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A series of {V

The synthesis, structure, magnetic, and photophysical properties of two dinuclear, luminescent, mixed-ligand [CrIII2 L(O2 CR)]3+ complexes (R=CH3 (1), Ph (2)) of a 24-membered binucleating hexa-aza-dithiophenolate macrocycle (L)2- are presented. X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals an edge-sharing bioctahedral N3 Cr(μ-SR)2 (μ1,3 -O2 CR)CrN3 core structure with μ1,3 -bridging carboxylate groups. A ferromagnetic superexchange interaction between the electron spins of the Cr3+ ions leads to a high-spin (S=3) ground state. The coupling constants (J=+24.2(1) cm-1 (1), +34.8(4) cm-1 (2), H=-2JS1 S2 ) are significantly larger than in related bis-μ-alkoxido-μ-carboxylato structures. DFT calculations performed on both complexes reproduce both the sign and strength of the exchange interactions found experimentally. Frozen methanol-dichloromethane 1 : 1 solutions of 1 and 2 luminesce at 750 nm when excited into the 4 LMCT state on the 4 A2 → 2 T1 (ν2 ) bands (λexc =405 nm). The absolute quantum yields (ΦL ) for 1 and 2 were found to be strongly temperature dependent. At 77 K in frozen MeOH/CH2 Cl2 glasses, ΦL =0.44±0.02 (for 1), ΦL =0.45±0.02 (for 2).

One of the striking characteristics of the tris(alkoxo)-ligated Lindqvist-type polyoxovanadates [VV6O13{(OCH2)3CR}2]2– in highest oxidation state in solution is the ease of their chemical post-functionalization via the R group. On surfaces it is their conductivity as a function of individual V(3d) redox states. In both cases, the structural stability of the fully-oxidized dianion is enabled by charge-balancing counterions. In this Article, we explore the charge stability and the charge distibution across the molecular Lindqvist-type hexavanadate structure regarding the R functionality (R = OC2H4N3, CH2N3, and O3C29H36N5) and the different type of countercations (Cat = K+, Li+, NH4+, H+, or Mg2+). We show that the hexavanadate core can accept in its vacant V(3d) orbitals at least four and, in some cases, up to nine additional electrons if the negative charge is offset by the corresponding cation(s), without electron leakage to the covalently attached R groups. Remarkably, the maximum number of accepted electrons strongly depends on the type of cation(s) and is independent on the type of the remote R group exploited herein. The (Cat)n[VV6O13{(OCH2)3CR}2] complexes exibit the structural integrity in all studied charged states. Our study demonstrates the importance of the countercations of multistate polyoxovanadate nanoswitches for the development of multi-charge based molecular memories and/or batteries.

Two series of charge-neutral coordination clusters featuring quasi-isostructural metal oxide cores, isolated as [Zr6Fe2Ln2O8(ib)14(bda)2(NO3)2]·xMeCN (Ln = La (1), Ce (2), Pr (3), and Nd (4); ib- = isobutyrate; H2bda = N-butyldiethanolamine) and [Zr6Fe2Ln2O8(ib)14(mda)2(NO3)2]·xMeCN (Ln = La (5), Ce (6), Pr (7), and Nd (8); H2mda = N-methyldiethanolamine), were obtained via one-pot reactions of [Fe3O(ib)6(H2O)3]NO3 as a critical precursor, Ln(NO3)3·6H2O (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, and Nd), the respective aminoalcohol, and [Zr6O4(OH)4(ib)12(H2O)]·3Hib in an acetonitrile solution. The coordination clusters in 1-8 feature {Zr6O8} cores that are structurally expanded by two 4f (Ln3+) and two 3d (Fe3+) metal ions, each individually coordinated to one of the eight oxide centers of {Zr6O8}, producing a metal skeleton where the 3d/4f positions cap four of the triangular faces of the central Zr6 octahedron. The coordination clusters differ in the chosen aminoalcohol coligands, N-butyldiethanolamine or N-methyldiethanolamine, which lead to a different isobutyrate coordination pattern in the two series, while the {Fe2Ln2Zr6O8} core structure remains virtually unaffected. All eight coordination clusters are obtained in moderate to good yields of 29-66% after only several days. Complexes 1-8 are stable against air and moisture; they are also surprisingly thermally stable up to 280 °C in air and in nitrogen atmosphere, and they represent the first reported examples of 3d/4f-functionalized zirconium oxide clusters.

