Copper(II) nitrato and chloro complexes with sterically hindered tridentate ligands: Influence of ligand framework and charge on their structure and physicochemical properties

Copper(II) coordination complexes of the neutral ligand, tris(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (L2′), i.e. the copper(II) nitrato complexes [Cu(L2′)(NO₃)][Cu(NO₃)₄]_1/2 (1) and [Cu(L2′)(NO₃)](ClO₄) (2) and the copper(II) chloro complex [Cu(L2′)(Cl)](ClO₄) (3), and its anionic borate analogue, hydrotris(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate (L2⁻), i.e. the copper(II) nitrato complex [Cu(L2)(NO₃)] (4) and the copper(II) chloro complex [Cu(L2)(Cl)] (5), were synthesized in order to investigate the influence of ligand framework and charge on their structure and physicochemical properties. While X-ray crystallography did not show any definitive trends in terms of copper(II) atom geometry in four-coordinate copper(II) chloro complexes 3 and 5, different structural trends were observed in five-coordinate copper(II) nitrato complexes 1, 2, and 4. These complexes were also characterized by spectroscopic techniques, namely, UV-Vis, ESR, IR/far-IR, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, cytotoxic activities and DNA-binding properties of new binuclear copper(II) complexes bridged by N,N′-bis(N-hydroxyethylaminoethyl)oxamide

Two new μ-oxamido-bridged binuclear copper(II) complexes with formulae of [Cu₂(heae)(pic)₂] (1) and [Cu₂(heae)(Me₂phen)₂](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O (2), where heae and pic stand for the anion of N,N′-bis(N-hydroxyethylaminoethyl)oxamide and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, respectively, and Me₂phen represents 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline; have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity measurements, IR and electronic spectra studies. The crystal structures of the two binuclear copper(II) complexes have been determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. In both the two binuclear complexes the central two copper(II) atoms are bridged by trans-heae. In complex 1 the coordination environment around each copper(II) atom can be described as a distorted octahedral geometry, while in complex 2 each copper(II) atom displays a square-pyramid stereochemistry. Hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions link the binuclear copper(II) complex 1 or 2 into a 3D infinite network. The cytotoxicities of the two binuclear copper(II) complexes were tested by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell SMMC-7721 and human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549. Both of the two binuclear copper(II) complexes exhibit potent cytotoxic effects against SMMC-7721 and A549 cell lines. The interactions of the two binuclear complexes with herring sperm DNA (HS-DNA) are investigated by using absorption and emission spectra and electrochemical techniques and viscometry. The results suggest that both the two binuclear copper(II) complexes interact with HS-DNA in the mode of intercalation with the intrinsic binding constants of 1.73 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ (1) and 1.92 × 10⁶ M⁻¹ (2). The influence of structural variation of the terminal ligands in the binuclear complexes on DNA-binding properties is preliminarily discussed.     

Chlorido-bridged polymeric and dinuclear copper(II) complexes with tridentate Schiff base: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

Two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(qsal)Cl](DMF) (1) and [Cu₂(qsalBr)₂Cl₂](DMF) (2), with tridentate Schiff base ligands, 8-(salicylideneamino)quinoline (Hqsal) and 8-(5-bromo-salicylideneamino)quinoline (HqsalBr), respectively, were synthesised and structurally characterized. Each copper(II) ion in the two complexes is in a distorted square pyramidal N₂OCl₂ environment. Complex 1 exists as a polymeric species via equatorial-apical chloride bridges, whereas 2 is a di-chlorido-bridged dinuclear complex, where each bridging chloride simultaneously occupies an in-plane coordination site on one copper(II) ion and an apical site on the other copper(II) ion. Variable-temperature magnetical susceptibility measurements on the two complexes in the temperature range 2-300 K indicate the occurrence of intrachain ferromagnetic (J = +6.58 cm⁻¹) and intramolecular antiferromagnetical (J = −6.91 cm⁻¹) interactions.     

