Diversity of triflate coordination modes in neodymocene complexes containing bulky bis(trimethylsilyl)cyclopentadienyl ligands

The reaction of Nd(OTf)₃ (OTf = O₃SCF₃) with two molar equivalents of LiCp″ [Cp″ = C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂-1,3] in thf solution generated the blue, tetrametallic dimer [{Nd(η⁵-Cp″)₂(μ₂-κ²-O₃SCF₃)(μ₃-κ³-O₃SCF₃)Li(thf)}₂] (1a), which has been shown by X-ray crystallography to contain a tricyclic, ladder-like scaffold with Nd and Li cations and OTf anions at its core. Compound 1a was relatively labile, being readily cleaved by a variety of donor molecules. 18-Crown-6 efficiently encapsulated the lithium cation to yield the salt [Li(18-crown-6)][Nd(η⁵-Cp″)₂(κ¹-O₃SCF₃)(κ²-O₃SCF₃)] (2). Addition of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda) afforded the monomeric bimetallic [Nd(η⁵-Cp″)₂(μ₂-κ²-O₃SCF₃)₂Li(tmeda)] (3), while the more rigid donor 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) produced the neutral, Li-free complex [Nd(η⁵-Cp″)₂(κ¹-O₃SCF₃)(bipy)] (4). The molecular and crystal structures of 2–4, as well as that of1b, the unstable La analogue of 1a, have been determined by X-ray methods.     

Copper(II) complexes of tetradentate thioether-oxime ligands

Two dinuclear copper(II) thioether-oxime complexes ([Cu(DtdoH)]₂(ClO₄)₂ and [Cu(DtudH)]₂(ClO₄)₂ · 2CH₃OH) have been synthesized. [Cu(DtdoH)]₂(ClO₄)₂ reacted with excess BF₃ · OEt₂ to yield [Cu(Thyclops)]ClO₄, a -macrocyclized di-oxime. [Cu(DtdoH)]₂(ClO₄)₂ and [Cu(DtudH)]₂(ClO₄)₂ · 2CH₃OH are the first representatives of copper(II) thioether oximes which exhibit the classical out-of-plane oximate oxygen-metal dimer structure. [Cu(DtdoH)]₂(ClO₄)₂ and [Cu(Thyclops)]ClO₄ have been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The geometry about each copper(II) in [Cu(DtdoH)]₂(ClO₄)₂ is a distorted square pyramid (τ = 0.14). The average copper-nitrogen(oxime) bond length is 1.984 Å longer (∼0.03 Å) than the average copper-nitrogen(oxime) bonds in copper(II) bis-glyoximates. The geometry of [Cu(Thyclops)]ClO₄ reveals an almost perfect square pyramid (τ = 0.03) of N₂S₂O donors. Solution, cryogenic glass, and powder ESR spectra show a typical axial pattern, except for the powder spectrum of [Cu(DtudH)]₂(ClO₄)₂ · 2CH₃OH which displays a small rhombic distortion. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate very weak ferromagnetic interactions in [Cu(DtdoH)]₂(ClO₄)₂, where J = +0.52 cm⁻¹ and very weak antiferromagnetic interactions in [Cu(DtudH)]₂(ClO₄)₂ · 2CH₃OH, where J = −0.59 cm⁻¹. Electrochemical measurements reveal that the mixed thioether-oxime coordination environment tends to stabilize Cu(II), as all electrochemical reductions were quasi-reversible or irreversible. [Cu(Thyclops)]ClO₄ is more oxidizing than [Cu(DtdoH)]₂(ClO₄)₂ by 0.14 V.     

On coordination modes of adenine in cadmium(II) complexes

Complexes of cadmium(II) derivatives with adenine from water or by simulation of physiological conditions are obtained. The complexes have been studied by spectroscopic, conductometric, 1H-NMR, and by TG and DSC measurements. Possible coordination modes of the ligand are proposed.     

