Dinuclear Rhenium Research Articles

Facile C[sbnd]H aryl and O[sbnd]H bonds activation at dirhenium site of [Re2(CO)8(THF)2] complex

The activation of small molecules is a topic of great interest and previously we reported on the easy activation of different types of EH bonds at the dinuclear complex [Re2(CO)8(THF)2] (1) where labile THF molecules coordinate to adjacent rhenium(0) atoms. Here we extend the reactivity of 1 reporting on the oxidative addition of benzene and toluene at room temperature to give [Re2(μ-H)(μ-κC-Ar)(CO)8], Ar = −C6H5 (2) and −C6H4Me (3). Compound 3 is a new example of μ-κC-Ar dinuclear rhenium complex and has been obtained as para and meta isomers (3a,b). It is known from the literature that 2 can activate arenes and heteroarenes via reductive elimination of benzene and oxidative addition of CH bonds to the dinuclear fragment. Here we have studied the reaction of 2 with C6D6 and H2CC(H)Ph and determined the kinetic constants by 1H NMR (1.4 × 10−5 s−1 at 308 K and 1.1 × 10−5 s−1 at 298 K, respectively). The results indicate that the rate-determining step of the reaction is the reductive elimination of benzene, while the oxidative addition is fast. Water and methanol react with 1 in toluene at room temperature to give the hydroxo and methoxo hydrido complexes [Re2(μ-H)(μ-OR)(CO)8], RH (5) and CH3 (6). On reacting 1 with water in deuterated toluene, and monitoring by 1H/2H NMR, a preferential deuteration of the hydride site to give [Re2(μ-D)(μ-OH)(CO)8] is evidenced. This finding excludes the oxidative addition of water on the dinuclear “Re2(CO)8” fragment while supporting a heterolytic addition of water via protonation at the µ-κC-tolyl group, elimination of toluene and addition of OH−. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses have been performed for complexes 3a, 5 and 6 and their solid state structures have been determined. In particular, the crystal structure of 5 results in a new polymorphic form (5b) and it is discussed in comparison with the already known one (5a).

Synthesis and structural elucidation of cytotoxic mono and dinuclear rhenium carbonyl complexes bearing bis-{1,3-(imino pyrrolyl)-m-chloro phenyl)} ligand

A mononuclear and dinuclear rhenium tricarbonyl compounds were synthesized by the one-pot condensation reaction of [Re(CO)5Br], pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde and 4‑chloro-m-phenylene diamine. The mononuclear rhenium tricarbonyl complex containing {3-(imino pyrrolyl)-6‑chloro phenylamine)} ligand (IPP) with formula {[Re(CO)3Br(IPP)], (1), was obtained by refluxing stoichiometric quantities of amine, aldehyde and rhenium metal precursor in methanol solution. Similarly, dinuclear rhenium tricarbonyl compound {[Re(CO)3Br]2(BIPP)], BIPP = bis-{1,3-(imino pyrrolyl)-m-chlorophenyl)}, (2) has been synthesized by refluxing appropriate amounts of aldehyde, and rhenium metal precursor in the presence of one equivalent of amine ligand. Compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The luminescence properties of the formed complexes were studied in solution at room temperature, revealing an extended lifetime for the dinuclear complex 2 in comparison to 1. DFT calculations for the optimized structures helped to understand the geometry of the complexes, whereas TD-DFT revealed the vertical transitions responsible for the photophysical properties of the complexes. The cytotoxicity of such complexes against MCF-7 breast cancer has been also reported, revealing a dose-dependent growth inhibition attributed to a DNA-intercalating mode of binding for both complexes. The pronounced effect of the two metals on the cytotoxic studies and lifetime of the excited species were investigated. The greater intercalation ability of the complex 2 in comparison to complex1 obtained from circular dichroism studies also indicates the greater efficacy of Re complex 2.

Electrochemical water oxidation reaction by dinuclear Re(V) oxo complexes with a 1,4-benzoquinone core via the redox induced electron transfer (RIET) process.

