Nickel Complexes Research Articles

Ball-Milling toward Nickel(II) Diphosphine Complexes for Direct Use in Catalysis.

Mechanochemistry turned out to be apowerful synthetic tool enabling the first efficient synthesis of nickel(II) complexes with diphosphines. It has been demonstrated that solventless ball-milling of nickel(II) halides with diphosphines leads to the [NiX2(diphosphine)] type compounds, which can be directly used in catalysis without any purification. Moreover, it was confirmed that despite the presence of impurities in the resulting complexes, their catalytic activity remains identical to those obtained via traditional solvent-based methods.

Synthesis, crystal structure study, characterization, and DFT investigation of a new nickel(II) complex, [dihomopiperazine nickel (II)] sulfate tetrahydrate

A new nickel (II) complex [NiL2](H2O)4(SO4), where L = 1,4-diazepane, has been synthesized by interaction between nickel sulfate and 1,4-diazepane. This complex crystallizes in the Pmcn orthorhombic unit cell with parameters a = 9.173(2) Å, b = 11.691(2) Å, c = 17.015(2) Å, V = 1824.9(5) Å3, and Z = 4. It possesses a mononuclear structure in which the central NiII atom is coordinated by four N atoms from two 1,4-diazepane ligands in a distorted square-planar geometry. In the crystal, the anions [SO4]2−, the cations [NiL2]2+, and the water molecules are held together by H-bonding to form a 2D supramolecular structure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that this compound undergoes a reversible order–disorder phase transition at 486 K with a hysteresis of 32 K. In addition, electrical conductivity measurements showed that the complex has a conductivity value of 4.15 10−4 Ω−1cm−1 at 390 K. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) study results qualitatively supported the experimental data obtained by X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Spotlight on Zinc: Exploring the Visible Light Responsiveness of Zinc Complexes.

Group 12 element zinc(II)-based d10 complexes have long been known for their inherent colorlessness, which has limited their applications in visible light-driven photophysical and photochemical applications, despite the attractiveness of inexpensive and low-toxicity zinc metal. Based on precedents with nickel(0) and copper(I) complexes, which also adopt the d10 electronic configuration, achieving a visible light response from zinc(II) complexes seems feasible; however, investigations and proactive design strategies specifically tailored to zinc remain lacking. In this context, the present invited concept paper highlights zinc's potential for visible light responsiveness and evaluates how molecular designs can achieve this capability. After delineating the differences between zinc and other d10 metal centers, we review recent developments in zinc complexes that exhibit visible light absorption and compare these complexes with previously reported colorless complexes to identify key distinctions. This study provides critical insights into the molecular design guidelines that are pivotal for harnessing the emerging potential of zinc for visible light responses.

Six-coordinated complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) chlorides with N-propargylimidazoles: Synthesis, structure, antimicrobial activity, AIM analysis and molecular docking

New six-coordinated N-propargylimidazole complexes with cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) chlorides, [M(N-propargylimidazole)4Cl2], were obtained in good yields by the reaction of N-propargylimidazole with corresponding metal chlorides. Molecular and crystal structures of compounds 1–3 were studied by X-ray analysis. Numerous non-covalent interactions including halogen bonds and π-stacking forms in the crystal were analyzed in the framework of quantum theory Atom in molecules. An evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of N-propargylimidazole complexes with Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) chlorides in relation to E. durans, B. subtilis and E. coli showed that the complexes of nickel exhibit antimicrobial activity comparable to gentamicin in relation to E. coli. To explore the inhibitory activity mechanism the molecular docking was carry out.

Exploring Raloxifene-Based Metallodrugs: A Versatile Vector Combined with Platinum(II), Palladium(II) and Nickel(II) Dichlorides and Carborates against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses challenges in therapy due to the absence of target expression such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Frequently, the treatment of TNBC involves the combination of several therapeutics. However, an enhanced therapeutic effect can be also achieved within a single molecule. The efficacy of raloxifene can be improved by designing a raloxifene-based hybrid drug bearing a 2,2'-bipyridine moiety (2). Integration of platinum(II), palladium(II), and nickel(II) complexes into this structure dramatically changed the cytotoxicity. The platinum(II) dichloride complex 3 did not demonstrate any activity, while palladium(II) and nickel(II) dichloride complexes 4 and 5 exhibited various cytotoxic behavior towards different types of hormone-receptor positive (HR+) cancer and TNBC cell lines. The replacement of the two chlorido ligands in 3-5 with a dicarbollide (carborate) ion [C2B9H11]2- resulted in reduced activity of compounds 6, 7, and 8. However, the palladacarborane complex 7 demonstrated higher selectivity towards TNBC. Furthermore, the mechanism of action was shifted from cytotoxic to explicitly cytostatic with detectable proliferation arrest and accelerated aging, characterized by senescence-associated phenotype of TNBC cells. This study provides valuable insights into the development of hybrid therapeutics against TNBC.

