Rhenium Tricarbonyl Research Articles

Intracellular distribution and stability of a luminescent rhenium(i) tricarbonyl tetrazolato complex using epifluorescence microscopy in conjunction with X-ray fluorescence imaging.

Optical epifluorescence microscopy was used in conjunction with X-ray fluorescence imaging to monitor the stability and intracellular distribution of the luminescent rhenium(i) complex fac-[Re(CO)3(phen)L], where phen = 1,10-phenathroline and L = 5-(4-iodophenyl)tetrazolato, in 22Rv1 cells. The rhenium complex showed no signs of ancillary ligand dissociation, a conclusion based on data obtained via X-ray fluorescence imaging aligning iodine and rhenium distributions. A diffuse reticular localisation was detected for the complex in the nuclear/perinuclear region of cells, by either optical or X-ray fluorescence imaging techniques. X-ray fluorescence also showed that the rhenium complex disrupted the homeostasis of some biologically relevant elements, such as chlorine, potassium and zinc.

Bio-inspired CO2reduction by a rhenium tricarbonyl bipyridine-based catalyst appended to amino acids and peptidic platforms: incorporating proton relays and hydrogen-bonding functional groups

Herein, we report a new approach to bio-inspired catalyst design. The molecular catalyst employed in these studies is based on the robust and selective Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl-type (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) homogeneous catalysts, which have been extensively studied for their ability to reduce CO2 electrochemically or photochemically in the presence of a photosensitizer. These catalysts can be highly active photocatalysts in their own right. In this work, the bipyridine ligand was modified with amino acids and synthetic peptides. These results build on earlier findings wherein the bipyridine ligand was functionalized with amide groups to promote dimer formation and CO2 reduction by an alternate bimolecular mechanism at lower overpotential (ca. 250 mV) than the more commonly observed unimolecular process. The bio-inspired catalysts were designed to allow for the incorporation of proton relays to support reduction of CO2 to CO and H2O. The coupling of amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine led to the formation of two structurally similar Re catalyst/peptide catalysts for comparison of proton transport during catalysis. This article reports the synthesis and characterization of novel catalyst/peptide hybrids by molecular dynamics (MD simulations of structural dynamics), NMR studies of solution phase structures, and electrochemical studies to measure the activities of new bio-inspired catalysts in the reduction of CO2.

Synthesis and characterization of novel rhenium(I) complexes towards potential biological imaging applications.

BackgroundRe(I) tricarbonyl complexes exhibit immense potential as fluorescence imaging agents. However, only a handful of rhenium complexes have been utilized in biological imaging. The present study describes the synthesis of four novel rhenium complexes, their characterization and preliminary biological studies to assess their potential as biological imaging agents.ResultsFour facial rhenium tricarbonyl complexes containing a pyridyl triazine core, (L1 = 5,5′(3-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazine-5,6-diyl)-bis-2-furansulfonic acid disodium salt and L2 = (3-(2- pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine-4′,4′′-disulfonic acid sodium salt) have been synthesized by utililzing two different Re metal precursors, Re(CO)5Br and [Re(CO)3(H2O)3]OTf in an organic solvent mixture and water, respectively. The rhenium complexes [Re(CO)3(H2O)L1]+ (1), Re(CO)3L1Br (2), [Re(CO)3(H2O)L2]+ (3), and Re(CO)3L2Br (4), were obtained in 70–85% yield and characterized by 1H NMR, IR, UV, and luminescence spectroscopy. In both H2O and acetonitrile, complexes display a weak absorption band in the visible region which can be assigned to a metal to ligand charge transfer excitation and fluorescent emission lying in the 650–710 nm range. Cytotoxicity assays of complexes 1, 3, and 4 were carried out for rat peritoneal cells. Both plant cells (Allium cepa bulb cells) and rat peritoneal cells were stained using the maximum non-toxic concentration levels of the compounds, 20.00 mg ml−1 for 1 and 3 and 5.00 mg ml−1 for 4 to observe under the epifluorescence microscope. In both cell lines, compound concentrated specifically in the nuclei region. Hence, nuclei showed red fluorescence upon excitation at 550 nm.ConclusionsFour novel rhenium complexes have been synthesized and characterized. Remarkable enhancement of fluorescence upon binding with cells and visible range excitability demonstrates the possibility of using the new complexes in biological applications.Graphical abstractMicrograph of rat peritoneal cells incubated with novel rhenium complex under epifluorescence microscope. Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13065-016-0218-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