We report two dinuclear rhenium(V) oxo complexes 1 and 2 types, [ReV(O)(Cl)3(L2-)ReV(O)(Cl)3][NBu4]2 (1, L2- = dianionic 2,5-dihydroxy 1,4-benzoquinone (DBQ2-)) and (2, L2- = dianionic chloranilic acid (CA2-) ligands), as a homogeneous electrocatalyst for water oxidation reactions in the acetonitrile-water mixture. The evolution of dioxygen gas at the anode was confirmed by a GC-TCD study. In controlled potential electrolysis (CPE), oxidation at 1.30 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) at neutral pH, 1 and 2 afforded 1+ [ReVI(O)(Cl)3(DBQ˙3-)ReVI(O)(Cl)3]- and 2+ [ReVI(O)(Cl)3(CA˙3-)ReVI(O)(Cl)3]- ions, respectively, via the redox induced electron transfer (RIET) process. Electrochemically generated species of 1+ and 2+ could be isolated in dry acetonitrile. 1+ and 2+ ions give strong EPR signals in fluid solution as well as under frozen glass conditions due to the [ReVI(O)(Cl)3(L˙3-)ReVI(O)(Cl)3]- ↔ [ReVI(O)(Cl)3(L2-)ReV(O)(Cl)3]- (where L2- = DBQ2- and CA2-) equilibrium. However, the continuation of the CPE study (1.30 V vs. Ag/AgCl) in the presence of acetonitrile-water mixture oxidised the in situ generated species of 1+ and 2+ to higher valent ReVIO species. These species (1+ and 2+) bound water through the water nucleophilic attack (WNA) to produce peroxide intermediate species of [ReV(OOH)(Cl)3(DBQ2-)ReV(OOH)(Cl)3] (A1) and [ReV(OOH)(Cl)3(CA2-)ReV(OOH)(Cl)3] (A2) for catalysts 1 and 2, respectively. Interestingly, A1 and A2 were authenticated and analysed by ESI mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy and were the active precursors of this water oxidation process. The extent of current generation under similar conditions suggested that complex 1 is superior to complex 2 for the water oxidation reaction. Notably, the maximum turnover frequency (TOFmax) of catalysts 1 and 2 were 2.1 and 1.6 s-1 at 0.27 V and 0.24 V over potential, respectively, which is very significant in WOR.

Electronic Structure of Re2(O2CR)4Cl2 Complexes (R = H, CMe3) and Reassignment of the Electronic Absorption Spectrum of Re2(O2CCMe3)4Cl2.

Electronic structure calculations on two dinuclear rhenium(III) carboxylate complexes, Re2(O2CH)4Cl2 and Re2(O2CCMe3)4Cl2, are presented and discussed. Allowed electronic transitions for both molecules were calculated using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The results for the pivalate dimer, Re2(O2CCMe3)4Cl2, are compared with previously reported single-crystal polarized absorption spectra obtained by Martin and co-workers (Inorg. Chem.1984, 23, 699-701). Several revisions to the previous spectral assignments are proposed.

The [3+2] Annulation of CF3-Ketimines by Re Catalysis: Access to CF3-Containing Amino Heterocycles and Polyamides.

SummaryTransition metal catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation of imines with double bonds via directed C-H activation offers a direct access to amino cyclic motifs. However, owing to weak coordination and steric hindrance, trifluoromethylated ketimines have been an unaddressed challenge for TM-catalyzed annulations. Here, a rhenium-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation of trifluoromethylated ketimines with isocyanates via C(sp2)-H activation has been disclosed. This approach provides an efficient platform for rapid access to a privileged library of CF3-containing iminoisoindolinones and polyamides by utilizing challenging CF3-ketimines as the annulation component. The capability of gram scale synthesis, the post-functionalization of the cyclization adduct, the derivation of complex natural molecules and the facile synthesis of polyamides highlight a diversity of synthetic potential of the current methodology.

Dinuclear Rhenium Complexes with a Bridging Helicene-bis-bipyridine Ligand: Synthesis, Structure, and Photophysical and Chiroptical Properties.

By attaching pyridine groups to a diaza[6]helicene, a helical, bis-ditopic, bis-N N-coordinating ligand can be accessed. Dinuclear rhenium complexes featuring this bridging ligand, of the form [{Re(CO)3 Cl}2 (N N-N N)], have been prepared and resolved to give enantiopure complexes. These complexes are phosphorescent in solution at room temperature under one- and two-photon excitation. Their experimental chiroptical properties (optical rotation, electronic circular dichroism and circularly polarized emission) have been measured. They show, for instance, emission dissymmetry factors of c.a. ±3x10-3 . Quantum-chemical calculations indicate the importance of stereochemistry on the optical activity, pointing towards further design improvements in such types of complexes.