Monodentate Phosphinoamine Nickel Complex Supported on a Metal-Organic Framework for High-Performance Ethylene Dimerization.

Ethylene dimerization is an efficient industrial chemical process to produce 1-butene, with demanding selectivity and activity requirements on new catalytic systems. Herein, a series of monodentate phosphinoamine-nickel complexes immobilized on UiO-66 are described for ethylene dimerization. These catalysts display extensive molecular tunability of the ligand similar to organometallic catalysis, while maintaining the high stability attributed to the metal-organic framework (MOF)scaffold. The highly flexible postsynthetic modification method enables this study to prepare MOFs functionalized with five different substituted phosphines and 3 N-containing ligands and identify the optimal catalyst UiO-66-L5-NiCl2 with isopropyl substituted nickel mono-phosphinoamine complex. This catalyst shows a remarkable activity and selectivity with a TOF of 29000 (molethyl/molNi/h) and 99% selectivity for 1-butene under ethylene pressure of 15bar. The catalyst is also applicable for continuous production in the packed column micro-reactor with a TON of 72000 (molethyl/molNi). The mechanistic insight for the ethylene oligomerization has been examined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The calculated energy profiles for homogeneous complexes and truncated MOF models reveal varying rate-determining step as β-hydrogen elimination and migratory insertion, respectively. The activation barrier of UiO-66-L5-NiCl2 is lower than other systems, possibly due to the restriction effect caused by clusters and ligands. A comprehensive analysis of the structural parameters of catalysts shows that the cone angle as steric descriptor and butene desorption energy as thermodynamic descriptor can be applied to estimate the reactivity turnover frequency (TOF) with the optimum for UiO-66-L5-NiCl2. This work represents the systematic optimization of ligand effect through combination of experimental and theoretical data and presents a proof-of-concept for ethylene dimerization catalyst through simple heterogenization of organometallic catalyst on MOF.

Physicochemical studies on prepration, structure and bonding of Ni(II) complexes with N,O and S containing ligands

Transition metal complexes of Nickel (II) with nitrogen, Oxygen, and sulphur doners such as thiocarbohydrazido, thio-cyanato, thiosemicarbazido and water are characterized based on structural, magnetic, and spectral data. These complexes have been thoroughly investigated using the physicochemical method. The present work deals mainly with the study of preparation, bonding, and structures with magnetic and spectral properties in Nickel (II) complexes. The bonding is based on the valence bond theory. The magnetic susceptibility of these complexes is observed using Gau balance methods and spectral properties are based on NMR Spectro metre. Keywords:- Nitrogen, Sulphur, complexes, Nickel chloride, Magnetic properties, Structure. Spectral.

Divergent Transformations of Aromatic Esters: Decarbonylative Coupling, Ester Dance, Aryl Exchange, and Deoxygenative Coupling.

