A 3-D (3,5)-connected Cd coordination framework with unique twofold interpenetrating (4·6)(4·6·8) network topology

Assembly of N,N′-bis(4-picolinoyl)hydrazine (H₂L) with cadmium nitrate in the presence of dicyanamide anion (dca) affords a new coordination polymer {[Cd(HL)(dca)] · (H₂O)_0.5}_n (1), in which the [Cd(HL)]_n layers are extended by dca bridges to result in a three-dimensional (3-D) coordination framework. The network structure of 1 has unusual (3,5)-connectivity and represents a new type of (4·6²)(4·6⁶·8³) topology. Two such identical and complementary networks are entangled to generate a twofold parallel interpenetrating supramolecular lattice.     

Two new end-to-end single dicyanamide bridged Cu(II) complexes with Schiff base ligands: Structural, electrochemical and magnetic properties

The synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties of two different copper(II) complexes of formula [Cu(L¹)(dca)]_n · nClO₄ (1) and [Cu(L²)]₂(dca)(ClO₄) (2) [L¹ = N,N-dimethylethylene-N′-(pyridine-2-carbaldiiminato), HL² = N,N-dimethylethylene-N′-salicylaldiiminato, dca = dicyanamide anion] are described. Spectroscopic and electrochemical properties have also been discussed. A one-dimensional chain structure with single, symmetrical, μ_1,5-dca bridges is found in compound 1. The copper atom in 1 has a square pyramidal geometry. A tridentate Schiff base ligand, having NNN donor sites, and one nitrogen atom from dca occupy the basal plane. N(18) of a neighbouring unit occupies the apical site. The Schiff base used in compound 2 is a tridentate anion with NNO donor sites, which changes the structure in a dinuclear unit of copper atoms bridged by single end-to-end dicyanamide ion. The environment around copper in 2 is square planar. Magnetic susceptibility measurements for 1 and 2 reveal the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interaction through the dca ligand.     

Potential tridentate salicylaldehyde hydrazone of arylalkanoic acid coordinate to copper(II) acting as dinegative tetradentate ligands

A chiral Schiff base N-(S)-2-(6-methoxylnaphthyl)-propanoyl-N′-(2-hydroxylbenzylidene)hydrazine (H₂L) has been synthesized. Reaction of H₂L with Cu(OAc)₂ · H₂O led to the formation of a metal complex {[CuL] · H₂O · 2DMF}_∞ (1). In complex 1, the potential dinegative tridentate L²⁻ ligand acting as tetradentate bridging ligand coordinate to two metal ions so as to form a novel infinite metal-organic coordination chain structure. The enantiomerically pure ligand H₂L presents two different sets of signals in the ¹H NMR spectrum either in chloroform solution or in dimethylsulfoxide solution, showing the presence of both (E) and (Z) isomers. The X-ray structural investigations of H₂L revealed that it is the fully extended E-configuration in the solid state.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and characterization of three novel complexes with N-[2-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)ethyl]-4-methyl-benzene-sulfonamide as ligand

Reaction of the N-tosyl-ethylenediamine and salicylaldehyde forms a new sulfonamide Schiff base N-[2-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)ethyl]-4-methyl-benzene-sulfonamide (H₂L). Three novel complexes constructed from H₂L, namely, [M(HL)₂] · xH₂O (M = Cu, x = 0 for 1, M = Ni, x = 0 for 2 and M = Zn, x = 1 for 3) have been prepared and characterized via X-ray single-crystal diffraction, elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), FT-IR, UV-Vis, TGA and photoluminescence measurements. Complex hydrogen bonds, C-H···π and π-π stacking interactions lead 1-3 to present 1-D, 2-D and 3-D supramolecular architectures, respectively.     

Homogeneous green catalysts for olefin oxidation by mono oxovanadium(V) complexes of hydrazone Schiff base ligands

Three mono oxovanadium(V) complexes of tridentate Schiff base ligands [VO(OMe)L¹] (1), [VO(OMe)L²] (2) and [VO(OMe)L³] (3) obtained by monocondensation of 3-hydroxy-2-naphthohydrazide and aromatic o-hydroxyaldehydes have been synthesized (H₂L¹ = (E)-3-hydroxy-N′-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-2-naphthohydrazide, H₂L² = (E)-3-hydroxy-N′-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-naphthohydrazide and H₂L³ = (E)-N′-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-3-hydroxy-2-naphthohydrazide). The complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods in the solid state (IR) and in solution (UV-Vis, ¹H NMR). Single crystal X-ray analyses were performed with 1 and 2. The catalytic potential of these complexes has been tested for the oxidation of cyclooctene using H₂O₂ as the terminal oxidant. The effects of various parameters including the molar ratio of oxidant to substrate, the temperature, and the solvent have been studied. The catalyst 2 showed the most powerful catalytic activity in oxidation of various terminal, cyclic and phenyl substituted olefins. Excellent conversions have been obtained for the oxidation of cyclic and bicyclic olefins.     

