Calcium channel γ subunits provide insights into the evolution of this gene family

The γ subunits of voltage-dependent calcium channels influence calcium current properties and may be involved in other physiological functions. Five distinct γ subunits have been described from human and/or mouse. The first identified member of this group of proteins, γ₁, is a component of the L-type calcium channel expressed in skeletal muscle. A second member, γ₂, identified from the stargazer mouse regulates the targeting of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors to the postsynaptic membrane. We report here the identification of three novel γ subunits from rat and mouse as well as the unidentified rat, mouse and human orthologs of the previously described subunits. Phylogenetic analysis of the 24 mammalian γ subunits suggests the following relationship ((((γ₂, γ₃), (γ₄, γ₈)), (γ₅, γ₇)), (γ₁, γ₆)) that indicates that they evolved from a common ancestral γ subunit via gene duplication. Our analysis reveals that the novel γ subunit γ₆ most closely resembles γ₁ and shares with it the lack of a PSD-95/DLG/ZO-1 (PDZ)-binding motif that is characteristic of most other γ subunits. Rat γ subunit mRNAs are expressed in multiple tissues including brain, heart, lung, and testis. The expression of γ₁ mRNA and the long isoform of γ₆ mRNA is most robust in skeletal muscle, while γ₆ is also highly expressed in cardiac muscle. Based on our analysis of the molecular evolution, primary structure, and tissue distribution of the γ subunits, we propose that γ₁ and γ₆ may share common physiological functions distinct from the other homologous γ subunits.     

稳定表达人源GABAAR-CHO细胞株的建立

目的: 构建α₁亚基诱导表达、β₂和γ_2L亚基稳定表达的人源α₁β₂γ_2L-GABA_AR-CHO(Chinese hamster ovary)细胞株。方法: 从人cDNA文库中扩增α₁、β₂、γ_2L亚基编码基因,分别构建亚基表达载体;将三个亚基表达载体共转染CHO-K1细胞,通过抗性筛选、膜电位检测法进行稳定表达克隆筛选;通过qPCR、Western blot对亚基表达进行鉴定;以激动剂GABA、阳性变构调节剂地西泮(diazepam,Dia)、拮抗剂荷包牡丹碱(bicuculine)为工具药,采用全细胞膜片钳方法及膜电位检测法对稳定表达细胞的药理学功能进行鉴定。结果: 经克隆筛选获得表达量较高的α₁β₂γ_2L-GABA_AR-CHO并对其亚基表达鉴定,结果显示该细胞稳定表达α₁、β₂、γ_2L亚基,构建的α₁β₂γ_2L-GABA_AR-CHO细胞仅在加入四环素(tetracyclin)诱导的情况下表达α₁亚基并与β₂、γ_2L组装成具有功能活性的α₁β₂γ_2L-GABA_AR;对其进行全细胞膜片钳检测研究发现,GABA可对其产生激动效应,引起α₁β₂γ_2L-GABA_AR-CHO细胞产生氯离子通道特征性电流变化,Dia可剂量依赖性地增强GABA对α₁β₂γ_2L-GABA_AR的激动效应;在膜电位检测研究中,获得GABA激动效应EC₅₀为(177.72 ± 15.92)nmol/L,Dia变构效应EC₅₀为(3.63±0.52)μmol/L,拮抗剂Bicuculine拮抗效应IC₅₀为(538.83±29.55)nmol/L。结论: 通过采用诱导表达策略,成功构建了α₁β₂γ_2L-GABA_AR-CHO稳定表达细胞株,该细胞株具有对激动剂、阳性变构剂、拮抗剂特异性检测的药理学功能。     

