Ethylenediamine- and propylenediaminediacetic acid derivatives as ligands for the “fac-[M(CO)3]” core (M = Re, Tc)

The reaction of Re(CO)₅Cl with o- or p-N-(nitrophenyl)ethylenediaminediacetic acid (H₂L¹, H₂L²) and o- or p-N-(nitrophenyl)propylenediaminediacetic acid (H₂L³, H₂L⁴) in methanol leads to the formation of stable anionic [Et₃NH][Re(CO)₃(L)] · H₂O complexes 1-4. These compounds have been characterized by means of IR, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, NMR and conductimetry, as well as X-ray crystallography for 2 and 3. The [Re(CO)₃]⁺ moiety is coordinated via the nitrogen of the iminodiacetic acid unit and two oxygens of monodentate carboxylate groups. In each case, the nitro group of the aromatic ring remains uncoordinated. The analogous technetium-99m complexes 1′ and 3′ were also prepared quantitatively by the reaction of H₂L¹ and H₂L³, respectively, with the fac-[^99mTc(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ precursor in ethanol. The corresponding Re and ^99mTc compounds were shown to possess the same structure by means of HPLC studies. The high affinity of these ligands for the Tc(I) or Re(I) core, coupled with the easiness of their derivatization (by reduction of the nitro group in amino group), implies that the utilization of this ligand system to develop target-specific radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy is promising.     

Synthesis and transition metal complexes of 3,3-bis(1-vinylimidazol-2-yl)propionic acid, a new N,N,O ligand suitable for copolymerisation

The new N,N,O heteroscorpionate ligand 3,3-bis(1-vinylimidazol-2-yl)propionic acid (Hbvip) (5) was synthesised in five steps starting from 1-vinylimidazole. This ligand is closely related to 3,3-bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)propionic acid (Hbmip), but contains two vinyl linker groups which can be used for radical-induced polymerisation reactions. The κ³-N,N,O coordination behaviour of 5 was proven by the synthesis of the tricarbonyl complexes [Re(bvip)(CO)₃] (6), [Mn(bvip)(CO)₃] (7) and [Cu(bvip)₂] (8). To obtain good yields of 6, it was synthesised in water instead of THF. The ligand as well as all three complexes were characterised by X-ray crystallography. Copolymerisation of 5 with pure methyl methacrylate (MMA) or a combination of MMA and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) led to the solid phases P1 and P2. Polymer-bound rhenium and manganese tricarbonyl complexes could be obtained by the reaction of deprotonated P1 with [MBr(CO)₅] (M = Re, Mn) and also by copolymerisation of 6 and 7 with MMA. In both cases, the facial tripodal binding behaviour was evidenced by IR spectra of the polymers. Furthermore, the content of metal incorporated in the polymers was determined by elemental analysis, AAS or ICP-OES measurements. Reaction of the deprotonated solid phase P1 with copper(II) chloride led to a blue solid-phase (P1-Cu). The UV-Vis absorption maximum of P1-Cu is found at 615 nm, which is almost identical to that found for 8. Thereby, it seems likely that P1 is flexible enough to form bisligand complexes with copper(II). This means that the copper centres act as a kind of crosslinking agents. In contrast, the heterogeneous reaction of P2 with copper(II) chloride yielded a lime green solid phase (P2-Cu). The bathochromic shift of the absorption maximum by 102 nm suggests one-sided bound copper centres.     

Design, synthesis and coordination chemistry of sidearm substituted bisoxazoline ligands

We describe herein the design, synthesis and coordination chemistry of a novel ligand motif that combines a bisoxazoline with a third flexible chelating substituent (“tail”). Four such ligands (6-9) were synthesized from phenylglycine in 4-5 steps each in ca. 20% overall yield. Coordination of 6 and 7 to [Re(CO)₄Cl]₂ yielded crystals suitable for X-ray analysis. Likewise, crystals were obtained from coordination of 6 to FeCl₂. The solid state structures of the resulting complexes (10-12) reveal κ² binding of the bisoxazoline motif; however, the structures of complexes 10 and 12 show that the “tail” is poised above the metal center, demonstrating the potential for alternate binding modes in solution. The complexes exhibit a relatively planar 6-membered chelate structure, in contrast to the boat conformation typical of trispyrazolylborate complexes.     

