Noncovalent DNA binding of bis(1,10-phenanthroline)copper(I) and related compounds

The noncovalent DNA binding of the bis(1,10-phenanthroline)copper(I) complex [(Phen)2CuI] was examined under anaerobic conditions by absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopy, and viscometry, as a function of phenanthroline concentration. Analyses according to the McGhee-von Hippel method indicated that binding exhibited both neighbor-exclusion and positive cooperativity effects, with a neighbor-exclusion parameter n approximately 2 and a cooperativity parameter omega approximately 4. The association constant for (Phen)2CuI binding decreased with increasing concentration of phenanthroline in excess over that required to stoichiometrically generate (Phen)2CuI, indicating that free phenanthroline was a weak competitive inhibitor of (Phen)2CuI binding. The maximal association constant for DNA binding of (Phen)2CuI in 0.2 M NaCl and 9.8% ethanol, extrapolated to zero concentration of excess phenanthroline, was 4.7 x 10(4) M-1 (DNA base pairs). The magnitude of the neighbor-exclusion parameter, the changes in spectral properties of (Phen)2CuI induced by DNA binding, and the increase in DNA solution viscosity upon (Phen)2CuI addition are consistent with a model for DNA binding by (Phen)2CuI involving partial intercalation of one phenanthroline ring of the complex between DNA base pairs in the minor groove as suggested previously [Veal & Rill (1989) Biochemistry 28, 3243-3250]. Viscosity measurements indicated that the mono(phenanthroline)copper(I) complex also binds to DNA by intercalation; however, no spectroscopic or viscometric evidence was found for DNA binding of free phenanthroline or the bis(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(I) complex. DNA binding of free phenanthroline may be cooperative and induced by prior binding of (Phen)2CuI.     

Ligational behavior of two biologically active N-S donors toward oxovanadium(IV) ion and potentiation of their antibacterial activities by chelation to metal ions. Part III

Chelating behavior of two biologically active ligands, pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (PT) and pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde-(4-phenyl)thiosemicarbazone (PPT), toward oxovanadium(IV) ion has been studied. The ligands are found to react in the thioketo form (pH 2-4), yielding the complexes [VO(PT)X2](X = Cl-, Br-, ClO4-), [VO(PT)(SO4)H2O], [VO(PPT)2X]X (X = Cl-, Br-, ClO4-) and [VO(PPT)2SO4]. Reactions of [VO(PT)(SO4)H2O] and [VO(PPT)2X]X (X = Cl-, Br-, ClO4-) with a monodenate Lewis base (B) like pyridine lead to the formation of [VO(PT)(SO4)Py]H2O and [VO(PPT)2py]X2 respectively. Bonding sites of the donor molecules around the oxometal cation have been located. Nature of the EPR spectra and magnetic moment values point to the monomeric character of the complexes and suggest a distorted octahedral donor environment for the oxovanadium(IV) ion. Status of the metal-oxygen multiple bond in all the complexes has been computed in terms of the V-O(1) stretching force constant. The ligands themselves and most of their oxovanadium(IV) complexes are found to exert powerful in vitro antibacterial activities towards E. coli.     

The influence of reducing agent and 1,10-phenanthroline concentration on DNA cleavage by phenanthroline + copper.

Copper in the presence of excess 1,10-phenanthroline, a reducing agent, and molecular oxygen causes cleavage of DNA with a preference for T-3',5'-A-steps, particularly in TAT triplets. The active molecular species is commonly thought to be the bis-(1,10-phenanthroline)Cu(I) complex, (Phen)2Cu(I), regardless of the reducing agent type. We have found that (Phen)2Cu(I) is not the predominant copper complex when 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) or 2-mercaptoethanol are used as the reducing agents, but (Phen)2Cu(I) predominates when ascorbate is used as the reducing agent. Substitution of ascorbate for thiol significantly enhances the rate of DNA cleavage by 1,10-phenanthroline + copper, without altering the sequence selectivity. We show that (Phen)2Cu(I) is the complex responsible for DNA cleavage, regardless of reducing agent, and that 1,10-phenanthroline and MPA compete for copper coordination sites. DNA cleavage in the presence of ascorbate also occurs under conditions where the mono-(1,10-phenanthroline)Cu(I) complex predominates (1:1 phenanthroline:copper ratio), but preferential cleavage was observed at a CCGG sequence and not at TAT sequences. The second phenanthroline ring of the (Phen)2Cu(I) complex appears essential for determining the T-3',5'-A sequence preferences of phenanthroline + copper when phenanthroline is in excess.     

