Pyridyl Arms Research Articles

Synthesis, X-ray Structure, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Microbial Activities of Zn(II) Complexes with a Hydrazono s-Triazine Bearing Pyridyl Arm

Synthesis, X-ray Structure, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Microbial Activities of Zn(II) Complexes with a Hydrazono s-Triazine Bearing Pyridyl Arm

Ligand Modifications Produce Two‐Step Magnetic Switching in a Cobalt(dioxolene) Complex

AbstractMononuclear monodioxolene valence tautomeric (VT) cobalt complexes typically exist in their low spin (l.s.) CoIII(cat2−) and high spin (h.s.) CoII(sq⋅−) forms (cat2−=catecholato, and sq⋅−=seminquinonato forms of 3,5−di−tBu‐1,2‐dioxolene), which reversibly interconvert via temperature‐dependent intramolecular electron transfer. Typically, the remaining four coordination sites on cobalt are supported by a tetradentate ligand whose properties influence the temperature at which VT occurs. We report that replacing one chelating pyridyl arm of tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa) with a weaker field ortho‐anisole moiety facilitates access to a third magnetic state, and examine a series of related complexes. Variable temperature crystallographic, magnetic, calorimetric, and spectroscopic studies support that this third state is consistent with l.s. CoII(sq⋅−). Thus, our ligand modifications not only provide access to the VT transition from l.s. CoIII(cat2−) to l.s. CoII(sq⋅−), but at higher temperatures, the complex undergoes spin crossover from l.s. CoII(sq⋅−) to h.s. CoII(sq⋅−), representing the first example of two‐step magnetic switching in a mononuclear monodioxolene cobalt complex. We hypothesize that ligand dynamicity may facilitate access to the rarely observed l.s. CoII(sq⋅−) intermediate state, suggesting a new design criterion in the development of stimulus‐responsive multi‐state molecular switches.

Ligand Modifications Produce Two-Step Magnetic Switching in a Cobalt(dioxolene) Complex.

Mononuclear monodioxolene valence tautomeric (VT) cobalt complexes typically exist in their low spin (l.s.) CoIII (cat2- ) and high spin (h.s.) CoII (sq⋅- ) forms (cat2- =catecholato, and sq⋅- =seminquinonato forms of 3,5-di-t Bu-1,2-dioxolene), which reversibly interconvert via temperature-dependent intramolecular electron transfer. Typically, the remaining four coordination sites on cobalt are supported by a tetradentate ligand whose properties influence the temperature at which VT occurs. We report that replacing one chelating pyridyl arm of tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa) with a weaker field ortho-anisole moiety facilitates access to a third magnetic state, and examine a series of related complexes. Variable temperature crystallographic, magnetic, calorimetric, and spectroscopic studies support that this third state is consistent with l.s. CoII (sq⋅- ). Thus, our ligand modifications not only provide access to the VT transition from l.s. CoIII (cat2- ) to l.s. CoII (sq⋅- ), but at higher temperatures, the complex undergoes spin crossover from l.s. CoII (sq⋅- ) to h.s. CoII (sq⋅- ), representing the first example of two-step magnetic switching in a mononuclear monodioxolene cobalt complex. We hypothesize that ligand dynamicity may facilitate access to the rarely observed l.s. CoII (sq⋅- ) intermediate state, suggesting a new design criterion in the development of stimulus-responsive multi-state molecular switches.

Ligand Degradation Study of Unsymmetrical β-Diketiminato Copper Dioxygen Adducts: The Length Chelating Arm Effect.

An investigation on the reactivity of O2 binding to unsymmetrical β-diketiminato copper(I) complexes by spectroscopic and titration analysis was performed. The length of chelating pyridyl arms (pyridylmethyl arm vs pyridylethyl arm) leads to the formation of mono- or di-nuclear copper-dioxygen species at -80 °C. The pyridylmethyl arm adduct (L1CuO2) forms mononuclear copper-oxygen species and shows ligand degradation, resulting in the formation of (2E,3Z)-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4-(((E)-pyridin-2-ylmethylene)amino)pent-3-en-2-imine, which slowly converts to its cyclization isomer 1-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,6-dimethyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2-dihydropyrimidine after addition of NH4OH at room temperature. On the other hand, the pyridylethyl arm adduct [(L2Cu)2(μ-O)2] forms dinuclear species at -80 °C and does not show any ligand degradation product. Instead, free ligand formation was observed after the addition of NH4OH. These experimental observations and product analysis results indicate that the chelating length of pyridyl arms governs the Cu/O2 binding ratio and the ligand degradation behavior.

