Synthesis and characterisation of a series of 1,2-phenylenedioxoborylcyclopentadienyl-metal complexes [Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Hf(IV), La(III), Ce(III), Yb(III), Sn(II) and Fe(II)]

The preparation of a series of 1,2-phenylenedioxoborylcyclopentadienyl-metal complexes is described. These are of formula [M{η⁵-C₅H₄(BX)}Cl₃] [M = Ti and X = CAT (2a), CAT^t (2b) or CAT^tt (2c); X = CAT^tt and M = Zr (4a) or Hf (4b)], [M{η⁵-C₅H₄(BX)}₂Cl₂] [M = Zr, X = CAT (3a) or CAT^t (3c); or M = Hf, X = CAT (3b) or CAT^t (3d)], [M{(μ-η⁵-C₅H₃BCAT)₂ SiMe₂}Cl₂] [M = Zr (5a) or Hf (5b)], [M{η⁵-C₅H₃(BCAT)₂}Cl₃] [M = Zr (6a) or Hf (6b)], [M{η⁵-C₅H₄BCAT}₃(THF)] [M = La (7a), Ce (7b) or Yb (7c)], [Sn{η⁵-C₅ H₄(BCAT^t)}Cl](8) and [Fe{η⁵-C₅H₄(BCAT^t)}₂] (9). The abbreviations refer to BO₂C₆H₄-1,2 (BCAT) and the 4-Bu^t (BCAT^t) and the (BCAT^tt) analogues. The compounds 2a-9 have been characterised by microanalysis, multinuclear NMR and mass spectra. The single crystal X-ray structure of the lanthanum compound 7a is presented.     

Preparation and pharmacochemical evaluation of mixed ligand copper(II) complexes with triethanolamine and thiophenyl-2 saturated carboxylic acids

The dinuclear complex [Cu₂(L₁)₂(H₂tea)₂] (1) as well as the linear trinuclear complexes [Cu₃(L₁)₄(H₂tea)₂] (2), [Cu₃(L₂)₄(H₂tea)₂] (3) and [Cu₃(L₁)₂(H₂tea)₂(NO₃)₂] (4) where L₁ = 2-thiophene carboxylato, L₂ = 2-thiophene acetato and H₂tea = the single deprotonated form of triethanolamine have been prepared and pharmacochemically studied. The crystal structure of 1 is also reported. In vitro antioxidant activity of free ligands and their respective copper complexes includes: a) interaction with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl stable free radical, b) the ΗΟ˙ mediated oxidation of DMSO, c) scavenging of superoxide anion radicals, d) inhibition of lipid peroxidation and e) soybean lipoxygenase inhibition. The results indicate selectivity of the complexes to different free radicals as a consequence of their physichochemical features. The majority of the complexes 1, 2, 3, 4 effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation. The trinuclear complex 3 is by far the most active with IC₅₀ = 10 μM, within the set, followed by complexes 1 and 2. The complexes were evaluated for their efficacy as anticancer agents against different cancer and normal human cell lines. Results showed that, these compounds mediate a moderate cytotoxic response to normal and cancer cell lines tested and induce cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Flow cytometric analysis suggested that the tested compounds can induce apoptosis.     

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⁻.     

Differential effects of Co(III), Ni(II), and Ru(III) amine complexes on Sindbis virus

Transition metal complexes [Co(cyclen)(NH₃)₂](ClO₄)₃⋅H₂O (cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) (2), [Co(NH₃)₅(OH₂)](CF₃SO₃)₃ (3) [Ni(NH₃)₆]Br₂ (4) and [Ru(NH₃)₆]Cl₃ (5) were tested against Sindbis infected baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells and show differential effects from the previously reported anti-viral complex [Co(NH₃)₆]Cl₃ (1). The macrocyclic complex 2 and labile aqua complex 3 show either no or little effect on the survival on Sindbis virus-infected cells as compared to that for 1, which show a monotonic increase in % BHK cell survival. Nickel and ruthenium ammine complexes 4 and 5 had a moderate influence of cell survival. While the results showed some anti-viral activity for some of the structural variations, it appears that 1, with its potential to be a broad-spectrum anti-viral compound, occupies a unique position in its ability to both significantly enhance cell survival and to decrease viral expression of infected cells. We also show that 1 also shows anti-viral activity against Adenovirus lending support to the broad-spectrum potential of this complex.     

