Mono Copper Complexes Research Articles

Copper complexation of rosarin: formation of bis-copper rosarin and mono-copper linear tridipyrrin complexes.

A novel rosarin di-Cu complex 2Cu-1 and a linear six-pyrrolic mono-copper complex 1Cu-1 were synthesized using rosarin as the ligand. The molecular conformations of these complexes were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The optical study of 1Cu-1 indicated NIR-II absorption due to the long six-pyrrolic ligand and the ICT effect. The 2Cu-1 complex exhibited a very narrow electronic reduction-oxidation gap of 0.50 eV, attributed to the antiaromatic characteristics of the rosarin ring. The first HER study of the di-copper rosarin complex 2Cu-1 indicated that the multi-metal poly-pyrrolic complexes are promising molecular hydrogen evolution reaction catalysts.

A computational mechanistic study of CH hydroxylation with mononuclear copper–oxygen complexes

A computational study of methane hydroxylation by oxygen-bound monocopper complexes.

Theory Demonstrated a "Coupled" Mechanism for O2 Activation and Substrate Hydroxylation by Binuclear Copper Monooxygenases.

Multiscale simulations have been performed to address the longstanding issue of "dioxygen activation" by the binuclear copper monooxygenases (PHM and DβM), which have been traditionally classified as "noncoupled" binuclear copper enzymes. Our QM/MM calculations rule out that CuM(II)-O2• is an active species for H-abstraction from the substrate. In contrast, CuM(II)-O2• would abstract an H atom from the cosubstrate ascorbate to form a CuM(II)-OOH intermediate in PHM and DβM. Consistent with the recently reported structural features of DβM, the umbrella sampling shows that the "open" conformation of the CuM(II)-OOH intermediate could readily transform into the "closed" conformation in PHM, in which we located a mixed-valent μ-hydroperoxodicopper(I,II) intermediate, (μ-OOH)Cu(I)Cu(II). The subsequent O-O cleavage and OH moiety migration to CuH generate the unexpected species (μ-O•)(μ-OH)Cu(II)Cu(II), which is revealed to be the reactive intermediate responsible for substrate hydroxylation. We also demonstrate that the flexible Met ligand is favorable for O-O cleavage reactions, while the replacement of Met with the strongly bound His ligand would inhibit the O-O cleavage reactivity. As such, the study not only demonstrates a "coupled" mechanism for O2 activation by binuclear copper monooxygenases but also deciphers the full catalytic cycle of PHM and DβM in accord with the available experimental data. These findings of O2 activation and substrate hydroxylation by binuclear copper monooxygenases could expand our understanding of the reactivities of the synthetic monocopper complexes.

Gating the electron transfer at a monocopper centre through the supramolecular coordination of water molecules within a protein chamber mimic.

Functionality of enzymes is strongly related to water dynamic processes. The control of the redox potential for metallo-enzymes is intimately linked to the mediation of water molecules in the first and second coordination spheres. Here, we report a unique example of supramolecular control of the redox properties of a biomimetic monocopper complex by water molecules. It is shown that the copper complex based on a calix[6]arene covalently capped with a tetradentate [tris(2-methylpyridyl)amine] (tmpa) core, embedding the metal ion in a hydrophobic cavity, can exist in three different states. The first system displays a totally irreversible redox behaviour. It corresponds to the reduction of the 5-coordinate mono-aqua-CuII complex, which is the thermodynamic species in the +II state. The second system is detected at a high redox potential. It is ascribed to an "empty cavity" or "water-free" state, where the CuI ion sits in a 4-coordinate trigonal environment provided by the tmpa cap. This complex is the thermodynamic species in the +I state under "dry conditions". Surprisingly, a third redox system appears as the water concentration is increased. Under water-saturation conditions, it displays a pseudo-reversible behaviour at a low scan rate at the mid-point from the water-free and aqua species. This third system is not observed with the Cu-tmpa complex deprived of a cavity. In the calix[6]cavity environment, it is ascribed to a species where a pair of water molecules is hosted by the calixarene cavity. A molecular mechanism for the CuII/CuI redox process with an interplay of (H2O) x (x = 0, 1, 2) hosting is proposed on the basis of computational studies. Such an unusual behaviour is ascribed to the unexpected stabilization of the CuI state by inclusion of the pair of water molecules. This phenomenon strongly evidences the drastic influence of the interaction between water molecules and a hydrophobic cavity on controlling the thermodynamics and kinetics of the CuII/CuI electron transfer process.