Rhenium(III) and technetium(III) complexes with 2-mercapto-1,3-azole ligands and X-ray crystal structures

Reactions of labile [MCl₃(PPh₃)₂(NCMe)] (M = Tc, Re) precursors with 1H-benzoimidazole-2-thiol (H₂L¹), 5-methyl-1H-benzoimidazole-2-thiol (H₂L²) and 1H-imidazole-2-thiol (H₂L³), in the presence of PPh₃ and [AsPh₄]Cl gave a new series of trigonal bipyramidal M(III) complexes [AsPh₄]{[M(PPh₃)Cl(H₂L^1-3)₃]Cl₃} (M = Re, 1-3; M = Tc, 4-6). The molecular structures of 1 and 3 were determined by X-ray diffraction. When the reactions were carried out with benzothiazole-2-thiol (HL⁴) and benzoxazole-2-thiol (HL⁵), neutral paramagnetic monosubstituted M(III) complexes [M(PPh₃)₂Cl₂(L^4,5)] (M = Re, 8, 9; M = Tc, 10, 11) were obtained. In these compounds, the central metal ions adopt an octahedral coordination geometry as authenticated by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 8 and 11. Rhenium and technetium complexes 1, 4 and rhenium chelate compounds 8, 9 have been also synthesized by reduction of [MO₄]⁻ with PPh₃ and HCl in the presence of the appropriate ligand. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy.     

Preparation of trihydridostannyl complexes of rhenium stabilised by isocyanide ligands

Mixed-ligand complexes [ReBr(CO)₂(CNR)_nL_3−n] (1-4) [R = 4-CH₃OC₆H₄, 4-CH₃C₆H₄, C(CH₃)₃; L = P(OEt)₃, PPh(OEt)₂; n = 1, 2] were prepared by allowing carbonyl compounds [ReBr(CO)₄L] and [ReBr(CO)₃L₂] to react with an excess of isocyanide. Treatment of these bromocomplexes [ReBr(CO)₂(CNR)_nL_3−n] with SnCl₂ · 2H₂O yielded the trichlorostannyl derivatives [Re(SnCl₃)(CO)₂(CNR)_nL_3−n] (5-8). Trihydridestannyl complexes [Re(SnH₃)(CO)₂(CNR)_nL_3−n] (9-12) were prepared by allowing trichlorostannyl compounds 5-8 to react with NaBH₄ in ethanol. The trimethylstannyl derivative [Re(SnMe₃)(CO)₂(CNC₆H₄-4-CH₃){PPh(OEt)₂}₂] (13b) was also prepared by treating [Re(SnCl₃)(CO)₂(CNC₆H₄-4-CH₃){PPh(OEt)₂}₂] with an excess of MgBrMe in diethylether. Reaction of the tin trihydride complexes [Re(SnH₃)(CO)₂(CNR)_nL_3−n] (9-12) with CO₂ (1 atm) led to dinuclear OH-bridging bis(formate) derivatives [Re{Sn(OC(H)O)₂(μ-OH)}(CO)₂(CNR)_nL_3−n]₂ (14, 15). The complexes were characterised spectroscopically (IR, ¹H, ³¹P, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR) and by X-ray crystal structure determination of [Re(SnH₃)(CO)₂{CNC(CH₃)₃}{PPh(OEt)₂}₂] (10b).     