Nitric oxide generation study of unsymmetrical β-diketiminato copper(II) nitrite complexes.

β-Diketiminato copper(II) L1CuCl-L4CuCl and their nitrite complexes L1Cu(O2N) and L2Cu(O2N) have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray analysis of the L1CuCl-L4CuCl complexes clearly reveals their mononuclear structure with a four-coordinated Cu(II) center bound by one chloride and three nitrogen atoms of unsymmetrical β-diketiminato ligands. Cyclic voltametric analysis of the Cu(II) complexes shows that the length of the pyridyl arm controls the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox process. DFT and EPR results confirm that the geometry of the Cu(II) complexes is also controlled by the length of the chelating pyridyl arm. The oxygen atom transfer nitrite reduction of the Cu(II) nitrite complexes leads to the formation of copper(I)-PPh3 and OPPh3 which were confirmed by 1H and 31P NMR. The length of the pyridyl arm of the copper(II) nitrite complexes governs the NO-releasing ability. These findings illustrate the important bioinspired behaviour and NO generation from nitrite via oxygen atom transfer of the unsymmetrical β-diketiminato copper(II) complexes as compared to symmetrical β-diketiminato copper(II) complexes.

2-Ferrocenylimidazole-based multiresponsive receptors for Al3+, Cu2+, and H2PO4− ions: Effect of structural modification on the ion sensing performance

Two 2-ferrocenylimidazoles decorated with two pyridyl arms, 2-ferrocenyl-4,5-di(2-pyridyl)-1H-imidazole (L1) and 2-ferrocenyl-4,5-di(3-pyridyl)-1H-imidazole (L2), have been synthesized as potential multichannel ditopic receptors for cations and anions, owing to the presence of redox, chromogenic and fluorescent groups at the imidazole core. The structures of L1 and its Ag(I) complex (I) [L12·Ag2·(NO3)2] were further confirmed by X-ray crystal analysis. The most salient features derived from sensing studies are that L1 behaves as a highly selective fluorescent “turn-on” receptor for Al3+ and Cu2+ cations, whereas L2 acts as a dual fluorescent “turn-on” and redox selective receptor for H2PO4− anions. This significant change in fluorescent sensing selectivity is due to the change in the relative position of N atoms in the pyridyl groups. Furthermore, the resulting complexes of L1-Al3+ and L1-Cu2+ systems are able to detect Br− and I− by color changes. The sensing mechanism and binding mode of these two receptors were confirmed by titration spectra and ESI-MS. Finally, living cell imaging experiments demonstrated the value of L1 in the fluorescent visualization of Al3+ ions in biological systems.

Copper(II) Complexes with Tetradentate Piperazine-Based Ligands: DNA Cleavage and Cytotoxicity

Five-coordinate Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(Ln)X]ClO4/PF6, where Ln = piperazine ligands bearing two pyridyl arms and X = ClO4− for Ln = L1 (1-ClO4), L2 (2-ClO4), L3 (3-ClO4), and L6 (6-ClO4) as well as [Cu(Ln)Cl]PF6 for Ln = L1 (1-Cl), L4 (4-Cl), and L5 (5-Cl) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The molecular structures of the last two complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography. In aqueous acetonitrile solutions, molar conductivity measurements and UV-VIS spectrophotometric titrations of the complexes revealed the hydrolysis of the complexes to [Cu(Ln)(H2O)]2+ species. The biological activity of the Cu(II) complexes with respect to DNA cleavage and cytotoxicity was investigated. At micromolar concentration within 2 h and pH 7.4, DNA cleavage rate decreased in the order: 1-Cl ≈ 1-ClO4 > 3-ClO4 ≥ 2-ClO4 with cleavage enhancements of up to 23 million. Complexes 4-Cl, 5-Cl, and 6-ClO4 were inactive. In order to elucidate the cleavage mechanism, the cleavage of bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) quenching studies were conducted. The mechanistic pathway of DNA cleavage depends on the ligand’s skeleton: while an oxidative pathway was preferable for 1-Cl/1-ClO4, DNA cleavage by 2-ClO4 and 3-ClO4 predominantly proceeds via a hydrolytic mechanism. Complexes 1-ClO4, 3-ClO4, and 5-Cl were found to be cytotoxic against A2780 cells (IC50 30–40 µM). In fibroblasts, the IC50 value was much higher for 3-ClO4 with no toxic effect.

