Electronic coupling and photochemical stability of O,N bound mononuclear Ru(II) and Os(II) – Hydroquinone complexes

The synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical characterisation of a series of optically tuneable, ruthenium (II) and osmium (II) polypyridyl complexes, O,N coordinated to electroactive donor ligand, bis-2,5-(2-benzoxazolyl)-hydroquinone (bbhq) is described. The complexes exhibit a rich optical spectroscopy which can be controlled through the redox state of the metal and bbhq ligand. The influence of both the metal and counter-ligand identity on the optical properties of these hydroquinone-based complexes is addressed.Regardless of the identity of metal or counter-ligand, it is the bbhq which is the site of the most facile oxidation and hydroquinone, semiquinone (bbsq) and quinone (bbq) can be generated electrochemically. In each instance, the semiquinone is strongly stabilised with respect to disproportionation, reflected in large stability constants for this moiety. The levels of orbital mixing between metal and ligand are discussed on the basis of the optical properties of the complex and the nature of the metal and counter-ligand. In addition, we address, for the first time, the effect of metal and counter-ligand on the photostability, of Ru(II) and Os(II) hydroquinone bound complexes. We find that like other ruthenium (II) complexes containing strong σ-bonding ligands, the M(bpy)₂ containing complexes are photostable, but the [Ru(biq)₂(bbhq)]⁺ complex is relatively photolabile.     

Synthesis, characterization and antitumor studies of N-aroyl-N′-thioaroylhydrazines and their Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes

N-Salicyloyl-N-p-hydroxythiobenzohydrazide (H₂STPH) and N-benzoyl-N-thiobenzohydrazide (H₂BTBH) and their Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were prepared and characterized by physicochemical studies. IR and NMR spectral studies imply dibasic tetradentate behaviour of the ligands bonding through `thiolato' sulfur, enolic oxygen and the two hydrazinic nitrogens in a polymeric fashion. The electronic spectra indicate [Ni(STPH)(H₂O)₂], [Co(STPH)(H₂O)₂] to be distorted octahedral while [Cu(BTBH)] has a square-planar geometry. In vitro antitumor results of the ligand and the complexes on P-815 (murine mastocytoma) and L-929 (murine fibroblast) indicate that these compounds show significant inhibition of ³H-thymidine and ³H-uridine incorporation in DNA and RNA, respectively, in these tumor cells at dose levels of 1, 2.5 and 5 g cm^–3. Antitumor studies suggest that [Cu(BTBH)] has significant dose dependent inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis. In vivo administration of [Cu(BTBH)] and [Ni(STPH)(H₂O)₂] resulted into prolongation of life span of Dalton's Lymphoma (DL) bearing mice.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of copper(II) and manganese(II) α,ω-dicarboxylate complexes

Copper(II) ,-dicarboxylate complexes of general formulae, [Cu(O₂C(CH₂)_nCO₂)]·xH₂O, [Cu(O₂C(CH₂)_nCO₂) (phen)₂]·xH₂O and [Cu(O₂C(CH₂)_nCO₂)(bipy)_y]·xH₂O (n=1–8; y=1, 2; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; bipy = 2,2-bipyridine) were synthesised. These copper complexes, some related manganese(II) complexes and the metal-free ligands were screened in vitro for their ability to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Metal-free 1,10-phenanthroline and all of the copper(II) and manganese(II) phenanthroline complexes were potent growth inhibitors, with only one bipyridine complex, [Cu(O₂C(CH₂)CO₂)(bipy)₂]·2H₂O, having moderate activity. The remaining substances were effectively inactive. Complexes which were active against C. albicans also proved effective against C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. kreusi with the manganese complexes retaining superior activity. For the phenanthroline complexes the active drug species is thought to be the dication [M(phen)₂(H₂O)_n]²⁺ (M = Cu, Mn). Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to all of the metal complexes and also to metal-free 1,10-phenanthroline. Only the copper phenanthroline complexes showed intermediate activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.     