Complexes of magnesium(II) and other divalent metal ions with adenosine 5′-triphosphate and 2,2′-dipyridylamine in aqueous solution

Binary and ternary systems involving adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), 2,2′-dipyridylamine (DPA) and magnesium, calcium, strontium, manganese, cobalt, copper, and zinc(II) metal ions have been investigated in aqueous media by potentiometric titrations. The analysis of the titration curves shows the existence of M(ATP)²⁻, M(ATP)(H)⁻, and M(ATP)₂(H)₂⁴⁻ species for alkaline-earth metal ions, while no ternary complex can be detected. For transition metal ions both binary and ternary species are found. Binary M(ATP)₂(H)₂⁴⁻ complexes are present in solutions containing manganese and cobalt(II) metal ions but these species cannot be revealed in the case of copper and zinc(II). Ternary complexes as M(ATP)(DPA)²⁻ and M(ATP)(DPA)(H)⁻ are common to all transition metals. Binuclear and hydroxo complexes as M₂(ATP)(OH)⁻ and M(ATP)(OH)³⁻ are found only for copper and zinc(II). A hypothesis on the possible role of the species M-ATP in 1:2 ratio in the dephosphorylation mechanism is advanced on the basis of a comparison between the equilibrium data in the solution phase and the solid state structures of the magnesium, calcium, and manganese(II)- ATP-DPA systems.     

H2O2 reactivity of a dinuclear copper(II) complex incorporating a constrained binucleating polyaminopyridyl ligand and a phosphodiester coligand

A dinuclear copper(II) complex [Cu₂(PD)(DPP⁻)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1) incorporating a constrained binucleating hexadenate ligand, PD (1,3-bis{bis[(2-pyridyl)ethyl]amino}benzene), and coligand, DPP⁻ (diphenylphosphate) was synthesized and characterized, with a specific outlook towards evaluating spectroscopic and H₂O₂ reactivity relevant to the active-sites of noncoupled dinuclear copper enzymes, DβM and PHM. In solution, complex 1 exhibits a broad ¹H NMR in the range −25 to +60 ppm and has a solution magnetic moment (μ) of ∼2.0 B.M./Cu(II), typical of a noninteracting dicopper(II) center. The room temperature H₂O₂ reactivity of 1 monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy reveals the formation of a copper(II)-dioxygen intermediate 1a, which in turn leading to a arene ligand hydroxylation (PD-O⁻) and thus provide a new doubly-bridged dicopper(II) complex, [Cu₂(PD-O⁻)(DPP⁻)](ClO₄)₂ (2). The dioxygen intermediate produces OPPh₃ on treatment with PPh₃ revealing it is an electrophilic hydroperoxide oxidant. Solution magnetic moment of 1.61 B.M./Cu(II) indicates the product complex 2 is a moderately interacting dicopper(II) center and its ¹H NMR spans between −20 and +180 ppm. A comparison of the optical absorption features of complex 1a with related dinuclear hydroperoxo-copper(II) complexes is discussed.     

Synthesis, characterization and X-ray crystal structures of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes with potentially hexadentate Schiff base ligands

Copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of potentially N₂O₄ Schiff base ligands 2-({[2-(2-{2-[(1-{2-hydroxy-5-[2-phenyl-1-diazenyl]phenyl}methylidene)amino] phenoxy}ethoxy) phenyl]imino}methyl)4-[2-phenyl-1-diazenyl]phenol (H₂L¹) and 2-({[2-(4-{2-[(1-{2-hydroxy-5-[2-phenyl-1-diazenyl]phenyl}methylidene)amino] phenoxy}butoxy) phenyl]imino}methyl)4-[2-phenyl-1-diazenyl]phenol (H₂L²) prepared of 5-phenylazo salicylaldehyde (1) and two various diamines 2-[2-(2-aminophenoxy)ethoxy]aniline (2) and 2-[4-(2-aminophenoxy)butoxy]aniline (3) were synthesized and characterized by a variety of physico-chemical techniques. The single-crystal X-ray diffractions are reported for CuL¹ and NiL². The CuL¹ complex contains copper(II) in a near square-planar environment of N₂O₂ donors. The NiL² complex contains nickel(II) in a distorted octahedral geometry coordination of N₂O₄ donors. In all complexes, H₂L¹ behaves as a tetradentate and H₂L² acts as a hexadentate ligand. Cyclic voltammetry of copper(II) complexes indicate a quasi-reversible redox wave in the negative potential range.     

