P-donor ligand containing ruthenium half-sandwich complexes as protein kinase inhibitors

Metal complexes have emerged as promising and novel scaffolds for the design of enzyme inhibitors. Reported herein are the design, synthesis, and evaluation of protein kinase inhibition properties of pyridocarbazole half-sandwich complexes containing P-donor ligands. The nature of the monodentate P-donor ligand has a strong effect on protein kinase binding properties, most likely due to a direct interaction with the glycine-rich loop in the ATP-binding site. We furthermore discovered that PMe₃ pyridocarbazole complexes are interesting lead structures for the design of potent inhibitors for the protein kinase TrkA for which we obtained a nanomolar organometallic inhibitor.     

Asymmetric epoxidation of alkenes using a mixed-ligand complex of ruthenium(III) containing a sugar-based ligand

A mixed-ligand ruthenium(III) catalyst complex, [Ru^III(TDL*)(bipy)(H₂O)]Cl (1) (TDL* = N-3,5-di-(t-butyl)salicylidine-d-glucosamine; bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) exhibited catalytic activity toward enantioselective alkene epoxidation using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as terminal oxidant. Styrene, 4-chlorostyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 4-methoxystyrene, 1-methylcyclohexene and 1,2-dihydronaphthalene were effectively converted to their organic epoxides with moderate enantioselectivity (37-47% ee) at ambient temperature. A mechanism involving the formation of a high-valent Ru(V)-oxo species, and the subsequent oxo-transfer to the alkene through a metallaoxetane intermediate is proposed.     

Structural, spectroscopic and redox studies of a new ruthenium(III) complex with an imidazole-rich tripodal ligand

The present paper describes a new tripodal ligand containing imidazole and pyridine arms and its first cis-[Ru^III(L)(Cl)₂]ClO₄ complex (1). The crystal structure of 1 shows Ru^III in a distorted octahedral geometry, in which two chloride ions, cis-positioned to each other, are coordinated besides the four nitrogen atoms from the tetradentate ligand L. The cyclic voltammogram of 1 exhibits three redox processes at −67, +73 and +200 mV versus SCE, which are attributed to the Ru^III/Ru^II couple in the cis-[Ru^III(L)(Cl)₂]⁺, cis-[Ru^II(L)(H₂O)(Cl)]⁺ and cis-[Ru^II(L)(H₂O)₂]²⁺, respectively. After chemical reduction (Zn(Hg) or Eu^II) only the cis-[Ru^II(L)(H₂O)₂]²⁺ species is observed in the cyclic voltammetry. Complex 1 absorbs at 470 nm (ε=1.4×10³ mol⁻¹ L cm⁻¹), 335 nm (ε=7.9×10³ mol⁻¹ L cm⁻¹), 301 nm (ε=6.7×10³ mol⁻¹ L cm⁻¹) and 264 nm (ε=9.9×10³ mol⁻¹ L cm⁻¹), in water solution (CF₃COOH, 0.01 mol L⁻¹, μ=0.1 mol L⁻¹ with CF₃COONa). Spectroelectrochemical experiments show a decrease of the bands at 335 and 301 nm, which are attributed to LMCT transitions from the chloride to the Ru^III center and the appearance of a broad band at 402 nm ascribed to MLCT transition from the Ru^II center to the pyridine ligand. The lability of the water ligands in the cis-[Ru^II(L)(H₂O)₂]²⁺ species has been investigated using the auxiliary ligand pyrazine. Reactions in the presence of stoichiometric and excess of pyrazine yield the same species, cis-[Ru^II(L)(H₂O)(pz)]²⁺, which exhibits a reversible redox process at 493 mV versus SCE and absorbs at 438 nm (ε=5.1×10³ mol⁻¹ L cm⁻¹) and 394 nm (ε=4.2×10³ mol⁻¹ L cm⁻¹). Experiments performed with a large excess of pyrazine gave a specific rate constant k₁=(2.8±0.5)×10⁻² M⁻¹ s⁻¹, at 25 °C, in CF₃COOH, 0.01 mol L⁻¹, μ=0.1 mol L⁻¹ (with CF₃COONa).     