Reactivity of cationic carbonyl/phosphine ruthenium(II) compounds

Cis(or trans)-[RuCl₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂] react with two and one equivalents of AgBF₄ to give the recently reported [Ru(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂][BF₄]₂·CH₂Cl₂ (1) and novel [RuCl(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂][BF₄] · 1/2 CH₂Cl₂ (2), respectively. Cis-[RuCl₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂] also reacts with two equivalents of AgBF₄ in the presence of CO to give [Ru(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂][BF₄]₂ (3). Reactions of 1 and 2 with NaOMe and CO at 1 atm produce the carbomethoxy species [Ru(COOMe)₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂] (4) and [RuCl(COOMe)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂] (5), respectively. Complex 4 can also be formed from the reaction of 3 with NaOMe and CO. Alternatively, 4 is formed from cis-[RuCl₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂] with NaOMe and CO at elevated pressure (10 atm); if these reactants are refluxed under 1 atm of CO, [Ru(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂] is the product. The reaction of [RuCl(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂][AlCl₄] with NaOMe provides an alternative route to the preparation of 5, but the product is contaminated with [RuCl₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂]. Compounds 1. 2, 4 and 5 have been characterised by IR, ¹H NMR and analysis, whilst the formulation of 3 is proposed from spectroscopic data only. This account also examines the reactivity of [Ru(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂][BF₄]₂ · CH₂Cl₂ with NaBH₄, conc. HCl, KI and, finally, MeCOONa in the presence of CO. The products of these reactions, namely cis-[RuH₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], cis-[RuCl₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], cis-[RuI₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂] and [Ru(OOCMe)₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], have been identified by comparison of their spectra with previous literature.     

Phenylalkyl ketones as potent reversible inhibitors of interleukin-1β converting enzyme

Phenylalkyl ketones are potent reversible inhibitors of interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE). The extended alkyl chain ketones AcTyrValAlaAspCO(CH₂)_nPh display increased potency over the simple aryl ketone. In particular, the tetrapeptide AcTyrValAlaAspCOPh has a K_i of 10μM while AcTyrValAlaAspCO(CH₂)₅Ph has a K_i of 18.5nM.     

GABA(A) receptor beta(2) subunit mRNA content is differentially regulated in ethanol-dependent DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice

Chronic ethanol treatment is known to alter gene expression and function of γ-aminobutyric acid type-A (GABA_A) receptors. Here we focus on the β₂ subunit which is widely expressed in the mammalian brain, and plays a key role in the GABA binding site. Previous studies using rodent models of ethanol dependence show either increased or no change of β₂ subunit mRNA and peptide content following chronic ethanol administration. In humans, polymorphism at the β₂ subunit is associated with ethanol dependence in some, but not all, populations. In the present study we measured mRNA content in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex using ethanol-naive and ethanol-dependent DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice. The DBA/2J strain displays severe ethanol withdrawal severity, while the C57BL/6J strain shows milder withdrawal reactions. RNase protection analysis demonstrated that the DBA/2J strain is more sensitive to ethanol-induced increases in β₂ subunit mRNA content in the cerebellum, showing significant increases at lower blood ethanol concentrations than C57BL/6J mice. The ethanol-induced regulation in C57BL/6J mice appears to be more complex, with decreases in β₂ subunit mRNA content at low blood ethanol concentrations, and increases at higher concentrations. These data suggest that differences between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice in the degree of physical dependence (withdrawal) on ethanol may be related to differential sensitivity to ethanol regulation of β₂ subunit expression.     

Synthesis and structures of the cuboidal iron-sulfur-nitrosyl-phosphine clusters [Fe4S3(NO)4(PR3)3] (R = Et, Pr, C6H11)

A series of cuboidal iron-sulfur clusters [Fe₄S₃(NO)₄(PR₃)₃]^0,1+ (R = Et, Prⁱ, Cy) were synthesized by two routes: reductive desulfurization of [Fe₄S₄(NO)₄] by tertiary phosphines, and substitution of triphenylphosphine in [Fe₄4S₃(NO)₄(PPh₃)₃] by a more basic phosphine. The structures of 3[Fe₄S₃(NO)₄(PEt₃)₃] · 0.5Et₂O, [Fe₄S₃(NO)₄(PEt₃)₃] [Fe₄S₃(NO)₇] and partially substituted [Fe₄S₃(NO)₄(PPh₃)_2⁻ (PPrⁱ₃)] have been determined by X-ray diffraction in order to define the cuboidal Fe₄S₃ core, previously known only in Roussin's black anion and its reduced form, [Fe₄S₃(NO)₇7]^1−,2−, and as a part of the iron-molybdenum cofactor of nitrogenase.     

