Acetonitrile Adduct Research Articles

A novel highly sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method for monitoring vincristine in plasma and vitreous humor samples with potential application in retinoblastoma therapy

Vincristine is a chemotherapeutic agent which is effective in treating various types of cancer, including retinoblastoma, the most common malignant intraocular tumor in children. There is a clinical requirement for a highly sensitive analytical method to monitor vincristine concentration during treatment. Therefore, we developed a simple, rapid, selective, and highly sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method to determine vincristine concentration in plasma and vitreous humor samples. This method uses an isotopically labeled internal standard. High sensitivity was achieved by specific multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions using a doubly charged acetonitrile adduct of vincristine as a precursor ion in positive mode. Finally, our protocol was fully validated to demonstrate its reliability in determining vincristine in plasma and vitreous humor samples. The method showed an excellent linear range from 0.1 to 50 ng mL−1, with precision ranging from 1.8 to 11.6% (RSD), and with accuracy (relative error %) within ± 11.8%. The matrix effect and extraction recovery for vincristine ranged from 93 to 103% and 98 to 101%, respectively.

Structural Diversity of Silver Fluorinated β-Diketonates: Effect of the Terminal Substituent and Solvent.

In order to demonstrate the role of the fluorination and some solvents in the structural organization of the Ag(I) coordination polymers with β-diketonate ligands (R1C(O)CαHC(O)R2)− we synthesized a series of the compounds containing tfac- (R1 = CH3, R2 = CF3) and pfpac- (R1 = CH3, R2 = C2F5) anions. Solvent-free [Ag(L)]∞ (L = tfac 1, pfpac 2) compounds and the corresponding acetonitrile and toluene adducts have been characterized by elemental analysis and/or NMR, IR and single-crystal XRD. This series includes five new coordination polymers. Compound 1 is a 3D coordination framework based on Ag–Ochelate/bridge, Ag–Cα bonds, and argentophilic interactions. An increase in the fluorinated group leads to a chain coordination polymer 2 of an unusual structural organization. These chains can be represented as a “DNA-type”, where two intertwined helices based on Ag–Ochelate and Ag–Cα bonds are connected through Ag–Obridge ones. Two structural types of chain coordination polymers, [Ag(tfac)(CH3CN)] and [Ag2(L)2(solvent)], have been revealed for the adducts. The latter structural type differs significantly from the previously studied toluene and acetonitrile adducts of fluorinated Ag(I) β-diketonates of the same stoichiometry. Thermal analysis in helium showed that both 1 and 2 decompose to metallic silver with the compound of pfpac-ligand being slightly more stable.

Acetonitrile Adducts of Tranexamic Acid as Sensitive Ions for Quantification at Residue Levels in Human Plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS.

The quantitative analysis of pharmaceuticals in biomatrices by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) is often hampered by adduct formation. The use of the molecular ion resulting from solvent adducts for quantification is uncommon, even if formed in high abundance. In this work, we propose the use of a protonated acetonitrile adduct for the quantitative analysis of tranexamic acid (TXA) by LC-MS/MS. The high abundance of the protonated acetonitrile adduct [M + ACN + H]+ was found to be independent of source-dependent parameters and mobile phase composition. The results obtained for TXA analysis in clinical samples were comparable for both [M + ACN + H]+ and [M + H]+, and no statistically significant differences were observed. The relative stability and structure of the [M + ACN + H]+ ions were also studied by analyzing probable structures from an energetic point of view and by quantum chemical calculations. These findings, and the studied fragmentation pathways, allowed the definition of an acetimidium structure as the best ion to describe the observed acetonitrile protonated adduct of TXA.