(Pyrazolylmethyl)pyridine platinum(II) and gold(III) complexes: Synthesis, structures and evaluation as anticancer agents

Reactions of 2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L1), 2-(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L2), 2-(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L3) and 2-(3-p-tolylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L4) with K₂[PtCl₄] in a mixture of ethanol and water formed the dichloro platinum complexes [PtCl₂(L1)] (1), [PtCl₂(L2)] (2), [PtCl₂(L3)] (3) and [PtCl₂(L4)] (4). Complex 1, [PtCl₂(L1)], could also be prepared in a mixture of acetone and water. Performing the reactions of L2 and L3 in a mixture of acetone and water, however, led to C-H activation of acetone under mild conditions to form the neutral acetonyl complexes [Pt(CH₂COCH₃)Cl(L2)] (2a) and [Pt(CH₂COCH₃)Cl(L3)] (3a). The same ligands reacted with HAuCl₄ · 4H₂O in a mixture of ethanol and water to form the gold salts [AuCl₂(L1)][AuCl₄] (5) [AuCl₂(L2)][Cl] (6) [AuCl₂(L3)][Cl] (7) and [AuCl₂(L4)][AuCl₄] (8); however, with the pyrazolyl unit in the para position of the pyridinyl ring in 4-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L5), 4-(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L6) neutral gold complexes [AuCl₃(L5)] (9) and [AuCl₂(L6)] (10) were formed; signifying the role the position of the pyrazolyl group plays in product formation in the gold reactions. X-ray crystallographic structural determination of L6, 2, 33a, 8 and 10 were very important in confirming the structures of these compounds; particularly for 3a and 8 where the presence of the acetonyl group confirmed C-H activation and for 8 where the counter ion is . Cytotoxicity studies of L2, L4 and complexes 1-10 against HeLa cells showed the Au complexes were much less active than the Pt complexes.     

Gold(I) complexes with thiosemicarbazones: cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines and inhibition of thioredoxin reductase activity

Complexes [Au(H2Ac4DH)Cl]?MeOH (1) [Au(H₂2Ac4Me)Cl]Cl (2) [Au(H₂2Ac4Ph)Cl]Cl?2H₂O (3) and [Au(H₂2Bz4Ph)Cl]Cl (4) were obtained with 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (H2Ac4DH), its N(4)-methyl (H2Ac4Me) and N(4)-phenyl (H2Ac4Ph) derivatives, as well as with N(4)-phenyl 2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (H2Bz4Ph). The compounds were cytotoxic to Jurkat (immortalized line of T lymphocyte), HL-60 (acute myeloid leukemia), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) and HCT-116 (colorectal carcinoma) tumor cell lines. Jurkat and HL-60 cells were more sensitive than MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells. Upon coordinating to the gold(I) metal centers in complexes (2) and (4), the cytotoxic activity of the H2Ac4Me and H2Bz4Ph ligands increased against the HL-60 and Jurkat tumor cell lines. 2 was more active than auranofin against both leukemia cells. Most of the studied compounds were less toxic than auranofin to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). All compounds induced DNA fragmentation in HL-60 and Jurkat cells indicating their pro-apoptotic potential. Complex (2) strongly inhibited the activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), which suggests inhibition of TrxR to be part of its mechanism of action.     

The triphenyltin(VI) complexes of NSAIDs and derivatives. Synthesis, crystal structure and antiproliferative activity. Potent anticancer agents

The novel triphenyltin(IV) esters of flufenamic acid (1), Hflu, [Ph₃Sn(flu)] (2), and of [2-(2,3-dichlorophenylamino)benzoic acid] (3), Hdcpa, [Ph₃Sn(dcpa)] (4) have been structurally characterized by means of vibrational and ¹H, ¹³C NMR spectroscopic studies. The crystal and molecular structures of [SnPh₃(dcpa)(DMSO)] 4a are described. The molecular structure of 4a reveals that the Sn atom has a distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry with equatorial phenyl groups and the carboxylate and dimethylsulfoxide oxygen atoms occupying axial positions. The crystal structure of 4a is self-assembled by C-H---π and π-π stacking interactions. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of 1-4 and of the related non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, [2-(2,6-dimethylphenylamino)benzoic acid], Hdmpa (5), [Ph₃Sn(dmpa)] (6), [2-(2,3-dimethylphenylamino)benzoic acid], mefenamic acid, Hmef (7) and [Ph₃Sn(mef)] (8) has been evaluated against the cancer cell lines MCF-7, T-24, A-549 and L-929. The ligands exhibited very poor cytotoxic activity against the four cancer cell lines. Complex 6 exhibits the highest activity and selectivity against A-549 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines and complex 8 the highest activity and selectivity against T-24 cancer cell line. The cytotoxic results indicate that coupling of Hdmpa and Hmef with R₃Sn(IV) metal center results in complexes with important biological properties and remarkable cytotoxic activity, since they display IC₅₀ values in a μΜ range better to that of the antitumor drug cis-platin. Complexes 6 and 8 are considered as excellent antitumor compounds and the results of this study represent the discovery of triphenyltin(IV)esters as a potential novel class of anticancer agents.     

