Protective effects of veskamide, enferamide, becatamide, and oretamide on H2O2-induced apoptosis of PC-12 cells

Veskamide, enferamide, becatamide, and oretamide are phenolic amides whose analogues are found in plants. In this study, the four amides were prepared by chemical synthesis and their protective effects on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in PC-12 cells were investigated. The syntheses were relatively simple and the yields were more than 43%. Using NMR spectroscopic methods, the chemical structures of veskamide, enferamide, becatamide, and oretamide were confirmed. The decreasing order of the protective effects on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis was becatamide > enferamide ≥ oretamide > veskamide. In fact, becatamide suppressed H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization in a dose-dependent manner. At the concentration of 10 μM, becatamide maintained mitochondrial membrane depolarization at 16% compared to 51% in H₂O₂-treated PC-12 cells (P < 0.05). Also, at the same concentration, becatamide inhibited H₂O₂-induced caspase-9 activation and caspase-independent chromatin condensation by 68% (P < 0.05) and 73% (P < 0.05), respectively. This is the first report about the chemical synthesis of becatamide and its potential biological activity to inhibit H₂O₂-induced apoptosis of PC-12 cells via protecting mitochondrial membrane integrity, thereby suppressing caspase-9 activation and chromatin condensation.     

2, 3, 7, 8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin promotes endothelial cell apoptosis through activation of EP3/p38MAPK/Bcl‐2 pathway

Endothelial injury or dysfunction is an early event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Epidemiological and animal studies have shown that 2, 3, 7, 8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) exposure increases morbidity and mortality from chronic cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. However, whether or how TCDD exposure causes endothelial injury or dysfunction remains largely unknown. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to different doses of TCDD, and cell apoptosis was examined. We found that TCDD treatment increased caspase 3 activity and apoptosis in HUVECs in a dose‐dependent manner,at doses from 10 to 40 nM. TCDD increased cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX)‐2 expression and its downstream prostaglandin (PG) production (mainly PGE₂ and 6‐keto‐PGF_1α) in HUVECs. Interestingly, inhibition of COX‐2, but not COX‐1, markedly attenuated TCDD‐triggered apoptosis in HUVECs. Pharmacological inhibition or gene silencing of the PGE₂ receptor subtype 3 (EP3) suppressed the augmented apoptosis in TCDD‐treated HUVECs. Activation of the EP3 receptor enhanced p38 MAPK phosphorylation and decreased Bcl‐2 expression following TCDD treatment. Both p38 MAPK suppression and Bcl‐2 overexpression attenuated the apoptosis in TCDD‐treated HUVECs. TCDD increased EP3‐dependent Rho activity and subsequently promoted p38MAPK/Bcl‐2 pathway‐mediated apoptosis in HUVECs. In addition, TCDD promoted apoptosis in vascular endothelium and delayed re‐endothelialization after femoral artery injury in wild‐type (WT) mice, but not in EP3^?/? mice. In summary, TCDD promotes endothelial apoptosis through the COX‐2/PGE₂/EP3/p38MAPK/Bcl‐2 pathway. Given the cardiovascular hazard of a COX‐2 inhibitor, our findings indicate that the EP3 receptor and its downstream pathways may be potential targets for prevention of TCDD‐associated cardiovascular diseases.     

Kinetic studies on the first dihydrogen aquacomplex, [Ru(H2)(H2O)5]: Formation under H2 pressure and catalytic H/D isotope exchange in water