Synthesis and antitumor activity of N-substituted iminodiacetato(1,1-bis[aminomethyl]cyclohexane)platinum(II) complexes

A number of water-soluble N-substituted iminodiacetato(1,1-bis[aminomethyl]cyclohexane)platinum(II) complexes have been synthesized, and their mode of coordination characterized by elemental analysis and infrared data. Preliminary in vitro screening test for antitumor activity of these complexes against L1210 murine leukemia cells were performed. The results indicate that these complexes have an acceptable in vitro cytotoxicity against L1210 leukemia.     

Five manganese(II) complexes with seven- or eight-coordinated Mn(II), revealing different coordination modes for the nitrato ligands

Four seven-coordinated manganese(II) complexes [Mn(tpa)(η₁-NO₃)(η₂-NO₃)] (1), [Mn(bpia)(η₁-NO₃)(η₂-NO₃)] (2), [Mn(tpa)(η₁-NO₃)(η₂-NO₃)] (3), [Mn(tpa)(η₁-NO₃)(η₂-NO₃)] (4), and one octacoordinated manganese(II) complex [Mn(bppza)(η₂-NO₃)₂] (5) have been synthesized and characterized using the tripodal tetradentate ligands tpa, bpia, bipa, ipqa, and bppza (tpa: tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, bpia: bis(2-pyridylmethyl)(2-(N-methyl)imidazolylmethyl)amine, bipa: bis-(2-(N-methyl)imidazolylmethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, ipqa: (2-(N-methyl)imidazolylmethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)(2-quinolylmethyl)amine, and bppza: bis(2-pyridylmethyl)(2-pyrazylmethyl)amine). The crystal structures for all compounds have been determined. 1, 2 and 3 crystallize in the triclinic space group , 4 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca, whereas the eight-coordinated 5 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n. All compounds have one bidentate bound nitrate group in common. The coordination number and its geometry depend on the coordination mode of the second nitrate group. The coordination polyhedron for 1, 2, 3 and 4 is best described as an oblate octahedron and the one for 5 as a doubly oblate octahedron.     

Reinvestigation of the copper(II)-carcinine equilibrium system: "two-dimensional" EPR simulation and NMR relaxation studies for determining the formation constants and coordination modes

The equilibria and solution structure of complexes formed between copper(II) and carcinine (beta-alanyl-histamine) at 2< or = pH< or =11.2 have been studied by EPR and NMR relaxation methods. Beside the species that have already been described in the literature from pH-potentiometric measurements, several new complexes have been identified and/or structurally characterized. The singlet on the EPR spectrum detected in equimolar solutions at pH 7, indicates the formation of an oligomerized (CuL)n(2n+) complex, with [NH2,Nim] coordination. The oligomerization is probably associated with the low stability of the ten-membered macrochelate ring, which would form in the mononuclear complex CuL2+. In presence of moderate excess of ligand the formation of four new bis-complexes (CuL2Hn(2+n), n=2,1 and 0/-1) was detected with [Nim][Nim], [NH2,Nim][Nim] and [NH2,N-,Nim][Nim] type co-ordination modes, respectively. At higher excess of ligand ([L]/[Cu2+]>10) and at pH approximately 7, the predominant species is CuL4H2(4+). The 1H and 13C relaxation measurements of carcinine solutions (0.6 M) in presence of 0 mM< or = [Cu2+](tot)< or = 5 mM at pH=6.8, allowed us to extract the carbon-to-metal distances, the electronic relaxation and tumbling correlation times, as well as the ligand exchange rate for the species CuL4H2(4+). According to these results, the metal ion is [4Nim] co-ordinated in the equatorial plane, while the neutral amino groups are unbounded. Since naturally occurring carcinine shows in vivo antioxidant property, the SOD-like activity of the copper(II)-carcinine system has also been investigated and the complex CuLH(-1) was found to be highly active.     

Copper(I) and copper(II) complexes of biologically relevant tridentate ligands

The preparation of a series of tridentate ligands of formulae X(CH₂C₇H₅N₂)₂ (X = NH, S, O, S₂) is described. The ligands contain two benzimidazole moieties and one of NH, S, O, or S₂ as the donor groups. Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of these ligands are prepared and characterized. Spectroscopic and X-ray data imply that the geometric constraints of these ligands impose a distorted coordination geometry at copper. The implications and relevance of this chemistry to copper proteins is discussed.     

