Bidentate Nitrogen Donor Research Articles

Copper (II) complexes with N, S donor pyrazole-based ligands as anticancer agents.

A group of bidentate nitrogen and sulfur donor pyrazole derivative ligands abbreviated as Na[RNCS(Pz)], Na[RNCS(PzMe2)], Na[RNCS(PzMe3)], Na[RNCS(PzPhMe)], Na[RNCS(PzPh2)], where (R = Et, Ph), and their Cu (II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and physicochemical methods. The crystal structure of [Cu(PhNCSPzMe3)2] was determined by X-ray crystallography analysis and the results described a distorted square planar coordination geometry for this complex. Also, the cyclic voltammetry investigations indicated that the synthesized copper complex is an electrochemically active species. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity of all of the twenty synthesized compounds was evaluated using MTT assay against the MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma) cell lines, in vitro. Cu (II) complexes indicate significant cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 cell lines as compared with the free ligands. The docking studies showed that the copper complexes have better interactions with EGFR and CDK2 proteins, compared to the free ligands, and most of the studied compounds have a higher value of binding energy relative to the studied controls. The results of QSAR analysis suggest that dipole moment is in direct correlation with the obtained IC50 values, and it strongly impact the anticancer effects generated by the compounds. Our findings suggest that the developed copper complexes can be good candidates for further evaluations as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer.

New Complexes of organotin(IV) and organosilicon(IV) with 2-{(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)amino}-benzenethiol: Synthesis, spectral, theoretical, antibacterial, docking studies

New series of dimethyl-, dibutyltin(IV), trimethylsilicon(IV), and phenylsilicon(IV) compounds with bidentate nitrogen and sulphur donor ligands have been synthesized with the 2-{(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)amino}-benzenethiol (LH), in molar ratios of 1:1 and 1:2. For structure elucidation, all produced compounds were characterized using IR, UV–vis, elemental analysis, conductance measurements, NMR (1H, 13C, 29Si, 119Sn) spectroscopy techniques. The 2-{(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)amino}-benzenethiol behaves as monofunctional bidentates, interacting with the tin and silicon atom via the thiolic-sulphur and azomethine-nitrogen atoms. Compound 1, 3, and 5 have a five-coordinated trigonal bipyramidal geometry surrounding the metal atoms, whereas Compound 2, 4, and 6 have deformed octahedral structures. The optimum geometrical parameters, including bond length, bond angles, HOMO, LUMO, electrophilicity index, chemical hardness, global softness, and mulliken atomic charges, were determined using density functional theory-based methods (DFT). The studied compounds and their ligands were simultaneously evaluated for antibacterial activity in-vitro and compared to streptomycin. The binding affinity of compound with bulky group and hydrogen bond acceptor groups is more in comparision of other compounds. The structure activity relationship revealed that compounds with bulky and hydrogen bond acceptor group will enhance the antibacterial activity agaisnt Staphylococcus aureus.

Crystal structures, proton conductivities and luminescence of two organic-inorganic hybrid materials based on Keggin-type clusters and Cu(II)/Cu(I)-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine complexes

Two proton-conductive and luminescent organic-inorganic hybrid materials, {[Cu(II)(bhmbpy)(H2O)(Cl)0.5(CH3CN)]2[PW(VI) 10W(V) 2O39]}·4H2O(1) and {H2[Cu(I)(bhmbpy)2(Cl)Cu(I)(bhmbpy)2][PW12O40]}·7H2O (2) (where bhmbpy is bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine), were synthesized at room temperature. The two products were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray single-crystal diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. The proton conductivities and luminescence of 1 and 2 were studied by using alternating-current impedance spectroscopy and luminescence spectroscopy, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that 1 includes a decorated polyanion chain {[Cu(II)(bhmbpy)(H2O)(Cl)0.5(CH3CN)]2[PW(VI) 10W(V) 2O39]}n and forms a three-dimensional network structure depending on short Cl…Cl contacts and hydrogen-bonding interactions. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that 2 includes a butterfly-like bi-nuclear copper cluster unit with a Cl-bridge, [Cu(I)(bhmbpy)2(Cl)Cu(I)(bhmbpy)2]+, and forms a three-dimensional network structure depending on hydrogen-bonding interactions. [PW12O40]3– anions fill in the network based on hydrogen-bonding and electrostatic interactions. In them, the bhmbpy acts as a bidentate nitrogen donor ligand in the chelating fashion to coordinate with the Cu(II) center in 1 and the Cu(I) center in 2. The bhmbpy in 2 successfully constrains the Cu(I) within a rigid environment in a tetragonal-pyramidal geometry. The two compounds exhibit good proton conductivity (10−4 S·cm−1) at 100 °C in the relative humidity range 35–98%. Their luminescence behaviors in the solid state at room temperature have also been investigated. Upon excitation at 384 nm, 1 exhibits three emission peaks centered at 439, 507 and 566 nm. When excited at 364 nm, 2 displays three emission peaks centered at 443, 501 and 553 nm.

