Synthesis and electrochemistry of Co(III) and Co(I) complexes having C5Me5 auxiliary

The synthesis and electrochemistry of half-sandwich type of Co(III) complexes [(C(5)Me(5))Co(bidentate)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) {bidentate=dppe (1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), dppp (1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane), bpy (2,2'-bipyridine), en (ethylenediamine)) are reported. Cyclic voltammograms of [(C(5)Me(5))Co(bidentate)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) in CH(3)CN s showed two redox couples assignable to Co(II)/Co(III) and Co(I)/Co(II). The Co(I) complex having C(5)Me(5) and dppe was also prepared. Two redox couples of this Co(I) complex, (C(5)Me(5))Co(dppe), in CH(3)CN coincided with those of [(C(5)Me(5))Co(dppe)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) in spite of the structural change around the metal center.     

Synthesis, structure and DNA interaction of cobalt(III) bis-complexes of 1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindoline and 1,4,7-triazacyclononane

The complex [CoL(2)](ClO(4)).MeOH (1), where HL is the tridentate 3N ligand 1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindoline, has been isolated and its X-ray crystal structure successfully determined. It possesses a distorted octahedral structure in which both the ligands are coordinated meridionally to cobalt(III) via one deprotonated isoindoline (L(-)) and two pyridine nitrogen atoms. Interestingly, the average dihedral angle between pyridine and isoindoline rings is 25.9 degrees , indicating that the ligand is twisted upon coordination to cobalt(III). The interaction of the complex with calf-thymus DNA has been studied using various spectral methods and viscosity and electrochemical measurements. For comparison, the DNA interaction of [Co(tacn)(2)]Cl(3) (2), where tacn is facially coordinating 1,4,7-triazacyclononane, has been also studied. The ligand-based electronic spectral band of 1 and the N(sigma)-->Co(III) charge transfer band of 2 exhibit moderate hypochromism with small or no blue shift on interaction with DNA. The intrinsic binding constants calculated reveal that the monopositive complex ion [CoL(2)](+) exhibits a DNA-binding affinity lower than the tripositive complex ion [Co(tacn)(2)](3+). The steric clashes with DNA exterior caused by the second L(-) ligand bound to cobalt(III), apart from the lower overall positive charge on the [CoL(2)](+) complex, dictates its DNA-binding mode to be surface binding rather than partial intercalative interaction expected of the extended aromatic chromophore of deprotonated isoindoline anion. An enhancement in relative viscosity of CT DNA on binding to 1 is consistent with its DNA surface binding. On the other hand, a slight decrease in viscosity of CT DNA was observed on binding to 2 revealing that the smaller cation leads to bending (kinking) and hence shortening of DNA chain length. The electrochemical studies indicate that the DNA-bound complexes are stabilised in the higher Co(III) rather than the lower Co(II) oxidation state, suggesting the importance of electrostatic forces of DNA interaction.     

DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of cobalt(III) mixed-polypyridyl complexes containing 2-(2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl)imidazo [4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline

The ligand 2-(2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline(CNOIP) and its complexes [Co(bpy)(2)(CNOIP)](3+) (1) and [Co(phen)(2)(CNOIP)](3+) (2) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine; phen=1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. Binding of the two complexes with calf thymus DNA has been investigated by spectroscopic methods, cyclic voltammetry, viscosity, and electrophoresis measurements. The experimental results indicate that both complexes bind to DNA through an intercalative mode. In comparison with their parent complexes containing PIP ligand (PIP=2-phenylimidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), the introduction of NO(2) and Cl groups to the PIP ligand decreased the binding affinity of complexes 1 and 2 to CT DNA. Both complexes have also been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA, the hydroxyl radical (OH*) is suggested to be the reactive species responsible for the cleavage.     