Acetonitrile adduct analysis of underivatised amino acids offers improved sensitivity for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry

LC-MS/MS method development for native amino acid detection can be problematic due to low ionisation efficiencies, in source fragmentation, potential for cluster ion formation and incorrect application of chromatography techniques. This has led to the majority of the scientific community derivatising amino acids for more sensitive analysis. Derivatisation has several benefits including reduced signal-to-noise ratios, more efficient ionisation, and a change in polarity, allowing the use of reverse phase chromatography. However, derivatisation of amino acids can be expensive, requires additional sample preparation steps, is more time consuming and increases sample instability, due to the most derivatised amino acids only be stable for finite amount of time. While showing initial promise, development of reliable hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) separation methods has presented difficulties for the analyst including irreproducible separation and poor sensitivity. This study aimed to find a means to improve the detection sensitivity of the 20 protein amino acids by HILIC-MS/MS. We describe the use of previously undescribed amino acid-acetonitrile (ACN) adducts to improve detection of 16 out of the 20 amino acids. While all amino acids examined did form an ACN adduct, 4 had low intensity adduct formation compared to their protonated state, 3 of which are classified as basic amino acids. For 15 of the 20 amino acids tested, we used the ACN adduct for both quantification and qualification ions and demonstrated a significant enhancement in signal-to-noise ratio, ranging from 23 to 1762% improvement. Lower LODs, LOQs and lower ranges of linearity were also achieved for these amino acids. The optimised method was applied to a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) with the potential to be applied to other complex sample types. The improved sensitivity this method offers simplifies sample preparation and reduces the costs of amino acid analysis compared to those methods that rely on derivatisation for sensitivity.

The Properties of Hydrotris(3‐mesitylpyrazol‐1‐yl) Borate Iron(II) Complexes with Aryl Carboxylate Co‐ligands – Stabilization of an Iron(III) Alkylperoxide

AbstractThrough the reaction of [TpMesFeCl] with different benzoic acids, namely salicylic acid (HOBzo−OH), m‐chloro benzoic acid (HOBzm−Cl), p‐dimethylamino benzoic acid (OBzp−N(Me)2) and benzoic acid itself, in the presence of triethylamine corresponding complexes [TpMesFeOBzR] with varying residues R could be isolated and fully characterized (including paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, IR, cyclic voltammetry). From acetonitrile solutions they crystallized as acetonitrile adducts [TpMesFe(NCMe)OBzR], which indicates, that a coordination and activation of an exogeneous substrate is principally possible. While no reactivity towards O2 could be observed, in contact with tBuOOH all complexes were found to form iron(III) tert‐butylperoxide complexes [TpMesFe(OBzR)(OOtBu)], as evidenced by UV‐vis, EPR and Raman spectroscopy. Through UV‐vis studies it was shown, that both the formation rate and the stability of [TpMesFe(OBzR)(OOtBu)] are influenced by the basicity of the benzoate co‐ligands, which is determined by the substituents. An extraordinarily high stability was observed for the salicylate representative, which, however, cannot be explained on basis of such electronic effects; other potential stabilizing factors that may play an important role are discussed.

Identification and characterization of novel metabolites of nintedanib by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry with in silico toxicological assessment.

Nintedanib, an oral, triple angiokinase inhibitor, is used alongside docetaxel in the management of locally recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The present study deals with the identification and characterization of in vitro and in vivo stable and reactive (if any) metabolites of nintedanib and sheds light on some novel metabolites of the drug which have not been reported previously. The study involved an oral administration of the drug to male Wistar rats, followed by collection of the biological matrices (urine, plasma and feces) at specific intervals for determination of in vivo metabolites. In addition, in vitro studies were performed on human and rat liver microsomes in the presence of appropriate co-factors. The samples were subjected to protein precipitation and nitrogen evaporation prior to ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The toxicities of all the metabolites were assessed in silico, employing ADMET Predictor™. A total of 18 metabolites of nintedanib were identified in all the matrices, of which nine were found to be novel and unreported previously. The unreported metabolites were elucidated as oxidative, demethylated and glucuronide conjugates of nintedanib. Interestingly, acetonitrile adducts of a few metabolites (low concentration) were also observed. No reactive metabolites were observed in this study. Characterization of hitherto unknown in vitro and in vivo metabolites of nintedanib adds to the existing knowledge on the metabolism of the drug. Identification on the basis of the solvated adducts can be a useful approach for characterization of minor metabolites, which remain undetected owing to sensitivity issues.