Mono-η complexes of chromium(II) and chromium(0). Electron demanding substituents, structural and spectroscopic data comparisons

Using thermal and photochemical methods a series of new chromium complexes has been prepared: (ν⁶-p-C₆H₄F₂)Cr(CO)₃; (ν⁶-C₆H₅CF₃)Cr(CO)₃; [m-C₆H₄(CF₃)₂]Cr(CO)₃; (ν⁶-C₆H₅F)Cr(CO)₂H(SiCl₃); (ν⁶-C₆H₅F)Cr(CO)₂(SiCl₃)₂; (p-C₆H₄F₂)Cr(CO)₂-H(SiCl₃); (C₆H₅CF₃)Cr(CO)₂H(SiCl₃(p-C₆H₄F₂)Cr(CO)₂(SiCl₃)₂; C₆H₅CF₃)Cr(CO)₂(SiCl₃)₂; [m-C₆H₄(CF₃)₂]Cr(CO)₂-H(SiCl₃); [m-C₆H₄(CF₃)₂]Cr(CO)₂(SiCl₃)₂. Two compounds were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. These data combined with IR and ¹H NMR have allowed assessment of some of the electronic and steric effects. The Cr-arene bond is considerably longer in the Cr(II) derivatives than in the Cr(0) species. Also the Cr center, as might be expected, is less electron rich in the Cr(II) dicarbonyl disilyl derivatives. The ν⁶-p-C₆H₄F₂ ligands are slightly folded so that the C---F carbons are moved further away from the Cr center. Comparison of structural and electronic effects is made with a series of similar chromium compounds reported in the literature. These new (arene)Cr(II) derivatives possess more labile ν⁶-arene ligands, which promise a rich chemistry at the chromium center.     

Chemistry of vinylidene complexes XI. Synthesis of trinuclear MnFePt complexes by means of consecutive assembling out of mono- and dimetal vinylidene precursors

The dimetal μ-vinylidene complexes Cp(CO)₂MnPt(μ-C = CHPh)L₂ (L = tert.-phosphine or -phosphite), which have been obtained by coupling of the mononuclear complex Cp(CO)₂Mn=C=CHPh and unsaturated PtL₂ unit, add smoothly the Fe(CO)₄ moiety to produce trimetal MnFePt compounds. The μ₃-vinylidene cluster CpMnFePt(μ₃-C=CHPh)(CO)₆(PPh₃) was prepared in quantitative yields from the reactions of Cp(CO)₂MnPt(μ-C=CHPh)(PPh₃)L (L = PPh₃ or CO) with Fe₂(CO)₉ in benzene at 20 °C. The phosphite-substituted complexes Cp(CO)₂Mnpt(μ-C=CHPh)L₂ (L = P(OEt)₃ or P(OPrⁱ)₃) react under analogous conditions with Fe₂(CO)₉ to give mixtures (2:3) of the penta- and hexacarbonyl clusters, CpMnFePt(μ₃-C = CHPh)(CO)₅L₂ and CpMnFePt(μ₃-C = CHPh)(CO)₆L, respectively. The similar reaction of the dimetal complex Cp(CO)₂MnPt(μ-C = CHPh)(dppm), in which the Pt atom is chelated by dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPhPin2 ligand, gives only a 15% yield of the analogous trimetal μ₃-vinylidene hexacarbonyl product CpMnFePt(μ₃-C = CHPh)(CO)(dppm), but the major product (40%) is the tetranuclear μ₄-vinylidene cluster (dppm)PtFe₃(μ₄-C = CHPh)(CO)₉. The IR and ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR data for the new complexes are reported and discussed.     