The controlled adsorption of polynuclear coordination compounds with specific structural and electronic characteristics on surfaces is crucial for the prospective implementation of molecule-surface interfaces into practical electronic devices. From this perspective, a neutral 3d,4f-coordination cluster [MnII3MnIVYb3O3(OH)(L·SMe)3(OOCMe)9]·2MeCN·3EtOH (1·2MeCN·3EtOH), where L·SMe- is a Schiff base, has been synthesized and fully characterized and its adsorption on two different solid substrates, gold and graphite, has been studied. The mixed-valence compound with a bilayered metal core structure and the structurally exposed thioether groups exhibits a substantially different surface bonding to metallic gold and semimetallic graphite substrates. While on graphite the adsorption takes place only on distinguished attraction points with a locally increased number of potential bonding sites such as terrace edges and other surface defects, on gold the molecules were found to adsorb rather weakly on randomly distributed adsorption sites of the surface terraces. This entirely different behavior provides important information for the development of advanced surface materials that may enable well-distributed ordered molecular assemblies.

A tris(alkoxo)pyridine-augmented Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate (nBu4N)6[WD-Py] (WD = P2V3W15O59(OCH2)3C, Py = C5H4N) was functionalized with phthalocyaninato metal moieties (MPc where M = Y or Yb and Pc = C32H16N8) to afford (nBu4N)4[HWD-Py(MPc)] compounds. High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to detect and identify the hybrid assembly. The magnetism studies reveal substantial differences between M = Yb (monomeric, single-ion paramagnetism) and M = Y (containing dimers, radical character). The results of electronic paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, SQUID magnetometry, and magnetochemical calculations indicate the presence of intramolecular charge transfer from the MPc moiety to the polyoxometalate and of intermolecular charge transfer from the MPc moiety of one molecule to the polyoxometalate unit of another molecule. These compounds with identified VIV ions represent unique examples of transition-metal/lanthanide complex-POM hybrid compounds with nonphotoinduced charge transfer between electron donor and acceptor centers.

The fully oxidized Lindqvist-type hexavanadate compounds decorated by phosphine-derivatized Au(I) moieties oriented in a transoid fashion (n-Bu4N)2[V6O13{(OCH2)3CCH2(N3C2C6H5)AuP(C6H4OMe)3}2] (POMNAu) and (n-Bu4N)2[V6O13{(OCH2)3CCH2OCH2(C2N3H)AuP(C6H4OMe)3}2] (POMCAu) have been prepared by azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions and characterized by various techniques, including NMR, IR, and UV/vis spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Electronic structure calculations unveil the potential of these model hybrid junctions for application in controlled charge-transport experiments on substrate surfaces.

Advanced materials interfaces 9(21), 2200461 (2022). doi:10.1002/admi.202200461, Published by Wiley-VCH, Weinheim