Synthesis, structure, and catalytic activity of chiral Cu(II) and Ag(I) complexes with (S,S)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-based N4-donor ligands

Condensation of (S,S)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine with 2 equiv. of 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde in toluene in the presence of molecular sieves at 70 °C gives N,N′-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)-(S,S)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (S,S-1) in 95% yield. Reduction of 1 with an excess of NaBH₄ in MeOH at 50 °C gives N,N′-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-(S,S)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (S,S-2) in 90% yield. Reaction of 1 or 2 with 1 equiv. of CuCl₂ · 2H₂O in methanol gives complexes [N-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)-(S,S)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine]CuCl₂ (3) and [Cu(S,S-2)(H₂O)]Cl₂ · H₂O (4), respectively, in good yields. Complex 4 can further react with 1 equiv. of CuCl₂ · 2H₂O in methanol to give [Cu(S,S-2)][CuCl₄] (5) in 75% yield. The rigidity of the ligand coupled with the steric effect of the free anion plays an important role in the formation of the helicates. Treatment of ligand S,S-1 with AgNO₃ induces a polymer helicate {[Ag(S,S-1)][NO₃]}_n (6), while reaction of ligand 2 with AgPF₆ or AgNO₃ in methanol affords a mononuclear single helicate [Ag(S,S-2)][PF₆] (7) or a dinuclear double helicate [Ag₂(S,S-2)₂][NO₃]₂ · 2CH₃OH (8) in good yields, respectively. All compounds have been characterized by various spectroscopic data and elemental analyses. Compounds 1, 3-5, 7 and 8 have been further subjected to single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The Cu(II) complexes do not show catalytic activity for allylation reaction, in contrast to Ag(I) complexes, but they do show catalytic activity for Henry reaction (nitroaldol reaction) that Ag(I) complexes do not.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and characterization of heteronuclear complexes based on a versatile ligand with both acetylacetonate and bis(2-pyridyl) units

A new type of multidentate ligand with both acetylacetonate and bis(2-pyridyl) units on the 1,3-dithiole moiety, 3-[2-(dipyridin-2-yl-methylene)-5-methylsulfanyl-[1,3]dithiol-4-ylsulfanyl]-pentane-2, 4-dione (L), has been prepared. Through reactions of the ligand with Re(CO)₅X (X = Cl, Br), new rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes ClRe(CO)₃(L) (2) and BrRe(CO)₃(L) (3), have been obtained. With the use of 2 or 3 as the precursors, the further reactions with (Tp^Ph2)Co(OAc)(Hpz^Ph2) (Tp^Ph2 = hydrotris(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)borate); Hpz^Ph2 = 3,5-diphenyl-pyrazole) or M(OAc)₂(M = Mn, Zn), afford four new heteronuclear complexes: ClRe(CO)₃(L)Co(Tp^Ph2) (4), BrRe(CO)₃(L)Co(Tp^Ph2) (5), [ClRe(CO)₃(L)]₂Mn(CH₃OH)₂ (6) and [ClRe(CO)₃(L)]₂Zn(CH₃OH)₂ (7), respectively. Crystal structures of complexes 2 and 4-7 have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Their absorption spectra, photoluminescence and magnetic properties have been studied.     

Dicarbonyliridium(I) complexes of pyridine ester ligands and their reactivity towards various electrophiles

The reaction of dimeric precursor [Ir(CO)₂Cl]₂ with two molar equivalent of the pyridine-ester ligands (L) like methyl picolinate (a), ethyl picolinate (b), methyl nicotinate (c), ethyl nicotinate (d), methyl isonicotinate (e) and ethyl isonicotinate (f) affords the tetra coordinated neutral complexes of the type [Ir(CO)₂ClL] (1a-f). The single crystal X-ray structure of 1d reveals that the Ir atom occupies the centre of an approximately square planar geometry with two CO groups cis- to each other. Intermolecular C-H?O and Ir?C interactions greatly stabilize the supramolecular structure of 1d in the solid state. The oxidative addition (OA) reactions of 1a-f with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I and I₂ undergo decarbonylation of one CO group to generate the oxidized products of the type [Ir(CO)RClIL] where R = -CH₃ (2a-f); -C₂H₅ (3a-f) and [Ir(CO)ClI₂L] (4a-f). Kinetic study of the reaction of 1c-f with CH₃I indicates a first order reaction which follow the order 1d > 1c > 1f > 1e. All the synthesized complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy.     