Oxime-functionalized diazamesocyclic derivates and their metal complexes: Effect of the ligand backbones and anions on the generation of novel monomeric and mono-μ-Cl dimeric Cu complexes

Two oxime-functionalized diazamesocyclic derivates, namely, N,N′-bis(acetophenoneoxime)-1,4-diazacycloheptane (H₂L¹) and N,N′-bis(acetophenonoxime)-1,5-diazacyclooctane (H₂L²), have been prepared and characterized. Both ligands (obtained in the hydrochloride form) can form stable metal complexes with Cu^II and Ni^II salts, the crystal structures of which were determined by X-ray diffraction technique. The reactions of H₂L¹ with Cu(ClO₄)₂ and Ni(ClO₄)₂ afford a penta-coordinated mononuclear complex [Cu(H₂L¹)Cl] · ClO₄ (1) and a four-coordinated monomeric [Ni(HL¹)] · ClO₄ (2), in which the ligand is monodeprotonated. The ligand H₂L² also forms a quite similar mononuclear [Ni(HL²)] · ClO₄ complex with Ni(ClO₄)₂, according to our previous work. However, reactions of different Cu^II salts [Cu(ClO₄)₂, CuCl₂ and Cu(NO₃)₂ for 3, and CuSO₄ for 4] with H₂L² in the presence of NaClO₄ yield two unusual mono-μ-Cl dinuclear Cu^II complexes [Cu₂(HL²)₂Cl] · (ClO₄) (3), and [Cu₂(H₂L²)(HL²)Cl] · (ClO₄)₂ · (H₂O)(4). These results indicate that the resultant Cu^II complexes (1, 3 and 4) are sensitive to the backbones of diazamesocycles and even auxiliary anions.     

An NMR study of some reactions of an arachno-molybdapentaborane: Formation of an unstable nido-molybdapentaborane

Photolysis of the molybdaborane [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵:η¹-C₅H₄)-arachno-2-MoB₄H₇] (1) in benzene-d₆ gives ca. 60% conversion to the compound [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵:η¹-C₅H₄)-nido-2-MoB₄H₅] (2). Compound 2 could not be isolated as a solid and is thermally unstable at 20 °C in solution with a half-life of 3-4 h. Repeated photolysis and thermolysis of 1 in the presence of BH₃ · thf gives a low yield of the known metallacarbaborane [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η²:η³-C₃H₃)-closo-1-MoC₂B₉H₉] (3) suggesting that 3 is formed from 1 via 2. Reaction of 1 with PEt₃ gives initially [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵:η¹-C₅H₄)-arachno-2-MoHB₄H₄PEt₃] (4). Longer reaction times (>10 min, 20 °C) give in addition [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵:η¹-C₅H₄)-arachno-1-MoHB₃H₃PEt₃] (5). Both 4 and 5 are unstable in solution or the solid state decomposing to the molybdacarbaborane [(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η³:η²- C₃H₃)-nido-1-MoC₂B₃H₅] (6), [Mo(η-C₅H₅)₂H₂] and BH₃ · PEt₃. Compound 1 is deprotonated cleanly by KH in thf at the Mo-H-B bridging proton to give (7).     

Magnetic and catalytic properties of a new copper(II)-Schiff base 2D coordination polymer formed by connected helical chains

A dicyanamide bridged 2D polynuclear complex of copper(II) having molecular formula [Cu₂(L)(μ_1,5-dca)₂]_n (1) has been synthesized using the Schiff base ligand N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-diaminopentane, (H₂L) and sodium dicyanamide (dca). The complex presents a 2D hexagonal structure formed by 1,5-dca singly bridged helical chains connected through double 1,5-dca bridges. The chelating characteristics of the H₂L Schiff base ligand results in the formation of copper(II) dimer with a double phenoxo bridge presenting a very strong antiferromagnetic coupling in the copper(II) derivative (1) (J = −510 cm⁻¹). The dimeric asymmetric unit of 1 is very similar to the active site of the catechol oxidase and, as expected, also presents catalytic activity for the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol to 3,5-di-tert-butylquinone in presence of O₂, as demonstrated by kinetic studies of this oxidation reaction monitored by absorption spectroscopy resulting in high turnover number (K_cat = 259 h⁻¹).     