This Account highlights recent experimental and theoretical work focusing on the development of polyoxometalates (POMs) as possible active switching units in what may be called "molecule-based memory cells". Herein, we critically discuss how multiply charged vanadium-containing POMs, which exhibit stable metal-oxo bonds and are characterized by the excellent ability to change their redox states without significant structural distortions of the central polyoxoanion core, can be immobilized best and how they may work optimally at appropriate surfaces. Furthermore, we critically discuss important issues and challenges on the long way toward POM-based nanoelectronics. This Account is divided into four sections shedding light on POM interplay in solution and on surfaces, ion soft-landing of mass-selected POMs on surfaces, electronic modification of POMs on surfaces, and computational modeling of POMs on surfaces. The sections showcase the complex nature of far-reaching POM interactions with the chemical surroundings in solution and the properties of POMs in the macroscopic environment of electrode surfaces. Section 2 describes complex relationships of POMs with their counter-cations, solvent molecules, and water impurities, which have been shown to exhibit a direct impact on the resulting surface morphology, where a concentration-dependent formation of micellar structures can be potentially observed. Section 3 gives insights into the ion soft-landing deposition of mass-selected POMs on electrode surfaces, which emerges as an appealing method because the simultaneous deposition of agglomeration-stimulating counter-cations can be avoided. Section 4 provides details of electronic properties of POMs and their modification by external electronic stimuli toward the development of multiple-state resistive (memristive) switches. Section 5 sheds light on issues of the determination of the electronic structure properties of POMs across their interfaces, which is difficult to address by experiment. The studies summarized in these four sections have employed various X-ray-scattering, microscopy, spectroscopy, and computational techniques for imaging of POM interfaces in solution and on surfaces to determine the adsorption type, agglomeration tendency, distribution, and oxidation state of deposited molecules. The presented research findings and conceptual ideas may assist experimentalists and theoreticians to advance the exploration of POM electrical conductivity as a function of metal redox and spin states and to pave the way for a realization of ("brain-inspired") POM-based memory devices, memristive POM-surface device engineering, and energy efficient nonvolatile data storage and processing technologies.

The controlled adsorption of polynuclear coordination compounds with specific structural and electronic characteristics on surfaces is crucial for the prospective implementation of molecule-surface interfaces into practical electronic devices. From this perspective, a neutral 3d,4f-coordination cluster [Mn

Low temperature magnetization measurements were performed on single crystals of the pyridyl-alcohol-supported [Ni(μ3-Cl)Cl(HL·S)]4 coordination cluster and they revealed open hysteresis loops up to 30 mK at a sweep rate of 0.07 T s−1. The studied molecule with intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling Jintra of 15.251 K (+10.6 cm−1) is an exchange-biased single-molecule magnet that exhibits intermolecular antiferromagnetic coupling Jinter of −0.004 K (−0.003 cm−1) in the supramolecular environment of four other cubane-type units. Quantum tunneling of magnetization characterized by five steps at −0.1, −0.05, 0, 0.05 and 0.1 T was observed.

A series of stable reduction–oxidation states of the cagelike [I@VIVxVV18–xO42]5–x polyoxovanadate (POV) with x = 8, 10, 12, 16, and 18 were studied with density functional theory and molecular dynamics to gain insight into the structural and electron distribution characteristics of these metal–oxo clusters and to analyze the charge/redox-dependent assemblage processes in water and acetonitrile (MeCN) solutions. The calculations show that the interplay between the POV redox state (molecular charge) and the solvent polarity, countercation size, and hydrophilicity (or hydrophobicity) controls the POV agglomeration phenomena, which substantially differ between aqueous and MeCN media. In MeCN, agglomeration is more pronounced for intermediate-charged POVs, whereas in water, the lowest-charged POVs and organic countercations tend to agglomerate into a microphase. Tests made on wet MeCN show diminished agglomeration with respect to pure MeCN. Simulations with alkali countercations in water show that only the hi...

The far-reaching interplay between the speciation of polyoxometalates (POMs) in the liquid phase and the POM adsorption characteristics on substrate surfaces yet remains to be understood. The significance of this interplay is however paramount because it indicates the degree of technical applicability of solvent-processable POM molecules. Herein, we target this fundamentally important issue, shedding light on the "POM-counterion-solvent" and "POM-counterion-solvent-substrate" processes. We effectively combine the results from small-angle X-ray scattering in solution with surface sensitive scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements and present on this basis a semi-quantitative analysis which provides an excellent correlation between both approaches. The MeCN-solution speciation of a tris(alkoxo)-ligated Wells-Dawson-type polyoxoanion - explored as a representative of commonly negatively charged POM-based inorganic-organic nanostructures - is strikingly connected with the growth of porous two-dimensional molecular layers on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). Low water amounts dramatically transform intermolecular relationships toward hierarchical agglomeration that inhibits the layer formation on HOPG. The obtained findings lay the groundwork for a mechanistic study of controlled nucleation and growth of POM nanostructures on weakly interacting surfaces.