New rhenium(I) complex with thiadiazole-annelated 1,10-phenanthroline for highly efficient phosphorescent OLEDs

A new neutral tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complex (Re-TDAP) was designed and synthesized by annelating a thiadiazole unit on the frame of 1,10-phenanthroline ligand. The optoelectronic properties of Re-TDAP were fully investigated. Compared to the 589 nm peak emission of a prototype Re-PHEN (PHEN = 1,10-phenanthroline) in CH2Cl2 solution, annelating thiadiazole group caused the peak emission of Re-TDAP to red-shift to 621 nm. The phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes using Re-TDAP as dopant were fabricated with the structure of ITO/m-MTDATA (10 nm)/NPB (20 nm)/CBP: x wt% Re-TDAP nm)/TPBi (30 nm)/Alq3 (20 nm)/Liq (2 nm)/Al. The devices showed high performances with maximum efficiencies of 16.8 cd/A, 5.8 lm/W and 5.0%, which was better than that of a prototype Re-PHEN-doped device under the same conditions. These results suggest that rational molecular design is very beneficial to color tunability and photophysical regulation of the complex.

Conformational preferences of heteronuclear Fischer carbene complexes of cymantrene and cyclopentadienyl rhenium tricarbonyl

Homo- and heteronuclear bimetallic carbene complexes of group VII transition metals (Mn and Re), with cymantrene or cyclopentadienyl rhenium tricarbonyl as the starting synthon, have been synthesized according to classic Fischer methodology. Crystal structures of the carbene complexes with general formula [RC5H4 M'(CO)2{C(OEt)(C5H4 M(CO)3)}], where M = M′ = Mn, R = H (1), R = Me (2); M = Mn, M′ = Re, R = H (3); M = M′ = Re, R = H (4); and M = Re, M′ = Mn, R = H (5), are reported. A density functional theory (DFT) study was undertaken to determine natural bonding orbitals (NBOs) and conformational as well as isomeric aspects of the binuclear complexes. Application of second-order perturbation theory (SOPT) of the NBO method revealed stabilizing interactions between the methylene C–H bonds and the carbonyl ligands of the carbene metal moiety. Energy calculations in the gas phase of the cis and trans conformations of the Cp rings relative to one another are comparable, with the trans conformation slightly lower in energy. The theoretical findings have also been confirmed with single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and all solid-state structures are found in the trans geometry.

A Blocking Group Scan Using a Spherical Organometallic Complex Identifies an Unprecedented Binding Mode with Potent Activity In Vitro and In Vivo for the Opioid Peptide Dermorphin.

Herein, the selective enforcement of one particular receptor-ligand interaction between specific domains of the μ-selective opioid peptide dermorphin and the μ opioid receptor is presented. For this, a blocking group scan is described which exploits the steric demand of a bis(quinolinylmethyl)amine rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complex conjugated to a number of different, strategically chosen positions of dermorphin. The prepared peptide conjugates lead to the discovery of two different binding modes: An expected N-terminal binding mode corresponds to the established view of opioid peptide binding, whereas an unexpected C-terminal binding mode is newly discovered. Surprisingly, both binding modes provide high affinity and agonistic activity at the μ opioid receptor in vitro. Furthermore, the unprecedented C-terminal binding mode shows potent dose-dependent antinociception in vivo. Finally, in silico docking studies support receptor activation by both dermorphin binding modes and suggest a biological relevance for dermorphin itself. Relevant ligand-protein interactions are similar for both binding modes, which is in line with previous protein mutation studies.

