Interactions between metal ions and carbohydrates: the coordination behavior of neutral erythritol to zinc and europium nitrate

The single crystals of coordinated complexes of neutral erythritol (C4H10O4) with zinc nitrate and europium nitrate were synthesized and studied using FT-IR and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In the structure of Zn(NO3)2.C4H10O4, ZnEN (E denotes erythritol, N represents nitrate), Zn2+ is coordinated to four hydroxyl groups from two erythritol molecules and two oxygen atoms from two nitrates. Two Zn2+ are connected by one erythritol molecule to form Zn(C4H10O4)(NO3)2 chain, and layers formed by above chain pile to produce 3D structures. In the structure of Eu(NO3)3.C4H10O4.C2H5OH, EuEN, Eu3+ is 10-coordinated by six oxygen atoms from three nitrate ions, three hydroxyl groups from one erythritol molecule and one hydroxyl group from ethanol. In the above erythritol complexes, two hydroxyl groups of erythritol coordinate to one metal ion and the other two to another metal ion or erythritol acts as three-hydroxyl groups donor. The OH groups of erythritol act as ligand to coordinate to metal ions on one hand, one the other hand, OH groups form hydrogen bonds network to build three-dimensional structures.     

Interactions between metal ions and carbohydrates. The coordination behavior of neutral erythritol to neodymium ion

A single crystal of a coordinated complex of neutral erythritol (C4H10O4,E) with a neodymium ion, NdE(II), was synthesized and studied using FT-IR and X-ray diffraction analysis. In NdE(II) (NdCl3.2.5C4H10O4.C2H5OH) the Nd3+ coordinates with one chloride ion and eight OH groups from three erythritol molecules. There are two neodymium centers linked by one erythritol molecule with same coordination structure in the molecule. Two erythritol molecules provide 1,3,4-hydroxyl groups to coordinate with a neodymium ion; another erythritol molecule coordinates to two Nd ions via its 1,2-hydroxyl groups and 3,4-hydroxyl groups, respectively. The OH groups of erythritol act as ligand to coordinate to neodymium ions, and OH groups of erythritol form hydrogen bond networks that link chain and layer together to build three-dimensional structures. The ratio of metal to ligand is 1:2.5. The structure of NdE(II) is more complicated than the previously reported NdE(I), which is NdCl3.C4H10O4.6H2O; in NdE(I), Nd3+ is coordinated to four hydroxyl groups from two erythritol molecules, four water molecules and one chloride ion. The results indicate the complexity of metal-sugar interaction.     

A dicopper complex of N,N′-bis[2,2-dimethyl-4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-aza-3-buten] oxamide. Structure and magnetic behaviour of the mono hydrated form

The ligand N, N′-bis[2,2-dimethyl-4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-aza-3-buten] oxamide with two identical coordination sites reacts with copper ions in its tetradeprotonated form to yield the dinuclear complex [Cu₂(C₂₄H₂₆N₄O₄)]·H₂O. The structure of this compound has been determined by the X-ray diffraction method. The crystals are orthorhombic with a = 11.744(1), B = 16.369(2), C = 26.340(3) Å, V = 5064(1) ų, Z = 8, space group Pbca. The oxamide is in a trans conformation with two different environments for the copper centres, a (4 + 1) coordination mode for the first one and a square planar environment for the other one. The water molecule is not directly bound to a copper centre, but involved in hydrogen bonding with the two oxygen atoms of an N₂O₂ coordination site. Indeed, extra coordination comes from a phenolic oxygen atom belonging to an adjacent dinuclear unit. Static susceptibility measurements point to a strong intrapair antiferromagnetic exchange interaction of 2J = −520(±4) cm⁻¹ and possibly an interpair ferromagnetic exchange interaction of 10(±5) cm⁻¹.     