Study of the coordination behaviour of (3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol against Pd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II)

A new easily synthetic route with a 96% yield of ligand 2-(3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol (L) is obtained. The reactivity of L against Pd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) leads to [PdCl₂(L)₂] (1), [ZnCl₂(L)] (2) and [CuCl(L′)]₂ (3) (L′ is the ligand L without alcoholic proton), respectively. According to the different geometries imposed by the metallic centre and the capability of L to present various coordination links, it has been obtained complexes with square planar (1 and 3) or tetrahedral (2) geometry and different nuclearity: monomeric (1 and 2) or dimeric (3). Complete characterisation by analytical and spectroscopic methods, resolution of L and 1-3 by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic studies for complex 3 are presented.     

Synthesis, spectroscopical characterization and the biological activity in vitro of new platinum(II) complexes with imidazo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine derivatives and dimethylsulfoxide

A series of platinum(II) complexes with 6,8-dimethylimidazo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazin-4(3H)-one (6,8-DiMe-4-O-IMT) (I) and 6,8-dimethyl-2-thioxo-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazin-4(1H)-one (6,8-DiMe-4-O-2-S-IMT) (II) of formula trans-[PtCl₂(dmso)(6,8-DiMe-4-O-IMT)] (1a) and trans-[PtCl₂(dmso)(6,8-DiMe-4-O-2-S-IMT)] (2a) have been prepared and characterized with ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR and IR. Significant ¹⁵N NMR upfield coordination shifts (81-96 ppm) of N(7) atom indicate this nitrogen atom as a coordination site. The multinuclear NMR and IR spectra indicate the square planar geometry with N(7) bonded heterocycles, S-bonded dimethylsulfoxide and two trans chloride anions. The platinum(II) complexes were tested for their antiproliferative activity in vitro against the cells of four human cell lines: SW707 rectal adenocarcinoma, A549 non-small cell lung carcinoma, T47D breast cancer and HCV29T bladder cancer. The activity of (1a, 2a) was lower than that of cisplatin.     

Heptacoordinate dithiophosphate W(II) and Mo(II) complexes of diphosphines and iodide

New complexes [MI(CO)₂(dppe){S₂P(OEt)₂}] (M=W, 1a; M=Mo, 1b), [MI(CO)₂(dppm){S₂P(OEt)₂}] (M=W, 2a; M=Mo, 2b) and [W(CO)(dppe){S₂P(OEt)₂}₂][O₂dppe] (3a), were synthesised from [MI₂(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] (M=Mo, W), after treatment with ammonium diethyldithiophosphate and phosphine under different conditions. The structure of the tungsten complexes was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. During the synthesis of 3a, oxidation of the phosphine took place and a molecule of oxidised phosphine occupies channels in the crystal. DFT/B3LYP calculations on models of 1a and 2a showed the capped octahedron structure, observed in most dicarbonyl complexes of this family, to be preferred by 1.4 and 2.6 kcal mol⁻¹ for the dppm and the dppe complexes, respectively. Strong steric repulsions can reverse this trend, as happens with the rigid dppm ligand. Complex 1a adopts a pentagonal bipyramidal geometry, which is often found in related monocarbonyl complexes.     

