Uranium complexes of cyclic O,O-bidentate ligands with the P-N-P backbone

The formation of uranium complexes of novel ligands belonging to phosphorylated 2-oxo-1,2-azaphospholane series, namely 2-ethoxy-1-diethoxyphosphoryl-2-oxo-1,2λ⁵-azaphospholane (1a) and both individual R^∗,R^∗- and R^∗,S^∗-diastereomers of the related 2-oxo-2-phenyl-1,2λ⁵-azaphospholanes 1b,c with different surrounding at the exocyclic phosphorus atom, has been studied. The structures of the complexes of ML composition obtained in the reaction with uranyl nitrate in 1:1 ratio were found to depend on the difference in donor properties of the oxygen atom of endo- and exocyclic phosphoryl groups. The ligand 1a possessing the greater difference, serves as O-monodentate one with metal-oxygen bonding via the endocyclic PO function while both isomers of 1b,c coordinate to uranyl cation in a O,O-bidentate fashion. In solutions the ML complexes reacted with air oxygen to afford (μ₂-peroxo)-bridged uranium complexes [{UO₂(L)NO₃}₂(μ₂-O₂)] which structures were confirmed by X-ray crystallography data.     

Identification and in vitro anti-esophageal cancer activity of a series of halogenated monoterpenes isolated from the South African seaweeds Plocamium suhrii and Plocamium cornutum

Five known (1, 2, 4, 6 and 7) halogenated monoterpenes together with 1Z,3R^∗,4S^∗,5E,7Z)-1-bromo-3,4,8-trichloro-7-(dichloromethyl)-3-methylocta-1,5,7-triene (3) and (3R^∗,4S^∗)-3,4,6,7-tetrachloro-3,7-dimethyl-octen-1-ene (5) were isolated from the red macroalga Plocamium suhrii and their structures deduced from their spectroscopic data. The seven compounds from P. suhrii together with five related compounds from Plocamium cornutum have been evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on an esophageal cancer cell line (WHCO1). Compounds 1-6 showed greater cytotoxicity in this assay as compared to the known anticancer drug cisplatin.     

New highly water-soluble rhodium complexes bearing 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) and/or tris(hydroxymethyl) phosphine (THP)

A family of cationic and neutral highly water-soluble rhodium complexes [Cp∗Rh(PTA)₃]Cl₂ (1), [Cp∗RhCl₂(THP)] (2), [Cp∗RhCl(THP)₂]Cl (3), and [Cp∗RhCl(PTA)(THP)]Cl (4) have been synthesised and fully characterised [PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane; THP = tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine]. Their water-solubility increases as the number of the phosphines coordinated to the metal centre is increased. The X-ray crystal structure of compound 2 was obtained and shows the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. NMR speciation studies of [Cp∗RhCl₂(PTA)] in deuterated water show the existence of several equilibria involving substitution processes in which the water molecules can substitute both chloride and PTA ligands.     

Design, Syntheses, and Characterization of a Sterically Encumbered Dioxo Molybdenum (VI) Core

Dioxo-Mo^VI complexes of general formula Tp^∗MoO₂(p-SC₆H₄Dn) (6a-6c) (where Tp^∗ = hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)borate and Dn = dendritic unit) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. ¹H NMR spectra of the metal complexes indicate that the C_s local symmetry about the metal core does not change by the incorporation of dendritic functionality at the thiophenolato ring. Electrochemical data show a ∼20 mV change in the redox potential in the complexes with dendritic ligands suggesting a very small perturbation in the redox orbital, which is also supported by small changes in the electronic spectra. The peak-to peak separation (ΔE_p) increases from 125 mV in 6(a) to 240 mV in 6(c), suggesting sluggish electron transfer in molecules with larger dendritic ligands.     

