Theoretical study on the interaction of titanocene dichloride with deoxyguanosine monophosphate

The completely hydrolyzed titanocene dichloride, [Cp₂Ti(H₂O)₂]²⁺ binding to guanine (G) and phosphate group sites of DNA were investigated by DFT method, with using deoxyguanosine monophosphate (dGMP) as incoming ligand. In the first substitutions, the calculations reveal that the diaquated titanocene binding to O6 shows the lowest activation free energy with 17.9 kcal/mol, closely followed by N7 is 20.5 kcal/mol and the O of phosphate group is 26.3 kcal/mol, respectively. It was also found that all the titanation processes are mildly endothermic. In addition, for the Ti-B(dGMP) in all separated products, the bond dissociation free energies (BDFE) of Ti-O(P, P = phosphate) is higher than those of Ti-N7/O6. In the second substitutions, the reactions leading to the didentate adducts are considered. For bidentate-bridging N7, O6 binding mode, the path of the metal Ti binding to O6 has the lower activation free energy (11.3 kcal/mol) than that of the metal Ti binding to N7 (15.3 kcal/mol). For the bidentate-bridging N7, O(P) binding mode, the path of the metal Ti binding to O(P) has the lower activation free energies (25.3 kcal/mol) than that of the metal Ti binding to N7 (26.2 kcal/mol).     

MP2, density functional theory, and molecular mechanical calculations of C-H···π and hydrogen bond interactions in a cellulose-binding module-cellulose model system

Exploring non-covalent interactions, such as C-H···π stacking and classical hydrogen bonding (H-bonding), between carbohydrates and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) is an important task in glycobiology. The present study focuses on intermolecular interactions, such as C-H?π (sugar-aromatic stacking) and H-bonds, between methyl β-d-glucopyranoside and l-tyrosine—a proxy model system for a cellulose-CBM complex. This work has made use of various types of quantum mechanics (QM) and molecular mechanics (MM) methods to determine which is the most accurate and computationally efficient. The calculated interaction potential energies ranged between −24 and −38 kJ/mol. The larger interaction energy is due to H-bonding between the phenyl hydroxyl of tyrosine and the O4 of the sugar. Density functional theory (DFT) methods, such as BHandHLYP and B3LYP, exaggerate the H-bond. Although one of the MM methods (viz. MM+) considered in this study does maintain the C-H?π stacking configuration, it underestimates the interaction energy due to the loss of the H-bond. When the O-H bond vector is in the vicinity of O4 (O-H?O4 ≈ 2 Å, e.g., in the case of MP2/6-31G(d)), the torsional energy drops to a minimum. For this configuration, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis also supports the presence of this H-bond which arises due to orbital interaction between one lone pair of the sugar O4 and the σ∗(O-H) orbital of the phenyl group of tyrosine. The stabilization energy due to orbital delocalization of the H-bonded system is ∼13 kJ/mol. This H-bond interaction plays an important role in controlling the CH/π interaction geometry. Therefore, the C-H?π dispersive interaction is the secondary force, which supports the stabilization of the complex. The meta-hybrid DFT method, M05-2X, with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set agrees well with the MP2 results and is less computationally expensive. However, the M05-2X method is strongly basis set dependent in describing this CH/π interaction. Computed IR spectra with the MP2/6-31G(d) method show blue shifts for C1-H, C3-H, and C5-H stretching frequencies due to the C-H?π interaction. However, the M05-2X/6-311++G(d,p) method shows a small red shift for the C1-H stretching region and blue shifts for the C2-H and C3-H stretches. For the aromatic tyrosine C_δ1-C_ε1 and C_δ2-C_ε2 bonds in the complex, the calculated IR spectra show red shifts of 12 cm⁻¹ (MP2/6-31G(d)) and 5 cm⁻¹ (M05-2X/6-311++G(d,p)). This study also reports the upfield shifts of computed ¹H NMR chemical shifts due to the C-H?π interaction.     

