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.     

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].     

Magnetic, spectroscopic, structural and biological properties of mixed-ligand complexes of copper(II) with N,N,N,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and polypyridine ligands

Two new mixed ligand complexes of copper(II) with N,N,N^′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and polypyridine ligands have been prepared and characterized by means of spectroscopic, magnetic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. These two complexes are isomorph and isostructure in which the coordination polyhedron about the copper(II) ion is distorted square pyramidal. [Cu(PMDT)(bipy)]²⁺ and [Cu(PMDT)(phen)]²⁺ show an absorption wavelength maximum at 625 and 678 nm, respectively, assigned to the d-d transition. Antibacterial, antifungal and superoxide dismutase activities of these complexes have also been measured. It was observed that [Cu(PMDT)(bipy)](ClO₄)₂ was more effective against P. Pyocyanea and Klebsiella sp. than S. aureus. Similarly, Fusarium sp. was highly susceptible against [Cu(PMDT)(bipy)](ClO₄)₂ but less susceptible against [Cu(PMDT)(phen)](ClO₄)₂.     

Synthetic, structural and spectroscopic studies of complexes derived from the copper(II) perchlorate/succinamic acid/N,N′-donor tertiary reaction systems

The use of succinamic acid (H₂sucm) in Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O/N,N′-donor [2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (dmbpy), 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy)] reaction mixtures yielded compounds [Cu₂(Hsucm)₃(bpy)₂](ClO₄)·0.5MeOH (1·0.5MeOH), [Cu₂(Hsucm)(OH)(H₂O)(bpy)](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Cu₄(Hsucm)₅(dmbpy)₄]_n(ClO₄)_3n·nH₂O ·0.53nMeOH (3·nH₂O·0.53nMeOH), [Cu₂(Hsucm)₂(dmbpy)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂·2H₂O (4·2H₂O), [Cu₂(Hsucm)₂(phen)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂·1.8MeOH (5·1.8MeOH), [Cu₂(Hsucm)₂(phen)₂(MeOH)₂](ClO₄)₂·MeOH (6·MeOH) and [Cu(Hsucm)₂(H₂O)(4,4′-bpy)]_n (7). The succinamate(−1) ligand exists in five different coordination modes in the structures of 1-7, i.e. the common syn, syn μ₂-κO:κO′ in 1-6, the μ₂-κ²O in 1, the μ₂-κ²O:κO′ in 1, the μ₃-κ²O:κ²O′ in 3, and the monodentate κO in 7. The primary amide group of Hsucm⁻ remains uncoordinated and participates in intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions leading to interesting crystal structures. Characteristic IR bands of the complexes are discussed in terms of the known structures and the coordination modes of the Hsucm⁻ ligands. The thermal decomposition of representative complexes was monitored by TG/DTG and DTA measurements.     

Ruthenium(II/III) mediated transformation of 1,2-bis(2′-pyridylmethyleneimino)benzene (L) to 2-(2′-benzimidazolyl)pyridine (L′H) and its in situ formed complexes with Ru(II): X-ray structure of trans-[Ru(PPh3)2(L′H)2](ClO4)2

A series of ruthenium (II) complexes of formulae trans-[Ru(PPh₃)₂(L′H)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ru(bpy)(L′H)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Ru(bpy)₂(L′H)](ClO₄)₂ (3), cis-[Ru(DMSO)₂(L′H)₂]Cl₂ (4), and [Ru(L′H)₃](PF₆)₂ (5) (where L′H = 2-(2′-benzimidazolyl)pyridine) have been synthesized by reaction of the appropriate ruthenium precursor with 1,2-bis(2′-pyridylmethyleneimino)benzene (L). The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic and electrochemical data. All the complexes were found to be diamagnetic and hence metal is in +2 oxidation state. The molecular structure of trans-[Ru(PPh₃)₂(L′H)₂](ClO₄)₂ has been determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The molecular structure shows that Ru(II) is at the center of inversion of an octahedron with N₄P₂ coordination sphere. The ligand acts as a bidentate N,N′donor. The electronic spectra of the complexes display intense MLCT bands in the visible region.Cyclic voltammetric studies show quasi-reversible oxidative response at 0.99-1.32 V (vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode) due to Ru(III)/Ru(II) couple.     