Reversible Photo- and Thermo-Induced Spin-State Switching in a Heterometallic {5d-3d} W2Fe2 Molecular Square Complex.

Following the complex-as-a-ligand strategy, self-assembly of [W(CN)8]3- and iron(II) with bidentate nitrogen donor ligand bik (bik = bis(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)ketone) ligand affords a cyanide-bridged [W2Fe2] molecular square complex [HNBu3]2{[W(CN)8]2[Fe(bik)2]2}·6H2O·CH3OH (1). The complex was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, (photo)magnetic studies, optical reflectivity, electrochemical studies, and spectroscopic studies. Structural analyses revealed that in the [W2Fe2] square motif tungsten(V) and iron(II) centers reside in an alternate corner of the square and are bridged by the cyanide ligands. Complex 1 exhibits thermo-induced spin crossover (SCO) between {WV (S = 1/2) - FeIILS (S = 0)} and {WV (S = 1/2) - FeIIHS (S = 2)} pairs near room temperature and photoinduced spin-state switching with TLIESST = 70 K under light irradiation at low temperature. To the best of our knowledge, 1 represents the first complex containing iron(II) and [WV(CN)8]3- units exhibiting both SCO and photomagnetic effect.

1,1'-Biisoquinolines-Neglected Ligands in the Heterocyclic Diimine Family That Provoke Stereochemical Reflections.

1,1′-Biisoquinolines are a class of bidentate nitrogen donor ligands in the heterocyclic diimine family. This review briefly discusses their properties and the key synthetic pathways available and then concentrates upon their coordination behaviour. The ligands are of interest as they exhibit the phenomenon of atropisomerism (hindered rotation about the C1–C1′ bond). A notation for depicting the stereochemistry in coordination compounds containing multiple stereogenic centers is developed. The consequences of the chirality within the ligand on the coordination behaviour is discussed in detail.

Ternary Cu(II) complexes: synthesis, structural elucidation, and biological studies (DNA binding, cleavage, antibacterial, cytotoxicity)

The present work focused on the assembly of 2-((2-(4-chlorophenylamino)phenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol as primary ligand (VBL) and bidentate nitrogen donors, namely 2,2′-bipyridyl (L1), 1,10-phenanthroline (L2), and ethylenediamine (L3) as secondary ligands with Cu(II) ion. The synthesized compounds were well characterized by different spectral techniques. From the spectral data, square pyramidal geometry is obtained around Cu(II) center. Compounds so prepared have been subjected to interactions with calf thymus DNA and supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA. These studies revealed that these complexes have good interacting property. Anticancer activity to the HeLa (human cervical cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell lines showed substantial cytotoxic effect. The compounds were screened for in vitro antibacterial activity, and the results showed that the complexes exhibited good activity against various pathogens.

