Synthesis and characterization of a topologically constrained tetraaza macropolycycle and its copper(II) complex

A new macropolycycle, 2,13-dimethyl-1,5,12,16-tetraazapentacyclo[14.6.2.2^5.12.0^6.11.0^17.22]hexacosane (L³), has been prepared by the reaction of 3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[16.4.0.0^7.12]docosane (L¹) with 1-bromo-2-chloroethane. The macropolycycle readily reacts with anhydrous copper(II) ion to yield [CuL³]²⁺ in dry methanol but does not with nickel(II) ion, showing a high copper(II) ion selectivity. Crystal structure of [CuL³](ClO₄)₂ shows that the complex has a distorted square-planar coordination polyhedron with a trans-IV type N-conformation. The Cu-N distances [1.989(3) and 2.015(3) Å] of [CuL³](ClO₄)₂ are distinctly shorter than those of [CuL¹](ClO₄)₂ and other related macrocyclic copper(II) complexes. The d-d transition band for [CuL³](ClO₄)₂ is observed at 447 nm, which is ca. 40 nm shorter than that for [CuL¹](ClO₄)₂.     

Preparation of new tetraaza macrocyclic nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes bearing N-propionic methyl ester groups

A 14-membered tetraaza macrocycle, 2,13-bis(2-carbomethoxyethyl)-5,16-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[16.4.0.^1.180^7.12]docosane (L²) bearing two N-CH₂CH₂COOMe groups, and its nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of 2-(2-carbomethoxyethyl)-5,16-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[16.4.0.^1.180^7.12]docosane (L³) containing one N-CH₂CH₂COOMe group have also been prepared. The crystal structure of [NiL²](ClO₄)₂ shows that the complex has a slightly distorted trans-octahedral coordination geometry with two relatively short axial Ni-O (N-CH₂CH₂COOMe group) bonds (2.136(3) Å). In various solvents, however, a considerable proportion of [NiL²]²⁺ exists as a square-planar form, in which the functional pendant arms are not involved in coordination. The proportion of the square-planar isomer varies with solvents in the order of nitromethane ? acetonitrile < H₂O < DMF ? DMSO. In the case of [CuL²](ClO₄)₂, only one N-CH₂CH₂COOMe group is involved in coordination. The N-CH₂CH₂COOMe group of [NiL³](ClO₄)₂ is not directly involved in coordination even in the solid state, though the functional group of [CuL³](ClO₄)₂ is coordinated to the metal ion.     

Synthesis and coordination behaviors of 14-membered tetraaza macrocyclic copper(II) complexes bearing two N-propionic acid or N-propionic methyl ester groups

A di-N-functionalized 14-membered tetraaza macrocycle, [H₄L³](ClO₄)₂ (L³ = 1,8-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14-octamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), has been synthesized by acid hydrolysis of 1,8-bis(2-cyanoethyl)-3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14-octamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L²). The copper(II) complexes [CuL²](ClO₄)₂ and [Cu(H₂L³)](ClO₄)₂ were prepared and characterized. The complex [Cu(H₂L³)]²⁺ readily reacts with methanol to yield [CuL⁴]²⁺ (L⁴ = 1,8-bis(2-carbomethoxyethyl)-3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14-octamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane). The N-CH₂CH₂COOH groups of [Cu(H₂L³)](ClO₄)₂ are not coordinated to the metal ion in the solid state but are involved in coordination in various non-aqueous solvents or in aqueous solutions of pH ? 1.0. Interestingly, [CuL⁴](ClO₄)₂ exists as two stable structural isomers, 1 (the pendant ester groups are not involved in coordination) and 2 (one of the two ester groups is coordinated to the metal ion), in the solid state; the two isomers can be prepared selectively by controlling ionic strength of a methanol solution of the complex. Crystal structures and coordination behaviors of the two isomers are described. The di-N-cyanoethylated macrocyclic complex [CuL²](ClO₄)₂ is rapidly decomposed in 0.1 M NaOH solution even at room temperature. On the other hand, [Cu(H₂L³)](ClO₄)₂ and [CuL⁴](ClO₄)₂ are quite inert against decomposition under similar basic conditions. In acidic or basic aqueous solutions, [CuL⁴]²⁺ is hydrolyzed to [Cu(H₂L³)]²⁺ or [CuL³].     