Reactions of N-cyanomethyl groups attached to a tetraaza macrocyclic copper(II) complex leading to the formation of various hetero-functionalized macrocyclic complexes

New hetero-functionalized macrocyclic complexes [CuL²](ClO₄)₂ (I) and [CuL³](ClO₄)₂ (II) bearing one N-CH₂CONH₂ or one N-CH₂C(NH)NH(CH₂)₂CH₃ pendant arm as well as one N-CH₂CN group have been prepared by the selective reaction of water or n-propylamine with one of the two N-CH₂CN groups in [CuL¹](ClO₄)₂ (L¹ = 2,13-bis(cyanomethyl)-5,16-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[16.4.0.^1.180^7.12]docosane). The complex [CuL⁴](ClO₄)₂ (III) bearing both N-CH₂CONH₂ and N-CH₂C(NH)NH(CH₂)₂CH₃ pendant arms can be prepared by either the reaction of I with n-propylamine or the hydrolysis of II. The N-CH₂CONH₂ and/or N-CH₂C(NH)NH(CH₂)₂CH₃ groups of I, II, and III are coordinated to the metal ion. The crystal structure of II shows that the complex has distorted square-pyramidal coordination polyhedron with a considerably strong apical Cu-N (N-CH₂C(NH)NH(CH₂)₂CH₃) bond (2.101(6) Å). The addition of HClO₄ (?0.01 M) to an acetonitrile (or DMSO) solution of II or III produces [Cu(HL³)](ClO₄)₃ (IIa) or [Cu(HL⁴)](ClO₄)₃ (IIIa), showing that the N-CH₂C(NH)NH(CH₂)₂CH₃ pendant arm of each complex is readily protonated in the non-aqueous solvent; the resulting N-CH₂C()NH(CH₂)₂CH₃ group of IIa or IIIa is not involved in coordination. However, the N-CH₂C(NH)NH(CH₂)₂CH₃ group of II is not protonated even in ?1.0 M HClO₄ aqueous solution. In the case of III, most of the complex exists as the protonated form [Cu(HL⁴)]³⁺ in ?0.1 M HClO₄ aqueous solutions.     

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.     

Synthesis, structure and properties of bis[N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-N-ethyl-2-pyridine-2-carboxamidecopper(II)] perchlorate

In this account we report the synthesis, structure and characterization of a dimeric Cu(II) complex, [Cu₂(PaPy₃H)₂](ClO₄)₄ (bis[N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-N-ethyl-2-pyridine-2-carboxamidecopper(II)]). In this complex, the coordination of the designed ligand PaPy₃H to the Cu(II) centers is completed by the bis(picolyl)methyl amine portion of one PaPy₃H unit and the oxygen and pyridine nitrogen atoms of the pyridine-2-carboxamide moiety of a second PaPy₃H ligand. The resulting dimeric complex demonstrates a new mode of coordination of the ligand PaPy₃H.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, DNA-binding properties, cytotoxic and antioxidation activities of several new ternary copper(II) complexes of N,N′-(p-xylylene)di-alanine acid and 1,10-phenanthroline

Three novel ternary copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(phen)₂(l-PDIAla)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂·2.5H₂O (1), [Cu₄(phen)₆(d,l-PDIAla)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₆·3H₂O (2) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(d,l-PDIAla)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂·0.5H₂O (3) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, H₂PDIAla = N,N’-(p-xylylene)di-alanine acid) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and other structural analysis. Spectrometric titrations, ethidium bromide displacement experiments, CD (circular dichroism) spectral analysis and viscosity measurements indicate that the three compounds, especially the complex 3, strongly bind to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA). The intrinsic binding constants of the ternary copper(II) complexes with CT-DNA are 0.89 × 10⁵, 1.14 × 10⁵ and 1.72 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, for 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Comparative cytotoxic activities of the copper(II) complexes are also determined by acid phosphatase assay. The results show that the ternary copper(II) complexes have significant cytotoxic activity against the HeLa (Cervical cancer), HepG2 (hepatocarcinoma), HL-60 cells (myeloid leukemia), A-549 cells (pulmonary carcinoma) and L02 (liver cells). Investigations of antioxidation properties show that all the copper(II) complexes have strong scavenging effects for hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals.     