Synthesis, crystal structure and luminescent properties of novel lanthanide complexes with CAPh type ligand diphenyl-N-benzoylamidophosphate and bidentate nitrogen donors

Herein we report the synthesis and investigations of the new lanthanide coordination compounds [LnL3bipy] (Ln1) and [LnL3phen] (Ln2) with carbacylamidophosphate type ligand diphenyl-N-benzoylamidophosphate (HL = [PhCONHPO(OPh)2]) and additional ligands 2,2′-bipyridine and 1,10-phenantroline. The obtained complexes were characterized by means of X-Ray, thermal gravimetric analysis, IR, 1H NMR, UV absorption spectroscopy and luminescence spectroscopy at 298 and 77 K. The X-ray diffraction analysis of Eu1 and Eu2 shows that the complexes crystalize in monoclinic crystal system, P 21/n space group. Efficient energy transfer from organic ligands after their excitation sensitizes the lanthanide interior emission from 5D0 or 5D4 levels of EuIII or TbIII respectively, leading to a strong metal-centered luminescence with decay time 1.5–2.0 ms. Intrinsic quantum yields (QLnLn) for europium complexes found to be equal 78 (Eu1) and 70% (Eu2). Overall QY equals 46 and 42% respectively.

Cytotoxic ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes with naproxen as NSAID: Synthesis, biological interactions and antioxidant activity

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) naproxen (nap) bound to ruthenium(II) in the presence of a bidentate nitrogen donor heterocyclic ligands (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), namely, [Ru(bpy)2(nap)][PF6] (1) and [Ru(phen)2(nap)][PF6] (2) have been synthesized and characterized using various physicochemical methods. Naproxen was coordinated to the Ru(II) center through carboxylato oxygen atoms (–COO−) in a bidentate fashion. The compounds were evaluated for their photophysical properties, stability in solution, reactivity with 5′-guanosine monophosphate (5′-GMP) and GSH, interactions with CT-DNA and BSA. The complexes showed high binding affinity or reactivity towards these biological targets and bioanalytes. Both the compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals. The complexes 1 and 2 were highly cytotoxic against PC3 and MCF-7 cancer cells giving IC50 values ranging from 17 µM to 27 µM.

Crystal structures and properties of two Cu(I) complexes based on Keggin-type clusters and diethyl 4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-biquinoline acid

Two proton-conductive Cu(I) complexes based on Keggin-type clusters, [Cu(debqdc)2]2[HPW12O40]·4H2O (1), and [Cu(debqdc)2]2[HPW12O40]·debqdc·4H2O (2), where debqdc is diethyl 4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-biquinoline, were simply synthesized at room temperature. The products were structurally characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that both complexes crystallized in the triclinic space group P−1 and presented two three-dimensional supramolecular networks with one-dimensional hydrophilic channels via hydrogen-bonding interactions and π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings. In the [Cu(debqdc)2]+ ion, debqdc acts as a bidentate nitrogen donor ligand in the chelating fashion. The bulky debqdc ligand constrains the Cu(I) metal center within such a rigid environment in a tetrahedral geometry. The two complexes exhibit good proton conductivities (10−5 ~ 10−4 S cm−1) at 100 °C in the relative humidity range 35 ~ 98%. The luminescence behaviors of these complexes in the solid state at room temperature have also been investigated. Upon excitation at 285 nm, both 1 and 2 display three main emission peaks centered at 470, 520, and 568 nm, respectively.

Ruthenium(II) complexes of saccharin with dipyridoquinoxaline and dipyridophenazine: Structures, biological interactions and photoinduced DNA damage activity

Ruthenium complexes trans-[Ru(sac)2(dpq)2] (1) and trans-[Ru(sac)2(dppz)2] (2) where sac is artificial sweetener saccharin (o-sulfobenzimide; 1,2-benzothiazole-3(2H)-one1,1-dioxide (Hsac)), dpq = dipyrido[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]quinoxaline and dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine have been synthesized and thoroughly characterized using various analytical and spectral techniques. Saccharin known to act as carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) inhibitor which is a biomarker for highly aggressive and proliferative tumor in hypoxic stress, so inhibition of CA IX is a potential strategy for anticancer chemotherapy. The solid state structures, photophysical properties, photostability, DNA and protein binding affinity, and DNA photocleavage activity were explored. The structural analysis revealed Ru(II) centre is in discrete mononuclear, distorted octahedral {RuN6} coordination geometry with two monoanionic nitrogen donor saccharinate ligands and two neutral bidentate nitrogen donors ligands dpq and dppz. cis-[Ru(sac)2(dppz)2] (cis-2) geometrical isomer was also isolated and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The photo-induced dissociation of monodentate saccharin ligand is observed when irradiated at UV-A light of 365 nm. The complexes show significant binding affinity to the calf thymus DNA (Kb ∼ 105 M−1) through significant intercalation through planar dpq and dppz ligands. Interaction of complexes 1 and 2 with bovine serum albumin (BSA) showed remarkable tryptophan emission quenching (KBSA ∼105 M−1). The complexes showed appreciable photoinduced DNA cleavage activity upon irradiation of low power UV-A light of 365 nm from supercoiled (SC) to its nicked circular (NC) form at micromolar complex concentrations. Photocleavage mechanistic studies in presence of O2 reveals involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated through ligand-centered 3ππ* and/or 3MLCT excited states generated upon photoactivation leads to nicking of supercoiled DNA to nicked circular form. In absence of O2, we also observed photocleavage of DNA through formation of photoinduced ligand dissociated Ru-DNA complex involving PACT pathway.

