Ethylene oligomerization using nickel dithiolene complexes Ni(S2C2R2)2 (R=Ph, CF3) and the crystal structure of Ni[S2C2(CF3)2]2

Nickel bis(dithiolene) complexes have been known for over four decades, yet little is known regarding the chemistry of this important subclass of inorganic coordination complexes in olefin oligomerization or polymerization. We report here that Ni(S(2)C(2)R(2))(2) (R=Ph, CF(3)) are converted to active catalysts for ethylene oligomerization when activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO). The catalyst activity is comparable to some nickel coordination complexes with N-donor ligands under similar conditions. The products are mainly butenes and hexenes, with small amounts of higher oligomers. The product distribution pattern is consistent with a nickel hydride species being the active center, where fast beta-hydride elimination limits the products to mostly butenes and hexenes. The exact nature of the active center and the reaction mechanism remain to be investigated. In addition, we determined the crystal structure for Ni[S(2)C(2)(CF(3))(2)](2). The molecule crystallizes in the P2(1)/n space group and adopts a planar geometry with expected bond lengths and angles. Comparing this structure with that for the donor-acceptor complex with perylene reveals elongation of both the Ni-S and the S-C bonds in the latter, suggesting reduction of Ni[S(2)C(2)(CF(3))(2)](2) may have occurred in the latter.     

Uracilato and 5-halouracilato complexes of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II). X-ray structures of [Cu(uracilato-N(1))(2)(NH(3))(2)].2(H(2)O), [Cu(5-chlorouracilato-N(1))(2)(NH(3))(2)](H(2)O)(2), [Ni(5-chlorouracilato-N(1))(2)(en)(2)].2H(2)O and [Zn(5-chlorouracilato-N(1))(NH(3))(3)].(5-chlorouracilato-N(1)).(H(2)O)

Four new complexes of uracilato and 5-halouracilato with the divalent metal ions Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) were obtained and structurally characterized. [Cu(uracilato- N(1))(2)(NH(3))(2)].2(H(2)O) (1) and [Cu(5-chlorouracilato-N(1))(2)(NH(3))(2)](H(2)O)(2) (2) complexes present distorted square planar co-ordination geometry around the metal ion. Although an additional axial water molecule is present [Cu(II)-OH(2)=2.89 A (for 1) and 2.52 A (for 2)] in both cases, only in the complex 2 would be considered in the limit of a bond distance. The Zn(II) in [Zn(5-chlorouracilato-N(1))(NH(3))(3)].(5-chlorouracilato-N(1)).(H(2)O) presents a tetrahedral co-ordination with three ammonia molecules and the N(1) of the corresponding uracilato moiety. A non-coordinated uracilato molecule is present as a counterion and a recognition between co-ordinated and free ligands, by means a tandem of H-bonds, should be mentioned. Finally, the complex [Ni(5-chlorouracilato-N(1))(2)(en)(2)] (H(2)O)(2) (where en is ethylenediamine) presents a typical octahedral trans co-ordination with additional hydrogen bonds between 5-chlorouracilato and the NH(2) groups of ethylenediamine units.     

1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance and kinetic studies of the active site structure of chloroplast CF1 ATP synthase

The interaction of nucleotides and nucleotide analogues and their metal complexes with Mn2+ bound to both the latent and dithiothreitol-activated CF1 ATP synthase has been examined by means of steady-state kinetics, water proton relaxation rate (PRR) measurements, and 1H and 31P nuclear relaxation measurements. Titration of both the latent and activated Mn(2+)-CF1 complexes with ATP, ADP, Pi, Co(NH3)4ATP, Co(NH3)4ADP, and Co(NH3)4AMPPCP leads to increases in the water relaxation enhancement, consistent with enhanced metal binding and a high ternary complex enhancement. Steady-state kinetic studies are consistent with competitive inhibition of CF1 by Co(NH3)4AMPPCP with respect to CaATP. The data are consistent with a Ki for Co(NH3)4AMPPCP of 650 microM, in good agreement with a previous Ki of 724 microM for Cr(H2O)4ATP [Frasch, W., & Selman, B. (1982) Biochemistry 21, 3636-3643], and a best fit KD of 209 microM from the water PRR measurements. 1H and 31P nuclear relaxation measurements in solutions of CF1 and Co(NH3)4AMPPCP were used to determine the conformation of the bound substrate analogue and the arrangement with respect to this structure of high- and low-affinity sites for Mn2+. The bound nucleotide analogue adopts a bent conformation, with the low-affinity Mn2+ site situated between the adenine and triphosphate moieties and the high-affinity metal site located on the far side of the triphosphate chain. The low-affinity metal forms a distorted inner-sphere complex with the beta-P and gamma-P of the substrate. The distances from Mn2+ to the triphosphate chain are too large for first coordination sphere complexes but are appropriate for second-sphere complexes involving, for example, intervening hydrogen-bonded water molecules or residues from the protein.     

