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Morpholine motifs have been used extensively as targeting moieties for lysosomes, primarily in fluorescence imaging agents. Traditionally these imaging agents are based on organic molecules which have several shortcomings including small Stokes shifts, short emission lifetimes, and susceptibility to photobleaching. To explore alternative lysosome targeting imaging agents we have used a rhenium based phosphorescent platform which has been previously demonstrated to have an improved Stokes shift, a long lifetime emission, and is highly photostable. Rhenium complexes containing morpholine substituted ligands were designed to accumulate in acidic compartments. Two of the three complexes prepared exhibited bright emission in cells, when incubated at low concentrations (20 μM) and were non-toxic at concentrations as high as 100 μM, making them suitable for live cell imaging. We show that the rhenium complexes are amenable to chemical modification and that the morpholine targeted derivatives can be used for live cell confocal fluorescence imaging of endosomes–lysosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalising organic molecular photoswitches with metal complexes has been shown to alter and enhance their switching states. These organometallic photoswitches provide a promising basis for novel smart molecular materials and molecular electronic devices. We have detailed the synthesis and characterisation of mono- and bimetallic half-sandwich ruthenium and iron complexes functionalised with alkynyl dihydropyrenes (DHP). Their electronic and photophysical properties were determined by the use of chemical, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques. The introduction of the metal alkynyl moiety allows access to additional redox and protonation states not accessible by the DHP alone. An additional metal alkynyl moiety inhibits observable photochromic switching. Analysis of the NIR and IR bands in the mixed valence complexes suggests there is a high degree of charge delocalisation across the DHP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naphthalene derived compounds that belong to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have significant importance in medicinal chemistry owing to their interesting biological activities. The structural knowledge of new naphthalene derived compounds can help in the understanding of their mechanism of action. In this study, we have investigated the molecular and structural landscape of three naphthalene-derived dications, namely, 1,1′-(naphthalene-2,6-diylbis(methylene))bis(3-methyl-1H-imidazolium), 1,1′-(naphthalene-2,7-diylbis(methylene))bis(3-methyl-1H-imidazolium) and 1,1′-(naphthalene-2,6-diylbis(methylene))bis(1-butylpyrrolidinium) as bromide salts. The structural details and non-covalent interactions for these structures were carefully examined using X-ray crystallography. Contributions to crystal packing from various types of intermolecular contacts were investigated and quantified using the Hirshfeld surface analysis. The backgrounds of these differences were analysed in terms of the key factors such as hydrogen bonding, the position of substituents appended on the naphthyl ring, and the presence of aromatic and non-aromatic moieties as substituents. The present work not only demonstrates how the position of the substituent group on the bicyclic ring influences the geometric conformation and overall packing, but also contributes toward a better understanding of how molecules self-assemble with respect to different functional groups (aromatic vs. non-aromatic). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four ternary multi-component crystal structures comprising water-soluble p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene anion as the cavitand in the presence of different types of positively charged guest molecules comprising 1-butylimidazolium, 3,3′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(1-methylimidazolium), 3,3′,3′′-(benzene-1,3,5-triyltris(methylene))tris(1-methylimidazolium), or 3,3′,3′′,3′′′-(benzene-1,2,4,5-tetrayltetrakis(methylene))tetrakis(1-methylimidazolium) and aquated lanthanide(III) ions (Gd(III) or Ce(III)) are reported. Careful crystallographic analysis shows that all positively charged imidazole rings are encapsulated by p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene for 1-butylimidazolium and 3,3′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(1-methylimidazolium), however, partial encapsulation was observed for 3,3′,3′′-(benzene-1,3,5-triyltris(methylene))tris(1-methylimidazolium) and 3,3′,3′′,3′′′-(benzene-1,2,4,5-tetrayltetrakis(methylene))tetrakis(1-methylimidazolium). The formation of a molecular capsule prevails in all structures regardless of the type of guest species. Supermolecules in three of the complexes self-assemble into a bilayer arrangement in the extended structure, whilst those involving p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene and 1-butylimidazolium form hydrated channels through alternative packing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A convenient modification to the established synthetic routes for the preparation of complexes [M(CRCR)(dppe)Cp'] (M = Fe, Ru; Cp' = η5-C5H5 (Cp), η5-C5Me5 (Cp*); R = C6H5, C6H4-p-OMe, C6H4-p-NO2, tBu) and [Ru(CRCR)(PPh3)2Cp] from the corresponding [MCl(PP)Cp0] complex and the alkyne HCRCR via an intermediate vinylidene is described. The complexes are generally obtained as high quality crystalline samples directly from the reaction mixture. In agreement with previous studies, the iron complexes undergo a predominantly metal-centred oxidation, whilst there is greater involvement of the acetylide ligand in the oxidation processes associated with the ruthenium analogues. Analysis of the redox properties and spectroelectrochemical investigations reveal limited differences in the gross electronic structures of the Cp vs. Cp* derivatives in each of the Fe and Ru series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new NiII/ZnII heterometallics, [NiZnL′2(OMe)Cl]2 (1), [NiZnL′′(Dea)Cl]2·2DMF (2) and [Ni2(H3L′′′)2(o-Van)(MeOH)2]Cl·[ZnCl2(H4L′′′)(MeOH)]·2MeOH (3), containing three-dentate Schiff bases as well as methanol or diethanolamine (H2Dea) or o-vanillin (o-VanH), all deprotonated, as bridging ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized. The Schiff base ligands were produced in situ from o-VanH and CH3NH2 (HL′), or NH2OH (HL"), or 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-propane-1,3-diol (H4L′′′); a zerovalent metal (Ni and Zn in 1, Zn only in 2 and 3) was employed as a source of metal ions. The first two complexes are dimers with a Ni2Zn2O6 central core, while the third compound is a novel heterometallic cocrystal salt solvate built of a neutral zwitterionic ZnII Schiff base complex and of ionic salt containing dinuclear NiII complex cations. The crystal structures contain either centrosymmetric (1 and 2) or non-symmetric di-nickel fragment (3) with Ni⋯Ni distances in the range 3.146–3.33 Å. The exchange coupling is antiferromagnetic for 1, J = 7.7 cm−1, and ferromagnetic for 2, J = −6.5 cm−1 (using the exchange Hamiltonian in a form Ĥ = J12). The exchange interactions in 1 and 2 are comparable to the zero-field splitting (ZFS). High-field EPR revealed moderate magnetic anisotropy of opposite signs: D = 2.27 cm−1, E = 0.243 cm−1 (1) and D = −4.491 cm−1, E = −0.684 cm−1 (2). Compound 3 stands alone with very weak ferromagnetism (J = −0.6 cm−1) and much stronger magnetic anisotropy with D = −11.398 cm−1 and E = −1.151 cm−1. Attempts to calculate theoretically the exchange coupling (using the DFT "broken symmetry" method) and ZFS parameters (with the ab initio CASSCF method) were successful in predicting the trends of J and D among the three complexes, while the quantitative results were less good for 1 and 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trinuclear lanthanoid clusters have been synthesised and investigated as toroidal spin systems. A pyridyl functionalised β-diketonate, 1,3-bis(pyridin-2-yl)propane-1,3-dione (o-dppdH) has been used to synthesise a family of clusters of the form [Dy3(OH)2(o-dppd)3Cl2(H2O)4]Cl2·7H2O (1), [Tb3(o-dppd)3(μ3-OH)2(CH3CH2OH)3Cl3][Tb3(o-dppd)3(μ3-OH)2(H2O)(CH3CH2OH)2Cl3]Cl2·H2O (2), [Ho3(OH)2(o-dppd)3Cl(H2O)5]Cl3·3H2O (3) and [Er3(OH)2(o-dppd)3Cl2(H2O)3(CH3OH)]Cl2·3H2O·CH3OH (4). Despite the previous occurrence of this structural motif in the literature, these systems have not been widely investigated in terms of torodic behaviour. Magnetic studies were used to further characterise the complexes. DC susceptibility studies support weak antiferromagnetic exchange in the complexes. Slow magnetic relaxation behaviour is observed in the dynamic AC magnetic studies for complex 1. Theoretical studies predict that complex 1 and 3 have a non-magnetic ground state based on