Synthesis of novel chalcones through palladium-catalyzed CO cross-coupling reaction of bromo-chalcones with ethyl acetohydroxamate and their antiplasmodial evaluation against Plasmodium falcipuram in vitro

An efficient method for palladium-catalyzed CO cross-coupling of ethyl acetohydroxamate (EAcHO) with 4-bromo-chalcones has been developed to synthesize novel chalcones. The two supporting ligands, namely tBuXPhos (L7), and cataCXium®PIntB (L16) were found to be effective ligands towards the Pd-catalyzed CO cross-coupling reaction to afford the desired product in moderate to excellent yields (50–99%). The coupled products were screened for in vitro blood stage antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) using the [³H] hypoxanthine incorporation inhibition assay. Of the twenty two compounds screened, eleven showed good antiplasmodial activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 6–16 μg/mL. The selected active molecules 11, 16, 22, (IC₅₀ 12 μg/mL) and 19 (IC₅₀ 6 μg/mL) were studied for their cytotoxic effect against HepG2 Cells (human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell lines), showing the selectivity index (SI) values are greater than 4 except chalcone 22. Our result demonstrates a methodology for synthesizing novel chalcones as a new class of antiplasmodial agent.     

Oxidative functionalization of a halimane diterpenoid achieved by fungal transformation

Regio and stereoselective activation of sp³ CH bonds remain one of the major advantages of biocatalysis over traditional chemocatalytic methods. Herein, we describe the oxy-functionalization of halimane diterpenoid 1 by whole cells of three filamentous fungi, aiming to obtain derivatives with desirable biological properties. After incubating 1 with Fusarium oxysporum, Myrothecium verrucaria, and Rhinocladiella similis at different concentrations and incubation times, four known (3, 5, 6, and 7) and three new (2, 4, and 8) halimane derivatives were obtained and characterized. F. oxysporum catalyzed the hydroxylation of positions C-2 (2) and C-7 (4), while R. similis simultaneously mediated the 2-oxo-functionalization and the hydration of 13,14-(CC)double bond belonging to an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system (8). Compounds 1–7 were non-cytotoxic against HCT-116 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines at tested concentrations. However, substrate 1 displayed moderate reduction ability against biofilm produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC35984 (84% at 1.6 mM), and this effect was retained to some extent by derivatives 4 and 7. These results emphasize the prominent potential of filamentous fungi associated with the microbiota of medicinal plants as versatile catalysts for singularly useful reactions through their complex enzymatic machinery, as well as the high susceptibility of halimane-diterpenoid substrates.     

The first metal complexes bearing ligated 3-iminoisoindolin-1-ones

The reaction between Zn(OAc)₂ · 2H₂O (1) and the 3-iminoisoindolin-1-ones H₂NCNC(O)C₆R¹R²R³R⁴ (R¹-R⁴ = H 2; R¹, R⁴ = H, R², R³ = Cl 3; R¹, R³, R⁴ = H, R² = Me 4) in EtCN at 70 °C for ca. 12 h affords the novel family of complexes [Zn{H₂NCNC(O)C₆R¹R²R³R⁴}₂(OAc)₂] (R¹-R⁴ = H 5; R¹, R⁴ = H, R², R³ = Cl 6; R¹, R³, R⁴ = H, R² = Me 7) in excellent (90% and 93% for 5 and 6, correspondingly) to good (64% for 7) yields. The isolated compounds were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N), IR, NMR and ESI⁺-MS. X-ray diffraction data for 2 and 5 indicate that both free (2) and ligated (5) 3-iminoisoindolin-1-ones exist in the zwitterionic form.     