Unusual Acetonitrile Adduct Formed via Photolysis of 4′-Chloro-2-Hydroxybiphenyl in Aqueous Solution

In this work, 2,4'-dichlorobiphenyl (1) yielded 4'-chloro-2-hydroxybiphenyl (2) after photolysis in neutral acetonitrile aqueous (ACN-H2O) solutions. Ultrafast spectroscopic measurements and density functional theory (DFT) computations were performed for 2 in ACN and ACN-H2O (v/v, 1:1). These results were compared with previously published results for 2-hydroxybiphenyl (3). The counterparts 2 and 3 went through a singlet excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in ACN but behaved differently in ACN-H2O with a dehydrochlorination process occurring for 2 and an ESIPT taking place for 3. Computational results indicate that the phenol O-H bond elongates after photoexcitation to induce a concerted asynchronous process with the C-Cl bond increasing first followed by HCl elimination. A biradical intermediate (IM1) is then formed with some spin located at the phenyl 4'-C radical that appears to favor a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process and some spin located on phenoxyl that appears to prefer a subsequent •CH2CN radical rebound. The hydrogen bond promotes HCl elimination, while this is disfavored for ESIPT, making 4'-Cl extrusion the predominant process in ACN-H2O solutions. The mechanistic investigations have fundamental and significant implications for the understanding of polychlorinated biphenyl photolysis in an aqueous environment and hence the photodegradation of these kinds of pollutants in the natural environment.

C–H Nickelation of Aryl Phosphinites: Mechanistic Aspects

The present report describes the results of a combined experimental and computational study on the mechanism of aryl phosphinite cyclonickelation. The reaction of ArOP(i-Pr)2 with [(i-PrCN)NiBr2]n proceeds more readily in acetonitrile relative to toluene; this is because the greater nucleophilicity of acetonitrile toward Ni stabilizes a more reactive acetonitrile adduct bearing one phosphinite ligand (as opposed to two). A sufficiently strong external base such as Et3N serves to quench the HBr generated at the nickelation step, thus allowing isolation of the cyclonickelated species. However, nickelation tests conducted in the absence of external base revealed that D/H scrambling occurs at the ortho positions of C6D5OP(i-Pr)2, implying that the cyclonickelation proceeds independently of the base. Thus, the main role of the external base is to prevent protonation of the Ni–aryl moiety formed via C–H nickelation. Tests have also shown that nickelation rates are affected by the quantity of the base used: the ...

Perfluorinated tert‐Butoxides of Tin(II): The Dimeric Alkoxide and Its Monomeric Ate Complex

Surprisingly little is known about fluorinated tin(II) alkoxides. Here the synthesis and characterization of Sn(ORF)2 [ORF = OC(CF3)3] and the crystal structures of its adducts with phenanthroline and dppe are reported. In addition, its ate complex [Sn(ORF)3]– was synthesized with lithium or sodium as cation and as acetonitrile adduct. The thermolytic behavior of both, the alkoxide and the lithium stannate(II), was investigated together with first electrochemical measurements of Li[Sn(ORF)3].

Pentacoordinated, square pyramidal cationic PCP Ni(II) pincer complexes: ELF and QTAIM topological analyses of nickel–triflate interactions