Exploring the Role of Strong Intramolecular Coordination of the 2‐(2'‐pyridyl)phenyl Group in Heavy Main Group Halides: Insights from Synthesis, Structural, and Bonding Analyses

By the transmetallation of ppyHgCl [ppy = 2‐(2'‐pyridyl)phenyl] (1) with SnCl4 and SbCl3, the synthesis of the monoorgano main group halides, [ppySnCl3(H2O)]·2(0.5diox) (diox = 1,4‐dioxane) [2(H2O)]·2(0.5diox) and [ppySbCl2] (3) was achieved. The reaction of 1 with BiCl3 does not give the analogous monoorganobismuth dichloride. Instead, it results in the formation of [(ppy)2Bi]+·[ppyBiCl3]– (4). Reactions of (ppy)2Te and (ppyTe)2 with SO2Cl2 and Br2 result in the formation of ppyTeCl (5) and ppyTeBr (6) respectively. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by multi‐nuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 119Sn, and 125Te), FT‐IR spectroscopy, ESI‐MS, CHN analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The molecular structures of 2–6 reveal strong intramolecular coordination of the N‐atoms of the pendant arms with the main group element centers. DFT calculations; including Natural Bond Order (NBO), Electron Localization Function (ELF), Electrostatic Surface Potential (ESP) and Atoms in Molecules (AIM) infer that the stability of 2–6 relies on the σ‐hole participation of the element center with the N‐lone pair of the pyridyl arm.

Molecular Recognition by Zn(II)-Capped Dynamic Foldamers.

Two α‐aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) foldamers bearing Zn(II)‐chelating N‐termini have been synthesized and compared with a reported Aib foldamer that has a bis(quinolinyl)/mono(pyridyl) cap (BQPA group). Replacement of the quinolinyl arms of the BQPA‐capped foldamer with pyridyl gave a BPPA‐capped foldamer, then further replacement of the linking pyridyl with a 1,2,3‐triazole gave a BPTA‐capped foldamer. Their ability to relay chiral information from carboxylate bound to Zn(II) at the N‐terminus to a glycinamide‐based NMR reporter of conformational preference at the C‐terminus was measured. The importance of the quinolinyl arms became readily apparent, as the foldamers with pyridyl arms were unable to report on the presence of chiral carboxylate in acetonitrile. Low solubility, X‐ray crystallography and 1H NMR spectroscopy suggested that interfoldamer interactions inhibited carboxylate binding. However changing solvent to methanol revealed that the end‐to‐end relay of chiral information could be observed for the Zn(II) complex of the BPTA‐capped foldamer at low temperature.

Elucidating Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Mechanisms of Metal Hydrides with Free Energy- and Pressure-Dependent Kinetics.

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) was studied in a series of tungsten hydride complexes with pendant pyridyl arms ([(PyCH2Cp)WH(CO)3], PyCH2Cp = pyridylmethylcyclopentadienyl), triggered by laser flash-generated RuIII-tris-bipyridine oxidants, in acetonitrile solution. The free energy dependence of the rate constant and the kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) showed that the PCET mechanism could be switched between concerted and the two stepwise PCET mechanisms (electron-first or proton-first) in a predictable fashion. Straightforward and general guidelines for how the relative rates of the different mechanisms depend on oxidant and base are presented. The rate of the concerted reaction should depend symmetrically on changes in oxidant and base strength, that is on the overall ΔG0PCET, and we argue that an "asynchronous" behavior would not be consistent with a model where the electron and proton tunnel from a common transition state. The observed rate constants and KIEs were examined as a function of hydrostatic pressure (1-2000 bar) and were found to exhibit qualitatively different dependence on pressure for different PCET mechanisms. This is discussed in terms of different volume profiles of the PCET mechanisms as well as enhanced proton tunneling for the concerted mechanism. The results allowed for assignment of the main mechanism operating in the different cases, which is one of the critical questions in PCET research. They also show how the rate of a PCET reaction will be affected very differently by changes of oxidant and base strength, depending on which mechanism dominates. This is of fundamental interest as well as of practical importance for rational design of, for example, catalysts for fuel cells and solar fuel formation, which operate in steps of PCET reactions. The mechanistic richness shown by this system illustrates that the specific mechanism is not intrinsic to a specific synthetic catalyst or enzyme active site but depends on the reaction conditions.