Synthesis and Electrochemistry of the Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes of meso-Substituted [14]Tribenzotriphyrin(2.1.1)

Metalation of [14]tribenzotriphyrin(2.1.1) (TriP, 1a–d) with Re(CO)5Cl provides Re(I) tricarbonyl ReI-TriP complexes (2a–d) in 93–98% yields. The complexes were characterized by mass spectrometry, UV–Vis absorption and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray analyses reveals that 2b adopts dome-shaped conformation. The rhenium(I) ion is coordinated with three pyrrolic nitrogen atoms together with three carbonyl ligands. ReI-TriP (2a–d) complexes shown blue-shift absorption spectra which the Soret-band shifted to the region that around 390nm. The redox properties of ReI-TriP (2a–d) were studied by cyclic voltammetry. Each compound undergoes one reversible one-electron oxidation and two reversible one-electron reductions in CH2Cl2.

A Series of Diamagnetic Pyridine Monoimine Rhenium Complexes with Different Degrees of Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer: Correlating (13) C NMR Chemical Shifts with Bond Lengths in Redox-Active Ligands.

A set of pyridine monoimine (PMI) rhenium(I) tricarbonyl chlorido complexes with substituents of different steric and electronic properties was synthesized and fully characterized. Spectroscopic (NMR and IR) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of these complexes showed that the redox-active PMI ligands are neutral and that the overall electronic structure is little affected by the choices of the substituent at the ligand backbone. One- and two-electron reduction products were prepared from selected starting compounds and could also be characterized by multiple spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction. The final product of a one-electron reduction in THF is a diamagnetic metal-metal-bonded dimer after loss of the chlorido ligand. Bond lengths in and NMR chemical shifts of the PMI ligand backbone indicate partial electron transfer to the ligand. Two-electron reduction in THF also leads to the loss of the chlorido ligand and a pentacoordinate complex is obtained. The comparison with reported bond lengths and (13) C NMR chemical shifts of doubly reduced free pyridine monoaldimine ligands indicates that both redox equivalents in the doubly reduced rhenium complex investigated here are located in the PMI ligand. With diamagnetic complexes varying over three formal reduction stages at the PMI ligand we were, for the first time, able to establish correlations of the (13) C NMR chemical shifts with the relevant bond lengths in redox-active ligands over a full redox series.

Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes of meso-Tetraaryl-21,23-diheteroporphyrins

The dithia/diselena meso-tetraarylporphyrins have a lesser tendency to form metal complexes because of the larger size of the heteroatom(s), which shrinks the cavity size, and the heteroatoms also have poor coordinating ability to bind metal ions. The first example of a rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complex of 21,23-diselenaporphyrin was synthesized by treating 5,10,15,20-tetra-p-tolyl-21,23-diselenaporphyrin with Re(CO)5Cl in chlorobenzene at reflux temperature and its structural properties were compared with our earlier reported rhenium(I) complex of tetraaryl-21,23-dithiaporphyrin. The crystal structures of rhenium(I) complexes of diheteroporphyrins revealed that the Re(I) ion binds to both the Se/S atoms and one of the N atoms of the porphyrin core along with three terminal carbonyl groups in an octahedral fashion. The rhenium(I) complexes of 21,23-diheteroporphyrins are stabilized by a large counterion, the trichloro-bridged dirhenium(I) ion. We also present a detailed account of the spectral and redox properties of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes of 21,23-diheteroporphyrins.