One-pot syntheses of alkenyl-phosphonio complexes of ruthenium(II), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) bearing p-cymene or pentamethylcyclopentadienyl groups

Reaction of [(p-cymene)RuCl₂(PPh₃)] (1) or [Cp^∗MCl₂(PPh₃)] (Cp^∗ = C₅Me₅) (3a: M = Rh; 4a: M = Ir) with 1-alkynes and PPh₃ were carried out in the presence of KPF₆, generating the corresponding alkenyl-phosphonio complexes, [(p-cymene)RuCl(PPh₃){CHCR(PPh₃)}](PF₆) (2a: R = Ph; 2b: R = p-tolyl) or [Cp^∗MCl(PPh₃){CHCPh(PPh₃)}](PF₆) (5: M = Rh; 6: M = Ir). Similar reactions of complexes [Cp^∗RhCl₂(L¹)] (3a: L¹ = PPh₃; 3c: L¹ = P(OMe)₃) with L² (L² = PPh₃, PMePh₂, P(OMe)₃) gave [Cp^∗RhCl(L¹)(L²)](PF₆) (7bb: L¹ = L² = PMePh₂; 7ca: L¹ = P(OMe)₃, L² = PPh₃; 7cc: L¹ = L² = P(OMe)₃). Alkenyl-phosphonio complex 5 was treated with P(OMe)₃ or 2,6-xylyl isocyanide, affording [Cp^∗RhCl(L){CHCPh(PPh₃)}](PF₆) (8a: L = P(OMe)₃; 8b: L = 2,6-xylNC). X-ray structural analyses of 2a, 6 and 8a revealed that the phosphonium moiety bonded to the C_β atom of the alkenyl group are E configuration.     

Zinc(II) complexes based on sterically hindered hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands: Synthesis, reactivity and solid-state structures

The coordination chemistry and reactivity of zinc(II) complexes supported by monoanionic hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands substituted by 3,3,3-mesityl groups (Tp^Ms) and 3,3,5-mesityl groups (Tp^Ms∗) have been investigated. Salt metathesis of ZnCl₂, ZnEt₂, and Zn(OAc)₂ with Tl[Tp^Ms] or Tl[Tp^Ms∗] cleanly afforded the corresponding compounds Tp^MsZnCl (1), Tp^MsZnEt (2), Tp^Ms∗ZnEt (3), and Tp^MsZnOAc (5). Compound 3 slowly disproportionates in benzene solution to afford the bis(ligand) complex (κ²-Tp^Ms∗)₂Zn (4). Acetate complex 5 as well as Tp^MsZnOCOPh (6) and [Tp^Ms∗ZnOAc]₂ (7) were alternatively prepared by acidolysis of the parent ethyl complexes (2, 3) with the corresponding carboxylic acid. No reaction was observed between 2 and 3 and alcohols (ROH; R = Et, iPr, Bn), while salt metathesis reactions of ZnEt(OR) with Tl[Tp^Ms] led to 2 instead of the desired zinc-alkoxide complex. Compounds 1-7 were characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, as well as by X-ray diffraction studies for 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7. The former compounds adopt a monomeric structure in the solid state while [Tp^Ms∗ZnOAc]₂ (7) exists as an anti-syn bridged acetate dimer. Complex 4 is four-coordinated, featuring a rare bidentate coordination mode of the Tp^Ms∗ ligands. The results are rationalized in terms of the variable steric constraint around the zinc atom provided by the Tp^Ms and Tp^Ms∗ ligands.     

A series of oxo-vanadium(IV) complexes containing mixed ligands of poly(pyrazolyl)borate and organic carboxylic acid: Synthesis, structural characterization and primary study of bromination reaction activities