Dinuclear phosphorescent rhenium(I) complexes as potential anticancer and photodynamic therapy agents.

Chemotherapeutic agents that affect lysosomal functions represent a promising strategy for selective tumor therapy and overcoming drug resistance. In this work, two dinuclear phosphorescent rhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes (DRe1 and DRe2) containing carboline derivatives have been synthesized, characterized and explored as potential chemotherapeutic and photodynamic therapy agents. The two dinuclear rhenium(i) complexes have good intrinsic phosphorescence properties and can label the lysosomes in cancer cells. Both dinuclear rhenium(i) complexes show potent anticancer activities toward several tested cancer cells. Moreover, they also have marked inhibitory activities against cisplatin-resistant human lung carcinoma cells (A549R), with complex DRe2 displaying 16-fold higher activity than cisplatin. Mechanism studies reveal that complex DRe2 can induce cancer cells to overproduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide anion radicals, which leads to lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and subsequent cell apoptosis. Additionally, both DRe1 and DRe2 display significant phototoxicity under light (425 nm) irradiation in A549 cells, with phototoxicity index values of 60.8 and 41.8, respectively. Therefore, these two dinuclear organometallic rhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes are potential anticancer agents for combined chemo-photodynamic therapy.

A dinuclear rhenium complex in the electrochemically driven homogeneous and heterogeneous H+/CO2-reduction.

A dinculear Re(CO)3 complex with a proton responsive phenol unit and a pyrene anchor in the ligand backbone was investigated in the electrochemical CO2/H+ conversion in solution and adsorbed on multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on an GC electrode surface. The pyrene group unit is introduced at the end of the ligand synthesis via a coupling reaction, which allows for a versatile ligand modification in order to tune the electronic properties or to introduce various anchor groups for heterogenisation at a late stage. The redox chemistry of the pyrene-α-diimine-Re(CO)3 complex, 1, was investigated in N,N-dimethylformamide (dmf), including IR-spectroelectrochemical (IR-SEC) characterisation of the short lived, reduced species. Subsequently, the electrochemical H+/CO2-reduction catalysis in dmf/water was investigated. The complex catalyses syngas formation yielding CO and H2 with similar rates, namely in Faraday yields of 45% and 35%, respectively. Since the similar complex without the pyrene anchor in the backbone, I, prefers CO2 over H+ reduction, the formation of syngas was rationalised by the small differences in the redox properties and pKa values of the phenol-pyrene unit in regard to phenol unit as in I. Subsequently, the complex was adsorbed on multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on a GC electrode surface. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed coating of the electrode. The immobilised complex was utilised in the electrochemical CO2/H+ reduction in dmf/water, however, the complex quickly desorbed under reductive conditions, likely due to the good solubility of the reduced species. Water as a solvent prevents desorption as confirmed by XPS, however, then a preference for H2 formation over syngas formation was observed under electrocatalytic conditions. Thus, these experiments show, that the results obtained in aqueous organic solution are not easily transferable to the heterogeneous systems operating in water due to changes in the reaction rates for competing pathways.

Dinuclear and Mononuclear Rhenium Coordination Compounds upon Employment of a Schiff-Base Triol Ligand: Structural, Magnetic, and Computational Studies.

The 1:1 reaction of trans-[ReIIICl3(PPh3)2(MeCN)] with 2-(β-naphthalideneamino)-2-hydroxymethyl-1-propanol, H3L, in toluene gave the dinuclear complex [ReIII2Cl4(HL)(PPh3)]·2C7H8 (1·2C7H8), while the 1:2 reaction led to the formation of complex [ReIVCl2(HL)(PPh3)] (2). In both species, the Schiff-base ligand exists in its doubly deprotonated form, HL2-, forming chelate rings around the metallic centers. In addition, 1·2C7H8 displays a unique triple metal-to-metal bond between the two trivalent rhenium ions separated at a 2.229(1) Å bond distance, while in complex [ReIVCl2(HL)(PPh3)] (2) the two aromatic ligands, HL2- and PPh3, occupy axial positions, with the terminal Cl- ions in the trans position. Investigation of the magnetic properties revealed a Curie paramagnetic behavior ( S = 1/2) with a pronounced temperature independent paramagnetism (TIP) for 1·2C7H8 and 2. Both the geometry and the electronic structure of both compounds have been studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, confirming the triplet and doublet spin ground state of the complexes and furthermore establishing an electron-rich σ2π4δ1δ*1 bond order of 3 for 1·2C7H8. In addition, the absorption spectrum of 1·2C7H8 in CH2Cl2 was simulated by means of DFT calculations and is in excellent agreement with both the crystallographic and theoretical studies. Complex 1·2C7H8 is the first dinuclear rhenium complex with a triple metal-metal bond between trivalent rhenium centers.