Reversible Transformation between a [PdL2 ]2+ "Figure-of-Eight" Complex and a [Pd2 L2 ]4+ Dimer: Switching On and Off Self-Recognition.

Structural changes to metallosupramolecular assemblies resulting in the release or uptake of guests are currently well established, whereas transformations turning on and off specific self-recognition are far less developed. We report a novel ligand (2,6-bis(1-(3-pyridin-4-yl)phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine) possessing a tridentate central metal-binding site flanked by two pendant pyridyl arms. In a 2:1 ratio with PdII metal ions, a spiro-type [PdL2 ]2+ "Figure-of-eight" complex forms with the central tridentate binding pocket unoccupied. The introduction of an additional one equivalent of PdII metal ion results in the conversion to a dimeric [Pd2 L2 ]4+ molecule with the tridentate pocket occupied. There is site-specific self-recognition between dimers in solution with strong NOE peaks between adjacent molecules. The self-recognition between dimers can be turned off in two ways: firstly, adding another equivalent of PdII metal ion brings about binding to the previously uncoordinated pyridyl arms that are key to the self-recognition event, and; secondly, addition of sufficient ligand to return the stoichiometry to 2:1 regenerates the [PdL2 ]2+ complex. Hence, the self-recognition event can be turned on or off through simple variation of L:PdII stoichiometry.

Recognition Properties and Self-assembly of Planar [M(2-pyridyl-1,2,3-triazole)2 ]2+ Metallo-ligands.

Molecular recognition continues to be an area of keen interest for supramolecular chemists. The investigated [M(L)2 ]2+ metallo-ligands (M=PdII , PtII , L=2-(1-(pyridine-4-methyl)-1 H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine) form a planar cationic panel with vacant pyridyl binding sites. They interact with planar neutral aromatic guests through π-π and/or metallophilic interactions. In some cases, the metallo-ligands also interacted in the solid state with AgI either through coordination to the pendant pyridyl arms, or through metal-metal interactions, forming coordination polymers. We have therefore developed a system that reliably recognises a planar electron-rich guest in solution and in the solid state, and shows the potential to link the resultant host-guest adducts into extended solid-state structures. The facile synthesis and ready functionalisation of 2-pyridyl-1,2,3-triazole ligands through copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) "click" chemistry should allow for ready tuning of the electronic properties of adducts formed from these systems.

Effects of denticity and ligand rigidity on reactivity of copper complexes with cumyl hydroperoxide

Cu(II) complexes bearing N2/Py2 tetradentate ligands consisting of two pyridyl arms and a flexible ethyldiamine backbone, [(BPMEN)Cu(ClO4)2] (1), with rigid cyclohexyl backbone [(BPMCN)Cu(ClO4)2] (2), and substituted with bispyrrolidyl [(PDP)Cu(ClO4)2] (3), and Cu(II) complex bearing N2/Py3 pentadentate ligand, [(TPMEN)Cu(ClO4)2] (4), were synthesized and structurally characterized. Reactivity of 1–4 with cumyl hydroperoxide was investigated to study the effects of ligand rigidity and denticity on the mechanism of O–O bond cleavage. Results presented herein illustrate that 1–3 favors homolysis, however 4 showed little to almost no impact on O–O bond cleavage.

Improved Synthesis of Unsymmetrical N‐Aryl‐N′‐alkylpyridyl ß‐Diketimines Using Molecular Sieves and their Lithium Complexes

The synthesis of unsymmetrical β‐diketimines with N‐aryl‐N′‐alkyl substitution require at least two condensation steps and tedious purification procedures. An improvement in the preparation of four unsymmetrical N‐aryl‐N′‐alkylpyridyl β‐diketimine ligands (HL1–HL4) using 5‐Å molecular sieves is reported. The synthesis of four Li complexes (LiL1, LiL2, LiL3, and LiL4) containing N‐aryl‐N′‐alkylpyridyl β‐diketimines ligands is also presented. All four Li complexes were fully characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopic, 13C NMR spectroscopic, and elemental analyses. X‐ray structure analysis and spectroscopic results indicate that the Li β‐diketimine structures and ligand binding modes are governed by the bulkiness of the N‐aryl substituent and the length of the pyridyl arm of the N‐aryl‐N′‐alkyl β‐diketiminate ligand.

