Copper(II) complexes with (2-hydroxybenzyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine–Hbpa: syntheses, characterization and crystal structures of the ligand and [Cu(II)(Hbpa)2](ClO4)2·2H2O

Copper(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR and visible spectroscopies, EPR and electrochemistry, as well as X-ray structure crystallography. The group consists of discrete mononuclear units with the general formula [Cu(II)(Hbpa)₂](A)₂·nH₂O, where Hbpa=(2-hydroxybenzyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine and A=ClO₄ ⁻, n=2 (1), CH₃COO⁻, n=3 (2), NO₃ ⁻, n=2 (3) and SO₄ ²⁻, n=3 (4). The structures of the ligand Hbpa and complex 1 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1–4 have had their UV–Vis spectra measured in both MeCN and DMF. It was observed that the compounds interact with basic solvents, such that molecules coordinate to the metal in axial positions in which phenol oxygen atoms are coordinated in the protonated forms. The values were all less than 1000 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹. EPR measurements on powdered samples of 1–3 gave g/A values between 105 and 135 cm⁻¹, typical for square planar coordination environments. Complex 4·3H₂O exhibits a behaviour typical for tetrahedral coordination. The electrochemical behaviour for complexes 1 and 2 was studied showing irreversible redox waves for both compounds.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of the first structurally characterized 1,2-dithiocroconato-containing Cu(II) complex, [Cu(bpca)(H2O)]2[Cu(1,2-dtcr)2]·2H2O

The first crystal and molecular structure of a transition metal complex containing 1,2-dithiocroconate (1,2-dtcr, dianion of 1,2-dimercaptocylopent-1-ene-3,4,5-trione), [Cu(bpca)(H₂O)]₂[Cu(1,2-dtcr)₂]·2H₂O (where bpca is the bis(2-pyrdidylcarbonyl)amide anion), has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The compound crystallizesin the monoclinic syste, space group P2₁/c, with a = 11.661(3), b = 20.255(6), c = 8.265(3) Å, ß = 107.26(2)° and Z = 2. The structure is formally built of [Cu(1,2-dtcr)₂]²⁻ and [Cu(bpca)(H₂O)]⁺ ions and water of hydration. The copper atom of the anion is situated at a crystallographic inversion centre, bonded to four sulfur atoms in a planar, approximately square arrangement. In the cation the copper equatorial plane is formed by the three nitrogen atoms of the bpca ligand and a water oxygen atom. In addition there is a very weak axial bond to one of the sulfur atoms of a 1,2-dtcr ligand in the anion. Through these latter weak bonds each anion is connected to, and sandwiched between, two cations, resulting in neutral, trinuclear, centrosymmetric formula units. The triple-decker molecules are arranged in stacks along the crystallographic a-axis creating close contacts between the terminal copper atoms and bpca groups of the neighbouring molecules. This intermolecular interaction is, however, too weak to define the structure as a chain compound. The distance between adjacent copper atoms within the trinuclear unit is 4.189(1) Å, while the shortest intra-stack metal-metal separation between terminal copper atoms is 5.281(1) Å. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature r.2–140 K reveal that a Curie law is followed; with three non-interacting copper(II) ions in the formula unit.     

X-ray crystal structure of Cu2(medpco-2H)Cl2, (medpco = N,N′-bis(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide 1-oxide. Copper(II) complexes of a deprotonated binucleating pyridine N-oxide ligand

The X-ray structure is reported for the complex Cu₂(medpco-2H)Cl₂, (medpco = N,N′-bis-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide 1-oxide. The complex is triclinic, , a=8.313(4), B=11.403(5), C=11.611(3) Å, =91.66(3), β=108.99(4), γ=109.60(3)° and Z=2. The deprotonated ligand (medpco-2H)²⁻ acts as a binulceating ligand, producing an N-oxide-bridged complex. Each copper in Cu₂(medpco-2H)Cl₂ is five-coordinate, being coordinated by a bridging N-oxide oxygen, a deprotonated amide nitrogen, a tertiary amine nitrogen and two bridging chlorides. The complex does not exhibit significant magnetic interaction, and this may be the result of distortion of the bridging geometry from planarity. A range of other, apparently N-oxide-bridged, complexes of the type Cu₂(medpco-2H)X₂ is reported. The complex Cu₂(medpco-2H)Br₂·H₂O is strongly antiferromagnetic, with magnetic data closely fitting the expected binuclear structure.     