Preparation of heterocyclic thialato ligands and their Copper(II) complexes

A number of different heterocyclic aldehydes substituted in the β-position with the t-butylthio moiety were converted into new S₂N₂ ligands containing protected thiol groups. Reaction of the protected ligands 2 with copper(II) salts resulted in elimination of isobutene and formation of copper(II) complexes of mercaptoimines 3.     

Strong protective action of Copper(II) N-substituted sulfonamide complexes against reactive oxygen species

Copper(II) complexes of N-benzothiazolsulfonamides, [Cu(N-2-(5,6-dimethylbenzothiazole)toluenesulfonamidate)(2)(dmso)(2)] (1), [Cu(N-2-(6-chlorobenzothiazole)benzenesulfonamidate)(2)(dmso)(2)] (2) and [Cu(N-2-(6-chlorobenzothiazole)toluenesulfonamidate)(2)(dmso)(2)] (3) with interesting protective properties against superoxide radicals have been prepared. The compounds have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and their chemical properties have been studied by spectroscopic methods. The crystal structure of 1 shows that the copper(II) is surrounded by two benzothiazole N atoms from the sulfonamide ligands and two O atoms from the dimethylsulfoxide molecules in a square planar arrangement. The coordination polyhedron around copper(II) in 2 and 3 is distorted square pyramidal being the metal ion linked to benzothiazole N and sulfonamidate O atoms of the ligand and to two dimethylsulfoxide O atoms. The three complexes have a strong protective action over Delta sod1 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae against reactive oxygen radicals derived from respiration and against those generated by hydrogen peroxide and menadione.     

A family of insulinomimetic zinc(II) complexes of amino ligands with Zn(Nn) (n=3 and 4) coordination modes

Several metal ions and their complexes have been known to mimic the action of insulin in in vitro and in vivo systems. We prepared a family of Zn(II) complexes derived from amino ligands with Zn(Nn) (n=3 and 4) coordination modes, the insulinomimetic activity being estimated by an inhibitory effect of free fatty acid release from isolated rat adipocytes treated with epinephrine. In comparison with the positive controls VOSO(4) and ZnSO(4), Zn(II)-amine complexes with stability constants (log beta) lower than 11.5 exhibited higher insulinomimetic activities. Among them, a bis(2-aminomethyl pyridinato)Zn(II) (Zn(2-ampy)(2)(2+)) complex with the highest insulinomimetic activity and a higher stability constant but lower than 11.5 was selected, and subjected to in vivo evaluation in KK-A(y) mice with a genetically type 2 diabetes mellitus. The high blood glucose level of the mice was lowered by daily intraperitoneal injections of Zn(2-ampy)(2)(2+) at a dose of 2 mg Zn/kg body weight for 14 days. Based on the results, Zn(2-ampy)(2)(2+) with Zn(N(4)) coordination mode was proposed to have both a high in vitro insulinomimetic activity and an in vivo blood glucose lowering effect.     

Copper(II) complexes of new pentadentate bis(benzimidazolyl)-dithioether ligands: synthesis, structure, spectra and redox properties