a toroidal arrangement of spins. Changes to the coordination environment in 2 do not support a toroic spin state. The prolate nature of the ErIII centres in complex 4 and large transverse anisotropy do not support the toroidal arrangement of lanthanoid spins in the complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organisation of the p-xylylenebis(triphenylphosphonium) dication in the solid state, in crystals formed under a variety of conditions, at different pH values and in the presence of THF and other potential building moieties including p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene, 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium and aquated gadolinium(III) has been investigated using single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Striking changes in the dication conformations (cis- and trans-) that contribute to the different crystal packings of the dication (two-dimensional layerings and three-dimensional scaffoldings) have been established for five different compounds. The interplay and the self-assembled arrays of the dication with other incorporated components and the overall non-covalent interactions have been quantified using Hirshfeld surface analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine multipodal cationic molecules with adaptable cyclic and acyclic amine functional groups along with bromide as the counterion have been synthesised and structurally characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the solid-state, the dicationic bipodal molecule has a pincer-like geometry while the tricationic tripodal molecule has a cavity-like geometry. The tetracationic tetrapodal molecule crystallised as the chair conformer as a result of steric crowding by the heterocyclic amine functional groups (imidazolium and pyrrolidinium), which prohibits arrangement of the heterocyclic amine substituents in the same direction. This study also illustrates that the different packing motifs (including linear and corrugated layers, and channels) are affected by the substituents at the central core for each type of multipodal molecule. CrystalExplorer was used to visualise these weak intermolecular interactions and to quantitatively summarise the interactions that contribute to the overall stability to the crystal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight organic salts made up of two different organic phosphonium monocations, tetraphenylphosphonium or benzyltriphenylphosphonium, and common anions of different shape, size and charge distribution have been structurally authenticated. The crystal packing for the tetraphenylphosphonium cations involves one-dimensional infinite stacked columns incorporating translational quadruple embraces (TQPE) regardless of the type of counter ion. As for benzyltriphenylphosphonium salts, different packing arrays were obtained with different anions. Interestingly, the anions control the intermolecular packing of the same phosphonium cation, while hydrogen bonding is found to be the dominant contributor in the overall self-assembly. Hydrophobic interactions between the phosphonium cations driven by the phenyl–phenyl embrace involving π⋯π and/or C–H⋯π interactions also contribute to the cohesion of the structures. Charge-assisted hydrogen bonding and halogen bonding were also evident, which are relatively strong compared to classical hydrogen bonds, as judged from the short intermolecular distances. The interactions have also been quantified using Hirshfeld surfaces analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interplay of organic dications bearing various n-alkylimidazolium termini substituted at different positions on a bis(methylene)phenyl ring and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene, along with tetraphenylphosphonium cations and hydrated lanthanides (Ce3+, Er3+ and Gd3+), afforded various self-assembled solid-state structures. The host–guest binding behaviour of the dications and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene was carefully investigated by crystallographic studies including their interactions in the solution state, but in the absence of phosphonium and lanthanide cations via1H NMR experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of a novel Rh(I)-aryl complex is detailed and its ability to serve as an initiator in the stereospecific polymerisation of phenylacetylene evaluated. Targeting the Rh(I) species, (2-phenylnaphthalen-1-yl)rhodium(I)(2,5-norbornadiene)tris(para-fluorophenylphosphine), Rh(nbd)(P(4-FC6H4)3)(2-PhNapth), following recrystallization we obtained the isomeric (2-(naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl)rhodium(I) complex, Rh(nbd)(P(4-FC6H4)3)(2-NapthPh), as determined by X-ray single-crystal structure analysis, and confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. The isolation of the latter species was proposed to occur from the target (2-PhNapth) derivative via an intramolecular 1,4-Rh atom migration. This supposition was supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations that indicated the isolated (2-NapthPh) derivative has lower energy (−19 kJ mol−1) than the targeted complex. The structure of the isolated (2-NapthPh) species was confirmed by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy including 2D 31P–103Rh{1H, 103Rh}, heteronuclear multiple-quantum correlation (HMQC) experiments; however, NMR analysis indicated the presence of a second, minor species in solution in an approximate 1 : 4 ratio with the 2-NapthPh complex. The minor species was identified as a second structural isomer, the 3-phenylnaphthyl derivative, proposed to be formed under a dynamic equilibrium with the 2-NapthPh derivative via a second 1,4-Rh atom migration. DFT calculations indicate that this 1,4-migration proceeds through a low-energy pathway involved in the oxidative addition of a C–H bond to Rh followed by a reductive elimination with the distribution of the products being thermodynamically controlled. The recrystallized Rh(nbd)(P(4-FC6H4)3)(2-NapthPh) complex was subsequently evaluated as an initiator in the polymerisation of phenylacetylene (PA); gratifyingly, the Rh(I) species was an active initiating species with the pseudo-first-order kinetic and molecular weight evolution vs time plots both linear implying a controlled polymerisation while yielding (co)polymers with low dispersities (Đ = Mw/Mn typically ≤1.25) and high cis-transoidal stereoregularity (>95%). Typical initiation efficiencies, while not quantitative (as judged by size exclusion chromatography), were nonetheless high at ca. 0.8. The presence of the minor 3-phenylnaphthyl species when in solution is proposed to be the cause of the observed non-quantitative initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, structural and photophysical characterisation of four tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes bound to 1,10-phenanthroline and a tetrazolato ancillary ligand are reported. The complexes are differentiated by the nature (hydroxy or methoxy) and position (meta or para) of the substituent attached to the phenyl ring in conjugation to the tetrazole ring. The complexes exhibit phosphorescence emission from triplet charge transfer excited states, with the maxima around 600 nm, excited state lifetime decays in the 200–300 ns range, and quantum yield values of 4–6% in degassed acetonitrile solutions. The nature and position of the substituent does not significantly affect the photophysical properties, which remain unchanged even after deprotonation of the hydroxide group on the phenol ring. The interpretation of the photophysical data was further validated by resonance Raman spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory calculations. All the complexes are internalised within cells, albeit to variable degrees. As highlighted by a combination of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, the species display diffuse cytoplasmic localisation except for the complex with the hydroxy functional group at the para position, which reveals lower accumulation in cells and more pronounced punctate staining. Overall, the complexes displayed low levels of cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conjugated β-triketone, tris(2-naphthoyl)methane (tnmH), has been synthesized and successfully utilized as an antenna moiety for sensitization of the trivalent lanthanoids Eu3+, Sm3+, Yb3+ and Nd3+, in an isomorphous series of mononuclear complexes formulated as [Ln(tnm)3(DMSO)2] (Ln3+ = Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+ and Yb3+). The photophysical properties of the materials were characterized as comprehensively as possible, with overall quantum yields, intrinsic quantum yields based on calculated radiative decays, and sensitization efficiencies reported. This investigation improves understanding of the sensitization processes occurring in the near-infrared (NIR) region, where