Studies of rheniumtricarbonyl complexes of tripodal pyridyl-based ligands

The reaction of N-benzoyl and N-acetyl tris(pyridin-2-yl)methylamine 1b and 1c (LH = tpmbaH and tpmaaH) with [Re(CO)₅Br] has been investigated and shown to proceed via the initial formation of a cationic rheniumtricarbonyl complex [(LH)Re(CO)₃]Br in which coordination of the ligand occurs via the three pyridine rings. For tpmbaH 1b, but not tpmaaH 1c, this initial complex 2b readily undergoes the loss of HBr to give a neutral octahedral complex 4b [(L)Re(CO)₃] where coordination occurs via two of the pyridine rings and the deprotonated amide nitrogen. The ¹H NMR spectrum of the latter complex 4b is very unusual in that at room temperature the signals for the 3-H protons on the coordinated pyridine rings are not visible due to extreme broadening of these resonances. Comparison with the analogous complex 7 from N-benzoyl bis(pyridin-2-yl)methylamine 6b (bpmbaH) confirms that this is due to rotation of the uncoordinated pyridine ring. The structure of the cationic complex 3d [(LH)Re(CO)₃]Br formed from N-benzyl tris(pyridin-2-yl)methylamine 1d (bz-tpmaH) is also discussed. The crystal structures of complexes [(tpmba)Re(CO)₃] 4b, [(bz-tpmaH)Re(CO)₃]Br 3d and [(bpmba)Re(CO)₃] 7 have been determined. In all complexes the coordination geometry around Re is distorted octahedral with a fac-{Re(CO)₃}⁺ core.     

Diiron and diruthenium aminocarbyne complexes containing pseudohalides: stereochemistry and reactivity

Acetonitrile is easily displaced from [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(MeCN)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (Xyl) (1a); Me (1b)) upon stirring in THF at room temperature in the presence of [NBu₄][SCN]. The resulting complexes trans-[Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCS)(Cp)₂] (R = Xyl (trans-2a); Me (trans-2b)) are completely isomerised to cis-[Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCS)(Cp)₂] (R = Xyl (cis-2a); Me (cis-2b)) when heated at reflux temperature. Similarly, the complexes cis-[M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCO)(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Me (4a); M = Ru, R = Xyl (4b); M = Ru, R = Me (4c)) and cis-[M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(N₃)(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Xyl (5a); M = Fe, R = Me (5b); M = Ru, R = Xyl (5c)) can be obtained by heating at reflux temperature a THF solution of [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(MeCN)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (M = Fe, R = Xyl (1a); M = Fe, Me (1b); M = Ru, R = Xyl (1c); M = Ru, R = Me (1d)) in the presence of NaNCO and NaN₃, respectively. The reactions of 5 with MeO₂CCCCO₂Me, HCCCO₂Me and (NC)(H)CC(H)(CN) afford the triazolato complexes [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃C₂(CO₂Me)₂}(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Xyl (6a); M = Fe, R = Me (6b); M = Ru, R = Xyl (6c)), [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ- CO)(CO){N₃C₂(H)(CO₂Me)}(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Me (7a); M = Ru, R = Xyl (7b)) and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃C₂(H)(CN)}(Cp)₂] (8), respectively. The asymmetrically substituted triazolato complexes 7-8 are obtained as mixtures of N(1) and N(2) bonded isomers, whereas 6 exists only in the N(2) form. Methylation of 6-8 results in the formation of the triazole complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃(Me)C₂(CO₂Me)₂}(Cp)₂][CF₃SO₃] (9), [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃(Me)C₂(H)(CO₂Me)}(Cp)₂][CF₃SO₃] (M = Fe, R = Me (10a); M = Ru, R = Xyl (10b)) and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃(Me)C₂(H)(CN)}(Cp)₂][CF₃SO₃], 11. The crystal structures of trans-2b, 4b · CH₂Cl₂, 5a, 6b · 0.5CH₂Cl₂ and 8 · CH₂Cl₂ have been determined.     