The ruthenium(II) hexaaqua complex [Ru(H₂O)₆]²⁺ reacts with dihydrogen under pressure to give the η²-dihydrogen ruthenium(II) pentaaqua complex [Ru(H₂)(H₂O)₅]²⁺.The complex was characterized by ¹H, ²H and ¹⁷O NMR: δ_H = −7.65 ppm, J_HD = 31.2 Hz, δ_O = −80.4 ppm (trans to H₂) and δ_O = −177.4 ppm (cis to H₂).The H-H distance in coordinated dihydrogen was estimated to 0.889 Å from J_HD, which is close to the value obtained from DFT calculations (0.940 Å).Kinetic studies were performed by ¹H and ²H NMR as well as by UV-Vis spectroscopy, yielding the complex formation rate and equilibrium constants: k_f = (1.7 ± 0.2) × 10⁻³ kg mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ and K_eq = 4.0 ± 0.5 mol kg⁻¹.The complex formation rate with dihydrogen is close to values reported for other ligands and thus it is assumed that the reaction with dihydrogen follows the same mechanisn (I_d).In deuterated water, one can observe that [Ru(H₂)(H₂O)₅]²⁺ catalyses the hydrogen exchange between the solvent and the dissolved dihydrogen.A hydride is proposed as the intermediate for this exchange.Using isotope labeling, the rate constant for the hydrogen exchange on the η²-dihydrogen ligand was determined as k₁ = (0.24 ± 0.04) × 10⁻³ s⁻¹.The upper and lower limits of the pK_a of the coordinated dihydrogen ligand have been estimated:3 < pK_a < 14.     

Characterization and expression of cytoplasmic copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn SOD) gene under temperature and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus

Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) is an important antioxidant enzyme that protects organs from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS). We cloned cDNA encoding SOD activated with copper/zinc (CuZn SOD) from the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas. The full-length cDNA of CuZn SOD was 692 bp and had a 465 bp open reading frame encoding 154 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of B. calyciflorus CuZn SOD showed 63.87%, 60.00%, 59.74% and 48.89% similarity with the CuZn SOD of the Ctenopharyn godonidella, Schistosoma japonicum, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, respectively. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on the amino acid sequences of CuZn SODs from B. calyciflorus and other organisms revealed that rotifer is closely related to nematode. Analysis of the expression of CuZn SOD under different temperatures (15, 30 and 37 °C) revealed that its expression was enhanced 4.2-fold (p < 0.001) at 30 °C after 2 h, however, the lower temperature (15 °C) promoted CuZn SOD transiently (4.1-fold, p < 0.001) and then the expression of CuZn SOD decreased to normal level (p > 0.05). When exposed to H₂O₂ (0.1 mM), CuZn SOD, manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD) and catalase (CAT) gene were upregulated, and in addition, the mRNA expression of CuZn SOD gene was induced instantaneously after exposure to vitamin E. It indicates that the CuZn SOD gene would be an important gene in response to oxidative and temperature stress.     

Vanadium and 1, 25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 combination in inhibitions of 1,2, dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colon carcinogenesis

The current investigation demonstrates the antitumor effects of combined supplementations of vanadium (V) (4.27 µmol/L drinking water ad libitum) and1α, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D₃ (Vitamin D₃) (0.3 μg/100 μL propylene glycol per os twice a week) on 1, 2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH) (20 mg/kg body weight) induced rat colon carcinogenesis. There was a significant reduction in incidence (70%), multiplicity (P < 0.0001) and volume (P < 0.01) of colon tumors. HPLC-fluorescence assay detected the combinatorial actions of V and Vitamin D₃ against DMH-induced colonic O⁶-methylguanine DNA adducts formation (at four sequential time points; ANOVA, F = 13.56, P < 0.01). Simultaneous inhibition of DNA single strand breaks (P < 0.001) indicates the potency of the combination regimen in limiting the initiation event of colon carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the effect of V and vitamin D₃ occurred through suppression of cell proliferation (BrdU-LI: P < 0.001) along with an induction of apoptosis (TUNEL-LI: P < 0.01). The immunoexpression of tumor suppressor p53 and downregulation of antiapoptotic protein BCl-2 in subsequent immunofluorescence assay further provide strong evidence for the combinatorial inhibitory actions of vanadium and vitamin D₃ against DMH-induced rat colon carcinogenesis.     