Synthesis, structure, and heterogeneous catalytic activity of tungsten chalcogenide cubane cluster containing alkaline earth metal complex

A new compound containing a cubane tungsten chalcogenide cluster [W₄(μ₃-Te)₄(CN)₁₂]⁶⁻ and Ca²⁺ complex units has been prepared by the reaction of aqueous solution of K₆[W₄(μ₃-Te)₄(CN)₁₂] · 5H₂O with the solution of a Ca(NO₃)₂ and phen(1,10-phenanthroline) (1:2 molar ratio) in a solvent mixture of H₂O/EtOH. The structure of [{Ca(phen)₂(H₂O)}{Ca(phen)(H₂O)₄}{Ca(phen)₂(H₂O)₃}][W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂] · 5H₂O 1 has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 contains [{Ca(phen)(H₂O)₄}{Ca(phen)₂(H₂O)₃}][W₄(μ₃- Te)₄(CN)₁₂] units bridged by {Ca(phen)₂(H₂O)}²⁺ units to form an one-dimensional zigzag chain structure. Interestingly, compound 1 showed a heterogeneous catalytic activity in the transesterification of a range of esters with methanol under the mild conditions. Moreover, it can be reused without any loss of activity through 10 runs with ester.     

Diplatinum(III) complexes with bridging 1-methylcytosinate ligands and variable axial ligands, including guanine nucleobases

A series of diplatinum(III) complexes derived from cis-(NH₃)₂Pt^II and the model nucleobase 1-methylcytosine (1-MeC) has been prepared and X-ray structurally characterized, all of which contain two anionic base ligands (1-MeC⁻) in a head–tail (ht) arrangement: ht-cis-[(ONO₂)(NH₃)₂Pt(1-MeC⁻-N3,N4)₂Pt(NH₃)₂(ONO₂)](NO₃)₂·HNO₃·3H₂O (2b), ht-cis-[(NO₂) (NH₃)₂ Pt(1-MeC⁻-N3,N4)₂Pt(NH₃)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₃·3.5H₂O (3), ht-cis-[(OH₂)(NH₃)₂Pt(1-MeC⁻-N3,N4)₂Pt(NH₃)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₄·H₂O (4b), and ht-cis-[(9-EtGH-N7)(NH₃)₂Pt(1-MeC⁻-N3,N4)₂Pt (NH₃)₂(9-EtGH-N7)](NO₃)₄·9H₂O (7b) (9-EtGH=9-ethylguanine). Several other compounds, differing in the nature of the axial ligands, have been isolated and or observed in solution by ¹H and ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopy. The chemistry of these diplatinum(III) compounds is dominated by facile substitution reactions of the axial ligands. Of particular interest in this context is the ready reaction of 2b or 3 with guanine nucleobases. Since similar compounds are not obtained with any of the other common nucleobases, 2b and 3 can be considered guanine-specific chemical probes.     

The propensity of alkoxide and aryloxide derivatives of tungsten carbonyls to aggregate in solution. Synthesis and X-ray structures of dinuclear, trinuclear and tetranuclear complexes derived from the MeOW(CO)5 anion