Spin crossover dynamics studies on the thermally activated molecular oxygen binding mechanism on a model copper complex.

The theoretical description of the primary dioxygen (O2) binding and activation step in many copper or iron enzymes, suffers from the intrinsically electronic non-adiabaticity of the spin flip events of the triplet dioxygen molecule (3O2), mediated by spin-orbit couplings. In this work, we presented the early-stage ultrafast spin flip dynamics of O2 binding for a simplified monocopper complex, involving the coupled singlet and triplet electronic states. The on-the-fly trajectory surface hopping (TSH) simulations have identified the dynamical effects that may influence the mode of O2 coordination (end-on vs. side-on), and the electronic structures can be viewed as complexes of molecular O2 with Cu(i) or as Cu(ii)-superoxide compounds. In addition, significant spin flip events are obversed within the sub-picosecond regime. We hope this work may provide complimentary insights on the traditional interpretation of O2 binding on copper complexes and subsequent catalytic reaction mechanisms.

Monocopper complex based on N-tripodal ligand immobilized in a Nafion® film for biomimetic detection of catechols: Application to dopamine

A complex based on bis-pyrazolyl N-tripodal ligand known to present a good catalytic activity for the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol is used to prepare a novel biomimetic sensor for the determination of catechol derivatives. The modified electrode prepared by encapsulation of the complex in a Nafion® film leads to an electrochemical signal 4.4 times higher than with a glassy carbon electrode for dopamine detection in pH 7 medium. After optimization of the conditions used to immobilize the catalyst on the electrode surface, a calibration curve was obtained with linearity in the range of 30–320μmolL−1 and a detection limit of 8μmolL−1. The sensor was not affected by ascorbic acid and uric acid in similar concentrations to dopamine and its electrochemical response was stable after 40 determinations. The biomimetic sensor can also be used for the detection of other catechol derivatives.

Secondary Sphere Hydrogen Bonding in Monocopper Complexes of Potentially Dinucleating Bis(carboxamide) Ligands.

Reaction of a macrocyclic ligand precursor comprising two bis(carboxamido)pyridine units (H4L4) connected by ethylene linkers with NMe4OH and CuX2 (X = Cl, OAc, or OTf) yielded monocopper complexes [NMe4][(H2L4)Cu(X)] (X = Cl (3), OAc (4), or OH (5)), in contrast to previous work using a related ligand with ortho-phenylene linkers wherein dicopper compounds were isolated. X-ray structures of the complexes revealed hydrogen bonding from the free carboxamide N-H groups in the doubly protonated form of the ligand (H2L4- ) to the monodentate fourth ligand coordinated to the Cu(II) ion. Similar secondary sphere hydrogen bonding interactions were identified in multinuclear compounds [NMe4]2[((H2L4)Cu)n(CO3)] (n = 2 or 3) that were isolated from exposure of 5 to air. Cyclic voltammetry revealed oxidations of 3 and 5 at potentials ~300 mV higher than analogous monocopper complexes of bis(arylcarboxamido)pyridine ligands which lack the intramolecular hydrogen bonds, consistent with removal of electron density from the metal center by the hydrogen bonding array. Another ligand variant (H4L5) with ortho-phenylene linkers and only one bis(carboxamido)pyridine moiety yielded monocopper complexes [NMe4][(H2L5)Cu(OAc)] • DMF (8) and [NMe4][(H2L5)CuCl)] • CH3CN (9), but the X-ray structures revealed a different hydrogen bonding arrangement to the solvate molecules. Nonetheless, a high redox potential for 9 was observed, consistent with intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions in solution.

Bis(benzimidazolyl)amine copper complexes with a synthetic ‘histidine brace’ structural motif relevant to polysaccharide monooxygenases

Reaction of Cu2+ salts with the benzimidazole-N-methylated bis[(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)ethyl]amine ligand 2BB results in either bi- or monometallic complexes. Spectroscopic and solid state characterization reveals either square pyramidal or trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometries around the cupric ions. In [{2BBCu(μ-F)}2](BF4)2, the dicopper structure is determined by the bridging nature of the fluoro ligands, which complement the T-shape arrangement of N3 donors provided by 2BB to define a square pyramidal (or capped distorted tetrahedral) coordination geometry. The monocopper complexes 2BBCuCl2 and [2BBCu(H2O)2](OTf)2 are characterized by a trigonal bipyramidal geometry both in solution and in the solid state. In all complexes, the T-shape N3 donor set of 2BB is analogous to the coordination environment of the copper ions provided by a ‘histidine brace’ and an additional histidine imidazole in the active site of polysaccharide monooxygenases.