Synthesis, Characterization and Antitumor Studies of Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) Complexes of N-Nicotinoyl-N′-o-Hydroxythiobenzhydrazide

A new ligand N-Nicotinoyl-N-o-hydroxythiobenzhydrazide (H₂Notbh) forms complexes [Mn(Notbh)(H₂O)], [M(Notbh)] [M=Ni(II) Cu(II) and Zn(II)] which were characterized by various physico-chemical techniques. All the metal complexes were observed to inhibit the growth of tumor in vitro, whereas, ligand did not. In vivo administration of these complexes resulted in prolongation of survival of tumor bearing mice. Tumor bearing mice administered with metal complexes showed reversal of tumor growth associated induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes. The paper discusses the possible mechanisms and therapeutic implication of the H₂Notbh and its metal complexes in tumor regression and tumor growth associated immunosuppression.     

Synthesis,characterization, and biological activity of Nα-(N-fluoresceinthiocarbamoyl)-(Asp1, Ile5)-angiotensin II

A fluorescent analog of angiotensin II was synthesized by reacting fluorescein 5′-isothiocyanate with (Asp¹, Ile⁵)-angiotensin II. N^α-(N-Fluoresceinthiocarbamoyl)-(Asp¹, Ile⁵)-angiotensin II was purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-25. Analysis of the analog by thin-layer chromatography, thin-layer electrophoresis, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography indicated that the analog was free of angiotensin II and fluorescein 5′-isothiocyanate. N-Terminal sequence analysis demonstrated that fluorescein 5′-isothiocyanate reacted with the N-terminal aspartic acid residue of angiotensin II. N^α-(N-Fluoresceinthiocarbamoyl)-(Asp¹, Ile⁵)-angiotensin II has an absorption maximum at 492 nm, and the value of the molar extinction coefficient, ?, is 7.7 × 10⁴m^?1 cm^?1. The fluorescence emission maximum occurs at 520 nm. Infusion of the analog (0.69 μg/min/kg body wt) directly into the renal artery of an anesthetized rat reduced the blood flow by 12 to 27% within 2 min. Infusion of angiotensin II (0.48 μg/min/kg body wt) reduced renal arterial blood flow by 35 to 53% within 2 min. Saralasin, a partial agonist and antagonist of angiotensin II, inhibited the biologic effect of the fluorescent analog and angiotensin II by 75 and 70%, respectively. The purity, spectral properties, and in vivo biologic activity of N^α-(N-fluoresceinthiocarbamoyl)-(Asp¹, Ile⁵)-angiotensin II indicate that this analog should facilitate characterization of angiotensin II receptors.     

Pt(II) complexes with (N,N′) or (C,N,E)− (E = N,S) ligands: Cytotoxic studies,effect on DNA tertiary structure and structure–activity relationships

The cytotoxic activity of two series of platinum(II) complexes containing the polyfunctional imines R¹–CHN–R² [R¹ = phenyl or ferrocenyl unit and R² = (CH₂)_n–CH₂–NMe₂ where n = 1 or 2) (1 and 2) or C₆H₄-2-SMe (3)] acting as a bidentate (N,N′) (4–7) or terdentate [C(phenyl or ferrocenyl),N,N′]^? (8–10) or [C(ferrocenyl),N,S]^? ligand (11) in front of A549 lung, MDA-MB231 breast and HCT116 colon human adenocarcinoma cell lines is reported. The results reveal that most of the platinum(II) complexes are active against the three assayed lines and compounds 6, 7 and the platinacycles 10 and 11 exhibit a remarkable antiproliferative activity, even greater than cisplatin itself, in the cisplatin resistant HCT116 human cancer cell line. Electrophoretic DNA migration studies showed that most of them modify the DNA tertiary structure in a similar way as the reference cisplatin. Solution studies of a selection of the most relevant complexes have also been performed in order to test: (a) their stability in the aqueous biological medium and/or the formation of biologically active species and (b) their proclivity to react with 9-methylguanine (9-MeG), as a model nucleobase. Computational studies at DFT level have also been performed in order to explain the different solution behaviour of the complexes and their proclivity to react with the nucleobase.     

