Unusual dimeric Zn(II)-cytosine complexes: new models of the interaction of Zn(II) with DNA and RNA

Synthesis and crystal structure of two Zn(II) dimer complexes with 1-methylcytosine (1-MeC) are reported. In complex [Zn(2)Cl(4)(mu-1-MeC-O2,N3)(2)] (1), two 1-MeC ligands are bridging two ZnCl(2) moieties. In [Zn(2)(1-MeC-N3)(4)(mu-SO(4))(2)].2H(2)O (2), the sulfates act as bridging ligands and 1-MeC are linked via N3 to Zn(II) as terminal ligands. Both complexes represent the first examples of Zn(II)-pyrimidine dimers. The potential biological significance of 1 and 2 is discussed.     

Dinuclear nickel(II) and zinc(II) complexes of 2,6-bis[{bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino}methyl]-4-methylphenol

Reaction of the symmetrical proligand H₂L with metal(II) acetate and a counteranion to promote crystallisation has given the homodinuclear complexes [Zn₂L(OAc)₂](BF₄)]·2MeOH and [Ni₂L(OAc)₂](BF₄)]·2MeOH the crystal structures of which are reported. These show the presence of a triply bridging (μ-cresolato)bis(μ-carboxylato) dimetal core.     

Crystal structures of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes with the free radical 4-aminoTEMPO

Pt(II) and Pd(II) compounds containing the free radical 4-aminoTEMPO (4amTEMPO) were synthesized and characterised by X-ray diffraction methods. The disubstituted complexes cis- and trans-Pt(4amTEMPO)₂I₂ were studied. The trans isomer was prepared from the isomerisation of the cis analogue. The two Pd(II) compounds trans-Pd(4amTEMPO)₂X₂ (X = Cl and I) were also characterised by crystallographic methods. A mixed-ligand complex cis-Pt(DMSO)(4amTEMPO)Cl₂ was synthesized from the isomerisation of the trans isomer in hot water. Its crystal structure was also determined. In all the complexes, the 4amTEMPO ligand is bonded to the metal through the -NH₂ group, since the nitroxide O atom is not a good donor atom for the soft Pt(II) and Pd(II) metals. The conformation of the 4-aminoTEMPO ligand was compared to those of the few reported structures in the literature.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of mercury(II) complexes with a novel ferrocenyliminophosphine

Synthesis of the novel ligand ferrocenyliminophosphine [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe{(η⁵-C₅H₄)CHN(C₆H₄-2-PPh₂)}] (1, L) and studies on its complexation properties with mercury (II) are reported. Halogen-bridged binuclear mercury (II) complexes [HgX(μ-X)L]₂ (X = Cl (2a), Br (2b)) and a mononuclear mercury (II) complex HgCl₂L₂ (4a) have been obtained under different reaction conditions. In both cases, the ferrocenyliminophosphine acts as a P-monodentate ligand and the imino nitrogen does not participate in coordination to mercury (II). All the new compounds 1, 2a, 2b and 4a were characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR and IR spectra. In addition, structures of 2a and 4a have been determined by X-ray single-crystal analysis.     

Steric influence on platinum(II) ascorbate complexes

From the reaction between dihydroxoplatinum(II) and l-ascorbic acid, two types of platinum(II) ascorbate complexes were obtained and structurally characterized with ethylenediamine (en), N,N-dimethylethylenediamine (dmen) and N,N,N′-trimethylethylenediamine (trimen) as stabilizing ligands. In [Pt(en)(asc-C,O)] (1), [Pt(dmen)(asc-C,O)] (2) and [Pt(trimen)(asc-C,O)] (4), the ascorbate dianion forms a five-membered chelate ring, coordinating to the Pt(II) ion at the 2-carbon and the 5-oxygen atoms (C,O-chelate). From the same mother solution, crystals of [Pt(trimen)(asc-O,O′)] (3) were obtained during the precipitation of 4; in 3 the ascorbate is bound to the Pt at the 2- and 3-oxygen atoms (O,O′-chelate). Compounds 3 and 4 are the first well-characterized linkage isomers among the transition-metal ascorbate complexes. The O,O′-chelated 3 slowly changes to the C,O-chelated 4 in an aqueous solution. Bulkiness of the stabilizing ligand, i.e. en, dmen and trimen has an influence on the formation of the C,O-chelated species, 1, 2 and 4.     