Synthesis and characterization of new unsaturated macrobicyclic and bis(macrocyclic) copper(II) complexes containing N-CH2-N linkages

New copper(II) complexes [CuL²]²⁺ (L²=7,7,9-trimethyl-1,3,6,10,13-pentaazabicyclo[11,2,1^1.13]hexadec-9-ene) and [Cu₂(L³)(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ have been prepared by the reaction of [CuL¹]²⁺ (L¹=5,5,7-trimethyl-1,4,8,11,14-pentaazatetradce-7-ene) and formaldehyde. The mononuclear complex [CuL²]²⁺ has a square-planar coordination geometry with a 5-6-5-6 chelate ring sequence and is relatively stable even in low pH at room temperature. The dinuclear complex [Cu₂(L³)(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ consists of two unsaturated 15-membered pentaaza macrocyclic units (7,7,9-trimethyl-1,3,6,10,13-pentaazacyclopentadec-9-ene) that are linked together by a methylene group in a tilted face-to-face arrangement [Cu?Cu distance: 7.413(2) Å ]. Each macrocyclic unit of [Cu₂(L³)(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ contains one four-membered chelate ring and has a severely distorted octahedral coordination polyhedron. The dinuclear complex is quite stable in aqueous solutions containing an excess of formaldehyde or in dry acetonitrile but is decomposed to [CuL¹]²⁺ and [CuL²]²⁺ in pure water.     

Effect of fluorine position on the coordinating ability of fluorosalicylic acids--an experimental study complemented with computations

The complexation of 3-, 4-, and 6-fluorosalicylic acids (HL) with copper(II) was investigated in aqueous solution by pH-potentiometry combined with UV-visible spectrophotometry, and in 50 v/v % water-methanol mixture by the two-dimensional ESR simulation method. Both methods showed the formation of [CuLH₋₁] and [CuL₂H₋₂]²⁻ of high stabilities, and, at low excess of ligand, the ESR-silent mixed hydroxido complex [Cu₂L₂H₋₃]⁻. Further species were also identified by the two-dimensional ESR simulation method: [CuL]⁺ in the acidic region, the minor dimer [Cu₂L₂H₋₂], and the cis and the trans isomers for [CuL₂H₋₂]²⁻. The position of the fluorine atom in the aromatic ring had significant effect on the coordination abilities of the ligands, in good correlation with their reported biological activities. It was 3-fluorosalicylic acid, which formed the most stable complexes [CuLH₋₁] and [CuL₂H₋₂]²⁻, while the mononuclear complexes with 6-fluorosalicylic acid were found to be the least stable. For the other ligands (including 5-fluorosalicylic acid studied recently), complexes of medium stabilities were formed. For the interpretation of these findings, ab initio and semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations were carried out for the ligand molecules, isolated and surrounded by water molecules, respectively.     

Homoleptic copper(II) and copper(I) complexes of 5,6-dihydro-5,6-epoxy-1,10-phenanthroline. Six-coordinate copper(I) in solution

