The structural determinations of the leucine zipper coiled-coil domains of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase Iα and its interaction with the myosin binding subunit of the myosin light chains phosphase

Physiologic relaxation of vascular smooth muscle is induced by the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)- dependent protein kinase Iα enzyme (cGKIα), which activates myosin phosphatase (MLCP). This activation process is thought to occur through the interaction involving both N- and C-terminal leucine zipper coiled-coil (LZCC) domains of the kinase enzyme (cGKIα) with the myosin binding subunit (MBS) of MLCP. In this review, I summarize how to define the LZCC domains in both N-terminal cGKIα(1-59) and C-terminal MBS proteins using predictive and experimental methods, how to make a rapid and accurate structure determination of a cGKIα(1-59) molecule using NMR's residual dipolar coupling (RDC) measurements, and how to indentify the existence of a weak protein interaction between N-terminal LZCC domain (cGKIα(1-59)) and a LZCC domain (MBSCT42) within the C-terminal MBS. In addition, the location and orientation of the residues in LZCC proteins can be readily visualized using a novel diagram, the so-called "wenxiang diagram", which is more advantageous than traditional helical wheel diagrams in analyzing LZCC protein structures and their action mechanisms. Using the composed wenxiang diagrams, we have characterized the interaction between cGKIα(1- 59) and another LZCC molecule (MBSCT42), and deduced that the most affected residues of these two LZCC molecules might be at the positions d, a, e and g. These studies and findings are also covered in this review. It is intriguing to see that the successful incorporation of wenxiang diagrams and NMR spectroscopy in the LZCC structural and functional studies may provide some insights into protein-protein interaction mechanisms.     

Anion effects on construction of Zn compounds with a chelating ligand bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine and their catalytic activities

Three Zn^II complexes containing bispicam ligands (bispicam = bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine), [Zn(bispicam)₂](NO₃)₂·2CH₃OH 4A, [Zn(bispicam)(NO₃)₂] 4B, and [Zn(bispicam)₂](OTf)₂6, were obtained, and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. Complexes of the general formulation [Zn(bispicam)₂]X₂ (X = Cl⁻ (1), Br⁻ (2), I⁻ (3), NO₃⁻ (4A), ClO₄⁻ (5), and OTf⁻ (6)) show fac geometric isomers (a) or enantiomers (c) and (d) according to anions. Moreover, complexes 4-6 could carry out the catalytic transesterification of a range of esters with methanol under the mild conditions. Importantly, the catalyst 4B with an unsaturated structure has shown better efficiency than the catalysts, 4A, 5, and 6, having saturated structures. To explain this reactivity difference, two different reaction mechanisms have been proposed (metal-based vs. amide N-H-based).     

Speciation, stability constants and structures of complexes of copper(II), nickel(II), silver(I) and mercury(II) with PAMAM dendrimer and related tetraamide ligands

