High catalytic activities in the norbornene polymerization with neutral palladium complexes containing N4-type tetradentate chelating ligands

Norbornene polymerization catalyzed by new Pd(II) complexes bearing N4-type tetradentate ligands obtained from the reaction between a 6-methyl-2-picolinic acid or picolinic acid and appropriate diamines has been studied. A class of new palladium complexes, [Pd(X¹X²bpb)] and [Pd(X¹X²-6-Me₂bpb)] (X¹ = Me, X² = Me (1 and 4); X¹ = H, X² = H (2 and 5); X¹ = H, X² = NO₂ (3 and 6); bpb = N,N′-(o-phenylene)bis(pyridine-2-carboxamidate); 6-Me₂bpb = N,N′-(o-phenylene)bis(6-methylpyridine-2-carbox-amidate)) were synthesized and characterized. The molecular structure of Pd complex 5 was determined by X-ray crystallography, showing distorted square planar configurations. Using modified methylaluminoxanes (MMAO) as an activator, the palladium complexes exhibited high catalytic activities for the polymerization of norbornene. The catalytic activities up to 4.0 × 10⁶ g of PNBEs/mol_Pd·h and M_w up to 8.34 × 10⁵ g/mol with PDI < 2.53 were observed. Amorphous polynorbornenes (PNBEs) were obtained with good solubility in halogenated aromatic solvents. Interestingly, the structural modification with the methyl groups of pyridyl rings and the strong electron-withdrawing substituents induced improvement in solubility, thermal stability and catalytic activity. FT-IR, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR analyses of the polymers suggest that the catalytic polymerization occurs via vinyl addition mechanism.     

Monomeric versus dimeric structures in ternary complexes of manganese(II) with derivatives of benzoic acid and nitrogenous bases: structural details and spectral properties

Adducts formed by [Mn(2,6-dmb)₂(H₂O)₃]_n · nH₂O, 2,6-dmb=2,6-dimethoxybenzoate(1-), Mn(2,4-dhb)₂ · 8H₂O, Mn(2,5-dhb)₂ · 4H₂O or Mn(2,6-dhb)₂ · 8H₂O, dhb=dihydroxybenzoate(1-), and 2,2^′-bipyridine (bpy), 4,4^′-dimethyl-2,2^′-bipyridine (Me₂bpy) or 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Me₂phen) were isolated in the solid state and characterised by IR, EPR and thermogravimetry. Two of them, [Mn(2,6-dhb)₂(bpy)₂] (1) and [Mn₂(2,6-dmb)₄(Me₂Phen)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2EtOH (2), were studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The adduct 1 is mononuclear and consists of hexa-co-ordinate manganese(II) ions bound to two bipyridine and two 2,6-dihydroxybenzoate ligands in a cis-octahedral arrangement. The complex 2 exhibits a dinuclear structure in which two manganese(II) ions share two carboxylate groups adopting a rather uncommon single-atom bridging mode. The results allow us to conclude that weak, e.g., hydrogen bonding and stacking interactions govern the type of structure, monomeric or dimeric. The spectral features of the complexes are discussed. In particular, the solid-state EPR features of the complexes are interpreted in terms of D, E and H_max, the high-field resonance. For the monomeric species, the higher is the D value, the higher is H_max.     

New chiral macrocyclic lanthanide complexes derived from (1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane and 2,6-diformylpyridine

The new enantiopure complexes [LnL](NO₃)₃ · nH₂O (Ln = Dy⁺³, Ho⁺³, Er⁺³, Lu⁺³) and [LnL]Cl₃ · nH₂O (Ln = Nd⁺³, Sm⁺³, Gd⁺³, Tb⁺³, Dy⁺³, Ho⁺³, Er⁺³, Tm⁺³, Lu⁺³) of the chiral macrocycle L derived from (1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane and 2,6-diformylpyridine have been synthesised. The preference of macrocycle L for the heavier lanthanide(III) ions has been established on the basis of competition reaction. The complexes have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. ¹H NMR signals of deuterated water solutions of the Ce⁺³, Nd⁺³ and Eu⁺³ complexes have been assigned on the basis of the COSY and HMQC spectra, and for the remaining lanthanide complexes the signals were assigned on the basis of linewidths analysis. The paramagnetic shifts of the series of lanthanide complexes [LnL](NO₃)₃ · nH₂O and [LnL]Cl₃ · nH₂O have been analysed using both crystal-field dependent and independent methods in order to separate contact and dipolar contributions and establish isostructurality along the series of lanthanide complexes in solution. The data obtained for nitrate derivatives in organic solvent indicate rather irregular deviations from the plots based on those methods, while the plots obtained for water solutions show the characteristic brake in the middle of the lanthanide series, that is interpreted as a result of change of the number of axially coordinated water molecules. The apparent inconsistencies of results obtained on the basis of crystal-field independent method are discussed.     