Synthesis of novel bisindolylmethanes: New carbonic anhydrase II inhibitors,docking, and 3D pharmacophore studies

In this study, 45 bisindolylmethanes having sulfonamide moiety had been synthesized through 3 steps. In vitro assay for inhibition of carbonic anhydrase showed that some of the compounds having sulfonamide moiety are capable of inhibiting carbonic anhydrase II. Bisindoles having halogens at fifth position showed better inhibitory activity as compared to unsubstituted bisindoles. The results obtained from in vitro inhibitory activity were subjected through 3D QSAR and docking studies to identify important features contributing to the activity and further improve the structure. Pharmacophore studies suggest that bisindolylmethane moiety is contributing significantly towards the inhibition activity. Docking studies showed that compounds having nitro substituent (5g and 5i) were found to be able interact with Zn²⁺ ion, Thr199, His94, His96, and His119, which interferes with the ZnOHThr199Glu106 hydrogen bond network. Bulky nitro substituent at ortho position for compound 5g prevents the compound from interacting with other residues like Thr199 and Thr200. Methyl substituent at ortho position for Compound 5i induces less steric hindrance effect, thus allowing second oxygen atom of sulfonamide to interact with Thr199 (2.51 Å). Hydrogen bonding between NH on indole ring with Glu69 might have increased stability of ligand-receptor complex.     

Synthesis and characterization of CpMCl(PR3)(S or W-η-butadienesulfonyl) compounds of rhodium and iridium

A metathesis reaction of [Cp^∗MCl₂(PR₃)] [M = Rh, R = Ph (1), Me (3); M = Ir, R = Ph (2), Me (4)] takes place in the presence of potassium butadienesulfinate (SO₂CHCHCHCH₂)K (9) to afford the mononuclear compounds [Cp^∗M(Cl)(PR₃)(η¹-SO₂CHCHCHCH₂)] [M = Rh, R = Ph (11S), (11W); M = Rh, R = Me (13S), (13W)] and [M = Ir, R = Ph (12S); M = Ir, R = Me (14S), (14W)] under different reaction conditions. The addition of PR₃ (R = Ph, Me) to Cp^∗Ir(Cl)[(1,2,5-η)-SO₂CHCHCHCH₂] (7) affords the corresponding iridium isomers 12S, 12W and 14S, in a non-selective reaction, along with the corresponding dichloride compounds 2 or 4. The ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR data are consistent with the butadienesulfonyl ligands coordinated exclusively through the sulfur atom, and they show the presence of two isomers, described as the S and W conformers, which can be isolated separately. There is clear evidence that these isomers correspond to the kinetic and thermodynamic derivatives, respectively.     

Hydroxyl alkyl ammonium ionic liquid assisted green and one-pot regioselective access to functionalized pyrazolodihydropyridine core and their pharmacological evaluation

Herein our team explored a promising synthetic trail to Functionalized pyrazolodihydropyridine core using hydroxyl alkyl ammonium ionic liquid via one-pot fusion of 3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-5-amine, different heterocyclic aldehydes and 1, 3-Cyclic diones. The aimed compounds were obtained by Domino-Knoevenagel condensation and Michael addition followed by cyclization. The reaction transformation involves the formation of two CC and one CN bond formation. The perspective of the present work is selectively approached to Functionalized pyrazolodihydropyridine core excluding other potential parallel reactions under environmentally benign reaction condition. The present protocol show features such as the low E-factor, ambiphilic behavior of ionic liquid during reaction transformation, scale-up to a multigram scale, reusability of the ionic liquid, mild reaction condition, and produce water as a byproduct. All newly derived compounds were evaluated for their in vitro biological activities. In preliminary biological studies compound, 4c showed better potency than the standard drug ampicillin against Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli); the compound 4i exhibited outstanding activity against S. aeruginosa which is far better than ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. The compound 4m was found more potent against C. albicans, than that of griseofulvin and show equipotency to nystatin whereas, in preliminary antitubercular screening, compound 4o was exhibited more potency than rifampicin. Noteworthy compounds 4f and 4i were found most active in antiproliferative screening.     

Ecdysteroids from Polypodium vulgare L

Three new compounds (3, 7, and 11) together with eight known phytoecdysteroids (1, 2, 4-6, and 8-10) were isolated from the rhizomes of common polypody, Polypodium vulgare L. The structures of compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR measurements. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR assignments of compounds 1, 6, 9 and 10 are included.     