Expanding the scope of ‘Click’ derived 1,2,3-triazole ligands: New palladium and platinum complexes

Using the ‘Click Protocol’ the new ligands 1-(cyclohexyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole (1), 1-(2-trifluoromethyl phenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole (2), 1-(4-hexyl phenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole (3), 1-(2-mercaptomethyl phenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole (4) and 1-(4-N,N-dimethylamino phenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole (5) were prepared by reacting 2-ethynylpyridine with the corresponding azides. In the next step the ligands were reacted with suitable palladium and platinum precursors to yield the cis-dichloro-palladium complexes 1a-4a and platinum complexes 1b-4b. Investigation of the molecular structure of the free ligands 1 and 5 reveals the formation of infinite chains in the 3D structure which are governed by hydrogen bonds between the triazole units. Likewise the 3D structure of 1a shows infinite chains which are held together by multiple remarkably short C-H?Cl-Pd contacts. Electrochemical investigation of the free ligands by cyclic voltammetry showed irreversible reduction processes at highly negative potential. Upon metal complexation huge anodic shifts of the reduction potential were observed. To further characterize the electronic properties of all the compounds UV-Vis spectra were also analyzed.     

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition to the FeSC fragment 20. Preparation and properties of carbonyliron complexes of di-thiooxamide. Reactivity of the mononuclear (di-thiooxamide)Fe(CO)3 towards dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate

Reaction of Fe₂(CO)₉ at room temperature in THF with the di-thiooxamides (L), SC{N(R,R′)}C{(R,R′)N}S [R=Me, R′-R′=(CH₂)₂ (a); R=H, R′=ⁱPr (b); R=H, R′=iPr (c), R=H, R′=benzyl (d); R=H, R′=H (e)], results for ligands a-d initially in the formation of the mononuclear σ-S, σ-S′ chelate complexes Fe(CO)₃(L) (7a-d), which could be isolated in case of 7a and 7d. Under the reaction conditions, complexes 7a-d react further with [Fe(CO)₄] fragments to give three types of Fe₂(CO)₆(L) complexes (8a-d) in high yields, depending on the di-thiooxamide ligand used together with traces of the known complex S₂Fe₃(CO)₉ (14). The molecular structures of these complexes have been established by the single crystal X-ray diffraction determinations of 8a, 8b and 8d. In the reaction with ligand e the corresponding complex 7e was not detected and the well-known complexes 14 and S₂Fe₃(CO)₉ (15) were isolated in low yield. In situ prepared 7a reacts in a slow reaction with 1 equiv. of dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate in a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction to give the stable initial ferra [2.2.1] bicyclic complex 10a in 60% yield. In complex 10a an additional Fe(CO)₄ fragment is coordinated to the sulfido sulfur atom of the cycloadded FeSC fragment. When a toluene solution of 10a is heated to 50 °C it loses two terminal CO ligands to give the binuclear FeFe bonded complex 11a in almost quantitative yield. The molecular structures of 10a and 11a have been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Reaction of 7d at room temperature with 2 equiv. of dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate results in the mononuclear complex 12d in 5% yield. The molecular structure of 12b has been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction and comprises a tetra dentate ligand with two ferra-sulpha cyclobutene, and a ferra-disulpha cyclopentene moiety. When the reaction is performed at 60 °C a low yield of 2,3,4,5-thiophene tetramethyl tertracarboxylate is obtained besides complex 12d.     