Synthesis and characterization of 1:2 metal complexes of the biheteroaromatic ligand 2-(2′-pyridyl)quinoxaline (L) and the X-ray structure of [CuL2](PF6)

The first 1:2 metal complexes of 2-(2′-pyridyl)quinoxaline (L) have been isolated. The physical and spectroscopic characteristics of the compounds [MCl₂L₂] (M = Ni, Cu, Cd) and [Cu^IL₂](PF₆) are described. The structure of the copper(I) complex has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Crystals are orthorhombic, space group P_cnb with A = 11.014(2), B = 12.886(2), C = 17.806(4) Å, V = 2527.1(9) ų and Z = 4. Refinement of the structure gave a final R factor of 0.046 (R_w = 0.041) for 814 unique reflections having I > 2.0σ(I). The ligand L acts as a bidentate chelate, the ligated atoms being the pyridine nitrogen and the nearest quinoxaline nitrogen. The structure of [CuL₂]⁺ consists of a distorted tetrahedral arrangement around the copper(I) atom with Cu---N bond lengths of 2.023(6) and 2.059(5) Å and the N---Cu---N angle of the chelating ligand equal to 80.6(2)°. A monomeric trans pseudo-octahedral stereochemistry is assigned for the [MCl₂L₂] complexes.     

Cyano-bridged cluster-metal coordination compound: synthesis and crystal structure of [Cu(NH3)3][Cu(NH3)4][Cu(NH3)5][W4Te4(CN)12]·5H2O

Dark-brown single crystals of the title compound 1 were obtained in high yield by layering a CuCl₂ solution in 25% aqueous ammonia on a glycerol solution of K₆[W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂]·5H₂O. The complex 1 was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and IR spectroscopy. The X-ray structure of 1 reveals a polymeric chain cyano-bridged cluster-metal coordination compound. The [W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂]⁶⁻ cluster anions are linked one to another by Cu²⁺ cations through coordination by nitrogen atoms of the CN groups.     

Spectral properties and bio-activity of copper(II) clofibriates, part III: crystal structure of Cu(clofibriate)2(2-pyridylmethanol)2, Cu(clofibriate)2(4-pyridylmethanol)2(H2O) dihydrate, and Cu2(clofibriate)4(N,N-diethylnicotinamide)2

New copper(II) clofibriates (clof, {2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropionic or 2-(4-chlorophenoxy)isobutyric acid}) of composition Cu(clof)₂L₂ (where L=2-pyridylmethanol (2-pymeth) (1), N-methylnicotinamide (Menia) (4), N,N-diethylnicotinamide (Et₂nia) (5), isonicotinamide (isonia) (7) or methyl-3-pyridylcarbamate (mpc) (8)), [Cu(clof)₂(4-pymeth)₂(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (4-pymeth=4-pyridylmethanol) (2 · 2H₂O) and Cu(clof)₂L (where L=4-pymeth (3) or Et₂nia (6)) have been prepared and spectroscopically characterized. All the Cu(clof)₂L₂ compounds seem to possess distorted octahedral copper(II) stereochemistry with differing tetragonal distortions. An X-ray analysis of 1 was carried out and it featured a tetragonal-bipyramidal geometry around the copper(II) atom. X-ray analysis of 2 · 2H₂O featured a square-pyramidal geometry around copper(II) atom. Both the Cu(clof)₂L compounds seem to consist of a binuclear unit of tetracarboxylate type bridging. An X-ray analysis of 6 revealed typical binuclear paddle-wheel type structure, consisting of two copper(II) atoms in square-pyramidal geometry bridged by four carboxylate anions in the xy-plane. All complexes under study were characterized by EPR and electronic spectroscopy. The antimicrobial effects have been tested on various strains of bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi.     