The acid-base properties and Cu(II), Ni(II), Ag(I) and Hg(II) binding abilities of PAMAM dendrimer, L, and of the simple model compounds, the tetraamides of EDTA and PDTA, L¹, were studied in solution by pH-metric methods and by ¹H NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. PAMAM is hexabasic and six pK_a values have been determined and assigned. PAMAM forms five identifiable complexes with copper(II), [CuLH₄]⁶⁺, [CuLH₂]⁴⁺, [CuLH]³⁺, [CuL]²⁺ and [CuLH_-1]⁺ in the pH range 2-11 and three with nickel(II), [NiLH]³⁺, [NiL]²⁺ and [NiLH_-1]⁺ in the pH range 7-11. The complex [CuLH₄]⁶⁺, which contains two tertiary nitrogen and three amide oxygen atoms coordinated to the metal ion, is less stable than the analogous EDTA and PDTA tetraamide complexes [CuL¹]²⁺, which contain two tertiary nitrogen and four amide oxygen atoms, due to ring size and charge effects. With increasing pH, [CuLH₄]⁶⁺ undergoes deprotonation of two coordinated amide groups to give [CuLH₂]⁴⁺ with a concomitant change from O-amide to N-amidate coordination. Surprisingly and in contrast to the tetraamide complexes [CuL¹]²⁺, these two deprotonation steps could not be separated. As expected the nickel(II) complexes are less stable than their copper(II) analogues. The tetra-N-methylamides of EDTA, L¹(b), and PDTA form mononuclear and binuclear complexes with Hg(II). In the case of L¹(b) these have stoichiometries HgL¹(b)Cl₂, [HgL¹(b)H₋₂Cl₂]²⁻, [Hg₂L¹(b)Cl₂]²⁺, Hg₂L¹(b)H₋₂Cl₂ and [Hg₂L¹(b)H₋₅Cl₂]³⁻. Based on ¹H NMR and pH-metric data the proposed structure for HgL¹(b)Cl₂, the main tetraamide ligand containing species in the pH range <3-6.5, contains L¹(b) coordinated to the metal ion through the two tertiary nitrogens and two amide oxygens while the structure of [HgL¹(b)H₋₂Cl₂]²⁻, the main tetraamide ligand species at pH 7.5-9.0, contains the ligand similarly coordinated but through two amidate nitrogen atoms instead of amide oxygens. The proposed structure of [Hg₂L¹(b)Cl₂]²⁺, a minor species at pH 3-6.5, also based on ¹H NMR and pH-metric data, contains each Hg(II) coordinated to a tertiary amino nitrogen, two amide oxygens and a chloride ligand while that of [Hg₂L¹(b)H₋₅Cl₂]³⁻, contains each Hg(II) coordinated to a tertiary amino nitrogen, two amidate nitrogens, a chloride and a hydroxo ligand in the case of one of the Hg(II) ions. The parent EDTA and PDTA amides only form mononuclear complexes. PAMAM also forms dinuclear as well as mononuclear complexes with mercury(II) and silver(I). In the pH range 3-11 six complexes with Hg(II) i.e. [HgLH₄Cl₂]⁴⁺, [HgLH₃Cl₂]³⁺, [Hg₂LCl₂]²⁺, [Hg₂LH₋₁Cl₂]⁺, [HgLH₋₁Cl₂]⁻ and [HgLH₋₂Cl₂]²⁻ were identified and only two with Ag(I), [AgLH₃]⁴⁺ and [Ag₂L]²⁺. Based on stoichiometries, stability constant comparisons and ¹H NMR data, structures are proposed for these species. Hence [HgLH₄Cl₂]⁴⁺ is proposed to have a similar structure to [CuLH₄]⁶⁺ while [Hg₂LCl₂]²⁺has a similar structure to [Hg₂L¹(b)H₋₅Cl₂]³⁻.     

Anion binding studies of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine based amide receptors with nitro functionalized aryl substitutions: A positional isomeric effect

Syntheses and crystal structures of tren-based amide, L¹, N,N′,N″-tris[(2-amino-ethyl)-4-nitro-benzamide] and L², N,N′,N″-tris[(2-amino-ethyl)-2-nitro-benzamide] are reported and compared with previously published tripodal amide receptor L³, N,N′,N″-tris[(2-amino-ethyl)-3-nitro-benzamide]. The crystallographic results show intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions between two arms of the tripodal receptor and two other adjacent molecules in cases of L¹ and L² whereas in addition to the above interactions an aromatic π···π stacking among tripodal arms is also observed in L³. Receptors L¹, L² and L³ having electron withdrawing -NO₂ substituted (para, ortho and meta, respectively) phenyl moieties are explored toward their solution state anion binding properties and selectivity studies. The substantial changes in chemical shifts are observed for the amide protons (-NH) and aromatic protons (-CH) with F⁻ and Cl⁻ in cases of L¹ and L³, and only with F⁻ for L², indicating the participation of -NH and -CH protons in the solution state binding events. Binding constants for the above cases are calculated by ¹H NMR titration upon monitoring the -NH signal. Receptor L² shows exclusive selectivity toward F⁻ in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The structural aspects of binding I⁻, ClO₄⁻ and SiF₆²⁻ with the monoprotonated L¹, L¹H⁺·I⁻·DMF (1), L¹H⁺·ClO₄⁻·DMF (2) and L¹H⁺·0.5SiF₆²⁻·H₂O (3), respectively are examined crystallographically. Anion binding with multiple receptor units is observed via amide N-H···anion as well as aryl C-H···anion hydrogen-bonding interactions in all the complexes as observed in cases of previously reported crystal structures of anionic complexes of protonated L³. The aryl group having nitro functionality that contributes to solution state anion binding with the neutral receptor and solid state coordination in complexes 1-3 through CH···anion interactions is noteworthy.     