Synthesis and reactivity of the oxovanadium(IV) complexes of two N-O donors and potentiation of the antituberculosis activity of one of them on chelation to metal ions: Part IV

A new series of oxovanadium(IV) complexes of two aromatic acidhydrazides (BH and AH) have been reported. Of these two donors, AH is known to possess considerable in vitro antitubercular activity. At pH 2-4, oxometal complexes of the type [VO(BH/AH)2SO4].nH2O (n = 1, 0) and [VO(BH/AH)(C2O4)H2O].H2O (BH = C6H5CONHNH2 and AH = (2-NH2)C6H4.CO.NHNH2) were obtained. Reactions of [VO(BH/AH)(C2O4)H2O].H2O with a monodentate Lewis base lead to the isolation of metal-ligand complexes [VO(BH/AH)(C2O4)L].nH2O (L = NH3, n = 1, L = py, n = 2). Disposition of the bonding sites of donor molecules around the oxometal acceptor center and status of the metal-oxygen multiple bond have been established. A monomeric and distorted octahedral donor environment for the oxovanadium(IV) ion has been proposed on the basis of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Antitubercular activities, in vitro, of the oxovanadium(IV) complexes of AH have also been evaluated towards tuberculosis mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium flae, Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium H37Rv.     

Structural origins of the insulin-mimetic activity of bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV)

We have investigated the interaction of bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV) (VO(acac)(2)) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) by EPR and angle-selected electron nuclear double resonance, correlating results with assays of glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes. EPR spectra of VO(acac)(2) showed no broadening in the presence of BSA; however, electron nuclear double resonance titrations of VO(acac)(2) in the presence of BSA were indicative of adduct formation of VO(acac)(2) with albumin of 1:1 stoichiometry. The influence of VO(acac)(2) on uptake of 2-deoxy-d-[1-(14)C]glucose by serum-starved 3T3-L1 adipocytes was measured in the presence and absence of BSA. Glucose uptake was stimulated 9-fold in the presence of 0.5 mm VO(acac)(2), 17-fold in the presence of 0.5 mm VO(acac)(2) plus 1 mm BSA, and 22-fold in the presence of 100 nm insulin. BSA had no influence on glucose uptake, on the action of insulin, or on glucose uptake in the presence of VOSO(4). The maximum insulin-mimetic effect of VO(acac)(2) was observed at VO(acac)(2):BSA ratios less than or equal to 1.0. Similar results were obtained also with bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV). These results suggest that the enhanced insulin-mimetic action of organic chelates of VO(2+) may be dependent on adduct formation with BSA and possibly other serum transport proteins.     

Vanadyl-biguanide complexes as potential synergistic insulin mimics

Vanadium has well-documented blood-glucose-lowering properties both in vitro and in vivo. The design of new oxovanadium(IV) coordination compounds, intended for use as insulin-enhancing agents in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, can potentially benefit from a synergistic approach, in which the whole complex has more than an additive effect from its component parts. Biguanides, most importantly metformin, are oral hypoglycemic agents used today to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, biguanide, metformin, and phenformin, all biguanides, were coordinated to oxovanadium(IV) to form potential insulin-enhancing compounds. Highly colored, air-stable, bis(biguanidato)oxovanadium(IV), [VO(big)2], bis(N'N'-dimethylbiguanidato)oxovanadium(IV), [VO(metf)2], and bis(beta-phenethyl-biguanidato)oxovanadium(IV), [VO(phenf)2], were prepared. Solvation with dimethylsulfoxide occurred with VO(metf)2 to form a six-coordinate complex. Precursor ligands and oxovanadium(IV) coordination complexes were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, and, where appropriate, 1H NMR spectroscopy. Biological testing with VO(metf)2, a representative compound, for insulin-enhancing potential included acute (72 h) administration, both by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and by oral gavage (p.o.) in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. VO(metf)2 administration resulted in significant blood-glucose lowering at doses of 0.12 mmol kg-1 i.p. and 0.60 mmol kg-1 p.o. (previously established as ED50 doses for organically chelated oxovanadium(IV) complexes); however, no positive associative effects due to the presence of biguanide in the complex were apparent.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, EPR properties, and anti-convulsant activities of binuclear and mononuclear 1,10-phenanthroline and salicylate ternary copper(II) complexes

