The synthesis and structural properties of [M(dippe)(η2-C4H4S)] complexes of Pd and Pt and comparison with their Ni analog

X-ray structural and NMR spectroscopic data for the ring-opened thiophene complexes [Pd(dippe)(T)] (2), and [Pt(dippe)(T)] (3) are now presented. The complex [Ni(dippe)(T)] (1), where T = (η²-C,S-C₄H₄S), was reported by our group, previously.The structural and bonding properties of complexes 2 and 3 were compared with those of complex 1. DFT calculations were carried out to rationalize their relative stabilities and structural properties. Compound 1 loses thiophene at ambient temperature in solution, while compound 2 decomposes rapidly in both acetone-d₆ and THF-d₈ with k_obs = 7.15(9) × 10⁻⁵ and 7.7(3) × 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹, respectively, to give products that varied by solvent. Complex 3 does not lose thiophene at temperatures below 100 °C. The ΔG⁰ values determined from DFT calculations are consistent with the observed stabilities of the complexes. The single crystal X-ray structures of all three complexes contain a disordered thienyl fragment in the asymmetric unit due to the interchange of the position of sulfur in the metal-inserted thiophenic ring. The thiophenic moiety is relatively flat in 1, 2 and 3, which is attributed to the open ligand environment at the M(dippe) fragment. All three complexes possess square-planar geometry around the metal center and have bond-length alternation among the thiophenic carbons, which indicates double bond localization. The calculated bond lengths are in good agreement with experimental data. Molecular orbital (MO) and natural bonding orbital (NBO) analyses were carried out to rationalize the results.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of an organic–inorganic hybrid material: (H2tptz)2[δ-Mo8O26]·2H2O (tptz=2,4,6-tripyridyltriazine)

The reaction of MoO₃ and 2,4,6-tripyridyltriazine (tptz) in water at 180°C for 48 h and pH 5.5 produces (H₂tptz)₂[Mo₈O₂₆]·2H₂O in 70% yield. The structure is constructed from δ-Mo₈O₂₆ ⁴⁻ clusters, H₂tptz²⁺ and H₃O⁺ cations linked through hydrogen bonding into a network. Crystal data: C₁₈H₁₆Mo₄N₆O₁₄; monoclinic P2₁/n; a=10.2225(5) Å, b=14.0072(6) Å, c=18.1154(8) Å, β=93.896(1)°, V=2587.9(2) Å³, Z=4, D_calc=2.372 g cm⁻³; R₁=0.0271 based on 3212 reflections.     

A novel vanadium(V) homocitrate complex: synthesis,structure, and biological relevance of [K2(H2O)5][(VO2)2(R,S-homocitrate)2]·H2O

Initial investigations into the possible roles of homocitric acid in the biosynthesis and function of the active site cofactor of nitrogenase resulted in the isolation and characterization of the dinuclear vanadium(V) species [K₂(H₂O)₅][(VO₂)₂(R,S-C₇H₈O₇)₂]·H₂O ( 1). Complex 1 represents the first synthetic structurally characterized transition metal homocitrate complex and may represent an early mobilized precursor in the biosynthesis of VFeco. Compound 1 was characterized by a variety of physical methods, including X-ray crystallography. Crystal data: space group P?* (#2), with a?=?10.292 (3)?Å, b?=?16.663 (3)?Å, c?=?8.343 (1)?Å, α?=?95.93 (1)°, β?=?105.74 (2)°, γ?=?90.86 (2)°, V?=?1386 (1)?ų, and Z?=?2. The homocitrate ligand is coordinated to the vanadium(V) atoms in a bidentate fashion via the deprotonated bridging hydroxyl group and a carboxylate donor. This unique coordination mode accurately mimics the coordination of homocitrate to the cofactor of nitrogenase.     

On the nature of mutual inactivation between [Cp*Rh(bpy)(H2O)]2+ and enzymes – analysis and potential remedies

Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl rhodium bipyridine ([Cp*Rh(bpy)(H₂O)]²⁺) is a versatile catalyst to promote biocatalytic redox reactions. However, its major drawback lies in the mutual inactivation of [Cp*Rh(bpy)(H₂O)]²⁺ and the biocatalyst. This interaction was investigated using the alcohol dehydrogenase from Thermus sp. ATN1 (TADH) as model enzyme. TADH binds 4 equiv. of [Cp*Rh(bpy)(H₂O)]²⁺ without detectable decrease in catalytic activity and stability. Higher molar ratios lead to time-, temperature-, and concentration-dependent inactivation of the enzyme suggesting [Cp*Rh(bpy)(H₂O)]²⁺ to function as an ‘unfolding catalyst’. This detrimental activity can be circumvented using strongly coordinating buffers (e.g. (NH₄)₂SO₄) while preserving its activity as NAD(P)H regeneration catalyst under electrochemical reaction conditions.     