The complex [Et₄N][W(CO)₅OMe] (1) has been prepared from the reaction of the photochemically generated W(CO)₅THF adduct and [Et₄N][OH] in methanol. Complex 1 was shown to undergo rapid CO dissociation in THF to quantitatively provide the dimeric dianion, [W(CO)₄OMe]₂²⁻. The resulting THF insoluble salt [Et₄N]₂[W(CO)₄OMe]₂ (2) has been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography, with the doubly bridging methoxide ligands being in an anti configuration. Complex 2 was found to subsequently react with excess methoxide ligand in a THF slurry to afford the face-sharing octahedron complex [Et₄N]₃[W₂(CO)₆(OMe)₃] (3) which contains three doubly bridging methoxide groups. In the absence of excess methoxide ligand complex 2 cleanly yields the tetrameric complex [Et₄N]₄[W(CO)₃OMe]₄ (4) which has been structurally characterized as a cubane-like arrangement with triply bridging μ³-methoxide groups and W(CO)₃ units. Although complex 3 was not characterized in the solid state, the closely related glycolate derivative [Et₄N]₃[W₂(CO)₆(OCH₂CH₂OH)₃] (5) was synthesized and its structure determined by X-ray crystallography. The trianions of complex 5 are linked in the crystal lattice by strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Crystal data for 2: space group P2₁/n, a = 7.696(2), b = 22.019(4), c = 9.714(2) Å, β = 92.22(3)°, Z = 4, R = 6.43%. Crystal data for 4: space group Fddd, a = 12.433(9), b = 24.01(2), c = 39.29(3) Å, Z = 8, R = 8.13%. Crystal data for 5: space group P2₁2₁2₁, a = 11.43(2), b = 12.91(1), c = 29.85(6) Å, Z = 8, R = 8.29%. Finally, the rate of CO ligand dissociation in the closely related aryloxide derivatives [Et₄N][W(CO)₅OR] (R = C₆H₅ and 3,5-F₂C₆H₃) were measured to be 2.15 × 10⁻² and 1.31 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹, respectively, in THF solution at 5°C. Hence, the value of the rate constant of 2.15 × 10⁻² s⁻¹ establishes a lower limit for the first-order rate constant for CO loss in the W(CO)₅OMe⁻ anion, since the methoxide ligand is a better π-donating group than phenoxide.     

Lightinduced sulfur-dealkylation of phosphino-thioether nickel(0) complexes

The observation of homolytic S---CH₃ bond cleavage in (Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)SCH₃)₂Ni⁰ under photochemical conditions has prompted further investigation of nickel(0) complexes and their stability. Tetradentate P₂S′₂ donor ligands (S′ = thioether type S donor) with aromatic rings incorporated into the P to S links, Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)S(CH₂)₃S(o-C₆H₄)PPh₂ (arom-PSSP), or the S to S links, Ph₂P(CH₂)₂SCH₂(o-C₆H₄)CH₂S(CH₂)₂PPh₂ (PS-xy-SP), have been used to form four-coordinate, square planar nickel(II) complexes, [(arom-PSSP)Ni](BF₄)₂ (2) and [(PS-xy-SP)Ni](BF₄)₂ (3). The bidentate and tetradentate ligands, Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)SCH₂CH₃ (arom-PSEt) and Ph₂P(CH₂)₂S(CH₂)₃S(CH₂)₂PPh₂ (PSSP), give similar complexes, [(arom-PSEt)₂Ni](BF₄)₂ (1) and [(PSSP)Ni](BF₄)₂ (4), respectively. Cyclic voltammograms of the Ni¹¹ complexes in CH₃CN show two reversible redox events assigned to and . The one-electron reduction product produced by stoichiometric amounts of Cp₂Co can be characterized by EPR. At 100 K rhombic signals show hyperfine coupling to two phosphorus atoms. Complete bulk chemical reduction of complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4 with Na/Hg amalgam provided the corresponding nickel(0) complexes 1^R, 2^R, 3^R and 4^R which were isolated as red solutions or solids characterized by magnetic resonance properties and reaction products. Photolysis of these nickel(0) complexes leads to S-dealkylation to produce alkyl radicals and dithiolate nickel(II) complexes. Complex 3 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P_2t/c with a=20.740(5), B=9.879(3), C=17.801(4) åA, ß=92.59(2)°, V=3644(2) ų and Z=4; complex 4: P2₁/c with A=13.815(4), B=13.815(4), C=15.457(5) åA, V=3365.4(14) ų and Z=4.     

Design and properties of mixed metal multinuclear molecules: Part 1. Molecular structures of [Ag(PR3)2]2[Ni(mnt)2] type complexes (R=Me, Et, Cy and MNT=maleonitriledithiolate) and [AgL]2[Ni(mnt)2] type complexes with chelating diphosphines (L=dppf and dppm)