Two ternary Cu(II) complexes of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and singly (Hsal(-)) or dideprotonated (sal(2-)) salicylate ligands were synthesized, their X-ray crystal structure and electron paramagnetic resonance spectral characteristics determined, and evaluated for anti-convulsant activities in the maximal electroshock (MES) and Metrazol models of seizure and Rotorod toxicity. The X-ray crystal structure of [bis(1,10-phenanthroline)-mu-bis(salicylato-O,O')dicopper(II)] dihydrate, 1, ([Cu(II)(2)(phen)(2)(sal)(2)].2[H(2)O]), shows it to be binuclear. This dimer consists of two centrosymmetrically related pseudo-five coordinate Cu(II) atoms 3.242(2) A apart and bridged by two dideprotonated salicylate ligands. The X-ray crystal structure of [bis(1,10-phenanthroline)(salicylato)copper(II)][salicylate] monohydrate, 2, ([Cu(II)(phen)(2)(Hsal)](+)[Hsal](-)[H(2)O]), shows it to be mononuclear. This complex cation exhibits a highly irregular distorted square pyramidal geometry about the Cu(II) atom, (4+1+1*). Each salicylate is singly deprotonated and one of them is ligand bonded in an asymmetric chelating mode. EPR results for 2 indicate that in concentrated DMF solution phen remains bonded to copper but salicylate is likely monodentate in contrast to the situation for 1. However, in dilute DMF solution, both 1 and 2 form the same species, which accounts for the similarity in anti-convulsant activity of the two compounds. Both 1 and 2 were found to be effective in preventing MES-induced seizures and ineffective in preventing Metrazol-induced seizures. Rotorod toxicity, consistent with central nervous system depression, paralleled the observed anti-convulsant activity. It is suggested that the observed anti-convulsant activity is consistent with central nervous system depression as a physiological mechanism in overcoming MES-induced seizures due to MES-induced brain inflammatory disease.     

Synthesis, characterization, DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of [Ru(bpy)2(PPIP)]2+ and [Ru(phen)2(PPIP)]2+

A novel ligand 2-(4'-phenoxy-phenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (PPIP) and its complexes [Ru(bpy)(2)(PPIP)](2+) (1) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) and [Ru(phen)(2)(PPIP)](2+) (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by mass spectroscopy, (1)H NMR and cyclic voltammetry. The interaction of two complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by spectroscopic and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that both complexes bind to DNA via an intercalative mode. Both complexes have also been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA under irradiated.     

Bis(6-ethylpicolinato)oxovanadium(IV) complex with normoglycemic activity in KK-A(y) mice.

A novel bis(6-ethylpicolinato)(H(2)O)oxovanadium(IV) complex (VO(6epa)(2) x (H(2)O)) was prepared and its structure was revealed by X-ray analysis (space group Pc(#7), a=10.838(2), b=11.148(5), c=16.642(3) A, and Z=2). Because VO(6epa)(2) x (H(2)O) exhibited higher in vitro insulinomimetic activity compared to that of vanadyl sulfate in terms of inhibition of free fatty acid (FFA) release from isolated rat adipocytes in the presence of epinephrine, its in vivo effect on whether the complex has a blood glucose normalizing effect was examined in KK-A(y) mice, a model animal of type 2 diabetes mellitus. VO(6epa)(2) x (H(2)O) was found to normalize the high blood glucose levels of KK-A(y) mice when given intraperitoneally at doses of 49 micromol/kg body weight for the first 4 days and then 39 micromol/kg body weight for 10 days. In addition, VO(6epa)(2) x (H(2)O) improved glucose tolerance ability as examined by the oral glucose test and seemed to have little toxicity in terms of serum parameters. VO(6epa)(2) x (H(2)O) showed higher normoglycemic activity than bis(6-methylpicolinato)oxovanadium(IV) (VO(6mpa)(2)) at the same dose. These results indicated that greater enhancement of the blood glucose normalizing effect in KK-A(y) mice by ethyl substitution compared to methyl substitution may be due to its being more strongly lipophilic.     