The effect of estradiol on COX-2, EP2, and EP4 mRNA expression and the extracellular matrix in the cervix of the hypogonadotrophic, ovariectomized ewe

There is a degree of cervical relaxation in the ewe at estrus that is regulated by changes in prostaglandin synthesis, prostaglandin receptor expression, and changes in the cervical extracellular matrix. It is likely that these are regulated by changes in periovulatory hormones, particularly estradiol. This study determined the effect of estradiol benzoate on the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the prostaglandin E receptors EP₂ and EP₄, the concentration of cervical hyaluronan, and the proportion of smooth muscle and collagen in the cervix of the hypogonadotrophic ovariectomized ewe (Ovis aries). Ovariectomized hypogonadotrophic ewes were given 100 μg estradiol benzoate, and their cervices were collected 0, 24, and 48 h thereafter to determine the expression of cervical COX-2, EP₂, and EP₄ mRNA by in situ hybridization, the concentration of hyaluronan by ELISA, and the proportion of smooth muscle and collagen by Masson's trichrome staining. Estradiol benzoate increased the mRNA expression of COX-2 and EP₄ within 24 h after treatment (P < 0.05), whereas EP₂ mRNA, hyaluronan, and the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen did not change within 48 h after treatment. The COX-2, EP₂, and EP₄ mRNA expression were greatest in the smooth muscle layers (P < 0.05) and least in the luminal epithelium (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we inferred that estradiol regulates cervical COX-2 and EP₄ mRNA expression and may regulate cervical relaxation via the synthesis of prostaglandin E₂ and activation of the PGE₂ receptors EP₂ and EP₄.     

A novel hypothesis regarding the possible involvement of cytosolic phospholipase 2 in insulin-stimulated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

Insulin (INS) via INS receptor acts as a mitogen in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through stimulation of multiple signaling mechanisms, including p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3K). In addition, cytosolic phospholipase 2 (cPLA₂) is linked to VSMCs proliferation. However, the upstream mechanisms responsible for activation of cPLA₂ are not well defined. Therefore, this investigation used primary cultured rat VSMCs to examine the role of PI3K and ERK1/2 in the INS-dependent phosphorylation of cPLA₂ and proliferation induced by INS. Exposure of VSMCs to INS (100 nM) for 10 min increased the phosphorylation of cPLA₂ by 1.5-fold (p < 0.01), which was blocked by the cPLA₂ inhibitor MAFP (10 μM; 15 min). Similarly, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (10 μM; 15 min) and ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (20 μM; 15 min) abolished the INS-mediated increase in cPLA₂ phosphorylation by 59% (p < 0.001), and by 75% (p < 0.001), respectively. Further, inhibition of cPLA₂ with cPLA₂ inhibitor MAFP abolished the INS-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation by 65% (p < 0.01). Incubation of rat VSMCs with INS resulted in an increase of VSMCs proliferation by 85% (p < 0.001). The effect of INS on VSMCs proliferation was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced by pretreatment with MAFP. Thus, we hypothesized that INS stimulates VSMCs proliferation via a mechanism involving the PI3K-dependent activation of cPLA₂ and release of arachidonic acid (AA), which activates ERK1/2 and further amplifies cPLA₂ activity.     

Lupeol induces p53 and cyclin-B-mediated G2/M arrest and targets apoptosis through activation of caspase in mouse skin

Lupeol, present in fruits and medicinal plants, is a biologically active compound that has been shown to have various pharmacological properties in experimental studies. In the present study, we demonstrated the modulatory effect of lupeol on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced alterations on cell proliferation in the skin of Swiss albino mice. Lupeol treatment showed significant (p < 0.05) preventive effects with marked inhibition at 48, 72, and 96 h against DMBA-mediated neoplastic events. Cell-cycle analysis showed that lupeol-induced G2/M-phase arrest (16-37%) until 72 h, and these inhibitory effects were mediated through inhibition of the cyclin-B-regulated signaling pathway involving p53, p21/WAF1, cdc25C, cdc2, and cyclin-B gene expression. Further lupeol-induced apoptosis was observed, as shown by an increased sub-G1 peak (28%) at 96 h, with upregulation of bax and caspase-3 genes and downregulation of anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and survivin genes. Thus, our results indicate that lupeol has novel anti-proliferative and apoptotic potential that may be helpful in designing strategies to fight skin cancer.     

p-Quinquephenyl diamine, C6H5-p-C6H4-p-C6H2(2,3-NH2)-p-C6H4-C6H5, and its corresponding diimine-Ru(II) complex: Crystal structure and electrochemical and optical properties