Crystal structures and cytotoxicity of isopropylamine Pt(II) complexes: a trinuclear squarato-bridged [Pt3(mu2-C4O4)3(H2NPri)6].3H2O and a mononuclear cis-[Pt(NO3)2(H2NPri)2

Crystals of a novel platinum(II) complex with squarato ligand, [Pt(3)(mu(2)-C(4)O(4))(3)(H(2)NPr(i))(6)].3H(2)O (1) (H(2)NPr(i)=ipa), have been isolated from the aqueous solution of cis-[Pt(H(2)O)(2)(H(2)NPr(i))(2)]SO(4) and barium squarate. Slow evaporation of methanol solution of cis-[Pt(NO(3))(2)(H(2)NPr(i))(2)] (2) resulted in crystallization of nitrato complex. The single crystal X-ray diffraction method was used to determine structures of 1 and 2. Complex 1 crystallizes in a triclinic space group P1 with a=11.17380(10)A, b=14.4535(2)A, c=14.8010(2)A, alpha=86.0901(10) degrees , beta=78.4343(11) degrees , gamma=69.1915(5) degrees , and complex 2 in a monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, with a=10.1161(2)A, b=9.9188(2)A, c=13.3766(2)A, beta=102.7360(7) degrees . The X-ray structure analysis revealed that three platinum atoms in 1 are connected with three squarates which adopt bis(unidentate) binding modes. The squarato ligands span relatively long intramolecular Ptcdots, three dots, centeredPt distances (4.8842(3)-5.2699(3)A). A pair of cis positioned isopropylamine ligands completes a square planar coordination sphere of each Pt(II) ion. The square-planar coordination of complex 2 consists of two cis positioned isopropylamine ligands and two nitrato ligands. The results of cytotoxicity assay of trimer 1, monomer 2 and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) performed on human bladder tumor cell line T24 provide evidence that complex 2 is less cytotoxic compared to cisplatin and that the survival of tumor cells after exposure to 1 was minimally reduced.     

Two new scorpionates vanadium haloperoxidases model complexes: synthesis and structure of VO(O2)(pzH)(HB(pz)3) and VO(O2)(pzH)(B(pz)4) (pzH = pyrazole(C3H4N2))

Using vanadate, poly(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)borate and pyrazole as starting materials, two new neutral peroxovanadium(V) complexes with poly(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)borate, VO(O(2))(pzH)(HB(pz)(3))(1) and VO(O(2))(pzH)(B(pz)(4))(2), were synthesized successfully. Both complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis and NMR spectra. And the structure of complex 1 was determined by X-ray diffraction, which is somewhat relevant for haloperoxidase enzymes. Cytotoxic effects also are discussed on 3T3 cell proliferation. In the concentration range (0.1-100mumol), both complexes have an inhibiting cellular proliferation effect. When the cells cultivated with the complexes at high dose, the toxicity effect of both complexes is more and more predominant.     

Pyrazolyl derivatives as bifunctional chelators for labeling tumor-seeking peptides with the fac-[M(CO)3]+ moiety (M = 99mTc, Re): synthesis, characterization, and biological behavior