[RuIII(medtra)(H2O)] (medtra = N-methylethylenediaminetriacetate) complex – A highly efficient NO inhibitor with low toxicity

Stopped-flow kinetic measurements were used to compare the reactivities of [Ru(medtra)(H₂O)] (medtra³⁻ = N-methylethylenediaminetriacetate) (1) and [Ru(hedtra)(H₂O)] (2) (hedtra³⁻ = N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetate) with NO in aqueous solution at 15 °C, pH 7.2 (phosphate buffer). The measured second-order rate constants (3 × 10³ and 6 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 1 and 2, respectively) are three to four order of magnitudes lower than that for the reaction between [Ru^III(edta)(H₂O)]⁻ (3) with NO. However, NO scavenging studies of complexes 1–3, conducted by measuring the difference in nitrite production between treated and untreated murine macrophage cells, revealed that despite being less kinetically reactive toward NO, the [Ru(medtra)(H₂O)] complex exhibited the highest NO scavenging ability and lowest toxicity of compounds 1–3.     

Syntheses and characterization of Cp2Ce[η3-N(QPPh2)2] (Q = S,Se) and Cp2Ce[η3-N(SPiPr2)(SePPh2)]

The compounds Cp₂Ce[η³-N(QPPh₂)₂] (Q = S (1), Se (2)) and Cp₂Ce[η³-N(SPⁱPr₂)(SePPh₂)] (3) have been synthesized from the protonolysis reactions between Cp₃Ce and HN(QPPh₂)₂ or HN(SPⁱPr₂)(SePPh₂) in THF. The structures of these compounds have been determined by X-ray crystallographic methods. The three compounds have similar structures in which the ligands are coordinated to Cp₂Ce moiety in an η³ fashion through the two chalcogen atoms and an N atom. Whereas the ⁷⁷Se NMR resonances are normal the ³¹P NMR resonances are shifted to much lower frequencies than in similar rare-earth compounds.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Ditriflate-Bridged, Diiron(II) Complex with Syn-N-Donor Ligands: [Fe(2)(μ-OTf)(2)(PIC(2)DET)(2)](BARF)(2)

The synthesis and characterization of the diiron(II) complex [Fe(2)(μ-OTf)(2)-(PIC(2)DET)(2)](BARF)(2) (2), where PIC(2)DET is a 2,3-diethynyltriptycene-linked dipicolinic methyl ester ligand, are described. The dication in 2, contains, [Fe(2)(μ-OTf)(2)(PIC(2)DET)(2)](2+) two symmetry-equivalent iron atoms with octahedral coordination geometries. Each metal ion has a N(2)O(4) atom donor set that includes four atoms from two picolinic ester N,O chelate rings, as well as two oxygen atoms from the bridging trifluoromethanesulfonate groups. The Fe(2)(μ-OTf)(2) core of 2 is stabilized by two PIC(2)DET ligands that bind the two metal ions in a head-to-head fashion, leading to an Fe···Fe distance of 5.173(1)?. Molar conductivity data for 2 are consistent with Fe(2)(μ-OTf)(2)(PIC(2)DET)(2)](2+) retaining its identity in acetone solutions, where it behaves as a 2:1 electrolyte. (1)H NMR spectroscopic, solution (d(6)-acetone) and solid-state magnetic susceptibility data all indicate that the iron atoms of 2 are high-spin (S = 2). A fit of the magnetic data (2 - 300K) to a spin-only isotropic exchange Hamiltonian H = -2JS(1)·S(2) are consistent with weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the two iron atoms with J ~ -0.99(2) cm(-1) and g = 2.10(1).     

In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Activity of [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy highly resistant to chemotherapy. There is an urgent need for effective therapy inasmuch as resistance, intrinsic and acquired, to conventional therapies is common. Among Pt(II) antitumor drugs, [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] (Ptac2S) has recently attracted considerable attention due to its strong in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity and reduced toxicity. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of Ptac2S treatment in MPM. We employed the ZL55 human mesothelioma cell line in vitro and in a murine xenograft model in vivo, to test the antitumor activity of Ptac2S. Cytotoxicity assays and Western blottings of different apoptosis and survival proteins were thus performed. Ptac2S increases MPM cell death in vitro and in vivo compared with cisplatin. Ptac2S was more efficacious than cisplatin also in inducing apoptosis characterized by: (a) mitochondria depolarization, (b) increase of bax expression and its cytosol-to-mitochondria translocation and decrease of Bcl-2 expression, (c) activation of caspase-7 and -9. Ptac2S activated full-length PKC-δ and generated a PKC-δ fragment. Full-length PKC-δ translocated to the nucleus and membrane, whilst PKC-δ fragment concentrated to mitochondria. Ptac2S was also responsible for the PKC-ε activation that provoked phosphorylation of p38. Both PKC-δ and PKC-ε inhibition (by PKC–siRNA) reduced the apoptotic death of ZL55 cells. Altogether, our results confirm that Ptac2S is a promising therapeutic agent for malignant mesothelioma, providing a solid starting point for its validation as a suitable candidate for further pharmacological testing.     