The molecular structure of an o-phenylenediamine unit-containing oligophenylene (1), Ph-Ph′-Ph′(2,3-NH₂)-Ph′-Ph (Ph = phenyl; Ph′ = p-phenylene; Ph′(2,3-NH₂) = 2,3-diamino-p-phenylene), was determined by X-ray crystallography. 1 has a twisted structure, and forms an intermolecular C-H?π interaction network. The -NH₂ group of 1 was air-oxidized to an imine, NH, group in the presence of [RuCl₂(bpy)₂] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl) and gave a ruthenium(II)-benzoquinone diimine complex [Ru(2)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ (2: Ph-Ph′-Ph′(2,3-imine)-Ph′-Ph). The molecular structure of [Ru(2)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. [Ru(2)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ underwent two-step electrochemical reduction with E^1/2 = −0.889 V and −1.531 V versus Fc⁺/Fc. The E^1/2’s were located at higher potentials by 91 mV and 117 mV, respectively, than those of reported [Ru(bqdi)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ (bqdi = benzoquinone diimine). Electrochemical oxidation of [Ru(2)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ occurred at a lower potential by 180 mV than that of [Ru(bqdi)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂. Occurrence of the easier reduction and oxidation of [Ru(2)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ than those of [Ru(bqdi)(bpy)₂](PF₆)₂ is ascribed to the presence of a large π-conjugation system in 2.     

Structural characterization, electrochemistry, and spectroelectrochemistry of trans-dioxorhenium(V) complex with 4-methoxypyridine, [ReO2(4-MeOpy)4]PF6, and characterization of [ReO2(4-MeOpy)4] generated electrochemically

Crystal structure of [ReO₂(4-MeOpy)₄][PF₆] (4-MeOpy = 4-methoxypyridine) complex has been examined by the single crystal X-ray analytical method. This complex shows a trans-dioxo geometry (average Re-O bond length = 1.766(2) Å) and its equatorial plane is occupied by four 4-MeOpy molecules (average Re-N bond length = 2.156(4) Å). Electrochemical reaction of [ReO₂(4-MeOpy)₄]⁺ in CH₃CN solution containing tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate as a supporting electrolyte has been studied using cyclic voltammetry at 24 °C. Cyclic voltammograms show one redox couple around 0.65 V (E_pa) and 0.58 V (E_pc) [versus ferrocene/ferrocenium ion redox couple, (Fc/Fc⁺)]. Potential differences between two peaks (ΔE_p) at scan rates in the range from 0.01 to 0.10 V s⁻¹ are 65 mV, which is almost consistent with the theoretical ΔE_p value (59 mV) for the reversible one electron transfer reaction at 24 °C. The ratio of anodic peak currents to cathodic ones is 1.04 ± 0.03 and the (E_pa + E_pc)/2 value is constant, 0.613 ± 0.001 V versus Fc/Fc⁺, regardless of the scan rate. Spectroelectrochemical experiments have also been carried out by applying potentials from 0.40 to 0.77 V versus Fc/Fc⁺ with an optically transparent thin layer electrode. It was found that the UV-visible absorption spectra show clear isosbestic points at 228, 276, and 384 nm, and that the electron stoichiometry is evaluated as 1.03 from the Nernstian plot. These results indicate that the [ReO₂(4-MeOpy)₄]⁺ complex is oxidized reversibly to the [ReO₂(4-MeOpy)₄]²⁺ complex. Furthermore, it was clarified that the [ReO₂(4-MeOpy)₄]²⁺ in CH₃CN has the characteristic absorption bands at 236, 278, 330, 478, and 543 nm and their molar absorption coefficients are 4.3 × 10⁴, 4.5 × 10³, 1.0 × 10⁴, and 6.1 × 10³ M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ (M = mol dm⁻³), respectively.     