A previous report introduced a new series of cationic nickel(II) complexes ligated by PCP-type pincer ligands featuring a charge-bearing imidazoliophosphine binding moiety and described their catalytic reactivities in hydroamination of nitriles into amidines. Solid-state characterization of the cationic acetonitrile adducts [(R-PIMIOCOP+)Ni(NCMe)(triflate)]+ (R-PIMIOCOP+ = κP,κC,κP-{2-(R2PO),6-(R2PC4H5N2)C6H3}; R = i-Pr, [1]+; Ph, [2]+) carried out in this follow-up study showed a distorted square pyramidal geometry and a Ni–triflate distance that was shorter than the sum of the Ni and O van der Waals radii, features suggestive of an unusual pentacoordination at the Ni(II) center. In contrast, the related aquo adduct [(i-Pr-PIMIOCOP+)Ni(OH2)(triflate)]+, [3]+, displayed a more conventional square planar geometry. Detailed structural comparisons and theoretical analyses conducted on these and related compounds have allowed a thorough examination of the Ni–triflate interactions in this family of complexes. Thus, topological analysis of the electron localization function (ELF) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) showed that the Ni–triflate interaction is mostly ionic in nature, but has a weak covalence degree. The monosynaptic V(Ni) subvalence basin of nickel is indeed the ELF signature of the covalence degree of the ionic Ni–O bond, which can be quantified by the negative QTAIM energy density at the Ni–O bond critical point and by the absolute value of the ELF covariance 〈σ2(V(O), C(Ni))〉. The ionic character of the Ni–O bond is also reflected in an energy decomposition analysis, showing that this interaction is mostly electrostatic in nature. The computational analyses carried out on this family of complexes provide valuable insight into the character and relative strengths of various Ni–ligand interactions, and allow a number of useful conclusions, including the following: (1) significant Ni–anion interactions at the apical site are observed only with pincer-type ligands featuring at least one cationic imidazoliophosphine binding moiety; (2) these primarily electrostatic Ni–O interactions gain increasing covalence degree when different pincer backbone, co-ligand L, or counter-anions are introduced to enhance the electron deficiency of the Ni(II) center.

Superacids Based on Pentafluoroorthotellurate Derivatives of Aluminum.

The new Lewis acid Al(OTeF5 )3 and its acetonitrile adduct CH3 CN→Al(OTeF5 )3 were obtained by a simple one-step synthesis in batches of up to 15 g. Al(OTeF5 )3 and the adduct were characterized by vibrational spectroscopy (IR, Raman) and quantum-chemical calculations. Furthermore, five different salts of the new weakly coordinating anion [Al(OTeF5 )4 ]- were prepared in a two-step procedure. [Ph4 P][Al(OTeF5 )4 ], Cs[Al(OTeF5 )4 ], [Ph3 C][Al(OTeF5 )4 ], as well as the protonated benzene derivatives [C9 H13 ][Al(OTeF5 )4 ] and [C6 H7 ][Al(OTeF5 )4 ] were characterized by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. Arenium salts have rarely been characterized in the solid state and were synthesized in this work in a simplified fashion.

Examination of different nucleophiles binding to the cationic [(HMB)Ru(1-5-η-butadienesulfonyl)]X (X = OTf, BF4) complexes: Novel phosphonium-1-3-η-butenyl sulfonyl complexes and cationic N, S, O adducts

Tertiary phosphines react with cationic complexes [(HMB)Ru(1-5-η-CH2CHCRCHSO2)]X [HMB = η6-C6Me6; R = H, X = OTf, 3′; R = Me, X = OTf, 4′, BF4, 4) to give the unprecedented formation of the novel phosphonium salts [(HMB)Ru(1–3,5-η-CH2CHCRCH(PR3+X−)SO2)] [R = H, X = OTf, PR3 = PMe3 (5′), PPh3 (8′); R = Me, X = BF4, PR3 = PMe3 (5), PMe2Ph (6), PMePh2 (7), PPh3 (8), P(i-Pr)3 (9)] in which the phosphorus is stereospecifically added to the carbon next to the coordinated sulfonyl group of butadienesulfonyl ligand. There is no evidence of coordination of the phosphine to the ruthenium center, previous to the attack to the heterodienyl ligand, as supported by the lack of formation of phosphonium ions 5 and 8 from derivatives [(HMB)Ru(1–2,5-η-CH2CHCHCHSO2)(PR3)]BF4 (R = Me, 12; Ph, 13). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 5 and 6 have been undertaken.Further reactivity of complexes 3′, 4′ and 4 showed the addition reactions of a variety of ligands L such as CH3CN, as well as Py-d5, CD3CN, D2O, DMSO-d6 resulting in adducts of the type [(HMB)Ru(1–2,5-η-CH2CHCRCHSO2)L]X [R = H, Me; X = OTf, BF4] which were detected spectroscopically by 1H and 13C NMR, except in the case of the more stable and isolable acetonitrile adducts (R = Me; X = BF4; L = CH3CN, 14; CD3CN, 14D).