Synthesis, spectral and magnetical characterization of monomeric [Cu(2-NO2bz)2(nia)2(H2O)2] and structural analysis of similar [Cu(RCOO)2(L-N)2(H2O)2] complexes

A new complex of composition [Cu(2-NO₂bz)₂(nia)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) (nia = nicotinamide, 2-NO₂bz = 2-nitrobenzoate) has been prepared and its composition and stereochemistry as well as coordination mode have been determined by elemental analysis, electronic, infrared and EPR spectroscopy, magnetization measurements over the temperature range 1.8-300 K, and its structure has been solved, as well. The complex structure consists of the centrosymmetric molecules with Cu(II) atom monodentately coordinated by the pair of 2-nitrobenzoato anions and by the pair of nicotinamide molecules, forming nearly tetragonal basal plane, and by a pair of water molecules that complete tetragonal-bipyramidal coordination polyhedron about the copper atom. The complex 1 exhibits magnetic moment μ_eff = 1.86 B.M. at 300 K which decreases to μ_eff = 1.83 B.M. at 1.8 K. The magnetic susceptibility temperature dependence obeys Curie-Weiss law with Curie constant of 0.442 cm³ K mol⁻¹ and with Weiss constant of −1.0 K. EPR spectra at room temperature as well as at 77 K are of axial type with g_⊥ = 2.065 and g_∥ = 2.280 and exhibit clearly, but partially resolved parallel hyperfine splitting with A_II = 160 G, that is consistent with the determined molecular structure of 1. In order to analyze the factors influencing the degree of tetragonal distortion of coordination polyhedron, the dataset of 72 structures similar to that of 1 was extracted from CCD and analyzed. A significant correlation between the average Cu-O_ax bond length and tetragonality parameter τ which was found as a consequence of the Jahn-Teller effect.     

Structural analysis and magnetic properties of the copper(II) dicyanamide complexes [Cu2(dmphen)2(dca)4], [Cu(dmphen)(dca)(NO3)]n and [Cu(4,4-dmbpy)(H2O)(dca)2] (dca=dicyanamide; dmphen=2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline; 4,4-dmbpy=4,4-dimethyl-2,2-bipyridine)

The preparation, crystal structures and magnetic properties of three copper(II) compounds of formulae [Cu₂(dmphen)₂(dca)₄] (1), [Cu(dmphen)(dca)(NO₃)]_n (2) and [Cu(4,4^′-dmbpy)(H₂O)(dca)₂] (3) (dmphen=2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, dca=dicyanamide and 4,4^′-dmbpy=4,4^′-dimethyl-2,2^′-bipyridine) are reported. The structure of 1 consists of discrete copper(II) dinuclear units with double end-to-end dca bridges whereas that of 2 is made up of neutral uniform copper(II) chains with a single symmetrical end-to-end dca bridge. Each copper atom in 1 and 2 is in a distorted square pyramidal environment: two (1) or one (2) nitrile-nitrogen atoms from bridging dca groups, one of the nitrogen atoms of the dmphen molecule (1 and 2) and either one nitrile-nitrogen from a terminal dca ligand (1) or a nitrate-oxygen atom (2) build the equatorial plane whereas the second nitrogen atom of the heterocyclic dmphen fills the axial position (1 and 2). The copper-copper separations through double (1) and single (2) end-to-end dca bridges are 7.1337(7) (1) and 7.6617(7) (2). Compound 3 is a mononuclear copper(II) complex whose structure contains two neutral and crystallographically independent [Cu(4,4^′-dmbpy)(H₂O)(dca)₂] molecules which are packed in two different layer arrangements running parallel to the bc-plane and alternating along the a-axis. The copper atoms in both molecules have slightly distorted square pyramidal surroundings with the two nitrogen atoms of the 4,4^′-dmbpy ligand and two dca nitrile-nitrogen atoms in the basal plane and a water oxygen in the apical position. A semi co-ordinated dca nitrile-nitrogen from a neighbour unit [2.952(6) Å for Cu(2)-N] is in trans position to the apical water molecule in one of the two molecules, this feature representing part of the difference in supramolecular connections in the alternating layers referred to above. Magnetic susceptibility measurements for 1-3 in the temperature range 1.9-290 K reveal the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions through double [J=−3.3 cm⁻¹ (1), ] and single [J=−0.57 cm⁻¹ (2), ] dca bridges and across intermolecular contacts [θ=−0.07 K (3)].     