Synthesis, structures, electrochemistry and properties of dioxo-molybdenum(VI) and -tungsten(VI) complexes with novel asymmetric N2OS, and partially symmetric N2S2, NOS2N-capped tripodal ligands

A new class of asymmetric N-capped (dianionic/trianionic) tripodal proligands [H_x(Lⁿ)] (x = 2, n = 1-6; x = 3, n = 7, 8) which possess pendant arms with N₂OS, N₂S₂ or NOS₂ donor groups and with different chelate ring sizes {5,5,5} or {5,6,5} has been prepared. Treatment of these ligands with [WO₂Cl₂(dme)] (dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) in the presence of base (triethylamine or KOH) leads to the formation of cis-dioxotungsten(VI) complexes of the types [WO₂(Lⁿ)] (n = 1-6) and K[WO₂(Lⁿ)] (n = 7, 8). Reaction of these tetradentate ligands with [MoO₂(acac)₂] (acac = acetylacetonate) gives the corresponding Mo(VI) analogues [MoO₂(Lⁿ)] (n = 1-6) and K[MoO₂(Lⁿ)] (n = 7, 8). Moreover, a new five coordinate dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex with an NS₂ tridentate ligand [MoO₂(L⁹)] has been synthesised using similar procedure. All these compounds have been spectroscopically characterised and the molecular structures of [MoO₂(Lⁿ)] (n = 2, 6) and [WO₂(L⁶)] have been established by X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrochemistry and the catalytic activity for oxidation of allylic and benzylic alcohols of these dioxo complexes have also been investigated.     

Octahedral cyanohydroxo cluster complex trans-[Re6Se8(CN)4(OH)2]: Synthesis, crystal structure, and properties

A hexarhenium cyanohydroxo anionic cluster complex [Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]⁴⁻ was synthesized for the first time starting from [Re₆Se₈(OH)₆]⁴⁻, which was crystallized as a salt of the composition Cs_2.75K_1.25[Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]·H₂O (1). The reaction of the complex with Cu²⁺ in an aqueous ammonia or methylamine solutions afforded [Cu(NH₃)₅]₂[Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]·8H₂O (2) or [{Cu(CH₃NH₂)₄}₂Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂] (3), respectively. All of these three compounds were characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. Compound 1 is crystallized in the tetragonal space group I4/m with eight formula units per cell (a = b = 17.4823(14) Å, c = 19.430(2) Å, V = 5938.3(10) Å³); compound 2 is crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with two formula units per cell (a = 12.1845(13) Å, b = 8.6554(9) Å, c = 19.2568(19) Å, β = 91.081(2)°, V = 2030.5(4) Å³); compound 3 is crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with four formula units per cell (a = 19.816(4) Å, b = 14.611(3) Å, c = 13.751(3) Å, V = 3981.2(13) Å³). The luminescence properties of 1 were studied in both aqueous solution and solid state. In addition, the electronic structure of [Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]⁴⁻ was elucidated by DFT calculations.     

Electronic effects on the interactions of complexes [Ru(phen)2(p-L)] (L=MOPIP, HPIP, and NPIP) with DNA

In order to explore the electronic effects of Ru(II) complexes binding to DNA, a series of Ru(II) complexes [Ru(phen)₂ (p-MOPIP)]²⁺ (1), [Ru(phen)₂ (p-HPIP)]²⁺ (2), and [Ru(phen)₂(p-NPIP)]²⁺ (3) were synthesized and characterized by elementary, ¹H NMR, and ES-MS analysis. The binding properties of these complexes to CT-DNA were investigated with spectroscopic methods and viscosity experiments. Furthermore, the computations for these complexes applying the density functional theory (DFT) method have also been performed. The results show that all of these complexes can well bind to DNA in intercalation mode and DNA-binding affinity of these complexes is greatly influenced by electronic effects of intercalating ligands. The intrinsic binding constants for 1, 2, and 3 are 0.20, 0.69, and 1.56 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, respectively. This order is in accordance with that of the electron-withdrawing ability of substituent [-OR < -OH < -NO₂]. Such a trend in electronic effects of Ru(II) complexes binding to DNA can be reasonably explained by the DFT calculations.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of a zinc-substituted gallium phosphite, [H3N(CH2)2NH3]1/2 · [GaZn(HPO3)3(H2O)2]