Metal-ligand bonding in metallocenes: Differentiation between spin state, electrostatic and covalent bonding

We have analyzed metal-ligand bonding in metallocenes using density functional theory (DFT) at the OPBE/TZP level. This level of theory was recently shown to be the only DFT method able to correctly predict the spin ground state of iron complexes, and similar accuracy for spin ground states is found here. We considered metallocenes along the first-row transition metals (Sc-Zn) extended with alkaline-earth metals (Mg, Ca) and several second-row transition metals (Ru, Pd, Ag, Cd). Using an energy decomposition analysis, we have studied trends in metal-ligand bonding in these complexes. The OPBE/TZP enthalpy of heterolytic association for ferrocene (−658 kcal/mol) as obtained from the decomposition analysis is in excellent agreement with benchmark CCSD(T) and CASPT2 results. Covalent bonding is shown to vary largely for the different metallocenes and is found in the range from −155 to −635 kcal/mol. Much smaller variation is observed for Pauli repulsion (55-345 kcal/mol) or electrostatic interactions, which are however strong (−480 to −620 kcal/mol). The covalent bonding, and thus the metal-ligand bonding, is larger for low spin states than for higher spin states, due to better suitability of acceptor d-orbitals of the metal in the low spin state. Therefore, spin ground states of transition metal complexes can be seen as the result of a delicate interplay between metal-ligand bonding and Hund’s rule of maximum multiplicity.     

Forces stabilizing proteins

The goal of this article is to summarize what has been learned about the major forces stabilizing proteins since the late 1980s when site-directed mutagenesis became possible. The following conclusions are derived from experimental studies of hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding variants. (1) Based on studies of 138 hydrophobic interaction variants in 11 proteins, burying a –CH₂− group on folding contributes 1.1 ± 0.5 kcal/mol to protein stability. (2) The burial of non-polar side chains contributes to protein stability in two ways: first, a term that depends on the removal of the side chains from water and, more importantly, the enhanced London dispersion forces that result from the tight packing in the protein interior. (3) Based on studies of 151 hydrogen bonding variants in 15 proteins, forming a hydrogen bond on folding contributes 1.1 ± 0.8 kcal/mol to protein stability. (4) The contribution of hydrogen bonds to protein stability is strongly context dependent. (5) Hydrogen bonds by side chains and peptide groups make similar contributions to protein stability. (6) Polar group burial can make a favorable contribution to protein stability even if the polar group is not hydrogen bonded. (7) Hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds both make large contributions to protein stability.     

Equilibrium and structural studies on Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with N-(2-benzimidazolyl)methyliminodiacetic acid: crystal structures of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes

Combined pH-metric, UV-Vis, ¹H NMR and EPR spectral investigations on the complex formation of M(II) ions (M=Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) with N-(2-benzimidazolyl)methyliminodiacetic acid (H₂bzimida, hereafter H₂L) in aqueous solution at a fixed ionic strength, I=10⁻¹ mol dm⁻³, at 25 ± 1 °C indicate the formation of M(L), M(H₋₁L)⁻ and M₂(H₋₁L)⁺ complexes. Proton-ligand and metal-ligand constants and the complex formation equilibria have been elucidated. Solid complexes, [M(L)(H₂O)₂] · nH₂O (n=1 for M = Co and Zn, n=2 for M = Ni) and {Cu (μ-L) · 4H₂O}_n, have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, spectral, conductance and magnetic measurements and thermal studies. Structures of [Ni(L)(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O and {Cu(μ-L) · 4H₂O}_n have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The nickel(II) complex exists in a distorted octahedral environment in which the metal ion is coordinated by the two carboxylate O atoms, the amino-N atom of the iminodiacetate moiety and the pyridine type N-atom of the benzimidazole moiety. Two aqua O atoms function as fifth and sixth donor atoms. The copper(II) complex is made up of interpenetrating polymeric chains of antiferromagnetically coupled Cu(II) ions linked by carboxylato bridges in syn-anti (apical-equatorial) bonding mode and stabilized via interchain hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions.     