Assessment of the interaction procedure between Pt(IV) prodrug [Pt(5,5′-dmbpy)Cl4 and human serum albumin: Combination of spectroscopic and molecular modeling technique

In this study, a cytotoxic Pt(IV) complex [Pt(5,5′-dmbpy)Cl4 (5,5′-dmbpy is 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) was selected to investigate its affinity to human serum albumin (HSA) by spectroscopy and molecular docking methods. This complex has a bidentate nitrogen donor ligand with four chloride anions attached to a Pt(IV) metal in a distorted octahedral environment. The fluorescence data showed this complex quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through a static quenching mechanism. The binding constant (Kb) and the number of binding sites (n) were obtained based on the results of fluorescence measurements. UV–vis, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy proved that the Pt(IV) complex could slightly change the secondary structure of protein. Thermodynamic parameters show that the Pt(IV) complex binds to HSA through electrostatic and Vander Waals interactions with one binding site. The molecular docking results confirmed the spectroscopic results and showed that Pt(IV) complex is embedded into subdomain IIA of protein. The aim of this study is to describe the performance of effective anti-cancer drugs when faced with proteins such as HSA.

Theoretical calculation and prediction for experimental design to obtain spin crossover complexes

DFT methods were utilized to study SCO complexes. [Fe(2btz)2(NCX)2] (2btz = 2,2′‐bithiazoline, X = S (1) and Se (2)), [Fe(phen)2(NCX)2] (phen = 1,10‐phenantroline, X = S (3) and Se (4)), and [Fe(bpy)2(NCS)2] (5) (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) compounds, which have experimentally shown SCO behavior, were calculated. B3LYP, B3LYP*, OPBE, and OLYP with 6‐31G* and 6‐311 + G** basis sets were employed to calculate the ΔEHS/LS energy gap as a clue to find complexes with SCO behavior. It is found that calculated result by B3LYP* with c3 = 0.14 and OPBE methods and 6‐31G* basis set are in agreement with experimentally observed SCO complexes. Then, newly designed Fe(N‐N)2(X)2 complexes, where N‐N are bidentate nitrogen donor chelating ligands and X= SCN‐, SeCN‐, Cl‐, Br‐, I‐, were chosen to see their potential to be SCO compounds. ΔEHS/LS for potential SCO complexes are estimated from 0.8 to 6.5 kcal/mol in B3LYP* and 0.6–5.7 kcal/mol in OPBE. These calculations suggest [Fe(bpy)2(NCSe)2], [Fe(5dmbpy)2(NCS)2], and [Fe(3‐BrPhen)2(NCSe)2] compounds have the ability to show SCO behavior. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Design, Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Antimicrobial Studies of Metals Based Nitrogen Donor Schiff Bases

A new series of bidentate nitrogen donor type Schiff bases (L1)-(L3) were prepared by the condensation reaction of ethylene-1, 2-diamine with 3, 4, 6-trimethylacetophenone, 2-aminoacetophenone and 2, 4-dimethylacetophenone in 1:2 molar ratio. The ligands were further coordinated with Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) metals to produce their new metal complexes having an octahedral geometry. These compounds were characterized on the basis of their physical, spectral and analytical data. Elemental analysis and spectral data of the uncomplexed ligands and their metal(II) complexes were found to be in good agreement with their structures, indicating high purity of all the newly synthesized compounds. All ligands and their metal complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity. The results of antimicrobial activity indicated that metal complexes have significantly higher activity compared to their corresponding ligands. This higher activity might be due to chelation process which reduces the polarity of metal ion by coordinating with ligands.