Mixed anion lanthanide(III) crown ether complexes: crystal structures of [LaCl2(NO3)(12-crown-4)]2, [La(NO3)(OH2)4-(12-crown-4)]Cl2·CH3CN and [LaCl2(NO3)(18-crown-6)]

Reaction of LaCl₃·7H₂O containing small amounts of La(NO₃)₃·7H₂O as an impurity with 12-crown-4 or 18-crown-6 in 3:1 CH₃CN:CH₃OH resulted in the isolation of the mixed anion complexes [LaCl₂(NO₃)(12-crown-4)]₂, [La(NO₃)(OH₂)₄(12-crown-4)]Cl₂·CH₃CN and [LaCl₂(NO₃)(18-crown-6)]. The nine-coordinate dimer, [LaCl₂(NO₃)(12-crown-4)]₂, has all of the anions in the inner coordination sphere and La³⁺ has a capped square antiprismatic geometry. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with (at −150 °C) a = 12.938(6), B = 15.704(3), C = 13.962(2) Å, and D_calc = 2.08 g cm⁻³ for Z = 4. The second complex isolated from the same reaction, [La(NO₃)(OH₂)₄(12-crown-4)]Cl₂·CH₃CN, has the bidentate nitrate anion in the inner coordination sphere but the two chloride anions are in a hydrogen bonded outer sphere. This complex is ten-coordinate 4A,6B-expanded dodecahedral and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁ with (at 20 °C) A = 7.651(2), B = 11.704(7), C = 11.608(4) Å, β = 95.11(2)°, and D_calc = 1.80 g cm⁻³ for Z = 2. The 18-crown-6 complex, [LaCl₂(NO₃)(18-crown-6)], has all inner sphere anions and has ten-coordinate 4A,6B-expanded dodecahedral La³⁺ centers. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with (at 20 °C) a = 14.122(7), B = 13.563(5), C = 19.311(9) Å, and D_calc = 1.89 g cm⁻³ for Z = 8.     

DFT studies of the electronic structure and geometry of 18-crown-6, hexaaza[18]annulene, and their complexes with cations of the heavier alkali and alkaline earth metals

DFT calculations for M@C₁₂H₁₂N₆ and M@C₁₂H₂₄O₆ (where M = Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Sr²⁺, and Ba²⁺, C₁₂H₁₂N₆ = hexaaza[18]annulene, and C₁₂H₂₄O₆ = 18-crown-6) were performed using the recently developed model core potential parametrization. Results show that the ions bind more strongly to C₁₂H₁₂N₆ than to 18-crown-6 moiety; the difference is more pronounced for cations with smaller radii.     

A series of heteroleptic complexes of the type fac-[MnL2] [H2L=derivatives of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)glycine or N-(5-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl)sarcosine] possessing unusual Mn(III) co-ordination spheres

The mononuclear manganese(III) complexes [C₅H₁₀NH₂][MnL₂] [L²⁻=a substituted N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)glycinate (hbg²⁻) viz. 3,5-dibromo- (3,5-Br-hbg²⁻), 3,5-dichloro- (3,5-Cl-hbg²⁻), 3-methyl-5-chloro- (3,5-Me,Cl-hbg²⁻), 5-bromo- (5-Br-hbg²⁻), 5-chloro- (5-Cl-hbg²⁻), 5-nitro- (5-NO₂-hbg²⁻) or N-(5-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl)sarcosine (5-NO₂-hbs²⁻)] have been synthesised by reaction of the appropriate ligand with manganese(II) perchlorate under ambient conditions in a 2:1 molar ratio using piperidine as base. The structures of three of these complexes, [C₅H₁₀NH₂][Mn(3,5-Cl-hbg)₂] (2), [C₅H₁₀NH₂][Mn(5-NO₂-hbg)₂] (6) and [C₅H₁₀NH₂][Mn(5-NO₂-hbs)₂] (7) have been elucidated by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and each displays two similar, independent [MnL₂]⁻ ions in the asymmetric unit linked via piperidinium cations through hydrogen bonding. The ligands co-ordinate in a facial tridentate fashion with the three donor atoms being the phenolate and carboxylate oxygens and the amine nitrogen. The geometry at the Mn centres is compressed rhombic octahedral consistent with a pseudo-Jahn–Teller compression along the Mn–O(phenolate) axis. Mean bond lengths are in the ranges 1.886–1.889 Å for the Mn–O(phenolate), 2.062–2.125 Å for the Mn–O(carboxylate) and 2.091–2.184 Å for the Mn–N(amine) distances. The magnetic susceptibility and electronic and IR spectroscopic data are discussed with reference to the crystal structures.     

