The zwitterionic [FeC10H9]+[FeC10H9][B9C2H10]- (3) has been prepared by oxidation of the anionic [(FeC10H9)2(B9C2H10)]- (2). Compound 3 is an example of a rare neutral mixed-valent complex. Single crystal X-ray analyses of 2, 3, and the parent [(FeC10H9)2B10C2H10] (1) reveal a lengthening of one set of Fe-Cp distances in 3, consistent with the formation of a Fe(II) / Fe(III) compound. Near-IR spectroscopic studies of 3 in DCM display an inter-valent charge transfer (IVCT) band characteristic of Robin-Day Class II mixed-valent complexes. Localization of the charge on the carborane removes the need for an external counterion, which is a significant benefit in their potential application as surface-bound molecular switches. The adhesion, ordering, and characterization of 3 has been observed by scanning tunneling microscopy.

Molecular switches: Exploring the counter-ion problem

249th National Meeting (2015)

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