Mononuclear and polynuclear halide and nitrate Cu(II) compounds with 1,4,5-triazanaphthalene as a ligand: Characterization, magnetism and X-ray structures

Using the ligand 1,4,5-triazanaphthalene (abbreviated as tan) in combination with Cu(II) salts, three mononuclear compounds, Cu(tan)₂Cl₂ (1), Cu(tan)₂Br₂ (3), Cu(tan)₂(NO₃)₂ (5) and three polynuclear compounds, [Cu(tan)Cl₂]_n (2), [Cu(tan)Br₂]_n (4), [Cu(tan)(NO₃)₂]_n (6) have been synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis, EPR, FTIR and Far-FTIR spectroscopies. The crystal structures of compounds 1, 3, 5 and 6 are reported, as well as that of the dioxane adduct of compound 4, [Cu(tan)Br₂(C₄H₈O₂)](C₄H₈O₂) (4A).The structure of (2) was solved by X-ray powder diffraction. The coordination geometry around the Cu(II) atoms is tetrahedral for (1) and (3), square-pyramidal for (4A) and distorted octahedral for (5) and (6). Magnetic susceptibility measurements on the polynuclear compounds revealed weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) atoms with interaction constants (J) of J = −9.1 and −10.5 cm⁻¹, for 4 and 6, respectively. For compound 2 two options for possible interactions were considered, with interaction constants which vary for J_rung −22.0 to −13.5 cm⁻¹ and J_rail −19.6 to −17.0 cm⁻¹. These figures are discussed in the light of relevant structural parameters and literature.     

Structural diversity in thallium chemistry, IV. Further examples of solid state bromothallate(III) derivatives obtained by employing certain classes of alkyl diammonium cations

Six new bromothallate(III)-containing salts with different alkyl diammonium cations have been prepared from bromide containing solutions and studied by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses. The N,N′-diethyl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,2-ethylenediammonium, N-methyl-1,3-propanediammonium, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediammonium and N,N,N′,N′-tetraethyl-1,2-ethylenediammonium cations yield complexes (I, II, III and IV, respectively) with the [TlBr₅]²⁻ anionic stoichiometry. For I and II, both complexes contain the [TlBr₅]²⁻ anion. In complex II, this appears as a distorted octahedron with one long Tl?Br2′ contact of 3.632(4) Å from an adjacent anion, thus completing the hexacoordination about an otherwise distorted square pyramid. On the other hand, for III and IV, both complexes contain a tetrahedral [TlBr₄]⁻ anion together with an isolated, but hydrogen-bonded, Br⁻ anion. The 1,5-hexanediammonium complex (V) contains tetrahedral [TlBr₄]⁻, slightly distorted octahedral [TlBr₆]³⁻ and Br⁻ anions. The asymmetric unit of the N,N-diethyl-1,3-propanediammonium salt (VI) contains one cation and half of each of a [TlBr₄]⁻ and an axially compressed octahedral [TlBr₆]³⁻ anion. Extensive hydrogen-bonded networks exist in complexes II-VI. NH?Br hydrogen bonds generally have a significant influence on the nature of the anions present in species with the formal [TlBr₅] stoichiometry.     