The reactions of labile [Re(diimine)(CO)3(H2O)]+ precursors (diimine = 2,2′-bipyridine, bpy; 1,10-phenanthroline, phen) with dicyanoargentate anion produce the dirhenium cyanide-bridged compounds [{Re(diimine)(CO)3}2CN)]+ (1 and 2). Substitution of the axial carbonyl ligands in 2 for triphenylphosphine gives the derivative [{Re(phen)(CO)2(PPh3)}2CN]+ (3), while the employment of a neutral metalloligand [Au(PPh3)(CN)] affords heterobimetallic complex [{Re(phen)(CO)3}NCAu(PPh3)]+ (4). Furthermore, the utilization of [Au(CN)2]−, [Pt(CN)4]2–, and [Fe(CN)6]4–/3– cyanometallates leads to the higher nuclearity aggregates [{Re(diimine)(CO)3NC}xM]m+ (M = Au, x = 2, 5 and 6; Pt, x = 4, 7 and 8; Fe, x = 6, 9 and 10). All novel compounds were characterized crystallographically. Assemblies 1–8 are phosphorescent both in solution and in the solid state; according to the DFT analysis, the optical properties are mainly associated with charge transfer from Re tricarbonyl motif to the diimine fragment. The energy of this p...

The two first representatives of phthalocyaninato (Pc) lanthanide-ligated polyoxovanadate cages {[V12O32(Cl)](LnPc)n}n-5 (n = 1 or 2, Ln = Yb3+) were synthesised and fully characterised. These magnetic complexes form two-dimensional self-assembled monolayers exhibiting electrical conductivity on gold substrate surfaces, as assessed by using an EGaIn tip.

The synthesis, structure, magnetic, and photophysical properties of two dinuclear, luminescent, mixed‐ligand [CrIII 2L(O2CR)]3+ complexes (R=CH3 (1), Ph (2)) of a 24‐membered binucleating hexa‐aza‐dithiophenolate macrocycle (L)2− are presented. X‐ray crystallographic analysis reveals an edge‐sharing bioctahedral N3Cr(μ‐SR)2(μ 1,3‐O2CR)CrN3 core structure with μ 1,3‐bridging carboxylate groups. A ferromagnetic superexchange interaction between the electron spins of the Cr3+ ions leads to a high‐spin (S=3) ground state. The coupling constants (J=+24.2(1) cm−1 (1), +34.8(4) cm−1 (2), H=−2JS1S2) are significantly larger than in related bis‐μ‐alkoxido‐μ‐carboxylato structures. DFT calculations performed on both complexes reproduce both the sign and strength of the exchange interactions found experimentally. Frozen methanol‐dichloromethane 1 : 1 solutions of 1 and 2 luminesce at 750 nm when excited into the 4LMCT state on the 4A2 → 2T1 (ν2) bands (λexc=405 nm). The absolute quantum yields (Φ L) for 1 and 2 were found to be strongly temperature dependent. At 77 K in frozen MeOH/CH2Cl2 glasses, Φ L=0.44±0.02 (for 1), Φ L=0.45±0.02 (for 2)., The synthesis of mixed‐ligand chromium(III) complexes, [CrIII 2L(O2CR)]3+, where L represents a macrocyclic binucleating hexaamine‐dithiophenolato ligand and R=Me or Ph, has been achieved. The complexes exhibit a relatively strong intramolecular ferromagnetic exchange interaction that leads to an S=3 spin ground state (J ∼24–34 cm−1). The complexes emit at 750 nm (Φ L=45 %) by excitation into the intense LMCT and d‐d* bands.