Nickel(II) complexes bearing pyrazolylimine ligands: Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic properties for ethylene oligomerization

Four phenyl-substituted pyrazolylimine ligands 2-(C₃HN₂Me₂-3,5)(C(Ph)N(4-R₂C₆H₂(R₁)₂-2,6)) (L1: R₁ = ⁱPr, R₂ = H; L2: R₁ = H, R₂ = NO₂; L3: R₁ = R₂ = H; L4: R₁ = H, R₂ = OCH₃) were synthesized. The influences of steric bulk and electronic effect of pyrazolylimine ligands on the structures of their corresponding nickel complexes were investigated. Ligands with more bulky and electron withdrawing substituents on N-phenyl ring produced four-coordinate nickel complexes (2-(C₃HN₂Me₂-3,5))(C(Ph)(4-R₂C₆H₂(R₁)₂-2,6)NiBr₂ (1, R₁ = ⁱPr, R₂ = H; 2, R₁ = H, R₂ = NO₂)), whereas the ligands with less bulky and electron donating substituents on N-phenyl ring formed bis-pyrazolylimine dinickel tetrahalides (bis-2-(C₃HN₂Me₂-3,5))(C(Ph)N(4-R₂C₆H₂ (R₁)₂-2,6)Ni₂Br₄ (3, R₁ = R₂ = H; 4, R₁ = H, R₂ = OCH₃)) and six-coordinate nickel dihalides (bis-2-(C₃HN₂Me₂-3,5))(C(Ph)N(4-R₂C₆H₂(R₁)₂-2,6) NiBr₂ (5, R₁ = R₂ = H;6, R₁ = H, R₂ = OCH₃)). The solid-state structures of complexes 1, 4 and 5 have been confirmed by X-ray single-crystal analyses. Activated by methylaluminoxane (MAO), complexes 1, 2, 5 and 6 showed moderate to high activity for ethylene oligomerization, and complex 5 revealed the highest activity up to 8.96 × 10⁵ g oligomer/(mol Ni · h). The proportions of resultant oligomers were mainly C4-C8 and a little C10-C14 determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of dinuclear nickel(II) complexes with a phenol-based dinucleating ligand with four methoxyethyl chelating arms

Dinuclear nickel(II) complexes [Ni₂(bomp)(MeCO₂)₂]BPh₄ (1) and [Ni₂(bomp)(PhCO₂)₂]BPh₄ (2) were synthesized with the dinucleating ligand 2,6-bis[bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminomethyl]-4-methylphenol [H(bomp)]. X-Ray analysis revealed that the complex 1 · 0.5CHCl₃ contains two nickel(II) ions bridged by phenolic oxygen and two acetate groups, forming a μ-phenoxo-bis(μ-acetato)dinickel(II) core. Electronic spectra were investigated for 1 and 2 in the range of 400-1800 nm, and the data were typical for the octahedral high-spin nickel(II) complexes. Obtained spectral components were well simulated based on the angular overlap model assuming the trigonally distorted octahedral geometry. Magnetic susceptibility was measured for 1 and 2 over a temperature range of 4.5-300 K. The optimized magnetic data were J = 1.75 cm⁻¹, zJ′ = −0.234 cm⁻¹, g = 2.21, D = 15.1 cm⁻¹, and TIP = 370 × 10⁻⁶ cm⁻¹ for complex 1 and J = 3.55 cm⁻¹, zJ′ = −0.238 cm⁻¹, g = 2.23, D = 21.8 cm⁻¹, and TIP = 470 × 10⁻⁶ cm⁻¹ for complex 2. The data revealed ferromagnetic interactions between the two nickel(II) ions.     