A series of oxo-vanadium(IV) complexes: Tp^∗VO(pzH^∗)(CH₃COO) (1), Tp^∗VO(pzH^∗)(CCl₃COO) (2), Tp^∗VO(pzH^∗)(C₆H₅COO) (3), Tp^∗VO(pzH^∗)(m-NO₂-C₆H₄COO)·CH₃CN (4) and [Tp^∗VO(pzH^∗)(H₂O)]⁺[m-NO₂-C₆H₄-SO₃]⁻·CH₃OH (5) (Tp^∗ = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate; pzH^∗ = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole) are synthesized in methanol solution under physiological conditions. They are characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and X-ray crystallography. Structural analyses show that the vanadium atoms in complexes 1-5 are all in a distorted-octahedral environment with the N₄O₂ donor set, and intra- or inter-hydrogen bonding linkages have been also observed in each complex. Bromination reaction activity of the complexes has been evaluated by the method with phenol red as organic substrate in the presence of H₂O₂, Br⁻ and phosphate buffer, indicating that they can be considered as potential functional model vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases. In addition, thermal analysis and quantum chemistry calculations were also performed and discussed in detail.     

The structural chemistry of triorganotin(IV) derivatives of 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole: Supramolecular structures involving intermolecular N-H?N and N-H?S hydrogen bonding

Four new triorganotin complexes of 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole with the type of R₃Sn(SC₂N₃HNH₂-3) (R = Me, 1; n-Bu, 2; Ph, 3; PhCH₂, 4) have been synthesized. All the complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra. Complexes 1, 3 and 4 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography analyses too. The geometry about Sn of complex 1 is distorted trigonal bipyramidal and the supramolecular structures of complex 1 has been found consist of channels built up by intermolecular N-H?N hydrogen bonding. The geometry of tin atoms in complexes 3 and 4 are distorted tetrahedron and 1D polymers connected by intermolecular N-H?N hydrogen bonding or N-H?N and N-H?S hydrogen bonding. Additionally, 1D polymer of complex 3 aggregated in 2D layer by intermolecular N-H?S hydrogen bonding.     

Distant Neighbor Base Sequence Context Effects in Human Nucleotide Excision Repair of a Benzo[a]pyrene-derived DNA Lesion

The effects of non-nearest base sequences, beyond the nucleotides flanking a DNA lesion on either side, on nucleotide excision repair (NER) in extracts from human cells were investigated. We constructed two duplexes containing the same minor groove-aligned 10S (+)-trans-anti-B[a]P-N²-dG (G?) DNA adduct, derived from the environmental carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P): 5′-C-C-A-T-C-G?-C-T-A-C-C-3′ (CG?C-I), and 5′-C-A-C3-A4-C5-G?-C-A-C-A-C-3′ (CG?C-II). We used polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to compare the extent of DNA bending, and molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the structural characteristics of these two DNA duplexes. The NER efficiencies are 1.6(± 0.2)-fold greater in the case of the CG?C-II than the CG?C-I sequence context in 135-mer duplexes. Gel electrophoresis and self-ligation circularization experiments revealed that the CG?C-II duplex is more bent than the CG?C-I duplex, while molecular dynamics simulations showed that the unique -C3-A4-C5- segment in the CG?C-II duplex plays a key role. The presence of a minor groove-positioned guanine amino group, the Watson-Crick partner to C3, acts as a wedge; facilitated by a highly deformable local -C3-A4- base step, this amino group allows the B[a]P ring system to produce a more enlarged minor groove in CG?C-II than in CG?C-I, as well as a local untwisting and enlarged and flexible Roll only in the CG?C-II sequence. These structural properties fit well with our earlier findings that in the case of the family of minor groove 10S (+)-trans-anti-B[a]P-N²-dG lesions, flexible bends and enlarged minor groove widths constitute NER recognition signals, and extend our understanding of sequence context effects on NER to the neighbors that are distant to the lesion.     

Coumarin derived chromophores in the donor-acceptor-donor format that gives fluorescence enhancement and large two-photon activity in presence of specific metal ions

Two coumarin derived dyes (compounds L_a and L) have been synthesized in high yields by Schiff base condensation. On probing with a femtosecond laser, none of these compounds show any two-photon activity in the wavelength range, 760-860 nm. However, L_a in presence of Zn(II) and L in presence of Mg(II), exhibit large two-photon absorption as well as emission in the same wavelength range. Theoretical calculations at the B3LYP functional with 6-31G∗ and LanL2DZ mixed basis set under DFT formalism support experimental results.     