Reaction of 5,6-dihydro-5,6-epoxy-1,10-phenanthroline (L) with Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O in methanol in 3:1 M ratio at room temperature yields light green [CuL₃](ClO₄)₂·H₂O (1). The X-ray crystal structure of the hemi acetonitrile solvate [CuL₃](ClO₄)₂·0.5CH₃CN has been determined which shows Jahn-Teller distortion in the CuN₆ core present in the cation [CuL₃]²⁺. Complex 1 gives an axial EPR spectrum in acetonitrile-toluene glass with g_|| = 2.262 (A_|| = 169 × 10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹) and g_⊥ = 2.069. The Cu(II/I) potential in 1 in CH₂Cl₂ at a glassy carbon electrode is 0.32 V versus NHE. This potential does not change with the addition of extra L in the medium implicating generation of a six-coordinate copper(I) species [CuL₃]⁺ in solution. B3LYP/LanL2DZ calculations show that the six Cu-N bond distances in [CuL₃]⁺ are 2.33, 2.25, 2.32, 2.25, 2.28 and 2.25 Å while the ideal Cu(I)-N bond length in a symmetric Cu(I)N₆ moiety is estimated as 2.25 Å. Reaction of L with Cu(CH₃CN)₄ClO₄ in dehydrated methanol at room temperature even in 4:1 M proportion yields [CuL₂]ClO₄ (2). Its ¹H NMR spectrum indicates that the metal in [CuL₂]⁺ is tetrahedral. The Cu(II/I) potential in 2 is found to be 0.68 V versus NHE in CH₂Cl₂ at a glassy carbon electrode. In presence of excess L, 2 yields the cyclic voltammogram of 1. From ¹H NMR titration, the free energy of binding of L to [CuL₂]⁺ to produce [CuL₃]⁺ in CD₂Cl₂ at 298 K is estimated as −11.7 (±0.2) kJ mol⁻¹.     

Speciation, stability constants and structures of complexes of copper(II), nickel(II), silver(I) and mercury(II) with PAMAM dendrimer and related tetraamide ligands

The acid-base properties and Cu(II), Ni(II), Ag(I) and Hg(II) binding abilities of PAMAM dendrimer, L, and of the simple model compounds, the tetraamides of EDTA and PDTA, L¹, were studied in solution by pH-metric methods and by ¹H NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. PAMAM is hexabasic and six pK_a values have been determined and assigned. PAMAM forms five identifiable complexes with copper(II), [CuLH₄]⁶⁺, [CuLH₂]⁴⁺, [CuLH]³⁺, [CuL]²⁺ and [CuLH_-1]⁺ in the pH range 2-11 and three with nickel(II), [NiLH]³⁺, [NiL]²⁺ and [NiLH_-1]⁺ in the pH range 7-11. The complex [CuLH₄]⁶⁺, which contains two tertiary nitrogen and three amide oxygen atoms coordinated to the metal ion, is less stable than the analogous EDTA and PDTA tetraamide complexes [CuL¹]²⁺, which contain two tertiary nitrogen and four amide oxygen atoms, due to ring size and charge effects. With increasing pH, [CuLH₄]⁶⁺ undergoes deprotonation of two coordinated amide groups to give [CuLH₂]⁴⁺ with a concomitant change from O-amide to N-amidate coordination. Surprisingly and in contrast to the tetraamide complexes [CuL¹]²⁺, these two deprotonation steps could not be separated. As expected the nickel(II) complexes are less stable than their copper(II) analogues. The tetra-N-methylamides of EDTA, L¹(b), and PDTA form mononuclear and binuclear complexes with Hg(II). In the case of L¹(b) these have stoichiometries HgL¹(b)Cl₂, [HgL¹(b)H₋₂Cl₂]²⁻, [Hg₂L¹(b)Cl₂]²⁺, Hg₂L¹(b)H₋₂Cl₂ and [Hg₂L¹(b)H₋₅Cl₂]³⁻. Based on ¹H NMR and pH-metric data the proposed structure for HgL¹(b)Cl₂, the main tetraamide ligand containing species in the pH range <3-6.5, contains L¹(b) coordinated to the metal ion through the two tertiary nitrogens and two amide oxygens while the structure of [HgL¹(b)H₋₂Cl₂]²⁻, the main tetraamide ligand species at pH 7.5-9.0, contains the ligand similarly coordinated but through two amidate nitrogen atoms instead of amide oxygens. The proposed structure of [Hg₂L¹(b)Cl₂]²⁺, a minor species at pH 3-6.5, also based on ¹H NMR and pH-metric data, contains each Hg(II) coordinated to a tertiary amino nitrogen, two amide oxygens and a chloride ligand while that of [Hg₂L¹(b)H₋₅Cl₂]³⁻, contains each Hg(II) coordinated to a tertiary amino nitrogen, two amidate nitrogens, a chloride and a hydroxo ligand in the case of one of the Hg(II) ions. The parent EDTA and PDTA amides only form mononuclear complexes. PAMAM also forms dinuclear as well as mononuclear complexes with mercury(II) and silver(I). In the pH range 3-11 six complexes with Hg(II) i.e. [HgLH₄Cl₂]⁴⁺, [HgLH₃Cl₂]³⁺, [Hg₂LCl₂]²⁺, [Hg₂LH₋₁Cl₂]⁺, [HgLH₋₁Cl₂]⁻ and [HgLH₋₂Cl₂]²⁻ were identified and only two with Ag(I), [AgLH₃]⁴⁺ and [Ag₂L]²⁺. Based on stoichiometries, stability constant comparisons and ¹H NMR data, structures are proposed for these species. Hence [HgLH₄Cl₂]⁴⁺ is proposed to have a similar structure to [CuLH₄]⁶⁺ while [Hg₂LCl₂]²⁺has a similar structure to [Hg₂L¹(b)H₋₅Cl₂]³⁻.     