Synthesis of (β-phenylethynyl)-gem-diphenyltrifluorocyclotriphosphazene and its reaction with RCpCo(PPh3)2 [R = MeOC(O)]

Reaction of gem-diphenyltetrafluorocyclotriphosphazene with in situ generated lithiated phenylacetylene resulted in the formation of the first example of a gem-diphenyltrifluorophosphazene based alkyne (β-phenylethynyl)-gem-diphenyltrifluorocyclotriphosphazene (NPPh₂)(NPF₂)[NP(F)CCPh] 1. Reaction of this alkyne with η⁵-(MeOC(O)C₅H₄)Co(PPh₃)₂ resulted in the formation of a CpCo stabilized cyclobutadiene complex [η⁵-carbomethoxycyclopentadienyl][η⁴-1,3-bis(gem-diphenyltrifluorocyclotriphosphazenyl)-2,4-diphenylcyclobutadiene]cobalt 2, having two gem-diphenyltrifluorophosphazene moieties trans to each other on the cyclobutadiene ring. The reaction also yielded two structural isomers of the PPh₃ stabilized cobaltacyclopentadiene compounds 3 and 4 having gem diphenyl trifluorophosphazene moieties present in the 2,4 and 2,5 positions of the metallacycle. The reaction in addition yielded a novel spirocyclic phosphazacyclopentadiene compound bound to a CpCo unit in the η⁴-mode 5. All the compounds were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy and compounds 2, 3 and 5 were also structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Phenylsulfonyl piperazine bridged [1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]chromenones as promising antiproliferative and antioxidant agents

Two series of sulfonylpiperazines linked [1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]chromenones were synthesized featuring phenyl (7a-k) and chalcone (12a-k) bridge representing flavones or homoisoflavonoids core. New molecules are synthesized utilizing aldol condensation to inspect as antioxidants against DPPH and ABTS⁺ and antiproliferative agents toward selected human cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity of new compounds was confirmed using SRB assay against non-cancer MDCK cell line. The results concluded that both individual structures of 7 and 12 were vital for modulating pharmacological potencies and presence of different electron withdrawing and electron donating functional group(s) on the phenylsulfonyl entity yielded varied biological effects. Substituent h (OCF₃) and j, k (OCH₃) were found to play a crucial role scavenging DPPH and ABTS⁺ as well as inhibiting cancer cell lines SK-OV-3 and HT-29. Moreover, molecules bearing halogen atom(s) such as substituent b-g expressed excellent inhibitory potential against HeLa and A-549 cancerous cell lines. Bioassay data displayed some interesting structure-activity relationships which are discussed in this paper. The results justified that tested derivatives are promising antioxidants and cytotoxic agents and warrant further structural optimization and bioassay studies. Spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and elemental analysis (CHN) were carried out to confirm the final structures.     

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.     

Mononuclear and tetranuclear palladacycles with terdentate [C,N,N] and [C,N,O] Schiff base ligands. C-H versus C-Br activation reactions