Copper(II) complexes of a series of linear pentadentate ligands containing two benzimidazoles, two thioether sulfurs and a amine nitrogen, viz. N,N^′-bis{4^′-(2″-benzimidazolyl)(methyl)-3^′-thiabutyl}amine(L¹), N,N^′-bis{4^′-(2″-benzimidazolyl)(methyl)-3^′-thiabutyl}N-methylamine (L²), 2,6-bis{4^′-(2″-benzimidazolyl)(methyl)-3^′-thiabutyl}pyridine(L³), N,N^′-bis{4^′-(2″-benzimidazolyl)-2^′-thiabutyl}amine (L⁴), N,N^′-bis{4^′-(2″-benzimidazolyl)-2^′-thiabutyl}N-methylamine (L⁵) and 2,6-bis{4^′-(2″-benzimidazolyl)-2^′-thiabutyl}-3pyridine (L⁶) have been isolated and characterized by electronic absorption and EPR spectroscopy and cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. Of these complexes, [Cu(L¹)](BF₄)₂ (1) and [Cu(L²)](BF₄)₂ (4) have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The coordination geometries around copper(II) in 1 and 4 are described as trigonal bipyramidal distorted square based pyramidal geometry (TBDSBP). The distorted CuN₃S basal plane in them is comprised of amine nitrogen, one thioether sulphur and two benzimidazole nitrogens and the other thioether sulfur is axially coordinated. The ligand field spectra of all the complexes are consistent with a mostly square-based geometry in solution. The EPR spectra of complexes [Cu(L¹)](BF₄)₂ (1), [Cu(L¹)](NO₃)₂ (2), [Cu(L²)](BF₄)₂ (4) and [Cu(L³)](ClO₄)₂ (6) are consistent with two species indicating the dissociation/disproportionation of the complex species in solution. All the complexes exhibit an intense CT band in the range 305-395 nm and show a quasireversible to irreversible Cu^II/Cu^I redox process with relatively positive E_1/2 values, which are consistent with the presence of two-coordinated thioether groups. The addition of N-methylimidazole (mim) replaces the coordinated thioether ligands in solution, as revealed from the negative shift (222-403 mV) in the Cu^II/Cu^I redox potential. The present study reveals that the effect of incorporating an amine nitrogen donor into CuN₂S₂ complexes is to generate an axial copper(II)-thioether coordination and also to enforce lesser trigonality on the copper(II) coordination geometry.     

Copper(II) halide complexes of 2-aminobenzophenone. Crystal and molecular structure of bis(2-aminobenzophenone)dichlorocopper(II)

The complexes CuX₂L₂ (X = Cl, Br; L = 2-aminobenzophenone) were prepared and characterized by means of magnetic and spectroscopic measurements. For the Cl compound the crystal structure was also determined. Crystals are triclinic, space group P$\text{1}$, with a = 13.397(3), b = 10.752(2), c = 9.205(2) Å, α = 72.26(1)°, β = 91.58(1)°, γ = 106.86(1)°, and Z = 2. The structure was solved by the heavy-atom method and refined by least-squares calculations to R = 0.034 for 2581 counter data. It consists of discrete CuX₂L₂ monomers showing distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry about the copper ion. The amino nitrogens are axial ligands, with the equatorial positions occupied by two chlorine atoms and a carbonyl oxygen from one L molecule acting as a bidentate ligand. Infrared and ligand field spectroscopies and magnetic measurements, interpreted on the basis of the known crystal structure, also suggest a similar structure for the related Br compound.     

Copper(II) complexes with unsymmetrical pentadentate ed3a-type diamino-tricarboxylate ligands. Crystal structures, configurational analysis and DFT study of complexes

The O-O-N-N-O-type pentadentate ligands H₃ed3a, H₃pd3a and H₃pd3p (H₃ed3a stands ethylenediamine-N,N,N′-triacetic acid; H₃pd3a stands 1,3-propanediamine-N,N,N′-triacetic acid and H₃pd3p stands 1,3-propanediamine-N,N,N′-tri-3-propionic acid) and the corresponding novel octahedral or square-planar/trigonal-bipyramidal copper(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. H₃ed3a, H₃pd3a and H₃pd3p ligands coordinate to copper(II) ion via five donor atoms (three deprotonated carboxylate atoms and two amine nitrogens) affording octahedral in case of ed3a³⁻ and intermediate square-pyramidal/trigonal-bipyramidal structure in case of pd3a³⁻ and pd3p³⁻. A six coordinate, octahedral geometry has been established crystallographically for the [Mg(H₂O)₆][Cu(ed3a)(H₂O)]₂ · 2H₂O complex and five coordinate square-pyramidal for the [Mg(H₂O)₅Cu(pd3a)][Cu(pd3a)] · 2H₂O. Structural data correlating similar chelate Cu(II) complexes have been used for the better understanding the pathway: octahedral → square-pyramidal ↔ trigonal- bipyramid geometry. An extensive configuration analysis is discussed in relation to information obtained for similar complexes. The infra-red and electronic absorption spectra of the complexes are discussed in comparison with related complexes of known geometries. Molecular mechanics and density functional theory (DFT) programs have been used to model the most stable geometric isomer yielding, at the same time, significant structural data. The results from density functional studies have been compared with X-ray data.     

