title: Dual coordination modes of ethylene-linked NP2 ligands in cobalt(II) and nickel(II) iodides.
abstract: Here we report the syntheses and crystal structures of a series of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) complexes derived from (R)NP2 ligands (where R = OMe(Bz), H(Bz), Br(Bz), Ph) bearing ethylene linkers between a single N and two P donors. The Co(II) complexes generally adopt a tetrahedral configuration of general formula [(NP2)Co(I)(2)], wherein the two phosphorus donors are bound to the metal center but the central N-donor remains unbound. We have found one case of structural isomerism within a single crystal structure. The Co(II) complex derived from (Bz)NP2 displays dual coordination modes: one in the tetrahedral complex [((Bz)NP2)Co(I)(2)]; and the other in a square pyramidal variant, [((Bz)NP2)Co(I)(2)]. In contrast, the Ni(II) complexes adopt a square planar geometry in which the P(Et)N(Et)P donors in the ligand backbone are coordinated to the metal center, resulting in cationic species of formula [((R)NP2)Ni(I)](+) with iodide as counterion. All Ni(II) complexes exhibit sharp (1)H and (31)P spectra in the diamagnetic region. The Co(II) complexes are high-spin (S = 3/2) in the solid state as determined by SQUID measurements from 4 to 300 K. Solution electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments reveal a high-spin/low-spin Co(II) equilibrium that is dependent on solvent and ligand substituent.
authors.affiliation: Beckman Institute, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA.
authors.forename: Qingchen
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.forename: Wai-Yeung
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Harry B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Gray