Structural diversity of neutral bis-(β-iminoaldehyde) complexes of nickel(II)

Series of Ni^II and Cu^II complexes with dianionic [N₂O₂] ligands were synthesized and characterised applying spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction techniques. The ligands were obtained by 1:2 condensation of ethylene- and propylenediamine with malonic aldehyde derivatives (R² = H, R¹ = H or OCH₃). Although the molecular formulae of the complexes are quite similar, the X-ray investigations have proved a significant structural diversity in the solid state. Among others, we found some simple nearly planar molecules stacked in the crystal lattice with electron density of six-membered rings delocalised over the chelate rings as well as some very complex polymeric or nickel acetate bridged trinuclear complexes. The coordination of the nickel ion by surrounding oxygen and nitrogen atoms is square-planar in the simplest case and octahedral in the most complex one. Small topological differences in similar molecules generate completely different crystal structures.From magnetic studies, a small, negative value of J obtained confirms the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Ni^II ions in polymeric chain of the propylenediamine dialdehyde substituted derivative.     

Investigation of the MSO4 · xH2O (M = Zn, x = 7; M = Cd, x = 8/3)/methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime reaction system: A novel Cd(II) coordination polymer versus mononuclear and dinuclear Zn(II) complexes

The reactions of methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime, (py)C(Me)NOH, with MSO₄ · xH₂O (M = Zn, x = 7; M = Cd, x = 8/3), in the absence of an external base, have been investigated. The synthetic study has led to the two new complexes [Zn(SO₄){(py)C(Me)NOH}(H₂O)₃] · H₂O (1 · H₂O) and [Zn₂(SO₄)₂{(py)C(Me)NOH}₄] · (py)C(Me)NOH [2 · (py)C(Me)NOH], and the coordination polymer [Cd(SO₄){(py)C(Me)NOH}(H₂O)]_n · [Cd(SO₄){(py)C(Me)NOH}(H₂O)₂]_n (3). In the three complexes the organic ligand chelates through its nitrogen atoms. The sulfate anion in 1 · H₂O is monodentate; the complex molecule is the mer isomer considering the positions of the aqua ligands. The Zn^II centers in 2 · (py)C(Me)NOH are bridged by two syn, anti η¹:η¹:μ₂ ligands; each metal ion has the cis-cis-trans disposition of the coordinated sulfate oxygen, pyridyl nitrogen and oxime nitrogens, respectively. The molecular structure of 3 is unique consisting of two different linear and ladder - type chains. π-π stacking interactions and/or hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of interesting supramolecular architectures in the three complexes. The thermal decomposition of complex 3 has been studied. Characteristic vibrational (IR, Raman) bands are discussed in terms of the nature of bonding and the structures of the three complexes.     

Crystal structures, spectral and magnetic properties of cobalt(II) pyridinecarboxylates: A novel polymeric chain in {[{2,6-(MeO)2nic}2(H2O)2Co(μ-H2O)Co(H2O)4(μ-H2O)]{2,6-(MeO)2nic}2 · 6H2O}n

Synthesis and characterization of two new cobalt(II) complexes, namely monomeric [Co(2-MeSnic)₂(H₂O)₄] · 4H₂O (2-MeSnic is 2-methylthionicotinate) and polymeric {[{2,6-(MeO)₂nic}₂(H₂O)₂Co(μ-H₂O)Co(H₂O)₄(μ-H₂O)]{2,6-(MeO)₂nic}₂ · 6H₂O}_n (2,6-(MeO)₂nic is 2,6-dimethoxynicotinate), are reported. The characterizations were based on elemental analysis, infrared and electronic spectra as well as magnetic measurements. Crystal structures of both complexes have been determined. In both of them - ([Co(2-MeSnic)₂(H₂O)₄] · 4H₂O and {[{2,6-(MeO)₂nic}₂(H₂O)₂Co(μ-H₂O)Co(H₂O)₄(μ-H₂O)]{2,6-(MeO)₂nic}₂ · 6H₂O}_n) - the Co^II atom is six-coordinated. In the 2nd complex, there are two nonequivalent Co^II central atoms, involved in forming a linear polymeric chain with alternating cationic and neutral part. One of them is octahedrally coordinated by a carboxyl oxygen atom of 2,6-(MeO)₂nic, two water molecules and the corresponding centrosymmetrically located atoms. The second Co^II atom is also octahedrally coordinated by six water molecules. Both coordination polyhedra are bridged by a water molecule. The charge of the cationic part is compensated for by two independent anionic 2,6-(MeO)₂nic units. The structure is held together by a complicated system of hydrogen bonds.     

