Shoko Kume

Photochrome-coupled metal complexes: molecular processing of photon stimuli.

The frontiers of novel photoresponsive materials constructed with photochromes and transition metal complexes are surveyed in this review. Strategies to develop new photofunctions are categorized into four types. In the first category, intramolecular electronic interactions between photochromes and metal complexes produce entangled responses such as redox-regulated photochromic reactions or tristable photochromism. In the second, light-induced molecular structural rearrangements of photochromes induce the transformation of flexible and labile coordination structures, which can be applied to complex photomechanics or photoelectron conversion. In the third, the photochromic moiety also acts as a photonic switch, transmitting a metal-metal interaction when it is located between two metal complex moieties. The last category concerns the development of new photochromic reactions, involving metal-ligand bond rearrangements. These reactions potentially induce drastic electronic tuning of the metal center, and can be used to develop light-driven molecular machines.

Surface Junction Effects on the Electron Conduction of Molecular Wires

Surface junction effects on the electron conduction of p-phenylene-bridged bis(terpyridine)iron oligomers terminated with a ferrocene moiety were quantitatively analyzed by employing three different surface-anchoring terpyridine ligands. The dependence of the electron-transfer rate constant for oxidation of the ferrocene moiety, k(et), on the distance between the electrode surface and the ferrocene moiety, x, showed that the attenuation factor, beta(d), which indicates the degree of reduction of k(et) with x, was approximately 0.018 in all cases. However, the absolute k(et) value depended strongly on both electronic and steric factors of the surface-anchoring ligand.

Dual Emission Caused by Ring Inversion Isomerization of a 4-Methyl-2-pyridyl-pyrimidine Copper(I) Complex

We developed a new convertible copper(I) complex using 2-pyridyl-4-methylpyrimidine and diphosphine as ligands. This complex exhibited mechanical bistability based on the inversion motion of the pyrimidine ring, leading to dual luminescence behavior. The inversion dynamics was strongly dependent on temperature and solvent. Variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectra revealed that the two isomers interconverted in solution via ring inversion, and the motion was frozen below 200 K. The complex exhibited characteristic CT absorption and emission bands in solution. Emission lifetime measurements demonstrated that the emission could be deconvoluted into two components. The fast and slow components were assigned to the two isomers, the excited states of which were characterized by different structural relaxation process and/or additional solvent coordination properties. The emission properties of the two isomers differed not only in lifetime and wavelength but also in heat sensitivity. The molar ratio of the two isomers varied with the polarity of the solvent via electrostatic interactions with the counteranion. The rate of inversion was affected by solvent, suggesting that inversion was promoted by solvent coordination.

Solid-State Ligand-Driven Light-Induced Spin Change at Ambient Temperatures in Bis(dipyrazolylstyrylpyridine)iron(II) Complexes

We previously reported that an Fe(II) complex ligated by two (Z)-2,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-4-styrylpyridine ligands (Z-H) presented a solid state ligand-driven light-induced spin change (LD-LISC) upon one-way Z-to-E photoisomerization, although modulation of the magnetism was trivial at ambient temperatures (Chem. Commun.2011, 47, 6846). Here, we report the synthesis of new derivatives of Z-H, Z-CN and Z-NO(2), in which electron-withdrawing cyano and nitro substituents are introduced at the 4-position of the styryl group to attain a more profound photomagnetism at ambient temperatures. Z-CN and Z-NO(2) undergo quantitative one-way Z-to-E photochromism upon excitation of the charge transfer band both in acetonitrile and in the solid state, similar to the behavior observed for Z-H. In solution, these substituents stabilized the low-spin (LS) states of Z-CN and Z-NO(2), and the behavior was quantitatively analyzed according to the Evans equation. The photomagnetic properties in the solid state, on the other hand, cannot be explained in terms of the substituent effect alone. Z-CN displayed photomagnetic properties almost identical to those of Z-H. Z-CN preferred the high-spin (HS) state at all temperatures tested, whereas photoirradiated Z-CN yielded a lower χ(M)T at ambient temperatures. The behavior of Z-NO(2) was counterintuitive, and the material displayed surprising photomagnetic properties in the solid state. Z-NO(2) occupied the LS state at low temperatures and underwent thermal spin crossover (SCO) with a T(1/2) of about 270 K. The photoirradiated Z-NO(2) displayed a higher value of χ(M)T and the modulation of χ(M)T exceeded that of Z-H or Z-CN. Z-NO(2)·acetone, in which acetone molecules were incorporated into the crystal lattice, further stabilized the LS state (T(1/2) > 300 K), thereby promoting large modulations of the χ(M)T values (87% at 273 K and 64% at 300 K) upon Z-to-E photoisomerization. Single crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that structural factors played a vital role in the photomagnetic properties in the solid state. Z-H and Z-CN favored intermolecular π-π stacking among the ligand molecules. The coordination sphere around the Fe(II) nucleus was distorted, which stabilized the HS state. In contrast, Z-NO(2)·acetone was liberated from such intermolecular π-π stacking and coordination distortion, resulting in the stabilization of the LS state.

Superior Electron-Transport Ability of π-Conjugated Redox Molecular Wires Prepared by the Stepwise Coordination Method on a Surface

Electronic conductivity of molecular wires is a critical fundamental issue in molecular electronics. pi-Conjugated redox molecular wires with the superior long-range electron-transport ability could be constructed on a gold surface through the stepwise ligand-metal coordination method. The beta(d) value, indicating the degree of decrease in the electron-transfer rate constant with distance along the molecular wire between the electrode and the redox active species at the terminal of the wire, were 0.008-0.07 A(-1) and 0.002-0.004 A(-1) for molecular wires of bis(terpyridine)iron and bis(terpyridine)cobalt complex oligomers, respectively. The influences on beta(d) by the chemical structure of molecular wires and the terminal redox units, temperature, electric field, and electrolyte concentration were clarified. The results indicate that facile sequential electron hopping between neighboring metal-complex units within the wire is responsible for the high electron-transport ability.

trans–cis Photoisomerization of Azobenzene‐Conjugated Dithiolato‐Bipyridine Platinum(II) Complexes: Extension of Photoresponse to Longer Wavelengths and Photocontrollable Tristability

Azobenzene derivatives modified with dithiolato-bipyridine platinum(II) complexes were synthesized, revealing their highly extended photoresponses to the long wavelength region as well as unique photocontrollable tristability. The absorptions of trans-1 and trans-2 with one azobenzene group on the dithiolene and bipyridine ligands, respectively, cover the range from 300 to 700 nm. These absorptions are ascribed, by means of time-dependent (TD)DFT calculations, to transitions from dithiolene(pi) to bipyridine(pi*), namely, interligand charge transfer (CT), pi-pi*, and n-pi* transitions of the azobenzene unit, and pi-pi* transitions of the bipyridine ligand. In addition, only trans-1 shows distinctive electronic bands, assignable to transitions from the dithiolene(pi) to azobenzene(pi*), defined as intraligand CT. Complex 1 shows photoisomerization behavior opposite to that of azobenzene: trans-to-cis and cis-to-trans conversions proceed with 405 and 312 nm irradiation, which correspond to excitation with the intraligand CT, and pi-pi* bands of the azobenzene and bipyridine units, respectively. In contrast, complex 2 shows photoisomerization similar to that of azobenzene: trans-to-cis and cis-to-trans transformations occur with 365 and 405 nm irradiation, respectively. Irradiation at 578 nm, corresponding to excitation of the interligand CT transitions, results in cis-to-trans conversion of both 1 and 2, which is the longest wavelength ever reported to effect the photoisomerization of the azobenzene group. The absorption and photochromism of 4, which has azobenzene groups on both the dithiolato and bipyridine ligands, have characteristics quite similar to those of 1 and 2, which furnishes 4 with photocontrollable tristability in a single molecule using light at 365, 405, and 578 nm. We also clarified that 1 and 2 have high photoisomerization efficiencies, and good thermal stability of the cis forms. Complexes 3 and 5 have almost the identical photoresponse to those of their positional isomers, complexes 2 and 4.

Realization of SOMO−HOMO Level Conversion for a TEMPO-Dithiolate Ligand by Coordination to Platinum(II)

We developed a TEMPO-bound dithiolate ligand (= tempodt) and its Pt(diimine)(dithiolate) complex to realize a unique electronic structure with the potential for unprecedented functionalities. The physical properties and electronic structures of tempodt, (tempodt)Pt, and their related compounds were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, UV-visible spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and other techniques. It was revealed that (tempodt)Pt showed an unusual electronic structure in which the HOMO level (= pi-conjugated dithiolate-based orbital) was located above the SOMO level attributed to the TEMPO moiety, and that this situation was achieved via a drastic electronic structure change of SOMO-HOMO level conversion through complex formation. These findings were further supported by an investigation into a one-electron oxidized (tempodt)Pt and related complexes.

Metal-based Photoswitches Derived from Photoisomerization

A combination of photochromism and other molecular functionalities is an efficient way to constructnovel multi-mode photofunctional molecules. From this perspective, a considerable number of photochromicmetal complexes involving photochromic moieties and coordination compounds with unique electronic, magneticand optical properties have been investigated. One research point of interest in the photochromic complexesfocuses on how metal coordination affects the isomerization behavior of the photochromic moiety. Propermolecular structural design can more strongly stabilize a metastable state in support of feasible metal–ligandinteractions, improving the thermal durability of the molecular photomemory. Moreover, isomerization canbe caused not only by the excitation at the photochromic moiety, but also by the stimulation (light or electron)at the metal complex moiety. The multi-moiety combined response may be able to construct an integratedmemory or a logic gate in a single molecule. Another research point of interest focuses on howstructural conversion at the photochromic moiety affects electromagnetic properties at the complex moiety.Several studies have shown how photon information/energy is converted to luminescence, an electronic signal,or a magnetic response at the complex moiety. Interactions between multiple complex moieties can alsobe reversibly tuned with light when the photochromic moiety is used as a spacer between them. Herewe review recent studies on the combination of photochromic moieties with coordination compounds, categorizingthe research findings according to the structure of the photochromic moieties.