A 2-quinolinecarboxylate-substituted ruthenium(II) complex as a new type of sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells

A new type of ruthenium(II) complex containing a 2-quinolinecarboxylate ligand was designed and synthesized as a sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells, and its photophysical and photochemical properties were characterized. The solar cells created with this complex exhibited efficient panchromatic sensitization over the entire visible wavelength range extending into the near-IR region. An overall conversion efficiency of 8.2% was attained under standard air mass 1.5 irradiation (100 mW cm⁻²) with the short-circuit photocurrent density of 18.2 mA cm⁻², the open-circuit photovoltage of 0.63 V and the fill factor of 0.72.     

Substitution of chloride by nitrosyl ligand in a scorpionate ruthenium(III) compound: A theoretical study

A theoretical study of the ruthenium(III) complex [RuCl₂(pz₂CHSO₃)(en)] and of its nitrosyl-substituted product [Ru(NO)Cl(pz₂CHSO₃)(en)]⁺ is presented, based on density functional calculations. Several isomers of each compound differing in the position of the anionic tail of a bis(3,4-dimethyl-1-yl)methanesulfonate scorpionate ligand, pz₂CHSO₃⁻, relative to the monodentate ligands have been optimized. A two-step mechanism is proposed for the ligand substitution reaction that is consistent with the computational results and the weak coordination of the sulfonate group.     

Interaction of polypyridyl ruthenium (II) complex containing asymmetric ligand with DNA

A novel asymmetric bidentate ruthenium (II) complex, [Ru(bpy)(2)(PYNI)](2+) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, PYNI=2-(2'-pyridyl)naphthoimidazole), has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ES-MS (electrospray mass spectra) and (1)H NMR. The electrochemical behaviors of this complex were studied by cyclic voltammetry. DNA interaction studies suggest that [Ru(bpy)(2)(PYNI)](2+) binds to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) in an intercalative mode. Interestingly, this new Ru(II) complex has also been found to promote cleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA from the supercoiled form I to the open circular form II upon irradiation.     

Synthesis of cyclopentadienyl ruthenium(II) complexes containing tethered functionalities

The reaction of [C₅H₄(CH₂)_nX]Tl (1: n = 2, X = NMe₂, OMe, CN; n = 3, X = NMe₂) with [(η⁶-C₆H₆)RuCl(μ-Cl)]₂, 2, afforded the sandwich compounds [{η⁵-C₅H₄(CH₂)_nX}Ru(η⁶-C₆H₆)]PF₆, 3, and [η⁵-C₅H₄(CH₂)_nX]₂Ru, 4. Photolytic cleavage of 3 in acetonitrile afforded the tethered products [{η⁵:κN-C₅H₄(CH₂)_nX}Ru(CH₃CN)₂]PF₆, 5.     

Coordination of 4-mercapto-1,2-dithiole-3-thione heterocycles to ruthenium(II) and molybdenum(VI) centres

Deprotonation of 4-mercapto-1,2-dithiole-3-thiones with NEt₃ followed by reaction with [Ru(H)(Cl)(CO)(PPh₃)₃] affords virtually quantitative yields of turquoise [Ru(H)(RC₃S₄)(CO)(PPh₃)₂] (R = Ph, Mes) in which the heterocycle is bound as a bidentate uninegative ligand through the two exocyclic sulfur atoms. The presence of both possible isomers in each case is indicated by NMR spectroscopy. Reaction of the 4-mercapto-1,2-dithiole-3-thiones with [MoO₂(acac)₂] results in displacement of the acac ligands and formation of [MoO₂(RC₃S₄)₂]. The crystal structures of [Ru(H)(MesC₃S₄)(CO)(PPh₃)₂] and [MoO₂(MesC₃S₄)₂] have been determined.     