Lanthanide(III) complexes with phosphoryl containing 1,8-naphthyridine: Crystal structures and vibrational spectra

The complexes of 2-[2-(diphenylphosphoryl)prop-2-yl]-1,8-naphthyridine (L) with lanthanide nitrates Ln(NO₃)₃ (Ln = Nd, Eu, Lu) were investigated to elucidate the coordination ability of a novel type of potentially tridentate ligands - phosphorylalkyl substituted naphthyridines. The X-ray crystal structures of [NdL₃]³⁺ · 3(NO₃)⁻ · MeCN (1), [EuL₃]³⁺ · 3(NO₃)⁻ · [Eu(NO₃)₃ · 4H₂O] · MeCN (2), and [LuL₃]³⁺ · 3(NO₃)⁻ · [Lu(NO₃)₃ · 3H₂O] · 2 MeCN · 0.5 H₂O (3) are reported together with their IR and Raman spectra. All the compounds studied contain isostructural [LnL₃]³⁺ cations and three NO₃⁻ counterions. Coordination of each L appears to be O,N,N tridentate-cyclic and coordination number of Ln is nine. Vibrational spectra of 1-3 are also compared with that of free ligand and model compounds.     

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity of the first palladium(II) oxalato complexes involving adenine-based ligands

The first [Pd(Lⁿ)₂(ox)] xH₂O oxalato(ox) complexes involving 2-chloro-N6-(benzyl)-9-isopropyladenine (L¹; complex 1), 2-chloro-N6-(4-methoxybenzyl)-9-isopropyladenine (L²; 2), 2-chloro-N6-(2,3-dimethoxybenzyl)-9-isopropyladenine (L³; 3), 2-chloro-N6-(2,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-9-isopropyladenine (L⁴; 4), and 2-chloro-N6-(4-methylbenzyl)-9-isopropyladenine (L⁵; 5) have been synthesized by the reactions of potassium bis(oxalato)palladate(II) dihydrate, [K₂Pd(ox)₂]·2H₂O, with the mentioned organic compounds (H₂ox = oxalic acid; x = 0 for 1-3 and 5 or 2 for 4). Elemental analyses (C, H, N), FTIR, Raman and NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N) spectroscopies, conductivity measurements and thermal studies (thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses, TG/DTA) have been used to characterize the prepared complexes. The molecular structures of [Pd(L²)₂(ox)] (2) and [Pd(L⁵)₂(ox)]·L⁵·Me₂CO (5·L⁵·Me₂CO) have been determined by a single crystal X-ray analysis. The geometry of these complexes is slightly distorted square-planar with two appropriate Lⁿ (n = 2 or 5) molecules mutually arranged in the head-to-head (2) or head-to-tail (5) orientation. The Lⁿ ligands are coordinated to the central Pd(II) ion via the N7 atoms. The same conclusions regarding the binding properties of L¹-L⁵ ligands can be made based on multinuclear NMR spectra. In vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes 1-5 has been evaluated against human chronic myelogenous leukaemia (K562) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) cancer cell lines. Significant cytotoxicity has been determined for the complexes 3 (IC₅₀ = 6.2 μM) and 5 (IC₅₀ = 6.8 μM) on the MCF7 cell line, which is even better than that found for the well-known and widely-used platinum-bearing antineoplastic drugs, i.e. oxaliplatin and cisplatin.     

[S2], [S3], and [N3] coordination modes of hydrotris(thioxotriazolyl)borato. Zinc, nickel, cobalt, and bismuth complexes

The ligand hydrotris(1,4-dihydro-3-methyl-4-phenyl-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolyl)borato (Tr^Ph,Me) was synthetized as natrium salt and the complexes [Zn(Tr^Ph,Me)₂] · 7.5H₂O · 1.5CH₃CN (2a), [Zn(Tr^Ph,Me)₂] · 8DMF (2b), [Co(Tr^Ph,Me)₂] · 8DMF (3a), [Ni(Tr^Ph,Me)₂] · H₂O · 6DMSO (4a), [Bi(Tr^Ph,Me)₂]NO₃ (5), have been isolated and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. In the zinc derivatives the ligand adopts different denticity and coordination modes, η² and [S₂] for 2a and η³ and [N₃] for 2b, depending on the crystallization solvent, giving rise to tetrahedral and octahedral geometry, respectively. In the octahedral cobalt and nickel complexes the ligand is η³ and [N₃] coordinated whereas in the bismuth complex the η³ and [S₃] coordination is exhibited.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic characterization of heterodinuclear CuGd and CuTb Schiff base complexes