Double protonation of 1,5-bis(triarylaminoethynyl)anthraquinone to form a paramagnetic pentacyclic dipyrylium salt.

Protonation-induced intramolecular cyclization reactions of new donor (D)-acceptor (A) and D-A-D conjugated molecules 1-triarylaminoethynylanthraquinone (1-AmAq) and 1,5-bis(triarylaminoethynyl)anthraquinone (1,5-Am(2)Aq), respectively, were achieved. The former undergoes monoprotonation with bis(trifluoromethanesulfone)imide acid (TFSIH) to give pyrylium salt [1-AmPyl]TFSI, whereas the latter undergoes a novel double proton cyclization reaction to yield 1,5-bis(triarylamino)dipyrylium salt [1,5-Am(2)Pyl(2)](TFSI)(2) with a new pentacyclic backbone. This divalent cationic salt can be reduced to give the neutral species 2,8-bis(triarylamino)benzo[de]isochromeno[1,8-gh]chromene ([1,5-Am(2)Pyl(2)](0)), which maintains the planar pentacyclic backbone. The obtained condensed-ring compounds show unique optical, electrochemical, and magnetic properties due to the extremely narrow HOMO-LUMO gap. In particular, the dication [1,5-Am(2)Pyl(2)](2+) shows paramagnetic behavior with two spins centered on two triarylamine moieties through valence tautomerization with the pentacyclic backbone.

Counterion-Dependent Valence Tautomerization of Ferrocenyl-Conjugated Pyrylium Salts

1-Ferrocenylethynylanthraquinone (1-FcAq), which is a donor (D)-acceptor (A) conjugated compound consisting of a ferrocene (Fc) acting as a donor, an anthraquinone (Aq) acting as an acceptor, and an ethynyl linker, undergoes a cyclocondensation reaction with strong organic acid, and forms 2-ferrocenyloxodihydrodibenzochromenylium salts ([1-FcPyl](+)X(-) where X = TFSI, TfO, PF(6), and BF(4)). [1-FcPyl](+) were also characterized as conjugated donor-acceptor compounds, and electrochemical properties, UV-vis absorption spectra, single-crystal X-ray analysis, and TD-DFT calculations have indicated that the LUMO level of [1-FcPyl](+) is lower than that of 1-FcAq because of the much larger pi-conjugated system in [1-FcPyl](+). Variable-temperature Mossbauer spectroscopy (12-300 K) showed that Fe(II) was dominant for the TFSI(-), PF(6)(-), and BF(4)(-) salts of [1-FcPyl](+); although the Fe(III) species was also observed at all temperature ranges, the molar ratio of Fe(III) species increased at higher temperatures in the TFSI(-) and PF(6)(-) salts. This finding indicates that valence tautomerization (VT) between 1-FcPyl(+) and 1-Fc(+)Pyl occurs in the solid state of the TFSI(-) and the PF(6)(-) salts, but not in the BF(4)(-) salt. Variable-temperature (3.5-310 K) IR spectroscopy showed that the frequencies of the skeletal vibration of the ferrocene moiety decreased with increasing temperature in the TFSI(-) and PF(6)(-) salts, indicating the development of a ferrocenium-like character. The precision of the bond lengths of the [1-FcPyl](+) moiety (0.003-0.004 A) determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis (113 and 273 K) is not sufficient to demonstrate the effect of the counterion on VT. The dihedral angle between the ferrocene and the pyrylium moieties in the BF(4)(-) salt (11.25(15) degrees) is larger than that in the TFSI(-) (6.63(12) degrees) and PF(6)(-) (9.55(15) degrees) salts. Furthermore, the planarity of the acceptor moiety (estimated from the dihedral angle between Ph1 and Ph2) is lower in the BF(4)(-) salt compared with that of other salts. These increased dihedral angles might cause a weaker D-A interaction and a destabilization of the acceptor moiety (i.e., raising a LUMO level), leading to lower stability of the Fe(III) (1-Fc(+)Pyl) species. Variable-temperature X-ray powder diffraction (VT XRPD, 100-300 K) revealed that the temperature dependence of the Fe-P distance in the PF(6)(-) salt was smaller than that of the Fe-B distance in the BF(4)(-) salt. Our interpretation of this phenomenon is that the molar ratio of the Fe(III) species is increased in the PF(6)(-) salt, and that the Coulombic force between the ferrocene moiety and PF(6)(-) anion increases, preventing an increase in the Fe-P distance. This indicates that the electrostatic interaction between the [1-FcPyl](+) moiety and the counteranion may affect the occurrence of VT.