In this article it is demonstrated that transition metals are among the best candidates for the role of molecular switches, on account of the following peculiar properties: (i) They can form couples of consecutive oxidation states, A and B, easily interconverted through a fast and reversible one-electron redox change. The relative stability of the two states (which is expressed exactly by the standard electrode potential associated with the half-reaction) can be modulated by properly varying the coordinative environment around the metal center. (ii) The one-electron change in most cases modifies drastically the properties of the metal center (stereochemical preferences, magnetism, electron-transfer tendencies, binding affinity toward a donor atom).
Transition metals as switches
FABBRIZZI, LUIGI;LICCHELLI, MAURIZIO;PALLAVICINI, PIERSANDRO
1999-01-01
Abstract
In this article it is demonstrated that transition metals are among the best candidates for the role of molecular switches, on account of the following peculiar properties: (i) They can form couples of consecutive oxidation states, A and B, easily interconverted through a fast and reversible one-electron redox change. The relative stability of the two states (which is expressed exactly by the standard electrode potential associated with the half-reaction) can be modulated by properly varying the coordinative environment around the metal center. (ii) The one-electron change in most cases modifies drastically the properties of the metal center (stereochemical preferences, magnetism, electron-transfer tendencies, binding affinity toward a donor atom).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