A new halogenated antidiabetic vanadyl complex, bis(5-iodopicolinato)oxovanadium(IV): in vitro and in vivo insulinomimetic evaluations and metallokinetic analysis

A new vanadyl complex, bis(5-iodopicolinato)oxovanadium(IV), VO(IPA)2, with a VO(N2O2) coordination mode, was prepared by mixing 5-iodopicolinic acid and VOSO4 at pH 5, with the structure characterized by electronic absorption, IR, and EPR spectra. Introduction of the halogen atom on to the ligand enhanced the in vitro insulinomimetic activity (IC50 = 0.45 mM) compared with that of bis(picolinato)oxovanadium(IV) (IC50 = 0.59 mM). The hyperglycemia of streptozotocin-induced insulin-dependent diabetic rats was normalized when VO(IPA)2 was given by daily intraperitoneal injection. The normoglycemic effect continued for more than 14 days after the end of treatment. To understand the insulinomimetic action of VO(IPA)2, the organ distribution of vanadium and the blood disposition of vanadyl species were investigated. In diabetic rats treated with VO(IPA)2, vanadium was distributed in almost all tissues examined, especially in bone, indicating that the action of vanadium is not peripheral. Vanadyl concentrations in the blood of normal rats given VO(IPA)2 remain significantly higher and longer than those given other complexes because of its slower clearance rate. VO(IPA)2 binds with the membrane of erythrocytes, probably owing to its high hydrophobicity in addition to its binding with serum albumin. The longer residence of vanadyl species shows the higher normoglyceric effects of VO(IPA)2 among three complexes with the VO(N2O2) coordination mode. On the basis of these results, VO(IPA)2 is indicated to be a preferred agent to treat insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in experimental animals.     

Improvement of diabetes, obesity and hypertension in type 2 diabetic KKAy mice by bis(allixinato)oxovanadium(IV) complex

Previously, we found that bis(allixinato)oxovanadium(IV) (VO(alx)(2)) exhibits a potent hypoglycemic activity in type 1-like diabetic mice. Since the enhancement of insulin sensitivity is involved in one of the mechanisms by which vanadium exerts its anti-diabetic effects, VO(alx)(2) was further tested in type 2 diabetes with low insulin sensitivity. The effect of oral administration of VO(alx)(2) was examined in obesity-linked type 2 diabetic KKA(y) mice. Treatment of VO(alx)(2) for 4 weeks normalized hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension in KKA(y) mice; however, it had no effect on hypoadiponectinemia. VO(alx)(2) also improved hyperleptinemia, following attenuation of obesity in KKA(y) mice. This is the first example in which a vanadium compound improved leptin resistance in type 2 diabetes by oral administration. On the basis of these results, VO(alx)(2) is proposed to enhance not only insulin sensitivity but also leptin sensitivity, which in turn improves diabetes, obesity and hypertension in an obesity-linked type 2 diabetic animal.     

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of oxovanadium (IV) complexes with cyclic polyalcohols

Oxovanadium (IV) complexes of the cyclic polyols conduritol C (cond) and myo-inositol (inos) of stoichiometry Na(2)[VO(cond)(2)].2H(2)O and Na(2)[VO(inos)(2)].H(2)O were obtained in aqueous alkaline solutions. They were characterized by infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopies, thermoanalytical (thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis) data and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The biological activities of the complexes on the proliferation, differentiation and glucose consumption were tested on osteoblast-like cells in culture. Conduritol C and myo-inositol did not produce any effect on these parameters. Normal and tumoral cell proliferation was inhibited about (ca.40-60%) by the two oxovanadium (IV) complexes in concentrations as low as 100microM. The complexes were also inhibitory on cell differentiation (ca. 70-80%) while they stimulate glucose consumption. Comparisons of these effects with those of the oxovanadium (IV) cation, under the same experimental conditions, were also performed.     

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.     

Enhancement of insulin signaling pathway in adipocytes by oxovanadium(IV) complexes

Recently, we have found that some oxovanadium(IV) complexes are potent insulin-mimetic compounds for treating both type I and type II diabetic animals. However, the functional mechanism of oxovanadium(IV) complexes is not fully understood. In this report, we have shown that oxovanadium(IV)-picolinate complexes such as VO(pa)(2), VO(3mpa)(2), and VO(6mpa)(2) act on the insulin signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Among them, VO(3mpa)(2) was found to be the highest potent activator in inducing not only the phosphotyrosine levels of both IRbeta and IRS but also the activation of downstream kinases in the insulin receptor, such as Akt and GSK3beta, which in turn translocated the insulin-dependent GLUT4 to the plasma membrane. Then, we examined whether or not oxovanadium(IV)-picolinates exhibit the hypoglycemic activity in STZ-induced diabetic mice, and found that VO(3mpa)(2) is more effective than the others in improving the hyperglycemia of the animals. Our present data indicate that both activation of insulin signaling pathway, which follows the GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane, and enhancement of glucose utilization by oxovanadium(IV) complexes cause the hypoglycemic effect in diabetic animals.     