Synthesis and characterization of β-diketiminate germanium(II) and tin(II) bromides

The equimolar reaction of a β-diketiminate lithium salt LLi(OEt₂) [L = HC(CMeNAr)₂; Ar = 2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃] with either GeBr₂ or SnBr₂ in diethyl ether affords the synthetically useful monomeric β-diketiminate-element halides LGeBr (1) and LSnBr (2), respectively. Both are soluble in hydrocarbon solvents, stable in inert atmosphere, and have been characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Dioxo-, oxothio- and dithio-tungsten(VI) and tungsten(V) complexes of the ligand N,N′-Dimethyl-N,N′-bis(2-mercaptophenyl)ethylenediamine

Synthesis of complexes cis,cis-W^VOXL (X=Cl, NCS), cis,trans-W^VOXL (X=Cl, OPh, SPh) and cis,trans-W^VIE₂L (E₂=O₂, OS, S₂) of the title ligand LH₂ are reported. cis,cis-W^VOCIL crystallises in space group P2₁/c with a=13.6541(9) Å, b=7.1555(11) Å, c=18.198(2) Å, β=95.294(6)°, V=1770.4(3) ų and Z=4 while the cis,trans isomer crystallises in space group P2₁/n with a=10.361(3) Å, b=14.141(4) Å, c=12.213(5) Å, β=102.56(3)°, V=1747(2) ų and Z=4. cis,trans-W^VIS₂L crystallises in space group P2₁/n with a=10.645(2) Å, b=13.929(2) Å, c=12.189(2) Å, β=103.14(2)°, V=1760(1) ų and Z=4. A short CH₃···Cl distance of 3.067(7) Å and an acute OWCl angle of 94.1(2)° are seen in cis,cis-W^VOClL, which converts to the cis,trans form on heating in MeCN. The latter isomer features a CH₃···Cl distance of 3.38(2) Å and an OWCl angle of 105.1(8)°. Electrochemical and EPR data are reported. In particular, cis,trans-W^VIE₂L may be reduced to [W^VE₂L]^–. EPR properties of these anions and those of complexes W^VOXL are discussed in the context of W^V centres in tungsten enzymes.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of two μ-oxo and thiocyanato-bridged manganese(II)-mercury(II) coordination polymers

Mixed-metal thiocyanate complexes [MnHg(SCN)₄(NOP)] (1) and [MnHg(SCN)₄(DMSO)] (2) (NOP = 3-methyl-4-nitropyridine-N-oxide, DMSO = dimethylsulfoxide) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis. Complex 1 and 2 both contain a [Mn₂(μ₂-O)₂] lozenge, which is bridged to Hg(II) ions by end-to-end thiocyanate groups to form a 2-D and 3-D polymeric network, respectively. Magnetic studies indicate that both complexes are anti-ferromagnets, with 1 showing anti-ferrimagnetic ordering below 8.0 K.     

Free Radical Scavenging Activity and Neuroprotective Potentials of D138, One Cu(II)/Zn(II) Schiff-Base Complex Derived from N,N′-bis(2-Hydroxynaphthylmethylidene)-1,3-propanediamine

There is increasing evidence that free radicals play an important role in neuronal damages induced by diabetes mellitus or cerebral ischemia insults. Antioxidants with free radical scavenging activities have been shown to be beneficial and neuroprotective for these pathological conditions. Here, we report free radical scavenging activity and neuroprotective potential of D138, one copper(II)/zinc(II) Schiff-base complex derived from N,N′-2(2-hydroxynaphthylmethylidene)-1,3-propanediamine. The data from three in vitro assays, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, nitro blue tetrazolium assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, indicated that D138 presented a potent free radical scavenging activity. The neuroprotective and antioxidative effects of D138 were further evaluated in vivo using bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) mouse model and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic mouse model. Our results indicated that treatment of D138 significantly ameliorated the hippocampal neuronal damage and the oxidative stress levels in these animal models. Moreover, D138 also reversed the behavioral deficiencies induced by BCCAO or STZ, as assessed by Y-maze test and fear conditioning test. In conclusion, all these findings support that D138 exerts free radical scavenging and neuroprotective activities and has the potentials to be a potent therapeutic candidate for brain oxidative damage induced by cerebral ischemia or diabetes mellitus.     

Biosorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) onto brown seaweed, Lobophora variegata (Lamouroux): kinetic and equilibrium studies

The present work deals with the biosorption performance of raw and chemically modified biomass of the brown seaweed Lobophora variegata for removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The biosorption capacity was significantly altered by pH of the solution delineating that the higher the pH, the higher the Cd(II) and Pb(II) removal. Kinetic and isotherm experiments were carried out at the optimal pH 5.0. The metal removal rates were conspicuously rapid wherein 90% of the total sorption occurred within 90 min. Biomass treated with CaCl₂ demonstrated the highest potential for the sorption of the metal ions with the maximum uptake capacities i.e. 1.71 and 1.79 mmol g⁻¹ for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively. Kinetic data were satisfactorily manifested by a pseudo-second order chemical sorption process. The process mechanism consisting of both surface adsorption and pore diffusion was found to be complex. The sorption data have been analyzed and fitted to sorption isotherm of the Freundlich, Langmuir, and Redlich–Peterson models. The regression coefficient for both Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson isotherms were higher than those secured for Freundlich isotherm implying that the biosorption system is possibly monolayer coverage of the L. variegata surface by the cadmium and lead ions. FT-IR studies revealed that Cd(II) and Pb(II) binding to L. variegata occurred primarily through biomass carboxyl groups accompanied by momentous interactions of the biomass amino and amide groups. In this study, we have observed that L. variegata had maximum biosorption capacity for Cd(II) and Pb(II) reported so far for any marine algae. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetic property of μ-phenoxo-μ-acetato-bis(η-acetato)dicobalt(II, II) complexes

Dinuclear cobalt(II) complexes Co₂(bpmp)(OAc)₃ (1) and Co₂(bpcp)(OAc)₃ (2) have been synthesized by using acyclic ligands 2,6-bis((4-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-ylthio)methyl)-4-methylphenol [H(bpmp)] and 2,6-bis((4-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-ylthio)methyl)-4-chlorophenol [H(bpcp)] with versatile coordination sites. X-ray analysis uncovered that complex 1 · 3H₂O contains a μ-phenoxo-μ-acetato-bis(η²-acetato) dicobalt(II, II) core. Magnetic susceptibility was measured for 1 over the temperature range 1.8-300 K, and the best theoretical fitting parameters were g = 2.12(6), J = −3.63(9) cm⁻¹ and D = −12(4) cm⁻¹.     

A zinc (II) complex comprising an aminoethyl-nitropyridine-derived N,N,O-donor Schiff base ligand serves as an efficient ON–OFF probe for Cu(II)

A new fluorescent zinc (II) complex-based probe 1 encompassing a Schiff's base (E)-2-methoxy-6-((2-[5-nitropyridin-2-ylamino]ethylimino)methyl)phenol ( HL ) was designed, synthesized, and used for the highly selective detection of Cu²⁺. Ligand HL and complex 1 were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques such as ¹H, ¹³C-NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectronomy (HRMS), UV/visible light spectroscopy, and fluorescence studies. Ligand HL did not exhibit any considerable change in fluorescence in the presence of various cations. Notably, its Zn(II) complex 1 exhibited highly selective ‘TURN-OFF’ fluorescence signalling towards Cu²⁺ that remained uninterrupted with competing analytes. Probe 1 interacted with Cu²⁺ in 1:2 (1:Cu²⁺) stoichiometry as estimated through a Job's plot. Moreover, the selectivity of 1 was further confirmed through the interaction of the 1 + Cu²⁺ complex with some possible interfering metal ions inducing an insignificant response. Additionally, the association and quenching constant were determined to be 3.30 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ and 0.21 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ through the Benesi–Hildebrand method and Stern–Volmer plot, respectively.     