Reactivity of a new family of diamido-diamine cyclam-based zirconium complexes in ethylene polymerization

Compounds of general formula [(^∗Bn₂Cyclam)ZrCl₂] (^∗Bn = 4-^tBuC₆H₄CH₂, (4) and 4-CF₃C₆H₄CH₂, (5)) were synthesised using Zr(CH₂SiMe₃)₂Cl₂(Et₂O)₂ and the corresponding ligand precursors 1,8-(4-^tbutylbenzyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (H₂(4-^tBuBn)₂Cyclam), (4a), and 1,8-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (H₂(4-CF₃Bn)₂Cyclam), (5a). Complexes 4 and 5, in addition to other [(^∗Bn₂Cyclam)ZrCl₂] compounds previously described by some of us (^∗Bn = PhCH₂, (1), 3,5-Me₂C₆H₃CH₂, (2) and 3,5-^tBu₂C₆H₃CH₂, (3)) were tested in the polymerization of ethylene in the presence of MAO. System 4/MAO presents the highest activity (2790 g PE molZr⁻¹ h⁻¹ atm⁻¹). The polymers formed are slight to moderately branched polyethylenes with a percentage of branching ranging between 1.2% and 3.3%. The melting points obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) ranging from 128 to 140 °C, are consistent with rather high average molecular weight polymers with crystallinity close to 50%.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, electronic structure, bonding, photoluminescence and spectroscopic property investigations of a mononuclear 1,10-phenanthroline and 5-bromo-salicylate ternary indium(III) complex

The synthesis, X-ray structure, electronic structure, bonding, photoluminescence, spectroscopic property and characterization of an indium(III) complex, [In(Hbsac)₃(phen)] (1) (H₂bsac = 5-bromo-salicylic acid, and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) are presented. Complex 1 is octacoordinate and carboxylate chelating, being novel and rarely reported for main group complexes. The electronic structure, bonding and the charge transfer properties of light excitation and light emission are discussed in detail using first-principles theory, including partial density of states (PDOSs), crystal orbital overlap population (COOP), the density functional theory (DFT/TDDFT) analysis schemes. The charge transfer is mainly π → π^∗ intraligand charge transfer transition (ILCT) for excitation, and π → π^∗ ligand-to-ligand charge transfer transition (LL′CT) for emission in nature.     

The first 1,3,2-diazabora-[3]ferrocenophanes - molecular structures and dynamic behaviour in solution

Dilithiated 1,1^′-bis(trimethylsilylamino)ferrocene (1) reacts with aminoboron dihalides (2) X₂B-N(R^′)R [X=Br, R^′=R=Et (2a); X=Cl, R^′=Me, R=CH₂Ph (2b), X=Cl, R^′=Et, R=Ph (2c)] to give 2-amino-1,3,2-diazabora-[3]ferrocenophanes (3a-c) for the first time. The steric constraints exerted by the [3]ferrocenophane unit and the presence of the N-SiMe₃ groups cause rather different B-N bonding situations in these tri(amino)boranes. The boron atom has the choice between three nitrogen atoms for BN(pp)π bonding: in the cases of 3a and 3b, it prefers the NEt₂ and the N(Me)CH₂Ph group, respectively, over the N-SiMe₃ groups, whereas in 3c the N(Et)Ph group appears to be the weaker π-donor. This can be concluded from the X-ray structural analyses carried out for 3a and 3c, and from the low temperature ¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si NMR spectra of 3a-3c.     