Structural and electronic mimics of the active site of cobalt(II)-substituted zinc metalloenzymes

Complexes of cobalt(II) and zinc(II) which involve monodentate coordination of two alkyl carboxylate and two imidazole ligands in a slightly distorted tetrahedral fashion have visible and magnetic circular dichroism spectra remarkably similar to the cobalt(II)-substituted proteolytic enzymes thermolysin and carboxypeptidase A. Single crystal x-ray structure determinations on [Co(C₂H₅COO)₂Im₂], Im = imidazole, and its zinc counterpart reveal only minor structural differences between the cobalt and zinc species. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of cobalt(II) doped into zinc(II) complexes with known structures demonstrate the extreme sensitivity of the g-values to minor structural differences.     

Spectral and redox studies on mixed ligand complexes of cobalt(III) phenanthroline/bipyridyl and benzoylhydrazones, their DNA binding and antimicrobial activity

Cobalt(III) complexes of the type [Co(N-N)2L](ClO4)2.H2O [where L=anionic form of para-substituted benzaldehyde-benzoylhydrazone (BHBX-); X=H, Me, OMe, OH, Cl or NO2; N-N=2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen)] have been synthesized and characterized through UV-Vis, IR, NMR and electrochemical studies. The IR spectral frequencies support the mode of coordination of BHBX to the metal through the imino nitrogen and enolic oxygen atoms. The electronic absorption spectra exhibit metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition around 450 nm together with intraligand (IL) bands that are comparable to that of [Co(phen/bpy)3]3+. In acetonitrile solution these complexes show two well defined redox couples corresponding to Co(III/II) and Co(II/I) processes. Binding of these complexes with herring sperm DNA have been investigated by spectroscopic and voltammetric methods. The lower binding constant values of these complexes with respect to the [Co(phen/bpy)3]3+ are ascribed to the polar interaction of the substituted benzoylhydrazone moiety with the sugar-phosphate backbone of the DNA. The UV spectrum shows reasonable hypochromism with slight (2-4 nm) red shift, while the cyclic voltammogram shows decrease in current intensity along with a very small shift in the formal potential of the Co(III/II) redox couple. These experimental results indicate that phen mixed ligand complexes bind to DNA through an intercalative mode more effectively than their bpy counterparts. These complexes are also found to have good antimicrobial activity.     

Influence of the denticity of ligand systems on the in vitro and in vivo behavior of (99m)Tc(I)-tricarbonyl complexes: a hint for the future functionalization of biomolecules

Functionalization of biologically relevant molecules for the labeling with the novel fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))(3)(CO)(3)](+) precursor has gained considerable attention recently. Therefore, we tested seven different tridentate (histidine L(1)(), iminodiacetic acid L(2)(), N-2-picolylamineacetic acid L(3)(), N, N-2-picolylaminediacetic acid L(4)()) and bidentate (histamine L(5)(), 2-picolinic acid L(6)(), 2,4-dipicolinic acid L(7)()) ligand systems, with the potential to be bifunctionalized and attached to a biomolecule. The ligands allowed mild radiolabeling conditions with fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))(3)(CO)(3)](+) (30 min, 75 degrees C). The ligand concentrations necessary to obtain yields of >95% of the corresponding organometallic complexes 1-7 ranged from 10(-)(6) to 10(-)(4) M. Complexes of the general formula "fac-[(99m)TcL(CO)(3)]" (L = tridentate ligand) and "fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))L'(CO)(3)]" (L' = bidentate ligand), respectively, were produced. Challenge studies with cysteine and histidine revealed significant displacement of the ligands in complexes 5-7 but only little exchange with complexes 1-4 after 24 h at 37 degrees C in PBS buffer. However, no decomposition to (99m)TcO(4)(-) was observed under these conditions. All complexes showed a hydrophilic character (log P(o/w) values ranging from -2.12 to 0.32). Time-dependent FPLC analyses of compounds 1-7 incubated in human plasma at 37 degrees C showed again no decomposition to (99m)TcO(4)(-) after 24 h at 37 degrees C. However, the complexes with bidentate ligands (5-7) became almost completely protein bound after 60 min, whereas the complexes with tridentate coordinated ligands (1-4) showed no reaction with serum proteins. The compounds were tested for their in vivo stability and the biodistribution characteristics in BALB/c mice. The complexes with tridentate coordinated ligand systems (1-4) revealed generally a good and fast clearance from all organs and tissues. On the other hand, the complexes with only bidentate coordinated ligands (5-7) showed a significantly higher retention of activity in the liver, the kidneys, and the blood pool. Detailed radiometric analyses of murine plasma samples, 30 min p.i. of complex fac-[(99m)TcL(1)(CO)(3)], 1, revealed almost no reaction of the radioactive complex with the plasma proteins. By contrast, in plasma samples of mice, which were injected with complex fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))L(5)(CO)(3)](+), 5, the entire radioactivity coeluded with the proteins. On the basis of these in vitro and in vivo experiments, it appears that functionalization of biomolecules with tridentate-chelating ligand systems is preferable for the labeling with fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))(3)(CO)(3)](+), since this will presumably result in radioactive bioconjugates with better pharmacokinetic profiles.     