A new polyoxometalate compound consisting of the 39-tungsto-4-arsenate(III) unit with four incorporated V

Highly ordered titanium oxide films grown on a Pt3Ti(111) alloy surface were utilized for the controlled immobilization and tip-induced electric field-triggered electronic manipulation of nanoscopic W3O9 clusters. Depending on the operating conditions, two different stable oxide phases, z’-TiOx and w’-TiOx, were produced. These phases show a strong effect on the adsorption characteristics and reactivity of W3O9 clusters, which are formed as a result of thermal evaporation of WO3 powder on the complex TiOx/Pt3Ti(111) surfaces under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The physisorbed tritungsten nano-oxides were found as isolated single units located on the metallic attraction points or as supramolecular self-assemblies with a W3O9-capped hexagonal scaffold of W3O9 units. By applying scanning tunneling microscopy to the W3O9–(W3O9)6 structures, individual units underwent a tip-induced reduction to W3O8. At elevated temperatures, agglomeration and growth of large WO3 islands, which thickness is strongly limited to a maximum of two unit cells, were observed. The findings boost progress toward template-directed nucleation, growth, networking, and charge state manipulation of functional molecular nanostructures on surfaces using operando techniques.

The one-dimensional coordination polymer (I) [Sr(ib)2(H2mda)] n (Hib = isobutyric acid, C4H8O2, and H2mda = N-methyldiethanolamine, C5H13NO2), namely, catena-poly[[(N-methyldiethanolamine-κ3 O,N,O′)strontium(II)]-di-μ2-isobutyrato-κ3 O,O′:O;κ3 O:O,O′], was prepared by the one-pot aerobic reaction of [Zr6O4(OH)4(ib)12(H2O)]·3Hib with Sr(NO3)2 and H2mda in the presence of MnCl2 and Et3N in acetonitrile. The use of MnCl2 is key to the isolation of I as high-quality colorless crystals in good yield. The molecular solid-state structure of I was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c and shows a one-dimensional polymeric chain structure. Each monomeric unit of this coordination polymer consists of a central SrII ion in the NO8 coordination environment of two deprotonated ib− ligands and one fully protonated H2mda ligand. The C and O atoms of the H2mda ligand were refined as disordered over two sets of sites with site occupancies of 0.619 (3) and 0.381 (3). Compound I shows thermal stability up to 130°C in air.

A new polyoxometalate compound consisting of the 39-tungsto-4-arsenate(III) unit with four incorporated VIV ions, isolated as (NH4)22[(VIVO)2(VIVO(H2O))(AsIIIWVI9O33)2(AsIIIWVI8.5VIV0.5(OH)O32)2(WVIO2)4]·48H2O (NH4-As4W39(V4)), was synthesized and fully characterized. SQUID magnetometry shows three weakly coupled VIV centers with an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction and one isolated VIV ion as a spin-1/2 Curie paramagnet. UV-vis spectroscopy indicates that the As4W39(V4) structure remains intact in aqueous solution for at least 24 h. To enable the deposition of As4W39(V4) from solution on gold surfaces, its trihexyltetradecylphosphonium salt, THTDP-As4W39(V4), was prepared. The IR spectra of both congeners reveal the structural identity of As4W39(V4) independent of the countercations. The X-ray absorption near-edge structure data confirm the presence of VIV centers in a distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry in NH4-As4W39(V4) and THTDP-As4W39(V4). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the latter, deposited on Au(111), shows that the 4 V and 35 W centers preserve their IV+ and VI+ oxidation states, while the remaining 4 W ions are reduced to IV+.

A tris(alkoxo)pyridine-augmented Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate (

Materials combining bio-based resource and degradability aspects such as polylactide (PLA) can represent a sustainable alternative to commercially used oil-based plastics. With tin octanoate (Sn(Oct)(2)) as the catalyst of choice for industrial scale PLA production, traces of the toxic heavy metal can be released into the environment, rendering PLA unsuitable for specific applications. Herein we present four new homoleptic zinc Schiff base complexes that offer facile synthesis and can be handled under aerobic conditions. These robust, tetra-coordinated complexes have been tested as catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide and are well suited under industrially relevant conditions. In situ Raman spectroscopy has been used to determine the apparent reaction rate constant (k(app)) for all complexes at 150 degrees C in bulk. For the fastest complex a k(p) of 3.66 +/- 0.14 x 10(-2) L mol(-1) s(-1) was additionally determined. For this catalyst, 71% conversion and a number-averaged molar mass of above 90000 g mol(-1) has been reached within less than 30 min at a monomer-to-initiator ratio ([M]/[I]) of 1000:1. The good polydispersity (D = 1.7) indicates a controllable ROP via the coordination-insertion mechanism (CIM).