Hydrogen-bonded copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes and coordination polymeric structures containing reduced Schiff base ligands

Complexes [Cu(HSas)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (H₃Sas = N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-aspartic acid) (1), [Cu(HMeSglu)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (H₃MeSglu = (N-(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-l-glutamic acid) (2), [Cu₂(Smet)₂] (H₂Smet = (N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-methionine) (3), [Ni(HSas)(H₂O)] (4), [Ni₂(Smet)₂(H₂O)₂] (5), and [Ni(HSapg)₂] (H₂Sapg = (N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-aspargine) (6) have been synthesized and characterized by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Structural determination by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed 1D coordination polymeric structures in 2 and 4, and hydrogen-bonded network structure in 5 and 6. In contrast to previously reported coordination compounds with similar ligands, the phenol remains protonated and bonded to the metal ions in 2 and 4, and also probably in 1. However, the phenolic group is non-bonded in 6.     

Alteration of molecular conformations and spectral properties for nickel(II), zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes having 3,8-di(thiophen-2′,2′′-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline ligands

Four transition metal complexes of 3,8-di(thiophen-2′,2″-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (dtphen), formulated as [Ni(dtphen)₂(H₂O)₂]·(ClO₄)₂ (1), [Zn(dtphen)₂(H₂O)]·(ClO₄)₂ (2) [Cu(dtphen)₂(H₂O)]·(ClO₄)₂ (3), [Cu(dtphen)(phen)₂]·(ClO₄)₂ (4) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) with different metal-to-ligand ratios, were synthesized and characterized herein. The X-ray single-crystal diffraction studies of 1-4 exhibit that different molecular configurations for the dtphen ligand can be observed where the side thiophene rings adopt the trans/trans, trans/cis, trans/disorder and cis/cis conformations relative to the central 1,10-phenanthroline unit in different compounds. Fluorescence emission spectra of 1-4 in methanol show that the fluorescence emission of 2 is much stronger than the other three metal complexes, which is mainly due to its full d¹⁰ electronic configuration of Zn(II) ion.     

Preparation, structures and properties of dinuclear and trinuclear copper(II) complexes bridged by one oximato and one hydroxo ligands

The dinuclear and trinuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu₂(L)(OH)(ClO₄)(phen)(H₂O)]ClO₄ · [Cu₂(L)(OH)(ClO₄)₂(phen)(CH₃OH)] (1) and [Cu₃(L)₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ (2) (HL=2-[2-(α-pyridyl)ethyl]imino-3-butanone oxime and phen=1,10-phenanthroline) were prepared and their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 is composed of [Cu₂(L)(OH)(ClO₄)(phen)(H₂O)]ClO₄ (1a) and [Cu₂(L)(OH)(ClO₄)₂(phen)(CH₃OH)] (1b). In 1a and 1b, one oximato of L and one hydroxo group bridge two copper(II) ions. The linear trinuclear cation [Cu₃(L)₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺ in 2 is centrosymmetric, and one oximato and one hydroxo group bridge the central and terminal copper(II) ions. The strong antiferromagnetic interactions within the dinuclear and trinuclear complexes 1 and 2 have been observed (2J=∼−900 cm⁻¹ for 1 and 2, respectively, H=−2JS₁·S₂).     

Synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of dicopper(II) and dinickel(II) complexes with a new bis(macrocycle), 7,7-(2-hydoxypropane-1,3-diyl)bis{3,7,11,17-tetraazabicyclo[11.3.1]- heptadeca-1(17),13,15-triene}

A new bis(macrocycle) ligand, 7,7^′-(2-hydoxypropane-1,3-diyl)-bis{3,7,11,17-tetraazabicyclo[11.3.1]heptadeca-1(17),13,15-triene} (HL), and its dicopper(II) ([Cu₂(HL)Cl₂](NO₃)₂ · 4H₂O (4a), [Cu₂(HL)I₂]I₂ · H₂O (4b)) and dinickel(II) ([Ni₂(L)(OH₂)](ClO₄)₃ (5a), [Ni₂(L)(OH₂)]I₃ · 2H₂O (5b), [Ni₂(L)N₃](N₃)₂ · 7H₂O (5c)) complexes have been synthesized. The alkoxide bridged face-to-face structure of the dinickel(II) complex 5c has been revealed by X-ray crystallography, as well as the “half-opened clamshell” form of the bis(macrocyclic) dicopper(II) complex 4b. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility studies have indicated that there exists intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling (J=−33.8 cm⁻¹ (5a), −32.5 cm⁻¹ (5b), and −29.7 cm⁻¹ (5c)) between the two nickel(II) ions in the nickel(II) complexes.     