Copper(II) complexes with 2-N-(picolinylidene)-n-R-phenols: Solvatochromism, self-assembly and supramolecular structures

A series of copper(II) complexes having the formula [Cu(n-R-pyp)X] with the N,N,O-donor Schiff base system 2-N-(picolinylidene)-n-R-phenol (n-R-Hpyp) (where n = 3, 4, 5 and 6, when R = Me and n = 4 when R = Cl) and halide (X⁻ = Cl⁻ or Br⁻) as an ancillary ligand have been synthesized. The complexes are characterized by microanalytical, magnetic and various spectroscopic measurements. They display solvatochromic behavior. Single crystal X-ray structures of all the complexes are determined. In coordinatively unsaturated species such as a square-planar complex, the metal ion can interact with a fifth atom and if this atom is metal bound, dimeric or polymeric aggregate is formed. In the present series of complexes, the metal ions are square-planar and distorted square-pyramidal when there is an intermolecular Cu···X interaction. In addition to this Cu···X interaction, presence of intermolecular weak non-covalent interactions namely O-H···O, C-H···O, C-H···X and π···π are perceived. The supramolecular architectures formed by the molecules of these complexes via these interactions are scrutinized. The observed supramolecular structural motifs can be classified as staircase, ladder, brick-wall and square-grid. Except for R = Cl the analogous chloride and bromide coordinated complexes show similar structural features.     

Novel dioxomolybdenum(VI) and oxomolybdenum(V) complexes with pyridoxal thiosemicarbazone ligands: Synthesis and structural characterisation

New molybdenum complexes were prepared by the reaction of [Mo^VIO₂(acac)₂] or (NH₄)₂[Mo^VOCl₅] with different N-substituted pyridoxal thiosemicarbazone ligands (H₂L¹ = pyridoxal 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone; H₂L² = pyridoxal 4-methylthiosemicarbazone, H₂L³ = pyridoxal thiosemicarbazone). The investigation of monomeric [MoO₂L¹(CH₃OH)] or polymeric [MoO₂L^1-3] molybdenum(VI) complexes revealed that molybdenum is coordinated with a tridentate doubly-deprotonated ligand. In the oxomolybdenum(V) complexes [MoOCl₂(HL^1-3)] the pyridoxal thiosemicarbazonato ligands are tridentate mono-deprotonated. Crystal and molecular structures of molybdenum(VI) [MoO₂L¹(CH₃OH)]·CH₃OH, and molybdenum(V) complexes [MoOCl₂(HL¹)]·C₂H₅OH, as well as of the pyridoxal thiosemicarbazone ligand methanol solvate H₂L³·MeOH, were determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction method.     

Square-planar copper(II) complexes with tetradentate amido-carboxylate ligands. Crystal structure of Na2[Cu(obap)]2 · 2H2O. Strain analysis and spectral assignments of complexes

Novel N-N-N-O-type of tetradentate ligands H₃obap (H₃obap = oxamido-N-aminopropyl-N′-benzoic acid) and H₃maeb (H₃maeb = malamido-N-aminoethyl-N′-benzoic acid) and the corresponding square-planar copper(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The obap³⁻ and maeb³⁻ ligands coordinate to the copper(II) ion via four ligating atoms (three deprotonated atoms: one carboxylate oxygen and two deprotonated amide nitrogens; one amine nitrogen) with in-plane square chelation. A four coordinate, square-planar geometry has been established crystallographically for the binuclear Na₂[Cu(obap)]₂ · 2H₂O complex. Structural data correlating the square-planar geometry of the [Cu(obap)]⁻ unit and an extensive strain analysis are discussed in relation to the information obtained for similar complexes. The infrared and electronic absorption spectra of the complexes are discussed in comparison to the related complexes of known geometries. Antibacterial activity of ligands and copper(II) complexes towards common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria are reported as well.     