An organically templated zinc-substituted gallium phosphite, [H₃N(CH₂)₂NH₃]_1/2 · [GaZn(HPO₃)₃(H₂O)₂] was synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions in the presence of ethylenediamine (en) as structure-directing agent and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn with unit cell parameters: a = 18.6146(10) Å, b = 11.0454(6) Å, c = 10.9074(4) Å, V = 2242.62(19) Å³ and Z = 8. This compound has a three-dimensional framework built up from secondary building units (SBU) of Ga(III) (or Zn(II)) and HPO₃ pseudopyramid by sharing vertices. The structure displays a two-dimensional channel system running along the [0 0 1] and [0 1 0] direction with 5-, 8- and 10-membered rings. The diprotonated ethylenediamine template molecules are located in the channels. In this structure, some of the Ga(III) sites are occupied by Zn(II) atoms. The compound was also characterized by IR spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses.     

3D hydrogen bonded metal-organic frameworks constructed from [M(H2O)6][M′(dipicolinate)2] · mH2O (M/M′ = Zn/Ni or Ni/Ni). Identification of intercalated acyclic (H2O)6/(H2O)10 clusters

New heterodinuclear Zn^II/Ni^II (1) and homodinuclear Ni^II/Ni^II (2) water-soluble and air stable compounds of general formula [M(H₂O)₆][M′(dipic)₂] · mH₂O have been easily prepared by self-assembly of the corresponding metal(II) nitrates with dipicolinic acid (H₂dipic) in water solution at room temperature.  The compounds have been characterized by IR, UV/Vis and atomic absorption spectroscopies, elemental and X-ray single crystal diffraction (for 1 · 4H₂O and 2 · 5H₂O) analyses.  3D infinite polymeric networks are formed via extensive hydrogen bonding interactions involving all coordinated and crystallization water molecules, and all dipicolinate oxygens, thus contributing to additional stabilization of dimeric units, metal-organic chains and 2D layers.  In 1 · 4H₂O, the latter represent a rectangular-grid 2D framework with multiple channels if viewed along the c crystallographic axis, while in 2 · 5H₂O intercalated crystallization water molecules are associated to form acyclic nonplanar hexameric water clusters and water dimers which occupy voids in the host metal-organic matrix, with a structure stabilizing effect via host-guest interactions.  The hexameric cluster extends to the larger (H₂O)₁₀ one with an unusual geometry (acyclic helical octamer with two pendent water molecules) by taking into account the hydrogen bonds to water ligands in [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺.  The obtained Zn/Ni compound 1 relates to the recently reported family of heterodimetallic complexes [M(H₂O)₅M′(dipic)₂] · mH₂O (M/M′ = Cu/Co, Cu/Ni, Cu/Zn, Zn/Co, Ni/Co, m = 2, 3), what now allows to establish the orders of the metal affinity towards the formation of chelates with dipicolinic acid (Co^II > Ni^II > Zn^II > Cu^II) or aqua species (Co^II < Ni^II < Zn^II < Cu^II).     

Synthesis, spectral and magnetical characterization of monomeric [Cu(2-NO2bz)2(nia)2(H2O)2] and structural analysis of similar [Cu(RCOO)2(L-N)2(H2O)2] complexes

A new complex of composition [Cu(2-NO₂bz)₂(nia)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) (nia = nicotinamide, 2-NO₂bz = 2-nitrobenzoate) has been prepared and its composition and stereochemistry as well as coordination mode have been determined by elemental analysis, electronic, infrared and EPR spectroscopy, magnetization measurements over the temperature range 1.8-300 K, and its structure has been solved, as well. The complex structure consists of the centrosymmetric molecules with Cu(II) atom monodentately coordinated by the pair of 2-nitrobenzoato anions and by the pair of nicotinamide molecules, forming nearly tetragonal basal plane, and by a pair of water molecules that complete tetragonal-bipyramidal coordination polyhedron about the copper atom. The complex 1 exhibits magnetic moment μ_eff = 1.86 B.M. at 300 K which decreases to μ_eff = 1.83 B.M. at 1.8 K. The magnetic susceptibility temperature dependence obeys Curie-Weiss law with Curie constant of 0.442 cm³ K mol⁻¹ and with Weiss constant of −1.0 K. EPR spectra at room temperature as well as at 77 K are of axial type with g_⊥ = 2.065 and g_∥ = 2.280 and exhibit clearly, but partially resolved parallel hyperfine splitting with A_II = 160 G, that is consistent with the determined molecular structure of 1. In order to analyze the factors influencing the degree of tetragonal distortion of coordination polyhedron, the dataset of 72 structures similar to that of 1 was extracted from CCD and analyzed. A significant correlation between the average Cu-O_ax bond length and tetragonality parameter τ which was found as a consequence of the Jahn-Teller effect.     