Decomposition of reactive oxygen species by copper(II) bis(1-pyrazolyl)methane complexes

Two bis(1-pyrazolyl)alkane ligands, bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane and bis(4-iodo-3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane, and their copper(II) complexes, bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methanedinitratocopper(II) [CuL₁(NO₃)₂] and bis(4-iodo-3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methanedinitratocopper(II) [CuL₂(NO₃)₂]·2H₂O, were prepared. Physiochemical properties of the copper(II) complexes were studied by spectroscopic (UV–vis, IR, EPR) techniques and cyclic voltammetry. Spectroscopic analysis revealed a 1:1 stoichiometry of ligand:copper(II) ion and a bindentate coordination mode for the nitrate ions in both of the complexes. According to experimental and theoretical ab initio data, the copper(II) ion is located in an octahedral hexacoordinated environment. Both complexes were able to catalyze the dismutation of superoxide anion () (pH 7.5) and decomposition of H₂O₂ (pH 7.5) and peroxynitrite (pH 10.9). In addition, both complexes exhibited superoxide dismutase (SOD) like activity toward extracellular and intracellular reactive oxygen species produced by activated human neutrophils in whole blood. Thus, these complexes represent useful SOD mimetics with a broad range of antioxidant activity toward a variety of reactive oxidants.     

Dinuclear Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with indolecarboxamide ligand: Synthesis, structure and properties

A potential tetradentate indolecarboxamide ligand, H₄L³ is synthesized and investigated for its coordination abilities towards Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions. Two H₄L³ ligands in their tetra-deprotonated form [L³]⁴⁻, were found to coordinate two metal centers resulting in the formation of [Ni₂(L³)₂]⁴⁻ (5) and [Cu₂(L³)₂]⁴⁻ (6) complexes. The crystal structure of 6 displays the formation of a dinuclear structure where two fully deprotonated ligands, [L³]⁴⁻ hold two copper(II) ions together. Even more interesting is the fact that both deprotonated ligands, [L³]⁴⁻ coordinate the copper ions in an identical and symmetrical fashion. The Na⁺ cations present in the complex 6 stitch together the dinuclear units resulting in the formation of a coordination chain polymer. Four sodium ions connect two dinuclear units via interacting with the O_amide groups. Further, Na⁺ cations were found to coordinate several DMF molecules; some of them are terminal and a few are bridging in nature. The solution state structure (determined by the NMR spectral analysis) of the diamagnetic complex 5 also supported the fact that two deprotonated ligands, coordinate two nickel ions in an identical and symmetrical fashion. Absorption spectral studies reveal that the solid-state square-planar geometry is retained in solution and both complexes do not show any tendency to coordinate potential axial ligands. The variable-temperature magnetic measurements and EPR spectra indicate spin-spin exchange between two copper centers in complex 6. The electrochemical results for both complexes show three irreversible oxidative responses that correspond to the oxidation of first and second metal ion followed by the ligand oxidation, respectively.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, NMR and ab initio molecular-orbital studies of some magnesium(II) macrocyclic Schiff-base complexes, with two 2-aminoethyl pendant arms