Molecular interactions of zinc(II) cyclams with polycarboxylato ligands

Four new zinc(II) cyclams of the composition {Zn(L)(tp²⁻) · H₂O}_n (1), {Zn(L)(H₂bta²⁻) · 2H₂O}_n (2), [Zn₂(L)₂(ox²⁻)] 2ClO₄ · 2DMF (3), and Zn(L)(H₂btc⁻)₂ · 2DMF (4), where L = cyclam, tp²⁻ = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate ion, H₂bta²⁻ = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate ion, ox²⁻ = oxalate ion, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, and H₂btc⁻ = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate ion, have been synthesized and structurally characterized by a combination of analytical, spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. The carboxylato ligands in the complexes 1-4 show strong coordination tendencies toward zinc(II) cyclams with hydrogen bonding interactions between the pre-organized N-H groups of the macrocycle and oxygen atoms of the carboxylato ligands. The macrocycles in 1, 2, and 4 adopt trans-III configurations with the appropriate R,R,S,S arrangement of the four chiral nitrogen centers, respectively. However, the complex 3 shows an unusual cis V conformation with the R,R,R,R nitrogen configuration. The finding of strong interactions between the carboxylato ligands and the zinc(II) ions may provide additional knowledge for the improved design of receptor-targeted zinc(II) cyclams in anti-HIV agents.     

Biotechnological application of homo- and heterotrinuclear iron(III) furoates for cultivation of iron-enriched Spirulina

New trinuclear iron(III) furoates with the general formula [Fe₃O(α-fur)₆(R-OH)₃]X, where α-fur C₄H₃OCOO, R = CH₃ (1), C₂H₅ (2), n-C₃H₇ (3), n-C₄H₉ (4), X = NO₃⁻ (1-4); [Fe₃O(α-Fur)₆(DMF)(CH₃OH)₂]NO₃ (5); [Fe₃O(α-Fur)₆(H₂O)(CH₃OH)₂]Cl (6); [Fe₂MO(α-Fur)₆(L)(H₂O)₂], where L = THF (7-9), DMF (10-12), M = Mn²⁺ (7, 10), Co²⁺ (8, 11), Ni²⁺ (9, 12) and [Fe₂MO(α-Fur)₆(3Cl-Py)₃], where M = Mn²⁺ (13), Co²⁺ (14), Ni²⁺ (15); have been prepared and investigated by Mössbauer and IR spectroscopy. The X-ray crystal structure for the 1·2CH₃OH complex indicates that it crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (P2₁/n) and has a structure typical of μ₃-O-bridged trinuclear iron(III) compounds. Coordination compounds 1, 4, 7, 8 can be used as regulators of the biochemical composition of cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis biomass. The supplementation of these compounds, in concentrations exceeding 5-10 mg/l, increases the content of iron, amino acids, peptides and carbohydrates in Spirulina.     

Sesquiterpene lactones from the endemic Cape Verdean Artemisia gorgonum

Leaves and flowers of Artemisia gorgonum (Asteraceae) collected in Fogo, Cape Verde islands, were phytochemically investigated and resulted in isolation and characterization of three guaianolides 1, 2, 5, and a secoguainolide 4, in addition to eight known guaianolides 6-11 and two known germacranolides 12, 13. Structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Careful examination of the ¹³C NMR spectrum led to revision of the structure of a previously described guaianolide from 2 to 3. Most compounds exhibited mild antiplasmodial activities, ridentin (13) being the most interesting with an IC₅₀ of 3.8 ± 0.7 μg ml⁻¹ against Plasmodium falciparum FcB1 and weak cytotoxicity in a vero cell line (IC₅₀ 71.0 ± 3.9 μg ml⁻¹).     

The effects of point of substitution on the electrochemical behavior of new manganese phthalocyanines, tetra-substituted with diethylaminoethanethiol