6-Halogenopyridin-2-olato complexes with the diruthenium(2+) core: Equilibria between head-to-head and head-to-tail structures

The dinuclear bis(6-X-pyridin-2-olato) ruthenium complexes [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl (4B) and Br (5B)), [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄(CH₃CN)₂] (X = Cl (6B), Br (7B) and F (8B)) and [Ru₂(μ-ClpyO)₂(CO)₄(PhCN)₂] (9B) were prepared from the corresponding tetranuclear coordination dimers [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄]₂ (1: X = Cl; 2: X = Br) and [Ru₂(μ-FpyO)₂(CO)₆]₂ (3) by treatment with an excess of triphenylphosphane, acetonitrile and benzonitrile, respectively. In the solid state, complexes 4B-9B all have a head-to-tail arrangement of the two pyridonate ligands, as evidenced by X-ray crystal structure analyses of 4B, 6B and 9B, in contrast to the head-to-head arrangement in the precursors 1-3. A temperature- and solvent-dependent equilibrium between the yellow head-to-tail complexes and the red head-to-head complexes 4A-7A and 9A, bearing an axial ligand only at the O,O-substituted ruthenium atom, exists in solution and was studied by NMR spectroscopy. Full ¹H and ¹³C NMR assignments were made in each case. Treatment of 1 and 2 with the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene provided the complexes [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄(NHC)], X = Cl (11A) or Br (12A). An XRD analysis revealed the head-to-head arrangement of the pyridonate ligands and axial coordination of the carbene ligand at the O,O-substituted ruthenium atom. The conversion of 11A and 12A into the corresponding head-to-tail complexes was not possible.     

Syntheses and molecular structures of 6-halogeno-pyridin-2-olate complexes with the diruthenium(2+) core

The complexes [Ru₂(CO)₅(μ-FpyO)₂]₂ (1), [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-ClpyO)₂]₂ (2), and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-BrpyO)₂]₂ (3) were prepared from Ru₃(CO)₁₂ and 6-fluoro-2-hydroxypyridine (FpyOH), 6-chloro-2-hydroxypyridine (ClpyOH) and 6-bromo-2-hydroxypyridine (BrpyOH), respectively, in hot toluene. Compounds 1-3 are coordination dimers with a cyclo-RuORuO motif. By carrying out the reaction in hot methanol, the dinuclear complexes [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-ClpyO)₂(CH₃OH)] (4) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-BrpyO)₂(CH₃OH)] (5), respectively, were obtained. Treatment of 2 and 3 with triphenylphosphane provided the complexes [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-ClpyO)₂(PPh₃)] (6) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-BrpyO)₂(PPh₃)] (7), respectively. The solid-state structures of complexes 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In all cases, a head-head coordination of the two 6-halopyridinolate ligands at the core was found. In all chlorine- or bromine-containing complexes, the axial coordination site at the ruthenium atom neighbored by two Cl or Br atoms remains unoccupied due to steric shielding by the halogen atom. In the fluoropyridinolate complex 1, the same coordination site is occupied by a carbonyl ligand.     

(Pyrazolylmethyl)pyridine platinum(II) and gold(III) complexes: Synthesis, structures and evaluation as anticancer agents

Reactions of 2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L1), 2-(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L2), 2-(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L3) and 2-(3-p-tolylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L4) with K₂[PtCl₄] in a mixture of ethanol and water formed the dichloro platinum complexes [PtCl₂(L1)] (1), [PtCl₂(L2)] (2), [PtCl₂(L3)] (3) and [PtCl₂(L4)] (4). Complex 1, [PtCl₂(L1)], could also be prepared in a mixture of acetone and water. Performing the reactions of L2 and L3 in a mixture of acetone and water, however, led to C-H activation of acetone under mild conditions to form the neutral acetonyl complexes [Pt(CH₂COCH₃)Cl(L2)] (2a) and [Pt(CH₂COCH₃)Cl(L3)] (3a). The same ligands reacted with HAuCl₄ · 4H₂O in a mixture of ethanol and water to form the gold salts [AuCl₂(L1)][AuCl₄] (5) [AuCl₂(L2)][Cl] (6) [AuCl₂(L3)][Cl] (7) and [AuCl₂(L4)][AuCl₄] (8); however, with the pyrazolyl unit in the para position of the pyridinyl ring in 4-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L5), 4-(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L6) neutral gold complexes [AuCl₃(L5)] (9) and [AuCl₂(L6)] (10) were formed; signifying the role the position of the pyrazolyl group plays in product formation in the gold reactions. X-ray crystallographic structural determination of L6, 2, 33a, 8 and 10 were very important in confirming the structures of these compounds; particularly for 3a and 8 where the presence of the acetonyl group confirmed C-H activation and for 8 where the counter ion is . Cytotoxicity studies of L2, L4 and complexes 1-10 against HeLa cells showed the Au complexes were much less active than the Pt complexes.     