quantitative data are currently scarce. In fact, the [Yb(tnm)3(DMSO)2] and its deuterated analogue, [Yb(tnm)3(d6-DMSO)2], present high values of overall quantum yield of 4% and 6%, respectively, which makes them useful and readily accessible references for future investigation of NIR-emitting systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Triketonates have been recently used as chelating ligands for lanthanoid ions, presenting unique structures varying from polynuclear assemblies to polymers. In an effort to overcome low solubility of the complexes of tribenzoylmethane, four β-triketones with higher lipophilicity were synthesised. Complexation reactions were performed for each of these molecules using different alkaline bases in alcoholic media. X-ray diffraction studies suggested that the ligands were undergoing decomposition under the reaction conditions. This is proposed to be caused by in situ retro-Claisen condensation reactions, consistent with two examples that have been reported previously. The lability of the lanthanoid cations in the presence of a varying set of potential ligands gave rise to structures where one, two, or three of the molecules involved in the retro-Claisen condensation reaction were linked to the lanthanoid centres. These results, along with measurements of ligand decomposition in the presence of base alone, suggest the solvent used will modulate the impact of the retro-Claisen condensation in these complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the assembly of three-fold axially compressed icosahedral arrays of the bowl shaped p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene molecules in the solid-state, intricately bound to dipicolinate and yttrium(iii) ions, with the compression reflected in Hirshfeld surface analyses. Solution studies show dissolution of the icosahedra intact, but with a geometrical rearrangement to regular icosahedra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isomorphous β-triketonate-based lanthanoid polymers containing tris(4-methylbenzoyl)methanide (mtbm) and Rb+ with formula {[Ln(Rb)(mtbm)4]2}n (Ln = Eu3+ and Nd3+) have been synthesised and structurally characterised. The photophysical properties for the Nd3+ complex presented relatively long lifetimes and high quantum yields in comparison with analogous β-diketonate complexes. Mixed lanthanoid complexes were also formed and their luminescence properties studied, with effective sensitisation of the 4F3/2 of Nd3+via the 5D0 of Eu3+, which is to the best of our knowledge the first example of Eu3+ to Nd3+ sensitisation in a structurally defined coordination complex or polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An isomorphous series of lanthanoid complexes containing tribenzoylmethanide (tbm) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligands has been synthesised and structurally characterised. These complexes, formulated as [Ln(phen)(tbm)3] (Ln = Eu3+, Er3+ and Yb3+), were compared with analogous dibenzoylmethanide (dbm) [Ln(phen)(dbm)3] complexes to investigate the effect of changing β-diketonate to β-triketonate ligands on the photophysical properties of the complex. The photophysical properties for the Eu3+ complexes were similar for both systems, whereas a modest enhancement was observed for Yb3+ and Er3+ moving from the dbm to the tbm complexes. A detailed study of the NIR photophysical properties was achieved by adapting the integrating sphere method for the calculation of overall quantum yields in the solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the facile synthesis of a number of electron rich octamethyl[1.4]ferrocenophanes with unsaturated handles from 1,1′-bis(1-chlorovinyl)octamethylferrocene. Treatment of this reactive compound with sodium hydroxide in DMF initiates a series of reactions resulting in the formation of four different ferrocenophanes. The most complex of these products arises from a cascade of cyclisations giving an unusual, unsymmetrical bis-ferrocenophane with a central fused cyclobutene. Control over the reaction outcome is achieved by manipulating the concentration of NaOH. Mechanisms are proposed, and supported by DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural characterisation of a further series of crystalline solids in which [Ln(dipic)3]3− anions (dipic = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate; Ln = La, Gd) are accompanied by chiral Co(iii)-containing cations provides new examples of layered lattices where sheets of anions and (cations + water) alternate. Δ,Λ-[Co(en)3]3+ (en = ethane-1,2-diamine) forms crystals where, depending on the degree of hydration, the cation sheets are either homo- or heterochiral but the anion sheets are always heterochiral. Δ-[Co(en)3]3+ provides lattices where the anion sheets remain heterochiral, resulting in unusual solids containing a single enantiomer of the cation along with both enantiomers of the chiral anion, rather than two diastereomeric crystals containing the separate anions. Classical resolution of the anions only appears to occur in the presence of a functionalised cage amine complex cation, Δ-[Co((NO2)2sar)]3+ (sar = sarcophagine = 3,6,10,13,16,19-hexa-azabicyclo[6.6.6]icosane) which gives crystals in which direct H-bonding interactions between the cations and anions are surprisingly limited and the success of the resolution requires consideration of a variety of other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands bearing 2-morpholino and 2-piperidinyl naphthyl wingtips were synthesised (2-SIMorNap and 2-SIPipNap). Nuclear magnetic resonance studies, in conjunction with crystal structures and derivatisation of the NHC salts using a chiral counteranion, revealed that the ligand wingtips are oriented anti with respect to each other. From the free carbene, palladium, ruthenium and iridium complexes were prepared. NHC–iridium dicarbonyl complexes were made in order to extract the TEP values for these ligands. The study showed that these NHC ligands are more electron-donating than normal, aryl-substituted NHCs. The palladium complexes were tested in representative Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions and compared to the state of the art systems. Ruthenium-catalysed ring-closing metathesis with these ligands was also performed. It was found that Grubbs’ 2nd generation catalyst incorporating 2-SIPipNap did not initiate at room temperature and required heating for RCM to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molecular capsule based on two p-sulfonated calix[4]arenes along with Gd(iii) coordination spheres arranged around the equator of the capsule effectively confined a 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation, affording a relatively small capsule size. For a bis-imidazolium cation, only one of the imidazole rings is included in the calixarene cavity with the other ring extending towards a sulfonate group of an adjacent calixarene. Thus, the included molecule breaches the equatorial seam of the larger capsule, but here there is no incorporation of Gd(iii). In both complexes the capsules themselves are arranged such that the calixarenes are in bilayer arrangements, with (3-methoxyphenyl)triphenylphosphonium cations at the interface of the hydroxyl groups of the calixarene. The interplay of the components was also investigated using Hirshfeld surface analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long flexible bis-imidazolium dications form discrete multi-component complexes with anionic p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene, cationic tetraphenylphosphonium, and hydrated lanthanide ions (La3+ and Gd3+). The terminally charged head groups of the dications reside in either one or two calixarene cavities of different bilayers depending on the length of the terminal alkyl group with the central spacer penetrating across the multi-layers and adjusted to fit in the tight bilayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution mediated organization of p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene, benzyltriphenylphosphonium cations, and bis(triethylammoniomethyl)-benzene dications in the solid state results in the ammonium dications preferentially binding in the cavities of two opposing calixarenes which take on a −3 charge, with the phosphonium cations arranged in a separate 2D sheet relative to the calixarene bilayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structure determinations for some Co(III) complexes of simple derivatives of the cage hexamine 3,6,10,13,16,19-hexa-azabicyclo[6.6.6]icosane ("sarcophagine") show that there is no evidence that the H-bonding involving the NH centres of the complex cations is influenced by electronic effects due to the substituents. "H-bond chelation" of chloride anions or water molecules results in retention of the symmetrical lel3 conformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