Luminescent cadmium 5-sulfoisophthalate dipyridylpiperazine coordination polymers with ladder, interpenetrated binodal net, or nanotube-embedded layer topologies

The conformationally flexible dipyridyl ligands bis(3-pyridylmethyl)piperazine (3-bpmp), bis(4-pyridylmethyl)piperazine (4-bpmp) and bis(4-pyridylmethyl)homopiperazine (4-bpmh) have been utilized to prepare the cadmium 5-sulfoisophthalate (sip) coordination polymers {[Cd2(sip)2(3-bpmpH2)(H2O)4]·19H2O}n (1), {[Cd2(sip)2(4-bpmpH2)(4-bpmp)]·4H2O}n (2), and {[Cd(sip)(4-bpmhH)]·11H2O}n (3). Compound 1 possesses 1D ladder motifs with parallel [Cd(sip)]nn− chains strutted by doubly protonated 3-bpmpH22+ rungs. [Cd(sip)]nn− ribbons with bound sip sulfonate groups are present in both 2 and 3, but different geometric dispositions of the pyridyl arms of the tethering ligands effect a variance in dimensionality. The “linear” 4-bpmpH ligands in 2 link [Cd(sip)]nn− ribbons into a 3-fold interpenetrated 3,5-connected binodal 3D lattice with (426)(426583) topology. In contrast, pairs of curled 4-bpmhH ligands in 3 connect [Cd(sip)]nn− ribbons into a unique 2,3,5-trinodal looped network with (4)(426)(436.84102) topology. The ligand-pair loops bracket water-filled one-dimensional (1-D) elliptical nanotubules. All materials exhibited blue or violet emission upon irradiation with ultraviolet light.

Reactivity Study of Unsymmetrical β-Diketiminato Copper(I) Complexes: Effect of the Chelating Ring.

β-Diketiminato copper(I) complexes play important roles in bioinspired catalytic chemistry and in applications to the materials industry. However, it has been observed that these complexes are very susceptible to disproportionation. Coordinating solvents or Lewis bases are typically used to prevent disproportionation and to block the coordination sites of the copper(I) center from further decomposition. Here, we incorporate this coordination protection directly into the molecule in order to increase the stability and reactivity of these complexes and to discover new copper(I) binding motifs. Here we describe the synthesis, structural characterization, and reactivity of a series of unsymmetrical N-aryl-N'-alkylpyridyl β-diketiminato copper(I) complexes and discuss the structures and reactivity of these complexes with respect to the length of the pyridyl arm. All of the aforementioned unsymmetrical ß-diketiminato copper(I) complexes bind CO reversibly and are stable to disproportionation. The binding ability of CO and the rate of pyridyl ligand decoordination of these copper(I) complexes are directly related to the competition between the degree of puckering of the chelate system and the steric demands of the N-aryl substituent.

Photodegradation of Some Organic Dyes over Two Metal–Organic Frameworks with Especially High Efficiency for Safranine T

Two new networks, namely, {[Cd(bpba)(H2bptc)1/2·H2O]}n (1), {[Co(bpba)(bdc)1/2]}n (2), where Hbpba = 3,5-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethoxy)benzoic acid, H4bptc = 3,3′,5,5′-biphenyltetracarboxylate, H2bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, have been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized. Compound 1 is a three-dimensional net with a rare jea topology. The flexible pyridyl arms may afford a dimension extension in the crystal structure. While for compound 2 the flexible pyridyl arms are not involved in coordination, the Co(II) paddle-wheel secondary building units are bridged by the mixed ligands, bpba– and bdc2–, to furnish a two-dimensional layer. In addition, their heterogeneous catalytic oxidation activities toward methyl orange, methyl blue, neutral red, methylene blue, and safranine T (ST) in the presence of H2O2 are investigated in aqueous solution. The results suggested that the photocatalytic efficiency of ST is found to be 100% for MOF-2.

Design, Synthesis and Qualitative Structure Activity Relationship Evaluations of Quinoline-Based Bisarylimidazoles as Antibacterial Motifs.