The use of the borocaptate anion as a ligand. Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of pentaammine (1-thiolato-closo-undecahydrododecaborane)ruthenium(III) dihydrate

The complex [Ru(SB₁₂H₁₁)(NH₃)₅]·2H₂O has been prepared by the reaction of Cs₂B₁₂H₁₁SH with [RuCl(NH₃)₅]Cl₂ in aqueous solution. The complex represents the first reported example of the borocaptate anion acting as a ligand. The structure of the complex has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal parameters are monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, A = 8.056(1), B = 14.240(2), C = 15.172(2) Å, β=98.48° and Z = 4. The ruthenium atom has a distorted octahedral coordination. The distortion is probably due to the high (3⁻) charge and the large bulk of the borocaptate ligand. These features can also be observed in the spectroscopic properties of the complex.     

Structure and spectroscopic studies of cis-bis(bipyridine) ruthenium(II) complexes of phenylcyanamide ligands

New ruthenium(II) complexes with cyanamide ligands, cis-[Ru(bpy)₂(Ipcyd)₂] (1) and [Ru(bpy)₂(OHpcyd)₂] (2) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, Ipcyd = 4-iodophenylcyanamide anion, OHpcyd = 4-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1-ynil)phenylcyanamide), have been prepared and characterized by UV-Vis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies as well as electrochemical technique (CV). The complex cis-[Ru(bpy)₂(Ipcyd)₂] (1) crystallized with empirical formula of C₃₄H₂₄I₂N₈Ru in a monoclinic crystal system and space group of P2₁/c with a = 11.769(7) Å, b = 24.188(12) Å, c = 11.623(2) Å, β = 91.63(3)°, V = 3308(3) ų and Z = 4.     

Synthesis, DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of ruthenium(II) complex with 2-(3'-phenoxyphenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline

A new polypyridyl ligand MPPIP {MPPIP=2-(3'-phenoxyphenyl)imidazo[4,5-f]-[1,10]phenanthroline} and its ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)(2)MPPIP](2+) (1) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) and [Ru(phen)(2)MPPIP](2+) (2) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. The binding of the two complexes to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated with spectrophotometric methods, viscosity measurements, as well as equilibrium dialysis and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The results suggest that both complexes bind to CT-DNA through intercalation, and enantioselectively interact with CT-DNA in a way. However, complex 2 is a much better candidate as an enantioselective binder to CT-DNA than complex 1. When irradiated at 365nm, both complexes have also been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA.     

DNA- and RNA-binding and enhanced DNA-photocleavage properties of a ferrocenyl-containing ruthenium(II) complex

The interaction of [Ru(bpy)₂(fip)](PF₆)₂ {bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, fip = 2-ferrocenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline} with calf thymus DNA and yeast tRNA was investigated comparatively by UV-visible absorption and luminescence spectrophotometric titrations, steady-state emission quenching by [Fe(CN)₆]^4 −, ethidium bromide competition experiment, DNA thermal denaturation, viscosity measurements and salt effect studies. The results suggest that the complex binds to the DNA more strongly than to the RNA. The density functional theory calculations were also carried out in order to better understand the nucleic acid binding properties. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the complex exhibited enhanced DNA-photocleavage capacity on pUC 18 plasmid DNA under irradiation at 360 nm as compared with a ferrocenyl-free analogous complex.     

Synthesis and characterization of ruthenium(II) complexes bearing the bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand

The reaction of [Ru(CO)₂Cl₂]_n with bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (bpma) in refluxing ethanol followed by anion exchange yields two products: cis,fac-[Ru(bpma)(CO)₂Cl]PF₆ (1a, 71%) and trans,fac-[Ru(bpma)(CO)₂Cl]PF₆ (1b, 29%). Reaction of 1a with AgBF₄ in acetone, followed by acetonitrile and then anion exchange gave cis,fac-[Ru(bpma)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)](PF₆)₂ (2a). In the same way, 1b afforded trans,fac-[Ru(bpma)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)](PF₆)₂ (2b). Reaction of depolymerized [Ru(CO)₂Cl₂]_n with bpma in ethanol at room temperature afforded cis,cis-[Ru(η²-bpma)(CO)₂Cl₂] (3). In refluxing ethanol, 3 was converted to cis,fac-[Ru(bpma)(CO)₂Cl]Cl (1a-Cl). Heating 3 in chlorobenzene afforded 1b-Cl, exclusively; heating 3 in ethylene glycol gave mainly 1a-Cl. Heating 1a-Cl in ethanol resulted in no isomerization, but heating in chlorobenzene gave a mixture of 3 and 1b-Cl. Anion exchange for PF₆ with 1a-Cl and 1b-Cl afforded 1a and 1b, respectively, whereas anion exchange for BPh₄ afforded 1a-BPh₄. Compounds 1a, 1b, 2a and 3 have been structurally characterized.     