Adducts of guanine with chromium(III), iron(III) and oxovanadium(IV) chlorides

The preparation of well-defined adducts of the M(guH)(₂Cl₃ (M = Cr, Fe) and VO(guH)Cl₂ types (guH = neutral guanine), by refluxing ligand and metal chloride mixtures in ethanol-triethyl orthoformate, is reported. Characterization studies suggest that the new complexes are probably linear chain-like polymeric species, involving single bridges of bidentate guH ligands between adjacent metal ions. Bidentate bridging guH is most probably coordinated through the N(7) and N(9) imidazole nitrogens. The chloro ligands present in the adducts are exclusively terminal. Infrared evidence rules out the possibility of coordination of guanine through either of its exocyclic potential binding sites (i.e., CO oxygen and NH₂ nitrogen) [1].     

Molecular structures and some properties of tris(2-aminoethyl) amine cobalt(III) complexes with thiocarboxylato-O,S such as 3-mercaptopropionato, 2-mercaptoacetato and their derivatives

Cobalt(III) complexes with a thiolate or thioether ligand, t-[Co(mp)(tren)]⁺ (2), t-[Co(mtp)(tren)]²⁺ (1Me) and t-[Co(mta)(tren)]²⁺ (2Me), (mp = 3-mercaptopropionate, MA = 3-(methylthio)propionate and MTA = 2-(methylthio)acetate) have been prepared in aqueous solutions. The crystal structures of 1, 2, 1Me and 2Me were determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The crystal data are as follows, t-[Co(mp)(tren)]ClO₄ (1CIO₄): monoclinic, P2₁/n, A = 10.877(8), B = 11.570(4), c = 12.173(7) Å, β = 92.20(5)°, V = 1531(1) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.060; t-[Co(ma)(tren)]Cl·3H₂O (2Cl·3H₂O): monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 7.7688(8), B = 27.128(2), C = 7.858(1) Å, β = 100.63(1)°, V = 1627.7(3) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.066; (+)₄₆₅^CD-t-[Co(mtp)(tren)](ClO₄)₂ ((+)₄₆₅^CD-1Me(ClO₄)₂): orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, A = 10.6610(7), B = 11.746(1), C = 15.555(1) Å, V = 1947.9(3) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.068; (+)₄₆₅^CD-t-[Co(mta)(tren)](ClO₄)₂ ((+)₄₆₅^CD-2Me(ClO₄)₂): orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, a = 10.564(1), B = 11.375(1), C = 15.434(2) Å, V = 1854.7(4) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.047. All central Co(III) atoms have approximately octahedral geometry, coordinated by four N, one O, and one S atoms. All of the complexes are only isomer, of which the sulfur atom in the didentate-O,S ligands are located at the trans position to the tertiary amine nitrogen atom of tren. 1 and 1Me contain six-membered chelate ring, and 2 and 2Me do five-membered chelate ring in the didentate ligand. The chirality of the asymmetric sulfur donor atom in (+)₄₆₅^CD-1Me is the S configuration and that in (+)₄₆₅^CD-2Me is the R one. The ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and electronic absorption spectral behaviors and electrochemical properties of the present complexes are discussed in relation to their stereochemistries.     