Synthesis and characterization of platinum(IV) complexes with N,S and S,S heterocyclic ligands

The reactions of [PtMe₃(OAc)(bpy)] (4) with the N,S and S,S containing heterocycles, pyrimidine-2-thione (pymtH), pyridine-2-thione (pytH), thiazoline-2-thione (tztH) and thiophene-2-thiol (tptH), resulted in the formation of the monomeric complexes [PtMe₃(-κS)(bpy)] ( = pymt, 5; pyt, 6; tzt, 7; tpt, 8), where the heterocyclic ligand is coordinated via the exocyclic sulfur atom. In contrast, in the reactions of [PtMe₃(OAc)(Me₂CO)_x] (3, x = 1 or 2) with pymtH, pytH, tztH and tptH dimeric complexes [{PtMe₃(μ-)}₂] (μ- = pymt, 9; pyt, 10; tzt, 11) and the tetrameric complex [{PtMe₃(μ₃-tpt-κS)}₄] (12), respectively, were formed. The complexes were characterized by microanalyses, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and negative ESI-MS (12) measurements. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [PtMe₃(pymt-κS)(bpy)] (5) exhibited a conformation where the pymt ligand lies nearly perpendicular to the complex plane above the bpy ligand that was also confirmed by quantum chemical calculations on the DFT level of theory.     

Conformational flexibility of 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L) in [(L)Co(H2O)3]Cl2 and [(L)Ni(H2O)2Cl]Cl·H2O. Molecular structures and non-covalent interactions

Using a non-planar tridentate ligand 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L⁵) two new coordination complexes [(L⁵)Co^II(H₂O)₃]Cl₂ (1) and [(L⁵)Ni^II(H₂O)₂Cl]Cl·H₂O (2) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 1 has N₃O₃ distorted octahedral environment around Co^II with coordination by L⁵ (two pyrazole and a pyridine nitrogen in a facial mode) and three water molecules. Complex 2 has N₃O₂Cl distorted octahedral geometry around Ni^II with meridional L⁵ coordination, two water molecules, and a Cl⁻ ion. Analysis of the crystal packing diagram reveals the involvement of solvent (water as metal-coordinated and as solvent of crystallization) and counteranion (Cl⁻) to play significant roles in generating 1D chains, involving O-H···Cl, and O-H···O interactions.     

Catalytic and electrochemical properties of new manganese(III) compounds of 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-oxazoline (Hphox or HClphox). Molecular structures of [Mn(Clphox)2(MeOH)2](ClO4) and [Mn(phox)2(MeOH)2][Mn(phox)2(ClO4)2](H2O)2

New manganese(III) complexes of Hphox (2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-oxazoline) and HClphox (2-(5′-chloro-2′-hydroxyphenyl)-oxazoline) have been synthesised. The X-ray structures of [Mn(phox)₂(MeOH)₂][Mn(phox)₂(ClO₄)₂](H₂O)₂ and [Mn(Clphox)₂(MeOH)₂](ClO₄) show the manganese(III) ions to be octahedrally coordinated with methanol or perchlorate at the axial coordination sites. The cyclic voltammograms of the complexes, with the exception of [Mn(phox)₂(acac)] (Hacac=2,4-pentanedione), show an irreversible reduction wave of manganese(III) to manganese(II). After addition of an excess of 1-methylimidazole (1-Meim), the reduction process shifts towards lower potentials and becomes (quasi-) reversible, indicating that the presence of 1-Meim affects the catalytic efficiency of the complexes. The complexes catalyse the epoxidation of styrene by dihydrogen peroxide. The cumulative turnover numbers towards styrene oxide obtained after 15 min. vary from 16 for [Mn(Clphox)₂(MeOH)₂](ClO₄) to 26 for [Mn(phox)₂(acac)]. Ligand degradation appears to be the limiting factor for obtaining higher turnover numbers.     