Reaction of the Schiff base ligands 2-Br-4,5-(OCH₂O)C₆H₂C(H)NCH₂CH₂NMe₂ (a) and 4,5-(OCH₂CH₂)C₆H₃C(H)NCH₂CH₂NMe₂ (b) with Pd(OAc)₂ or K₂[PdCl₄] leads to the mononuclear cyclometallated compounds [Pd{2-Br-4,5-(OCH₂O)C₆HC(H)NCH₂CH₂NMe₂-C6,N,N}(OCOMe)] (1a) and [Pd{4,5-(OCH₂CH₂)C₆H₂C(H)NCH₂CH₂NMe₂-C6,N,N}(Cl)] (1b), derived from C-H activation at the C6 carbon. Treatment of a with Pd₂(dba)₃ gave [Pd{4-5-(OCH₂O)C₆H₂C(H)NCH₂CH₂NMe₂-C2,N,N}(Br)] (2a), via C-Br activation.The metathesis reaction of 1a with aqueous sodium chloride gave [Pd{2-Br-4,5-(OCH₂O)C₆HC(H)NCH₂CH₂NMe₂-C6,N,N}(Cl)] (3a), with exchange of the acetate group by a chloride ligand. Treatment of the cyclometallated monomers 1a-3a with PPh₃ in a 1:1 molar ratio yielded the mononuclear complexes [Pd{2-Br-4,5-(OCH₂O)C₆HC(H)NCH₂CH₂NMe₂-C6,N}(L)(PPh₃)] (L: OAc, 4a; Cl, 5a) and [Pd{4-5-(OCH₂O)C₆H₂C(H)NCH₂CH₂NMe₂-C2,N}(Br)(PPh₃)] (6a), with Pd-NMe₂ bond cleavage. However, treatment of a solution of 3a or 2a with silver trifluoromethanesulfonate, followed by reaction with PPh₃ in acetone yielded the cyclometallated complexes [Pd{2-Br-4,5-(OCH₂O)C₆HC(H)NCH₂CH₂NMe₂-C6,N,N}(PPh₃)][CF₃SO₃] (7a) and [Pd{4-5-(OCH₂O)C₆H₂C(H)NCH₂CH₂NMe₂-C2,N,N}(PPh₃)][CF₃SO₃] (8a), respectively, where the Pd-NMe₂ bond was retained.The reaction of the ligands 2-Br-4,5-(OCH₂O)C₆H₂C(H)N(2′-OH-5′-^tBuC₆H₃) (c) and 4,5-(OCH₂CH₂)C₆H₃C(H)N(2′-OH-5′-^tBuC₆H₃) (d) with Pd(OAc)₂ gave the tetranuclear complexes [Pd{2-Br-4,5-(OCH₂O)C₆HC(H)N(2′-O-5′-^tBuC₆H₃)-C6,N,O}]₄ (1c) and [Pd{4,5-(OCH₂CH₂)C₆H₂C(H)N(2′-O-5′-^tBuC₆H₃)-C6,N,O}]₄ (1d), respectively. Treatment of 1c with PPh₃ in 1:4 molar ratio, gave the mononuclear species [Pd{2-Br-4,5-(OCH₂O)C₆HC(H)N(2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃)-C6,N,O}(PPh₃)] (2c) with opening of the polynuclear structure after P-O_bridging bond cleavage.The structure of compounds 2a, 1c and 1d has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and biological evaluation of new phosphoramide derivatives as urease inhibitors using docking,QSAR and kinetic studies

In an attempt to achieve a new class of phosphoramide inhibitors with high potency and resistance to the hydrolysis process against urease enzyme, we synthesized a series of bisphosphoramide derivatives (01–43) and characterized them by various spectroscopic techniques. The crystal structures of compounds 22 and 26 were investigated using X-ray crystallography. The inhibitory activities of the compounds were evaluated against the jack bean urease and were compared to monophosphoramide derivatives and other known standard inhibitors. The compounds containing aromatic amines and their substituted derivatives exhibited very high inhibitory activity in the range of IC₅₀ = 3.4–1.91 × 10⁻¹⁰ nM compared with monophosphoramides, thiourea, and acetohydroxamic acid. It was also found that derivatives with PO functional groups have higher anti-urease activity than those with PS functional groups. Kinetics and docking studies were carried out to explore the binding mechanism that showed these compounds follow a mixed-type mechanism and, due to their extended structures, can cover the entire binding pocket of the enzyme, reducing the formation of the enzyme-substrate complex. The quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis also revealed that the interaction between the enzyme and inhibitor is significantly influenced by aromatic rings and PO functional groups. Collectively, the data obtained from experimental and theoretical studies indicated that these compounds can be developed as appropriate candidates for urease inhibitors in this field.     

Synthesis and molecular structures of phenylacetylide triosmium clusters

The thermal decarbonylation of [Os₃H(CO)₁₀(μ,η²-CCPh)] (1) results in the complex [Os₃H(CO)₉(μ₃,η²-CCPh)] (2) in a quantitative yield. The X-ray structural analysis has been performed for 1 and 2. The dependence of dynamic behavior of triosmium clusters on their structure is discussed.     