Synthesis,structures and characterization of the dinuclear nickel(II) complexes containing N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis[(1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-2-hydroxy-1,3-diaminopropane and an azide ion

Two dinuclear nickel(II) complexes, [Ni₂(L-Et)(N₃)(H₂O)₃](NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O (1) and [Ni₂(L-Et)(μ-1,3-N₃)(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ · 4H₂O (2) containing (HL-Et = N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis[(1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-2-hydroxy-1,3-diaminopropane), have been synthesized and characterized by their IR and UV–Vis spectra and magnetic susceptibilities. The crystal structures of [Ni₂(L-Et)(N₃)(H₂O)₃](NO₃)₂ · CH₃OH (1′) and [Ni₂(L-Et)(μ-1,3-N₃)(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ · 2C₂H₅OH (2′) similar to 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray crystallography. In 1′, the two nickel(II) ions are bridged by only an alkoxo group of L-Et⁻, while an azido and an alkoxo connect two nickel(II) ions in 2′. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (2–300 K) showed a weak ferromagnetic exchange coupling between the two nickel(II) ions (2J = 10.1 cm⁻¹) for 1. On the other hand, antiferromagnetic interactions were observed for 2 (2J = −15.8 cm⁻¹).     

Dicyanamido-metal(II) complexes. Part 4: Synthesis, structure and magnetic characterization of polynuclear Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes bridged by μ-1,5-dicyanamide

The one pot aqueous reaction of M(ClO₄)₂ (M = Cu²⁺ or Ni²⁺) with N-methylbis[2-(2-pyridylethyl)]amine (MeDEPA) and N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (bpmen) and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) in presence of sodium dicyanamide (Nadca) yielded dicyanamido-bridged polynuclear complex {[Cu(MeDEPA)(μ-1,5-dca)]ClO₄}_n (1), and two dinuclear complexes [Cu₂(bpmen)₂(μ-1,5-dca)]₂(ClO₄)₅dca (2) and [Ni(cyclen)(μ-1,5-dca)]₂(ClO₄)₂ (3). These complexes were characterized by IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Room temperature single-crystal X-ray studies have confirmed that the Cu(II) centers in 1 and 2 adopt geometries that are more close to trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) in 1 and close to square pyramidal (SP) in 2, whereas in 3, the Ni(II) centers are located in octahedral environment with doubly bridged μ-1,5-dca bonding mode. The intermolecular M···M distances in these complexes are in the range of 7.3-8.6 Å. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility studies have confirmed that the dca-bridges mediate very weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the M(II) centers with J values of −0.35, −0.18 and −0.43 cm⁻¹ for 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The results are compared and discussed in the light of other related bridged μ-1,5-dca Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes.     

Co (II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with a new pendant armed macrocyclic ligand showing several π,π-interactions

A new ligand, L, bearing four cyanoethyl pendant groups has been synthesized by reaction of the precursor ligand L¹ with acrylonitrile. The X-ray crystal structure of ligand L reveals the presence of a nanotubular structure in the solid state connected by intermolecular π,π-stacking interactions between adjacent pyridine rings. The coordination capability towards transition metal ions [Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)] has been investigated starting from the hydrated nitrate and perchlorate salts of the metals. The new ligand L and the metal complexes obtained were characterized by elemental analysis, FAB MS, conductivity measurements, magnetic studies, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy. Furthermore, the crystal structure of ligand L and of the complexes [CoL][Co(NO₃)₄] · CH₃CN (1), [NiL](NO₃)₂ (3), [NiL](ClO₄)₂ · CH₃CN · 3H₂O (4), [CuL][Cu(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₂](NO₃) · H₂O (5) and [CuL](ClO₄)₂ · 2CH₃CN (6) were determined. The nitrate ions in the complexes are located near the pyridine rings and π,π-stacking interactions between pyridine rings, nitrate ions and nitrile groups have been found.     