Square-planar copper(II) complexes with tetradentate amido-carboxylate ligands. Crystal structure of Na2[Cu(obap)]2 · 2H2O. Strain analysis and spectral assignments of complexes

Novel N-N-N-O-type of tetradentate ligands H₃obap (H₃obap = oxamido-N-aminopropyl-N′-benzoic acid) and H₃maeb (H₃maeb = malamido-N-aminoethyl-N′-benzoic acid) and the corresponding square-planar copper(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The obap³⁻ and maeb³⁻ ligands coordinate to the copper(II) ion via four ligating atoms (three deprotonated atoms: one carboxylate oxygen and two deprotonated amide nitrogens; one amine nitrogen) with in-plane square chelation. A four coordinate, square-planar geometry has been established crystallographically for the binuclear Na₂[Cu(obap)]₂ · 2H₂O complex. Structural data correlating the square-planar geometry of the [Cu(obap)]⁻ unit and an extensive strain analysis are discussed in relation to the information obtained for similar complexes. The infrared and electronic absorption spectra of the complexes are discussed in comparison to the related complexes of known geometries. Antibacterial activity of ligands and copper(II) complexes towards common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria are reported as well.     

Crystal structure of the mononuclear complex [Mn(mesalim)2Cl] and electrochemical studies of manganese complexes of the ligand Hmesalim

The complex [Mn(mesalim)₂Cl] (1), (Hmesalim = methyl salicylimidate) has been synthesized and fully characterized. The manganese(III) complex is formed by the reaction of the ligand Hmesalim with manganese(II) chloride. Complex 1 is mononuclear and crystallizes in the space group . Electrochemical studies were performed for complex 1, as well as for the related complexes [Mn(mesalim)₂(OAc)(MeOH] · MeOH (2) and [Mn₂(etsalim)₄(Hetsalim)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3), (Hetsalim = ethyl salicylimidate). The complexes display intricate oxidation-reduction behaviour, and coulometric analyses in combination with electrochemical analyses have been used to understand the electron transfer mechanisms occurring at the electrodes.     

A novel ferromagnetic coupling one-dimensional complex {Cu(II)(NIT3Py)2[N(CN)2]2(H2O)2}

The novel ferromagnetic coupling one-dimensional complex {Cu(NIT3Py)₂[N(CN)₂]₂(H₂O)₂} (NIT3Py=2-(3^′-pyridyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide) was synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The Cu(II) ion is in a distorted octahedral environment. The units of {Cu(NIT3Py)₂[N(CN)₂]₂(H₂O)₂} were connected as one-dimensional structure by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Magnetic measurements show that there are intramolecular ferromagnetic interactions and intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions within the chain.     

Synthesis and superoxide dismutase-like activity of new manganese(III) complexes based on tridentate N2O ligands derived from histamine

We have obtained two new manganese(III) complexes based on tridentate ligands bearing imidazole and phenol moieties. The structure of the chosen ligands favored the Mn(III) oxidation state due to the compatibility of the geometry of the complexes with a Jahn-Teller tetragonal distortion, as was shown by X-ray diffraction for one of the complexes. This induced a lowering of the oxidation potential for the Mn(III)/Mn(II) couple, which can be correlated to the superoxide dismutase-like (SOD-like) activity of the complexes, compared with a previously published Mn(III) complex.     