Radiolabeling of biologically active molecules with the [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)](+) unit has been of primary interest in recent years. With this in mind, we herein report symmetric (L(1)) and asymmetric (L(2)-L(5)) pyrazolyl-containing chelators that have been evaluated in radiochemical reactions with the synthon [(99m)Tc(H(2)O)(3)(CO)(3)](+) (1a). These reactions yielded the radioactive building blocks [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)(k(3)-L)](+) (L = L(1)-L(5), 2a-6a), which were identified by RP-HPLC. The corresponding Re surrogates (2-6) allowed for macroscopic identification of the radiochemical conjugates. Complexes 2a-6a, with log P(o/w) values ranging from -2.35 to 0.87, were obtained in yields of > or =90% using ligand concentrations in the 10(-5-)10(-4) M range. Challenge studies with cysteine and histidine revealed high stability for all of these radioactive complexes, and biodistribution studies in mice indicated a fast rate of blood clearance and high rate of total radioactivity excretion, occurring primarily through the renal-urinary pathway. Based on the framework of the asymmetric chelators, the novel bifunctional ligands 3,5-Me(2)-pz(CH(2))(2)N((CH(2))(3)COOH)(CH(2))(2)NH(2) (L(6)) and pz(CH(2))(2)N((CH(2))(3)COOH)(CH(2))(2)NH(2) (L(7)) have been synthesized and their coordination chemistry toward (NEt(4))(2)[ReBr(3)(CO)(3)] (1) has been explored. The resulting complexes, fac-[Re(CO)(3)(k(3)-L)]Br (L(6)(7), L(7)(8)), contain tridentate ancillary ligands that are coordinated to the metal center through the pyrazolyl and amine nitrogen atoms, as observed for the other related building blocks. L(6) and L(7) were coupled to a glycylglycine ethyl ester dipeptide, and the resulting functionalized ligands were used to prepare the model complexes fac-[Re(CO)(3)(kappa(3)-3,5-Me(2)-pz(CH(2))(2)N(glygly)(CH(2))(2)NH(2))](+) (9/9a) and fac-[Re(CO)(3)(kappa(3)-pz(CH(2))(2)N(CH(2))(3)(glygly)(CH(2))(2)NH(2))](+) (10/10a) (M = Re, (99m)Tc). These small conjugates have been fully characterized and are reported herein. On the basis of the in vitro/in vivo behavior of the model complexes (2a-6a, 9a, 10a), we chose to evaluate the in vitro/in vivo biological behavior of a new tumor-seeking Bombesin pyrazolyl conjugate, [(L(6))-G-G-G-Q-W-A-V-G-H-L-M-NH(2)], that has been labeled with the [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)](+) metal fragment. Stability, in vitro cell binding assays, and pharmacokinetics studies in normal mice are reported herein.     

Covalent modification of the catalytic sites of the H(+)-ATPase from chloroplasts, CF(0)F(1), with 2-azido-[alpha-(32)P]ADP: modification of the catalytic site 2 (loose) and the catalytic site 3 (open) impairs multi-site, but not uni-site catalysis of both ATP synthesis and ATP hydrolysis

The H(+)-ATPase from chloroplasts, CF(0)F(1), was isolated and purified. The enzyme contained one endogenous ADP at a catalytic site, and two endogenous ATP at non-catalytic sites. Incubation with 2-azido-[alpha-(32)P]AD(T)P leads to a tight binding of the azido-nucleotides. Free nucleotides were removed by three consecutive passages through centrifugation columns, and after UV-irradiation, the label was covalently bound. The labelled enzyme was digested by trypsin, the peptides were separated by ion exchange chromatography into nitreno-AMP, nitreno-ADP and nitreno-ATP labelled peptides, and these were then separated by reversed phase chromatography. Amino acid sequence analysis was used to identify the type of the nucleotide binding site. After incubation with 2-azido-[alpha-(32)P]ADP, the covalently bound label was found exclusively at beta-Tyr-362, i.e. binding occurs only to catalytic sites. Incubation conditions with 2-azido-[alpha-(32)P]ADP were varied, and conditions were found which allow selective binding of the label to different catalytic sites, either to catalytic site 2 or to catalytic site 3. For measurements of the degree of inhibition by covalent modification, CF(0)F(1) was reconstituted into phosphatidylcholine liposomes, and the membranes were energised by an acid-base transition in the presence of a K(+)/valinomycin diffusion potential. The rate of ATP synthesis was 120 s(-1), and the rate of ATP hydrolysis was 20 s(-1), both measured under multi-site conditions. Covalent modification of either catalytic site 2 or catalytic site 3 inhibited both ATP synthesis and ATP hydrolysis, the degree of inhibition being proportional to the degree of modification. Extrapolation to complete inhibition indicates that modification of one catalytic site, either site 2 or site 3, is sufficient to completely block multi-site ATP synthesis and ATP hydrolysis. The rate of ATP synthesis and the rate of ATP hydrolysis were measured as a function of the substrate concentration from multi-site to uni-site conditions with covalently modified CF(0)F(1) and with non-modified CF(0)F(1). The result was that uni-site ATP synthesis and ATP hydrolysis were not inhibited by covalent modification of either catalytic site 2 or site 3. The results indicate cooperative interactions between catalytic nucleotide binding sites during multi-site catalysis, whereas neither uni-site ATP synthesis nor uni-site ATP hydrolysis require interaction with other sites.     