Abstract P6-02-09: Structure-activity relationship of ruthenium (Ru) complexes to inhibit breast cancer growth and metastasis

Abstract Previous studies demonstrated that transition metal complexes inhibit cancer cell growth. We have examined a series of ruthenium (Ru (II)) complexes for their ability to inhibit growth of breast cancer cells. Among three complexes with the general formula [Ru(η6-p-cym)(N-N)Cl]+ tested for their abilities to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell growth, the complex with o-phenalyenediamine (o-pda) as the bidentate nitrogen donor (N-N) ligand, [Ru(η6-p-cym)(o-pda)Cl]+, showed significant inhibitory activity in both a concentration- and a time-dependent manners. Although [Ru(η6-p-cym)(o-pda)Cl]+ inhibited growth of various human cancer types such as MCF-7 (breast), SK-Br3 (breast), B-cell lymphoma (Raji), osteosarcoma (HT1080), and melanoma (Bowes) cells, two TN breast cancer cells, HCC1806 and HCC38, were resistant to this treatment, suggesting cell-type specific functions of [Ru(η6-p-cym)(o-pda)Cl]+ for inhibiting cell growth. When MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with [Ru(η6-p-cym)(o-pda)Cl]+, both cleavage of caspase-3 and release of HMGB-1 into conditioned medium increased in a concentration dependent manner, suggesting [Ru(η6-p-cym)(o-pda)Cl]+ induced both apoptosis and necrosis processes. Importantly, [Ru(η6-p-cym)(o-pda)Cl]+ synergistically inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell growth with cyclophosphamide but not doxorubicin and paclitaxel. These results suggest that [Ru(η6-p-cym)(o-pda)Cl]+ is a potent tumor growth inhibitor per se and enhances tumoricidal activity of chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide. Thus, Ru (II) complexes are promising anti-cancer drugs which could be used alone and/or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for breast cancer patients. The opinion and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as representing the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. Citation Format: Joji Iida, Marc L Prazo, Yifeng Lu, Elisabeth T Bell-Loncella, Craig D Shriver. Structure-activity relationship of ruthenium (Ru) complexes to inhibit breast cancer growth and metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-02-09.

Oxidation of dimethylplatinum(II) complexes with malonyl peroxide derivatives

The reaction of the cyclic peroxides cyclobutane malonoyl peroxide and cyclopentane malonoyl peroxide to dimethylplatinum(II) complexes with the bidentate nitrogen donor ligand 4,4′-di-t-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine (bubpy) gave a mixture of the products of cis and trans oxidative addition, [PtMe2{(O2C)2C(C3H6)}(bubpy)] and [PtMe2{(O2C)2C(C4H8)}(bubpy)], respectively. The cis isomers exist with a chelating dicarboxylate ligand, forming a six-membered ring, while the trans isomers are thought to exist as oligomers, which may react with water or solvent to give complexes containing a monodentate dicarboxylate ligand. Equilibration of the product of cis oxidative addition, cis-[PtMe2{(O2C)2C(C3H6)}(bubpy)], with oxalic or phthalic acid to give equilibria with the oxalate cis-[PtMe2(O4C2)(bubpy)] or phthalate cis-[PtMe2{(O2C)2C6H4}(bubpy)] derivative, respectively, indicated the expected sequence of chelate stability oxalate > cyclobutane malonate > phthalate.