Determination of the water permeability (Lp) of mouse oocytes at −25 °C and its activation energy at subzero temperatures

Typically, subzero permeability measurements are experimentally difficult and infrequently reported. Here we report an approach we have applied to mouse oocytes. Interrupted cooling involves rapidly cooling oocytes (50 °C/min) to an intermediate temperature above the intracellular nucleation zone, holding them for up to 40 min while they dehydrate, and then rapidly cooling them to −70 °C or below. If the intermediate holding temperature and holding time are well chosen, high post thaw survival of the oocytes is possible because the freezable water is removed during the hold. The length of time required for the exit of the freezable water allows the water permeability at that temperature to be determined. These experiments used 1.5 M ethylene glycol in PBS and included a transient hold of 2 min for equilibration at −10 °C, just below the extracellar ice formation temperature. We obtain an Lp = 1.8 × 10⁻³ μm min⁻¹ atm⁻¹ at −25 °C based on a hold time of 30 min yielding 80% survival and the premise that most of the freezable water is removed during the 30 min hold. If we assume that the water permeability is a continuous function of temperature and that its Ea changes at 0 °C, we obtain a subzero Ea of 21 kcal/mol; higher than the suprazero value of 14 kcal/mol. A number of assumptions are required for these water loss calculations and the resulting value of Lp can vary by up to a factor of 2, depending on the choices make.     

A unique Cu(II) bis(chlorido)-bridged linear chain compound with 2-amino-5-nitropyrimidine as a bifunctional axial ligand: Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and hydrogen-bonding system

The first linear bis(chlorido)-bridged Cu(II) compound with the ligand 2-amino-5-nitropyrimidine (abbreviated as anpyr), [Cu(μ-Cl)₂(anpyr)₂]_n, has been synthesized and fully characterized by spectroscopy, EPR and X-ray structure analysis. The basal plane around the Cu(II) ion is formed by two chloride anions with a Cu-Cl distance of 2.2513(6) Å and two nitrogen atoms of two trans-located anpyr ligands with a Cu-N distance of 2.068(2) Å. The apical positions of the distorted octahedral geometry are formed by two Cl anions of a neighbouring unit with a distance of 2.8690(8) Å. The Cu-Cl-Cu angle is 94.75(3)°, while the Cu-Cu distance is 3.791 Å. The Cu-bis-μ-chlorido-Cu array provides in this way a 2D linear chain.A neighbouring pair of symmetry-related polynuclear chains is linked through hydrogen bonds with a N···N distance 3.027(3) Å, forming into a kind of Watson-Crick-like pair of hydrogen bonds. Another H-bond is formed by the amine nitrogen to one of the chloride anions with a N···Cl distance 3.248(2) Å.The EPR powder spectrum appears as rhombic with g₁ 2.20, g₂ 2.12; g₃ 2.05, with unresolved hyperfine splittings. Analysis of the magnetic susceptibility measurements, recorded from 2 to 300 K, indicates a very weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the metal ions (J = −2 cm⁻¹).     

Copper(II) complexes with 2-N-(picolinylidene)-n-R-phenols: Solvatochromism, self-assembly and supramolecular structures

A series of copper(II) complexes having the formula [Cu(n-R-pyp)X] with the N,N,O-donor Schiff base system 2-N-(picolinylidene)-n-R-phenol (n-R-Hpyp) (where n = 3, 4, 5 and 6, when R = Me and n = 4 when R = Cl) and halide (X⁻ = Cl⁻ or Br⁻) as an ancillary ligand have been synthesized. The complexes are characterized by microanalytical, magnetic and various spectroscopic measurements. They display solvatochromic behavior. Single crystal X-ray structures of all the complexes are determined. In coordinatively unsaturated species such as a square-planar complex, the metal ion can interact with a fifth atom and if this atom is metal bound, dimeric or polymeric aggregate is formed. In the present series of complexes, the metal ions are square-planar and distorted square-pyramidal when there is an intermolecular Cu···X interaction. In addition to this Cu···X interaction, presence of intermolecular weak non-covalent interactions namely O-H···O, C-H···O, C-H···X and π···π are perceived. The supramolecular architectures formed by the molecules of these complexes via these interactions are scrutinized. The observed supramolecular structural motifs can be classified as staircase, ladder, brick-wall and square-grid. Except for R = Cl the analogous chloride and bromide coordinated complexes show similar structural features.     