Diorganotin(IV) complexes of dipeptides containing the alpha-aminoisobutyryl residue (Aib): preparation, structural characterization, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities of [(n-Bu)2 Sn(H(-1)L)] (LH=H-Aib-L-Leu-OH, H-Aib-L-Ala-OH)

Two new organotin(IV) complexes with dianionic dipeptides containing the α-aminoisobutyryl residue (Aib) as ligands are described. The solid complexes [(n-Bu)₂Sn(H₋₁L_A)] · 2MeOH (1 · 2MeOH) (L_AH = H-Aib-L-Leu-OH) and [(n-Bu)₂Sn(H₋₁L_B)] · MeOH (2 · MeOH) (L_BH = H-Aib-L-Ala-OH) have been isolated and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic techniques (H₋₁L²⁻ is the dianionic form of the corresponding dipeptide). Complexes 1 · 2MeOH and 2 · MeOH are monomeric with similar molecular structures. The doubly deprotonated dipeptide behaves as a N(amino), N(peptide), O(carboxylate) ligand and binds to the Sn^IV atom. The five-coordinate metal ion has a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. A different network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds in each compound results in very dissimilar supramolecular features. The IR, far-IR, Raman and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR data are discussed in terms of the nature of bonding and known structures. The antibacterial and antiproliferative activities as well as the effect of the new compounds on pDNA were examined. Complexes 1 and 2 are active against the gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus. The IC₅₀ values reveal that the two compounds express promising cytotoxic activity in vitro against a series of cell lines.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and spectroscopic characterization of the neutral monomeric tetrahedral [M(Diap)2(OAc)2] · H2O complexes (M = Zn,Cd; Diap = 1,3-diazepane-2-thione; OAc = acetate) with N-H?O and O-H?O intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions

The title complexes, [M(Diap)₂(OAc)₂] · H₂O (M = Zn,Cd; Diap = 1,3-diazepane-2-thione; OAc = acetate) with an MO₂S₂ configuration, have been characterized by X-ray crystallography as well as FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. In these complexes, the metal atoms lie in a pseudo-tetrahedral environment and are coordinated by the thione sulfur atoms of two neutral 1,3-diazepane-2-thione ligands and one oxygen atom from each of two monodentate acetate anions. In both complexes, there are two intramolecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds, each being between one NH group of a Diap ligand and the uncoordinated O atom of an OAc ligand. The water molecule is also involved in hydrogen bonds, as an acceptor and as a donor twice, linking together three symmetry-related complexes. The Cd complex undergoes a structural phase transition from a monoclinic form at 150 K with Z′ = 2 to a smaller monoclinic cell at room temperature with Z′ = 1 without loss of crystallinity. The Zn complex does not exhibit an equivalent phase transition, and at 150 K is isostructural with the room-temperature form of the Cd complex. All three crystallographically independent molecules found for the Cd complex (two at low temperature and one at room temperature) have essentially the same structure except for small changes in the conformations of the ligands. Tetrahedral coordination with monodentate carboxylate ligands is common for Zn complexes of this kind, but is unusual for Cd complexes, and is the result of the bulky Diap ligands.     

Syntheses, crystal structure and theoretical investigation of novel heteroleptic complexes of nickel(II) with N-R-sulfonyldithiocarbimate and phosphine ligands

Five new complexes of general formula: [Ni(RSO₂NCS₂)(dppe)], where R = C₆H₅ (1), 4-ClC₆H₄ (2), 4-BrC₆H₄ (3), 4-IC₆H₄ (4) and dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane and [Ni(4-IC₆H₄SO₂NCS₂)(PPh₃)₂] (5), where PPh₃ = triphenylphosphine, were obtained in crystalline form by the reaction of the appropriate potassium N-R-sulfonyldithiocarbimate K₂(RSO₂NCS₂) and dppe or PPh₃ with nickel(II) chloride in ethanol/water. The elemental analyses and the IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ³¹P NMR spectra are consistent with the formation of the square planar nickel(II) complexes with mixed ligands. All complexes were also characterized by X-ray diffraction techniques and present a distorted cis-NiS₂P₂ square-planar configuration around the Ni atom. Quantum chemical calculations reproduced the crystallographic structures and are in accord with the spectroscopic data. Rare C-H···Ni intramolecular short contact interactions were observed in the complexes 1-5.     