Chiral 2-pyridyl alcoholate copper complexes: crystal structures of [bis(2-pyridyl alcoholate)copper(II)] and the use of [(2-pyridyl alcoholate)copper(II)]and [(2-pyridyl alcoholate)copper(I)] in asymmetric cyclopropanation of styene and allylic oxidation of cyclohexene

Chiral N,O pyridine alcohols HL¹-HL⁶ were used to form complexes with copper(II) ions. Ligands HL¹ and HL² formed complexes with copper(II) ions when Cu(OAc)₂ and HL were refluxed in methanol/ethanol mixture. Ligand HL³ formed a complex with copper(II) when deprotonated with NaH and stirred in a Cu(II) acetate THF solution. Ligands HL⁴-HL⁶ did not form complexes with copper(II) under similar conditions. Two complexes, [Cu(L¹)₂] and [Cu(L²)₂], were isolated as single crystals and characterized by X-ray crystallography. These complexes showed low catalytic activities in asymmetric reactions. However, they became active when reacted with triflic acid. Copper complexes, [Cu(L)] or [Cu(L)]⁺, formed in situ by reacting ligands HL with copper(I) or (II) ions, respectively, were also found to be active copper catalysts for asymmetric cyclopropanation of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate and allylic oxidation of cyclohexene with t-butylperoxybenzoate. Enantioselectivities up to 56% and 38% were obtained in asymmetric cyclopropanation of styrene and asymmetric allylic oxidation of cyclohexene, respectively.     

Dipicolinato complexes of cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) with thiamine dications

Cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) dipicolinato complexes having thiamine dication with compositions [HT][CoL₂]·5H₂O (1), [HT][CuL₂]·5H₂O (2) and [HT][ZnL₂]·5H₂O (3) (L = dipicolinato anion, T = thiamine cation) are synthesized, characterized by X-ray diffraction and other spectroscopic techniques. The thiamine part in these complexes exists as divalent cations. The second protonation of thiamine takes place at the less crowded nitrogen atom of the pyrimidine ring. These complexes are stabilized by electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions of -N⁺-H and -COO⁻ groups along with crystallized water molecules. The complexes are stable in solution as determined by ¹H NMR and visible study. The complex 1 has two medicinal components which can be easily separated by controlling pH in aqueous medium. It gets decomposed on treatment with sodium hydroxide at pH > 8 to form neutral complex {[Na₂(μ-H₂O)₃(H₂O)₃][CoL₂]·H₂O}₂.     

Antibacterial,antifungal and in vitro antileukaemia activity of metal complexes with thiosemicarbazones

1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐benzoyl‐5‐pyrazolone 4‐ethyl‐thiosemicarbazone (HL) and its copper(II), vanadium(V) and nickel(II) complexes: [Cu(L)(Cl)]·C₂H₅OH·( 1 ), [Cu(L)₂]·H₂O ( 2 ), [Cu(L)(Br)]·H₂O·CH₃OH ( 3 ), [Cu(L)(NO₃)]·2C₂H₅OH ( 4 ), [VO₂(L)]·2H₂O ( 5 ), [Ni(L)₂]·H₂O ( 6 ), were synthesized and characterized. The ligand has been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The tridentate nature of the ligand is evident from the IR spectra. The copper(II), vanadium(V) and nickel(II) complexes have been characterized by different physico‐chemical techniques such as molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility measurements and electronic, infrared and electron paramagnetic resonance spectral studies. The structures of the ligand and its copper(II) ( 2 , 4 ), and vanadium(V) ( 5 ) complexes have been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The composition of the coordination polyhedron of the central atom in 2 , 4 and 5 is different. The tetrahedral coordination geometry of Cu was found in complex 2 while in complex 4 , it is square planar, in complex 5 the coordination polyhedron of the central ion is distorted square pyramid. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the complexes against Escherichia coli, Salmonella abony, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and the antifungal activity against Candida albicans strains was higher for the metal complexes than for free ligand. The effect of the free ligand and its metal complexes on the proliferation of HL‐60 cells was tested.     

Synthesis, characterization, and crystal structures of hydrotris(2-mercapto-1-imidazolyl)borate-based zinc(II) and copper(I) complexes