Preparation, crystal structures and magnetic properties of new heterodinuclear Cu^IIGd^III (1) and Cu^IITb^III (2) complexes [CuLn(L)(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₃MeOH]NO₃·MeOH (where Ln = Gd, Tb) with the hexadentate Schiff-base compartmental ligand N,N′-bis(5-bromo-3-methoxysalicylidene)propylene-1,3-diamine (H₂L = C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₄Br₂) (0) have been described. Crystal structure analysis of 1 and 2 revealed that they are isostructural and form discrete dinuclear units with dihedral angle between the O1Cu1O2 and O1Gd1/Tb1O2 planes equal to 2.5(1)° and 2.6(1)°, respectively. The variable-temperature and variable-field magnetic measurements indicate that the metal centers in 1 and 2 are ferromagnetically coupled (J = 7.89 cm⁻¹ for 1). Crystal and molecular structure of the Schiff base ligand (0) has been also reported. The complex formation changes the conformation of Schiff base ligand molecule.     

Synthesis, structure and luminescence behaviour of a mononuclear cadmium(II) dicyanamide and a coordination polymer of mercury(II) dicyanamide containing 2,2′-dipyridylamine (dpaH) as end-capping ligand/anion of dpaH as binucleating bridge. Variance in coordination numbers, nuclearities and architectures with metal ion templates

A mononuclear compound [Cd(dpaH)₂(dca)₂] (1) and a tetranuclear based 2D coordination polymer [Hg₄(dpa)₄(dca)₄]_n (2) [dpaH = 2,2′-dipyridylamine, dpa = anion of dpaH, dca = dicyanamide] have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray structural analyses reveal that cadmium(II) center in 1 has a distorted octahedral geometry with a CdN₆ chromophore ligated through two bidentate neutral dpaH units along with two nitrile N atoms of two terminally bound dca units in mutual cis orientation. Each of the four independent mercury(II) centers in 2 adopts a distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment coordinated by two pyridine N atoms of two different anionic dpa ligands, two nitrile N atoms of two μ_1,5 bridged dca units and the fifth position is occupied by the amide N of one dpa. Cooperative intermolecular N-H···N and C-H···N hydrogen bondings promote dimensionality in 1. The compounds display intraligand ¹(π-π^∗) fluorescence in DMF solutions at room temperature.     

Stereospecific interactions between dinuclear complex cations involving square-planar [Pt(II)(μ-S)2(bpy)] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) frameworks derived from optically active octahedral Co(III) units with d- or l-penicillaminates

The reaction of the octahedral mononuclear complex, trans(N)-[Co(l-pen-N,O,S)₂]⁻ (pen = penicillaminate), with [PtCl₂(bpy)] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) stereoselectively gave an optically active S-bridged dinuclear complex, [Pt(bpy){Co(l-pen)₂}]Cl · 3H₂O (2Cl · 3H₂O), whose structure is enantiomeric to the previously reported [Pt(bpy){Co(d-pen)₂}]Cl · 3H₂O (1Cl · 3H₂O). The mixture of equimolar amounts of 1Cl · 3H₂O and 2Cl · 3H₂O in H₂O crystallizes as [Pt(bpy){Co(d-pen)₂}]_0.5[Pt(bpy){Co(l-pen)₂}]_0.5Cl · 7H₂O (3Cl · 7H₂O), in which the enantiomeric complex cations 1 and 2 are included in the ratio of 1:1. The crystal structures of 2Cl · 3H₂O and 3Cl · 7H₂O were determined by X-ray crystallography, and compared with that of 1Cl · 3H₂O. The structural feature for 2 is essentially consistent with that for 1, except for the absolute configurations around the octahedral Co(III) center. The optically active complex cation 2 exists as a monomer, accompanied by no intermolecular interactions in the π-electronic systems of bpy moieties. In the crystals of 3Cl · 7H₂O, on the other hand, the enantiomeric complex cations, [Pt(bpy){Co(d-pen)₂}]⁺ and [Pt(bpy){Co(l-pen)₂}]⁺, are arranged alternately while overlapping the bpy planes along a axis, and the π electronic system of the bpy framework in [Pt(bpy){Co(d-pen)₂}]⁺ interacts with those in [Pt(bpy){Co(l-pen)₂}]⁺. Differences between the crystal structures of 2Cl · 3H₂O and3Cl · 7H₂O significantly reflect their diffuse reflectance spectra. In aqueous solution, each cation in both 2Cl · 3H₂O and 3Cl · 7H₂O is comparatively put on a free environment without such intermolecular interactions.     