Novel vanadyl complexes with quinoxaline N(1),N(4)-dioxide derivatives as potent in vitro insulin-mimetic compounds

As a contribution to the development of novel vanadyl complexes with potential insulin-mimetic activity, three new oxovanadium(IV) complexes with the formula VO(L)(2), where L are 3-amino-quinoxaline-2-carbonitrile N(1),N(4)-dioxide derivatives, have been synthesized. Complexes have been characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, fast atom bombardment mass spectroscopy (FAB-MS), conductivity measurements and electronic, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. The in vitro insulin-mimetic activity of the vanadyl complexes has been estimated by lipolysis inhibition tests, in which the inhibition of the release of free fatty acid from isolated rat adipocytes treated with epinephrine was determined. All the complexes showed inhibitory effects on free fatty acid release. [V(IV)O(3-amino-6(7)-bromoquinoxaline-2-carbonitrile N(1),N(4)-dioxide)(2)] exhibited higher in vitro insulin-mimetic activity than the very active bis(6-methylpicolinato)oxovanadium(IV), VO(6mpa)(2). This new vanadyl complex is expected to exhibit a higher blood glucose lowering activity than VO(6mpa)(2) in diabetic animals.     

Heterocyclic substituted cantharidin and norcantharidin analogues--synthesis, protein phosphatase (1 and 2A) inhibition, and anti-cancer activity

Norcantharidin (3) is a potent PP1 (IC(50)=9.0+/-1.4 microM) and PP2A (IC(50)=3.0+/-0.4 microM) inhibitor with 3-fold PP2A selectivity and induces growth inhibition (GI(50) approximately 45 microM) across a range of human cancer cell lines including those of colorectal (HT29, SW480), breast (MCF-7), ovarian (A2780), lung (H460), skin (A431), prostate (DU145), neuroblastoma (BE2-C), and glioblastoma (SJ-G2) origin. Until now limited modifications to the parent compound have been tolerated. Surprisingly, simple heterocyclic half-acid norcantharidin analogues are more active than the original lead compound, with the morphilino-substituted (9) being a more potent (IC(50)=2.8+/-0.10 microM) and selective (4.6-fold) PP2A inhibitor with greater in vitro cytotoxicity (GI(50) approximately 9.6 microM) relative to norcantharidin. The analogous thiomorpholine-substituted (10) displays increased PP1 inhibition (IC(50)=3.2+/-0 microM) and reduced PP2A inhibition (IC(50)=5.1+/-0.41 microM), to norcantharidin. Synthesis of the analogous cantharidin analogue (19) with incorporation of the amine nitrogen into the heterocycle further increases PP1 (IC(50)=5.9+/-2.2 microM) and PP2A (IC(50)=0.79+/-0.1 microM) inhibition and cell cytotoxicity (GI(50) approximately 3.3 microM). These analogues represent the most potent cantharidin analogues thus reported.     

Synthesis, DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of ruthenium(II) complex with 2-(3'-phenoxyphenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline

A new polypyridyl ligand MPPIP {MPPIP=2-(3'-phenoxyphenyl)imidazo[4,5-f]-[1,10]phenanthroline} and its ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)(2)MPPIP](2+) (1) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) and [Ru(phen)(2)MPPIP](2+) (2) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. The binding of the two complexes to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated with spectrophotometric methods, viscosity measurements, as well as equilibrium dialysis and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The results suggest that both complexes bind to CT-DNA through intercalation, and enantioselectively interact with CT-DNA in a way. However, complex 2 is a much better candidate as an enantioselective binder to CT-DNA than complex 1. When irradiated at 365nm, both complexes have also been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA.     

Heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes containing phenanthroline-type and 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene ligands: Structure and electronic properties

Three new heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes containing one phenanthroline and one diphosphine type ligand ([Cu(N-N)(P-P)]⁺) have been prepared. In particular, one ligand is constituted by 1,10-phenanthroline (1), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (2) and 2,9-diphenethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (3) and the other ligand is in all cases 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf). Therefore, copper and iron metal centres are quite close one another, as evidenced by X-ray crystal diffraction. The structure together with the electrochemical and photophysical properties of these complexes have been compared to that of the corresponding complexes where dppf has been replaced by bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)-phenyl]ether (POP). Cyclic voltammetric experiments evidenced that the first oxidation process is located on the ferrocene moiety and that oxidation of Cu(I) is moved to more positive potential values and a chemical reaction is coupled to the electron transfer process. The absorption spectra show a metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band, typical of Cu(I) phenanthroline complexes, at a higher energy compared to the homoleptic [Cu(N-N)₂]⁺ species. No emission at either room temperature or 77 K has been observed for compounds 2 and 3, contrary to the high luminescence observed for the corresponding POP complexes. This result is consistent with a photoinduced energy transfer from the Cu(I) complex to the ferrocene moiety.     