p-Sulfonatocalix[4]arenes with three of the lower rim hydroxyl groups substituted with N'-cyanocarbamimidate groups crystallizes in the 1,3-alternate conformation rather than the common cone conformation for unsubstituted calixarenes, which also results in departure from the common bilayer arrangement of sulfonated calix[4]arenes. The new calixarene formed via reaction of the phenolic moieties of the p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene with the dicyanamide anion derived from an ionic liquid with an imidazolium cation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single crystal X-ray structure determinations have previously been described for picrate salts of a variety of nitrogen bases. Herein, these have been extended to encompass monoprotonated mono- and oligo-dentate cyclic nitrogen-donor ligand systems derived from pyridine, some via saturation (piperidine and morpholine) and others via lateral extension of the aromatic system (2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bis(2-pyridyl)amine, 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine, and 8-hydroxyquinoline). Hydrogen-bonding interactions are dominant determinants of the structures, complemented by or in competition with parallel stacking of anion and (aromatic) base planes. Furthermore, nitro⋯nitro, nitro⋯7i and phenoxy-0⋯7i inter-species contacts play a significant role in the crystal packing. It also appears that cation...anion interactions arising from CH(adjacent to NH)⋯O(o-nitro) interactions are more important than the available secondary bifurcating component associated with any NH⋯O(o-nitro) approach, resulting, in many cases, in a bidentate NH⋯HC base approach to an (ON)O⋯O⋯O(NO) triadic array. The nature of the anion-cation interactions and their importance are explored using the Hirshfeld surface method. The precision of the structure determinations establishes the quinonoid form of the picrate to be a widespread contributor. Theoretical calculations on picric acid and the parent pyridinium-picrate ion-pair confirm the energetic favourability of the base-triad approach and the dominance of the quinonoid resonance form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-component self-assembly involving bis-phosphonium and bis-imidazolium cations, and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene feature supermolecules based on two geometrically opposed calixarenes end-capping each bis-imidazolium cation, either with coordinated lanthanide cations or with the phosphonium cations residing around the upper rim of the calixarenes. The nature of the calixarene-bis-imidazolium interaction is mapped out using Hirshfeld surface analysis. 1H NMR and ROESY experiments establish the formation of the supermolecules of the bis-imidazolium cation and calixarenes in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound undergoes two order–disorder transitions between 15 and 299 K, dictated by ordering of the guest molecules in the host cages, and resulting in three related crystal structures. We anticipate behaviour of this kind to be widespread, and speculate that the concept of “the crystal structure” for individual Dianin's clathrates may be elusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morpholine motifs have been used extensively as targeting moieties for lysosomes, primarily in fluorescence imaging agents. Traditionally these imaging agents are based on organic molecules which have several shortcomings including small Stokes shifts, short emission lifetimes, and susceptibility to photobleaching. To explore alternative lysosome targeting imaging agents we have used a rhenium based phosphorescent platform which has been previously demonstrated to have an improved Stokes shift, a long lifetime emission, and is highly photostable. Rhenium complexes containing morpholine substituted ligands were designed to accumulate in acidic compartments. Two of the three complexes prepared exhibited bright emission in cells, when incubated at low concentrations (20 μM) and were non-toxic at concentrations as high as 100 μM, making them suitable for live cell imaging. We show that the rhenium complexes are amenable to chemical modification and that the morpholine targeted derivatives can be used for live cell confocal fluorescence imaging of endosomes-lysosomes.