Macrocylic thioether-esters and thioether-thioesters and their palladium, platinum and silver complexes

Preparations by the high dilution method are reported for seven macrocyclic thioether-esters and thioether-thioesters (L1–;L7). Yields in these reactions between thiodiglycolyl dichloride and appropriate ,ω-diols or dithiols range from 10 to 51%. The compounds are characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, IR and high resolution mass spectroscopy. They react with salts of Pd(II), Pt(II) and Ag(I) to form complexes of which MX₂·L2, (M = Pt, X = Cl; M = Pd, X = Cl, Br, I, SCN), [Pd(L2)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂·H₂O and [Ag(L5)₂][CF₃SO₃]·C₂H₅OH have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy. NMR spectra indicate reversible dissociation of the ligand occurs in dimethyl sulfoxide solvent for PdCl₂·L2 but not for the Pt analogue. For PtCl₂·L2, spectra indicate that the ligand is undergoing a conformational ‘wag’ about its pair of equivalent sulfurs. These remain bound to the metal while the unique sulfur moves from the apical position of the coordination sphere to a non-coordinated situation. Simultaneously, inversions at the bound sulfurs are occurring.     

Complexation of trivalent lanthanide cations by erythritol in the solid state. The crystal structure and FT-IR study of 2EuCl3.2C4H10O4.7H2O

Erythritol was chosen to study the interactions between metal ions and carbohydrates. FTIR spectroscopy results indicate that a EuCl3-erythritol complex different from a previously reported one was obtained. The crystal structure of EuCl3-erythritol complex, 2EuCl3.2C4H10O4.7H2O, Mr=443.49, a=13.846(3) A , b=7.4983(15) A, c=14.140(3) A, beta=116.39(3) degrees, V=1315.1(5) A(3), Z=4, mu=5.394 mm(-1) and R=0.0395 for 2965 observed reflections and 143 parameters, was determined. Characteristic of this complex is the presence of binuclear europium ions with different coordination structures. One Eu3+ ion is nine-coordinated, with five Eu-O bonds from water molecules, and four from hydroxyl groups of two erythritol molecules and another Eu3+ is eight-coordinated with two water molecules, two chloride ions, and four hydroxyl groups from two erythritol molecules. Erythritol provides two hydroxyl groups to one lanthanide ion and the other two to another rare earth ion. The OH, CO stretching and other vibrations are shifted in the IR spectra of the complexes and the results are consistent with the crystal structure.     

C60-fullerenides of ytterbium and lutetium

Cp^#₂Yb (Cp^#=C₅H₄(CH₂)₂NMe₂) has been obtained by reaction of YbI₂(THF)₂ with 2 equiv. of C₅H₄(CH₂CH₂NMe₂)K in THF. The X-ray structure analysis shows a bent structure with intramolecular coordination of both nitrogen atoms to ytterbium. The reaction of C₆₀-fullerene with Cp^#₂Yb leads to the formation of the fullerenide derivative [Cp^#₂Yb]₂C₆₀, which shows an ESR signal in the solid state and in THF solution at room temperature (solid: ΔH = 50 G, G = 1.9992; solution: ΔH = 10 G, G = 2.0001) and a magnetic moment of 3.6 BM. The lutetium fullerenides CpLu(C₆₀)(DME) (3) and Cp^*Lu(C₆₀)(DME)(C₆H₅CH₃) (4), (Cp = η⁵−C₅H₅, Cp^* = η⁵−C₅Me₅), were obtained by reaction of C₆₀ with CpLu(C₁₀H₈) (DME) and Cp^*Lu(C₁₀H₈) (DME) in toluene. Both complexes are paramagnetic (μ_eff = 1.4 and 0.9 BM) and exhibit temperature-dependent ESR signals (293 K: g = 1.992 and 2.0002 respectively).     

One-dimensional copper phosphonates containing μ-halide, μ-pyridyl N-oxide and phosphonate bridging ligands

This paper reports the syntheses and characterization of four copper phosphonates with chain structures based on (2-pyridyl-N-oxide)phosphonate, namely, [Cu₂X₂(C₅H₄NOPO₃)₂][Cu(H₂O)₆] · 2H₂O [X = Cl (1), Br (2)] and CuX(C₅H₄NOPO₃H) · H₂O [X = Cl (3), Br (4)]. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and show a chain structure where Cu(1) and Cu(2) are triply bridged by halide, oxygen donor of the pyridyl N-oxide and O–P–O group. The [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺ serves as a charge-balancing cation and locate between the chains together with the water molecules. Compounds 3 and 4 are also isostructural. In these cases, one of the three phosphonate oxygen atoms is protonated, thus leading to a neutral chain structure which is very similar to the anionic chains in compounds 1 and 2. Magnetic studies of compounds 1–4 reveal that antiferromagnetic interactions are mediated between the copper ions.     