The reaction of the tripod ligand hydrotris(2-mercapto-1-imidazolyl)borate Tm^xylyl with zinc(II) perchlorate in methanol afforded the mononuclear complex of the type [Tm^xylyl-Zn(mim^xylyl)]ClO₄ (1). Whereas under the same conditions, the reaction with copper(II) perchlorate gives rise to the simultaneous formation of the dinuclear copper(I) complex [Tm^xylylCu]₂ (2). The chemical formulae of the complexes have been characterized by elemental chemical analysis, IR-NMR spectroscopies, and single crystal X-ray methods. In complex 1, the zinc(II) atom displays a distorted tetrahedral environment. While in complex 2, the Tm^xylyl ligand bridges the two copper(I) atoms in an asymmetric manner with trigonal geometry. The inverted conformation of the ligand Tm^xylyl at the boron center, allows the B-H units to be directed towards the copper centers. The greater reactivity of the borohydride groups towards metal centers enhances the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I). The obtained kinetic results for the methylation reactions of 1 and 2 indicate that these bound thione complexes are less suitable to electrophilic attack than the thiolate ligand.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, DNA-binding properties, cytotoxic and antioxidation activities of several new ternary copper(II) complexes of N,N′-(p-xylylene)di-alanine acid and 1,10-phenanthroline

Three novel ternary copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(phen)₂(l-PDIAla)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂·2.5H₂O (1), [Cu₄(phen)₆(d,l-PDIAla)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₆·3H₂O (2) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(d,l-PDIAla)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂·0.5H₂O (3) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, H₂PDIAla = N,N’-(p-xylylene)di-alanine acid) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and other structural analysis. Spectrometric titrations, ethidium bromide displacement experiments, CD (circular dichroism) spectral analysis and viscosity measurements indicate that the three compounds, especially the complex 3, strongly bind to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA). The intrinsic binding constants of the ternary copper(II) complexes with CT-DNA are 0.89 × 10⁵, 1.14 × 10⁵ and 1.72 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, for 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Comparative cytotoxic activities of the copper(II) complexes are also determined by acid phosphatase assay. The results show that the ternary copper(II) complexes have significant cytotoxic activity against the HeLa (Cervical cancer), HepG2 (hepatocarcinoma), HL-60 cells (myeloid leukemia), A-549 cells (pulmonary carcinoma) and L02 (liver cells). Investigations of antioxidation properties show that all the copper(II) complexes have strong scavenging effects for hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals.     

Deuteron NMR spectroscopy of copper(II) complexes in solution. 1. (5,7,7,12,14,14,-hexamethyl-1,4,8,1 1-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-diene)-copper(II) and its derivatives in nonaqueous solvent

¹H and ²H NMR spectra of the title copper(II) complexes and its derivatives have been measured. In contrast with their ¹H NMR spectra, ²H NMR spectra gave well resolved sharp signals, and demonstrated that two diastereomers attributable to two asymmetric ligand nitrogens are readily resolved. The remarkable linewidth-narrowing was found in the peripheral methyl groups, which make ²H NMR spectra very useful even for copper(II) complexes with a long electron spin relaxation time. By using ²H NMR spectra, meso-racemate equilibrium was pursued and examined in aqueous and acetonitrile solutions.     

Synthesis and chemical characterization of Cu, Ni and Zn complexes of 3,5-bis(2′-pyridyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole and 3-(2′-pyridyl)5-(phenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole ligands

The synthesis and structural characterization of Ni^II, Cu^II and Zn^II complexes of two chelating 1,2,4-oxadiazole ligands, namely 3,5-bis(2′-pyridyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (bipyOXA) and 3-(2′-pyridyl)5-(phenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (pyOXA), is here reported. The formed hexacoordinated metal complexes are [M(bipyOXA)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ and [M(pyOXA)₂(ClO₄)₂], respectively (M = Ni, Cu, Zn). X-ray crystallography, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and C, N, H elemental analysis data concord in attributing them an octahedral coordination geometry. The two coordinated pyOXA ligands assume a trans coplanar disposition, while the two bipyOXA ligands are not. The latter result is a possible consequence of the formation of H-bonds between the coordinated water molecules and the nitrogen atom of the pyridine in position 5 of the oxadiazole ring. The expected splitting of the d metal orbitals in an octahedral ligand field explains the observed paramagnetism of the d⁸ and d⁹ electron configuration of the nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes, respectively, as determined by the broadening of their NMR spectra.     