A trinuclear copper(II) complex with 2,5-pyridine-dicarboxylato bridges - [Cu3(2,5-pydc)2(Me5dien)2(H2O)2(BF4)2] · H2O: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

A trinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu₃(2,5-pydc)₂(Me₅dien)₂(BF₄)₂(H₂O)₂] · H₂O 1, has been constructed from 2,5-pyridine-dicarboxylato bridges (2,5-pydc²⁻) and N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine (Me₅dien) acting as a blocking ligand. The copper ions, within the centrosymmetric trinuclear cations, are connected by two 2,5-pydc²⁻ bridges, with an intramolecular Cu···Cu separation of 8.432 Å. The central copper ion exhibits an elongated octahedral geometry, with semicoordinated ions, while the terminal ones are pentacoordinated (distorted square-pyramidal geometry). The cryomagnetic investigation of 1 reveals an antiferromagnetic coupling of the copper(II) ions (J = −5.9 cm⁻¹, H = −JS_Cu1S_Cu2 − JS_Cu2S_Cu1a).     

Platinum(IV) complexes with ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetate diester (R2edda) ligands: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antitumoral activity

The novel N,N-type bidentate ligand precursors, diethyl, dipropyl esters of ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetic acid dihydrochloride (HOOCCH₂NHCH₂CH₂NHCH₂COOH · 2HCl, H₂edda · 2HCl), and the corresponding tetrachloroplatinum(IV) complexes, [PtCl₄(R₂edda)] · H₂O (ROOCCH₂NHCH₂CH₂NHCH₂COOR, R = Me, Et, n-Pr), were synthesized. The esters coordinated as bidentate ligands via both N donor atoms. The esters, as well as the complexes, have been characterized by infrared, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Solid state structures of both dimethyl and diethyl ester platinum(IV) complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Quantum chemical calculations were performed in order to investigate diastereoselectivity in the formation of the platinum(IV) complexes. The in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of the investigated complexes in human tumor cell lines 1411HP, H12.1 (both testicular germ cell tumors), DLD-1 (colon carcinoma), 518A2 (melanoma), A549 (lung carcinoma) and liposarcoma showed a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect in all cell lines. Remarkably, the highest cytotoxic activity was observed in the cisplatin-resistant cell line 1411HP. In addition, at higher concentrations the treatment with these complexes led to the induction of apoptosis in all cell lines except for DLD-1.     

Reaction of methanol ligated manganese(II) silanethiolate with pyridine related ligands - Different structures of complexes with MnNO2S2 kernel

The reaction of [Mn{SSi(OBu^t)₃}₂(MeOH)₄] with pyridine and its three monosubstituted methyl derivatives leads to the formation of two distinct types of complexes, although both with the MnO₂NS₂ kernel. The first two compounds (with pyridine or 2-picoline) contain two silanethiolate ligands, heterocyclic base and two methanol molecules. In the second case (3- and 4-picoline) the role of O-donor and simultaneously S-donor ligand is fulfilled by tri-tert-butoxysilanethiolate rest which under favorable conditions can serve as a chelating agent.     

Mg-activated double-stranded DNA cleavage by [(bpy)2(OH2)Ru---O---Ru(H2O) (bpy)2]

The reaction of the title complex with DNA has been examined. Addition of [(bpy)₂(OH₂)RuORu(OH₂) (bpy)₂]⁴⁺ to DNA leads to the reduction of the complex to Ru(bpy)₂(OH₂)₂²⁺, as indicated by absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The reaction is accelerated by Mg²⁺. The combined evidence points to a mechanism where the oxo-bridged dimer is hydrolyzed to a monomeric Ru(III) complex that is capable of oxidizing DNA to effect strand scission. Gel electrophoresis demonstrates nicking of supercoiled /gfX174 DNA by [(bpy)₂(OH₂)RuORu(OH₂) (bpy)₂]⁴⁺, and double-stranded cleavage is observed in the presence of Mg²⁺. Linearization of the plasmid prior to treatment with the complex does not lead to further fragmentation, suggesting that supercoiling is required to realize double-stranded cleavage.     

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.