Cyanido‐Bearing Cobalt(II/III) Metalloligands – Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties

AbstractNew examples of cyanido‐bearing cobalt(III/II) complexes have been obtained by treatment of CoCl2·6H2O with bidentate nitrogen donors and potassium cyanide in a methanol/water mixture. Depending on the chelating ligand, the cobalt(III) complexes PPh4[Co(en)(CN)4] (1, en = ethylenediamine), PPh4[Co(ampy)(CN)4]·1.5H2O [2, ampy = 2‐(aminomethyl)pyridine], and PPh4[Co(phen)(CN)4]·CH3OH·0.25H2O (3, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) and the cobalt(II) complex PPh4[Co(dmphen)(CN)3]·3H2O (4, dmphen = 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline) were obtained. The complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and variable‐temperature magnetic measurements. They are all mononuclear species with six‐coordinate cobalt(III) (1–3) and five‐coordinate cobalt(II) centers (4), and two nitrogen atoms from each bidentate ligand (1–4) and four (1–3) or three cyanide carbon atoms (4) build somewhat distorted octahedral (1–3) or square‐pyramidal (4) surroundings. Complexes 1–3 are diamagnetic cobalt(III) compounds, whereas 4 is a low‐spin cobalt(II) complex that exhibits Curie behavior in the temperature range 10–300 K. The g values of the X‐band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of 4 both in the solid state and in dichloromethane solution at 4.0 K (g⟂ = 2.28 > g∥ = 2.0) reveal that its unpaired electron is defined by a d‐type orbital. Complexes 1–4 can be viewed as new metalloligands for metal assemblies.

Oxovanadium(IV) Complexes with Nitrogen Donors: Synthesis, Characterisation, and Biological Activities

Some oxovanadium(IV) complexes of SA/SSA and 5, 10, 15, and 20-meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (H2tpp) with unidentate and bidentate nitrogen donors have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, magnetic susceptibility, UV-Vis, IR, mass spectroscopy, TGA/DTA, and 1H, 13C and 51V NMR studies to investigate the steric and electronic effects of axial ligands on the properties of porphyrins. On the basis of these studies, it has been investigated that the axial ligands bind to the sixth coordination site of the vanadium ion to form a relatively stable six-coordinate-porphyrin complex where as in the case of SA/SSA complexes the nitrogen donors bind to the equatorial position giving square pyramidal geometry. The in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines and antimicrobial activities of the synthesized compounds have been done against various fungal and bacterial pathogens. The [VO(SA/SSA)L/L-L] complexes were found to possess higher antibacterial, antifungal activity and in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines than VO(tpp)L complexes.

In Situ Catalysts for the Intramolecular Hydroamination of Aminoalkynes – What Ligand Properties Determine Catalyst Activity?

AbstractInsight into the iridium(I)/rhodium(I)‐catalyzed hydroamination of 4‐pentyn‐1‐amine was established through comparison of catalysts formed in situ from metal precursors and selected ligands with analogous catalysts which had been synthesized and isolated as pure complexes. The isolated metal complexes used were [Rh(bim)(CO)2]BPh4 (1) and [M(bpm)(CO)2]BPh4 (2 M = Rh, 3 M = Ir), which contain the bidentate nitrogen donor ligands bis(1‐methylimidazol‐2‐yl)methane (bim, 4) and bis(1‐pyrazolyl)methane (bpm, 5). The metal precursors used for formation of in situ catalysts included [Rh(μ‐Cl)(CO)2]2, [Ir(μ‐Cl)(CO)2]n, [Ir(μ‐Cl)(C2H4)2]2, [Ir(μ‐Cl)(COE)2]2, and [Ir(μ‐Cl)(COD)]2. The sp2‐hybridised N‐donor ligands investigated included heterocyclic bim (4) and bpm (5); and the diimines glyoxal bis(4‐methylphenylimine) (p‐tol‐DAD, 8), bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenylimino)acenapthene (Mes‐BIAN, 9) and bis(4‐methylphenylimino)acenapthene (p‐tol‐BIAN, 10). The weakly coordinating p‐tol‐DAD (8) ligand was found to yield the most active RhI catalyst which opens up a new, and synthetically very facile, ligand class for the hydroamination reaction. The most active catalysts were formed from a combination of N‐donor ligand, co‐ligand and counterion that resulted in the most electron‐deficient metal centre. This indicated that the most likely mechanism of action of the catalysts was via alkyne binding and activation as a first step.