Stabilization of the cobalt coordination site in transmetalation processes on dinuclear salen derivatives

Two dinuclear cobalt/copper compounds have been isolated from the reaction between N,N′-ethylenebis(salicylideniminato)cobalt(II), [Co(salen)], and copper(II) chloride in different conditions. The first one is a dinuclear cobalt(III)/copper(II) derivative, [Co(salen)Cl₂Cu(EtOH)₂Cl], 1, that have the cobalt atom six-coordinated to the four donor atoms of the salen ligand and to two chlorine atoms in a slightly distorted octahedral environment and the copper atom five-coordinated to the two bridging oxygen atoms of the salen ligand, two ethanol molecules and one extra chlorine atom. This compound is the only reported example of a cobalt/copper derivative with the cobalt maintaining the salen coordinative site, since the usual reaction takes place by a transmetalation process. This reaction is observed in the second derivative, [Cu(salen)CoCl₂], 2, where the copper atom displaces the cobalt from the salen cavity. The copper atom adopts a square-planar coordinative environment, while the cobalt is tetrahedrically coordinated to the two bridging oxygen and two chlorine atoms. Both compounds present several intermolecular contacts that increase the dimensionality in the crystal and some of which can transmit magnetic interactions. The magnetic properties confirm the structural picture, with isolated copper(II) centres in 1, where the cobalt(III) is in the low spin form, and with antiferromagnetically coupled S = ¹/₂ and S = ³/₂ centres in 2.     

Synthesis, structural and corrosion inhibition studies on cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with 2-acetylthiophene benzoylhydrazone

Cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with 2-acetylthiophene benzoylhydrazone have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility measurements, electronic, IR, NMR and ESR spectral techniques. The molecular structures of ligand and its copper(II) complex have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The Cu(II) complex possesses a CuN₂O₂ chromophore with a considerable delocalization of charge. The structure of the complex is stabilized by intermolecular π–π stacking and C–H?π interactions. Hatbh acts as a monobasic bidentate ligand in all the complexes bonding through a deprotonated C–O⁻ and >CN groups. Electronic spectral studies indicate an octahedral geometry for the Ni(II) complex while square planar geometry for the Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes. ESR spectrum of the Cu(II) complex exhibits a square planar geometry in solid and in DMSO solution. The trend g_|| > g_⊥ > 2.0023 indicates the presence of an unpaired electron in the d_x²-y² orbital of Cu(II). The electro-chemical study of Cu(II) complex reveals a metal based reversible redox behavior. The Ni(II) complex shows exothermic multi-step decomposition pattern of the bonded ligand. The ligand and its most of the metal complexes show appreciable corrosion inhibition properties for mild steel in 1 M HCl medium. [Co(atbh)₂] complex exhibited the greatest impact on corrosion inhibition among the other compounds.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of copper(I) complexes containing β-dialdiminato supporting ligands

Two mononuclear neutral copper(I) complexes, Cu(L¹)PPh₃ (1), Cu(L²)(PPh₃)₂ (2) ([L¹]⁻ = [{N(C₆H₃ⁱPr₂-2,6)C(H)}₂CPh]⁻; [L²]⁻ = [{N(C₆H₅)C(H)}₂CPh]⁻) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. In complex 1, the copper(I) atom is in a distorted three-coordinate trigonal planar environment, whereas in complex 2 with the less sterically hindered β-dialdiminato ligand, the copper(I) atom is the centre of a four-coordinate distorted tetrahedron. At room temperature complexes 1 and 2 in a film of PMMA exhibit green emission at 543 and 549 nm with lifetimes of 5.28 and 5.32 ns, respectively.     

Coordination properties of ethyl bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)phosphate ligand with copper and zinc chloride. X-ray crystal structure of Cu(II) complex

A new ethyl bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)phosphate (2-bis(pm)Ope) ligand has been synthesized and used for synthesis of copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of the formula [MCl₂(2-bis(pm)Ope)] [M = Cu(II), Zn(II)]. Despite having the same general formula, Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes are not isostructural. The Zn(II) complex is four coordinated (MCl₂N₂) forming probably tetrahedral structure whereas the Cu(II) complex of distorted square pyramidal geometry is five coordinated (MCl₂ON₂). The later compound not only coordinates by two nitrogen atoms of pyridine rings but also by the oxygen atom of pyridin-2-ylmethoxyl residue. The compound (2-bis(pm)Ope) has been obtained as the product of diethyl (pyridin-2-ylmethyl)phosphate’s (2-pmOpe) transestrification. The compounds have been identified and characterized by IR, far-IR, ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR and elemental analyses. The crystal structure of copper(II) complex i.e. [CuCl₂(2-bis(pm)Ope)] has been determined by the X-ray diffraction method. The low temperature magnetic study reveals significant antiferromagnetic interaction between copper centers through the H-bond system.     