EPR characterization of mono(thiosemicarbazones) copper(II) complexes. Note II

Copper(II) complexes with thiosemicarbazones have been shown to be more active in cell destruction, in the inhibition of DNA synthesis than the uncomplexed ligand. Several derivatives of thiosemicarbazones and their iron and copper complexes have been studied for their cytotoxicity and inhibiting activity against DNA synthesis. In the present work complexes formed in H2O-DMSO solution between copper(II) and the acetophenone thiosemicarbazone (ATSC) and the o-aminobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (o-NH2TSC) have been studied. EPR studies have been performed at different pH values and metal-to-ligand ratios. The spectra have been recorded at both room (298 K) and low temperatures (120 K). A possible relationship between structure and activity is attempted on the basis of the EPR data.     

EPR study of Cu(II) complexes of tridentate amino acids

The Cu(II) complexes of tridentate amino acids and related amines in alkaline solution were studied by EPR spectroscopy. Line shapes, g∥ and A∥ of each amino acid complex were compared with those of the corresponding amine complex. The results indicate that aromatic amino acids, monoaminodicarboxylic amino acids, arginine, methionine, and lysine bind to Cu(II) via the amino and carboxyl α groups. On the other hand cysteine, 2-3-diaminopropionic acid and hydroxy amino acids appear to be coordinated through the α-amino group and the third potentially binding group. Evidence is presented for the formation of mixed complexes in the cases of histidine and 2-4-diaminobutyric acid, whereas a glycine-like complex with apical coordination of the δ-amino groups is proposed for the ornithine-Cu(II) complex.     

Spectroelectrochemical studies of some ruthenium(II) complexes with polypyridyl bridging ligands

Ruthenium(II) bis(2,2″-pyridyl) complexes with bridging ligands: 6,7-dichloro-2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline; 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)-quinoxaline; 5-methyl-2,3-di(2-pyridyl) quinoxaline; 6,7-dibenzo-2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline have been prepared. The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of these complexes are reported. The resonance Raman spectroelectrochemical results indicate the presence of oxidation state sensitive marker bands in the resonance Raman spectra of the oxidized complexes. The spectroscopic data for the reduced complexes is similar for all four species. The resonance Raman data for the reduced species are dominated by 2,2″-bipyridyl vibrations.     

Imidazole derivatives of binuclear copper (II) and nickel (II) complexes incorporating bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl) ligands

A series of new binuclear copper (II) and nickel (II) complexes of the macrocyclic ligands bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl)butane (L^but) and bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl)-m-xylene (L^mx) have been synthesized: [Cu₂L^butBr₄] (1), [Cu₂L^but(imidazole)₂Br₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Cu₂L^mx(μ-OH)(imidazole)₂](ClO₄)₃ (3), [Cu₂L^but(imidazole)₄](ClO₄)₄ · H₂O (4), [Cu₂L^mx(imidazole)₄](ClO₄)₄ (5), [Ni₂ L^but(H₂O)₆](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (6), [Ni₂L^but(imidazole)₆](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (7) and [Ni₂L^mx (imidazole)₄(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₄ · 3H₂O (8). Complexes 1, 2, 7 and 8 have been characterized by single crystal X-ray studies. In each of the complexes, the two tridentate 1,4,7-triazacyclononane rings of the ligand facially coordinate to separate metal centres. The distorted square-pyramidal coordination sphere of the copper (II) centres is completed by bromide anions in the case of 1 and/or monodentate imidazole ligands in complexes 2, 4 and 5. Complex 3 has been formulated as a monohydroxo-bridged complex featuring two terminal imidazole ligands. Complexes 6-8 feature distorted octahedral nickel (II) centres with water and/or monodentate imidazole ligands occupying the remaining coordination sites. Within the crystal structures, the ligands adopt trans conformations, with the two metal binding compartments widely separated, perhaps as a consequence of electrostatic repulsion between the cationic metal centres. The imidazole-bearing complexes may be viewed as simple models for the coordinative interaction of the binuclear complexes of bis (tacn) ligands with protein molecules bearing multiple surface-exposed histidine residues.     