ConspectusAromatic esters are cost-effective, versatile, and commonly used scaffolds that are readily synthesized or encountered as synthetic intermediates. While most conventional reactions involving these esters are nucleophilic acyl substitutions or 1,2-nucleophilic additions─where a nucleophile attacks the carbonyl group, decarbonylative transformations offer an alternative pathway by using the carbonyl group as a leaving group. This transition-metal-catalyzed process typically begins with oxidative addition of the C(acyl)-O bond to the metal. Subsequently, the reaction involves the migration of CO to the metal center, the reaction with a nucleophile, and reductive elimination to yield the final product. Pioneering work by Yamamoto on nickel complexes and the development of decarbonylative reactions (such as Mizoroki-Heck-type olefination) using aromatic carboxylic anhydrides catalyzed by palladium were conducted by de Vries and Stephan. Furthermore, reports have surfaced of decarbonylative hydrogenation of pyridyl methyl esters by Murai using ruthenium catalysts as well as Mizoroki-Heck-type reactions of nitro phenyl esters by Gooßen under palladium catalysis. Our group has been at the forefront of developing decarbonylative C-H arylations of phenyl esters with 1,3-azoles and aryl boronic acids using nickel catalysts. The key to this reaction is the use of phenyl esters, which are easy to synthesize, stabilize, and handle, allowing oxidative addition of the C(acyl)-O bond; nickel, which facilitates oxidative addition of the C(acyl)-O bond; and suitable bidentate phosphine ligands that can stabilize the intermediate. By modification of the nucleophiles, esters have been effectively utilized as electrophiles in cross-coupling reactions, encouraging the development of these nucleophiles among researchers. This Account summarizes our advancements in nucleophile development for decarbonylative coupling reactions, particularly highlighting the utilization of aromatic esters in diverse reactions such as alkenylation, intramolecular etherification, α-arylation of ketones, C-H arylation, methylation, and intramolecular C-H arylation for dibenzofuran synthesis, along with cyanation and reductive coupling. We also delve into reaction types that are distinct from typical decarbonylative reactions, including ester dance reactions, aromatic ring exchanges, and deoxygenative transformations, by focusing on the oxidative addition of the C(acyl)-O bond of the aromatic esters to the metal complex. For example, the ester dance reaction is hypothesized to undergo 1,2-translocation starting with oxidative addition to a palladium complex, leading to a sequence of ortho-deprotonation/decarbonylation, followed by protonation, carbonylation, and reductive elimination. The aromatic exchange reaction likely involves oxidative addition of complexes of different aryl electrophiles with a nickel complex. In deoxygenative coupling, an oxidative addition complex with palladium engages with a nucleophile, forming an acyl intermediate that undergoes reductive elimination in the presence of an appropriate reducing agent. These methodologies are poised to captivate the interest of synthetic chemists by offering unconventional and emerging approaches for transforming aromatic esters. Moreover, we demonstrated the potential to transform readily available basic chemicals into new compounds through organic synthesis.

Boronizing of Monel K500 alloy: Microstructural characterization and modeling of boron diffusion

In this study, the thermochemical treatments were carried out using the powder-pack boronizing method at temperatures ranging from 1123 K to 1223 K for durations of 2 to 6 h, with the aim of improving the surface properties of Monel K500 alloy. Microstructural investigation of the boride layers, conducted using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed a needle-like layer structure with high porosity homogeneously distributed on the surface. The results of XRD analysis showed that the boride layer contained different nickel borides (Ni2B, Ni3B, Ni4B3 and NiB12), iron borides (Fe2B and Fe3B) and complex borides (Fe4.5Ni18.5B6 and Fe3Ni3B). The presence and amount of elements in the boride layer were determined by EDS analysis. This study focused mainly on diffusion kinetics studies of boronized Monel K500 alloy. Growth kinetics of the boride layer were investigated using three different approaches such as parabolic growth model, regression model and mean diffusion coefficient (MDC) model. Boron activation energy values were calculated and found to be quite similar, at 266.14 kJ mol−1 and 266.17 kJ mol−1 using the MDC model and parabolic growth model, respectively. These values were compared with similar results reported in the literature.

New phthalazine based nickel (II), cobalt (II), and copper (II) mixed-ligand complexes; characterization, physicochemical properties, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, DFT and molecular docking exploration

In this study, we have employed a straightforward and easily synthesized ligand, namely 1,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydrophthalazine-2(1H)-carbothioamide (DDPC), in conjunction with 8-hydroxyquinoline (QOL) to create new mixed-ligand complex compounds such as Co (II) (C1), Ni (II) (C2), and Cu (II) (C3). Recent research has been dedicated to investigating their antibacterial, antifungal, & anti-inflammatory efficacy. Our approach involved the synthesis and characterization of these novel C1, C2, and C3 mixed-ligand complexes using various analytical methods, having elemental analysis, MS, FT-IR, UV spectroscopy, magnetic, TGA, and stoichiometry analysis by molar ratio methods. Octahedral structures were identified for isolated metal complexes. Utilizing density functional theory (DFT), we estimated the quantum chemical characteristics and optimized molecular structures for each compound. To evaluate their effectiveness in inhibiting the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, a disc diffusion test was conducted. The produced complex compounds displayed meaningfully improved antibacterial & antifungal effectiveness in comparison with the free ligands. Additionally, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects employing the Egg albumin denaturation method. C1, C2, and C3 complexes demonstrated substantial anti-inflammatory potential, surpassing the free ligands & showing analogous efficacy to standard references. Molecular docking analyses against 5JQ9 and 6CLV from Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and COX-2 (5IKT) as an anti-inflammatory effectiveness of enzymes confirmed the bioactivity. Among the tested compounds, C3 exhibited the highest binding affinity, suggesting its potential as a building block for the development of new antibiotics. Finally, we correlated the DFT and molecular docking results with in vitro activities and provided a comprehensive discussion.