The effect of group-substitution on structures and photophysical properties of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes with pyridyltetrazole ligand: A DFT/TDDFT study

A series of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes having a general formula fac-[Re (CO)3(L)(R-NˆN)] (L = Br; N∧N = tert-butylated pyridyltetrazole; R = H, 1; NO2, 2; CN, 3; OCH3, 4; CH3, 5) have been investigated theoretically by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The calculated results reveal that introductions of different groups on R position of NˆN ligand can induce changes on electronic structures, photophysical properties and emission quantum yield for these complexes. When the electron-withdrawing groups (NO2 and CN) are introduced in complex 2 and 3, the lowest energy absorption and emission bands are red-shifted compared with that of 1. On the contrary, the introduction of electron-donating group (OCH3 and CH3) in complex 4 and 5 cause corresponding blue-shifted. For these complexes, the stronger electron-donating ability of introduced group on NˆN ligand is, the larger blue-shifted of the lowest energy absorption and emission bands is. The solvent effect on absorption and emission spectrum indicates that the lowest-energy absorption and emission bands have both red shifts with the decrease of solvent polarity. The electronic affinity (EA), ionization potential (IP) and reorganization energy (λ) results show that complex 4 may be suitable to be used as an emitter in organic light-emitting diodes OLEDs. Meanwhile the emission quantum yield of complex 4 is possibly higher than other complexes.

Comparisons on isomeric 1,10-phenanthroline aromatic heterocyclic derivatives with triphenylamine and thiophene donors before and after rhenium(I) carbonyl complexation

We have described herein a series of unsymmetric 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) based aromatic heterocyclic derivatives with triphenylamine (TPA) and thiophene donors (L1–L5) and their respective neutral tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes (6a–6e). Comparisons between isomeric compounds L1/L2 and 6a/6b as well as L3/L4/L5 and 6c/6d/6e have been made on their 1H NMR and UV/Vis spectra, single-crystal structures and density function theory (DFT) calculations. The alterations of conjugated system of the whole molecules, originating from the introduction of 2-, 3- or 3,8-substituted TPA and thiophene groups of phen, are responsible for the structural and spectral discrepancy of these structural isomers. In particular, the introduction of TPA and/or thiophene donors at 2-postion of phen (L1 and L3) leads to smaller band gaps than their respective 3-substituted isomers (L2 and L4). In addition, rhenium(I) ion complexation could slightly lower the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels but significantly decrease the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of the molecular system.

Mono- and Dinuclear Phosphorescent Rhenium(I) Complexes: Impact of Subcellular Localization on Anticancer Mechanisms.

Elucidation of relationship among chemical structure, cellular uptake, localization, and biological activity of anticancer metal complexes is important for the understanding of their mechanisms of action. Organometallic rhenium(I) tricarbonyl compounds have emerged as potential multifunctional anticancer drug candidates that can integrate therapeutic and imaging capabilities in a single molecule. Herein, two mononuclear phosphorescent rhenium(I) complexes (Re1 and Re2), along with their corresponding dinuclear complexes (Re3 and Re4), were designed and synthesized as potent anticancer agents. The subcellular accumulation of Re1-Re4 was conveniently analyzed by confocal microscopy in situ in live cells by utilizing their intrinsic phosphorescence. We found that increased lipophilicity of the bidentate ligands could enhance their cellular uptake, leading to improved anticancer efficacy. The dinuclear complexes were more potent than the mononuclear counterparts. The molecular anticancer mechanisms of action evoked by Re3 and Re4 were explored in detail. Re3 with a lower lipophilicity localizes to lysosomes and induces caspase-independent apoptosis, whereas Re4 with higher lipophilicity specially accumulates in mitochondria and induces caspase-independent paraptosis in cancer cells. Our study demonstrates that subcellular localization is crucial for the anticancer mechanisms of these phosphorescent rhenium(I) complexes.

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine complexes coupled with their efficiency in producing hydrogen in a photocatalytic system

Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of two complexes, namely [ReBr(CO)3amphen] (1) (amphen=1,10-phenanthroline-5-amine) and [ReBr(CO)3pq] (2) (pq=2-(2′pyridyl)quinoxaline); complex 2 is reported for the first time. The X-ray crystal structure of 2 has been determined. Electrochemical and photophysical studies have been performed to study the effect of the variation of the diimine ligand on the redox and optical properties of this class of compounds. Both complexes were used as photosensitizers for hydrogen production in a homogeneous photocatalytic system also carrying [Co(dmgH)2] as a hydrogen reaction catalyst, triethanolamine as an irreversible reductive quencher and AcOH as proton source. Complex 1 produces H2 after only 2h irradiation while complex 2 requires 24h indicating that the differences in the electronic properties influence their photosensitizing ability.