Selective copper(I) to palladium(0) transmetallation of P-donors from the rigid N,N'-diphosphanyl-imidazol-2-ylidene C3 H2 [NP(tBu)2 ]2 (PCNHC P) was observed when known [Cu3 (μ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)3 was reacted with [Pd(PPh3 )4 ]. When 1.2 equivalents of [Pd(PPh3 )4 ] was used, the product [Cu2 Pd(μ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (2(OTf)2 ) was obtained, which features a CuI -CuI -Pd0 chain and appears to be the first linear heterotrinuclear complex with d10 -d10 interactions between Pd0 and CuI . When the Cu3 precursor was reacted with 3.0 equivalents of [Pd(PPh3 )4 ], the complex [CuPd2 (μ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (3(OTf)2 ) was obtained, which, on the basis of magnetic measurements, DFT calculations, and computed nuclear shieldings, was formulated as containing a Pd0 -CuI -Pd0 chain with an electron hole delocalized over the whole cation, including the metal chain. Similarly, selective transmetallation of the P-donors in [Ag3 (μ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)3 from silver to palladium (originating from [Pd(PPh3 )4 ]) gave the linear chain [Ag2 Pd(μ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (5(OTf)2 ), which on the basis of NMR spectroscopy comprises an AgI -AgI -Pd0 metal core. However, X-ray diffraction data collected on various samples of 5(OTf)2 were modeled with 50:50 metal disorder at the terminal positions, corresponding to a (AgI /Pd0 )-AgI -(AgI /Pd0 ) formulation. Upon standing in solution, 5(OTf)2 transformed to 6(OTf)2 , the regioisomer of 5(OTf)2 in which the Pd center has migrated to the central position of an AgI -Pd0 -AgI chain. Prolonged standing in CH2 Cl2 or by reaction with [PtCl2 (NCMe)2 ] converts complex 6(OTf)2 to the AgI /PdII complex [Ag2 PdCl2 (μ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (7(OTf)2 ). The structural data of 2(OTf)2 , 3(OTf)2 , and 7(OTf)2 establish significant heterometallophilic interactions.

The coordination characteristics of a tridentate, π-conjugated Schiff base (HL·SMe) combined with 4-(methylthio)benzoic acid (Hbza·SMe) were explored in methanol solution. A two-step aerobic process involving the precursor NiCl2·6H2O afforded the trinuclear coordination compound [NiII3(L·SMe)4(bza·SMe)(MeOH)2]Cl0.5(CH3O)0.5·5.5MeOH·H2O (1), while the precursor Ni(ClO4)2·6H2O resulted in [NiII3(L·SMe)4(bza·SMe)(MeOH)2](ClO4)0.75(CH3O)0.25·1.5MeOH·0.75H2O (2); in both cases the thioether-containing ligands are key to isolation of crystalline products. Their solvent-free cationic motif [Ni3(L·SMe)4(bza·SMe)]+, supported by two different types of monodeprotonated chelate ligands, has been studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. 1 and 2 crystallize in the triclinic space group P 1 ¯ and monoclinic space group Cc, respectively, and feature a hitherto not observed triangular metal-ligand skeleton that is characterized by predominantly ferromagnetic exchange coupling between Ni(II) ions. Proof-of-concept infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy measurements of 1 deposited on a gold substrate indicate that this moisture-stable compound retains its main structural features upon adsorption on the metal surface, which enables subsequent studies of catalytic properties of 1 on a solid support.