Crystal structures and spectroscopic behavior of monomeric, dimeric and polymeric copper(II) chloroacetate adducts with isonicotinamide, N-methylnicotinamide and N,N-diethylnicotinamide

Substituted pyridines provide structural rigidity and thus permit the metal coordination geometry to guide the direction of propagation of the hydrogen-bonded links between building blocks. In this paper we present the crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of monomeric, dimeric and polymeric copper(II) chloroacetates with isonicotinamide (INA), N-methylnicotinamide (MNA) and N,N-diethylnicotinamide (DENA). The molecular structure of [Cu(ClCH₂CO₂)₂(INA)₂]₂ (1) consists of a rather interesting dinuclear molecule with copper atoms bridged by anti, anti-O,O′ bridging oxygens of two chloroacetate anions. Each copper atom is octahedrally coordinated thus forming a CuN₂O₄ core with two nitrogens, originating from two different isonicotinamide molecules, in trans positions. This complex is one of a very few examples of this rare type of structure in which both carboxylate oxygen anions are coordinated to two copper metal ions. The crystal structure of 1 revealed an infinite 1-D linear hydrogen-bonded chain formed by discrete molecules [Cu(ClCH₂CO₂)₂(INA)₂]₂ connected by strong hydrogen bonds between two amide groups. This structure is the first example, where two pairs of amide groups are involved in hydrogen bonding connecting two molecules. The X-ray structure of the complex [Cu(CCl₃CO₂)₂(INA)₂]_n (3) revealed a tetragonal bipyramidal environment about the copper(II) atom. This structure represents the first example of copper(II) complex, where isonicotinamide acts as a bridging ligand. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds, N-H?O, create two eight-membered metallocycle rings which stabilizes the molecular structure. The crystal structure of 3 consists of 2-D sheets of a metal-organic framework. The coordination environment of the copper(II) atom in [Cu(CCl₃CO₂)₂(MNA)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O (6 · 2H₂O) is an elongated tetragonal bipyramid. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bond interactions involving an axial coordinated water molecule and a carboxylic oxygen atom stabilize the molecular structure. The crystal structure of [Cu₂(ClCH₂CO₂)₄(DENA)]_n (7) shows that the complex is an extended zigzag coordination chain of alternating binuclear paddle-wheel units of the bridging tetracarboxylate type Cu₂(ClCH₂CO₂)₄ and N,N-diethylnicotinamide molecules. This complex represents the first example of copper(II) carboxylates where N,N-diethylnicotinamide molecule acts as a bidentate bridging ligand connecting binuclear paddle-wheel units. The variation in DENA coordination in the polymeric chain can be described by the following formula: -[Cu₂(ClCH₂CO₂)₄]-(DENA-N,O)- [Cu₂(ClCH₂CO₂)₄]-(DENA-O,N)-. All complexes were characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy. The present study shows that the pyridine-carboxyamides are very suitable molecules that can be employed as ligands in the construction of extended arrays of transition metal-containing molecules linked via hydrogen bonds.     

Lanthanide perchlorate complexes of 4-chloroquinoline-1-oxide and 5-chloroisoquinoline-2-oxide

New lanthanide complexes of 4-chloroquinoline-1-oxide (CQNO) and 5-chloroisoquinoline-2-oxide (CIQNO) were synthesized. CQNO gave two sets of complexes, one set soluble in acetone with the formulae [Ln(CQNO)₈](ClO₄)₃, where LnNd to Yb, and [La(CQNO)₁₀](ClO₄)₃, and the other insoluble in acetone with the formulae [Ln(CQNO)₇]- (ClO₄)₃ where LnLa, Nd and Gd only. CIQNO gave complexes of the general composition [Ln-(CIQNO)₈](ClO₄)₃ where Ln La and Nd and [Ln(CIQNO)₇](ClO₄)₃ where LnGd to Yb. The isolated complexes CQNO and CIQNO were characterized by elemental analysis, electrolytic conductance, infrared, proton NMR and electronic spectral data.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of five-, six-, and seven-coordinate mononuclear manganese(II) complexes with N-tridentate ligands