The trinuclear complexes [Ag(PR₃)₂]₂[Ni(mnt)₂] and [AgL]₂[Ni(mnt)₂] have been prepared by reactions of (NEt₄)₂[Ni(mnt)₂] and Ag₂SO₄ with alkyl phosphines (PR₃=P(CH₃)₃ (PMe₃) for 1, P(C₂H₅)₃ (PEt₃) for 2 and P(C₆H₁₁)₃ (PCy₃) for 3), or with chelating diphosphines (L=1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) for 4 and bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) for 5). The structures of all the complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Interactions between the [Ag(PR₃)₂]⁺ and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ groups occur in compounds 1 and 2 with Ni---Ag distances of 3.063(4) and 2.9311(6) Å, respectively. Only one sulfur atom of each mnt ligand bridged [Ag(PR₃)₂]⁺ cations and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ anions in compound 1 through 3 with Ag---S distances of about 2.7 Å. There is no interaction between Ag and Ni in compound 3 due to the flexibility of the cyclohexyl groups. Interactions between [AgL]⁺ and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ groups also occur in compound 4 with a much shorter Ag---Ni distance of 2.7213(7) Å, while silver atoms and the NiS₄ plane in compound 4 make a chair conformation with Ag---S distances of about 2.8 Å. In compound 5, dppm bridges two silver atoms, and interaction between silver atoms occurs at a distance of 2.9859(11) Å, and only one sulfur atom of mnt is used to bridge Ni and Ag atoms with Ag---S distances of 2.582(3) and 2.663(3) Å.     

Titanium-carbon functionalities on an oxo surface defined by a calix [4] arene moiety and its redox chemistry

Lithiation of [p-Bu^t-calix[4]-(OMe)₂(OH)₂] (1), followed by reaction with TiCl₃(thf)₃ or TiCl₄(thf)₂, led to the corresponding titanium-calix[4]arene complexes [p-Bu^t-calix[4]-(OMe)₂(O)₂]TiCl] (2) and [p-Bu^t-calix[4]-(OMe)₂(O)₂]TiCl₂] (3), respectively. Reaction of 1 with TiCl₄(thf)₂ results in demethylation of the calix[4]arene and the obtention of [p-Bu^t-calix[4]-(OMe)₂(O)₃]TiCl] (4), whose hydrolysis led to [p-Bu^t-calix[4]-(OMe)(OH)₃] (6). The preparation of 6 can be carried out as a one-pot synthesis. Both 2 and 4 undergo alkylation reactions using conventional procedures, thus forming surprisingly stable organometallic species, namely [p-Bu^t-calix[4]-(OMe)₂(O)₂Ti(R)] (R = Me (7); CH₂Ph (8), p-MeC₆H₄ (9) and [p-Bu^t-calix[4]-(OMe)(O)₃Ti(R)] (R = Me (10); CH₂Ph (11); p-MeC₆H₄ (12)). Complexes 7 and 9 undergo a thermal oxidative conversion into 10 and 12, occurring with the demethylation of one of the methoxy groups. A solid state structural property of 9 and 12 has been revealed by X-ray analysis showing a self-assembly of the monomeric units into a columnar polymer, where the p-tolyl substituent at the metal functions as a guest group for an adjacent titanium-calixarene. Reductive alkylation of 3 with Mg(CH₂Ph)₂ gave 8 instead of forming the corresponding dialkyl derivative. Two synthetic routes have been devised for the synthesis of the Ti(III)-Ti(III) dimer [p-Bu^t-calix[4]-(OMe)(O)₃Ti]₂] (13): the reduction of 4 and the reaction of TiCl₃(thf)₃ with the lithiated form of 6. A very strong antiferromagnetic coupling is responsible for the peculiar magnetic behavior of 13. The proposed structures have been supported by the X-ray analyses of 4, 9, 12 and 13.     