99mTc-Cyclopentadienyl Tricarbonyl Chelate-Labeled Compounds as Selective Sigma-2 Receptor Ligands for Tumor Imaging

We have designed and synthesized a series of cyclopentadienyl tricarbonyl rhenium complexes containing a 5,6-dimethoxyisoindoline or a 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline pharmacophore as σ2 receptor ligands. Rhenium compound 20a possessed low nanomolar σ2 receptor affinity (K(i) = 2.97 nM) and moderate subtype selectivity (10-fold). Moreover, it showed high selectivity toward vesicular acetylcholine transporter (2374-fold), dopamine D2L receptor, NMDA receptor, opiate receptor, dopamine transporter, norepinephrine transporter, and serotonin transporter. Its corresponding radiotracer [(99m)Tc]20b showed high uptake in a time- and dose-dependent manner in DU145 prostate cells and C6 glioma cells. In addition, this tracer exhibited high tumor uptake (5.92% ID/g at 240 min) and high tumor/blood and tumor/muscle ratios (21 and 16 at 240 min, respectively) as well as specific binding to σ receptors in nude mice bearing C6 glioma xenografts. Small animal SPECT/CT imaging of [(99m)Tc]20b in the C6 glioma xenograft model demonstrated a clear visualization of the tumor at 180 min after injection.

A combined experimental and DFT investigation on the structure and CO-releasing properties of mono and binuclear fac-ReI(CO)3 complexes with 5-pyridin-2-ylmethylene-amino uracils.

The synthesis, structure and CO-releasing properties of a number of new tricarbonyl rhenium(i) complexes with 5-substituted-6-amino-1,3-dimethyluracils are reported and their structural features discussed on the basis of both spectral and X-ray crystallographic analyses. The 5-substituent library includes -N[double bond, length as m-dash]CH-2py (DAAUPic) and -CH[double bond, length as m-dash]N-N[double bond, length as m-dash]CH-2py (FDUHzPic) as additional metal binding components and chloride, acetonitrile or pyridine acting as ancillary ligands. The compounds have been identified by elemental analysis, NMR, MS and IR spectroscopy. In addition, [ReCl(CO)3(DAAUPic)], [Re(CO)3(FDUHzPic)py]ClO4, [Re(CO)3(FDUHzPic)py]PF6, [Re2Cl2(CO)6(FDUHzPic)] and [Re2Cl(CO)6(FDUHzPicH-1)(H2O)] structures have been solved by X-ray diffraction methods. These studies have clearly shown that the preferred coordination mode to rhenium takes place through the (N1F,N52)-pyridin-2-yl-methyleneamine moiety, the uracil coordinative availability (O4-N51 or N6-N51) being used only to bind the second metal center. The CO-releasing ability of these rhenium compounds has been investigated by the reaction with myoglobin; the corresponding studies have revealed that two of the mononuclear complexes and their related binuclear analogues are able to release CO to a moderate extent. This ability has also been theoretically assessed through a QTAIM analysis. The results, although non-conclusive, may explain somehow possible different preferences in CO releasing power after a comparison between the nature of Re-CO links in mononuclear and binuclear compounds.

Unprecedented staining of polar lipids by a luminescent rhenium complex revealed by FTIR microspectroscopy in adipocytes.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy and confocal imaging have been used to demonstrate that the neutral rhenium(i) tricarbonyl 1,10-phenanthroline complex bound to 4-cyanophenyltetrazolate as the ancillary ligand is able to localise in regions with high concentrations of polar lipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), sphingomyelin, sphingosphine and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in mammalian adipocytes.

Contrasting photophysical properties of rhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes having carbazole groups attached to the polypyridine ligand.