Nickel(II) complexes with a tetraazamacrocyclic diene ligand and its isomeric 'ane' forms: Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activities

Nickel(II) complexes with a tetraazamacrocyclic diene ligand and its isomeric 'ane' forms: Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activities

On-Purpose Oligomerization by 2-t-Butyl-4-arylimino-2,3-dihydroacridylnickel(II) Bromides

In this study, 2-t-butyl-4-arylimino-2,3-dihydroacridylnickel dibromides were synthesized by nickel-template one-pot condensation, and well characterized along with the single-crystal X-ray diffraction to one representative complex, revealing a distorted tetrahedral geometry around nickel. When activated with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), all nickel complexes exhibited high activities (up to 1.91 × 106 g mol−1 (Ni) h−1) toward major trimerization of ethylene. When activated with ethylaluminum dichloride (EtAlCl2), however, the title complexes performed good activities (up to 1.05 × 106 g mol−1 (Ni) h−1) for selective dimerization of ethylene. In comparison to analogous nickel complexes, higher activities were achieved with the substituent of t-butyl group, especially in the rare case of nickel complexes performing trimerization of ethylene.

Crystal structure of (6,9-diacetyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylsecochlorinato)nickel(II)

Title compound 1Ni, [Ni(C46H32N4O2)], a secochlorin nickel complex, was prepared by diol cleavage of a precursor trans-dihydroxydimethylchlorin. Two crystallographically independent molecules in the structure are related by pseudo-A lattice centering, with molecules differing mainly by a rotation of one of the acetyls and an adjacent phenyl groups. The two molecules have virtually identical conformations characterized by noticeable in-plane deformation in the A1g mode and a prominent out-of-plane deformation in the B1u (ruffling) mode. Directional interactions between molecules are scarce, limited to just a few C—H...O contacts, and intermolecular interactions are mostly dispersive in nature.

Ethylene Polymerizations Catalyzed by Fluorinated "Sandwich" Diimine-Nickel and Palladium Complexes.

Nickel and palladium complexes bearing "sandwich" diimine ligands with perfluorinated aryl caps have been synthesized, characterized, and explored in ethylene polymerization reactions. The X-ray crystallographic analysis of the precatalysts 16 and 6b shows differences from their nonfluorinated analogues 17 and 19, with the perfluorinated aryl caps centered precisely over the nickel and palladium centers, which results in higher buried volumes of the metal centers relative to the nonfluorinated analogues. The sandwich diimine-palladium complexes 5a and 5b containing perfluorinated aryl caps polymerize ethylene in a controlled fashion with activities that are substantially increased compared with their nonfluorinated analogues. Migratory insertion rates in relevant methyl ethylene complexes agree with the activities exhibited in bulk polymerization experiments. DFT studies suggest that facility of ethylene rotation from its preferred orientation perpendicular to the Pd-alkyl bond into a parallel in-plane conformation contributes to the higher polymerization activity for 5b relative to 18a. For these palladium systems, polymer molecular weights can be controlled via hydrogen addition (hydrogenolysis), which is unusual for late-transition-metal-catalyzed olefin polymerizations with no catalyst deactivation occurring. Sandwich diimine-nickel complexes 6a and 6b with perfluorinated aryl caps show ethylene polymerization activities that are about half of those of classical tetraisopropyl-substituted catalyst 2 but again are more active than the analogous nonfluorinated sandwich complexes. Ethylene polymerizations exhibit living behavior, and branched ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) with very low-molecular-weight distributions (less than 1.1) are obtained. The activated nickel catalysts are stable in the absence of monomer and show good long-term stability at 25 °C.