Spectroscopic and electrical properties of the [W(C3Se5)3] anion complex (C3Se5 = 1,3-diselenole-2-selone-4,5-diselenolate) and the oxidized species

[NBuⁿ₄]₂[W(C₃Se₅)₃] (C₃Se₅²⁻ = 1,3-diselenole-2-selone-4,5- diselenolate(2−)) was prepared by the reaction of Na₂[C₃Se₅] with WCl₆ in ethanol, followed by addition of [NBuⁿ₄]Br. The cyclic voltammogram in dichloromethane exhibits two oxidation peaks at −0.04 and +0.03 V (versus SCE). The complex reacted with [Fe(C₅Me₅)₂][BF₄], iodine or [TTF]₃[BF₄]₂ (TTF^·+ = the tetrathiafulvalenium radical cation) in acetonitrile to afford the oxidized complexes [Fe(C₅Me₅)₂]_0.5[W(C₃Se₅)₃], [NBuⁿ₄]_0.1[W(C₃Se₅)₃] and [TTF]_0.5[W(C₃Se₅)₃], respectively. Current-controlled electrochemical oxidation of the complex in acetonitrile gave [NBuⁿ₄]_0.6[W(C₃Se₅)₃]. The oxidized complexes exhibit electrical conductivities of 4.7×10 ⁻⁵−1.5×10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature measured for compacted pellets. Electronic absorption, IR and ESR spectra of these complexes are discussed.     

Molecular structure and reactions of azobenzene complexes with iron-lithium compounds

Reactions of azobenzene have been studied with heteronuclear iron-lithium compounds formed in the reaction of FeCl₃ with LiPh, one of the dinitrogen reducing systems of the Vol'pin type: Ph₄FeLi₄(OEt₂)₄ (1) and (H₂)FePh₄Li₄(OEt₂)₄ (2). The structures of the azobenzene complexes formed, (N₂Ph₂)₃FeLi₃(OEt₂)₃ (3) and (N₂Ph₂)₃FeLi₂(THF)₂ (4), as well as an ether-containing analog of the latter, (N₂Ph₂)₃FeLi₂(OEt₂)₂ (5), were determined by X-ray analysis of single crystals. Coordination of azobenzene at FeLi₃ and FeLi₂ clusters was shown to result in a sigificant elongation of the NN bond; partial cleavage of this bond on protolysis of the complexes resulted in the formation of hydrazobenzene and aniline. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and theoretic analysis of a similar model complex leads to the conclusion that the iron oxidation state in 3 may be considered between iron (I) and iron(III) (close to iron(I)), whereas in 4 and 5 it is close to iron(II).     

The interaction of Lewis acidic boron derivatives with Re(CO)5−nH(PMe3)n complexes

Lewis acid adducts of the hydrides cis- and trans-Re(CO)(PMe₃)₄H (1) and (2), mer-Re(CO)₂(PMe₃)₃H (3), fac-Re(CO)₂(PMe₃)₃H (4) and trans-Re(CO)₃(PMe₃)₂H (5) were studied with BH₃ and 9-borabicyclo[3,3,1] norbonane (BBNH). Using BH₃·THF and (BBNH)₂ 1 and 2 afforded Re(CO)(PMe₃)₃(η²-BH₄) (6) and Re(CO)(PMe₃)₃(η²-BBNH₂) (7) as stable and isolable products. VT IR studies established for the reaction to 7 that BBNH first attaches in a pre-equilibrium to the O_CO atom of 1 or 2. At higher temperatures ReH adduct formation occurs with instantaneous transformation to 7 and elimination of PMe₃·BBNH. In a similar way, the hydrides 3 and 4 were converted with BH₃·THF and (BBNH)₂ to yield the stable complexes Re(CO)₂(PMe₃)₂(η²-BH₄) (8) and Re(CO)₂(PMe₃)₂(η²-BBNH₂) (9). The intermediacy of the η¹-BH₄ adducts mer-/fac-Re(CO)₂(PMe₃)₃(η¹-BH₄) was confirmed by VT ¹H, ³¹P NMR and VT IR experiments. The conversion of 5 with BH₃·THF led to equilibria with adducts at the O_CO terminus in trans position to H and with H_Re as revealed by VT IR studies. Temperature dependent ³¹P equilibrium studies allowed to calculate ΔH=−4.9 kcal mol⁻¹ and ΔS=+0.034 e.u. for this reaction. These adducts could not be isolated. Compound 5 does not react with (BBNH)₂ even at elevated temperatures. DFT calculations were carried out to support the structures of the BH₃ adducts of 5. In addition a vibrational analysis helped to unravel the IR band assignments of the involved compounds. DFT calculations on 8 confirmed its C_2v structure. X-ray diffraction studies were carried out on single crystals of 6 and 7.     