A series of four mononuclear manganese (II) complexes with the N-tridentate neutral ligands 2,2^′:6,2^′′-terpyridine (terpy) and N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylamine (bpea) have been synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The complexes have five- to seven-coordinate manganese(II) ions depending on the additional ligands used. The [Mn(bpea)(Br)₂] complex (1) has a five-coordinated manganese atom with a bipyramidal trigonal geometry, while [Mn(terpy)₂](I)₂ (2) is hexa-coordinated with a distorted octahedral geometry. Otherwise, the reactions of Mn(NO₃)₂ · 4H₂O with terpy or bpea afforded novel seven-coordinate complexes [Mn(terpy)(NO₃)₂(H₂O)] (3) and [Mn(bpea)(NO₃)₂] (4), respectively. 3 has a coordination polyhedron best described as a distorted pentagonal bipyramid geometry with one nitrate acting as a bidentate chelating ligand and the other nitrate as a monodentate one. 4 possesses a highly distorted polyhedron geometry with two bidentate chelating nitrate ligands. These complexes represent unusual examples of structurally characterized complexes with a coordination number seven for the Mn(II) ion and join a small family of nitrate complexes.     

Synthesis of two configurational isomers of a 14-membered tetraaza macrocycle bearing N-CH2CH2CONH2 pendent arms and their copper(II) complexes: Crystal structures of the complexes

Two isomers of 1,8-bis(N-carbamoylethyl)-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L²) bearing two N-CH₂CH₂CONH₂ groups, C-meso-L² and C-racemic-L², have been prepared and characterized. Each isomer reacts with Cu(II) ion to form a five-coordinate complex, [Cu(C-meso-L²)](ClO₄)₂ (1) or [Cu(C-racemic-L²)](ClO₄)₂ (2), in which only one pendent amide group is coordinated to the metal ion. The crystal structure of 1 · CH₃CN shows that the complex possesses trans-III-type N-configuration and has a slightly distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry with a relatively long axial Cu-O (N-CH₂CH₂CONH₂) bond (2.207(3) Å). On the other hand, 2 exhibits trans-V configuration and has a slightly distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry with a very short equatorial Cu-O (N-CH₂CH₂CONH₂) bond (2.007(3) Å); the Cu-O distance is distinctly shorter than the Cu-N distances (2.062(4)-2.090(4) Å). The complex 1 exhibits a d-d transition band at approximately 565 nm, whereas the band for 2 is observed at approximately 770 nm.     

Imidazole derivatives of binuclear copper (II) and nickel (II) complexes incorporating bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl) ligands

A series of new binuclear copper (II) and nickel (II) complexes of the macrocyclic ligands bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl)butane (L^but) and bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl)-m-xylene (L^mx) have been synthesized: [Cu₂L^butBr₄] (1), [Cu₂L^but(imidazole)₂Br₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Cu₂L^mx(μ-OH)(imidazole)₂](ClO₄)₃ (3), [Cu₂L^but(imidazole)₄](ClO₄)₄ · H₂O (4), [Cu₂L^mx(imidazole)₄](ClO₄)₄ (5), [Ni₂ L^but(H₂O)₆](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (6), [Ni₂L^but(imidazole)₆](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (7) and [Ni₂L^mx (imidazole)₄(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₄ · 3H₂O (8). Complexes 1, 2, 7 and 8 have been characterized by single crystal X-ray studies. In each of the complexes, the two tridentate 1,4,7-triazacyclononane rings of the ligand facially coordinate to separate metal centres. The distorted square-pyramidal coordination sphere of the copper (II) centres is completed by bromide anions in the case of 1 and/or monodentate imidazole ligands in complexes 2, 4 and 5. Complex 3 has been formulated as a monohydroxo-bridged complex featuring two terminal imidazole ligands. Complexes 6-8 feature distorted octahedral nickel (II) centres with water and/or monodentate imidazole ligands occupying the remaining coordination sites. Within the crystal structures, the ligands adopt trans conformations, with the two metal binding compartments widely separated, perhaps as a consequence of electrostatic repulsion between the cationic metal centres. The imidazole-bearing complexes may be viewed as simple models for the coordinative interaction of the binuclear complexes of bis (tacn) ligands with protein molecules bearing multiple surface-exposed histidine residues.     