Monomeric and dimeric mixed-ligand copper(II) complexes of 2,2′-bipyridine/1,10-phenanthroline and 1-methylimidazole with imidazoles as catalysts for superoxide dismutation

Monomeric complexes [Cu(LL)(L′)(NO₃)₂] (where LL is 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline and L′ is 1-methylimidazole) and dimeric complexes [Cu₂(LL)₂(L″)]NO₃ (where L″ is an anion of imidazole or 2-methylimidazole) have been synthesized. These complexes show a d-d transition in the range of 600 to 710 nm. The infrared spectra of monomeric complexes show that the NO₃⁻ is coordinated to copper as a monodentate ligand through an oxygen atom. The ESR spectra of monomeric complexes indicate that the ligands are bonded in axial environment around copper (square pyramidal geometry) with three nitrogen donors occupying an equatorial plane. The ESR spectra of dimeric complexes show a broad signal at about G = 2 with an additional weak signal at about G = 4. This suggests that two copper atoms are in close proximity of < 7 Å. The ESR studies reveal that the formation of imidazolate-bridged binuclear copper(II) complexes from [Cu(LL)(L′)(NO₃)₂] and imidazole is pH dependent with apparent pK_a values of 8.25 to 8.30. The superoxide dismutase activity of ICu(phen)(L′)(NO₃)₂], [Cu(bipy)(L′)(NO₃)₂], and [Cu₂(bipy)₂(L′)₂(L″)]NO₃ has been measured and the latter two complexes show better activity than the former complex.     

Synthesis and characterization of the cobalt(III) complexes of two pendant-arm cross-bridged cyclams

The cobalt(III) complexes of 4,11-diacetato-1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane (1), [Co(1)]PF₆, and 4,11-diacetamido-1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane (2), [Co(2)][PF₆]₃, have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of [Co(1)]PF₆ consists of an octahedral cobalt(III) cation coordinated to all four ligand nitrogen donors in the macrobicycle’s cavity, as well as to the deprotonated carboxylate oxygen atoms of both pendant arms. Analytical and spectroscopic data indicates that the ligand in [Co(2)][PF₆]₃ is not deprotonated, suggesting coordination through the amide carbonyl oxygens. Study of the electronic spectra of these novel complexes and comparison with data from related cobalt(III) complexes characterizes the ligands as strong field with Δ₀=24,040 and Δ₀=24,250 cm⁻¹ for 1 and 2, respectively. Cyclic voltammograms were obtained for both complexes with large variations observed due to the differences in ligand charge and coordination.     

Aluminium(III), chromium(III) and iron(III) complexes with 5-iodouracil and 5-iodouracil-histidine and their antitumour activity

Complexes of the type [Al(HL)(OH)Cl(2)], [M(HL)(OH)(2)Cl] and [M'(HL)(L')(OH)Cl], where HL = 5-iodouracil; HL' = histidine; M = Cr(III), Fe(III) and M' = Al(III), Cr(III), Fe(III), were synthesized and characterized. The complexes are polymeric showing high decomposition points and are insoluble in water and common organic solvents. The mu(eff) values, electronic spectral bands and ESR spectra suggest a polymeric 6-coordinate spin-free octahedral stereochemistry for the Cr(III) and Fe(III) complexes. 5-Iodouracil acts as a monodentate ligand coordinating to the metal ion through the O atom of C((4)) = O while histidine through the O atom of -COO(- ) and the N atom of -NH(2) group. In vivo antitumour effect of 5-iodouracil and its complexes was examined on C(3)H /He mice against P815 murine mastocytoma. As evident from their T/C values, Cr(III) and Fe(III) complexes display significant and higher antitumour activity compared to the 5-iodouracil ligand. The in vitro results of the complexes on the same cells indicate that Cr(III) and Fe(III) complexes show higher inhibition on (3)H-thymidine and (3)H-uridine incorporation in DNA and RNA replication, respectively, at a dose of 5 microg/mL.     