Mimicking the reduced, oxidized and azide inhibited form of manganese superoxide dismutase by mononuclear Mn compounds utilizing tridentate ligands

The manganese complexes [Mn^II(Hbmimpm)₂(NO₃)](NO₃) · Et₂O (1), [Mn^III(bmimpm)₂(OAc)] · 2CH₂Cl₂(2), and [Mn^III(bmiapm)₂(OAc)] · MeOH · H₂O · CH₂Cl₂(3) containing the new ligands Bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)-(4-methoxyphen-1-yl)methanol (Hbmimpm) and Bis[(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)](2-aminophenyl)methanol (Hbmiapm) were synthesized. They are good structural models for the reduced (1) and oxidized (2, 3) form of manganese superoxide dismutase. All complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods and X-ray structure analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c whereas complex 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n. The coordination sphere around the manganese cores is distorted octahedral with two corresponding tridentate ligands representing the protein ligands and one nitrate (1) or acetate (2, 3) ion occupying two cis positions. Similar to the enzyme the Mn(III) complex 2 reacts with sodium azide. The obtained microcrystalline azide adduct was characterized by UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy.     

Structural variation within uranium heterocyclic carboxylates: Solid and solution states studies

The solution chemistry and solid-state structures of two new uranium^VI metal-organic compounds, (tataH)₂[(UO₂)₂(pdtc)₂(μ-OH)₂]·2H₂O (1) and (AcrH)₂[(UO₂)(pydc)₂] (2), [where tata = 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine, Acr = acridine, pydc = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate and pdtc = pyridine-2,6-bis(monothiocarboxylate)] have been investigated. These compounds were obtained via proton-transfer methodology by reacting UO₂²⁺ with the preformed proton-transfer systems (tataH)₂(pdtc) and (AcrH)₂(pydc), respectively, in aqueous solution, after evaporation of the solvent. Our results show that noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, sulfur···sulfur, and π···π interactions, when acting cooperatively, are driving forces for the selection of different structures. The protonation constants of Acr, tata, pdtcH₂, and pydcH₂, the building blocks of the proton-transfer systems (tataH)₂(pdtc) and (AcrH)₂(pydc), and the stability constants of these systems were determined by potentiometric studies in a dioxane/H₂O (1:1 v/v) mixture. The stoichiometry and the formation stability constants of complexes formed on reacting pydcH₂/Acr or pdtcH₂/tata 1:1 molar mixtures with the UO₂²⁺ ion in dioxane/H₂O (1:1 v/v) were investigated by potentiometric pH titration methods. The stoichiometries of the complex species formed in solution were compared with those observed for the crystalline metal ion complexes 1 and 2.     

Nickel(II) complexes of di- and tri-substituted thiourea mono- and di-anions

Reaction of nickel(II) acetate, 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), and a di- or tri-substituted thiourea R¹NHC(S)R²R³ (R³ = H or alkyl) with trimethylamine in hot methanol gave cationic nickel(II) complexes containing N,S-chelated thiourea monoanion ligands [Ni{SC(NR²R³)NR¹}(dppe)]⁺, which can be readily isolated as their BPh₄⁻ salts. The X-ray crystal structure of [Ni{SC(NMe₂)NPh}(dppe)]⁺BPh₄⁻ is reported.     

Platinum(IV) complexes with ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetate diester (R2edda) ligands: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antitumoral activity

The novel N,N-type bidentate ligand precursors, diethyl, dipropyl esters of ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetic acid dihydrochloride (HOOCCH₂NHCH₂CH₂NHCH₂COOH · 2HCl, H₂edda · 2HCl), and the corresponding tetrachloroplatinum(IV) complexes, [PtCl₄(R₂edda)] · H₂O (ROOCCH₂NHCH₂CH₂NHCH₂COOR, R = Me, Et, n-Pr), were synthesized. The esters coordinated as bidentate ligands via both N donor atoms. The esters, as well as the complexes, have been characterized by infrared, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Solid state structures of both dimethyl and diethyl ester platinum(IV) complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Quantum chemical calculations were performed in order to investigate diastereoselectivity in the formation of the platinum(IV) complexes. The in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of the investigated complexes in human tumor cell lines 1411HP, H12.1 (both testicular germ cell tumors), DLD-1 (colon carcinoma), 518A2 (melanoma), A549 (lung carcinoma) and liposarcoma showed a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect in all cell lines. Remarkably, the highest cytotoxic activity was observed in the cisplatin-resistant cell line 1411HP. In addition, at higher concentrations the treatment with these complexes led to the induction of apoptosis in all cell lines except for DLD-1.     