Synthetic analogs for oxovanadium(IV/V)-glutathione interaction: an NMR, EPR, synthetic and structural study of oxovanadium(IV/V) compounds with sulfhydryl-containing pseudopeptides and dipeptides

The reaction of [VO(CH3COO)2(phen)] (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) with the sulfhydryl-containing pseudopeptides (scp), N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine (H3mpg), N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)cysteine (H4m2pc), N-(3-mercaptopropionyl)cysteine (H4m3pc) and the dipeptides glycylglycine (H2glygly) and glycyl-L-alanine (H2glyala), in the presence of triethylamine, results in the formation of the compounds Et3NH[VO(mpg)(phen)] (1), (Et3NH)2[VO(m2pc)] (4), [(Et3NH)2[VO(m3pc) (5), [VO(glygly)(phen)] x 2CH3OH (2 x 2CH3OH) and [VO(glyala)(phen)] x CH3OH (3 x CH3OH). Evidence for the molecular connectivity in 2 x CH3OH was established by X-ray crystallography, showing the vanadium(IV) atom ligated to a tridentate glygly2- ligand at the N(amine), N(peptide) and O(carboxylato) atoms. Combination of the correlation plot of the EPR parameters gz versus Az, together with the additivity relationship supported the prediction of the equatorial donor atom sets of the V(IV)O2+ center at various pH values for the V(IV)O2+-glutathione system considered in this study. Model NMR studies (interaction of vanadium(V) with the scp H3mpg) showed that there is a possibility of vanadium(V) ligation to glutathione.     

Metal-ion-governed molecular recognition: extent of intramolecular stack formation in mixed-ligand--copper(II) complexes containing a heteroaromatic N base and an adenosine monophosphate (2'AMP, 3'AMP, or 5'AMP). A structuring effect of the metal-ion bridge

Stability constants of mixed-ligand Cu(Arm)(AMP) complexes [where Arm = 2,2'-bipyridyl (Bpy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) and AMP2- = 2'AMP2-, 3'AMP2- or 5'AMP2-] were determined by potentiometric pH titrations in aqueous solution at I = 0.1 M (NaNO3) and 25 degrees C. The ternary Cu(Arm)(AMP) complexes are more stable than corresponding Cu(Arm)(R-MP) complexes, where R-MP2- represents a phosphate monoester with a group R that is unable to participate in any kind of interaction within the complexes as, for example, D-ribose 5'-monophosphate. This increased stability is attributed, in agreement with previous results, to intramolecular stack formation in the Cu(Arm)(AMP) complexes between the purine residue of the AMPs and the aromatic rings of Bpy or Phen. Based on correlation lines (previously obtained from log K versus pKa plots) for Cu(Arm)(R-MP) complexes without a ligand-ligand interaction, a quantitative evaluation was carried out. The degree of formation of the species with the intramolecular stacks increases for the Cu(Arm)(AMP) complexes in the series: 3'AMP2- less than 5'AMP2- less than 2'AMP2-; e.g. in Cu(Bpy)(3'AMP) the stack reaches a formation degree of 45 +/- 11% and in Cu(Bpy)(2'AMP) one of 96.1 +/- 0.7% is obtained. It must be emphasized that these differences are due to the different steric orientations of the bridging metal ion, which result from the varying position of the phosphate group on the ribose ring. As shown by 1H-NMR shift measurements, there is no significant effect of the position of the phosphate group on the stability of the binary (Phen)(AMP)2- adducts (K approximately 36 M-1 in D2O); such an effect is seen only if a metal-ion bridge is formed between the moieties forming the stack, i.e. metal-ion coordination imposes individual properties on the AMPs. By also taking into account some recent results on other nucleoside 5'-monophosphate complexes, the following trend for an increasing stacking tendency of the nucleic base moieties can be established: uracil approximately less than cytosine approximately less than thymine much less than adenine less than 7-deazaadenine. Some additional conclusions of general importance are given and the relevance of the results with regard to bio-systems is indicated.