A water-soluble derivative of the polyoxovanadate {V15 E6 O42 } (E=semimetal) archetype enables the study of cluster shell rearrangements driven by supramolecular interactions. A reaction unique to E=Sb, induced exclusively by ligand metathesis in peripheral [Ni(ethylenediamine)3 ]2+ counterions, results in the formation of the metastable α1 * configurational isomer of the {V14 Sb8 O42 } cluster type. Contrary to all other polyoxovanadate shell architectures, this isomer comprises an inward-oriented vanadyl group and is ca. 50 and 12 kJ mol-1 higher in energy than the previously isolated α and β isomers, respectively. We discuss this unexpected reaction in light of supramolecular Sb-O⋅⋅⋅V and Sb-O⋅⋅⋅Sb contacts manifested in {V14 Sb8 O42 }2 dimers detected in the solid state. ESI MS experiments confirm the stability of these dimers also in solution and in the gas phase. DFT calculations indicate that other, as of yet elusive isomers of {V14 Sb8 }, might be accessible as well.

Gold(I) has been used as an interlocking center to design five phenyl-bipyridine based complexes [LAu(L1)] and [RAu(L2)] where L1 = 5-(4-ethynylphenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine and L2 = 5-(4-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine (L = P(C6H11)3, 1; C6H3(CH3)2NC, 2; R = Ph2OHCC2, 3; PhC2, 4; C6F5, 5). The obtained compounds have been characterized by polynuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Investigation of their UV-Vis absorption and emission characteristics has been supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations that rationalize the tunable electronic properties of these compounds. Complexation of the metal cations and the corresponding optical responses of [LAu(L1)], in particular for Cd(II) and Pb(II), indicate the important role of gold(I) ions in modulating the luminescence characteristics of these species upon binding the analyte cations.

Today, the trapping of polyoxometalates (POMs) into different molecular assemblies represents a new emerging field of study. Herein we show the benefits of POM incorporation based on the example of a recently published achievement in the area of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), where the transformation of low-cost noble-metal-free Keggin-POM@MOF hybrids through pyrolysis leads to small-sized bi-transition metal carbide particles opening up far-reaching opportunities for water splitting. The peculiarities of synthesis and reactivity of these unconventional Keggin-POM@MOF compounds are described. The bifunctional electrocatalytic activity of nanoparticles fabricated from the hybrids is emphasised with regard to reported catalytic systems of the same type. Overall, the synthetic strategy reported is expected to be used for the preparation of a novel type of POM@MOF hybrid where polyoxoanions are not only encapsulated in the MOF cages as commonly observed but also partially fenced by them, while blocking the POM withdrawal. This promises diverse attractive application prospects for POM@MOF hybrids in heterogeneous catalysis.

The electronic structure and magnetism of mixed-valence, host–guest polyoxovanadates {X@VIV/V22O54} with diamagnetic (X =) ClO4− (Td, 1) and SCN− (C∞v, 2) template anions are assessed by means of two theoretical methods: density functional theory and effective Hamiltonian calculations. The results are compared to those obtained for another member of this family with X = VO2F2− (C2v, 3) (see P. Kozlowski et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 29767–29771), for which complementary data are also acquired. It is demonstrated that the X guest anions strongly influence the electronic and magnetic properties of the system, leading to various valence states of vanadium and modifying V–O–V exchange interactions. Our findings are concordant with and elucidate the available experimental data (see K. Y. Monakhov et al., Chem. – Eur. J., 2015, 21, 2387–2397).

Among the Lindqvist-type hexavanadates synthesised herein by the palladium-catalysed Heck reactions a C-C cross-coupled organic-inorganic hybrid with the largest conjugated, stilbene-derivatised π ligands is reduced in the presence of thiols producing a remarkable increase in fluorescence intensity with respect to the fully-oxidised variant. This enhanced emission (ON-state) of the reduced species can be switched OFF if the solution is subjected to e.g. air where the species is re-oxidised.

The understanding of the molecular state of vanadium-oxo clusters (polyoxovanadates, POVs) in solution and on surface is a key to their target application in catalysis as well as molecular electronics and spintronics. We here report the results of a combined experimental and computational study of the behavior of nucleophilic polyoxoanions [VIV10VV8O42(I)]5– charged balanced by Et4N+ in water, in a one-phase organic solution of N,N-dimethylformamid (DMF) or acetonitrile (MeCN), in a mixed solution of MeCN–water, and at the hybrid liquid–surface interface. The molecular characteristics of the compound (NEt4)5[V18O42(I)] (1) in the given environments were studied by microspectroscopic, electrochemical, scattering, and molecular mechanics methods. Contrary to the situation in pure water, where we observe great agglomeration with a number of intercalated H2O molecules between POVs that are surrounded by the Et4N+ ions, no or only minor agglomeration of redox-active POVs in an unprecedented cation-mediated fas...