Synthesis, crystal structure and photophysical properties of lanthanide coordination polymers of 4-[4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)butoxy]benzoate: the effect of bidentate nitrogen donors on luminescence

A new aromatic carboxylate ligand, 4-[4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)butoxy]benzoic acid (HL), has been synthesized by the replacement of the hydroxyl hydrogen of 4-hydroxy benzoic acid with a 9-butyl-9H-carbazole moiety. The anion derived from HL has been used for the support of a series of lanthanide coordination compounds [Ln = Eu (1), Gd (2) and Tb (3)]. The new lanthanide complexes have been characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques. Complex 3 was structurally authenticated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and found to exist as a solvent-free 1D coordination polymer with the formula [Tb(L)(3)](n). The structural data reveal that the terbium atoms in compound 3 reside in an octahedral ligand environment that is somewhat unusual for a lanthanide. It is interesting to note that each carboxylate group exhibits only a bridging-bidentate mode, with a complete lack of more complex connectivities that are commonly observed for extended lanthanide-containing solid-state structures. Examination of the packing diagram for revealed the existence of two-dimensional molecular arrays held together by means of CH-π interactions. Aromatic carboxylates of the lanthanides are known to exhibit highly efficient luminescence, thus offering the promise of applicability as optical devices. However, due to difficulties that arise on account of their polymeric nature, their practical application is somewhat limited. Accordingly, synthetic routes to discrete molecular species are highly desirable. For this purpose, a series of ternary lanthanide complexes was designed, synthesized and characterized, namely [Eu(L)(3)(phen)] (4), [Eu(L)(3)(tmphen)] (5), [Tb(L)(3)(phen)] (6) and [Tb(L)(3)(tmphen)] (7) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and tmphen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline). The photophysical properties of the foregoing complexes in the solid state at room temperature have been investigated. The quantum yields of the ternary complexes 4 (9.65%), 5 (21.00%), 6 (14.07%) and 7 (32.42%), were found to be significantly enhanced in the presence of bidentate nitrogen donors when compared with those of the corresponding binary compounds 1 (0.11%) and 3 (1.45%). Presumably this is due to effective energy transfer from the ancillary ligands.

Insight into the Photoinduced Ligand Exchange Reaction Pathway of cis-[Rh2(μ-O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)6]2+ with a DNA Model Chelate

We previously showed that [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) binds to dsDNA only upon irradiation with visible light and that photolysis results in a 34-fold enhancement of its cytotoxicity toward Hs-27 human skin fibroblasts, making it potentially useful for photodynamic therapy (PDT). With the goal of gaining further insight on the photoinduced binding of DNA to the complex, we investigated by NMR spectroscopy the mechanism by which 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), a model for biologically relevant bidentate nitrogen donor ligands, binds to [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) upon irradiation in D(2)O. The photochemical results are compared to the reactivity in the dark in D(2)O and CD(3)CN. The photolysis of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) with equimolar bpy solutions in D(2)O with visible light affords [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(eq/eq-bpy)(CH(3)CN)(2)(D(2)O(ax))(2)](2+) (eq/eq) with the reaction reaching completion in ~8 h. Only vestiges of eq/eq are observed at the same time in the dark, however, and the reaction is ~20 times slower. Conversely, the dark reaction of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) with an equimolar amount of bpy in CD(3)CN affords [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(η(1)-bpy(ax))(CH(3)CN)(5)](2+) (η(1)-bpy(ax)), which remains present even after 5 days of reaction. The photolysis results in D(2)O are consistent with the exchange of one equiv CH(3)CNeq for solvent, and the resulting species quickly reacting with bpy to generate eq/eq; the initial eq ligand dissociation is assisted by absorption of a photon, thus greatly enhancing the reaction rate. The photolytic reaction of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+):bpy in a 1:2 ratio in D(2)O affords the eq/eq and (eq/eq)(2) adducts. The observed differences in the reactivity in D(2)O vs CD(3)CN are explained by the relative ease of substitution of eq D(2)O vs CD(3)CN by the incoming bpy molecule. These results clearly highlight the importance of dissociation of an eq CH(3)CN molecule from the dirhodium core to attain high reactivity and underscore the importance of light for the reactivity of these compounds, which is essential for PDT agents.