Platinum(ii) complexes of mixed-valent radicals derived from cyclotricatechylene, a macrocyclic tris-dioxolene

Three complexes of cyclotricatechylene (H(6)ctc), [{PtL}(3)(μ(3)-ctc)], have been synthesised: (L = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene {dppb}, 1; L = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane {dppe}, 2; L = 4,4′-bis(tert-butyl)-2,2′-bipyridyl {(t)Bu(2)bipy}, 3). The complexes show three low-potential, chemically reversible voltammetric oxidations separated by ca. 180 mV, corresponding to stepwise oxidation of the [ctc](6–) catecholato rings to the semiquinonate level. The redox series [1](0/1+/2+/3+) and [3](0/1+/2+/3+) have been characterised by UV/vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry. The mono- and di-cations have class II mixed valent character, with reduced radical delocalisation compared to an analogous bis-dioxolene system. The SOMO composition of [1˙](+) and [3˙](+) has been delineated by cw EPR, ENDOR and HYSCORE spectroscopies, with the aid of two monometallic model compounds [PtL(DBsq˙)](+) (DBsqH = 3,5-bis(tert-butyl)-1,2-benzosemiquinone; L = dppe or (t)Bu(2)bipy). DF and time-dependent DF calculations confirm these interpretations, and demonstrate changes to spin-delocalisation in the ctc macrocycle as it is sequentially oxidised.