Functionalising organic molecular photoswitches with metal complexes has been shown to alter and enhance their switching states. These organometallic photoswitches provide a promising basis for novel smart molecular materials and molecular electronic devices. We have detailed the synthesis and characterisation of mono- and bimetallic half-sandwich ruthenium and iron complexes functionalised with alkynyl dihydropyrenes (DHP). Their electronic and photophysical properties were determined by the use of chemical, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques. The introduction of the metal alkynyl moiety allows access to additional redox and protonation states not accessible by the DHP alone. An additional metal alkynyl moiety inhibits observable photochromic switching. Analysis of the NIR and IR bands in the mixed valence complexes suggests there is a high degree of charge delocalisation across the DHP.

Three new NiII/ZnII heterometallics, [NiZnL'2(OMe)Cl]2 (1), [NiZnL''(Dea)Cl]2·2DMF (2) and [Ni2(H3L''')2(o-Van)(MeOH)2]Cl·[ZnCl2(H4L''')(MeOH)]·2MeOH (3), containing three-dentate Schiff bases as well as methanol or diethanolamine (H2Dea) or o-vanillin (o-VanH), all deprotonated, as bridging ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized. The Schiff base ligands were produced in situ from o-VanH and CH3NH2 (HL'), or NH2OH (HL"), or 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-propane-1,3-diol (H4L'''); a zerovalent metal (Ni and Zn in 1, Zn only in 2 and 3) was employed as a source of metal ions. The first two complexes are dimers with a Ni2Zn2O6 central core, while the third compound is a novel heterometallic cocrystal salt solvate built of a neutral zwitterionic ZnII Schiff base complex and of ionic salt containing dinuclear NiII complex cations. The crystal structures contain either centrosymmetric (1 and 2) or non-symmetric di-nickel fragment (3) with NiNi distances in the range 3.146-3.33 Å. The exchange coupling is antiferromagnetic for 1, J = 7.7 cm-1, and ferromagnetic for 2, J = -6.5 cm-1 (using the exchange Hamiltonian in a form Ĥ = Jŝ1ŝ2). The exchange interactions in 1 and 2 are comparable to the zero-field splitting (ZFS). High-field EPR revealed moderate magnetic anisotropy of opposite signs: D = 2.27 cm-1, E = 0.243 cm-1 (1) and D = -4.491 cm-1, E = -0.684 cm-1 (2). Compound 3 stands alone with very weak ferromagnetism (J = -0.6 cm-1) and much stronger magnetic anisotropy with D = -11.398 cm-1 and E = -1.151 cm-1. Attempts to calculate theoretically the exchange coupling (using the DFT "broken symmetry" method) and ZFS parameters (with the ab initio CASSCF method) were successful in predicting the trends of J and D among the three complexes, while the quantitative results were less good for 1 and 3.