Ester catalytic hydrolysis by a tridentate N,N′,N″-copper bridged cyclodextrin dimer

Abstract A new pyridine bridged cyclodextrin dimer mono-copper complex (CuL) was synthesized and characterized. The hydrolysis of carboxylic acid esters, bis(4-nitrophenyl)carbonate (BNPC) and 4-nitrophenyl acetate (NA), and phosphate ester, a DNA model bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP), promoted by CuL has been investigated. The resulting hydrolysis rate constants showed that CuL had a very high rate of catalysis for BNPC hydrolysis, yielding a 2.73 × 103-fold rate enhancement over uncatalyzed hydrolysis at pH 7.00, compared to only a 78.2-fold rate enhancement for NA hydrolysis. The initial first-order rate constant of catalytic hydrolysis for BNPP was 1.01 × 10−7 s−1 at pH 8.5, 35 °C and 0.1 mM catalyst concentration, about 1260-fold acceleration over uncatalyzed hydrolysis. The second rate constant kBNPP of BNPP hydrolysis promoted by CuL was found to be 5.94 × 10−4 M−1 s−1.

Electrochemically Triggered Double Translocation of Two Different Metal Ions with a Ditopic Calix[6]arene Ligand

A ditopic ligand based on a calix[6]arene with three imidazoles (Im) appended at the small rim and three triazoles (Tria) at the large one is able to form selectively two stable heterodinuclear complexes with Zn(II)(Im)/Cu(I)(Tria) and Cu(II)(Im)/Zn(II)(Tria). In the Cu(I) case, the zinc cation is preferentially coordinated at the Im site while the copper is bound at the Tria site. The situation is the opposite when Cu(II) is used. The position of the two cations within the complex can be electrochemically switched via the oxidation-reduction of the copper cation between oxidation states +I and +II. The presence of the zinc cation is crucial (i) to control the bistability of the system by an allosteric structuring role and (ii) to promote the metal switch since the monocopper complex exhibits reversible behavior with Cu located at the imidazole site in both oxidation states. This represents the first example of a double translocation of two different metal cations.

Copper Complexes of Mono‐ and Ditopic [(Methylthio)methyl]borates: Missing Links and Linked Systems En Route to Copper Enzyme Models

TMEDA-free (TMEDA: tetramethylethylenediamine) LiCH(2)SMe is a suitable reagent for the selective introduction of (methylthio)methyl groups into PhBBr(2) and its p-silylated derivative Me(3)Si--C(6)H(4)--BBr(2). The resulting compounds, R*--C(6)H(4)--B(Br)(CH(2)SMe) (R*=H: 2; R*=SiMe(3): 7) and PhB(CH(2)SMe)(2) (3), form cyclic dimers through B--S adduct bonds in solution and in the solid state. Compounds 2 and 3 have successfully been used for preparing the (N(2)S) scorpionate [PhBpz(2)(CH(2)SMe)](-) ([5](-)) (pz: pyrazol-1-yl) and the (NS(2)) scorpionate [PhBpz(CH(2)SMe)(2)](-), respectively. Compound 7 proved to be an excellent building block for the heteroditopic poly(pyrazol-1-yl)borate p-[pz(3)B--C(6)H(4)--Bpz(2)(CH(2)SMe)](2-) ([10](2-)) that mimics the two ligation sites of the copper enzymes peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase and dopamine beta-monooxygenase. Treatment of the monotopic tripod [5](-) with CuCl and CuBr(2) results in the formation of complexes K[Cu(5)(2)] and [Cu(5)(2)]. An X-ray crystallography study of K[Cu(5)(2)] revealed a tetrahedral (N(2)S(2)) coordination environment for the Cu(I) ion, whereas the Cu(II) ion of [Cu(5)(2)] possesses a square-pyramidal (N(4)S) ligand sphere (S-atom in the axial position). The remarkable redox properties of K[Cu(5)(2)] and [Cu(5)(2)] have been assessed by cyclic voltammetry and quantum chemical calculations. The reaction of K[Cu(5)(2)] with dry air leads to the Cu(II) species [Cu(5)(2)] and to a tetranuclear Cu(II) complex featuring [PhB(O)pz(2)](2-) ligands. Addition of CuCl to K(2)[10] gives the complex K(3)[Cu(10)(2)] containing two ligand molecules per Cu(I) center. The Cu(I) ion binds to both heteroscorpionate moieties and thereby establishes a coordination environment similar to that of the Cu(I) ion in K[Cu(5)(2)].