A spectroscopic investigation of the self-association and DNA binding properties of a series of ternary ruthenium(II) complexes

Six ruthenium(II) complexes of the general form cis-alpha-[Ru(N4-tetradentate)(N2-bidentate)]Cl2 have been synthesized from the two related tetradentate ligands 1,6-di(2'-pyridyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2,5-diazahexane (picenMe2) and 1,6-di(2'-pyridyl)-2,5-dibenzyl-2,5-diazahexane (picenBz2) and the bidentate ligands 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and dipyrido[3,2-f:2'3'-h]quinoxaline (dpq). Synthetic intermediate species of the general form cis-alpha-[Ru(II)(N4-tetradentate)(DMSO)Cl][PF6] were isolated. The N4-tetradentate ligand picenMe2 formed only the cis-alpha stereoisomer, while picenBz2 formed both the cis-alpha and cis-beta stereoisomers. These latter stereoisomers were resolved by fractional crystallisation. Dimer self-association constants, K(D), were estimated from the concentration dependence of the 1H NMR shifts for some of these complexes in aqueous solutions at 25 degrees C. The values of K(D) ranged from 0.6 to 7.9 M(-1) and a relationship was observed between the aromatic surface area of the bidentate component and the degree to which self-association occurred, whereby a greater level of self-association correlates with a larger surface area for the bidentate ligand. Some of these complexes demonstrate an ability to bind to DNA that is consistent with intercalation of the bidentate molecular component between the base pairs of the DNA molecule. Using calf-thymus DNA, the equilibrium binding constants, K(B), were determined for some of the complexes using intrinsic methods and these ranged from 3.32 to 5.11 M(-1), the intercalating abilities of the different bidentate ligands being in the order dp q > phen > bipy. This relationship between aromatic surface area of the bidentate ligand and the degree of DNA binding activity is the same as that observed in the self-association study.     

Coordination chemistry of molybdenum and tungsten--VIII. Oxomolybdenum(V) complexes of 8-hydroxyquinoline and relevance of EPR spectra to binding sites in flavoenzymes.

MoOCl3(THF)2 (THF = tetrahydrofuran) reacts with 8-hydroxyquinoline (QH) to form [MoOCl3(QH)2], which contains neutral monodentate ligands, [MoOCl(Q)2], and anionic bidentate ligands, and the dimeric [Mo2O3(Q)4], which contains anionic bidentate ligands and both terminal and bridging oxo donors. In dichloromethane [MoOCl3(QH)2] dissolves to give three species, and epr measurements identify these as unchanged [MoOCl3(QH)2], [MoOCl(Q)2] and a third species characterised by a value of 1.979. No g value of this magnitude has previously been obtained for molybdenum(V) complexes which do not contain sulphur donors, and the significance of epr measurements as an indication of the nature of molybdenum coordination in flavoenzymes must be questioned. These complexes have also been characterised by vibrational and electronic spectral measurements.     

Dissociation of outer-sphere water is rate-limiting for the binding of ligands in the active site of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase

The association of imidazole and auramine O to native horse-liver alcohol dehydrogenase [Zn(II)LADH] and active-site specifically cobalt(II)-substituted horse-liver alcohol dehydrogenase [Co(II)LADH], respectively, has been investigated. In all cases [except imidazole binding to Zn(II)LADH in the presence of auramine O] the association rates approached an upper limit (kmax). The kmax values were compared for the metal ligands imidazole (monodentate), 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-bipyridine (bidentate; see also the preceding paper), and for auramine O which does not coordinate to the catalytic metal ion. Independent of the large differences in their structure and metal-bonding capability, all these compounds exhibit common, maximum, limiting rate constants of about 60 s-1 and 200 s-1 for Co(II)LADH and Zn(II)LADH, respectively. These results demonstrate that kmax is strongly dependent on the catalytic metal ion but not on the ligand. The absence of spectral changes in the d-d transitions of the catalytic Co(II) ion upon auramine O binding to Co(II)LADH indicates that the rate-limiting step is not accompanied by a major conformational change. Finally, it is concluded that reactions in the inner coordination sphere of the catalytic metal ion (i.e. the metal-bound water molecule) are not responsible for the step characterized by kmax. We propose the rate-limiting step to consist of the dissociation of one or several water molecules from the second coordination sphere of the catalytic metal ion in the active site of LADH in its open conformation.     