Controllable synthesis of 1D, 2D and 3D networks: Three novel metal–organic coordination compounds from 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione ligand and silver salts

Three novel metal–organic coordination polymers, [Ag(tzdt)₂NO₃]_n (1) (tadtH = 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione), [Ag₂(tzdt)₂(tzdtH)₂]_n (2), and [Ag₄(tzdt)₄(tzdtH)₂]_n (3), were controllably synthesized under similar conditions by using organic alkali Et₃N and KBF₄ as structure-direct agent. Compound 1 shows a novel 1D ladder-like chain, which crystallizes in orthorhombic system, Pnma space group. Compound 2 is a 2D layer network, which crystallizes in monoclinic system, P2₁/c space group. And compound 3 possesses an interesting 3D channel architecture, which crystallizes in orthorhombic system, Fdd2 space group. Both compound 2 and compound 3 show a strong Ag–Ag interaction. The tzdtH ligand is able to form two coordination modes by controlling the dosage of organic alkali, which link with metallic cation and allow forming different dimensional structures as we conceived.     

Reactions between ruthenium cluster carbonyls and 1,4-diphenylbuta-1,3-diyne

The complexes RuC(CCPh)=CPhC(CCPh)=CPh(CO)₃(NMe₃) (3), Ru₂μ-C(CCPh)=CPhC(CCPh)=CPh(CO)₆ (1), Ru₂μ-[C(CCPh)=CPh]₂CO(CO)₆ (2), Ru₃(μ₃-PhC₂CCPh)(μ-CO)(CO)₉ (4) and Ru₄(μ₄-PhC₂CCPh)(CO)₁₂ (5) have been isolated from reactions between PhC₂C₂Ph and Ru₃(CO)₁₂ or RU₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂. The molecular structures of complexes 1, 2, 3 and 5 have been determined from single-crystal X-ray studies. All complexes have precedents in similar products obtained from reactions involving mono-ynes; in the present cases, each alkyne fragment retains a phenylethynyl (PhCC---) group as a non-coordinated substituent.     

Steric control in the formation of Co2(CO)6-alkyne complexes from Group 14 tetraalkynes and their reactions with acid

A series of tetrakis(trimethylsilylethyne) derivatives of Group 14 metals (2–4) was prepared. Co₂(CO)₆ complexes 5–10 were synthesised by the reaction of 2–4 with Co₂(CO)₈. From the silyl and germyl based compounds 2 and 3, either one or two alkynes could be complexed with Co₂(CO)₆. In contrast, the tin derived compound 4 could accommodate up to four Co₂(CO)₆ complexes. The longest wavelength UV-Vis absorbances of the silicon and germanium-based complexes were consistent with multiple, non-conjugated Co₂(CO)₆ chromophores. The tetrakis Co₂(CO)₆ complex 10, however, absorbs at a much longer wavelength suggesting conjugation of Co₂(CO)₆ complexes through the tin. The reactivity towards protonolysis of the uncomplexed alkynes 2–4 is a consequence of the hyperconjugative stabilisation of the intermediate β-vinyl cation (the β-effect): Sn(CCSiMe₃)₃>SnOTf(CCSiMe₃)₂>SiMe₃>Ge(CCSiMe₃)₃. The reactivity of the Co₂(CO)₆ complexes, however, was quite different from the reactions of 2–4 and from analogous all-carbon systems. Treatment of 5–10 with strong acid led neither to protiodemetallation of the complexed or non-complexed alkynes but to decomplexation of the cobalt. Similarly, ligand metathesis reactions between 10 and Ph₂SiCl₂ were not observed. The normal reactivity of silylalkynes towards electrophiles, which was expected to be enhanced by the presence of the cobalt complex, was diminished by the particular steric environment of the molecules under examination (5–10). As a result, the favoured reaction under these conditions was decomplexation of the cobalt.