Extended structures based on hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions: synthesis and characterization of two zinc complexes: [Zn(dap)Cl2] and [Zn(dap)2Cl2]

Two new Zn(II) complexes, [Zn(dap)Cl₂] (1) and [Zn(dap)₂Cl₂] (2) (dap stands for 2,3-diaminopyridine), were prepared and spectroscopically and crystallographically characterized. In both compounds, the zinc(II) atom has a pseudo-tetrahedral ZnN₂Cl₂ coordination environment. Compound 1 adopts a three-dimensional structure built up from [Zn(dap)Cl₂]_n zig-zag chains, which are linked by N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds. In compound 2 the dap is monodentate coordinating via the pyridine nitrogen; the mononuclear tetrahedral [Zn(dap)₂Cl₂] units are linked into two-dimensional sheets through extensive N-H?Cl hydrogen bonding. Inter-sheet π-π interactions connect them into a three-dimensional network.     

Inhibitors of N α-acetyl-l-ornithine deacetylase: synthesis, characterization and analysis of their inhibitory potency

A series of N ^α-acyl (alkyl)- and N ^α-alkoxycarbonyl-derivatives of l- and d-ornithine were prepared, characterized, and analyzed for their potency toward the bacterial enzyme N ^α-acetyl-l-ornithine deacetylase (ArgE). ArgE catalyzes the conversion of N ^α-acetyl-l-ornithine to l-ornithine in the fifth step of the biosynthetic pathway for arginine, a necessary step for bacterial growth. Most of the compounds tested provided IC₅₀ values in the μM range toward ArgE, indicating that they are moderately strong inhibitors. N ^α-chloroacetyl-l-ornithine (1g) was the best inhibitor tested toward ArgE providing an IC₅₀ value of 85 μM while N ^α-trifluoroacetyl-l-ornithine (1f), N ^α-ethoxycarbonyl-l-ornithine (2b), and N ^α-acetyl-d-ornithine (1a) weakly inhibited ArgE activity providing IC₅₀ values between 200 and 410 μM. Weak inhibitory potency toward Bacillus subtilis-168 for N ^α-acetyl-d-ornithine (1a) and N ^α-fluoro- (1f), N ^α-chloro- (1g), N ^α-dichloro- (1h), and N ^α-trichloroacetyl-ornithine (1i) was also observed. These data correlate well with the IC₅₀ values determined for ArgE, suggesting that these compounds might be capable of getting across the cell membrane and that ArgE is likely the bacterial enzymatic target.     

Resonance Raman studies of the peroxotitanate(IV) complexes K2(Ti(O2)(SO4)2)·5H2O and K2(Ti(O2)(C2O4)2)·3H2O

The resonance Raman spectra of K₂(Ti(O₂)(SO₄)₂)·5H₂O and K₂(Ti(O₂)(C₂O₄)₂)·3H₂O are recorded. The results are consistent with the triangular structure of the peroxotitanium unit, Ti(O₂), with C_2ν symmetry. The ν(OO), ν_s(TiO) and ν_as(TiO) are observed around 890, 610 and 535 cm⁻¹, respectively. The resonance effects are shown to be associated with the 425 nm absorption band. This band is assigned to the O₂²⁻ → Ti(IV) charge-transfer transition. The calculated force constant values for the O₂²⁻ and TiO bonds are 320 and 275 N m⁻¹, respectively.     

Antitumor activity of [Pt(O,O'-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] in mouse xenograft model of breast cancer

The higher and selective cytotoxicity of [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] toward cancer cell in both immortalized cell lines and in breast cancer cells in primary cultures, stimulated a pre-clinical study so as to evaluate its therapeutic potential in vivo. The efficacy of [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] was assessed using a xenograft model of breast cancer developed by injection of MCF-7 cells in the flank of BALB/c nude mice. Treatment of solid tumor-bearing mice with [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] induced up to 50% reduction of tumor mass compared with an average 10% inhibition recorded in cisplatin-treated animals. Thus, chemotherapy with [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] was much more effective than cisplatin. We also demonstrated enhanced in vivo pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and tolerability of [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] when compared with cisplatin administered in Wistar rats. Pharmacokinetics studies with [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] revealed prolonged Pt persistence in systemic blood circulation and decreased nefrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, major target sites of cisplatin toxicity. Overall, [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] turned out to be extremely promising in terms of greater in vivo anticancer activity, reduced nephrotoxicity and acute toxicity compared with cisplatin.