The syntheses and comparative studies of the spectral, voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical properties of new manganese phthalocyanine complexes, tetra-substituted with diethylaminoethanethio at the peripheral (complex 3a) and non-peripheral positions (complex 3b) are reported. Solution electrochemistry of complex 3a showed quasi-reversible metal-based (Mn^IIIPc⁻²/Mn^IIPc⁻², E_1/2 = −0.07 V vs. Ag|AgCl) and ring-based (Mn^IIPc⁻²/Mn^IIPc⁻³, E_1/2 = −0.78 V vs. Ag|AgCl) reductions, but no ring-based oxidation. However, complex 3b showed weak irreversible ring-oxidation signal (E_p = +0.86 vs. Ag|AgCl). Reversible metal-based (Mn^IIIPc⁻²/Mn^IIPc⁻², E_1/2 = −0.04 V vs. Ag|AgCl) and ring-based (Mn^IIPc⁻²/Mn^IIPc⁻³, E_1/2 = −0.68 V vs. Ag|AgCl) reductions were also observed for complex 3b. Spectroelectrochemistry was used to confirm these processes. Reduction process involving the metal (Mn^IIIPc⁻²/Mn^IIPc⁻²) was associated with the formation of manganese μ-oxo complex in complex 3a.     

Intramolecular exchange of coordinated and dangling phosphines in pentacarbonyl group 6 complexes of 1,1,2-tris(diphenylphosphino)ethane

The linkage isomers, (OC)₅M[κ¹-PPh₂ CH₂CH(PPh₂)₂] 1 and (OC)₅M[κ¹-PPh₂ CH(PPh₂)CH₂PPh₂] 2 (M = Cr, Mo and W) exist in equilibrium at room temperature. Equilibrium constants for 1Cr ? 2Cr, 1Mo ? 2Mo and 1W ? 2W at 25 °C in CDCl₃ are 2.61, 5.0 and 4.74, respectively. Enthalpy favors the forward reaction (ΔH = −13.5, −12 and −12.2 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively) while entropy favors the reverse reaction (ΔS = −37.6, −28 and −28.2 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, respectively). Isomerization is much faster than chelation with 1Mo ? 2Mo ? 1W ? 2W > 1Cr ? 2Cr. Enthalpies of activation for 1Cr ? 2Cr and 1W ? 2W are 119.0 and 92.6 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively, and entropies of activation are 1.4 and −28.2 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, respectively. Isomerization is 10⁴ times faster for these complexes than for (OC)₅M[κ¹-PPh₂CH₂CH₂P(p-tolyl)₂]. A novel mechanism is proposed to account for the rate differences. The X-ray crystal structure of 2W shows that the phosphorus atom of the short phosphine arm lies very close to a carbon atom of the W(CO)₄ equatorial plane (3.40 Å) which could allow “through-space” coupling, accounting in part for the observation of long-range J_PC and J_PW coupling. The X-ray structure of (OC)₅W[κ¹-PPh₂ C(CH₂)PPh₂] 5W has been determined for comparison to 2W.     

Ruthenium(II) carbonyl chloride complexes containing pyridine-functionalised bidentate N-heterocyclic carbenes: Synthesis, structures, and impact of the carbene ligands on catalytic activities

A series of new ruthenium(II) carbonyl chloride complexes with pyridine-functionalised N-heterocyclic carbenes [Ru(Py-NHC)(CO)₂Cl₂], [Py-NHC = 3-methyl-1-(2-pyridyl)imidazol-2-ylidene, 1 (1a and 1b); 3-methyl-1-(2-picoyl)imidazol-2-ylidene, 2 (2a and 2b); 3-methyl-1-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazolin-2-ylidene, 3 (3b); 3-methyl-1-(2-picoyl)benzimidazolin-2-ylidene, 4 (4a and 4b); 1-methyl-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazoline-5-ylidene, 5 (5a and 5b)] have been prepared by transmetallation from the corresponding silver carbene complexes and characterized by NMR, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. In these complexes with bidentate Py-NHC ligands, one CO ligand is trans to the Py ligand. In 1a, 2a, 4a, and 5a, the NHC ligand is trans to the other CO ligand, thus leaving the two Cl⁻ ligands trans to each other. In 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, and 5b, the NHC ligands are trans to one Cl⁻ ligand, and the two Cl⁻ ligands are cis to each other. The structures for 1b, 2b, 3b and 4b have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These complexes are efficient catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone and their catalytic activities are found to be influenced by electronic effect of the N-heterocyclic carbene ligands.     