The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria in clinical practice has propelled a concerted effort to find new classes of antibiotics that will circumvent current modes of resistance. We previously described a set of imidazopyridine antibacterial leads that contain a core composed of benzimidazole and a central phthalic acid linker. These compounds showed potent antibacterial properties against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In this respect, we conducted a systematic exploration of new disubstituted imidazole functionalities on quinoline 4-position as the central linker, to determine the factors that direct the potent antibacterial activity. We found that some of the newly synthesized compounds possessed more potent activity compared to currently available medications. The newly synthesized compounds were screened against several clinical isolates and Staphylococcus aureus, including the methicillinresistant (MRSA) and the methicillin-sensitive (MSAA). The goal of this work is to undertake rigorous testing of new hybrid scaffolds of quinoline flanked by diaryl imidazoles and their structure-activity against a range of bacterial strains. Described herein is the account of the modification of the central linker region, the imidazole functionality, and substituents at the 4-position of the quinoline, and their effect on the antibacterial potency of the resulting derivatives. Our efforts here have been driven by previous reports on the applications of Pfitzinger cyclization protocol. This complexity-generating reaction transforms a relatively simple substrate, into a more complex products with the potential for diversification via functionalization of the resultant acid. We identified compounds that possess potent and broad-spectrum antibacterial activities against clinical isolates and drug resistant strains. Structure-Activity relationships of these compounds were further explored to determine the crucial structural features needed to enhance their antibacterial activity. In this respect, it was found that, hydrophobic and electron-withdrawing moieties, such as halogens, were required on each end of the isoquinoline-based bisaryl imidazole hybrid motifs to produce broad-spectrum activity against the tested strains. Thus, molecules containing halophenyl or pyridyl arms were found more potent than molecules containing thiophene and/or electron-releasing groups on the phenyl arms, which showed much less antibacterial activity against the tested strains. In summary, 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylquinoline systems can be assembled efficiently through the Pfitzinger ring expansion- condensation strategy. This approach appears to hold considerable synthetic utility. The particular value of such a synthetic route resides on the conciseness and efficiency through which imidazo-quinoline construction can be synthesized from structurally simple and accessible acetophenone precursors.

Synthesis and structural studies of two pyridine-armed reinforced cyclen chelators and their transition metal complexes

Two novel pyridine pendant-armed macrocycles structurally reinforced by an ethyl bridge, either between adjacent nitrogens (for side-bridged) or non-adjacent nitrogens (for cross-bridged), have been synthesized and complexed with a range of transition metal ions (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+). X-ray crystal structures of selected cross-bridged complexes were obtained which showed the characteristic cis-V configuration with potential labile cis binding sites. The complexes have been characterized by their electronic spectra and magnetic moments, which show the expected high spin divalent metal complex in most cases. Exceptions are the nickel side-bridged complex, which shows a mixture of high-spin and low spin, and the cobalt cross-bridged complex which has oxidized to cobalt(III). Cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile was carried out to assess the potential future use of these complexes in oxidation catalysis. Selected complexes offer significant catalytic potential enhanced by the addition of the pyridyl arm to a reinforced cyclen backbone.

Nonheme Fe(IV) Oxo Complexes of Two New Pentadentate Ligands and Their Hydrogen-Atom and Oxygen-Atom Transfer Reactions.

Two new pentadentate {N5} donor ligands based on the N4Py (N4Py = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine) framework have been synthesized, viz. [N-(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)methyl-N-(bis-2-pyridyl methyl)amine] (L(1)) and [N-bis(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl-N-(bis-2-pyridylmethyl)amine] (L(2)), where one or two pyridyl arms of N4Py have been replaced by corresponding (N-methyl)benzimidazolyl-containing arms. The complexes [Fe(II)(CH3CN)(L)](2+) (L = L(1) (1); L(2) (2)) were synthesized, and reaction of these ferrous complexes with iodosylbenzene led to the formation of the ferryl complexes [Fe(IV)(O)(L)](2+) (L = L(1) (3); L(2) (4)), which were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, high resolution mass spectrometry, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Complexes 3 and 4 are relatively stable with half-lives at room temperature of 40 h (L = L(1)) and 2.5 h (L = L(2)). The redox potentials of 1 and 2, as well as the visible spectra of 3 and 4, indicate that the ligand field weakens as ligand pyridyl substituents are progressively substituted by (N-methyl)benzimidazolyl moieties. The reactivities of 3 and 4 in hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) and oxygen-atom transfer (OAT) reactions show that both complexes exhibit enhanced reactivities when compared to the analogous N4Py complex ([Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+)), and that the normalized HAT rates increase by approximately 1 order of magnitude for each replacement of a pyridyl moiety; i.e., [Fe(IV)(O)(L(2))](2+) exhibits the highest rates. The second-order HAT rate constants can be directly related to the substrate C-H bond dissociation energies. Computational modeling of the HAT reactions indicates that the reaction proceeds via a high spin transition state.