Binuclear copper(II) complexes of some potentially sexadentate phthalazine hydrazone ligands

Binuclear copper(II) complexes of three potentially sexadentate phthalazine hydrazone ligands, obtained by reacting 1,4-dihydrazinophthalazine with an appropriate aldehyde, are reported, in which variable terminal donor substituents include the phenol (DPSI), N-methyl imidazole (DPIM) and pyridine (PHP) groups. For the phenol substituted ligand (DPSI) the phenol residues are sufficiently acidic that in most cases this ligand behaves as a dianion. Hydroxy bridged structures are proposed in almost all cases based on analytical, infrared and magnetic data. Reduced magnetic moments are observed for all compounds indicating anti-ferromagnetically coupled copper(II) centres and in six cases magnetic moments of < 0.5 BM are observed. The copper(II) centres appear to have distorted square planar stereochemistries in the systems which involve two metals bound to each ligand. In one case involving the copper chloride complex of DPIM a polynuclear system is proposed involving three metals per ligand.     

Ternary copper(II) complexes involving 2-(aminomethyl)-benzimidazole and some bio-relevant ligands. Equilibrium studies and kinetics of hydrolysis for glycine methyl ester under complex formation

Formation equilibria of copper(II) complexes of 2-(aminomethyl)-benzimidazole (AMBI) and the ternary complexes Cu(AMBI)L (L = amino acid, amide, dicarboxylic acid or DNA constituents) have been investigated. Ternary complexes of amino acids or amides are formed by a simultaneous mechanism. Amino acids form the complex Cu(AMBI)L, whereas amides form two complex species Cu(AMBI)L and Cu(AMBI)(LH₋₁). The ternary complexes of copper(II) with AMBI and dicarboxylic acids or DNA units are formed by a stepwise mechanism, whereby binding of copper(II) to AMBI is followed by ligation of the dicarboxylic acids or DNA components. The values of Δ log K indicate that the ternary complexes containing aromatic amino acids are significantly more stable than the complexes containing alkyl- and hydroxyalkyl-substituted amino acids. This may be taken as an evidence for a stacking interaction between the aromatic moiety of AMBI and the aromatic side chains of the bio-active ligands. The solid complexes Cu(AMBI)L where L = 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid (CBDCA) and malonic acid were separated and identified by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy and magnetic moment. The decomposition course and steps for the isolated complexes were analyzed and the kinetic parameters of the non-isothermal decomposition were calculated. The hydrolysis of glycine methyl ester (MeGly) is catalyzed by the Cu(AMBI)²⁺ complex. The kinetic data is fitted assuming that the hydrolysis reaction proceeds in two steps. The first step, involving coordination of the amino acid ester by the amino and carbonyl groups, is followed by rate-determining attack by OH⁻ ion. The second step involves the equilibrium formation of the hydroxo-complex Cu(AMBI)(MeGly)(OH) followed by intramolecular OH⁻ attack.     

Mononuclear Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes of some potentially binucleating Schiff base ligands

Mononuclear Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes have been prepared from two new Schiff base ligands in which two alternative co-ordination sites (N₂O₂ or O₂O₂) occur. The first ligands is the Schiff base derived from 1,2-diaminobenzene and 2-hydroxy-3-carboxyl-1-napthaldehyde (bopaH₄). The complexes of this ligand contain the metal ions in the N₂O₂ coordination site as a result of the steric requirements of the co-ordinated ligand. The second ligand series are derivatives of X-substituted 1,2-diaminobenzenes, 2-hydroxy-3-carboxy-1-naphthaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-5-methyl isophthaldehyde (X-bolaH₃). In this case Ni(II) occupies the N₂O₂ site in its complexes with the X-bolaH₃ ligands, whereas the Zn(II) complexes are co-ordinate through the O₂O₂ site since the steric restrictions are less severe.