An expeditious four-component domino protocol for the synthesis of novel thiazolo[3,2-a]thiochromeno[4,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as antibacterial and antibiofilm agents

An efficient domino protocol has been developed for the synthesis of new pyrimidine scaffolds, through a one-pot four-component cascade transformation via [Bmim]HSO₄ ionic liquid mediated reaction, using an equimolar mixture of thiochroman-4-one, benzaldehyde, thiourea and 3-bromo-1-phenylpropan-1-one leading to the formation of a double electrophilic pyrimidine-2(5H)-thione intermediate. The intermediate regioselectively undergoes cyclization through intramolecular NH bond activation followed by CS bond formation leading to highly functionalized thiazolo[3,2-a]thiochromeno[4,3-d]pyrimidines. The ionic liquid operates efficiently under mild conditions. The recyclability and scope for recovery of the ionic liquid makes this protocol environmentally benign. Further, the compounds 5d, 5g and 5k showed promising antimicrobial activity against the tested Gram-positive bacterial strains. Among them, the compound 5d was identified as a lead molecule exhibiting promising anti-biofilm activity towards Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96, Bacillus subtilis MTCC 121, Staphylococcus aureus MLS16 MTCC 2940 and Micrococcus luteus MTCC 2470 with IC₅₀ values of 2.1, 1.9, 2.4 and 5.3 μg/mL, respectively. Further, the compound 5d showed increased levels of intracellular ROS accumulation in Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96 suggesting that oxidative stress resulted in bacterial cell lysis and death.     

Regioselective addition of bifunctional oximehydroxamic acid by the hydroxamic group to Pt(IV)-coordinated nitriles

The metal-mediated coupling between the nitriles RCN in the platinum(IV) complexes trans-[PtCl₄(RCN)₂] (RMe, Et, CH₂Ph, Ph), cis/trans-[PtCl₄(MeCN)(Me₂SO)] and the newly synthesized bifunctional oximehydroxamic acid, viz. N,2-dihydroxy-5-(1-hydroxyiminoethyl)benzamide, proceeds smoothly in CH₂Cl₂ at 40-45 °C to accomplish the new metallaligands HNC(R)ONHC(O)C₆H₃(2-OH)(5-C(Me)NOH) with pendant oxime functionalities due to the regioselective addition of the reagent via its hydroxamic groups. The obtained iminoligands exist in hydroxamic/hydroximic tautomeric equilibrium in solution. The structures of the isolated compounds are based on elemental analyses (C, H, N), IR, 1D ¹H, ¹³C{¹H}, and 2D NMR correlation experiments, i.e. ¹H,¹³C-COSY, ¹H,¹³C long range COSY, ¹H,¹⁵N-COSY, and ¹H,¹⁵N long range COSY.     

Reductive C-N bond cleavage of the NCCCN β-diketiminate backbone: A direct approach to azabutadienyl and alkylidene-anilide scaffolds

Tetrahydrofuran/toluene solutions of (nacnac)TiCl₂ (nacnac⁻ = [ArNC(^tBu)]₂CH, Ar = 2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃) react readily with KC₈ to afford the titanium imide (ArN(^tBu)CCHC(^tBu))TiNAr(THF)Cl (1) in 67% isolated yield. Complex 1 forms from the two-electron reductive C-N bond cleavage of the β-diketiminate ligand. Likewise, reduction of (nacnac)TiCl(NHAr) (2), prepared in 85% yield from (nacnac)TiCl₂ and LiNHAr, with KC₈ results in formation of the imide-anilide analogue (ArN(^tBu)CCHC(^tBu))TiNAr(NHAr) (3) in 88% yield. Another reductant such as Li^tBu (3 equiv.) reacts cleanly with the precursor (nacnac)TiCl₂ to afford the alkylidene-ate complex [Li(Et₂O)][(ArN(^tBu)CCHC(^tBu))TiNAr(Et₂O)] (4), in 81% yield. Complexes 1-4 have been characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Plausible mechanisms to formation of compounds 1, 3 and 4 are also presented and discussed.     