The synthesis of a novel Rh(i)-aryl complex is detailed and its ability to serve as an initiator in the stereospecific polymerisation of phenylacetylene evaluated. Targeting the Rh(i) species, (2-phenylnaphthalen-1-yl)rhodium(i)(2,5-norbornadiene)tris(para-fluorophenylphosphine), Rh(nbd)(P(4-FC 6 H 4 ) 3 )(2-PhNapth), following recrystallization we obtained the isomeric (2-(naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl)rhodium(i) complex, Rh(nbd)(P(4-FC 6 H 4 ) 3 )(2-NapthPh), as determined by X-ray single-crystal structure analysis, and confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. The isolation of the latter species was proposed to occur from the target (2-PhNapth) derivative via an intramolecular 1,4-Rh atom migration. This supposition was supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations that indicated the isolated (2-NapthPh) derivative has lower energy (-19 kJ mol -1 ) than the targeted complex. The structure of the isolated (2-NapthPh) species was confirmed by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy including 2D 31 P- 103 Rh{ 1 H, 103 Rh}, heteronuclear multiple-quantum correlation (HMQC) experiments; however, NMR analysis indicated the presence of a second, minor species in solution in an approximate 1 : 4 ratio with the 2-NapthPh complex. The minor species was identified as a second structural isomer, the 3-phenylnaphthyl derivative, proposed to be formed under a dynamic equilibrium with the 2-NapthPh derivative via a second 1,4-Rh atom migration. DFT calculations indicate that this 1,4-migration proceeds through a low-energy pathway involved in the oxidative addition of a C-H bond to Rh followed by a reductive elimination with the distribution of the products being thermodynamically controlled. The recrystallized Rh(nbd)(P(4-FC 6 H 4 ) 3 )(2-NapthPh) complex was subsequently evaluated as an initiator in the polymerisation of phenylacetylene (PA); gratifyingly, the Rh(i) species was an active initiating species with the pseudo-first-order kinetic and molecular weight evolution vs time plots both linear implying a controlled polymerisation while yielding (co)polymers with low dispersities (Đ = M w /M n typically ≤1.25) and high cis-transoidal stereoregularity (>95%). Typical initiation efficiencies, while not quantitative (as judged by size exclusion chromatography), were nonetheless high at ca. 0.8. The presence of the minor 3-phenylnaphthyl species when in solution is proposed to be the cause of the observed non-quantitative initiation.