Novel Nickel(II) complex bearing acenaphthenequinone based thiosemicarbazone bis-Schiff Base: Synthesis, characterization, linkage isomers, antitumor activity, DFT, and DNA docking simulation

The synthesis of a new nickel(II) coordination complex bearing acenaphthenequinone bis(thiosemicarbazone), [NiL], a N2S2 tetradentate bis-Schiff base ligand (H2L), under reflux and sonochemical conditions is reported. These new compounds (H2L and [NiL]) have been characterized by using various techniques such as FT-IR, 1H NMR, ESI-Mass spectrometry, UV–Vis, TGA, and elemental analysis. In addition, molecular structure of the ligand, (H2L)2.4DMSO.H2O, and complexes [NiL]3.2.5CH3OH.0·5H2O (1) and [NiL].CH3CN (2) have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The molecular structures of the nickel(II) complexes (1 and 2) revealed that they are structural isomers differing in their chelate ring arrangements (symmetric 5–5–5-trichelate system for 1 and asymmetric 4–6–5-trichelation for 2). In addition, the anticancer activity of H2L and its nickel(II) complex, [NiL], have been evaluated against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) using colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cytotoxicity of both compounds was compared with two standard anticancer drugs, cisplatin and oxaliplatin. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were done to predict the chemical reactivity of H2L and complexes 1 and 2. Furthermore, DNA binding with H2L and [NiL] was performed using docking simulation to reveal that acenaphthenequinone and amine groups in thiosemicarbazone moieties in both ligand and complex are responsible for the groove binding to DNA via the formation of hydrogen, pi-anion, and pi-sigma bonds.

New Pyridine Dicarbene Pincer Ligands with Ring Expanded NHCs and their Nickel and Chromium Complexes.

The pincer complexes [NiIIBr(CNC)]Br (4), [CrIIIBr3(CNC)] (5 a) and [CrIIIBr2.3Cl0.7(CNC)] (5 b), where CNC=3,3'-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(1-mesityl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene), were obtained from the novel ligand CNC, generated in situ from the precursor (CHNCH)Br2 and [NiIIBr2(PPh3)2] or from [CrII{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2] and (CHNCH)Br2 by aminolysis, respectively. The tetrahedrally distorted square planar (τ4≅0.30) geometry and the singlet ground state of Ni in 4 were attributed to steric constraints of the CNC backbone. Computational methods highlighted the dependence of the coordination geometry and the singlet-triplet energy difference on the size of the N-substituent of the tetrahydropyrimidine wingtips and contrasted it to the situation in 5-membered imidazolin-2-ylidene pincer analogues. The octahedral CrIII metal center in 5 a and 5 b is presumably formed after one electron oxidation from CH2Cl2. 4/MAO and 5 a/MAO were catalysts of moderate activity for the oligomerization and polymerization of ethylene, respectively. The analogous (CH^N^CH)Br2 precursor, where (CH^N^CH)=3,3'-(pyridine-2,6-diylbis(methylene))bis(1-mesityl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-1-ium), was also prepared, however its coordination chemistry was not studied due to the inherent instability of the resulting free C^N^C ligand.

Synthesis, crystal structures and urease inhibition of nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II) and molybdenum(VI) complexes derived from N,n’-bis(4-bromosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine

Three new trinuclear complexes containing either nickel(II), copper(II) or zinc(II), [Ni3L2(NO3)2(CH3OH)2]·2CH3OH (1), [Cu3Br2L2] (2), [Zn3L2(NCS)2(CH3OH)2]·0.5CH3OH·0.5H2O (3), and a new dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complex, [MoO2L] (4), have been prepared from the bis-Schiff base N,N’-bis(4-bromosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine (H2L) with various metal salts in methanol. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV–Vis spectra. Molecular structures were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. The Ni ions in 1 adopt an octahedral coordination environment, bridged by phenolate oxygen and nitrate ligands. The Cu ions in 2 are square pyramidal and square planar, and the Zn ions in 3 are square pyramidal and octahedral. The metal atoms in 2 and 3 are bridged by phenolate oxygen donors. The Mo ion in 4 is octahedral. The Schiff base ligand coordinates to the metal atoms through two phenolate O and two imino N donors. Biological assays revealed that the nickel and copper complexes have effective urease inhibition.

Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Herbicidal Activities of Some Transition Metal Ions Complexes with the Tranexamic Acid.

New tranexamic acid (TXA) complexes of ferric(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zirconium(IV) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), conductimetric (Λ), magnetic susceptibility investigations (μeff), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), ultraviolet visible (UV-vis.), optical band gap energy (Eg) and thermal studies (TG/DTG and DTA). TXA complexes were established in 1 : 2 (metal: ligand) stoichiometric ratio according to CHN data. Based on FT-IR and 1H-NMR data the disappeared of the carboxylic proton supported the deprotonating of TXA and linked to metal ions via the carboxylate group's oxygen atom as a bidentate ligand. UV-visible spectra and magnetic moment demonstrated that all chelates have geometric octahedral structures. Eg values indicated that our complexes are more electro conductive. DTA revealed presence of water molecules in inner and outer spheres of the complexes. DTA results showed that endothermic and exothermic peaks were identified in the degradation mechanisms. The ligand and metal complexes were investigated for their antimicrobial and herbicidal efficacy. The Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes showed antimicrobial activity against some tested species. The obtained results showed a promising herbicidal effect of TXA ligand and its metal complexes particularly copper and zirconium against the three tested plants.

Synthesis, structure, and mechanism of action of a unique mixed-ligand nickel (II)-complex of tetra-dentate phenol-based ligand with di-aquo co-ligands with significant pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic effect against malignant human cancer cells

From the discovery of the anticancer activity of “cisplatin”, various type of numerous mononuclear platinum (II) complexes has been evaluated for antitumor activities, though therapeutic use is limited due to side effects and resistance. In this study, A unique mixed ligand mono nuclear octahedral Ni (II) complex [NiL(H2O)2].0·.5H2O (1) [H2L = N,Nʹ-dimethyl-N,Nʹ-bis (2-hydroxy-3,5-di methyl benzyl)-ethylenediamine] with tetra dentate phenol based ligand with N2O2 donor environment along with two labile water molecules was synthesised. The complex (1) is structurally characterized by spectroscopic tools including single-crystal X-ray diffractometer. Complex (1) crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/n with a = 10.4871(17) Å, b = 20.860 (4) Å and c = 20.955(4) Å. The UV – visible spectra show two peaks around 507 nm and 367 nm due to spin-allowed 1A1g → 1A2g and 1A1g → 1B1g transitions respectively as expected for a square planar d8 system. Mixed ligand octahedral nickel (II) complex with facially coordinating tetra dentate phenol-based ligand (H2L) is in association with two water molecule as ancillary ligand. Two water molecules associated with coordination zone of nickel (II) centre is loosely bound. In this present study, we have evaluated the anti-cancer properties of Complex (1). We found that Complex (1) show potent cancer cell killing activity in case of poorly invasive mice and human cancer cell lines. Complex (1) trigger apoptosis chiefly via p53 dependent pathway. Complex (1) also inhibits cancer cell migration and epithelial to mesenchymal transition in case of metastatic breast cancer cells suggesting potent anti-cancer properties of complex (1).

Promotion of chain growth and suppression of chain transfer by 2-methoxy group in diarylmethyl moiety in pyridine-imine nickel- and palladium-catalyzed ethylene (co)polymerization

Diarylmethyl substituents are commonly used to prevent chain transfer in late-transition metal-catalyzed ethylene polymerization. However, this substituent is not effective in inhibiting chain transfer in the pyridine-imine system. In this study, we introduced substituents at the 2-position of the diarylmethyl moiety to synthesize high molecular weight polyethylene in the pyridine-imine system. Using this strategy, we synthesized two pyridine-imine ligands with either ethyl or methoxy at the 2-position diarylmethyl moiety, along with their corresponding nickel and palladium complexes. These complexes were then utilized for ethylene (co)polymerization. The catalysts with OMe exhibited significantly higher polymerization activity (an order of magnitude, 105 vs. 104 g/(mol Ni·h)) compared to the corresponding Et catalysts. In addition, it was found that polyethylene produced from nickel and palladium catalysts with OMe has higher molecular weights than that produced from ethyl nickel and palladium catalysts. The nickel system produces polyethylene with a molecular weight up to an order of magnitude higher (an order of magnitude, 13.0–13.6 vs. 3.1–4.0 kg/mol). Similar results were also observed in the palladium-catalyzed copolymerization of ethylene with MA. Notably, the palladium catalyst with OMe has a significantly higher capacity for MA insertion (three times, 1.68–4.74 vs. 5.00–11.73 mol%) than the ethyl palladium catalyst, despite their similar spatial steric structures. The observed phenomenon may be attributed to the weak interaction between OMe and the metal center. In addition, 13C NMR analysis showed that the palladium-catalyzed polyethylene and E-MA copolymers are hyperbranched polymers, with the polar groups located at the ends of the branches.