A seven-coordinate Fe compound: [Fe{O(CH2CO2)2}(H2O)2(NO3)]. Preparation, structure and magnetic properties

A seven-coordinate Fe^III complex, [Fe(oda)(H₂O)₂(NO₃)], was obtained after dissolving Fe(NO₃)₃ · 9H₂O in an aqueous solution of oxydiacetic acid (H₂oda) at room temperature. In the solid state, the Fe^III center adopts a pentagonal bipyramid geometry with an {FeO₇} core formed by a tridentate oda²⁻ and a bidentate in the equatorial plane, and two axial water molecules. Magnetic measurements and EPR spectra revealed the presence of S = 5/2 Fe^III centers with rhombic zero field splitting parameters (D = 0.81 cm⁻¹, E/D = 0.33 ). Weak antiferromagnetic interactions with J ≈ −0.06 cm⁻¹ operating between neighboring Fe ions connected through Fe-O-C-O?H-O-Fe paths are estimated using the molecular field approximation.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic properties and electrochemical behaviour of the mixed valence compound [Cu(CN)3Cu(C3H10N2)2]

The binuclear mixed valence copper(I/II) compound [Cu^I(CN)₃Cu^II(tn)₂] (1) (tn = propane-1,3-diamine) and its acetonitrile adduct [Cu^I(CN)₃Cu^II(tn)₂] · 2MeCN (2) have been synthesized. Complex 1 crystallizes triclinic, space group , a = 8.117(2) Å, b = 8.389(2) Å, c = 11.920(2) Å, α = 108.728(3)°, β = 100.024(3)°, γ = 104.888(4)°, Z = 2, and compound 2 monoclinic, space group P2₁/m, a = 8.752(2) Å, b = 13.243(3) Å, c = 9.549(2) Å, β = 114.678(4)°, Z = 2. In both crystal structures, the binuclear [Cu^I(CN)₃Cu^II(tn)₂] complex with slightly different bonding geometries is formed. One of the three nitrogen atoms of a Cu^I(CN)₃ moiety is coordinated to Cu(II) at the apex of a square-pyramid with two chelating ligands tn on its base. The shortest intramolecular Cu^II?Cu^II distance in 1 is 5.640(7) Å. The EPR behaviour of 1 has been investigated at room temperature and at 77 K. The magnetic properties were measured in the temperature range 1.8-300 K.     

Ni[TCNE]2 · zCH2Cl2 (Tc = 13 K) and VxNi1 − x[TCNE]y · zCH2Cl2 solid solution room temperature magnets

Magnetically ordered Ni[TCNE]₂ · zCH₂Cl₂ (T_c = 13 K) is reported for the first time from the reaction of Ni(CO)₄ with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). A family of new solid solution room temperature magnets of V_xNi_1 − x[TCNE]_y · zCH₂Cl₂ (0 ? x < 1; y ? 2) composition has been characterized by IR spectrometry, elemental analysis, and magnetic measurements (ac and dc susceptibility). Substitution of Ni^II for V^II in V[TCNE]_y · zCH₂Cl₂ does not alter the T_c significantly for x ? 0.05 and does not alter H_cr significantly for x > 0; however, the magnitude of M increases with x, as does the broadness of the peaks in the χ′(T) and χ″(T) ac susceptibilities. Hence, the magnetic properties of the room temperature V[TCNE]_y · zCH₂Cl₂ magnet can be finely tuned via synthetic chemistry methodology, making this material more amenable in future technologies.