The synthesis, structural and photophysical characterisation of four tricarbonyl rhenium(i) complexes bound to 1,10-phenanthroline and a tetrazolato ancillary ligand are reported. The complexes are differentiated by the nature (hydroxy or methoxy) and position (meta or para) of the substituent attached to the phenyl ring in conjugation to the tetrazole ring. The complexes exhibit phosphorescence emission from triplet charge transfer excited states, with the maxima around 600 nm, excited state lifetime decays in the 200-300 ns range, and quantum yield values of 4-6% in degassed acetonitrile solutions. The nature and position of the substituent does not significantly affect the photophysical properties, which remain unchanged even after deprotonation of the hydroxide group on the phenol ring. The interpretation of the photophysical data was further validated by resonance Raman spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory calculations. All the complexes are internalised within cells, albeit to variable degrees. As highlighted by a combination of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, the species display diffuse cytoplasmic localisation except for the complex with the hydroxy functional group at the para position, which reveals lower accumulation in cells and more pronounced punctate staining. Overall, the complexes displayed low levels of cytotoxicity.

A conjugated β-triketone, tris(2-naphthoyl)methane (tnmH), has been synthesized and successfully utilized as an antenna moiety for sensitization of the trivalent lanthanoids Eu3+, Sm3+, Yb3+ and Nd3+, in an isomorphous series of mononuclear complexes formulated as [Ln(tnm)3(DMSO)2] (Ln3+ = Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+ and Yb3+). The photophysical properties of the materials were characterized as comprehensively as possible, with overall quantum yields, intrinsic quantum yields based on calculated radiative decays, and sensitization efficiencies reported. This investigation improves understanding of the sensitization processes occurring in the near-infrared (NIR) region, where quantitative data are currently scarce. In fact, the [Yb(tnm)3(DMSO)2] and its deuterated analogue, [Yb(tnm)3(d6-DMSO)2], present high values of overall quantum yield of 4% and 6%, respectively, which makes them useful and readily accessible references for future investigation of NIR-emitting systems.

Isomorphous β-triketonate-based lanthanoid polymers containing tris(4-methylbenzoyl)methanide (mtbm) and Rb+ with formula {[Ln(Rb)(mtbm)4]2}n (Ln = Eu3+ and Nd3+) have been synthesised and structurally characterised. The photophysical properties for the Nd3+ complex presented relatively long lifetimes and high quantum yields in comparison with analogous β-diketonate complexes. Mixed lanthanoid complexes were also formed and their luminescence properties studied, with effective sensitisation of the 4F3/2 of Nd3+via the 5D0 of Eu3+, which is to the best of our knowledge the first example of Eu3+ to Nd3+ sensitisation in a structurally defined coordination complex or polymer.

An isomorphous series of lanthanoid complexes containing tribenzoylmethanide (tbm) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligands has been synthesised and structurally characterised. These complexes, formulated as [Ln(phen)(tbm)3] (Ln = Eu3+, Er3+ and Yb3+), were compared with analogous dibenzoylmethanide (dbm) [Ln(phen)(dbm)3] complexes to investigate the effect of changing β-diketonate to β-triketonate ligands on the photophysical properties of the complex. The photophysical properties for the Eu3+ complexes were similar for both systems, whereas a modest enhancement was observed for Yb3+ and Er3+ moving from the dbm to the tbm complexes. A detailed study of the NIR photophysical properties was achieved by adapting the integrating sphere method for the calculation of overall quantum yields in the solid state.

This paper describes the facile synthesis of a number of electron rich octamethyl[1.4]ferrocenophanes with unsaturated handles from 1,1'-bis(1-chlorovinyl)octamethylferrocene. Treatment of this reactive compound with sodium hydroxide in DMF initiates a series of reactions resulting in the formation of four different ferrocenophanes. The most complex of these products arises from a cascade of cyclisations giving an unusual, unsymmetrical bis-ferrocenophane with a central fused cyclobutene. Control over the reaction outcome is achieved by manipulating the concentration of NaOH. Mechanisms are proposed, and supported by DFT calculations.

Two new N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands bearing 2-morpholino and 2-piperidinyl naphthyl wingtips were synthesised (2-SIMorNap and 2-SIPipNap). Nuclear magnetic resonance studies, in conjunction with crystal structures and derivatisation of the NHC salts using a chiral counteranion, revealed that the ligand wingtips are oriented anti with respect to each other. From the free carbene, palladium, ruthenium and iridium complexes were prepared. NHC-iridium dicarbonyl complexes were made in order to extract the TEP values for these ligands. The study showed that these NHC ligands are more electron-donating than normal, aryl-substituted NHCs. The palladium complexes were tested in representative Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions and compared to the state of the art systems. Ruthenium-catalysed ring-closing metathesis with these ligands was also performed. It was found that Grubbs' 2 nd generation catalyst incorporating 2-SIPipNap did not initiate at room temperature and required heating for RCM to occur.