Pyrazolato-bridged 1-D Co(II) coordination polymer and dinuclear Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes: Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties

Three complexes of composition [Co₃(Hdcp)₂(phen)₃(H₂O)₂]_n · nH₂O (1), [Ni₂(Hdcp)₂(H₂O)₄](Im)₂ (2) and [Cu₂(Hpca)₂(H₂O)₂(Im)₂] (3) (H₃dcp = 3,5-pyrazoledicarboxylic acid, H₂pca = 1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid, Im = imidazole and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized via hydrothermal reactions and their structures have been characterized. Complex 1 is mainly constructed by Hdcp and ancillary ligand 1,10-phenanthroline and exhibits one-dimensional linear chain structure. Complexes 2 and 3 are pyrazolato-bridged dinuclear complexes. The ancillary imidazole ligand was not involved in the coordination and stacked to the lattice of the complex in 2. In the process of synthesis 3, imidazole ligand was coordinated to the metal centre; with one of the carboxylic group of the H₃dcp ligand was eliminated to form [Cu₂(Hpca)₂(H₂O)₂(Im)₂] (3) in situ. The results of magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that there exist antiferromagnetic interactions between Co(II) and Ni(II) centres in compounds 1 and 2, respectively.     

Reduction of diruthenium(II,III) carboxylate compounds with hydroquinone: a facile preparation of diruthenium(II) complexes

The synthesis of the diruthenium(II) compounds [Ru₂(μ-O₂CR)₄(MeOH)₂] [R = Me (1), Ph (2), CMePh₂ (3) C₆H₄-p-OMe (4), C₆H₄-p-CMe₃ (5)] by reaction of with hydroquinone, under a nitrogen atmosphere, in the presence of a base is described. This reaction constitutes an easy via to the preparation of diruthenium(II) compounds. The structure of the complexes [Ru₂(μ-O₂CMe)₄(MeOH)₂] (1) and [Ru₂(μ-O₂CPh)₄(thf)₂] (2b) is established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. These compounds show a diruthenium(II) unit bridged by four carboxylate ligands with the axial positions occupied by methanol and tetrahydrofuran molecules for 1 and 2b, respectively. Complex 1 shows, in the solid state, polymeric chains in which the molecules [Ru₂(μ-O₂CMe)₄(MeOH)₂] are linked by hydrogen bonds.     

Platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes with (N,N') and (C,N,N')- ligands derived from pyrazole as anticancer and antimalarial agents: synthesis, characterization and in vitro activities

The study of the reactivity of three 1-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1H-pyrazole derivatives of general formula [1-(CH₂)₂NMe₂}-3,5-R₂-pzol] {where pzol represents pyrazole and RH (1a), Me (1b) or Ph (1c)} with [MCl₂(DMSO)₂] (MPt or Pd) under different experimental conditions allowed us to isolate and characterize cis-[M{κ²-N,N′-{[1-(CH₂)₂NMe₂}-3,5-R₂-pzol])}Cl₂] {MMPtPt (2a-2c) or Pd (3a-3c)} and two cyclometallated complexes [M{κ³-C,N,N′-{[1-(CH₂)₂NMe₂}-3-(C₅H₄)-5-Ph-pzol])}Cl] {MPt(II) (4c) or Pd(II) (5c)}. Compounds 4c and 5c arise from the orthometallation of the 3-phenyl ring of ligand 1c. Complex 2a has been further characterized by X-ray crystallography. Ligands and complexes were evaluated for their in vitro antimalarial against Plasmodium falciparum and cytotoxic activities against lung (A549) and breast (MDA MB231 and MCF7) cancer cellular lines. Complexes 2a-2c and 5c exhibited only moderate antimalarial activities against two P. falciparum strains (3D7 and W2). Interestingly, cytotoxicity assays revealed that the platinacycle 4c exhibits a higher toxicity than cisplatin in the three human cell lines and that the complex 2a presents a remarkable cytotoxicity and selectivity in lung (IC₅₀ = 3 μM) versus breast cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ > 20 μM). Thus, complexes 2c and 4c appear to be promising leads, creating a novel family of anticancer agents. Electrophoretic DNA migration studies in presence of the synthesized compounds have been performed, in order to get further insights into their mechanism of action.     