The black-green solid (NEt4)5[V16O38(Br)]·2H2O (1) was synthesized by the pH-controlled reaction of a mixed-valence precursor (NH4)8[H9VIV12VV7O50]·11H2O with Et4NBr in water under aerobic conditions. Compound 1 crystallizes as pseudomerohedral three-domain twins with pronounced pseudosymmetry and very large voids accommodating the majority of the countercations and solvent water molecules. The central structural motif of 1 is represented by a spherical, mixed-valence, host–guest vanadium-oxo cluster [VIV/V16O38(Br)]q with q = 5–, 4–, or 6–, exhibiting dominant antiferromagnetic and weaker ferromagnetic exchange interactions. The intriguing valence-state and dependent magnetic behavior of this compound have been unraveled by weighted model Hamiltonian calculations combined with diffraction, quantum mechanical, spectroscopic, and spectrometric techniques. It appears that 1 features a hitherto not identified and initially not evident VIV/VV average ratio of 8:8 which corresponds to an average charge q = 5– ...

The electronic structure and magnetism of the recently synthesised mixed-valent {VVO2F2@VIV/V22O54} (1) host–guest polyoxovanadate envisaged as a potential building block of a molecule-based quantum computer are analysed using density functional theory (DFT) and effective Hamiltonian calculations. The form of the t–J like effective Hamiltonian has been inspired by the acquired DFT data, and the valence state used in DFT calculations has been suggested by the fits to the experimental magnetic data with the effective Hamiltonian. This self-consistent approach breaks through the magnetochemical limitations of vanadium-oxo cluster 1, giving results fully concordant with the experiment and allowing us to determine the valence state of 1, which contrary to other members of this host–guest family appears to feature 9 valence electrons.

The linear, two-coordinate and isostructural heteroleptic [M(IPr){N(SiMe3)2}] (IPr = 1,3-bis(diisopropylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene), formally MI complexes (M = Co, 3; Fe, 4) were obtained by the reduction of [M(IPr)Cl{N(SiMe3)2}] with KC8, or [Co(IPr){N(SiMe3)2}2] with mes*PH2, mes* = 2,4,6-tBu3C6H2. The magnetism of 3 and 4 implies CoII and FeII centres coupled to one ligand-delocalized electron, in line with XPS and XANES data; the ac susceptibility of 4 detected a pronounced frequency dependence due to slow magnetization relaxation. Reduction of [Fe(IPr)Cl{N(SiMe3)2}] with excess KC8 in toluene gave the heteronuclear ‘inverse-sandwich’ Fe–K complex 7, featuring η6-toluene sandwiched between one Fe0 and one K+ centre.

A series of stable reduction-oxidation states of the cagelike [I@V

Chemical science 10(16), 4364-4376 (2019). doi:10.1039/C9SC00979E, Published by RSC, Cambridge

The reactions of labile [Re(diimine)(CO)

The sustainable development of IT-systems requires a quest for novel concepts to address further miniaturization, performance improvement, and energy efficiency of devices. The realization of these goals cannot be achieved without an appropriate functional material. Herein, we target the technologically important electron modification using single polyoxometalate (POM) molecules envisaged as smart successors of materials that are implemented in today's complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Lindqvist-type POMs were physisorbed on the Au(111) surface, preserving their structural and electronic characteristics. By applying an external voltage at room temperature, the valence state of the single POM molecule could be changed multiple times through the injection of up to 4 electrons. The molecular electrical conductivity is dependent on the number of vanadium 3d electrons, resulting in several discrete conduction states with increasing conductivity. This fundamentally important finding illustrates the far-reaching opportunities for POM molecules in the area of multiple-state resistive (memristive) switching.

The electronic structure and magnetism of mixed-valence, host-guest polyoxovanadates {X@VO