The Weak Cytokinins N,N′-bis-(1-naphthyl)urea and N,N′-bis-(2-naphthyl)urea may Enhance Rooting in Apple and Mung Bean

The present research investigates the possibility that 2 weak urea-type cytokinins, the N,N′-bis-(1-naphthyl)urea and the N,N′-bis-(2-naphthyl)urea, enhance adventitious root formation. The rooting activity was assessed using the stem slice test, the mung bean rooting test and the rooting of apple microcuttings. The two compounds influenced the adventitious rooting process differently as regards the bioassay used. In the stem slice test, in the presence of exogenous auxin, both compounds enhanced the rooted slice percentage. In mung bean shoots, the N,N′-bis-(1-naphthyl)urea enhanced the root formation at the lowest concentration used (0.01 μM) while the N,N′-bis-(2-naphthyl)urea enhanced rooting at higher concentrations. In the rooting test of apple microcuttings the N,N′-bis-(1-naphthyl)urea and the N,N′-bis-(2-naphthyl)urea slightly enhanced only the mean root number per microcutting.     

In Vitro,In Silico,ADME and Theoretical Analysis of Mn(II) and Co(II) Complexes Derived from Methyl-(Z)-N′-Carbamothioylcarbamohydrazonate Schiff Base Ligand

Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes of methyl-(Z)−N′-carbamothioylcarbamohydrazonate Schiff base ligand were synthesized. The ligand and metal salts were taken in 2 : 1 stoichiometric ratio. All the synthesized complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment and various spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR, UV/VIS, EPR) techniques. Elemental and spectroscopic results verified bidentate donor nature of the ligand and octahedral geometry of all the complexes. The non-electrolytic nature of Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes were suggested by conductivity data analysis. In vitro antibacterial (E. coli and S. aureus) and antifungal (C. albicans and C. tropicalis) screening were achieved by employing agar well diffusion method which revealed better antimicrobial activity of Co(II) complexes than Mn(II) complexes. In silico SwissADME study predicted the drug-likeness probability of ligand and complexes. The interaction of two bacterial proteins (E. coli and S. aureus) with compounds was also analyzed using molecular docking study, which corroborate the in vitro analysis.     

Crystal and molecular structure of [N,N′-ethylenebis(methyl-2-amino-1-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylato)]copper(II): A quantitative relationship between tetrahedral distortion and redox potentials in copper N2S2 compounds and the relevance to type I copper(II) centers

The crystal and molecular structure of the copper(II) complex of the N₂S₂ tetradentate ligand, ethylenebis(methyl-2-amino-1-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylate), was solved at room temperature by a single crystal x-ray diffraction study. The complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁ with a = 7.739(1) Å, b = 13.893(2) Å, c = 17.096(3) Å, V = 1838(1) ų, ?_observed = 1.56 g cm^?3 and ?_calculated = 1.57 g cm^?3 for a molecular weight of 434.2, and Z = 4. Diffraction data were collected with a Syntex P$\text{1}$ diffractometer using graphite-monochromatized Cu (λ = 1.5418 Å) radiation. The heavy atoms were located from a Patterson synthesis; all other nonhydrogen atoms were located using difference Fourier techniques, and hydrogen atoms were placed in calculated positions. Final refinement resulted in discrepancy indices of R = 0.067 and goodness of fit of 2.92 for all 995 reflections (5° < 2θ < 100°) greater than three times their standard deviation. The molecules are monomeric and well separated. Bond distances in the two ”halvesldquo; of the ligand are sufficiently different to suggest that different resonance structures exist in each portion. This agrees with the rhombic symmetry displayed by the frozen glass esr spectrum of the compound (_xx ≠ g_yy). The dihedral angle between the planes defined by the CuN₂ and CuS₂ planes is 20.0°, indicating a rather distorted inner coordination sphere. The copper(II)-copper(I) reduction potentials found for this compound and the trimethylene and tetramethylene analogs were determined to be ?1.01, ?0.79, and ?0.64 V respectively. A quantitative relationship between tetrahedral distortion and redox potentials is obtained, and these results are discussed in terms of ”blueldquo; copper(II) sites in proteins. Trends in CuS and CuN bonding patterns in the same three compounds are discussed with regard to the short CuS (cys) bond distance in plastocyani Finally, a brief discussion of the optical spectra of these three compounds, their variation, and their significance with respect to tetrahedral symmetry in copper(II) protein sites is presented.