Synthesis and anti-cancer activity of bis-amino-phosphine ligand and its ruthenium(II) complexes

The development of both chemotherapeutic drug resistance as well as adverse side effects suggest that the current chemotherapeutic drugs remain ineffective in treating the various types of cancers. The development of new metallodrugs presenting anti-cancer activity is therefore needed. Ruthenium complexes have gained a great deal of interest due to their promising anti-tumour properties and reduced toxicity in vivo. This study highlighted the effective induction of cell death in a malignant melanoma cell by two novel bis-amino-phosphine ruthenium(II) complexes referred to as GA105 and GA113. The IC₅₀ concentrations were determined for both the complexes, the ligand and cisplatin, for comparison. Both complexes GA105 and GA113 displayed a high anti-cancer selectivity profile as they exhibited low IC₅₀ values of 6.72 µM and 8.76 µM respectively, with low toxicity towards a non-malignant human cell line. The IC₅₀ values obtained for both complexes were lower than that of cisplatin. The new complexes were more effective compared to the free ligand, GA103 (IC₅₀ = >20 µM). Morphological studies on treated cells induced apoptotic features, which with further studies could indicate an intrinsic cell death pathway. Additionally, flow cytometric analysis revealed that the mode of cell death of complex GA113 was apoptosis. The outcomes herein give further insight into the potential use of selected Ru(II) complexes as alternative chemotherapeutic drugs in the future.     

pH effects on optical and DNA binding properties of a thiophene-containing ruthenium(II) complex

A new ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(bpy)₂(Htip)]Cl₂ {where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine and Htip = 2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline}, has been synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The pH effects on UV-Vis absorption and emission spectra of the complex have been studied, and the ground- and excited-state acidity ionization constant values have been derived. The calf thymus (ct) DNA binding properties of the complex have been investigated with UV-Vis absorption and luminescence titrations, steady-state emission quenching by [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻, DNA competitive binding with ethidium bromide, DNA melting experiments, and viscosity measurements. The molecular structures and electronic properties of [Ru(bpy)₂(Htip)]²⁺ and deprotonated form [Ru(bpy)₂(tip)]⁺ have also been investigated by means of density functional theory calculations in an effort to understand the DNA binding properties. The results suggest that the complex undergo three-step successive protonation/deprotonation reactions with one of which occurring over physiological pH region, and act as a ct-DNA intercalator with an intrinsic DNA binding constant value on 10⁵ M⁻¹ order of magnitude that is insensitive to pH.     

Interactions of mixed ligand ruthenium(II) complexes containing an amino acid and 1,10-phenanthroline with DNA

Mixed ligand ruthenium(II) complexes containing an amino acid (AA) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), i.e. [Ru(AA)(phen)₂]ⁿ⁺ (n=1,2, AA=glycine (gly), l-alanine (l-ala), l-arginine (l-arg)) have been synthesized. The interactions of these complexes and [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ with DNA have been examined by absorption, luminescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods. Absorption spectral properties revealed that [Ru(AA)(phen)₂]⁺ (AA=gly, l-ala) interacted with CT-DNA by the electrostatic binding mode. [Ru(l-arg)(phen)₂]²⁺ exhibited the greatest hypochromicity, red shift, and binding constant, indicating that this complex may partially intercalate into the base-pairs of DNA. These results were also suggested by luminescence spectroscopy. CD spectral properties have been examined to understand the detailed interactions of the ruthenium(II) complexes with artificial DNA. In the case of Δ-[Ru(l-arg)(phen)₂]²⁺, the solution on adding [poly(dG-dC)]₂ exhibited two well-defined positive peaks, which the shorter and longer wavelength peaks were assigned as originating from the major and the minor groove binding modes, respectively. Then, the solution on adding [poly(dA-dT)]₂ exhibited only one positive peak, which was assigned as a peak corresponding to the minor groove binding mode.     

DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of mixed polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes with calf thymus DNA

New mixed polypyridyl {NMIP = 2′-(2″-nitro-3″,4″-methylenedioxyphenyl)imidazo-[4′,5′-f][1,10]-phenanthroline, dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine} ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(dmb)₂(NMIP)]²⁺ (1) and [Ru(bpy)₂(NMIP)]²⁺ (2) have been synthesized and characterized. The binding of these complexes to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated with spectroscopic methods, viscosity and electrophoresis measurements. The experimental results indicate that both complexes could bind to DNA via partial intercalation from the minor/major groove. In addition, both complexes have been found to promote the single-stranded cleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA upon irradiation. Under comparable experimental conditions compared with [Ru(phen)₂(NMIP)]²⁺, during the course of the dialysis at intervals of time, the CD signals of both complexes started from none, increased to the maximum magnitude, then no longer changed, and the activity of effective DNA cleavage dependence upon concentration degree lies in the following order: [Ru(phen)₂NMIP]²⁺ > complex 2 > complex 1.     

Synthesis, spectral and structural studies of water soluble arene ruthenium (II) complexes containing 2,2′-dipyridyl-N-alkylimine ligand

A series of water soluble complexes of general formula [(η⁶-arene)Ru{(C₅H₄N)₂CNRi}Cl]PF₆ have been prepared by the reaction of [{(η⁶-arene)RuCl₂}₂] with appropriate 2,2′-dipyridyl-N-alkylimine ligands (dpNRi) in the presence of NH₄PF₆ (where; R = Me or Et; arene = p-cymene, C₆Me₆, C₆H₆). The 2,2′-dipyridyl-N-alkylimine ligands are prepared by reaction of 2,2′-dipyridyl ketone with the corresponding alkylamine. The complexes are readily obtained as air stable yellow to dark brown solids by simple stirring at room temperature. The complexes are isolated as their hexafluorophosphate salts and characterized on the basis of spectroscopic data. The molecular structure of representative complex [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru{(C₅H₄N)₂CN-Me}Cl]PF₆ has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Reactivity to Lewis acids of half-sandwich pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complexes of ruthenium(II) containing chiral diphosphines

Compounds (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru(L^∧L)Cl (where L^∧L is 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane or chiral homologs thereof) form adducts with BCl₃ and BBr₃ with 1:2 stoichiometry, whereas no stable compounds are obtained with AlX₃ (X = Cl, Br).When the metal is a center of chirality, i.e., for complexes containing diphosphines with C₁ symmetry such as (R)-prophos, the reaction takes place with a high grade of diastereoselectivity (diastereomeric ratio 92/8). Starting with either a 50:50 or a 95/5 initial mixture, the predominant diastereomer formed has a larger difference in the ³¹P{¹H} NMR chemical shift.     

pH- and DNA-induced dual molecular light switches based on a novel ruthenium(II) complex

A novel Ru(II) complex, [Ru(bpy)₂(btppz)]Cl₂, where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine and btppz = benzo[h]tripyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c:2″,3″-j]phenazine, has been synthesized and characterized. The pH effects on UV-visible (UV-vis) absorption and emission spectra of the complex have been studied and ground- and excited-state ionization constants of the complex have been derived. The calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) binding properties of the complex were investigated with UV-vis absorption and luminescence spectrophotometric titrations, steady-state emission quenching by [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻, DNA competitive binding with ethidium bromide, DNA melting experiments, reverse salt titrations and viscosity measurements. The complex was demonstrated to act as dual molecular switches: pH-induced “on-off” emission switch with an on-off intensity ratio of ∼54 which is favorably compared with those reported for structurally analogous Ru(II) complexes, and a DNA molecular light switch with a luminescence enhancement factor of 22 as it intercalatively bound to the DNA.