High variety of coordination modes of π-conjugated phospholes in dinuclear rhenium carbonyls. Fluxional behavior of σ,π-complexes

A variety of dirhenium carbonyl complexes containing π-conjugated phosphole derivatives were obtained from reaction of [Re2(CO)8(CH3CN)2] with each of the following phospholes: 2,5-bis(2-thienyl)-1-phenylphosphole (btpp), 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1-phenylphosphole (bpypp) and 1,2,5-triphenylphosphole (tpp). The π-conjugated phospholes were found to behave as two-, four- or six-electron donor ligands via σ or σ-π interactions with the metal centers, presenting bridging or chelating coordination modes as determined by spectroscopic methods and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Metal-metal bond cleavage was evidenced when btpp was used, leading to a mono-substituted mononuclear complex. Variable-temperature 1H NMR studies for σ,π-complexes showed a fluxional behavior due to the restricted rotation around the PC and CC bonds of the 1,2,5-trisubstituted phosphole ring.

Luminescent dinuclear rhenium(I)[sbnd]PNA conjugates for microRNA-21 targeting: Synthesis, chemico-physical and biological characterization

Two different luminescent rhenium complexes, having the general formula [Re2(μ-Cl)2(CO)6(μ-1,2-diazine)] and containing two different diazine ligands, namely 4-(pyridazin-4-yl)-butanoic acid (Re-1) and 8-(5-methylpyridazin-4-yl)-octanoic acid (Re-2), were prepared. Exploiting the presence of the carboxylic acid moieties, both complexes were further covalently linked to a 20-mer oligomer (PNA1), bearing a nucleobase sequence complementary to that of mature miR-21–5p (5′-TCAACATCAGTCTGATAAGCTA-3′), as well as to a 20-mer oligomer (PNA2) used as a negative control bearing the sequence 5′-GTGTAACACGTCCTATACGCC-3’. The resulting four Re-PNA conjugates were characterized and used to target miR-21 in the DU145 prostate cancer cell line. The conjugation with PNA did not perturb the photoluminescence behavior of the organometallic fragments: emission from 3MLCT excited states, centered in a range between 580 and 610 nm, was observed, with satisfactory photoluminescence quantum yields (Φ = ca. 0.03–0.01, in aerated water/acetonitrile solution 1/1). Experiments of cell uptake, performed with living prostate cancer cells showed that the length of the aliphatic linker between the rhenium complex and the PNA sequence, strongly affects the cellular localization.

Luminescent conjugates between dinuclear rhenium complexes and 17α-ethynylestradiol: synthesis, photophysical characterization, and cell imaging.

Three new luminescent conjugates between dinuclear rhenium complexes and an estradiol, namely E2-Re, are described. The derivatives have the general formula [Re2(μ-Cl)2(CO)6(μ-R-pydz-17α-ethynylestradiol)] (R-pydz = functionalized 1,2-pyridazine), where the estradiol moiety is covalently bound to the β position of the pyridazine ligand. Different synthetic pathways are investigated, including the inverse-type [4 + 2] Diels Alder cycloaddition reaction between the electron poor 1,2,4,5-tetrazine and 17α-ethynylestradiol for the synthesis of E2-Re1. The three E2-Re conjugates are purified on silica gel and isolated in a spectroscopically pure form in moderate to good yields (28-50%). All the E2-Re conjugates are comprehensively characterized from the spectroscopic and photophysical points of view. Cellular internalization experiments on human MCF-7 and 231 cells are also reported, displaying interesting staining differences depending on the nature of the spacer linking the estradiol unit to the organometallic fragment. Furthermore, the suitability of these conjugates to also stain simple multicellular organisms, i.e. Ciona intestinalis embryos and larvae at different stages of development, is reported here for the first time.

Photochemical CO2 reduction with mononuclear and dinuclear rhenium catalysts bearing a pendant anthracene chromophore.