Cationic Two-Coordinate Complexes of Pd(I) and Pt(I) Have Longer Metal-Ligand Bonds Than Their Neutral Counterparts

Summary One-electron oxidation of known ( t Bu 3 P) 2 M (1, M = Pd; 2, M = Pt) with [Ph 3 C][HCB 11 Cl 11 ] leads to two-coordinate, monovalent cations of the formula [( t Bu 3 P) 2 M][HCB 11 Cl 11 ] (3, M = Pd; 4, M = Pt), which also possess linear geometry but with elongated M–P bonds. Spectroscopic and computational studies consistently show that the unpaired electron of the d 9 configuration of 3 and 4 belongs to largely non-bonding orbitals: the s/d z2 hybrid for Pd and the degenerate d x2-y2 /d xy pair for Pt. We show that molecular-orbital-based arguments alone are incapable of predicting or rationalizing the observed M–P bond lengthening on oxidation; correct prediction and rationalization are achieved only by inclusion of electrostatic and Pauli effects. This emphasizes the dangers of interpreting any perturbative changes in bond metrics solely on the basis of energies and occupancies of molecular orbitals; the inclusion of electrostatic and Pauli components is essential to providing a more complete picture.

Cyanido Antimonate(III) and Bismuthate(III) Anions.

The reaction of in situ generated E(CN)3 (E = Sb, Bi) with different amounts of [Ph4P]CN and [PPN]CN ([PPN]+ = [Ph3P-N-PPh3]+) was studied, affording salts bearing the novel ions [E(CN)5]2-, [Bi2(CN)11]5-, and [Bi(CN)6]3-. The valence lone pair of electrons on the central atom of antimony and bismuth(III) compounds can be either sterically active in an unsymmetric fashion (three shorter bonds + x longer bonds) or symmetric (with rather long averaged bonds). In the presence of weakly coordinating cations (e.g., [Ph4P]+ and [PPN]+), the solid-state structures of salts with [E(CN)5]2- anions contain well-separated cations and monomeric anions, which display a sterically active lone pair and a monomeric square-based pyramidal (pseudo-octahedral) structure. The [Bi(CN)5·MeCN]2- acetonitrile adduct ion exhibits a strongly distorted octahedral structure, which is better understood as a [5 + 1] coordination. The intriguing [Ph4P]6[Bi2(CN)11]CN salt consists of separated cations and anions as well as well-separated [Bi2(CN)11]5- and CN- ions. The structure of the molecular [Bi2(CN)11]5- ion can be described as two square-based-pyramidal [Bi(CN)5]2- fragments connected by a disordered bridging CN- ion, thereby leading to a distorted-octahedral environment around the two Bi centers. Here the steric effect of the lone pair is much less pronounced but still present.

A Boron-Fluorinated Tris(pyrazolyl)borate Ligand ((F) Tp*) and Its Mono- and Dinuclear Copper Complexes [Cu((F) Tp*)2 ] and [Cu2 ((F) Tp*)2 ]: Synthesis, Structures, and DFT Calculations.

Reaction of [Si(3,5-Me2 pz)4 ] (1) with [Cu(MeCN)4 ][BF4 ] (2) gave the mono- and dinuclear copper complexes [Cu2 ((F) Tp*)2 ] (3) and [Cu((F) Tp*)2 ] (4). Both complexes contain the so-far unprecedented boron-fluorinated (F) Tp* ligand ([FB(3,5-Me2 pz)3 ](-) with pz=pyrazolyl) originating from 1, acting as a pyrazolyl transfer reagent, and the [BF4 ](-) counter anion of 2, serving as the source of the {BF} entity. The solid-state structures as well as the NMR and EPR spectroscopic characteristics of the complexes were elaborated. Pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE) experiments revealed that 3 retains (almost entirely) its dimeric structure in benzene, whereas dimer cleavage and formation of acetonitrile adducts, presumably [Cu((F) Tp*)(MeCN)], is observed in acetonitrile. The short Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu distance of 269.16 pm in the solid-state is predicted by DFT calculations to be dictated by dispersion interactions between all atoms in the complex (the Cu-Cu dispersion contribution itself is only very small). As revealed by cyclic voltammetry studies, 3 shows an irreversible (almost quasi-reversible at higher scan rates) oxidation process centred at E(pa) =-0.23 V (E(0) 1/2 =-0.27 V) (vs. Fc/Fc(+) ). Oxidation reactions on a preparative scale with one equivalent of the ferrocenium salt [Fc][BF4 ] (very slow reaction) or air (fast reaction) furnished blue crystals of the mononuclear copper(II) complex [Cu((F) Tp*)2 ] (4). As expected for a Jahn-Teller-active system, the coordination sphere around copper(II) is strongly distorted towards a stretched octahedron, in accordance with EPR spectroscopic findings.