Interactions between metal ions and carbohydrates: the coordination behavior of neutral erythritol to transition metal ions

The single crystals of coordinated complexes of neutral erythritol (C4H10O4) with various transition metal ions were synthesized and studied using FT-IR and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Two CuCl2-erythritol complexes (denoted as CuE(I) and CuE(II)) were obtained. In CuE(I), Cu2+ coordinates with two chloride ions and four OH groups from two erythritol molecules. Two copper centers are linked by one erythritol molecule to form a zigzag chain. For CuE(II), each Cu2+ coordinates with two OH groups from an erythritol molecule and two chloride ions. The crystal of CuE(II) contains complexed and free erythritol, the dimers of [Cu2Cl4(C4H10O4)] further form a [Cu2Cl4(C4H10O4)]infinity chain via secondary Cu...Cl bonds, both the dimer unit of [Cu2Cl4.(C4H10O4)] and non-coordinated C4H10O4 unit exist side by side in the crystal. MnCl2-erythritol complex whose structure is similar to CuE(I) is also acquired. The OH groups of erythritol act as ligand to coordinate to metal ions on one hand, one the other hand, OH groups form hydrogen bonds network that link chain and layer together to build three-dimensional structures.     

The effect of diamine chain length on the formation of Co Schiff base complexes: The unexpected formation of a neutral complex containing a tetradentate ligand

The mononuclear neutral Co^III complex [Co(mdbp)L] (3), [mdbpH = 4-methyl-2,6-dibenzoylphenol, LH₂[(6-PhCO)(4-Me)(OH)C₆H₂-2-{CPhN(CH₂)₄NCPh}-2-C₆H₂(OH)(4-Me)(6-COPh)], has been synthesized from Co^II chloride, butane-1,4-diamine and mdbpH, and its structure established by X-ray crystallography. The Schiff base LH₂ and compound 3 have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurement, mass spectrometry, IR, electronic, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA) and cyclic voltammetry. The ligand L is tetradentate, and coordinates via phenolato oxygen and imine nitrogen. The octahedral coordination sphere is completed by the phenolato and one benzoyl oxygen of a 4-methyl-2,6-dibenzoylato ligand.     

Chemistry of cyclodicarbaphosphatriazene: Synthesis and structural studies of pentaerythritoxy-bridged and lariat ether type spirocyclic derivatives

Reactions of dilithiated diols [HO(CH₂CH₂O)_n+1H, n = 1, 2 and 3] with 3,5-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)-1,1-dichlorodicarbaphosphazene (1) in THF have been carried out to afford the first examples of lariat ether type cyclocarbaphosphazene derivatives (C₄H₈O₃PN)(Me₂NCN)₂ (2), (C₆H₁₂O₄PN)(Me₂NCN)₂ (3) and (C₈H₁₆O₅PN)(Me₂NCN)₂ (4). Reaction of the tetrasodium salt of pentaerythritol with 1 and bis(morpholino)dichlorodicarbaphosphazene (1a) yielded the first examples of pentaerythritoxy-bridged cyclodicarbaphosphatriazenes [(Me₂NCN)₂PN(OCH₂)₂]₂C (5) and [(OC₄H₈NCN)₂PN(OCH₂)₂]₂C (6). The spectral and structural properties of these compounds are determined and compared with spirocyclic 1,3-propanedioxy derivative of 1 (7) and analogous compounds of cyclophosphazenes. The crystal structures of the compounds 4, 5 and 7 are reported. In addition, complexation studies of compounds 3 and 4 with Na^I, K^I, Ag^I and Cu^II ions were carried out by conductance measurements. The studies indicate mostly 1:1 complex formation between the metal ions and lariat ether type cyclocarbaphosphazene derivatives.     

