Discrete dinuclear cyano-bridged complexes
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Preparation of SNS Cobalt(II) Pincer Model Complexes of Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase
Published on: March 19, 2020
P V Bernhardt1, B P Macpherson, M Martinez
1Department of Chemistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
Abstract:
The cyano-bridged complexes [L14CoIIINCFeII(CN)5]-, [L14CoIIINCFeIII(CN)5], [L15CoIIINCFeII(CN)5]-, and [L15CoIIINCFeIII(CN)5] (L14 = 6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecan-6- amine, L15 = 10-methyl-1,4,8,12-tetraazacyclopentadecan-10-amine) are prepared and characterized both structurally and spectroscopically. In each complex, the pendant amine is trans to the bridging CN ligand, as determined by spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography: Na(trans-[L14CoIIINCFeII(CN)5]).8H2O, monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 15.58(1) A, b = 19.797(4) A, c = 19.830(6) A, beta = 91.62(4) degrees, Z = 8; trans-[L14CoIIINCFeIII(CN)5].4H2O, monoclinic space group P2(1)/m, a = 9.9690(9) A, b = 13.316(1) A, c = 10.1180(8) A, beta = 90.720(6) degrees, Z = 2; [L15CoIIINCFeIII(CN)5].4H2O, triclinic space group P1, a = 9.454(1) A, b = 9.778(1) A, c = 9.865(2) A, alpha = 60.37(1) degrees, beta = 62.60(1) degrees, gamma = 65.82(1) degrees, Z = 1. A precursor to the 14-membered macrocyclic complexes is prepared for the first time, and its crystal structure is also reported: trans-I [CoL14Cl](ClO4)2, orthorhombic space group Pbca, a = 11.833(3) A, b = 13.363(2) A, c = 26.015(2) A, Z = 8. These compounds form part of a novel series of discrete CN-bridged dinuclear compounds. The mixed-valent CoIII-FeII compounds exhibit metal-to-metal charge-transfer (MMCT) transitions in the region 510-530 nm.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Valence Bond Theory
Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...
Coordination Number and Geometry
Formation of Complex Ions