Charge Effects in PCP Pincer Complexes of Ni(II) bearing Phosphinite and Imidazol(i)ophosphine Coordinating Jaws: From Synthesis to Catalysis through Bonding Analysis.

This contribution reports on a new family of Ni(II) pincer complexes featuring phosphinite and functional imidazolyl arms. The proligands (R) PIMC(H) OP(R') react at room temperature with Ni(II) precursors to give the corresponding complexes [((R) PIMCOP(R') )NiBr], where (R) PIMCOP(R) =κ(P) ,κ(C) ,κ(P) -{2-(R'2 PO),6-(R2 PC3 H2 N2 )C6 H3 }, R=iPr, R'=iPr (3 b, 84 %) or Ph (3 c, 45 %). Selective N-methylation of the imidazole imine moiety in 3 b by MeOTf (OTf=OSO2 CF3 ) gave the corresponding imidazoliophosphine [((iPr) PIMIOCOP(iPr) )NiBr][OTf], 4 b, in 89 % yield ((iPr) PIMIOCOP(iPr) =κ(P) ,κ(C) ,κ(P) -{2-(iPr2 PO),6-(iPr2 PC4 H5 N2 )C6 H3 }). Treating 4 b with NaOEt led to the NHC derivative [(NHCCOP(iPr) )NiBr], 5 b, in 47 % yield (NHCCOP(iPr) =κ(P) ,κ(C) ,κ(C) -{2-(iPr2 PO),6-(C4 H5 N2 )C6 H3 )}). The bromo derivatives 3-5 were then treated with AgOTf in acetonitrile to give the corresponding cationic species [((R) PIMCOP(R) )Ni(MeCN)][OTf] [R=Ph, 6 a (89 %) or iPr, 6 b (90 %)], [((R) PIMIOCOP(R) )Ni(MeCN)][OTf]2 [R=Ph, 7 a (79 %) or iPr, 7 b (88 %)], and [(NHCCOP(R) )Ni(MeCN)][OTf] [R=Ph, 8 a (85 %) or iPr, 8 b (84 %)]. All new complexes have been characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, whereas 3 b, 3 c, 5 b, 6 b, and 8 a were also subjected to X-ray diffraction studies. The acetonitrile adducts 6-8 were further studied by using various theoretical analysis tools. In the presence of excess nitrile and amine, the cationic acetonitrile adducts 6-8 catalyze hydroamination of nitriles to give unsymmetrical amidines with catalytic turnover numbers of up to 95.

Unexpected Mild Protection of Alcohols as 2‐O‐THF and 2‐O‐THP Ethers Catalysed by Cp2TiCl Reveal an Intriguing Role of the Solvent in the Single‐Electron Transfer Reaction

AbstractA method for the conversion of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols into the corresponding THF ethers at room temperature and primary and secondary alcohols into the corresponding THP ethers, has been developed using titanium(III) species generated from a catalytic amount of titanocene dichloride or (4R,5R)‐(–)‐2,2‐dimethyl‐α,α,α′,α′‐tetra(1‐naphthyl)‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4,5‐dimethanolatotitanium(IV) dichloride:acetonitrile adduct together with manganese(0) as a reductant and bromoform in THF or THP as the solvent. A radical mechanism is proposed for this transformation revealing an intriguing role of the solvent in the single‐electron transfer reactions catalysed by the low valent TiIII system.

