = O(OTf)(OCPh2) (PNP− = N[2-PiPr2-4-methylphenyl]2) (2). Complex 2 is readily synthesized in 71% yield from the previously reported titanium alkylidene (PNP)Ti=CHtBu(OTf) (1) and two equivalents of benzophenone, by extruding the olefin Ph2C=CHtBu. Treatment of benzophenone adduct 2 with a bulky aryloxide salt results in formation of (PNP)Ti=O(OAr) (3) (OAr− = 2,6-bis(diphenylmethyl)-4-tert-butylphenoxide), concurrent with salt elimination and displacement of the benzophenone. Complexes 2 and 3 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including NMR, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopies, and TD-DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first example of a structurally characterized titanium methylidene, (PN)2Ti=CH2, has been prepared via one-electron oxidation of (PN)2Ti(CH3) followed by deprotonation or by H-atom abstraction using an aryloxyl radical. The Ti=C distance was found to be 1.939(3) Å, and variable temperature, multinuclear, and multidimensional NMR spectroscopic experiments revealed the methylidene to engage in long range interactions with protons on the ligand framework. Computational studies showed that the Ti=C bond, which until now has eluded structural studies, displays all the hallmarks of a prototypical Schrock-carbene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triarylborane Lewis acids bind [Fe2(pdt)(CO)4(CN)2]1 [1]2- (pdt2- = 1,3-propanedithiolate) and [Fe2(adt)CO4(CN)2]2- [3]2- (xdt2- = 1,3-azadithiolate, HN(CH2S-)2) to give the 2:1 adducts [Fe2(pdt)(CO)4(CNBAr3)2]2-. Attempts to prepare the 1:1 adducts [1(BAr3)]2- (Ar = Ph, C6F5) were unsuccessful, but related 1:1 adducts were obtained using the bulky borane B(C6F4-o-C6F5)3 (BArF*3). By virtue of the N-protection by the borane, salts of [Fe2(pdt)(CO)4(CNBAr3)2]2- sustain protonation to give hydrides that are stable (in contrast to [H1]-). The hydrides [H1(BAr32]- are 2.5-5 pKa units more acidic than the parent [H1]-). The adducts [1(BAr3)2]2-) oxidize quasi-reversibly around -0.3 V versus Fc0/+ in contrast to ca. -0.8 V observed for the [1]2-/- couple. A simplified synthesis of [1]2-, [3]2-, and [Fe2(pdt)(CO)5(CN)]- ([2]-) was developed, entailing reaction of the diiron hexacarbonyl complexes with KCN in MeCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described are experiments demonstrating incorporation of cyanide cofactors and hydride substrate into [NiFe]-hydrogenase (H2ase) active site models. Complexes of the type (CO)2(CN)2Fe(pdt)Ni(dxpe) (dxpe = dppe, 1; dxpe = dcpe, 2) bind the Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 (BArF3) to give the adducts (CO)2(CNBArF3)2Fe(pdt)Ni(dxpe), (1(BArF3)2, 2(BArF3)2). Upon decarbonylation using amine oxides, these adducts react with H2 to give hydrido derivatives [(CO)(CNBArF3)2Fe(H)(pdt)Ni(dxpe)]− (dxpe = dppe, [H3(BArF3)2]−; dxpe = dcpe, [H4(BArF3)2]−). Crystallographic analysis shows that Et4N[H3(BArF3)2] generally resembles the active site of the enzyme in the reduced, hydride-containing states (Ni–C/R). The Fe–H···Ni center is unsymmetrical with rFe–H = 1.51(3) Å and rNi–H = 1.71(3) Å. Both crystallographic and 19F NMR analyses show that the CNBArF3– ligands occupy basal and apical sites. Unlike cationic Ni–Fe hydrides, [H3(BArF3)2]− and [H4(BArF3)2]− oxidize at mild potentials, near the Fc+/0 couple. Electrochemical measurements indicate that in the presence of base, [H3(BArF3)2]− catalyzes the oxidation of H2. NMR evidence indicates dihydrogen bonding between these anionic hydrides and R3NH+ salts, which is relevant to the mechanism of hydrogenogenesis. In the case of Et4N[H3(BArF3)2], strong acids such as HCl induce H2 release to give the chloride Et4N[(CO)(CNBArF3)2Fe(Cl)(pdt)Ni(dppe)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear inelastic scattering of 57Fe labeled [NiFe] hydrogenase is shown to give information on different states of the enzyme. It was thus possible to detect and assign FeCO and FeCN bending and stretching vibrations of the active site outside the spectral range of the FeS cluster normal modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blick ins Zentrum: Die Methode der inelastischen kernresonanten Streuung (NRVS) wurde genutzt, um 57Fe ‐ markierte [NiFe] ‐ Hydrogenase in unterschiedlichen Zuständen des Enzyms zu untersuchen. Damit gelang es, die Fe ‐ CO ‐ und Fe ‐ CN ‐ Beuge ‐ und ‐ Streckschwingung außerhalb des Spektralbereichs der Normalmoden der Fe ‐ S ‐ Cluster zu detektieren und zuzuordnen (siehe Spektrum). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction for 'Synthesis of novel copper-rare earth BINOLate frameworks from a hydrogen bonding DBU-H rare earth BINOLate complex' by Grace B. Panetti, et al., Dalton Trans., 2018, 47, 14408–14410. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis of a gallium complex incorporating redox-active pyridyl nitroxide ligands. The (pyNO−)2GaCl complex was prepared in 85% yield via a salt metathesis route and was characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, and theory. UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and electrochemistry were used to access the optical and electrochemical properties of the complex, respectively. Our discussion focuses primarily on a comparison of the gallium complex to the corresponding aluminum derivative and shows that although the complexes are very similar, small differences in the electronic structure of the complexes can be correlated to the identity of the metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]