Coordination polymers derived from a bis-pyridyl-bis-amide ligand: Supramolecular structural diversities and anion binding properties

Six new coordination polymers namely [{Cu(μ-L1)(CH₃COO)₂}]_∝1a, [{Cu(μ-L1)₂(CH₃COO)₂]_∝1b, [{Cu(μ-L1)₂(H₂O)₂}(NO₃)₂]_∝2, [{Cu(μ-L1)₂(H₂O)₂}(ClO₄)₂]_∝3, [{Cu(μ-L1)(H₂O)₂(μ-SO₄)}·3H₂O]_∝4a and [{Cu(μ-L1)₂SO₄}·X]_∝4b (L1 = N,N′-bis-(3-pyridyl)terephthalamide) have been synthesized. Single crystal structures of five coordination polymers namely 1a, 2-4b and the free ligand L1 are discussed in the context of the effect of conformation dependent ligating topology of the ligands, hydrogen bonding backbone, counter anions on the resultant supramolecular structures observed in these coordination polymers. It was revealed from the single crystal X-ray structure analysis that conformation dependent ligating topology of the bis-amide ligand L1, counter anion’s ligating strength dependent metal: ligand ratio, hydrogen bonding ability of the ligand as well as counter anions are responsible for the formation of 1D zigzag, 1D looped chain, 2D corrugated sheet in 1a, 2-3, 4a−4b, respectively. By following in situ coordination polymer crystallization technique, anion binding and separation studies have also been performed; nitrate anion has been separated as neat coordination polymer crystals from a complex mixture of anions.     

Supramolecular salts containing the anionic [Ge(C2O4)3] complex and heteroaromatic amines

The crystalline compounds (Hbipy)₂[Ge(C₂O₄)₃] (1) and (Hphen)₂[Ge(C₂O₄)₃] · 2(H₂O) (2) [Hbipy⁺ is the 2,2′-bipyridinium cation (C₁₀H₉N₂), and Hphen⁺ is the 1,10′-phenathrolinium cation (C₁₂H₉N₂)] were isolated from mild hydrothermal syntheses and their structures were elucidated from single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The two compounds were further characterised by vibrational spectroscopy (FT-IR and FT-Raman), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and CHN elemental composition. Compounds 1 and 2 comprise the tris(oxalato-O,O′)germanate dianion complex, [Ge(C₂O₄)₃]²⁻, which co-crystallises with Hbipy⁺ (in 1), or Hphen⁺ and water molecules (in 2). In 1, the germanium oxalate anionic complex, [Ge(C₂O₄)₃]²⁻, and the Hbipy⁺ organic residues interact mutually via N-H?O hydrogen bonding interactions, leading to supramolecular discrete hydrogen-bonded units which are further interconnected via π-π stacking. Compound 2, on the other hand, exhibits a more complex hydrogen bonding network due to the presence of the water molecules of crystallisation which, along with π-π stacking between neighbouring Hphen⁺ residues, mediate the crystal packing.     

Synthesis and evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of new substituted bis(1,3,4-oxadiazoles), 3,5-bis(substituted) pyrazoles and isoxazoles

Two series of five membered heterocyclic bis(1,3,4-oxadiazole) derivatives 2(a-h) and 3,5-bis(substituted)pyrazoles, isoxazoles 3(a,b,d-i), 4(a-c) were synthesized via oxidative cyclization of some diaroylhydrazones using chloramine-T and cyclocondensation reaction with hydrazine hydrate and hydroxylamine hydrochloride, respectively. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for antioxidant and anti-microbial activities. Compounds 2(b), 3(b), and 4(a) showed higher antioxidant activity at 10 μg/ml while compounds 2(a), 3(a), 3(f), and 4(a) exhibited better anti-microbial activity at 100 μg/ml compared with standard vitamin C and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Structures of newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR data.     

A series of thiolato-bridged di- and trinuclear complexes derived from [Tp∗Rh(SPh)2(MeCN)] (Tp∗ = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate)