A series of anthracene-substituted mononuclear and dinuclear rhenium complexes have been studied for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The effects on catalytic activity of one versus two covalently-linked active sites, their relative proximity to one another, and the pendant organic chromophore are discussed.

Photoisomerization of di-nuclear rhenium(i) bpe-based compounds.

Di-nuclear [{(NN)(CO)3Re}2(trans-bpe)](PF6)2 complexes, NN = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (ph2phen) or 4,7-dichloro-1,10-phenanthroline (Cl2phen) and trans-bpe = trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy. Irradiation of acetonitrile solutions led to 1H NMR and UV-visible spectral changes ascribed to trans-to-cis photoisomerization processes showing that the presence of another Re(i)-moiety does not preclude the photoisomerization process. Quantum yields for the di-nuclear isomerization of [{(ph2phen)(CO)3Re}2(trans-bpe)]2+ were higher than those for the corresponding mono-nuclear compound process. Additionally, the higher quantum yield obtained with 254 nm irradiation for [{(Cl2phen)(CO)3Re}2(trans-bpe)]2+ showed, for the first time, that the singlet pathway could also be accessed in addition to the usually observed triplet one. The luminescence in fluid solution observed for the [{(NN)(CO)3Re}2(cis-bpe)]2+ complexes is able to efficiently photosensitize the generation of singlet O2.

Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction with Cis and Trans Conformers of a Rigid Dinuclear Rhenium Complex: Comparing the Monometallic and Cooperative Bimetallic Pathways.

Anthracene-bridged dinuclear rhenium complexes are reported for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction to carbon monoxide (CO). Related by hindered rotation of each rhenium active site to either side of the anthracene bridge, cis and trans conformers have been isolated and characterized. Electrochemical studies reveal distinct mechanisms, whereby the cis conformer operates via cooperative bimetallic CO2 activation and conversion and the trans conformer reduces CO2 through well-established single-site and bimolecular pathways analogous to Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl. Higher turnover frequencies are observed for the cis conformer (35.3 s-1) relative to the trans conformer (22.9 s-1), with both outperforming Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl (11.1 s-1). Notably, at low applied potentials, the cis conformer does not catalyze the reductive disproportionation of CO2 to CO and CO32- in contrast to the trans conformer and mononuclear catalyst, demonstrating that the orientation of active sites and structure of the dinuclear cis complex dictate an alternative catalytic pathway. Further, UV-vis spectroelectrochemical experiments demonstrate that the anthracene bridge prevents intramolecular formation of a deactivated Re-Re-bonded dimer. Indeed, the cis conformer also avoids intermolecular Re-Re bond formation.

Correction to Dinuclear PhotoCORMs: Dioxygen-Assisted Carbon Monoxide Uncaging from Long-Wavelength-Absorbing Metal-Metal-Bonded Carbonyl Complexes.

We describe a new strategy for triggering the photochemical release of caged carbon monoxide (CO) in aerobic media using long-wavelength visible and near-infrared (NIR) light. The dinuclear rhenium–manganese carbonyl complexes (CO)5ReMn(CO)3(L), where L = phenanthroline (1), bipyridine (2), biquinoline (3), or phenanthrolinecarboxaldehyde (4), each show a strong metal–metal-bond-to-ligand (σMM → πL*) charge-transfer absorption band at longer wavelengths. Photolysis with deep-red (1 and 2) or NIR (3 and 4) light leads to homolytic cleavage of the Re–Mn bonds to give mononuclear metal radicals. In the absence of trapping agents, these radicals primarily recombine to reform dinuclear complexes. In oxygenated media, however, the radicals react with dioxygen to form species much more labile toward CO release via secondary thermal and/or photochemical reactions. Conjugation of 4, with an amine-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) oligomer, gives a water-soluble derivative with similar photochemistry. In this contex...

Fac-Re(CO)3-based organometallic supramolecular coordination complexes using thiophene motif decorated flexible ditopic benzimidazolyl donor

Thiophene/bithiophene units decorated flexible ditopic benzimidazolyl donors (Ln) were synthesized. Neutral, heteroleptic, dinuclear rhenium(I)-based organometallic supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs) (1–4) were synthesized using Ln, Re2(CO)10 and tetrahydroxy-p-benzoquinone via one-step procedure. All the molecules were characterized by various methods. SCCs 1, 2 and 4 were further analyzed by X-ray analysis. All the ligands and the complexes are emissive at room temperature.