Synthesis, photoluminescence and electrochemiluminescence of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes based on bipyridine derivatives with carbazole moieties

Six complexes (1-6) with the type of [Ru(bpy)₂L]X₂ (1-3: L = L1-L3, X = Cl⁻; 4-6: L = L1-L3, X = PF₆⁻) were synthesized based on 2,2′-bipyridine and three 2,2′-bipyridine derivatives L1, L2 and L3 (L1 = 5,5′-dibromo-2,2′-bipyridine, L2 = 5-bromo-5′-carbazolyl-2,2′-bipyridine, L3 = 5,5′-dicarbazolyl-2,2′-bipyridine). The complexes 1-6 were characterized by ¹H NMR, MS(ESI) and IR spectra, along with the X-ray crystal structure analysis for 1, 5 and 6. Their photophysical properties and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties were investigated in detail. In the UV-Vis absorption spectra, all complexes 1-6 show strong intraligand (π → π^∗) transitions and metal-ligand charge transfer (MLCT, dπ (Ru) → π^∗) bands. Upon the excitation wavelengths at ∼508 nm, all complexes 1-6 exhibit typical MLCT emission of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes. The introduction of carbazole moieties improves the MLCT absorption and emission intensity. The ruthenium(II) complexes 1-6 exhibit good electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties in [Ru(bpy)₂L]²⁺/tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) acetonitrile solution and the complexes with PF₆⁻ showed higher ECL emission intensity than that of the complexes with Cl⁻ based on the same ligands.     

Molecular structures of nickel(II) monochelates of a racemic tridentate ligand and co-ligand induced structural variations

Using a racemic mixture of the tridentate ligand, (((2-pyridyl)ethylamine)methyl)phenolate ion (L⁻) and , NCS⁻, (NC)₂N⁻, OAc⁻ as coligands, complexes having the formula [Ni(L)(N₃)] (1), [Ni(L)(NCS)]₂ (2), [Ni₂(L)₂(OAc)(N(CN)₂)]_n (3) were prepared and structurally characterized. In 1, Ni(II) has a square planar geometry and phenolate oxygen is involved in dipolar ?N^δ+ interaction with electrophilic central nitrogen atom of coordinated azide ion. Complex 2 is dimeric in nature and nickel(II) is penta-coordinated. Compounds 1 and 2 exist as centrosymmetric dimers made up of a pair of R and S enantiomers of L. In 3, an acetate and phenoxo bridged dinickel complex is present which is further linked to a zig-zag coordination polymer by the dicyanamide ion. In a given chain of 3, both L have same enantiomeric form and either RR or SS dimers are repeated along the chain. The magnetic properties are described.     

Synthesis and structure of iron (III) and iron (II) complexes in S4P2 environment created by diethyldithiocarbamate and 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane chelation: Investigation of the electronic structure of the complexes by Mössbauer and magnetic studies

Iron (II) and iron (III) complexes, [Fe^II(DEDTC)₂(dppe)] · CH₂Cl₂ (1), [Fe^II(ETXANT)₂(dppe)] (2) (DEDTC = diethyldithiocarbamate, ETXANT = ethyl xanthate, dppe = 1,2-bis (diphenylphosphino) ethane), and [Fe^III(DEDTC)₂(dppe)] [Fe^IIICl₄] (3) have been synthesized and characterized. Since 3 contains two magnetic centers, an anion metathesis reaction has been conducted to replace the tetrahedral FeCl₄⁻ by a non-magnetic BPh₄⁻ ion producing [Fe^III(DEDTC)₂(dppe)]BPh₄ (4) for the sake of unequivocal understanding of the magnetic behavior of the cation of 3. With the similar end in view, the well-known FeCl₄⁻ ion, the counter anion of 3, is trapped as PPh₄[Fe^IIICl₄] (5) and its magnetic property from 298 to 2 K has been studied. Besides the spectroscopic (IR, UV-Vis, NMR, EPR, Mass and XPS) characterization of the appropriate compounds, especially 2, others viz. 1, 3 and 4 have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. While Fe^II complexes, 1 and 2, are diamagnetic, the Fe^III systems, namely the cations of 3, and 4 behave as low-spin (S = 1/2) paramagnetic species from 298 to 50 K. Below 50 K 3 shows gradual increase of χ_MT up to 2 K suggesting ferromagnetic behavior while 4 exhibits gradual decrease of magnetic moment from 60 to 2 K, indicating the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interaction. These conclusions are supported by the Mössbauer studies of 3 and 4. The Mössbauer pattern of 1 exhibits a doublet site for diamagnetic (2-400 K) Fe^II. The compounds 1, 2 and 4 encompass interesting cyclic voltammetric responses involving Fe^II, Fe^III and Fe^IV.     