Insights into electronic and structural properties of novel Pd(II) salen-type complexes

Novel palladium(II) complexes with salen-type ligands based on 3-methylsalicyladehyde and a set of aliphatic diamines (C1 to C4) have been synthesised and characterized by spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis and FTIR), Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction for C1 and C4. X-ray diffraction analysis of these complexes was focused on coordination sphere and supramolecular arrangements. In the two compounds, the molecules form dimers, being the most relevant intermolecular interactions the hydrogen bonds of the type C-H?O, C-H?π and π?π stacking interactions between the six-membered metallocycles.Electronic spectra of all Pd(II) complexes are dominated by charge transfer and intraligand bands at λ < 400 nm. DFT calculations showed that the HOMO is ligand-dominated, with the metal contribution being ∼18% for all complexes. This suggests that the structural/electronic differences between the ligands do not influence significantly the participation of metal orbitals in HOMO. All the complexes exhibit dipole moments with the same direction, from the aldehyde moiety towards the imine bridge with C2 and C3 showing quite similar values, μ_C2 = 5.49 and μ_C3 = 5.54 D, whereas complexes C1 and C4 show slightly higher values: μ_C1 = 5.79 and μ_C4 = 6.17 D. The magnitude of bond lengths and angles predicted by DFT calculations are comparable to those determined by X-ray crystallography.The experimental vibrational frequencies of the Pd(II) complexes were correlated with the values estimated by DFT calculations. The good agreement between the experimental and theoretical vibrational data allowed the assignment of relevant IR bands to molecular vibration modes.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, spectral properties and catalytic activity of hexakis(imidazole)manganese(II) bisindole-2-carboxylato bisneocuproine bisdimethyl sulfoxide solvates {[Mn(Im)6] · 2(2-IC) · 2(NC) · 2(DMSO)}

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and IR spectrum of {[Mn^II(Im)₆] · 2(2-IC) · 2(NC) · 2(DMSO)} (Im = imidazole, 2-HIC = indole-2-carboxylic acid, NC = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, DMSO = dimethyl sulfoxide) are reported. The manganese(II) ion has octahedral geometry with a MnN₆ core. The crystal structure is completed by two NC, two 2-IC⁻ and two DMSO solvate molecules. The individual cations are linked into chains running parallel to the a axis by four intermolecular hydrogen bonding involving two 2-IC⁻solvate. Moreover, these chains are connected by π-π stacking interactions which occur between neocuproine molecules related through inversion center. In IR spectroscopy, the compound spectrum is roughly similar to the imidazole one: (i) above 1800 cm⁻¹, the bands are broad, but when focussing on some of them a doublet structure can be found; (ii) below 1800 cm⁻¹, the bands are sharp and it is then possible to point out the modification of S-O band when this later is involved in bifurcated hydrogen bonding to a second solvate 2-IC⁻. The compound catalyses the disproportionation of H₂O₂; moreover an additional quantity of imidazole increases the reaction rate.     

Three ion-pair complexes containing bis(maleonitriledithiolate)copper(II) anion and substituted 4-dimethylaminopyridinium: Syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties

Three new ion-pair complexes, [4RBzDMAP]₂[Cu(mnt)₂] (mnt²⁻ = maleonitriledithiolate; [4RBzDMAP]⁺ = 1-(4′-R-benzyl)-4-dimethylaminopyridinium, R = F(1), Cl(2) and Br(3)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV, single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. The [Cu(mnt)₂]²⁻ anions and the cations stack alternately and form a 1D column via C-H···S, C-H···π or C-H···Cu interactions for 1 and 2. While the cations stack into a column though π···π or C-H···π interactions between pyridine and phenyl rings for 1 and 3. The change of the molecular topology of the counteraction when the 4-substituted group in the benzyl ring have been changed from F or Cl to Br atom, results in the difference in the crystal system, space group and the stacking mode of the cations and anions of 1, 2 and 3. Some weak hydrogen bonds between the adjacent columns further generate a 3D network structure. It is interesting that 1 and 2 exhibits antiferromagnetic coupling with θ = −2.372 K and θ = −14.732 K, while 3 shows weak ferromagnetic coupling feature with θ = 0.381 K.     