Synthesis, structures, spectral and electrochemical properties of copper(II) complexes of sterically hindered Schiff base ligands

The Schiff base ligands 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyliminomethyl)phenol H(L1), 5-diethylamino-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyliminomethyl)phenol H(L2), 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(2,6-diisopropylphenyliminomethyl)phenol H(L3), 3-(2,6-diisopropylphenyliminomethyl)naphthalen-2-ol H(L4) and 4-(2,6-diisopropylphenyliminomethyl)-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyridin-3-ol H(L5) have been synthesized by the condensation, respectively, of salicylaldehyde, 4-(diethylamino)salicylaldehyde, 3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-1-napthaldehyde and pyridoxal with 2,6-diisopropylaniline. The copper(II) bis-ligand complexes [Cu(L1)₂] 1, [Cu(L2)₂] 2, [Cu(L3)₂] 3, [Cu(L4)₂] 4 and [Cu(L5)₂] · CH₃OH 5 of these ligands have been isolated and characterized. The X-ray crystal structures of two of the complexes [Cu(L1)₂] 1 and [Cu(L5)₂] · CH₃OH 5 have been successfully determined, and the centrosymmetric complexes possess a CuN₂O₂ chromophore with square planar coordination geometry. The frozen solution EPR spectra of the complexes reveal a square-based CuN₂O₂ chromophore, and the values of g_‖ and g_‖/A_‖ index reveal enhanced electron delocalization by incorporating the strongly electron-releasing -NEt₂ group (2) and fusing a benzene ring on sal-ring (4). The Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox potentials of the Cu(II) complexes reveal that the incorporation of electron-releasing -NEt₂ group and fusion of a benzene ring lead to enhanced stabilization of Cu(II) oxidation state supporting the EPR spectral results. The hydrogen bonding interactions between the two molecules present in the unit cell of 5a generate an interesting two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network topology.     

New ruthenium(II) thiolato complexes: Synthesis, reactivity, spectral, structural and DFT studies

Ruthenium complexes [Ru(mpy)₂(DMSO)₂] (1) and [Ru(mbtz)₂(DMSO)₂] (2) containing 2-mercaptopyridine (mpy) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (mbtz) have been synthesized. Reactivity of 1 have been examined with 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), EPh₃ (E = P, As) and 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)-methane (dppm). It reacted with bipy or phen in DMF to afford [Ru(mpy)₂(bipy)] (3) and [Ru(mpy)₂(phen)] (4) while, its reaction with EPh₃ or dppm in common organic solvents failed to afford products containing EPh₃ or dppm. Complexes under investigation have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectral, electrochemical studies and structures of 1-4 have been determined crystallographically. Density functional theory calculations have been performed on 1-4 and the model complex [Ru(mpy)(PMe₃)₂] (5) using exchange correlation functionals BP86. Optimized bond length and angles are in good agreement with the structural data. The Ru-N and Ru-S bond distances in [Ru(mpy)₂]-moiety of 1 are relatively shorter than 5, indicating higher stability of 1 in comparison to 5. The WBI values of Ru-N1, Ru-N2, Ru-S1 and Ru-S2 bonds indicate Ru-mpy bonding trend as 3 > 4 > 1 > 5. There is an overall charge flow in the direction L → [Ru(mpy)₂] (L = DMSO, bipy, phen and PMe₃). Due to greater ionic character and Pauli repulsive interactions for Ru-PMe₃ bond in comparison to Ru-DMSO, the DMSO ligands in 1 may not be substituted by phosphine ligands experimentally.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of four pH-dependent Pb(II) and Cd(II) phosphonates based on a novel ligand, 3-phosphono-benzoic acid

Four metal phosphonate hybrid compounds, [Pb(Hpbc)] (1), [Pb₃(pbc)₂(H₂O)₂] (2), [Cd(H₂pbc)₂(H₂O)₂] (3) and [Cd_1.5(pbc)(H₂O)_1.5] · 0.5H₂O (4) (H₃pbc = 3-phosphono-benzoic acid) were successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal/solvothermal reaction of metal acetate and 3-phosphono-benzoic acid. Compounds 1-4 were pH-dependent products and characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Compound 1 is a two-dimensional (2D) structure constructed by inorganic layer and organic pendant. With the increase of pH value, structure 2 shows 3D inorganic framework with distributing organic moieties in the channels. In 3, the Cd₂O₁₀ dimers are linked by alternating terminal and bridging ligands, resulting in 1D chain structure. Compound 4 is a 2D structure where the 1D inorganic chains are connected by the organic moieties of the ligands.