POCOP-Type Pincer Complexes of Nickel: Synthesis, Characterization, and Ligand Exchange Reactivities of New Cationic Acetonitrile Adducts

This report describes the synthesis, characterization, and ligand exchange studies of a family of cationic acetonitrile adducts of nickel featuring resorcinol-based, pincer-type POCOP ligands. The compounds [(R-POCOPR′)Ni(NCMe)][OSO2CF3] (R-POCOPR′ = 2,6-(R′2PO)2(RnC6H3–n); R′ = i-Pr: R = H (1), p-Me (2), p-OMe (3), p-CO2Me (4), p-Br (5), m,m-t-Bu2 (6), m-OMe (7), m-CO2Me (8); R′ = t-Bu: R = H (9), p-CO2Me (10)) were prepared in 80–93% yields by reacting the corresponding charge-neutral bromo derivatives with Ag(OSO2CF3) in acetonitrile. The impact of the R- and R′-substituents on electronics and structures of 1–10 have been probed by NMR, UV–vis, and IR spectra, X-ray crystallography, and cyclic voltammetry measurements. The observed ν(C≡N) values were found to increase with the increasing electron-withdrawing nature of R, i.e., in the order 7 < 3 ∼ 2 ∼ 6 < 1 < 5 ∼ 8 < 4 and 9 < 10. This trend is consistent with the anticipation that enhanced electrophilicity of the nickel center should result in an incr...

Rhenium and technetium tricarbonyl complexes of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands.

A strategy for the conjugation of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands to biomolecules via amide bond formation is described. Both 1-(2-pyridyl)imidazolium or 1-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazolium salts functionalized with a pendant carboxylic acid group were prepared and coupled to glycine benzyl ester using 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)carbodiimide. A series of 10 rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes of the form [ReX(CO)3(ĈN)] (ĈN is a bidentate NHC ligand, and X is a monodentate anionic ligand: Cl(-), RCO2(-)) were synthesized via a Ag2O transmetalation protocol from the Re(I) precursor compound Re(CO)5Cl. The synthesized azolium salts and Re(I) complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and the molecular structures for one imidazolium salt and seven Re(I) complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. (1)H NMR and mass spectrometry studies for an acetonitrile-d3 solution of [ReCl(CO)3(1-(2-pyridyl)-3-methylimidazolylidene)] show that the monodentate chloride ligand is labile and exchanges with this solvent yielding a cationic acetonitrile adduct. For the first time the labeling of an NHC ligand with technetium-99m is reported. Rapid Tc-99m labeling was achieved by heating the imidazolium salt 1-(2-pyridyl)-3-methylimidazolium iodide and Ag2O in methanol, followed by the addition of fac-[(99m)Tc(OH2)3(CO)3](+). To confirm the structure of the (99m)Tc-labeled complex, the equivalent (99)Tc complex was prepared, and mass spectrometric studies showed that the formed Tc complexes are of the form [(99m/99)Tc(CH3CN)(CO)3(1-(2-pyridyl)-3-methylimidazolylidene)](+) with an acetonitrile molecule coordinated to the metal center.

Acetonitrile adduct formation as a sensitive means for simple alcohol detection by LC-MS.

Simple alcohols formed protonated acetonitrile adducts containing up to two acetonitrile molecules when analyzed by ESI or APCI in the presence of acetonitrile in the solvent. These acetonitrile adducts underwent dissociation to form a nitrilium ion, also referred to as the substitution ion. Diols and triols behaved differently. In ESI, they formed only one acetonitrile adduct containing one acetonitrile. The S ion was not observed in ESI and was only weakly observed from the dissociation of the (M + ACN + H)(+) ion. On the other hand, the S ion was abundantly formed from the diols in APCI. This formation of acetonitrile adducts and substitution ion from simple alcohols/diols offers an opportunity to detect simple alcohols/diols sensitively by LC-MS interfaced by ESI or APCI. The utility of this chemistry was demonstrated in a method developed for the quantification of cyclohexanol in rat plasma by monitoring the CID-induced fragmentation from the S ion to a fragment ion.