Linkage of cation binding and folding in human telomeric quadruplex DNA

Formation of DNA quadruplexes requires monovalent cation binding. To characterize the cation binding stoichiometry and linkage between binding and folding, we carried out KCl titrations of Tel22 (d[A(GGGTTA)₃]), a model of the human telomere sequence, using a fluorescent indicator to determine [K⁺]_free and circular dichroism to assess the extent of folding. At [K⁺]_free = 5 mM (sufficient for > 95% folding), the apparent binding stoichiometry is 3K⁺/Tel22; at [K⁺]_free = 20 mM, it increased to 8-10K⁺/Tel22. Thermodynamic analysis shows that at [K⁺]_free = 5 mM, K⁺ binding contributes approximately − 4.9 kcal/mol for folding Tel22. The overall folding free energy is − 2.4 kcal/mol, indicating that there are energetically unfavorable contributions to folding. Thus, quadruplex folding is driven almost entirely by the energy of cation binding with little or no contribution from other weak molecular interactions.     

A study of the second coordination sphere in 8-azaxanthinato salts of divalent metal aquacomplexes

The interaction of the 4,6-dimethyl and 4-monomethyl derivatives of 1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-5,7-dione (which may be named also as purine derivatives, 1,3-dimethyl-8-azaxanthine, Hdmax and 3-methyl-8-azaxanthine, H3max) with the divalent cations of Mn, Co, Ni, Zn and Cd in aqueous media generate solids with formulation ML₂ · 6H₂O. The crystal structure of the Mn and Cd compounds with dmax and the Cd compound with 3max have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealing that the compounds are salts with [M(H₂O)₆]²⁺ as cations and dmax⁻ or 3dmax⁻ as anions. The second-sphere interactions in these compounds have been analysed, consisting in a network of very well-defined hydrogen bonds, with all available potential donor and acceptor positions involved. The topology of the motifs generated by these hydrogen bonds has been characterised, adapting to the second coordination sphere concepts usually applied to the first (chelate, bridge, monodentate, …). Monodimensional (tapes) superstructures with the building blocks rather tightly bounded appear in the compounds with dmax⁻ as anion, whereas the corresponding superstructure in the Cd compound with 3max⁻ is bidimensional. These superstructures further interact among them in a less tight fashion to generate the three dimensional crystal structures. Powder X-ray diffraction strongly suggests that Mn, Co, Zn and Cd compounds of each ligand are isostructural, so the results of the samples determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction may be extended to all these compounds. On the other hand, powder X-ray diffraction indicates that the nickel compounds have a different structure and the spectroscopic data for these compounds suggest that the ligand is directly attached to the metal for them.     

Hydrogen-bonded supramolecular manganese(II) complexes with network and sheet structures bridged by terephthalate unit

Two 1D complexes [Mn(4- methylpyrazole)₃(H₂O)(tp)]_n (2) and [Mn(4-methylpyrazole)₄(tp)]_n (3) (tp = terephthalate) were synthesized and characterized by means of X-ray analysis and magnetic studies. The molecular structure of 2 reveals that Mn(II) centers with asymmetric coordination surroundings are bridged by crystallographically different tp ligands, forming a 1D chain. The 1D coordination chains are interconnected by hydrogen bonds between free carboxylate oxygen atoms in a chain and hydrogens of pyrazole nitrogen atoms in neighboring chains, leading to a 3D framework. Compound 3 also exhibits a 1D coordination chain which is hydrogen-bonded to adjacent chains, providing a 2D sheet structure. Interestingly, the structures include intra- and interchain hydrogen bonds contributed from N-H groups of the capping 4-methylpyrazole ligands. Magnetic measurements show weak antiferromagnetic interactions with exchange coupling parameters of J = −0.018 cm⁻¹ for 2 and J = −0.062 cm⁻¹ for 3 through the extended tp ligand on the basis of an infinite chain model (H = −J∑S_i · S_i + 1).     