Coordination susceptibilities of cinnamaldehyde and cuminaldehyde derived Schiff bases towards the fac-[Re(CO)3]+ core: Formation, computational and DNA interaction studies

Abstract Herein, we explore the coordination behaviours of Schiff bases derived from constituents of essential oils (viz. cinnamaldehyde and cuminaldehyde) and aromatic amines (viz. 2-aminophenol and 4-aminoantipyrene) towards the facial tricarbonylrhenium(I) core. The resultant rhenium(I) compounds: (µ-X)2[Re(CO)3]2 {where X = 2-{[3-phenylprop-2-en-1-ylidene]amino}phenol (ciap) (for 1) or 2-{[4-(propan-2-yl)benzylidene]amino}phenol (cuap) (for 2), fac-[Re(CO)3(apy)Cl] (apy = 4-aminoantipyrene) (3) and fac-[Re(CO)3(cinap)Cl] (cinap = 1, 5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-4-{[3-phenylprop-2-en-1-ylidene]amino}-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one) (4) were formed. The metal compounds were spectroscopically characterized and structural elucidations were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. DFT studies were utilized to rationalize the contrasting coordination behaviours of the structural analogues, 1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-4-{[4-(propan-2-yl)benzylidene]amino}-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one (cumap) and cinap in the formation of 3 and 4, respectively. These metal compounds showed affinities towards Calf-Thymus DNA based on UV-Vis DNA binding titrations and molecular docking studies revealed that they are groove binders. In addition, gel electrophoresis experiments indicated that steric factors has an influence on the DNA cleavage activities of the mono- and dinuclear rhenium(I) compounds.

Dinuclear Rhenium Complex with a Proton Responsive Ligand as a Redox Catalyst for the Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Herein, we present the reduction chemistry of a dinuclear α-diimine rhenium complex, 1, [Re2(L)(CO)6Cl2], with a proton responsive ligand and its application as a catalyst in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (L = 4-tert-butyl-2,6-bis(6-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-pyridin-2-yl)phenol). The complex has a phenol group in close proximity to the active center, which may act as a proton relay during catalysis, and pyridine-NH-imidazole units as α-diimine donors. The complex is an active catalyst for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction. CO is the main product after catalysis, and only small amounts of H2 were observed, which can be related to the ligand reactivity. The ic/ip ratio of 20 in dimethylformamide (DMF) + 10% water for 1 points to a higher activity with regard to [Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl] in MeCN/H2O, albeit 1 requires a slightly larger overpotential (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). Spectroscopic and theoretical investigations revealed detailed information about the reduction chemistry of 1. The complex exhibits two reduction processes in DMF, and each process was identified as a two-electron reduction in the absence of CO2. The first 2e- reduction is ligand based and leads to homolytic N-H bond cleavage reactions at the imidazole units of 1, which is equal to a net double proton removal from 1 forming [Re2(LH-2)(CO)6Cl2]2-. The second 2e- reduction process has been identified as an O-H bond cleavage reaction at the phenol group, removal of chloride ions from the coordination spheres of the metal ions, and a ligand-centered one-electron reduction of [Re2(LH-3)(CO)6Cl]2-. In the presence of CO2, the second reduction process initiates catalysis. The reduced species is highly nucleophilic and likely favors the reaction with CO2 instead of O-H bond cleavage.

Glyco-functionalized dinuclear rhenium(i) complexes for cell imaging.

The design, synthesis and photophysical characterization of four new luminescent glycosylated luminophores based on dinuclear rhenium complexes, namely Glyco-Re, are described. The derivatives have the general formula [Re2(μ-Cl)2(CO)6(μ-pydz-R)] (R-pydz = functionalized 1,2-pyridazine), where a sugar residue (R) is covalently bound to the pyridazine ligand in the β position. Different synthetic pathways have been investigated including the so-called neo-glycorandomization procedure, affording stereoselectively glyco-conjugates containing glucose and maltose in a β anomeric configuration. A multivalent dinuclear rhenium glycodendron bearing three glucose units is also synthesized. All the Glyco-Re conjugates are comprehensively characterized and their photophysical properties and cellular internalization experiments on human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells are reported. The results show that such Glyco-Re complexes display interesting bio-imaging properties, i.e. high cell permeability, organelle selectivity, low cytotoxicity and fast internalization. These findings make the presented Glyco-Re derivatives efficient phosphorescent probes suitable for cell imaging application.