Alkali and alkaline-earth metal complexes of different nuclearities with azamacrocyclic pendant-arms ligands

A new series of alkali and alkaline-earth complexes of Na(I), Ca(II), Sr(II) and Ba(II) with two pyridyl pendant-arms azamacrocyclic ligands, L¹ and L², were synthesized by reaction of the ligand and the appropriate perchlorate salt in refluxing acetonitrile. The reactions gave analytically pure products that were characterized by elemental analysis, FAB mass spectrometry, IR, conductivity measurements and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of [NaL¹](ClO₄), [BaL¹](ClO₄)₂ · 2CH₃CN and [Ca₂L²(μ-ClO₄)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ · Cl · (H₂O)_0.5 could be also determined. The crystal structure of the Na(I) and Ba(II) complexes with L¹ show endomacrocyclic mononuclear species, where the metal ions are in N8 and N10 coordination environment, respectively. The geometry around the metal ions can be described as cube and bicapped cube geometry for Na(I) and Ba(II), respectively. Instead, the crystal structure of the Ca(II) compound with L² shows an exomacrocyclic dinuclear complex where both metal ions are in a similar N5O2 environment joined through a bidentate perchlorate anion. The coordination geometry for both Ca(II) ions can be described as distorted pentagonal bipyramid.     

Manganese (III) cyclam complexes with aqua, iodo, nitrito, perchlorato and acetic acid/acetato axial ligands

The syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of five new manganese (III) cyclam complexes, trans-[Mn(cyclam)(OH₂)₂](CF₃SO₃)₃ · H₂O, trans-[Mn(cyclam)I₂]I, trans-[Mn(cyclam)(ONO)₂]ClO₄, trans-[Mn(cyclam)(OClO₃)₂]ClO₄ and trans-[Mn(cyclam)(CH₃COO)(CH₃COOH)](ClO₄)₂, are reported. Cyclam is the tetradentate amine ligand 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane. The complexes all exhibit pronounced tetragonal elongation of the coordination octahedron with the four cyclam nitrogens occupying the four equatorial positions. The magnetic properties are consistent with the formulation of the complexes as high-spin d⁴ systems. trans-[Mn(cyclam)(OH₂)₂](CF₃SO₃)₃ · H₂O is shown to be a convenient starting material for the syntheses of trans cyclam complexes. [Mn(cyclam)(CH₃COO)(CH₃COOH)](ClO₄)₂ exhibits extremely short intermolecular hydrogen bonds resulting in a pseudo-chain structure. The tilt of the axial ligands with respect to the equatorial plane containing the manganese and the cyclam nitrogen atoms is discussed.     

Epoxide ring opening in a zinc(II) complex in water without any Lewis acid catalyst: Formation of only one diastereomer out of 2