Xanthine oxidase/hydrogen peroxide generates sulfur trioxide anion radical (SO3.-) from sulfite (SO3(2-)).

In the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), xanthine oxidase has been found to catalyze sulfur trioxide anion radical (SO3.-) formation from sulfite anion (SO3(2-)). The SO3.- radical was identified by ESR (electron spin resonance) spin trapping, utilizing 5,5-dimethyl-l-pyrroline-l-oxide (DMPO) as the spin trap. Inactivated xanthine oxidase does not catalyze SO3.- radical formation, implying a specific role for this enzyme. The initial rate of SO3.- radical formation increases linearly with xanthine oxidase concentration. Together, these observations indicate that the SO3.- generation occurs enzymatically. These results suggest a new property of xanthine oxidase and perhaps also a significant step in the mechanism of sulfite toxicity in cellular systems.     

Studies on activities, cell up take and DNA binding of four multinuclear complexes of the form: [[trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)](2)mu-[trans-Pd(NH(3))(2)-(H(2)N(CH(2))(n)NH(2))(2)]]Cl(4) where n=4-7

The activity against human cancer cell lines including ovarian: A2780, A2780(cisR), cell up take, DNA-binding and nature of interaction with pBR322 plasmid DNA have been studied for four multinuclear complexes code named DH4Cl, DH5Cl, DH6Cl and DH7Cl, having the general formula: [[trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)](2)mu-[trans-Pd(NH(3))(2)-(H(2)N(CH(2))(n)NH(2))(2)]]Cl(4) where n=4, 5, 6 and 7 for DH4Cl, DH5Cl, DH6Cl and DH7Cl, respectively. The compounds are found to exhibit significant anticancer activity against ovarian cancer cell lines: A2780, A2780(cisR) and A2780(ZD0473R). DH6Cl in which the linking diamine has six carbon atoms is found to be the most active compound. As the number of carbon atoms in the linking diamine is decreased below six and increased above six, the activity is found to decrease, illustrating structure-activity relationship. All the multinuclear compounds are believed to form a plethora of long-range interstrand GG adducts with DNA dictated by the sequence of bases in the DNA strands. Increasing prevention of BamH1 digestion with the increase in concentration of the compounds is due to global changes in DNA conformation brought about by interstrand long-range binding of the compounds with DNA.     

Three new Cu(II) and Cd(II) complexes with 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole-based ligand: syntheses, crystal structures, and evaluations for bioactivities

Three new complexes [Cu(L)(2)(NO(3))](NO(3))(H(2)O)(1/2)(CH(3)OH)(1/2) (1), [Cd(L)(2)(NO(3))(2)](H(2)O)(3) (2) and [Cd(L)(2)(ClO(4))(CH(3)OH)](ClO(4))(H(2)O)(1/4)(CH(3)OH) (3) (L=1-[3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-1-ylmethyl]naphthalene) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and X-ray diffraction analysis. Among them, the Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions were both coordinated by four N donors from two distinct L ligands via N,N-bidentate chelating coordination mode. Additional weak interactions, such as the face-to-face pi-pi stacking and C-Hcdots, three dots, centeredO H-bonding interactions, linked the mononuclear unit into 1D chain and further into 2D network. Complexes 1-3 were subjected to biological assays in vitro against six different cancer cell lines. All of them exhibited cytotoxic specificity and notable cancer cell inhibitory rate. The interactions of 1-3 with calf thymus DNA were investigated by thermal denaturation, viscosity measurements, spectrophotometric and electrophoresis methods. The results indicate that these complexes bound to DNA by intercalation mode via the ligand L and had different nuclease activities, which were in good agreement with their DNA-binding strength. Moreover, the central metal ions of 1-3 played a vital role in DNA-binding behaviors, DNA-cleavage activities and cytotoxicities, whereas the contribution of the different counter anions to their bioactivities also should not be ignored.     