Three new Mg(II) bis(pendant arm) macrocyclic Schiff-base complexes, [MgLⁿ]²⁺(n=5, 6, 7), have been prepared via cyclocondensation of 2,6-diacetylpyridine with branched hexaamines and characterised spectroscopically. In addition, for [MgL⁵](ClO₄)₂ the crystal structure is reported. This is the first X-ray structural determination of an Mg(II) complex coordinated by seven nitrogen atoms. The ligands, L, are 15-, 16- and 17-membered pentaaza macrocycles having two 2-aminoethyl pendant arms [L⁵; 2,13-dimethyl-6,9-bis(aminoethyl)-3,6,9,12,18-pentaazabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18), 2, 12, 14, 16-pentaene, L⁶; 2,14-dimethyl-6,10-bis(aminoethyl)-3,6,10,13,19-pentaazabicyclo[13.3.1]nonadeca-1(19), 2, 13, 15, 17-pentaene and L⁷; 2,15-dimethyl-6,11-bis(aminoethyl)-3,6,11,14,20-pentaazabicyclo[14.3.1]eicosa-1(20),2,14,16,18-pentaene]. The crystal structure of [MgL⁵](ClO₄)₂, was determined by X-ray diffraction and showed that the complex cation that had formed consisted of a pentagonal bipyramidally coordinated Mg(II) ion. All complexes were characterised by IR, ¹H NMR,¹³C NMR, COSY(H,H) and HETCOR(H,C) spectroscopy, and the data indicate that the structure is approximately pentagonal bipyramidal in each case. This structural assignment is also supported by ab initio HF-MO calculations made using the standard 3-21G* basis set.     

Metal-directed synthesis of a chiral acyclic pentaamine and pendant-arm macrocyclic hexaamine derived from an amino acid

l-3-Phenylpropane-1,2-diamine (dapp) was prepared by a three-step synthesis based on l-phenylalanine and characterized, including determination of stability constants with M²⁺ ions (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd). The reaction of L-3-phenylpropane-1,2-diamine as the [Cu(dapp)₂]²⁺ complex ion with formaldehyde and nitroethane in basic solution yields the acyclic (5-methyl-5-nitro-1,9-diphenyl-3,7-diazanonane-1,9-diamine)copper(II) complex ion, [Cu(1)]²⁺, as the major product. In addition, small amounts of the macrocyclic complex ion (2,10-diphenyl-6,13-dimethyl-6,13-dinitro-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)copper(II), [Cu(2)]²⁺, form. Reduction of the [Cu(1)]²⁺ ion with zinc in aqueous acid yields the acyclic polyamine 5-methyl-1,9-diphenyl-3,7-diazanonane-1,5,9-triamine (3), an analogue of the previously reported pentaamine 5-methyl-3,7-diazanonane-1,5,9-triamine. Using the bis(l-3-phenylpropane-1,2-diamine)palladium(II) as precursor and an excess of other reagents, the macrocyclization reaction to produce [Pd(2)]²⁺ proved more successful. Reduction and recomplexation to copper(II) allowed isolation of the 2,9-dibenzyl-6,13-diammonio-6,13-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)copper(II) ion, [Cu(4H₂²⁺)]⁴⁺. The acyclic complex [Cu(1)]²⁺ promotes the hydrolytic cleavage of plasmid DNA modestly; a mechanism to support this observation is presented.     

Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of Schiff base ligands containing N4O2 and N4S2 donors with pyrrole terminal binding groups: Synthesis, characterization, X-ray structures, DFT and electrochemical studies