Extended molecular networks based on Zn and Cd imparting N-substituted imidazole

Synthesis of complexes with the formulations [M(CPI)₂Cl₂] (M = Zn, 1; M = Cd, 4) and [M(CPI)₆](X)₂ (M = Zn, X = NO₃⁻, 2; X = ClO₄⁻, 3; M = Cd, X = NO₃⁻, 5; X = ClO₄⁻, 6) have been achieved from the reactions of MCl₂, M(NO₃)₂·xH₂O and M(ClO₄)₂·xH₂O (M = Zn, Cd) with 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-imidazole (CPI). Complexes 1-6 have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectral studies (IR, ¹H, ¹³C NMR, electronic absorption and emission). Molecular structures of 1, 2, 3 and 6 have been determined crystallographically. Weak interaction studies on the complexes revealed presence of various interesting motifs resulting from C-H···N, C-H···Cl and π-π stacking interactions. The complexes under study exhibit strong luminescence at ∼450 nm in DMSO at room temperature.     

Crystal structures and third-order NLO properties in DMF solution of Co(II)-bpfp coordination polymers (bpfp=N,N-bis(pyridylformyl)piperazine)

Two novel Co(II) coordination polymers {[Co(H₂O)₂(CH₃OH)₂(4-bpfp)](NO₃)₂}_n1 (4-bpfp=N,N^′-bis(4-pyridylformyl)piperazine) and [Co(NCS)₂(CH₃OH)₂(3-bpfp)]_n2 (3-bpfp=N,N^′-bis(3-pyridylformyl)piperazine) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both the polymers consist of one-dimensional chains constructed by bridging bpfp ligands and Co(II) ions. The existence of O?H-O hydrogen bond in 1 and S?H-O hydrogen bond in 2 play important roles in creating interesting supramolecular structures. Their third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties in DMF solution have been studied by Z-scan technique. The results reveal that polymers 1 and 2 exhibit strong NLO absorption effects (α₂=9.00×10⁻¹¹ m W⁻¹ for 1; 1.41 × 10⁻¹⁰ m W⁻¹ for 2) and self-focusing performance (n₂=3.24×10⁻¹⁶ esu for 1; 3.05 × 10⁻¹⁶ esu for 2) in DMF solutions. The corresponding effective NLO susceptibilities χ⁽³⁾ values are 3.08 × 10⁻¹² esu (1) and 4.70 × 10⁻¹² esu (2). All of the values are comparable to those of the reported good NLO materials. Additionally, the TG-DTA results of the two polymers are in agreement with the crystal structures.     

Syntheses, structures and luminescence of a series of Cd(II)-containing coordination polymers constructed from a long flexible bis-triazole ligand