Effects of Na(2)SO(3) on the activities of antioxidant enzymes in geranium seedlings

This study investigated the effects of Na(2)SO(3), which releases SO(2) in apoplastic water, on the growth of geranium seedlings and on the activities of various antioxidant enzymes including peroxidase. Sodium sulfite (Na(2)SO(3)) addition both inhibited primary root growth and stimulated lateral root growth of the seedlings respectively. In addition, the contents of chlorophyll and Rubisco protein of the seedlings were greatly reduced with Na(2)SO(3) treatment. Total peroxidase activities of the seedlings also increased proportionally with the amount of Na(2)SO(3), this presumably correlating with oxidative stress levels. Notably, about an 8-fold enhancement of total peroxidase activity occurred in seedlings treated with 60 nM Na(2)SO(3) at pH 4.0. This enhancement of total peroxidase activity was mainly due to the increase of a strong cationic isoperoxidase, strong anionic isoperoxidase and neutral isoperoxidase activities. The strong cationic isoperoxidase from geranium seedlings was found to be the same enzyme as PC3 from geranium callus in terms of its physicochemical and catalytic properties. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase were greatly enhanced with Na(2)SO(3) treatments at pH 4.0 without significant alteration of catalase activity. These results suggest that Na(2)SO(3) exposure, activities the plants defense mechanism against the reactive oxygen species generated.     

In vitro anti-tumour effect of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione), [Cu(phendione)3](ClO4)2.4H2O and [Ag(phendione)2]ClO4 using human epithelial cell lines

The anti-cancer chemotherapeutic potential of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione), [Cu(phendione)(3)](ClO(4))(2).4H(2)O and [Ag(phendione)(2)]ClO(4) were determined using four human cells lines, i.e. two neoplastic (A-498 and Hep-G2) and two non-neoplastic (CHANG and HK-2). All of the phendione derivatives induced a concentration-dependant decrease in the viability of the four cell lines, with [Cu(phendione)(3)](ClO(4))(2).4H(2)O displaying greatest activity. In comparative studies, IC(50) values obtained with the two neoplastic cell lines showed a cytotoxic response which was between 3 and 35 times greater than that observed for the metal-based anti-cancer agent, cisplatin. Furthermore, metal-phendione complexes, rather than simple solvated metal ions, were responsible for the observed cytotoxicity. Despite the high level of potency associated with these compounds they did not display an apparent cyto-selective profile, as they reduced the viability of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells. However, selected mechanistic studies showed that phendione and its metal complexes inhibited DNA synthesis which did not appear to be mediated through intercalation. Ames testing highlighted that all three compounds and their phase I metabolites were non-mutagenic, unlike cisplatin. Taken together, these results suggest that phendione and its Cu(II) and Ag(I) complexes may be capable of acting as highly effective anti-cancer therapies, which with careful administration could provide very potent and effective alternatives to cisplatin.     

On the use of chiral compounds for probing the DNA handedness: Z to B conversion in poly(dGm5dC) upon binding of Fe(phen)3(2+) and Ru(phen)3(2+)

In order to examine whether chiral metal complexes can be used to discriminate between right- and left-handed DNA conformational states we have studied the enantioselective interactions of Fe(phen)3(2+) and Ru(phen)3(2+) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) with poly(dGm5dC) under B- and Z-form conditions. With the inversion-labile Fe(phen)3(2+), enantioselectivity leads to shifts in the diastereomeric binding equilibria. This effect, known as the "Pfeiffer effect" (1-4), is monitored as slowly emerging circular dichroism of the solution, corresponding to a net excess of the favoured enantiomer. With Ru(phen)3(2+), which is stable to intramolecular inversion, the difference in DNA-binding strengths of the enantiomers results in an excess of the less favoured enantiomer in the bulk solution. This excess is detected in the dialysate of the DNA/metal complex solution. With both complexes we find that the delta-enantiomer is favoured when the polynucleotide adopts the B-form, as previously shown, but also when it initially adopts the Z-form conformational state. This observation, together with evidence from UV-circular dichroism and binding data, indicates that the binding of these metal complexes induces a Z- to B-form transition in Z-form poly(dGm5dC). Consequently, neither of the studied chiral DNA-binders can easily be used to discriminate the DNA handedness.     