Second sphere coordination behavior of aquo and amine ligands bound to a η-benzeneruthenium(II) cation

The bis(oxazoline) ligand, 2,2-bis[4(R)-phenyl-1,3-oxazolon-2-yl]propane (bpop), was introduced to the η⁶-benzenemthenium(II) moiety on treatment with [Ru(η⁶-C₆H₆)Cl₂]₂ to give [Ru(η⁶-C₆H₆)(bpop)Cl]⁺. Aquo and amine complexes [Ru(η⁶-C₆H₆)(bpop)(L)]²⁺ (L = H₂O (1), NH₂R; R = H (2) , Me (3) , and n-Bu (4) ) were prepared by treating the chloride complex with AgBF₄ in the presence of L. X-ray structure determinations of 1 and 3 were carried out. Both complexes possessed a three-leg piano stool structure with the N or O donors located at the three comers of a pseudo octahedron. The aquo complex 1 exhibited a dynamic NMR feature in which two magnetically nonequivalent oxazoline parts observed at lower temperatures were interchanged with each other at higher temperatures. This observation was ascribed to the formation of a C₂-symmetric 16-electron intermediate via Ru-OH₂ cleavage, which is slower in acetone than in dichloromethane owing to more effective solvation by acetone around hydrogens of the coordinated water molecule. The two diastereotopic N-hydrogens of 4 underwent deuterium exchange with CD₃OD with greatly different rates from each other owing to different energy of NHO (D) (CD₃) interaction. Carboxylate and sulfonate ions (A⁻) formed second sphere complexes with 4 by means of NHA⁻ hydrogen bonding, as evidenced by continuous shift of NH₂ resonances with increasing amounts of the anions added.     

Silver(I) tetraiodoethylene complexes with twisted olefin moiety

The reactions of silver perchlorate and tetraiodoethylene in different solvents, namely, benzene and toluene, isolated two silver(I)–iodocarbon complexes, [Ag(C₂I₄)(C₆H₆)₂(ClO₄)] (1) and [Ag(C₂I₄)(ClO₄)] (2). Both compounds contain intact iodoalkenes which coordinate via σ-donation of a halogen lone pair and retain their carbon–iodine bonds. Owing to the participation of the benzene molecules in coordination, complex 1 is found to be a discrete monomer in which the five-coordinate geometry of the silver ion is comprised of two benzene molecules, one C₂I₄ group and one perchlorate ion. In contrast, the unsaturated coordination environment of the metal ion in 2 is filled by the second iodocarbon group leading to a two-dimensional framework. The coordinated tetraiodoethylene molecules involve severe twisting of the C=C double bond, causing the C=C stretching band to move to a lower frequency.     

Two new hydrothermally synthesised hexamine bridged L–M–L type coordination polymers: Characterisation and magneto-structural correlation

Two new L–M–L type transition metal coordination polymers [M(C₆H₁₂N₄)(NCO)₂(H₂O)₂]_n, where M = Co(II) (1) and Ni(II) (2), have been synthesised under controlled hydrothermal condition and characterised spectroscopically and by thermal analyses. Here hmt or hexamethylenetetramine has behaved as a neutral organic bidentate spacer molecule. Both the complexes crystallise in the monoclinic system as confirmed from single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Cryomagnetic susceptibility measurements over a wide range of temperature (2–300 K) under 0.5 T magnetic fields show a weak antiferromagnetic interaction of J = −0.65 cm⁻¹ for 1 and −1.6 cm⁻¹ for 2. The values have been given a favorable support by weak covalent and H-bonding interactions between octahedral M(II) metal centers as revealed from X-ray structure determination. The high dimensionality of the structures is probably a manifestation of extensively weak covalent interactions and H-bondings.     

Systematic synthesis, structural characterization, and reactivity studies of vanadium(V)–citrate anions [VO2(C6H6O7)]2, isolated from aqueous solutions in the presence of different cations

The aqueous chemistry of vanadium with physiologically relevant ligands constitutes a subject of burgeoning research, extending from bacterial metalloenzymic functions to human-health physiology. Vanadium, in the form of VCl₃ and V₂O_5, reacted expediently with citric acid, in a 1:2 molar ratio in water at pH4, and, in the presence of various cations, afforded crystalline materials bearing the general formula (Cat)₂[V₂O₄(C₆H₆O₇)₂]·nH₂O (A) (Cat⁺=Na⁺, NH₄ ⁺, n=2; Me₄N⁺, K⁺, n=4). Exploration of the reactivity of A toward H₂O₂ yielded the peroxo-containing complexes (Cat)₂[V₂O₂(O₂)₂(C₆H₆O₇)₂]·2H₂O (B) (Cat⁺=K⁺, NH₄ ⁺). Both classes of compounds were characterized analytically and spectroscopically. The X-ray structures of complexes A and B emphasize the exceptional stability of the dimeric rhombic unit V^V ₂O₂, which is retained upon H₂O₂ reaction, and the preserved mode of coordination of the citrate ligand as a doubly deprotonated moiety. In these complexes, typical six and eight coordination numbers were observed for the Na⁺ and K⁺ counter-ions, respectively. The variety of synthetic approaches leading to A, along with the stepwise and direct assembly and isolation of peroxo-compounds (B), denotes the significance of reaction pathways and intermediates in vanadium(III–V)–citrate synthetic chemistry. Hence, a systematic investigation of reactivity modes in aqueous vanadium–citrate systems emerges as a crucial tool for the establishment of chemical interconnectivity among low MW complex species, potentially participating in the intricate biodistribution of that metal ion in biological fluids.     