Synthesis, physico-chemical studies of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with some p-substituted acetophenone benzoylhydrazones and their antimicrobial activity

Complexes of the type [M(pabh)(H2O)Cl], [M(pcbh)(H2O)Cl] and [M(Hpabh)(H2O)2 (SO4)] where, M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); Hpabh = p-amino acetophenone benzoyl hydrazone and Hpcbh = p-chloro acetophenone benzoyl hydrazone have been synthesized and characterized with the help of elemental analyses, electrical conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, electronic, ESR and IR spectra, thermal (TGA & DTA) and X-ray diffraction studies. Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) chloride complexes are square planar, whereas their sulfate complexes have spin-free octahedral geometry. ESR spectra of Cu(II) complexes with Hpabh are axial and suggest d(x(2)-y(2) as the ground state. The ligand is bidentate bonding through > C = N--and deprotonated enolate group in all the chloro complexes, whereas, >C = N and >C = O groups in all the sulfato complexes. Thermal studies (TGA & DTA) on [Cu(Hpabh)(H2O)2(SO4)] indicate a multistep decomposition pattern, which are both exothermic and endothermic in nature. X-ray powder diffraction parameters for [Co(pabh)(H2O)Cl] and [Ni(Hpabh)(H2O)2(SO4)] correspond to tetragonal and orthorhombic crystal lattices, respectively. The ligands as well as their complexes show a significant antifungal and antibacterial activity. The metal complexes are more active than the ligand.     

Interaction of Lambda- and Delta-[Ru(bpy)2(pbmz)](PF6)2 with the oligonucleotide duplex d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2

The interaction of the enantiomeric complexes Lambda- and Delta-[Ru(bpy)(2)(pbmz)](PF(6))(2) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, pbmz=2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazole) with the DNA duplex d(CGCGAATTCGCG)(2) was investigated by means of 2D NMR techniques. The synthesis of the enantiomers was based on the optically pure complexes Lambda- and Delta-[Ru(bpy)(2)(py)(2)](2+) and were characterized by CD and NMR spectroscopy. NMR data indicate that both enantiomers bind weakly to the oligonucleotide, approaching from the minor groove at the centre of the helix. The perturbation of the B-DNA conformation is minor with an apparent absence of enantioselectivity. Molecular modelling calculations in conjunction with the NOE data support the suggestion that more than one binding modes are present. The imidazole amine group of the pbmz ligand is probably hydrogen bonded to the DNA phosphodiesteric backbone at the AATT step, and this may provide an explanation for the diminished enantioselectivity observed.     

Characterization of synthetic oxomanganese complexes and the inorganic core of the O2-evolving complex in photosystem II: evaluation of the DFT/B3LYP level of theory

The capabilities and limitations of the Becke-3-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) hybrid density functional are investigated as applied to studies of mixed-valent multinuclear oxomanganese complexes. Benchmark calculations involve the analysis of structural, electronic and magnetic properties of di-, tri- and tetra-nuclear Mn complexes, previously characterized both chemically and spectroscopically, including the di-mu-oxo bridged dimers [Mn(III)Mn(IV)(mu-O)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(terpy)(2)](3+) (terpy=2,2':6,2'-terpyridine) and [Mn(III)Mn(IV)(mu-O)(2)(phen)(4)](3+) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), the Mn trimer [Mn(3)O(4)(bpy)(4)(H(2)O)(2)](4+) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine), and the tetramer [Mn(4)O(4)L(6)](+) with L=Ph(2)PO(2)(-). Furthermore, the density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP level is applied to analyze the hydrated Mn(3)O(4)CaMn cluster completely ligated by water, OH(-), Cl(-), carboxylate and imidazole ligands, analogous to the '3+1 Mn tetramer' of the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II. It is found that DFT/B3LYP predicts structural and electronic properties of oxomanganese complexes in pre-selected spin-electronic states in very good agreement with X-ray and magnetic experimental data, even when applied in conjunction with rather modest basis sets. However, it is conjectured that the energetics of low-lying spin-states is beyond the capabilities of the DFT/B3LYP level, constituting a limitation to mechanistic studies of multinuclear oxomanganese complexes where until now the performance of DFT/B3LYP has raised little concern.     