Molecular structure, bioavailability and bioactivity of [Cu(o-phen)2(cnge)](NO3)2.2H2O and [Cu(o-phen)(cnge)(H2O)(NO3)2] complexes

Two Cu(II) complexes with cyanoguanidine (cnge) and o-phenanthroline, [Cu(o-phen)(2)(cnge)](NO(3))(2).2H(2)O (1) and [Cu(o-phen)(cnge)(H(2)O)(NO(3))(2)] (2), have been synthesized using different experimental techniques and characterized by elemental analyses, FTIR, diffuse and UV-vis spectra and EPR and magnetic moment measurements techniques. The crystal structures of both complexes were solved by X-ray diffraction methods. Complex (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a=12.621(5), b=31.968(3), c=15.39(1)A, beta=111.68(4) degrees, and Z=8 and complex (2) in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a=10.245(1), b=13.923(2), c=12.391(2)A, beta=98.07(1) degrees, and Z=4. The environments of the copper(II) center are trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) for [Cu(o-phen)(2)(cnge)](2+) and an elongated octahedron for [Cu(o-phen)(cnge)(H(2)O)(NO(3))(2)]. Solution studies have been performed to determine the species distribution. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of both complexes have also been tested in order to determine if these compounds mimic the enzymatic action of the enzyme SOD that protects cells against peroxide radicals.     

Structural models for the interaction of Cd(II) with DNA: trans-[Cd(9-RGH-N7)2(H2O)4]2+

Reactions of Cd(NO(3))(2) with the model nucleobases 9-alkylguanine in water at neutral pH, give the compounds trans-[Cd(9-RGH-N7)(2)(H(2)O)(4)](NO(3))(2)(R=Me, Et), with the 9-alkylguanine ligands bound to the metal cation at the N(7) position. The X-ray structures of both compounds are reported. The six-coordinate Cd(II) complexes consist of a highly regular octahedral geometry in which the two 9-alkylguanine ligands are in a trans position to each other and approximately collinear with the metal cation. In addition, the networks of both compounds show interesting features. Thus, intramolecular H-bonds between O(6) and a coordinated water molecule are present, and self-association of guanines via H-bonding of N(3)-H...N(2) take place, leading to a 1D supramolecular polymeric ribbon. Density functional theory calculations have been applied to both compounds in order to study the stability of N(7) metalated guanine-guanine associations by comparing experimental and theoretical results. The potential relevance with regard to possible Cd(II)-DNA cross-links is briefly discussed.     

Influence of Me2SO and incubation time on papain activity studied using fluorogenic substrates

Papain activity in a buffer containing Me2SO was studied using fluorogenic substrates. It was found that the number of active sites of papain decreases with increasing Me2SO concentration whereas the incubation time, in a buffer containing 3% Me2SO does not affect the number of active sites. However, an increase of papain incubation time in the buffer with 3% Me2SO decreased the initial rate of hydrolysis of Z-Phe-Arg-Amc as well as Dabcyl-Lys-Phe-Gly-Gly-Ala-Ala-Edans. Moreover, an increase of Me2SO concentration in working buffer decreased the initial rate of papain-catalysed hydrolysis of both substrates. A rapid decrease of the initial rate (by up to 30%) was observed between 1 and 2% Me2SO. Application of the Michaelis-Menten equation revealed that at the higher Me2SO concentrations the apparent values of k(cat)/Km decreased as a result of Km increase and kcat decrease. However, Me2SO changed the substrate binding process more effectively (Km) than the rate of catalysis k(cat).     

Photophysical properties of Pr(III) and Er(III) complexes of poly(pyrazolyl)borates.

