Abstract
A ligand field molecular mechanics (LFMM) force field has been constructed for the spin states of [Fe(bpp)2]2+ (bpp=2,6-di(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine) and related complexes. A new charge scheme is employed which interpolates between partial charges for neutral bpp and protonated [H3bpp]3+ to achieve a target metal charge. The LFMM angular overlap model (AOM) parameters are fitted to fully ab initio d orbital energies. However, several AOM parameter sets are possible. The ambiguity is resolved by calculating the Jahn–Teller distortion mode for high spin, which indicates that in [Fe(bpp)2]2+pyridine is a π-acceptor and pyrazole a weak π-donor. The alternative fit, assumed previously, where both ligands act as π-donors leads to an inconsistent distortion. LFMM optimisations in the presence of [BF4]− or [PF6]− anions are in good agreement with experiment and the model also correctly predicts the spin state energetics for 3-pyrazolyl substituents where the interactions are mainly steric. However, for 4-pyridyl or 4-pyrazolyl substituents, LFMM only treats the electrostatic contribution which, for the pyridyl substituents, generates a fair correlation with the spin crossover transition temperatures, T1/2, but in the reverse sense to the dominant electronic effect. Thus, LFMM generates its smallest spin state energy difference for the substituent with the highest T1/2. One parameter set for all substituted bpp ligands is insufficient and further LFMM development will be required.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 5204-5212 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Chemistry - A European Journal |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 20 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 Apr 2018 |
Funding
R.J.D. acknowledges the generous support of Chemical Computing Group for the provision of MOE and Mihail Atanasov and Frank Neese for pre-release access to the AILFT code in ORCA. The authors acknowledge the funding of the EPSRC for the Critical Mass grant Understanding and engineering function in switchable molecular crystals (EP/K012940; EP/K012568, EP/ K012576, EP/K013009) as well as the many stimulating interactions with members of the COST Action CM1305 Explicit control over spin states in Technology and Biochemistry (ECOSTBio).
Keywords
- angular overlap model
- iron complexes
- ligand field molecular mechanics
- spin crossover
- π-bonding
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry