Diamine Ligands Research Articles

Synthesis, characterization, biological activity, DFT and Hirshfeld surface studies of Pd(II) and Pt(II)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenylthiourea and amine ligands

A series of mixed ligand complexes of Pd(II) and Pt(II) of 1-cyclohexyl-3-phenylthiourea and diamine ligands {2,2'-bipyridyl (Bipy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen)} were prepared and characterized by FT-IR, NMR spectroscopy, molar conductivity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and biological activity were carried out on the prepared complexes. In vitro antimicrobial activity was investigated against three pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli). The most active compound 6 was found more active than free ligand and other complexes. The crystal structure of the free ligand was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Hirshfeld surface analysis was executed for the free ligand by finding and exploring the interatomic contacts that are important considering the supramolecular assembly of the crystal. The mechanical stability or response is prophesied by voids analysis. The supramolecular assembly is significantly uncovered by intermolecular interaction energies calculations performed at of the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) electron density level. KEY WORDS: Thiourea, Diamine, Crystal structure, DFT, Hirshfeld surface Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(1), 15-27. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i1.2

Chiral Polymeric Diamine Ligands for Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation.

A series of polymeric chiral diamine ligands are developed by diboron-templated asymmetric reductive couplings, and their iridium complexes Ir-polydiamines are efficient and recyclable catalysts for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of functionalized ketones, affording a series of optically active secondary alcohols in excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) and unprecedentedly high total TONs (12,000, six cycles). Ir-polydiamine catalysts with longer chains offered higher reactivities, providing a plausible deactivation mechanism and practical solutions of ATH for vitamin B5 and phenylephrine.

Copper-Catalyzed Amination of Aryl Chlorides under Mild Reaction Conditions.

We report a mild method for the copper-catalyzed amination of aryl chlorides. Key to the success of the method was the use of highly sterically encumbered N1,N2-diaryl diamine ligands which resist catalyst deactivation, allowing reactions to proceed at significantly lower temperatures and with a broader scope than current protocols. A sequence of highly chemoselective C-N and C-O cross-coupling reactions were demonstrated, and mechanistic studies indicate that oxidative addition of the Cu catalyst to the aryl chlorides is rate-limiting. We anticipate that the design principles disclosed herein will help motivate further advances in Cu-catalyzed transformations of aryl chlorides.

Synthesis and characterization of catalytically active Ni(II) complexes with Bis(phenol)diamine ligands

A novel N,N’-dimethylethylenediamine derivative of substituted bis(phenol)diamine ligands, namely 2-(tert-butyl)-4-methylphenol in H2L1, was synthesized by a convenient green procedure. Nickel)II) complex [NiL1] 1 has been synthesized and characterized by various methods along with crystal structure determined. Ni(II) coordination center in a mononuclear complex is surrounded by two phenolate oxygen atoms and two amine nitrogen atoms of the ligand in a square planar arrangement. The magnetic susceptibility of the title complex indicates a paramagnetic behavior above 150 K, while strong ferromagnetism below 100 K. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammetry studies show two ligand-centered oxidation of the phenolate groups to phenoxyl radical and the metal-centered reduction of Ni(II) to Ni(0). The Glaser coupling reaction of phenylacetylene was also studied. A strong catalytic activity at room T in THF solvent is observed for 1 in the presence of zinc powder as a reducing agent. A full conversion rate was achieved after 7 h at 25 °C. The DFT analysis corroborates with the square-planar NiO2N2 chromophore of 1 being reduced in catalytically active Ni(0) by applied Zn. The calculated Gibbs free energy of the reaction leading to the formation of the substrate Ni-complex is favorable endothermic. Most of the data for 1 were obtained also for the very similar previously reported [NiL2] 2, with 2,4- di tert-butylphenol in H2L2, which were than compared.

Theoretical Study on Photo‐Induced Copper Autoredox Construction of Chiral Amines

AbstractDensity functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to investigate the photo‐induced copper‐catalyzed C−N coupling reaction for the synthesis of chiral tertiary amines. The ligands′ effects on the metal center and the factors determining regioselectivity in chiral tertiary amine formation were examined. The computational results revealed that the oxidative quenching process involved in the photocatalytic redox cycle via CuI‐CuI*‐CuII‐CuIII transitions. Throughout the reaction, four key processes occurred: C−Br bond activation, ligand exchange, amide ion/Br ion exchange, and C−N coupling. Among these steps, alkyl radical generation through single electron transfer was identified as the rate‐determining step with an energy barrier of 13.9 kcal/mol. The chelating diphosphine ligand improved copper‘s reducibility and its capacity to activate the C−Br bond by charge transfer when exposed to visible light (CT). Copper's own redox process was facilitated by interactions between diphosphine and diamine ligands. Finally, when combined with oxygen, this catalyst system formed a chiral plane CuII‐O1‐N1‐N2‐N3 essential for enantioselective product formation.

In-cell Catalysis by Tethered Organo-Osmium Complexes Generates Selectivity for Breast Cancer Cells.

Anticancer agents that exhibit catalytic mechanisms of action offer a unique multi-targeting strategy to overcome drug resistance. Nonetheless, many in-cell catalysts in development are hindered by deactivation by endogenous nucleophiles. We have synthesised a highly potent, stable Os-based 16-electron half-sandwich ('piano stool') catalyst by introducing a permanent covalent tether between the arene and chelated diamine ligand. This catalyst exhibits antiproliferative activity comparable to the clinical drug cisplatin towards triple-negative breast cancer cells and can overcome tamoxifen resistance. Speciation experiments revealed Os to be almost exclusively albumin-bound in the extracellular medium, while cellular accumulation studies identified an energy-dependent, protein-mediated Os accumulation pathway, consistent with albumin-mediated uptake. Importantly, the tethered Os complex was active for in-cell transfer hydrogenation catalysis, initiated by co-administration of a non-toxic dose of sodium formate as a source of hydride, indicating that the Os catalyst is delivered to the cytosol of cancer cells intact. The mechanism of action involves the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus exploiting the inherent redox vulnerability of cancer cells, accompanied by selectivity for cancerous cells over non-tumorigenic cells.

Heteroleptic Ni(II) complexes containing chelating benzoato ligand with sharp bite angle: syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetism

From the system Ni(OH)2 – 4,4′-dmbpy – HBz (HBz = benzoic acid; 4,4′-dmbpy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) under various experimental conditions three complexes were isolated, namely light blue [Ni(4,4′-dmbpy)(Bz)2(H2O)] (1), violet [Ni(4,4′-dmbpy)2(Bz)](Bz)·2HBz (2), and pink microcrystalline product [Ni(4,4′-dmbpy)3](Bz)2·3.5H2O (3). The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined, that of 2 at two temperatures (100 and 277 K). The crystal structure of 1 is formed of neutral molecules, in which the Ni(II) central atom is hexa-coordinated by one chelating diamine ligand, one chelating and one monodentate benzoato ligands, and one aqua ligand. The crystal structure of 2 is ionic and in the complex cation the Ni(II) atom is hexa-coordinated by two chelating diamine ligands and one chelating benzoato ligand. The positive charge of the complex cation is counterbalanced by a benzoate anion, and two additional molecules of benzoic acid are present in the asymmetric unit. Magnetic properties of 1 and 2 were studied in the temperature range 1.8 – 300 K and confirmed strong axial single-ion anisotropy (D/kB = -7.78 K for 1, D/kB = -6.52 K for 2) of the Ni(II) ions in line with the deformed coordination spheres of the central atoms. In addition, antiferromagnetic spin dimers of Ni(II) ions mediated by hydrogen bonds are present in 1 with exchange coupling J/kB = -2.19 K. The obtained experimental results were supported by ab initio and DFT calculations.

Visible Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis by Heteroleptic Ni(II) Complexes with Chelating Nitrogen Ligands: Probing Ligand Substituent Position and Photosensitizer Effects

This study aims to advance the field of green chemistry and catalysis by exploring alternatives to conventional non-renewable energy sources. Emphasis is placed on hydrogen as a potential fuel, with a focus on the catalytic properties of Ni(II) complexes when coordinated with o-phenylenediamine and diimine ligands. We report the synthesis and comprehensive characterization, with various physical and spectroscopic techniques, of three heteroleptic Ni(II) complexes: [Ni(1,10-phenanthroline)(o-phenylene diamine)] (1), [Ni(2,2-dimethyl-2,2-bipyridine)(o-phenylene diamine)] (2), and [Ni(5,5-dimethyl-2,2-bipyridine)(o-phenylene diamine)] (3). The catalytic activity of these complexes for hydrogen evolution was assessed through photochemical studies utilizing visible light irradiation. Two distinct photosensitizers, fluorescein and quantum dots, were examined under diverse conditions. Additionally, their electrocatalytic behavior was investigated to elucidate the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) mechanism, revealing a combined proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET)/electron-coupled proton transfer (ECPT) mechanism attributed to the chemical nature of the diamine ligand. The influence of ligand substituent position, ligand chemical nature, and photosensitizer type on catalytic performance was systematically studied. Among the complexes investigated, complex 2 demonstrated superior catalytic performance, achieving a turnover number (TON) of 3357 in photochemical experiments using fluorescein as a photosensitizer. Conversely, complex 1 exhibited the highest TON of 30,066 for HER when quantum dots were employed as the photosensitizer.

New Series of Ni(II), Cu(II), Zr(IV), Ag(I), and Cd(II) Complexes of Trimethoprim and Diamine Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Studies

New compounds series of [M(TMP)(en)]X·nH2O and [M(TMP)(PD)]X·nH2O, where M = Ni2+, Cu2+, Zr4+, Ag+, Cd2+, TMP = trimethoprim, en = ethylenediamine, PD = o-phenylene and X= Cl− or NO3−, were prepared. The compounds were characterized using techniques including melting points, conductance, elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy. FTIR spectra indicated TMP acted like a bi-dentate ligand, combining via the nitrogen atoms of azomethine and pyrimidine amino groups. Diamine ligands (en or o-PD) are coordinated via two nitrogen atoms. Prepared compounds showed monomeric behavior and adopted a 6-coordinate octahedral geometry based on magnetic susceptibility and UV spectra. Conductivity measurements revealed Zr(IV) compounds were 1:2 conductive, while Ag+ and Cd2+ were 1:1 conductive; Ni2+ and Cu2+ compounds were non-conductive. Antibacterial tests on compounds and ligands against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The mixed metal compounds revealed an observable tendency of antibacterial activity in the order Zr > Cd = Ag > Cu, making Zr(IV) compounds the most biologically active among them against S. aureus (Gram-positive) while the same compounds showed less antibacterial activity against B. subtilis (Gram-negative) than the free ligand.

Structural and electronic properties of 1,10-phenantroline derivatives in complex with Sm, Gd and Tm lanthanides: Insights from calculations

In the present work, outcomes from a density functional theory investigation on the effect of lanthanides (Lns)-containing 1,10 phenanthroline complexes are discussed. Starting from the recently synthetized [Sm(L1)3]3+ (L1 = 1,10 phenanthroline), the effect of metal center replacement and of functionalization in position C5 and C6 of the ligand is examined. In detail, the comparative analysis of electronic and structural properties proceeds testing the presence of Gd3+ and Tm3+ instead of Sm3+, in combination with 1,10 phenanthroline-5,6 dione (L2), 5,6 dimethyl 1,10 phenanthroline (L3) and 1,10 phenatroline-5,6 diamine (L4) ligands. From deeper analysis, it turns out that the lanthanides do not affect the geometrical structure of the complexes, since slight variations of metal–ligand distances are observed. On the other hand, combination of ligands and metals lead to an improvement of the calculated electronic absorption for all the compounds with respect to the available experimental data, linked to the different nature of the frontier orbitals. In particular, for all complexes expected [Gd(L1)3]3+ a near-IR absorption is observed and discussed, thus opening to the possible adoption of such complexes for future photoinduced medical applications.

Coordination Polymer Based on a Triangular Carboxylate Core {Fe(μ3-O)(μ-O2CR)6} and an Aliphatic Diamine.

Interaction of the pre-organized complex of iron(II) trimethylacetate and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) [Fe2(piv)4(phen)2] (1) (piv = (Me)3CCO2-)) with 1,6-diaminohexane (dahx) in anhydrous acetonitrile yielded a 1D coordination polymer [Fe3O(piv)6(dahx)1.5]n (2) and an organic salt of pivalic acid (H2dahx)(piv)2 (3). The structure of the obtained compounds was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The phase purity of the complexes was determined by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. According to the single-crystal X-ray analysis, coordination polymer 2 is formed due to the binding of a triangular carboxylate core {Fe3(μ3-O)(μ-piv)6} with an aliphatic diamine ligand. Thermal behavior was investigated for compounds 1 and 2 in an argon atmosphere.

Synthesis, Theoretical studies, and antibacterial activity of Novel Zn(II) metal complex with salicylaldehyde semicarbazone, and ortho phenylene diamine ligands.

Computational and experimental investigation of synthesized Zn(II) complex. Salicylaldehyde semicarbazone (SSC) and ortho phenylene diamine (OPDA) were the ligands for the preparation of Zn(II) metal complex. Using quantum chemistry simulations at DFT/B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory. FT-IR, UV, and Mass spectrometry methods were characterized the complex. The computed small gap energy demonstrated that the Zn(II) molecule had good biological activity. Measured dipole moment and first-order hyperpolarizability values were useful to investigate the complex NLO activity. Intra-molecular charge transfer, donor-acceptor transitions, and stabilization energies were determined by analyzing natural bond orbital (NBO) and Mulliken charges. Electrophilic and nucleophilic interactions were performed with the MEP map. QTAIM framework explained the nature of different intermolecular interactions within the molecule. Moreover, the ADMET studies of Zn(II) compound were also analyzed. The title molecule showed good antibacterial activity.

Exploration of novel phenyl mercury tetrazole‐thione complexes: Characterization and investigating the impact of diamine ligands on enhanced hydrogen storage

AbstractTen mixed‐ligand phenyl mercury(II) complexes containing 1‐methyl‐1H‐tetrazole‐5‐thiol (HmtzS) (1) and phosphine or amine ligands. These complexes fall into two groups: [PhHg(mtzS){Ph2P(CH2)PPh2}]2 (2) and [PhHg(mtzS){Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2}] (3‐6), where n varies, and [PhHg(mtzS)(diamine)] (8‐10), with diamine choices being 2,2′‐bipyridyl (Bipy, 8), 1,10‐phenathroline (Phen, 9), or ethylenediamine (en, 10). These complexes were synthesized with moderate to high yields and characterized using various techniques. Characterization data revealed that the mtzS− ligand coordinates as a monodentate ligand through the thiolate sulfur atom in all complexes, adopting a tetrahedral geometry around the Hg(II) center. Furthermore, complexes [PhHg(mtzS)] (1) and its diamine derivatives (8‐10) were assessed for hydrogen storage at 77 K using the VTI method. Results demonstrated that the incorporation of diamines improves hydrogen storage capacity at low pressure. The precursor stored (1) 2.3 wt.% at 80 bar, while the other complexes showed storage capacities ranging from 2.9 to 3.86 wt.% at pressures of 45‐60 bar. Thermodynamic properties of the [PhHg(mtzS)(Bipy)] complex was calculated at three different temperatures. The results prove that the entropy was equal to 0.50543599 J/mol H2. K while the enthalpy equal to 0.0942638 KJ/(mol H2).

Homogeneous Non-Metallocene Group 4 Metals Ligated with [N,N] Bidentate Ligand(s) for Olefin Polymerization.

The development of catalysts has significantly advanced the progress of polyolefin materials. In particular, group 4 (Ti, Zr, Hf) non-metallocene catalysts ligated with [N,N] bidentate ligand(s) have garnered increasing attention in the field of olefin polymerization due to their structurally stability and exceptional polymerization behaviors. Ligands containing nitrogen donors are diverse and at the core of many highly active catalysts. They mainly include amidine, guanidinato, diamine, and various N-heterocyclic ligands, which can be used to obtain a series of new polyolefin materials, such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHWMPE), olefin copolymers (ethylene/norbornene and ethylene/α-olefin) with high incorporations, and high isotactic or syndiotactic polypropylene after coordination with group 4 metals and activation by cocatalysts. Herein, we focus on the advancements and applications of this field over the past two decades, and introduce the catalyst precursors with [N,N] ligand(s), involving the effects of ligand structure, cocatalyst selection, and polymerization conditions on the catalytic activity and polymer properties.

Crystal, Solution, and Computational Study of the Structure of Ortho-Lithium N,N-Diisopropyl-P,P-Diphenylphosphinothioic Amide.

The first crystal structure of an ortho-lithium phosphinothioic amide complexed with tetramethylethylenediamine 12 is reported. The complex consists of a spirane in which the spiro-lithium is N,N- and C,S-chelated by the diamine and organophosphorus ligands, respectively. The analogous ortho anion 14 obtained by Sn(IV)/Li transmetallation in THF has also been synthesized. Nuclear magnetic resonance study of both anions showed that they exist as monomers in solution and are involved in dynamic processes including the restricted rotation around the P-N bond. 14 is converted at room temperature by nucleophilic cyclization to the dearomatized anion 15, which evolves after a few hours to the benzophosphindole sulfide 16. Density functional theory calculations supported the aggregation state in solution and were used to explore the conformational space of anion 12, the mechanism of ortho-lithiation directed by P(X)-N (X=O, S) groups, and the mechanism of formation of 15.

Deracemization of Atropisomeric Biaryls Enabled by Copper Catalysis.

Atropisomeric biaryls have found crucial applications in versatile chiral catalysts as well as in ligands for transition metals. Herein, we have developed an efficient crystallization-induced deracemization (CID) method to access chiral biaryls from their racemates with a chiral ammonium salt under copper catalysis including BINOL, NOBIN, and BINAM derivatives. After being significantly accelerated by its bidentate diamine ligand, the copper catalyst exhibits high efficiency and selectivity in racemizing biaryl skeletons, and the cocrystal complex would be enantioselectively formed together with chiral ammonium salt, which on acid-quenching would directly deliver chiral biaryl without further chromatographic purification. This CID process is easily scalable, and the chiral ammonium salt was nicely recoverable. Ligand effect studies showed that bulky alkyl substitution was an indispensable element to ensure efficient racemization, which probably proceeds via a radical-cation intermediate and further allows axial rotation by forming a delocalized radical.

Cytotoxic Pt(II) complexes containing alizarin: a selective carrier for DNA metalation.

Many efforts have been made in the last few decades to selectively transport antitumor agents to their potential target sites with the aim to improve efficacy and selectivity. Indeed, this aspect could greatly improve the beneficial effects of a specific anticancer agent especially in the case of orphan tumors like the triple negative breast cancer. A possible strategy relies on utilizing a protective leaving group like alizarin as the Pt(II) ligand to reduce the deactivation processes of the pharmacophore enacted by Pt resistant cancer cells. In this study a new series of neutral mixed-ligand Pt(II) complexes bearing alizarin and a variety of diamine ligands were synthesized and spectroscopically characterized by FT-IR, NMR and UV-Vis analyses. Three Pt(II) compounds, i.e., 2b, 6b and 7b, emerging as different both in terms of structural properties and cytotoxic effects (not effective, 10.49 ± 1.21 μM and 24.5 ± 1.5 μM, respectively), were chosen for a deeper investigation of the ability of alizarin to work as a selective carrier. The study comprises the in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation against triple negative breast cancer cell lines and ESI-MS interaction studies relative to the reaction of the selected Pt(II) complexes with model proteins and DNA fragments, mimicking potential biological targets. The results allow us to suggest the use of complex 6b as a prospective anticancer agent worthy of further investigations.

Synchronous Switching of Dielectric Constant and Photoluminescence in Cyanidonitridorhenate-Based Crystals.

Switching of multiple physical properties by external stimuli in dynamic materials enables applications in, e.g., smart sensors, biomedical tools, as well as data-storage devices. Among stimuli-responsive materials, inorganic-organic molecular hybrids exhibiting thermal order-disorder phase transitions were tested as promising molecular switches of electrical characteristics, including dielectric constant. We aimed at broadening the multifunctional potential of such hybrid materials towards the switching of not only electrical but also other physical properties, e.g., light emission. We report two ionic salts based on luminescent tetracyanidonitridorhenate(V) anions bearing two different diamine ligands, 1,2-diaminoethane (1) and 1,3-diaminopropane (2), both crystallizing with polar N-methyl-dabconium cations. They exhibit an order-disorder phase transition related to the heating-induced turning-on of the rotation of polar cations. This leads to a unique synchronous switching of the dielectric constant as well as metal-complex-centered photoluminescence, as demonstrated by changes in, e.g., emission lifetime. The roles of organic cations, non-trivial Re(V) complexes, and their interaction in achieving the coupled thermal switching of electrical and optical properties are discussed utilizing experimental and theoretical approaches.

Synchronous Switching of Dielectric Constant and Photoluminescence in Cyanidonitridorhenate‐Based Crystals

AbstractSwitching of multiple physical properties by external stimuli in dynamic materials enables applications in, e.g., smart sensors, biomedical tools, as well as data‐storage devices. Among stimuli‐responsive materials, inorganic‐organic molecular hybrids exhibiting thermal order‐disorder phase transitions were tested as promising molecular switches of electrical characteristics, including dielectric constant. We aimed at broadening the multifunctional potential of such hybrid materials towards the switching of not only electrical but also other physical properties, e.g., light emission. We report two ionic salts based on luminescent tetracyanidonitridorhenate(V) anions bearing two different diamine ligands, 1,2‐diaminoethane (1) and 1,3‐diaminopropane (2), both crystallizing with polar N‐methyl‐dabconium cations. They exhibit an order‐disorder phase transition related to the heating‐induced turning‐on of the rotation of polar cations. This leads to a unique synchronous switching of the dielectric constant as well as metal‐complex‐centered photoluminescence, as demonstrated by changes in, e.g., emission lifetime. The roles of organic cations, non‐trivial Re(V) complexes, and their interaction in achieving the coupled thermal switching of electrical and optical properties are discussed utilizing experimental and theoretical approaches.

Synthesis of β-Enaminones via Palladium-catalyzed Dehydrogenative β-Amination of Saturated Ketones

Abstract A palladium-catalyzed method was developed for the synthesis of β-enaminones from saturated ketones using allyl acetate. In this reaction, allyl acetate acts as a hydrogen scavenger to α,β-dehydrogenate saturated ketones in the presence of a palladium catalyst and diamine ligand. This reaction achieved internal β-carbon–nitrogen bond formation for the first time via the dehydrogenation/conjugate addition protocol, eliminating the need to isolate unstable α,β-unsaturated ketones generated in the reaction.