Synthesis and structure of Sb←O intramolecularly coordinated ethynylstibanes

The reaction of OCO chelated organolithium compound LLi (1) (L = 2,6-(t-BuOCH₂)₂C₆H₃) with SbCl₃ in 2:1 molar ratio gave diorganoantimony compound L₂SbCl (2). The reactions of the compound 2 with selected lithium acetylides resulted to the Sb←O coordinated antimony acetylides L₂Sb(CCR) (R = Ph, (3), t-Bu (4), Me₃Si (5)). All studied compounds were characterized by the help of elemental analysis, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy. Molecular structures of the compounds 2-4 were determined using the X-ray diffraction technique in the solid state.     

Thaixylogranins A–H: eight new limonoids from the Thai mangrove,Xylocarpus granatum

Eight new limonoids named thaixylogranins A–H (1–8), including seven mexicanolides (1–3 and 5–8), were isolated from the seeds of a Thai mangrove, Xylocarpus granatum. The structures of these limonoids were established on the basis of HRESIMS and NMR spectroscopic data. Compounds 1–4 possess an 8α, 30α-epoxy ring, whereas compounds 5−8 have a C8C30 bond. Compounds 1–8 exhibited weak cytotoxicities against the MDA-MB-231 cell with IC₅₀ values of 49.4, 58.3, 53.6, 61.1, 57.9, 44.6, 40.6, and 38.5 μM, respectively.     

Syntheses, crystal structure, spectroscopic characterization and antifungal activity of new N-R-sulfonyldithiocarbimate metal complexes

Five new compounds with the general formula of (Bu₄N)₂[M(RSO₂NCS₂)₂], where Bu₄N = tetrabutylammonium cation, (M = Ni, R = 4-FC₆H₄) (1), (M = Zn, R = 4-FC₆H₄, 4-ClC₆H₄, 4-BrC₆H₄, 4-IC₆H₄), (2), (3), (4) and (5), respectively, were obtained by the reaction of the appropriate potassium N-R-sulfonyldithiocarbimate (RSO₂NCS₂K₂) with nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate or zinc(II) acetate dihydrate in metanol:water 1:1. The elemental analyses and the IR data are consistent with the formation of the expected bis(dithiocarbimato)metal(II) complexes. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra showed the signals for the tetrabutylammonium cation and the dithiocarbimate moieties. The compounds 1, 2 and 5 were also characterized by X-ray diffraction techniques. The nickel(II) is coordinated by two N-4-fluorophenylsulphonyldithiocarbimato(2-) ligands forming a planar coordination. The zinc(II) exhibits distorted tetrahedral configuration in compounds 2 and 5 due to the chelation effect of two sulfur atoms of the N-R-sulfonyldithiocarbimate ligands. The antifungal activities of the compounds were tested in vitro against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, an important fungus that causes the plant disease known as anthracnose in fruit trees. All the complexes were active.     

Synthesis and characterization of [H2NC(S)NP(S)(OiPr)2] complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II)

Reaction of the potassium salt of the N-thiophosphorylthiourea H₂NC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂ (HL) with Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) cations in aqueous EtOH leads to the chelate complexes [ML₂] all showing a 1,5-S,S′-coordination formed by the CS and PS sulfur atoms of two deprotonated ligands L⁻. The structures of the resulting compounds were studied by IR, UV-Vis, ¹H, ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy and microanalysis. The metal center is found in a tetrahedral environment in [CoL₂], [ZnL₂] and [CdL₂]. According to NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy the metal cation of [NiL₂] exhibits square planar coordination geometry in CH₂Cl₂, CHCl₃ and C₆H₆, while tetrahedral geometry is observed in acetone, DMSO and DMF. Regardless of the solvent used for the crystallization of [NiL₂], the molecular structure in the solid is always square planar as was confirmed by XRD of single crystals and magnetic measurements of the polycrystalline material. The magnetic and photoluminescent properties of all complexes are also reported.