The epoxide ring in 5,6-dihydro-5,6-epoxy-1,10-phenanthroline (L) opens up in its reaction with 4-methylaniline and 4-methoxyaniline in water in equimolar proportion at room temperature without any Lewis acid catalyst to give a monohydrate of 6-(4-methyl-phenylamino)-5,6-dihydro-1,10-phenanthrolin-5-ol (L′·H₂O) and 6-(4-methoxyphenyl-amino)-5,6-dihydro-1,10-phenanthrolin-5-ol (L″) respectively. Reaction time decreases from 72 to 14 h in boiling water. But the yields become less. Reaction of L with Zn(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O in methanol in 3:1 molar ratio at room temperature affords white [ZnL₃](ClO₄)₂·H₂O. The X-ray crystal structure of the acetonitrile solvate [ZnL₃](ClO₄)₂·MeCN has been determined which shows that the metal has a distorted octahedral N₆ coordination sphere. [ZnL₃](ClO₄)₂·2H₂O reacts with 4-methylaniline and 4-methoxyaniline in boiling water in 1:3 molar proportion in the absence of any Lewis acid catalyst to produce [ZnL′₃](ClO₄)₂·4H₂O and [ZnL″₃](ClO₄)₂·H₂O, respectively in 1-4 h time in somewhat low yield. In the ¹H NMR spectra of [ZnL′₃](ClO₄)₂·4H₂O and [ZnL″₃](ClO₄)₂·H₂O, only one sharp methyl signal is observed implicating that only one diastereomer out of the 2³ possibilities is formed. The same diastereomers are obtained when L′·H₂O and L″ are reacted directly with Zn(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature in very good yields. Reactions of L′·H₂O and L″ with Ru(phen)₂Cl₂·2H₂O (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) in equimolar proportion in methanol-water mixture under refluxing condition lead to the isolation of two diastereomers of [Ru(phen)₂L′](ClO₄)₂·2H₂O and [Ru(phen)₂L″](ClO₄)₂·2H₂O.     

Mono, di and polynuclear Cu(II)-azido complexes incorporating N,N,N reduced schiff base: syntheses, structure and magnetic behavior

Three kinds of copper(II) azide complexes have been synthesised in excellent yields by reacting Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L¹); N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N′,N′-dimethylethylenediamine (L²); and N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N′,N′-diethylethylenediamine (L³), respectively, in the presence of slight excess of sodium azide. They are the monomeric Cu(L¹)(N₃)(ClO₄) (1), the end-to-end diazido-bridged Cu₂(L²)₂(μ-1,3-N₃)₂(ClO₄)₂ (2) and the single azido-bridged (μ-1,3-) 1D chain [Cu(L³)(μ-1,3-N₃)]_n(ClO₄)_n (3). The crystal and molecular structures of these complexes have been solved. The variable temperature magnetic moments of type 2 and type 3 complexes were studied. Temperature dependent susceptibility for 2 was fitted using the Bleaney-Bowers expression which led to the parameters J = −3.43 cm⁻¹ and R = 1 × 10⁻⁵. The magnetic data for 3 were fitted to Baker’s expression for S = 1/2 and the parameters obtained were J = 1.6 cm⁻¹ and R = 3.2 × 10⁻⁴. Crystal data are as follows. Cu(L¹)(N₃)(ClO₄): Chemical formula, C₁₂H₁₃ClN₆O₄Cu; crystal system, monoclinic; space group, P2₁/c; a = 8.788(12), b = 13.045(15), c = 14.213(15) Å; β = 102.960(10)°; Z = 4. Cu(L²)(μ-N₃)(ClO₄): Chemical formula, C₁₀H₁₇ClN₆O₄Cu: crystal system, monoclinic; space group, P2₁/c; a = 10.790(12), b = 8.568(9), c = 16.651(17) Å; β = 102.360(10)°; Z = 4. [Cu(L³)(μ-N₃)](ClO₄): Chemical formula, C₁₂H₂₁ClN₆O₄Cu; crystal system, monoclinic; space group, P2₁/c; a = 12.331(14), b = 7.804(9), c = 18.64(2) Å; β = 103.405(10)°; Z = 4.     

Structure and spectroelectrochemical property of a ruthenium complex containing phenanthroline-quinone, and assembly of the complexes on a gold electrode

Ruthenium complexes containing pdon (pdon = 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) were synthesized. Their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties were examined. The molecular structure with [Ru(pdon)(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ ([1](ClO₄)₂) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl) was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The optically transparent thin-layer electrochemical measurements confirm that the quinone form of [1](ClO₄)₂ is reduced to the semi-quinone state in acetonitrile (E°′ = −8 mV). Comparing the model complex, [1](ClO₄)₂, and metal-free pdon, the positive charge on two carbon atoms of the o-quinone group is bigger than that of metal-free pdon. The assemblies of the complexes were finally examined using ligand substitution.