A series of hexadentate ligands, H₂L^m (m = 1−4), [1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene]{2-[2-(2-{[1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene]amino}phenoxy)ethoxy]phenyl}amine (H₂L¹), [1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene]{2-[4-(2-{[1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene]amino}phenoxy)butoxy]phenyl}amine (H₂L²), [1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene][2-({2-[(2-{[1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene]amino}phenyl)thio]ethyl}thio)phenyl]amine (H₂L³) and [1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene][2-({4-[(2-{[1H-pyrrol-2-lmethylene]amino}phenyl)thio]butyl}thio) phenyl]amine (H₂L⁴) were prepared by condensation reaction of pyrrol-2-carboxaldehyde with {2-[2-(2-aminophenoxy)ethoxy]phenyl}amine, {2-[4-(2-aminophenoxy)butoxy]phenyl}amine, [2-({2-[(2-aminophenyl)thio]ethyl}thio)phenyl]amine and [2-({4-[(2-aminophenyl)thio]butyl}thio)phenyl]amine respectively. Reaction of these ligands with nickel(II) and copper(II) acetate gave complexes of the form ML^m (m = 1−4), and the synthesized ligands and their complexes have been characterized by a variety of physico-chemical techniques. The solid and solution states investigations show that the complexes are neutral. The molecular structures of NiL³ and CuL², which have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, indicate that the NiL³ complex has a distorted octahedral coordination environment around the metal while the CuL² complex has a seesaw coordination geometry. DFT calculations were used to analyse the electronic structure and simulation of the electronic absorption spectrum of the CuL² complex using TDDFT gives results that are consistent with the measured spectroscopic behavior of the complex. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that all copper complexes are electrochemically inactive but the nickel complexes with softer thioethers are more easily oxidized than their oxygen analogs.     

Studies of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexation by bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) ligands containing alkene and alkyne bridging groups

The copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of three new 1,2-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) ligands containing unsaturated four carbon bridging groups is studied by continuous variation UV-Vis spectroscopic and pH potentiometric equilibrium experiments. The cis-butene-2 (L_C) linked ligand may form monomeric MN₆-type complexes while the trans-butene-2 (L_T) and butyne-2 (L_Y) ligands are prevented by their stereochemistry from forming monomeric complexes and form oligomeric complexes. It is determined that the stability of the CuL_C²⁺ complex is not appreciably different from the oligomeric complexes of L_T and L_Y. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations are made on three square pyramidal Cu₂L⁴⁺ complexes: [Cu₂L_CCl₄] (1), [Cu₂L_YCl₄] (2), and [Cu₂L_T(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ (3). The structure of [Ni₂(L_C)₂](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (4) is a binuclear dimer that contains two nickel(II) ions sandwiched between two ligands, indicating that bis([9]aneN₃) ligands with four linker atom chains may form either monomeric or oligomeric structures.     

Synthesis and characterization of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with triazolopyrimidine derivatives: The crystal structure of [Pd2L2Cl4] where L = 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine

The Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with triazolopyrimidine C-nucleosides L¹ (5,7-dimethyl-3-(2′,3′,5′-tri-O-benzoyl-β-d-ribofuranosyl-s-triazolo)[4,3-a]pyrimidine), L² (5,7-dimethyl-3-β-d-ribofuranosyl-s-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidine) and L³ (5,7-dimethyl[1,5-a]-s-triazolopyrimidine), [Pd(en)(L¹)](NO₃)₂, [Pd(bpy)(L¹)](NO₃)₂, cis-Pd(L³)₂Cl₂, [Pd₂(L³)₂Cl₄] · H₂O, cis-Pd(L²)₂Cl₂ and [Pt₃(L¹)₂Cl₆] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and NMR spectroscopy. The structure of the [Pd₂(L³)₂Cl₄] · H₂O complex was established by X-ray crystallography. The two L³ ligands are found in a head to tail orientation, with a Pd?Pd distance of 3.1254(17) Å. L¹ coordinates to Pd(II) through N8 and N1 forming polymeric structures. L² coordinates to Pd(II) through N8 in acidic solutions (0.1 M HCl) forming complexes of cis-geometry. The Pd(II) coordination to L² does not affect the sugar conformation probably due to the high stability of the C-C glycoside bond.     