The complexes [M(L(1))(2)(NO(3))] and [M(L(2))(NO(3))(2)](M = Pr, Er; L(1)= the tetradentate ligand dihydrobis-[3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazolyl]borate; L(2)= the hexadentate ligand hydrotris-[3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazolyl]borate) were prepared and their structural and photophysical properties studied. All complexes are 10-coordinate. Crystallographic analysis of [M(L(1))(2)(NO(3))](M = Pr, Er) showed that for the smaller Er(iii) ions steric congestion at the metal centre results in two of the Er-N(pyridyl) distances being particularly long, which does not occur with the larger Pr(iii) ion that is better able to accommodate 10-fold coordination. On UV irradiation, both Pr(iii) complexes show, in the visible region of their luminescence spectra, transitions originating from both the (3)P(0) level (at ca. 21,000 cm(-1)) and the (1)D(2) level (at ca. 17,000 cm(-1)), a consequence of the fact that the lowest triplet state of the coordinated pyrazolylborate ligands lies at ca. 24,000 cm(-1) in each case so is high enough in energy to populate both levels. This contrasts with Pr(iii) complexes based on diketonate ligands in which the lower triplet energies of the ligands result in emission from the (1)D(2) level only. At longer wavelengths, near-infrared luminescence arising from the (1)D(2) emissive level is observed with lifetimes (in both the solid state and solution) being in the range 50-110 ns. For both Er(iii) complexes, luminescence at 1530 nm occurs following UV excitation of ligand-centred transitions. In CH(2)Cl(2) both complexes gave dual-exponential luminescence, with the major component having a lifetime characteristic of an intact Er(iii) complex (approximately 1.5 micros) and the minor component being much shorter lived (0.2-0.5 micros), suggestive of a species in which a ligand is partially detached and the metal is solvated, with the two forms interconverting slowly. This behaviour is consistent with the steric congestion and long M-N(pyridyl) bonds that were observed in [Er(L(1))(2)(NO(3))]. In the solid state both Er(iii) complexes gave very weak luminescence, which could be fitted to a single exponential decay with a lifetime similar to the longer-lived of the solution components.     

Different modes of DNA cleavage activity of dihydroxo-bridged dicopper(II) complexes having phenanthroline bases

Dihydroxo-bridged dicopper(II) complexes [(Cu(phen))(2)(mu-OH)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (1), [(Cu(dpq))(2)(mu-OH)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2) and [(Cu(dppz)(DMF))(2)(mu-OH)(2)](PF(6))(2) (3), where phen, dpq and dppz are 1,10-phenanthroline, dipyridoquinoxaline and dipyridophenazine, respectively, are prepared and their DNA binding and cleavage properties studied. Complex 3 has been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The complexes have a (Cu(2)(mu-OH)(2))(2+) core with an essentially planar arrangement of two CuN(2)O(2) basal planes. The complexes are avid binder to calf thymus DNA (K(app) value of 4.8 x 10(6) and 5.9 x 10(6) M(-1) for 2 and 3, respectively, from ethidium displacement assay) and exhibits significant cleavage of supercoiled (SC) pUC19 DNA in dark in presence of mercaptopropionic acid. Besides, the dpq and dppz complexes display photo-induced DNA cleavage on UV (312 nm) and red light (632.8 nm) irradiations in absence of any additives. Mechanistic investigations reveal minor groove binding for the phen and dpq complexes, and major groove preference for the dppz species. The oxidative DNA cleavage reactions in presence of mercaptopropionic acid as a reducing agent involve hydroxyl radicals. The photo-cleavage reactions at UV light involve singlet oxygen as the reactive species, while similar reactions on red light irradiation (632.8 nm) proceed through the formation of hydroxyl radical. The complexes show significant DNA hydrolase activity in absence of any additives under dark reaction conditions.     

Half-sandwich Ru II[9]aneS3 complexes structurally similar to antitumor-active organometallic piano-stool compounds: preparation, structural characterization and in vitro cytotoxic activity

The preparation, structural characterization, and chemical behavior in aqueous solution of a series of new Ru[9]aneS3 half-sandwich complexes of the type [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(NN)][CF3SO3] and [Ru([9]aneS3)(dmso-S)(N-N)][CF3SO3]2 (5-15, NN=substituted bpy or 2x1-methylimidazole) are described. The X-ray structures of [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(3,3'-H2dcbpy)][CF3SO3] (9) (3,3'-H2dcbpy=3,3'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine), [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(4,4'-dmobpy)][CF3SO3] (13) (4,4'-dmobpy=4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine), and [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(1-MeIm)2][CF3SO3] (15) (1-MeIm=1-methylimidazole) were also determined. The new compounds are structurally similar to anticancer-active organometallic half-sandwich complexes of formula [Ru(eta6-arene)Cl(NN)][PF6]. Three chloro compounds (5, 9, 15) were tested in vitro for cytotoxic activity against two human cancer cell lines in comparison with the previously described [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(en)][CF3SO3] (1, en=ethylenediamine), [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(bpy)][CF3SO3] (2), and with their common dmso precursor [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(dmso-S)2][CF3SO3] (3). Only the ethylenediamine complex 1 showed some antiproliferative activity, ca. one order of magnitude lower than the reference organometallic half-sandwich compound RM175 that contains biphenyl instead of [9]aneS3. This compound was further tested against a panel of human cancer cell lines (including one resistant to cisplatin).