Diorganotin(IV) complexes of dipeptides containing the alpha-aminoisobutyryl residue (Aib): preparation, structural characterization, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities of [(n-Bu)2 Sn(H(-1)L)] (LH=H-Aib-L-Leu-OH, H-Aib-L-Ala-OH)

Two new organotin(IV) complexes with dianionic dipeptides containing the α-aminoisobutyryl residue (Aib) as ligands are described. The solid complexes [(n-Bu)₂Sn(H₋₁L_A)] · 2MeOH (1 · 2MeOH) (L_AH = H-Aib-L-Leu-OH) and [(n-Bu)₂Sn(H₋₁L_B)] · MeOH (2 · MeOH) (L_BH = H-Aib-L-Ala-OH) have been isolated and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic techniques (H₋₁L²⁻ is the dianionic form of the corresponding dipeptide). Complexes 1 · 2MeOH and 2 · MeOH are monomeric with similar molecular structures. The doubly deprotonated dipeptide behaves as a N(amino), N(peptide), O(carboxylate) ligand and binds to the Sn^IV atom. The five-coordinate metal ion has a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. A different network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds in each compound results in very dissimilar supramolecular features. The IR, far-IR, Raman and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR data are discussed in terms of the nature of bonding and known structures. The antibacterial and antiproliferative activities as well as the effect of the new compounds on pDNA were examined. Complexes 1 and 2 are active against the gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus. The IC₅₀ values reveal that the two compounds express promising cytotoxic activity in vitro against a series of cell lines.     

Arylazoimidazoliumchloride and chlorometallates: Spectroscopic and structural characterization

Protonation or dialkylation of 2-(arylazo)imidazoles (RaaiH) has generated azoimidazolium motif (RaaiH₂⁺, RaaiR^′H⁺, RaaiR^′₂⁺ where R = H, CH₃ and R^′ = Me, Et, -CH₂Ph). Electrostatic attraction between imdazolium cation and counter ions like Cl⁻, , has generated hydrogen bonded azoimidazolium-chloride/chlorometallated networks. The single crystal X-ray structure of 1-benzyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazolium chloride shows tape like 1-D network of [Cl(H₂O)₄]⁻. Aquated Cl⁻ forms 10 membered supracycle through hydrogen bonding with imidazolium ion. The X-ray structures of [HaaiMe₂ (1,3)]⁺[Me₂NH₂]⁺ [ZnCl₄]²⁻ and [MeaaiH₂⁺·H₂O]₂[PtCl₆]²⁻ show hydrogen bonded chlorometallate chain penetrated into the channel developed by organic motif. Azoimidazolium units are associated through π···π and C-H···π interactions to strengthen the supramolecular geometry.     

Pyrazole-nitrogen bridged tetranuclear copper(II) cluster with an unprecedented U-like core: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

Reaction of 3,5-pyrazoledicarboxylic acid with copper salt under the hydrothermal condition affords a self-assembly tetranuclear copper(II) cluster based upon mixed ligands formulated as [Cu₄(μ₄-Pzdc)₄(Im)₄]·4Dma·9H₂O (1) (H₃Pzdc = 3,5-pyrazoledicarboxylic acid, Im = imidazole, Dma = dimethylamine), in which the four copper(II) atoms are connected into a novel Cu₄N₈ metallonitrogen U-like open core through eight pyrazoledicarboxylate N atoms, and the tetranuclear clusters were further interlinked through strong hydrogen bonding interactions, resulting in three-dimensional lattice supramolecular networks. The magnetic susceptibility investigation indicates that overall weak antiferro-magnetic coupling between Cu(II) cations occurs through the pyrazole-dicarboxylate bridge (J = −13.49 cm⁻¹).     