Mechanistic studies on DNA damage by minor groove binding copper-phenanthroline conjugates

Copper–phenanthroline complexes oxidatively damage and cleave nucleic acids. Copper bis-phenanthroline and copper complexes of mono- and bis-phenanthroline conjugates are used as research tools for studying nucleic acid structure and binding interactions. The mechanism of DNA oxidation and cleavage by these complexes was examined using two copper–phenanthroline conjugates of the sequence-specific binding molecule, distamycin. The complexes contained either one or two phenanthroline units that were bonded to the DNA-binding domain through a linker via the 3-position of the copper ligand. A duplex containing independently generated 2-deoxyribonolactone facilitated kinetic analysis of DNA cleavage. Oxidation rate constants were highly dependent upon the ligand environment but rate constants describing elimination of the alkali-labile 2-deoxyribonolactone intermediate were not. Rate constants describing DNA cleavage induced by each molecule were 11–54 times larger than the respective oxidation rate constants. The experiments indicate that DNA cleavage resulting from β-elimination of 2-deoxyribonolactone by copper–phenanthroline complexes is a general mechanism utilized by this family of molecules. In addition, the experiments confirm that DNA damage mediated by mono- and bis-phenanthroline copper complexes proceeds through distinct species, albeit with similar outcomes.

EXAFS studies on copper transferrin

EXAFS spectra of the dicopper and monocopper complexes of human serum transferrin have been recorded and compared to those of the native iron derivative. The experimental data have been analyzed by comparison with EXAFS data obtained from copper(II) model compounds. Evidence is provided for a more regular metal chromophore in copper transferrin with respect to native iron transferrin. No major intersite differences were observed. The results are discussed in light of the recently reported crystal structures of iron transferrins and copper lactoferrin.

Dissociation kinetics of metal complexes in acid. II. Copper complexes of linear polyamines

The acid decomposition kinetics of the monocopper complexes of 20 different linear polyamines have been studied over a range of acid concentrations (0.025 to 0.5 mol dm-3), I 1.0 (NaNO3). Complexes which contain only six-membered chelate rings reacted at a rate which is independent of acid concentration. Complexes with five-membered chelate rings have rate constants which show a non-linear dependence on H+ concentration. Activation parameters have been determined for some complexes. A mechanism, in which the breaking of the first copper-nitrogen bond or the subsequent protonation of the nitrogen atom is the rate-determining step, is proposed.

Dissociation kinetics of metal complexes in acid. Copper complexes of triazamacrocycles

The acid dissociation kinetics of the mono-copper complexes of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane, znn; 1,4,7-triazacyclodecane, zdn; 1,4,8-triazacycloundecane, zud; 1,5,9-triazacyclododecane, zdd; 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane, tmzdd; 1,5,9-triazacyclotridecane, ztd; and cyclohexane- r-1,c-3,c-5 triamine, ccha, were studied in aqueous solution over a range of acid concentrations (0.025-0.5 mol dm-3), I 1.0 (NaN03). A variety of kinetic behaviour is observed. Cu(znn)2+, Cu(zdn)2+ and Cu(zud)2+ display a first-order dependence upon [H+] with kH (298 K) 51 dm3 mol-1 s-1 (znn), 17 dm3 mol-1 s-1 (zdn), and 5.6 dm3 mol-1 s-1 (zud). Cu(zdd)2+, Cu(ztd)2+ and Cu(ccha)2+ show a dependence on [H+] at low acid concentrations but become acid-independent at high concentrations. The acid-independent rate constants are k1 (298 K) 2.2 s-1 (zdd), 15.4 s-1 (ztd) and k1 (283 K) 75 s-1 (ccha). Cu(tmzdd)2+ shows a rate law of the form rate = k+kH[H+] with k (298 K) 1.8×10 s-1 and kH (298 K) 2.0×10-3 dm3 mol-1 s-1. Activation parameters have been determined in all cases except Cu(ccha)2+ which was studied at 10�C. The results are compared with other macrocyclic complex systems, and a general mechanism for these reactions is discussed.