Molecular interactions of zinc(II) cyclams with polycarboxylato ligands

Four new zinc(II) cyclams of the composition {Zn(L)(tp²⁻) · H₂O}_n (1), {Zn(L)(H₂bta²⁻) · 2H₂O}_n (2), [Zn₂(L)₂(ox²⁻)] 2ClO₄ · 2DMF (3), and Zn(L)(H₂btc⁻)₂ · 2DMF (4), where L = cyclam, tp²⁻ = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate ion, H₂bta²⁻ = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate ion, ox²⁻ = oxalate ion, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, and H₂btc⁻ = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate ion, have been synthesized and structurally characterized by a combination of analytical, spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. The carboxylato ligands in the complexes 1-4 show strong coordination tendencies toward zinc(II) cyclams with hydrogen bonding interactions between the pre-organized N-H groups of the macrocycle and oxygen atoms of the carboxylato ligands. The macrocycles in 1, 2, and 4 adopt trans-III configurations with the appropriate R,R,S,S arrangement of the four chiral nitrogen centers, respectively. However, the complex 3 shows an unusual cis V conformation with the R,R,R,R nitrogen configuration. The finding of strong interactions between the carboxylato ligands and the zinc(II) ions may provide additional knowledge for the improved design of receptor-targeted zinc(II) cyclams in anti-HIV agents.     

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and magnetic study of the 1D {[Cu2(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-ethylenediamine)2(μ-1,5-dca)2(dca)2]}n complex

Reaction of Cu(NO₃)₂ · 3H₂O, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-ethylenediamine (L) and sodium dicyanamide (Nadca) in aqueous medium yields a complex the {[Cu₂L₂(μ-1,5-dca)₂(dca)₂]}_n complex, 1. Single crystal X-ray analysis reveals that complex 1 has a 1D infinite chain structure in which copper(II) ions are bridged by single dicyanamide anions in an end-to-end fashion. The coordination environment around copper(II) is distorted square pyramidal. Two among the four coordination sites of the basal plane are occupied by the nitrogen atoms of the diamine and two remaining sites are occupied by the terminal nitrogen atom of a bridging and of a monodentate dca anions. The fifth coordination site (apical) is occupied by a nitrogen atom from a bridging dca anion of an adjacent CuL(dca)₂ moiety, yielding the [Cu₂L₂(μ-1,5-dca)₂(dca)₂] dinuclear unit. Dimeric units are connected to each other by single μ-1,5-dicyanamido group to form infinite 1D chains which propagate parallel to the crystallographic c-axis. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements evidenced weakly antiferromagnetic interactions (J = −0.26 cm⁻¹) in {[Cu₂L₂(μ-1,5-dca)₂(dca)₂]}_n, 1.     

Aqua bridge cleavage and metal ion extrusion by thiocyanate anions in a dicopper complex

Reaction of the imidazolidinyl phenolate-based ligand, H₃L [(2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine)] with Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O produces an aqua-bridged cationic reactant complex [Cu₂(μ-H₂O)(μ-L)][ClO₄]·1.5H₂O (1·1.5H₂O). Solution phase interaction of 1·1.5H₂O with SCN⁻ anions in 1:1 molar ratio leads to [Cu₂(μ-L)(NCS)]·2H₂O (2·2H₂O) that does not possess anymore the reactive aqua bridge but instead a terminal SCN⁻ anion coordinated only to one Cu^II ion. Whereas in 1:2 molar ratio, partial extrusion of the Cu^II ions takes place to generate in situ [Cu(NCS)₃(OH₂)]⁻ anions. These complex anions then quantitatively replace anions in 1·1.5H₂O via ‘anion metathesis’ and concurrently remove the aqua bridge by coordination of linear MeCN to one of the Cu^II ions to give [Cu₂(μ-L)(CH₃CN)][Cu(NCS)₃(OH₂)] (3). The literature unknown [Cu(NCS)₃(OH₂)]⁻ anion forms an intimate H-bonded assembly with the cationic part of 3 to yield a novel [Cu₃] isosceles triangle. The precursor complex is known as antiferromagnetic whereas in 2·2H₂O, the Cu^II (S = 1/2) ions in a dinuclear entity exhibit ferromagnetic interactions (J/k_B = +15.0 K and g = 2.22) to yield an S_T = 1 spin ground state in good agreement with the M versus H data below 8 K.     