Thermodynamic and spectroscopic studies of cadmium(II)-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (PMG) complexes

Speciation and equilibria in the H⁺-Cd²⁺-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (PMG, H₃L) system have been studied in 0.1 M Na(Cl) medium at 25.0 °C. Formation constants for a series of mononuclear complexes, CdHL, CdL⁻, CdL₂ ⁴⁻ and CdL(OH)²⁻ were determined from potentiometric titrations. The structures of the predominating species CdL⁻, and CdL₂ ⁴⁻ in solution were investigated using EXAFS and IR spectroscopic techniques. In the 1:1 complex bonds are formed between the Cd(II) ion and all three donor groups (amino, carboxylate, phosphonate) of the PMG molecule resulting in two 5-membered chelate rings. At the remaining three of the corners of the distorted Cd(II) octahedra oxygens were found which are replaced by donor groups of a second PMG molecule in the 1:2 complex. Furthermore, a solid phase consisting of Cd₉(PMG)₆(H₂O)₁₂ · 6H₂O crystals was synthesized and the crystal structure was determined. The structure consists of six CdL⁻ octahedra connected through a seventh Cd-O octahedron in the centre of the entity, with two additional Cd-O octahedra located at the apices of the unit formed.     

Novel Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes with 3-amino-5-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-2,4-imidazolidenedione. Synthesis, physicochemical, chemometric and pharmacological investigation

Platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes with 3-amino-5-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-2,4-imidazolidenedione (L) with general formulaе cis-[PtL₂X₂]·nH₂O and [PtL₂Cl₄], where X = Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻ and n = 2-4) were synthesized. The novel compounds were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectra, thermal analysis and molar conductivity. The geometry of Pt(II) complexes and of the organic ligand in the gas phase were optimized using the hybrid DFT method B3LYP with LANL2DZ and 6-31G** basis sets. Some physicochemical parameters as dipole moment, HOMO, LUMO energies and ESP charges were calculated. The comparison of the bond length and angles, obtained from the X-ray analysis and DFT calculations is realized. The cytotoxic effects of these complexes in human T-cell leukemia KE-37 (SKW-3) are reported.     

The Contribution of a Covalently Bound Cofactor to the Folding and Thermodynamic Stability of an Integral Membrane Protein

The factors controlling the stability, folding, and dynamics of integral membrane proteins are not fully understood. The high stability of the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin (bR), an archetypal member of the rhodopsin photoreceptor family, has been ascribed to its covalently bound retinal cofactor. We investigate here the role of this cofactor in the thermodynamic stability and folding kinetics of bR. Multiple spectroscopic probes were used to determine the kinetics and energetics of protein folding in mixed lipid/detergent micelles in the presence and absence of retinal. The presence of retinal increases extrapolated values for the overall unfolding free energy from 6.3 ± 0.4 kcal mol^− 1 to 23.4 ± 1.5 kcal mol^− 1 at zero denaturant, suggesting that the cofactor contributes 17.1 kcal mol^− 1 towards the overall stability of bR. In addition, the cooperativity of equilibrium unfolding curves is markedly reduced in the absence of retinal with overall m-values decreasing from 31.0 ± 2.0 kcal mol^− 1 to 10.9 ± 1.0 kcal mol^− 1, indicating that the folded state of the apoprotein is less compact than the equivalent for the holoprotein. This change in the denaturant response means that the difference in the unfolding free energy at a denaturant concentration midway between the two unfolding curves is only ca 3-6 kcal mol^− 1. Kinetic data show that the decrease in stability upon removal of retinal is associated with an increase in the apparent intrinsic rate constant of unfolding, k_u^H2O, from ~1 × 10^− 16 s^− 1 to ~1 × 10^− 4 s^− 1 at 25 °C. This correlates with a decrease in the unfolding activation energy by 16.3 kcal mol^− 1 in the apoprotein, extrapolated to zero SDS. These results suggest that changes in bR stability induced by retinal binding are mediated solely by changes in the activation barrier for unfolding. The results are consistent with a model in which bR is kinetically stabilized via a very slow rate of unfolding arising from protein-retinal interactions that increase the rigidity and compactness of the polypeptide chain.