Inhibition of thermolysin and human alpha-thrombin by cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes.

Cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes have been shown to inhibit the replication of the ocular herpes virus. It is well known that these complexes have a high affinity for nitrogenous donors such as histidine residues, and it is possible that they bind to (and inhibit) an enzyme that is crucial to viral replication. In model studies, we have found that [Co(acacen)(NH3)2]+ is an effective irreversible inhibitor of thermolysin at millimolar concentrations; it also inhibits human alpha-thrombin. Axial ligand exchange with an active-site histidine is the proposed mechanism of inhibition. The activity of thermolysin and thrombin can be protected by binding a reversible inhibitor to the active site before addition of the cobalt(III) complex.     

DNA interactions of new mixed-ligand complexes of cobalt(III) and nickel(II) that incorporate modified phenanthroline ligands

Four new mixed-ligand complexes, namely [Co(phen)(2)(qdppz)](3+), [Ni(phen)(2)(qdppz)](2+), [Co(phen)(2)(dicnq)](3+) and [Ni(phen)(2)(dicnq)](2+) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline, qdppz=naptho[2,3-a]dipyrido[3,2-H:2',3'-f]phenazine-5,18-dione and dicnq=dicyanodipyrido quinoxaline), were synthesized and characterized by FAB-MS, UV/Vis, IR, 1H NMR, cyclic voltammetry and magnetic susceptibility methods. Absorption and viscometric titration as well as thermal denaturation studies revealed that each of these octahedral complexes is an avid binder of calf-thymus DNA. The apparent binding constants for the dicnq- and qdppz-bearing complexes are in the order of 10(4) and >10(6) M(-1), respectively. Based on the data obtained, an intercalative mode of DNA binding is suggested for these complexes. While both the investigated cobalt(III) complexes and also [Ni(phen)(2)(qdppz)](2+) affected the photocleavage of DNA (supercoiled pBR 322) upon irradiation by 360 nm light, the corresponding dicnq complex of nickel(II) was found to be ineffective under a similar set of experimental conditions. The physico-chemical properties as well as salient features involved in the DNA interactions of the cobalt(III) and nickel(II) complexes investigated here were compared with each other and also with the corresponding properties of the previously reported ruthenium(II) analogues.     

Studies on antimicrobial activity of cobalt(III) ethylenediamine complexes

A series of cobalt(III) mixed ligand complexes of type [Co(en)2L]+3, where L is bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, imidazole, methylimidazole, ethyleimidazole, dimethylimidazole, urea, thiourea, acetamide, thioacetamide, semicarbazide, thiosemicarbazide, or pyrazole, have been isolated and characterized. The structural elucidation of these complexes has been explored by using absorption, infrared, and 1H NMR nuclear magnetic resonance spectral methods. The infrared spectral data of all these complexes exhibit a band at 1450/cm and 1560-1590/cm, which correspond to C=C and C=N, a band at 575/cm for Co-N (en), and a band at 480/cm for Co-L (ligand). All these complexes were found to be potent antimicrobial agents. The antibacterial activity was studied in detail in terms of zone inhibition, minimum bactericidal, and time period of lethal action. Among all, complexes bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, dimethylimidazole, and pyrazole, possess the highest antibacterial activity. Antifungal activity was done by disc-diffusion assay and 50% inhibitory concentrations that possess high antifungal activity.