A new tetranuclear copper(II) complex with oximate bridges: Structure, magnetic properties and DFT study

A new tetranuclear complex, [Cu₄L₄](ClO₄)₄·2H₂O (1), has been synthesized from the self-assembly of copper(II) perchlorate and the tridentate Schiff base ligand (2E,3E)-3-(2-aminopropylimino) butan-2-one oxime (HL). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that complex 1 consists of a Cu₄(NO)₄ core where the four copper(II) centers having square pyramidal environment are arranged in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. They are linked together by a rare bridging mode (μ₃-η¹,η²,η¹) of oximato ligands. Analysis of magnetic susceptibility data indicates moderate antiferromagnetic (J₁ = −48 cm⁻¹, J₂ = −40 cm⁻¹ and J₃ = −52 cm⁻¹) exchange interaction through σ-superexchange pathways (in-plane bridging) of the oxime group. Theoretical calculations based on DFT technique have been used to obtain the energy states of different spin configurations and estimate the coupling constants and to understand the exact magnetic exchange pathways.     

Phosphodiester hydrolysis and specific DNA binding and cleavage promoted by guanidinium-functionalized zinc complexes

Two new Zn(II) complexes containing guanidinium groups, [Zn(L¹)Cl₂](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O · CH₃OH (1) and [Zn(L²)Cl₂](ClO₄)₂ · 0.5H₂O (2), were synthesized and characterized (L¹ = 5,5′-di[1-(guanidyl)methyl]-2,2′-bipyridyl bication and L² = 6,6′-di[1-(guanidyl)methyl]-2,2′-bipyridyl bication). Both complexes are able to catalyze bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP) hydrolysis efficiently. Obtained kinetic data reveal that both 1 and 2 show nearly 300- and 600-fold rate enhancement of BNPP hydrolysis, respectively, compared to their simple analogue without the guanidinium groups [Zn(bpy)Cl₂] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridy) (3). Enhanced acceleration for cleavage of BNPP could be attributed to cooperative interaction between the Zn(II) ion and the guanidinium groups by electrostatic interaction and H-bonding. Studies on inhibition of sequence-specific endonucleases (DraI and SmaI) by complexes show that 1 and 2 are able to recognize nucleotide sequence, -TTT^AAA-, and highly effectively cleave the plasmid DNA in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, while 3 has no specific binding to the DNA target sequences and only shows low DNA cleavage activity.     

Carboxyester hydrolysis promoted by Cu(II) complexes of pyridyl-amine carboxylate-pendant ligands

Multidentate ligands containing tripodal pyridyl-amine moieties tethered to a carboxylate group by alkyl linkers of varying lengths were synthesized to obtain a series of water-soluble ligands to elucidate the effects of the differing coordination environments on the properties of the resulting metal complexes. These new, water-soluble ligands, [bis-(2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-amino]-acetic acid (L¹), 3-[bis-(2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-amino]-propionic acid (L²), 4-[bis-(2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-amino]-butyric acid (L³), and 6-[bis-(2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-amino]-hexanoic acid (L⁴), were treated with copper(II) perchlorate hexahydrate to yield the corresponding Cu(II) complexes, which have all been characterized by X-ray crystallography. L¹ binds Cu(II) to form the tetrameric complex {[Cu(μ-¹)][ClO₄] · 4H₂O}₄ (1) in the solid state, whereas the Cu(II) complexes of ligands L²-L⁴ form long-chain one-dimensional polymeric complexes {[Cu(μ-L²)][ClO₄] · H₂O}_n (2), {[Cu(μ-L³)][ClO₄] · H₂O}_n (3), and {[Cu(μ-L²)][ClO₄]  · H₂O}_n (4), respectively, in the solid state. Complexes 1-4 dissolved in 10% (v/v) CH₃CN aqueous solution were tested for their ability to promote the hydrolysis of the activated ester compound 4-nitrophenylacetate (NA), with 3 being the most active complex and 1 being the least active, possibly due to differences in the ability of the carboxylate moiety to act as either a general base or a nucleophile in the hydrolysis of NA as dictated by the tether length. The pK_a values of the copper-bound aquo ligands in solution were measured by spectrophotometric titration.