In the present work, new rhenium(i) polypyridyl compounds, fac-[Re(L)(CO)3(cbz2phen)](+/0) where cbz2phen = 4,7-di(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline and L = Cl(-), pyridine (py) or 2-aminomethylpyridine (ampy) were synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculations using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). Their photophysical properties were investigated by steady state and time-resolved emission spectroscopy. These compounds show a strong and broad absorption band around 350-500 nm that, also by TD-DFT, corresponds to the carbazol → phenanthroline intraligand charge transfer transition, (1)ILCTcbz2phen, with some contribution of the Re(i) → phenanthroline metal-to-ligand charge transfer transition, (1)MLCTRe→cbz2phen. In contrast to typical Re(i) polypyridyl complexes, cbz2phen-based Re(i) compounds exhibit two emission maxima in CH3CN solution and relatively low emission quantum yields, 10(-3)-10(-2). Solution phase time-resolved photoluminescence and excited state quenching experiments provided meaningful information on the presence of multiple emitter states after light excitation, which were identified as an (1)ILCTcbz2phen excited state deactivation at higher energies and a long-lived phosphorescence attributed to the (3)MLCTRe→cbz2phen excited state. When embedded into a PMMA matrix, the radiative decay from the singlet state is inhibited and the contribution of both (3)MLCT and (3)ILCTcbz2phen to the luminescence is observed. The photophysics of these Re(i) compounds reported herein provide new insights into the understanding of substitutional groups on the polypyridyl ligands that are relevant to practical and fundamental development of photo-induced molecular devices.

Blue rhenium tricarbonyl DPPZ complexes - low energy charge-transfer absorption at tissue-penetrating wavelengths.

fac-[Re(CO)3(dppz)] complexes of amido ligands generated in situ under basic conditions display an intense (ε = 16460 L mol-1 cm-1) absorption band between 500-700 nm which are assigned to an n(amido,RNH-) → π* (dppz) inter-ligand charge transfer band offering an extraordinarily low energy charge separating absorption with potential for imaging and energy application.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Studies of a Piperidinyl Appended Dipicolylamine Ligand and Its Rhenium Tricarbonyl Complex as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Human Breast Cancer.

A novel ligand bearing a central piperidinyl sulfonamide group, N(SO2pip)dpa, and its corresponding Re tricarbonyl complex, [Re(CO)3(N(SO2pip)dpa)]+, have been synthesized in good yield. The methylene CH2 signal seen as a singlet (4.54 ppm) in a 1H NMR spectrum of the ligand in DMSO-d 6 appears as two doublets (5.39, 5.01 ppm) in a spectrum of the [Re(CO)3(N(SO2pip)dpa)]+ complex and confirms the presence of magnetically nonequivalent protons upon coordination to Re. Structural results revealed that the Re–N bond lengths fall within the normal range establishing coordination of ligand to metal. The presence of intraligand π → π ⁎ and n → π ⁎ transitions is indicated by the absorption peaks around 200–250 nm in UV-visible spectra. Absorption peaks in UV-visible spectra around 300 nm for metal complexes were identified as MLCT transitions. The S–N stretch observed as a strong peak at 923 cm−1 for N(SO2pip)dpa appeared at a shorter frequency, at 830 cm−1 in an FTIR spectrum of the [Re(CO)3(N(SO2pip)dpa)]+. The intense fluorescence displayed by the N(SO2pip)dpa ligand has quenched upon coordination to Re. Relatively low IC50 values given by human breast cancer cells, MCF-7, (N(SO2pip)dpa = 139 μM, [Re(CO)3(N(SO2pip)dpa)]+ = 360 μM) indicate that N(SO2pip)dpa and [Re(CO)3(N(SO2pip)dpa)]+ are promising novel compounds that can be further investigated on their usage as potential anticancer agents.

Ligand Substituent Effects on Rhenium Tricarbonyl Catalysts in CO2Reduction

Ligand Substituent Effects on Rhenium Tricarbonyl Catalysts in CO₂Reduction