Syntheses and structural characterization of rhenium-bis-hydrazinopyrimidine core complexes with thiolate and Schiff base coligands

The reaction of perrhenate with 2-hydrazinopyrimidine in MeOH–HCl yields [ReCl₃(η¹-NNC₄H₃N₂H)(η²-HNNC₄H₃N₂)] (1). The analogous reaction with Na₂MoO₄ yields [MoCl₃(η¹-NNC₄H₃N₂H)(η²-HNNHC₄H₃N₂)] (1a). The reaction of 1 with pyrimidine-2-thiol and triethylamine produces [Re(η¹-C₄H₃N₂S)(η²-C₄H₃N₂S)(η¹-NNC₄H₃N₂)(η²-HNNC₄H₃N₂)] (2), while reaction of 1 with the Schiff base HSC₆H₄N=C(H)C₆H₄OH provides [Re(η³-SC₆H₄N=C(H)C₆H₄O)(η¹-NNC₄H₃N₂)(η²-HNNC₄H₃N₂)]·0.6CH₂Cl₂ (3·0.6CH₂Cl₂). The analogous hydrazinopyridine complex of the Schiff base, [Re(η³-SC₆H₄N=C(H)C₆H₄O)(η¹-NNC₅H₄N)(η²-HNNC₅H₄N)] (4), was also synthesized by reacting [ReCl₃(η¹-NNC₅H₄NH)(η²-HNNC₅H₄N)] with HSC₆H₄N=C(H)C₆H₄OH. The crystal structures of 1–4 have been determined.     

Gold in organic synthesis Part 2. Preparation of benzyl-alkyl and-arylketones via C---C coupling

Reaction of [Au(η²-Ar){CH₂C(O)R}Cl] (Ar=C₆H₄N=N- Ph-₂, R=Me, C₆H₂(OMe)₃-3′,4′,5′; Ar=C₆H₃(N=NC₆H₄Me- 4′)-2, Me-5, R=Me) with PPh₃ and NaClO₄·H₂O (1:2:1) at room temperature, leads to reductive elimination giving [Au(PPh₃)₂]ClO₄ and the corresponding carbon-carbon coupling product ArCH₂C(O)R. A similar process takes place when complexes [Au(η²-Ar){CH₂C(O)R}(PPh₃)Cl] are refluxed in tetrahydrofuran, through elimination of [Au(PPh₃)Cl].     

Cu ions interact with cell membranes

The influence of Cu²⁺ ions on the physical properties of resealed human erythrocyte membranes was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. A net ordering effect was observed at the hydrophobic–hydrophilic interface both in the bulk as well as in the lipid–protein boundary. The explanation for this result was found by X-ray diffraction performed in multilayers of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE), representative of phospholipid classes located in the outer and inner monolayers of the human erythrocyte membrane, respectively. Cu²⁺ did not significatively affect the structure of DMPE; however, DMPC polar head and hydrocarbon chain arrangements were perturbed at low but reordered at high Cu²⁺ concentrations. These effects were respectively explained in terms of a limited and extended interaction between Cu²⁺ ions and DMPC PO₄⁻ groups. Thus, the ordering effect in the erythrocyte membrane could be based on the interaction of this cation with phosphatidylcholine phosphate groups located in its outer leaflet. This binding, besides producing a decrease of membrane fluidity, might also induce a change in its electric field. These two effects should affect the activity of membrane proteins, particularly of ion channels. In fact, it was found that increasing concentrations of Cu²⁺ ions applied to either the mucosal or serosal surface of the isolated toad skin elicited a dose-dependent decrease of the short-circuit current (SCC) and of the potential difference (PD). These results lead to the conclusion that Cu²⁺ ions inhibited Na⁺ transport across the epithelial cell membranes.