Six novel Cd(II) coordination polymers based on 4,4′-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)biphenyl (btmb), namely, [Cd(btmb)₂I₂]_n (1), [Cd(btmb)I₂]_n (2), {[Cd(btmb)₂(NO₃)₂]·H₂O}_n (3), {[Cd(btmb)₂(SCN)₂]·3H₂O}_n (4), {[Cd(btmb)(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)]·CH₃CN}_n (5) and [Cd(btmb)Cl₂(H₂O)]_n (6) have been synthesized by the reactions of btmb with Cd(II) salts in the presence of different anions (I⁻, , NCS⁻, CH₃COO⁻ or Cl⁻) under appropriate reaction conditions. The assemblies of btmb with CdI₂ afford two different structures: two-dimensional (2D) rhombohedral grid layer network structure 1 and 2D layer structure 2 involved with one-dimensional (1D) linear cadmium chains. Treatment of btmb with Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O gives rise to a 2D grid network structure 3 which is similar to 1. When the I⁻ or NO₃⁻ anions were replaced by NCS⁻, CH₃COO⁻ or Cl⁻, different 1D coordination polymers 4-6 were obtained, respectively. Polymer 4 displays a 1D double-chain structure, while both polymers 5 and 6 show 1D zigzag chain structures. In addition, the luminescence measurements reveal that polymers 1-6 exhibit different fluorescent emissions in the solid-state at room temperature, which can be attributed to the various coordination environments of Cd(II), solvent molecules and different packing interactions in these polymers.     

UV-Vis and fluorimetric Al, Zn, Cd and Pb complexation studies of two 3-hydroxyflavones and a 3-hydroxythioflavone

The complexation of Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ by the 3-hydroxyflavones: 3-hydroxy-2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (H1) and 3-hydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (H2), and by the 3-methoxythioflavone: 3-hydroxy-2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-thione (H3) have been studied spectrophotometrically and fluorimetrically to determine the corresponding complexation constants, K_sp and K_fl, in 5:95 water:ethanol (v/v) solution for which [HClO₄] was either 10⁻² or 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³ and I = 0.10 mol dm⁻³ (NaClO₄) at 298.2 K. Complexation occurs dominantly through the deprotonated ligand for [Al(1)]²⁺ and [Al(2)]²⁺ for which log K_sp = 4.51 and 4.73, respectively, in 10⁻² mol dm⁻³ HClO₄ and 4.21 and 4.61 in 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³ HClO₄. For Pb²⁺ complexation by H1, H2 and H3 is characterized by log K_sp = 2.20, 2.57 and 3.22, respectively, in 10⁻² mol dm⁻³ HClO₄ and 4.70, 5.38 and 5.74 in 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³ HClO₄. Equilibrium mixtures of [Pb(H1)]²⁺ and [Pb1]⁺, [Pb(H2)]²⁺ and [Pb2]⁺, and [Pb(H3)]²⁺ and [Pb3]⁺ appear to be formed. Complexation of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ by all three ligands was only detected in 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³ HClO₄. For Zn²⁺ complexation by H1, H2 and H3 log K_sp = 3.22, 3.74 and 4.46 and for Cd²⁺ the corresponding values are 2.39, 2.40 and 3.72 for Cd²⁺. Only [Al1]²⁺ and [Al2]²⁺ show significant fluorescence and are characterized by log K_fl = 6.30 and 7.49 in 10⁻² mol dm⁻³ HClO₄.     

Formation of inorganic protonic-acid polymer via inorganic-organic hybridization: Synthesis and characterization of polymerizable olefinic organosilyl derivatives of mono-lacunary Dawson polyoxometalate

A novel polymerizable organosilyl-modified Dawson-type polyoxometalate (POM) [α₂-P₂W₁₇O₆₁{CH₂C(CH₃)COO(CH₂)₃Si}₂O]⁶⁻ (1) was synthesized as both salt (Me₂NH₂-1) and H⁺ form (H-1). They were characterized with complete elemental analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), FTIR, (¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si, ³¹P and ¹⁸³W) NMR and n-butylamine titration method. H-1 was immobilized to a polymer network through free radical copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA). The acidities of H-1 and hybrid copolymer (H-1-co-MMA) were evaluated using the Hammett indicators (dicinnamalacetone and benzalacetophenone; pK_a values of the protonated indicators are −3.0 and −5.6, respectively). The pK_a value of H-1 was estimated as that between −3.0 and −5.6 in CH₃CN solution and H-1 was immobilized in H-1-co-MMA with the original acidity being retained. Glass transition point (T_g) and molecular weight distribution of H-1-co-MMA were affected by the used amount of H-1 because of the cross-linking effect of H-1.