Dicopper(II) and dinickel(II) complexes of Schiff-base macrocycles derived from 5,5-dimethyl-1,9-diformyldipyrromethane

The synthesis and characterisation of two dicopper(II) and two dinickel(II) macrocyclic complexes, [Cu^II₂L^Pr] (10), [Cu^II₂L^Bu] (11), [Ni^II₂L^Pr] (12) and [Ni^II₂L^Bu] (13), are reported. The two new Schiff-base macrocycles (L^Pr)⁴⁻ and (L^Bu)⁴⁻ are isolated as dimetallic complexes 10-13 by the [2+2] condensation of 5,5-dimethyl-1,9-diformyldipyrromethane (9) and 1,3-diaminopropane or 1,4-diaminobutane, respectively, using Cu²⁺ or Ni²⁺ template ions. Single crystal X-ray structure determinations carried out on 10-13 show that each metal atom is in a square planar N₄ geometry, being bound to two deprotonated pyrrole nitrogen atoms of one dipyrromethane unit and to the two adjacent imine nitrogen atoms. NMR spectra obtained for the two dinickel(II) complexes 12 and 13 show that in CDCl₃ solution they are highly symmetrical and diamagnetic.     

Structure and magnetic properties of polynuclear chloro- and hydroxo-bridged copper(II) complexes formed by a tetramacrocyclic derivative of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane

Two new copper(II) complexes of the ligand 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-ylmethyl)benzene (L^dur) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray studies. The first, [Cu₄L^dur(μ₂-OH)₄]Cl₂(PF₆)₂ · 8H₂O (1), was isolated from a solution of L^dur and Cu²⁺ at pH 9. Under acidic conditions (pH 3), a polymeric complex, {[Cu₄L^dur(μ₂-Cl)₆](PF₆)₂ · 10H₂O}_n (2), crystallized from solution. In both complexes, each of the four triazacyclononane (tacn) rings of the L^dur ligand facially coordinate to separate metal centres. Pairs of Cu(II) centres are then doubly-bridged by hydroxo groups in 1, leading to tetranuclear complex cation units featuring pairs of isolated copper(II) dimers with Cu₂(μ₂-OH)₂ cores folded at the O?O lines. Two forms of the tetranuclear units, featuring slightly different Cu₂(μ₂-OH)₂ core geometries, are present in equal amounts within the crystal lattice. In complex 2, chloro bridging ligands link pairs of Cu(II) centres from neighbouring tetranuclear units, forming a 1D helical polymeric structure. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that the hydroxo-bridged copper(II) centres within one of the tetranuclear units in 1 are weakly antiferromagnetically coupled (J = −27 cm⁻¹), whilst those in the other interact ferromagnetically (J = +19 cm⁻¹). Similar measurements indicate weak ferromagnetic coupling (J = +16 cm⁻¹) for the chloro-bridged copper(II) centres in 2.     

Tuning redox and spin state properties of Fe(II) N-heterocyclic complexes via electronic/steric influence on metal-ligand binding

A series of complexes with the general formula [Fe(L)₂]²⁺, where L represents the tridentating 6-(N-3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)2,2^′-bipyridine (L⁴); 6-(N-pyrazolyl-1-ylmethyl)-2,2^′-bipyridine (L⁵); and 6-(N-3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl-1-ylmethyl)-2,2^′-bipyridine (L⁶), were prepared and characterized. The room temperature solution magnetic susceptibility and redox properties of these compounds were investigated as a function of stepwise variation in the ligand structure. The Fe(III/II) couple was characterized by way of cyclic voltammetry using aprotic solvent conditions (acetonitrile) where each complex was observed to have reversible behavior. NMR methodology was used for measuring the magnetic susceptibilities where both [Fe(L⁴)₂]²⁺ and Fe(L⁵)₂]²⁺ exhibited diamagnetic low spin behavior; however, [Fe(L⁶)₂]²⁺ measured a μ_eff of 4.1 Bohr-magnetons indicating spin equilibrium predominantly in the high spin state.     