Structural, magnetic, electrochemical, catalytic, DNA binding and cleavage studies of new macrocyclic binuclear copper(II) complexes

The macrocyclic symmetrical and a series of unsymmetrical binuclear copper(II) complexes have been synthesized by using mononuclear complex [CuL] [3,3′-((1E,7E)-3,6-dioxa-2,7-diazaocta-1,7-diene-1,8-diyl)bis(3-formyl-5-methyl-2-diolato)copper(II)]. Another compartment of the [CuL] have been condensed with various diamines like 1,2-bis(aminooxy)ethane (L¹), 1,2-diamino ethane(L^2a), 1,3-diamino propane(L^2b), 1,4-diamino butane(L^2c), 1,2-diamino benzene(L^2d), 1,8-diamino naphthalene(L^2e) and characterized by elemental, spectroscopic, and X-ray crystallographic methods. The influence of the coordination geometry and the ring size of the binucleating ligands on the electronic, redox, magnetic, catecholase activity, DNA binding and cleavage properties have been studied. The molecular structures of the symmetrical binuclear complex [Cu₂L¹(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1) and unsymmetrical binuclear complex [Cu₂L^2b(ClO₄)(H₂O)]ClO₄ (2b) were determined by X-ray crystallography. Both of them were discrete binuclear species in which each Cu(II) ions are in distorted square pyramid. The Cu?Cu distances vary from 3.0308 (2b) to 3.0361 Å (1). Electrochemical studies evidenced that two quasi-reversible one electron-transfer reduction waves −0.91 to −1.01 V, −1.26 to −1.55 V) for binuclear complexes are obtained in the cathodic region. Cryomagnetic investigation of the binuclear complexes reveals a weak antiferromagnetic spin exchange interaction between the Cu(II) ions within the complexes (−2J = 104.4-127.5 cm⁻¹). The initial rate (V_in) for the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol to o-quinone by the binuclear Cu(II)complexes are in the range 3.6 × 10⁻⁵ to 7.3 × 10⁻⁵ Ms⁻¹. The binuclear Cu(II) complexes are avid binders to calf thymus DNA. The complexes display significant oxidative cleavage of circular plasmid pBR322 DNA in the presence of mercaptoethanol using the singlet oxygen as a reactive species. The aromatic diamine condensed macrocyclic ligands of copper(II) complexes display better DNA interaction and significant chemical nuclease activity than the aliphatic diamine condensed macrocyclic Cu(II) complexes.     

Synthesis and studies of some bivalent transition metal complexes with acylhydrazones

Complexes of 3-hydroxy-2-naphthaldehyde benzylhydrazone (H₂nabh) and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthaldehyde salicyloylhydrazone (H₃nash) of the empirical composition M(L2H)·nH₂O [M = manganese(II), iron(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II), cadmium(II), mercury(II), L = H₂nabh, H₃nash and n = 0, 1, 2] were prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, electronic and infrared spectral data. Zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes were also studied by ¹³C, ¹H NMR and the Cu(nabh)·H₂O complex by transmission electron microscopy. The complexes are coloured and highly insoluble in common organic solvents. Absence of the original anion in the complexes indicates deprotonation of the ligands (H₂nabh and H₃nash) which bind the metal ions from the OH and the CN groups.     

Synthesis, characterization and coordination chemistry of dibenzofuran derivatives of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane

A 1,4-disubstituted dibenzofuran derivative of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen), L1, has been prepared by the direct reaction of cyclen and chloroacetyldibenzofuran and the mono-substituted derivative, L2, by reaction of chloroacetyldibenzofuran and 1,4,7-tris(t-butoxycarbonyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane followed by deprotection with trifluoroacetic acid. The ligands were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The reaction of the 1,4-disubstituted dibenzofuran cyclen, L1, with Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O in methanol yielded crystals of [CuL1](ClO₄)₂·MeOH·1/2H₂O that were suitable for single crystal structural analysis. The X-ray structure confirmed that the 1,4-disubstituted dibenzofuran cyclen had been formed. The copper(II) coordination sphere in the complex cation, [CuL1]²⁺, is occupied by four nitrogen atoms from the macrocycle and an amide oxygen donor from one dibenzofuran pendant group. As is typical for copper(II)-cyclen complexes, the Cu(II) centre sits above the plane of the macrocycle nitrogen towards the oxygen donor, in this case by 0.5 Å. Fluorescence emission studies indicate that coordination of the macrocycle to either copper(II) or zinc(II) results in a decrease in emission with respect to the emission of the pure ligand.