Adducts of a number of tertiary pnicogen ligands ER(3) (triphenyl-phosphine and -arsine (PPh(3),AsPh(3)), diphenyl,2-pyridylphosphine (PPh(2)py), tris(4-fluorophenyl)phosphine (P(C(6)H(4)-4F)(3)), tris(2-tolyl)phosphine (P(o-tol)(3)), tris(cyclohexyl)phosphine (PCy(3))), with silver(I) thiocyanate, AgSCN are structurally and spectroscopically characterized. The 1:3 AgSCN : ER(3) complexes structurally defined (for PPh(3),AsPh(3) (diversely solvated)) take the form [(R(3)E)(3)AgX], the thiocyanate X = NCS being N-bound, thus [(Ph(3)E)Ag(NCS)]. A 1:2 complex with PPh(2)py, takes the binuclear form [(pyPh(2)P)(2)Ag()Ag(PPh(2)py)(2)] with an eight-membered cyclic core. 1:1 complexes are defined with PPh(2)py, P(o-tol)(3) and PCy(3); binuclear forms [(R(3)P)Ag()Ag(PR(3))] are obtained with P(o-tol)(3) (two polymorphs), while novel isomeric tetranuclear forms, which may be envisaged as dimers of dimers, are obtained with PPh(2)py, and, as further polymorphs, with PCy(3); these latter may be considered as extensions of the 'cubane' and 'step' forms previously described for [(R(3)E)AgX](4) (X = halide) complexes. Solvent-assisted mechanochemical or solvent-assisted solid-state synthesis methods were employed in some cases, where complexes could not be obtained by conventional solution methods, or where such methods yielded a mixture of polymorphs unsuitable for solid-state spectroscopy. The wavenumbers of the ν(CN) bands in the IR spectra are in broad agreement with the empirical rule that distinguishes bridging from terminal bonding, but exceptions occur for compounds that have a double SCN bridged dimeric structure, and replacement of PPh(3) with PPh(2)py apparently causes a significant decrease in ν(CN) to well below the range expected for bridging SCN in these structures. (31)P CP MAS NMR spectra yield additional parameters that allow a correlation between the structures and spectra.

Reaction of imidazole aldehydes with dihydrazino derivatives of 2-phenylpyrimidine provides a family of bis(acylhydrazone) ligands which form [2 × 2] metallogrid complexes with transition metal ions including Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II). The free ligands show H-bonding interactions, both donor and acceptor, largely involving the imidazole units, while binding of the metal ions occupies all the acceptor sites and leaves only the pyrrolic-NH site as an H-bond donor, although its deprotonation by a strong base can regenerate an acceptor. These H-bonding interactions have been studied by (1)H NMR spectroscopy in solution and in the solid state by means of several crystal structure determinations. The Fe(II) grids appear to be exclusively high-spin species over a wide temperature range in solution. In the solid state various forms of spin-crossover behaviour can be observed between 1.8 and 300 K, which has been rationalised in terms of the varied forms of hydrogen-bonding possible in the crystalline state.

Karrikinolide is a naturally derived potent seed germination stimulant that is responsible for triggering the germination of numerous plant species from various habitats around the world. We now report that solar irradiation of karrikinolide yields two novel head-to-head cage photodimers with the formation, stability and bioactivity of both presented herein.

An unsymmetrical bis(tridentate) ligand LH in which one binding site can be readily deprotonated forms a kinetically inert [Co(III)L(2)](+) complex which can be used as a "corner" species for the "Coupe du Roi" assembly of trans,trans-[Co(2)M(2)L(4)](6+) metallogrids (M = Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II)). In the mixed Co(III)/Co(II) species, the oxidation states appear to be localised. In solution, the ligand LH forms octacationic, homometallic [2 × 2] grids with the individual labile metal ions Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), seemingly as mixtures of all possible isomers arising from the unsymmetrical nature of the ligand. In the solid state, however, [Zn(4)L(4)](CF(3)SO(3))(8)·4CH(3)CN crystallises as a single species where the cation has S(4) symmetry. This stereoselectivity in the crystalline lattice is associated with interactions between the cation and triflate anions which can again be analysed in terms of the Coupe du Roi concept.

Co(III) sarcophagine-type cage molecules, [Co(diCLsar)](3+) or [Co(HONOsar)](3+), form either 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 host-guest inclusion complexes with mono-phosphonium cations and sodium p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene in the solid state yielding complex I [p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene·Co(diCLsar)·2{benzyltriphenylphosphonium}], complex II [2{p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene}·Co(diCLsar)·3{tetraphenylphosphonium}] and complex III [p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene·Co(HONOsar)·tetraphenylphosphonium]. The diversity of the structural types of these multi-component systems, including the orientation of the Co(III) molecules in the cavities of the calixarenes, depends on the nature of their terminal functional groups. The secondary coordination interactions binding between the Co(III) molecules and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene have also been investigated in water using NMR techniques.