Magnetic and catalytic properties of a new copper(II)-Schiff base 2D coordination polymer formed by connected helical chains

A dicyanamide bridged 2D polynuclear complex of copper(II) having molecular formula [Cu₂(L)(μ_1,5-dca)₂]_n (1) has been synthesized using the Schiff base ligand N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-diaminopentane, (H₂L) and sodium dicyanamide (dca). The complex presents a 2D hexagonal structure formed by 1,5-dca singly bridged helical chains connected through double 1,5-dca bridges. The chelating characteristics of the H₂L Schiff base ligand results in the formation of copper(II) dimer with a double phenoxo bridge presenting a very strong antiferromagnetic coupling in the copper(II) derivative (1) (J = −510 cm⁻¹). The dimeric asymmetric unit of 1 is very similar to the active site of the catechol oxidase and, as expected, also presents catalytic activity for the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol to 3,5-di-tert-butylquinone in presence of O₂, as demonstrated by kinetic studies of this oxidation reaction monitored by absorption spectroscopy resulting in high turnover number (K_cat = 259 h⁻¹).     

Stepwise reactions of two N-CH2CN or two N-CH2C(NH)OMe groups attached to macrocyclic copper(II) complexes: Preparation of homo- and hetero-di-N-functionalized macrocyclic complexes

The hetero-functionalized macrocyclic complex [CuL²](ClO₄)₂ bearing one N-CH₂C(NH)OMe and one N-CH₂CN groups as well as [CuL³](ClO₄)₂ bearing two N-CH₂C(NH)OMe groups have been prepared selectively by the reaction of [CuL¹](ClO₄)₂ (L² = 2,13-bis(cyanomethyl)-5,16-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[16.4.0.^1.180^7.12]docosane) with methanol. The N-CH₂C(NH)OCH₃ group in [CuL²](ClO₄)₂ is quite inert against acid hydrolysis. On the other hand, the functional pendant arms in [CuL³](ClO₄)₂ readily undergo acid hydrolysis. Both [CuL⁴](ClO₄)₂ bearing one N-CH₂COOCH₃ and one N-CH₂C(NH)OCH₃ groups and [CuL⁵](ClO₄)₂ bearing two N-CH₂OOCH₃ groups have been prepared by the stepwise hydrolysis of [CuL³](ClO₄)₂. The reactivity of the functional pendant arms in [CuL¹](ClO₄)₂ or [CuL³](ClO₄)₂ is quite different from that in [NiL¹](ClO₄)₂ or [NiL³](ClO₄)₂. The crystal structure of [CuL²](ClO₄)₂ shows that the complex has a slightly distorted square-pyramidal coordination polyhedron with an apical Cu-N (N-CH₂C(NH)OCH₃ group) bond. The N-CH₂C(NH)OCH₃ and/or N-CH₂COOCH₃ groups in [CuL³](ClO₄)₂, [CuL⁴](ClO₄)₂, and [CuL⁵](ClO₄)₂ are involved in coordination, and the complexes have distorted trans-octahedral coordination polyhedron. The axial Cu-N (N-CH₂C(NH)OCH₃ group) distance (2.396(7) Å) of [CuL⁴](ClO₄)₂ is considerably longer than the Cu-N (N-CH₂C(NH)OCH₃ group) distance (2.169(3) Å) of [CuL²](ClO₄)₂.     

Structural and magnetic properties of O-bridged tetranuclear and binuclear Cu(II) complexes

Two copper(II) complexes [Cu₄(L¹)₄] (1) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(HL²)₂] (ClO₄)₂ (2) have been synthesized from two potentially tridentate ligands N-(2-hydroxybenzyl) propanolamine (H₂L¹) and N-(2-hydroxybenzyl) ethanolamine (H₂L²). X-ray analyses revealed that 1 contains a Cu₄O₄ cubane core, with each two Cu(II) atoms bridged by a pair of alkoxides; 2 has a bis(μ₂-phenoxo)-bridged dicopper(II) structure. Variable temperature magnetic measurements of 1 have revealed that the correlation between 2J and the bridge angles φ for 1 shows a very strong antiferromagnetic tendency, i.e. the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions cross at the φ of 94.5°. The relatively weak antiferromagnetic interactions (2J=−226.8 cm⁻¹) with respect to the bridge angles (φ=100.4°) for 2 have been ascribed to the pyramidal distortions at the phenoxide oxygen atoms in addition to the unfavorable overlaps of the magnetic orbitals for the highly distorted copper coordination polyhedra.