Cyclic and acyclic compartmental Schiff bases, their reduced analogues and related mononuclear and heterodinuclear complexes

[1+1] macrocyclic and [1+2] macroacyclic compartmental ligands (H₂L), containing one N₂O₂, N₃O₂, N₂O₃, N₄O₂ or O₂N₂O₂ Schiff base site and one O₂O_n (n=3, 4) crown-ether like site, have been prepared by self-condensation of the appropriate formyl- and amine precursors. The template procedure in the presence of sodium ion afforded Na₂(L) or Na(HL) · nH₂O. When reacted with the appropriate transition metal acetate hydrate, H₂L form M(L) · nH₂O, M(HL)(CH₃COO) · nH₂O, M(H₂L)(X)₂ · nH₂O (M=Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺; X=CH₃COO⁻, Cl⁻) or Mn(L)(CH₃COO) · nH₂O according to the experimental conditions used. The same complexes have been prepared by condensation of the appropriate precursors in the presence of the desired metal ion. The Schiff bases H₂L have been reduced by NaBH₄ to the related polyamine derivatives H₂R, which form, when reacted with the appropriate metal ions, M(H₂R)(X)₂ (M= Co²⁺, Ni²⁺; X=CH₃COO⁻, Cl⁻), Cu(R) · nH₂O and Mn(R)(CH₃COO) · nH₂O. The prepared ligands and related complexes have been characterized by IR, NMR and mass spectrometry. The [1+1] cyclic nature of the macrocyclic polyamine systems and the site occupancy of sodium ion have been ascertained, at least for the sodium (I) complex with the macrocyclic ligand containing one N₃O₂ Schiff base and one O₂O₃ crown-ether like coordination chamber, by an X-ray structural determination. In this complex the asymmetric unit consists of one cyclic molecule of the ligand coordinated to a sodium ion by the five oxygen atoms of the ligand. The coordination geometry of the sodium ion can be described as a pentagonal pyramid with the metal ion occupying the vertex. In the mononuclear complexes with H₂L or H₂R the transition metal ion invariantly occupies the Schiff base site; the sodium ion, on the contrary, prefers the crown-ether like site. Accordingly, the heterodinuclear complexes [MNa(L)(CH₃COO)_x] (M=Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni², x=1; M=Mn³⁺, x=2) have been synthesised by reacting the appropriate formyl and amine precursors in the presence of M(CH₃COO)_n · nH₂O and NaOH in a 1:1:1:2 molar ratio. The reaction of the mononuclear transition metal complexes with Na(CH₃COO) · nH₂O gives rise to the same heterodinuclear complexes. Similarly [MNa(R)(CH₃COO)_x] have been prepared by reaction of the appropriate polyamine ligand H₂R with the desired metal acetate hydrate and NaOH in 1:1:2 molar ratio.     

Iminophosphinite pincer palladium complexes: Synthesis and application

Iminophosphinite pincer palladium complexes were synthesized and evaluated as potential catalysts in the Suzuki coupling reactions of phenylboronic acid and various aryl halides. The iminophosphinite ligands were synthesized through condensation reactions between 2-bromo-3-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 2,4,6-trimethylaniline and 2,6-diisopropylaniline, followed by phosphorylation with chlorodiphenylphosphine and chlorodicyclohexylphosphine. Oxidative addition of the pincer ligands to Pd₂(dba)₃ afforded palladium iminophosphinite complexes [(2-(CHNR)-6-(OPR′₂)C₆H₃)PdBr] (R = 2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃, R′ = Ph (2a) or Cy (2b); R = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂, R′ = Ph (2c) or Cy (2d)). Reaction of 2b and silver trifluoroacetate gave the corresponding iminophosphinite palladium trifluoroacetate (3). The solid state structures of 2a, 2d, and 3 were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction studies.