Tetrameric 1:1 and monomeric 1:3 complexes of silver(I) halides with tri(p-tolyl)-phosphine: A structural and biological study

Silver(I) halides react with tri(p-tolyl)phosphine (tptp, C₂₁H₂₁P) in MeOH/MeCN solutions in 1:1 or 1:3 molar ratios to give complexes of formulae {[AgCl(tptp)]₄} (1) or [AgX(tptp)₃] (X = Cl (2), Br (3), I (4)), respectively. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, and FT-IR far-IR, FT-Raman, TG and ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P NMR spectroscopic techniques. Crystal structures of complexes 2-4 were determined by X-ray diffraction at room temperature (rt). The crystal structure of 1 and 4 was also determined at 100(1) and 140(2) K (lt), respectively. In complex 1 four μ3-Cl ions are bonded with four Ag(I) ions forming a cubane while the coordination sphere of silver(I) ions is completed by one P atom from a terminal tri(p-tolyl)phosphine ligand. In complexes 2-3 one terminal halogen and three P atoms from phosphine ligands form a tetrahedral arrangement around the metal ion. Complexes 1-4 were tested for in vitro cytostatic activity against sarcoma cancer cells (mesenchymal tissue) from the Wistar rat, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH, benzo[a]pyrene) carcinogenesis and against murine leukemia (L1210) and human T-lymphocyte (Molt4/C8 and CEM) cells. The silver(I) complexes 1-4 show strong activity.     

Iridium assisted S-H and C-H activation of benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazones. Synthesis, structure and electrochemical properties of the resulting complexes

Reaction of five 4-R-benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazones (R = OCH₃, CH₃, H, Cl and NO₂) with [Ir(PPh₃)₃Cl] in refluxing ethanol in the presence of a base (NEt₃) affords complexes of three different types, viz. 1-R, 2-R and 3-R. In the 1-R complexes the thiosemicarbazone is coordinated to iridium as a monoanionic bidentate N,S-donor forming a four-membered chelate ring. Two triphenylphosphines, a hydride and a chloride are also coordinated to the metal center. The 2-R complexes are very similar in composition and stereochemistry to the corresponding 1-R complexes, except that a second hydride is bound to iridium instead of the chloride. In the 3-R complexes, the thiosemicarbazones are coordinated to iridium as dianionic tridentate C,N,S-donors forming two adjacent five-membered chelate rings. Two triphenylphosphines and a hydride are also coordinated to the metal center. Structures of the 1-NO₂, 2-NO₂ and 3-NO₂ complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Reaction of the same 4-R-benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazones with [Ir(PPh₃)₃Cl] in refluxing toluene in the presence of NEt₃ affords complexes of two types, viz. 3-R and 4-R. The 4-R complexes are very similar in composition and stereochemistry to the corresponding 3-R complexes, except that a chloride is bound to iridium instead of the hydride. Structure of the 4-CH₃ complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography. In all the complexes the two PPh₃ ligands are trans. All the complexes show intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry on the complexes shows an Ir(III)-Ir(IV) oxidation on the positive side of SCE followed by an oxidation of the coordinated thiosemicarbazone. A reduction of the coordinated thiosemicarbazone is also observed on the negative side of SCE.     