Treatment of the Rh(III) complex [Tp∗Rh(SPh)₂(MeCN)] (1) with a series of late transition metal complexes resulted in the formations of thiolate-bridged di- and trinuclear complexes, which include the Rh(III)-Rh(I) complexes, [Tp∗RhCl(μ-SPh)₂Rh(cod)] (2) and [Tp∗RhCl(μ-SPh)₂Rh(PPh₃)₂], the Rh(III)-Pd(II) complexes, [Tp∗RhCl(μ-SPh)₂Pd(η³-C₃H₅)] (4), [{Tp∗Rh(MeCN)}(μ-SPh)₂PdCl₂] (5), and [{Tp∗RhCl(μ-SPh)₂}₂Pd] (6), and the Rh(III)-Pt(II) complex [{Tp∗RhCl(μ-SPh)₂}₂Pt] (7). Early-late transition metal complexes containing the Rh(III)-Re(I) and Rh(III)-Mo(0) metal centers, [Tp∗RhCl(μ-SPh)₂Re(CO)₄] and [{Tp∗Rh(CO)}(μ-SPh)₂Mo(CO)₄] were also prepared from 1. The X-ray analysis has been carried out to confirm the structures for 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7.     

Cubane-like water clusters in a 3D supramolecular network of zinc with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and 5-aminotetrazole

The reaction of zinc ions with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H₂PDA) and 5-aminotetrazole (HATZ) in hydrothermal condition gives rise to a 2D interdigitated network of composition [Zn₂(PDA)(ATZ)₂]·4H₂O (1). The two independent zinc(II) ions, both located on a crystallographic twofold axis, show a different coordination environment, namely a highly distorted trigonal bipyramidal and a tetrahedral geometry. An octameric cluster of lattice water molecules in the lattice voids produces a 3D supramolecular architecture through hydrogen bonding. Thermogravimetry, infrared spectra, and elemental analysis have also been applied to characterize 1. Fluorescence study indicates the intraligand π-π^∗ transition perturbed by the metal ion.     

Ring transformation and complex formation of 3-acetyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazole oximes

Oximic 1,2,4-triazole ligands 2a-e were prepared from the reaction of 3-acetyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazoles 1a-e with hydroxylamine hydrochloride at room temperature. At higher temperatures, the reaction afforded, however, the novel ring transformation product 4-amino-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-2H-1,2,3,6-oxatriazine 3. The reaction of the ligands 2a-e with nickel (II) and palladium (II) acetates in ethanol at room temperature yielded the respective square planar complexes 5a-e, 6a,e. X-ray structure determination of one of these complexes (5a) revealed that metallation led to unexpected ring transformation of the triazole ligand. It is probable that such ring transformation generated the imidazole-N-oxide intermediate 4a which coordinated to Ni(II) ion, and the 4N-donor set comprises both imidazole nitrogen and arylhydrazone nitrogen. The whole process is associated with loss of one hydrogen molecule and formation of one new π-bond. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and HRMS.     

Unexpected reactivity resulting from modifications of the ligand periphery: Synthesis, structure, and spectroscopic properties of iron complexes of new tripodal N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands

The chelating ligand tris-[2-(3-aryl-imidazol-2-ylidene)ethyl]amine (TIMEN^R, R = aryl = 2,6-xylyl (xyl), mesityl (mes)) has provided access to reactive transition metal complexes. Here, two new tripodal N-heterocyclic carbene ligands of the TIMEN^R system (R = aryl = tolyl (tol), 3,5-xylyl (3,5xyl)), featuring sterically less demanding aryl substituents were synthesized. With these ligands, Fe(II) precursor complexes could be obtained, namely [(TIMEN^tol)Fe](BF₄)₂ (3) and [(TIMEN^3,5xyl)Fe(CH₃CN)](PF₆)₂ (7), which showed unexpected reactivity upon reduction. Treatment of the compounds with sodium amalgam yield the tris- and bis-metallated products, [(TIMEN^tol∗∗∗)Fe] (4) and [(TIMEN^3,5xyl∗∗)Fe] (8), respectively. While the Fe(III) complex 4 is relatively inert towards oxygen, the Fe(II) complex 8 is prone to oxidation. This oxidation of 8 can readily be observed in chlorinated solvents, producing the Fe(III) complex [(TIMEN^3,5xyl∗∗)Fe](PF₆) (9). All new ligand imidazolium precursors and metal complexes were characterized by single crystal X-ray structure determination.