Synthesis and structures of zinc complexes with new binucleating ligands containing alkoxide bridges, and their activities in the hydrolysis of tris(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate

Four new binucleating ligands featuring a hydroxytrimethylene linker between two coordination sites (1,3-bis{N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-N-methylamino}propan-2-ol, HL¹; 1,3-bis{N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methylamino}propan-2-ol, HL²; 1,3-bis[bis(2-methoxyethyl)amino]propan-2-ol, HL³; and 1-bis[(2-methoxyethyl)amino]-3-{N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methylamino}propan-2-ol, HL⁴) were synthesized, along with the corresponding zinc complexes. The structures of three dinuclear zinc complexes ([Zn₂L¹(μ-CH₃COO)₂]BPh₄ (1), [Zn₂L³(μ-CH₃COO)₂]BPh₄ (3), and [Zn₂L⁴(μ-CH₃COO)(CH₃COO)(EtOH)]BPh₄ (4)) and a tetranuclear zinc complex ({[Zn₂L²(μ-CH₃COO)]₂(μ-OH)₂}(BPh₄)₂ (2)) were revealed by X-ray crystallography. Hydrolysis of tris(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (TNP) by these zinc complexes in an acetonitrile solution containing 5% Tris buffer (pH 8.0) at 30 °C was investigated spectrophotometrically and by ³¹P NMR. Although zinc complexes 1, 3, and 4 did not show hydrolysis activity, the tetranuclear zinc complex 2, containing μ-hydroxo bridges, was capable of hydrolyzing TNP. This suggests that the hydroxide moiety in the complex may have an important role in the hydrolysis reaction.     

A new series of iodocarbonyl ruthenium (II) complexes with unsymmetrical phosphine-phosphine sulfide ligands of the type Ph2P(CH2)nP(S)Ph2, n = 1-4: Isolation and structural investigation

Hexa-coordinated chelate complex cis-[Ru(CO)₂I₂(P∩S)] (1a) {P∩S = η²-(P,S)-coordinated} and penta-coordinated non-chelate complexes cis-[Ru(CO)₂I₂(P∼S)] (1b-d) {P∼S = η¹-(P)-coordinated} are produced by the reaction of polymeric [Ru(CO)₂I₂]_n with equimolar quantity of the ligands Ph₂P(CH₂)_nP(S)Ph₂ {n = 1(a), 2(b), 3(c), 4(d)} in dichloromethane at room temperature. The bidentate nature of the ligand a in the complex 1a leads to the formation of five-membered chelate ring which confers extra stability to the complex. On the other hand, 1:2 (Ru:L) molar ratio reaction affords the hexa-coordinated non-chelate complexes cis,cis,trans-[Ru(CO)₂I₂(P∼S)₂] (2a-d) irrespective of the ligands. All the complexes show two equally intense terminal ν(CO) bands in the range 2028-2103 cm⁻¹. The ν(PS) band of complex 1a occurs 23 cm⁻¹ lower region compared to the corresponding free ligand suggesting chelation via metal-sulfur bond formation. X-ray crystallography reveals that the Ru(II) atom occupies the center of a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The complexes have also been characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis, structure and antitumor activity of [RhCl3(N-N)(DMSO)] polypyridyl complexes

The [RhCl₃(N-N)(DMSO)] complexes, the N-N being 2,2′-bipyridine (1), 1,10-phenanthroline (2), 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (3), 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (4) and 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (5), have been synthesized and characterized with spectroscopic methods. The compounds 2-5 adopt mer- and complex 1fac-structure. The molecular and electronic structure studies of mer- and fac-complexes with bpy and phen ligands at the DFT B3LYP level with 3-21G^∗∗ basis set showed that mer-isomers are more stable. The cytostatic activity of the [RhCl₃(N-N)(DMSO)] complexes against Caco-2 and A549 tumor cells have been studied. Their antibacterial activity have also been investigated. It has been found that the very promising biological activity show complexes 2, 3 and 4.