Squarato-metal(II) complexes. 1: Structural and magnetic characterization of squarato-bridged dinuclear nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes

A new series of dinuclear squarato-bridged nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes [Ni₂(2,3,2-tet)₂(μ_1,3-C₄O₄)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ni₂(aepn)₂(μ_1,3-C₄O₄)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Cu₂(pmedien)₂(μ_1,3-C₄O₄)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂.4H₂O (3) and [Cu₂(DPA)₂(μ_1,2-C₄O₄)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (4) where is the dianion of 3,4-dihydroxycyclobut-3-en-1,2-dione (squaric acid), 2,3,2-tet = 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane, aepn = N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine, pmedien = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and DPA = di(2-pyridylmethyl)amine were synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The spectral and structural characterization as well as the magnetic behaviour of these complexes is reported. In this series, structures consist of the groups as counter ions and the bridging the two M(II) centers in a μ-1,3- (1-3) and in a μ-1,2-bis(monodentate) (4) bonding fashions. The coordination geometry around the Ni(II) ions in 1 and 2 is six-coordinate with distorted octahedral environment achieved by N atoms of the amines and by one or two oxygen atoms from coordinated water molecules, respectively. In the Cu(II) complexes 3 and 4, a distorted square pyramidal geometry is achieved by the three N-atoms of the aepn or DPA and by an oxygen atom from a coordinated water molecule. The electronic spectra of the complexes in aqueous solutions are in complete agreement with the assigned X-ray geometry around the M(II) centers. The complexes show weak antiferromagnetic coupling with ∣J∣ = 1.8-4.2 cm⁻¹ in the μ-1,3- bridged squarato compounds 1-3, and J = −16.1 cm⁻¹ in the corresponding μ-1,2- bridged squarato complex 4. The magnetic properties are discussed in relation to the structural data.     

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.     

Pyrazolonato complexes of lead. Crystal structures of bis(1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acetyl pyrazolonato)lead(II) and bis(1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-butanoylpyrazolonato)lead(II)

The structures of the complexes [PbL₂], L = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acylpyrazolonato, RCOC₁₀H₈N₂O, R = Me (2) or Pr (3), have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. Compound 2 is monoclinic, space group P2₁, A = 11.285(4), B = 14.727(4), C = 20.749(5) Å, β = 95.83(3)°, R = 0.039 for 4486 reflections, and 3 is monoclinic, space group C2/c, A = 27.528(11), B = 7.245(11), C = 14.264(7) Å, β = 113.6(3)°, R = 0.021 for 2118 reflections. There are three different lead environments in 2 but only one in 3. In each case the lead atom makes four strong bonds to oxygen and two weaker bonds to either oxygen or nitrogen in adjacent molecules.     

Dinuclear nickel(II) complexes of unsymmetric compartmental ligands bearing a terdentate linear arm and a terdentate dipodal arm

The synthesis and crystal structures of two dinuclear nickel(II) complexes of unsymmetric compartmental ligands derived from phenol and bearing a terdentate linear arm and a terdentate dipodal arm are reported. The binding of the terminal donor atom of the terdentate linear arm appears to be dependent on the nature of the accompanying counter-anion. In the presence of the non-coordinating tetrafluoroborate anion a terminal alcohol is coordinated, whereas in the presence of added isothiocyanate ion a terminal amine is not coordinated but the anion is.     

Synthesis and characterization of Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes of a tripodal ligand containing imidazoles

Two complexes of the formula [MH₃L](ClO₄)₂ [M = Cu(II) (1), Ni(II) (2)] have been prepared by the reaction of M(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with the ligand (H₃L) formed by the Schiff base condensation of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) with three molar equivalents of 4-methyl-5-imidazolecarboxaldehyde and structurally and magnetically characterized. The structures of 1 and 2 are isomorphous with each other and with the iron(II) complex of H₃L which has been reported previously. The ligand, while potentially heptadentate, forms six coordinate complexes with both metal centers forming three M-N_imine and three M-N_imidazole bonds. The tren central N atom is at a nonbonded distance from M of 3.261 Å for 1 and 3.329 Å for 2. The neutral complex CuHL 3 was prepared by reaction of H₃L with Cu(OCH₃)₂ and the ionic complex Na[NiL] 4 was prepared by deprotonation of 2 with aqueous sodium hydroxide. Magnetic measurements of 1-3 are consistent with the spin-only values expected for S = 1/2 (d⁹, Cu(II)) and S = 1 (d⁸, Ni (II)) systems.     

Molecular structure and intra- and intermolecular magnetic interactions in chloro-bridged copper(II) dimers

Magnetic interactions in binuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(apyhist)₂Cl₂](ClO₄)₂ (1) and [Cu₂(2-pyhist)₂Cl₂](ClO₄)₂ (2) with tridentate diimine ligands and chloro-bridged groups (where apyhist=(4-imidazolyl)ethylene-2-amino-1-ethylpyridine and 2-pyhist=(4-imidazolyl)ethylene-2-aminomethylpyridine) were studied with the aim of better elucidating magneto-structural correlations in such species, both in solution and in solid state. X-ray analyses revealed that chloro-bridged ligands keep the copper(II) ion coordinated to adjacent unit, at Cu-Cl distances of 2.271 and 2.737 Å, and a Cu-Cl-Cu angle of 87.46° in compound 1. Each Cu^II atom is also coordinated to three N atoms from the imine ligand, in a distorted tetragonal pyramidal environment. Magnetic measurements carried out in temperatures from 0.8 to 290 K and in magnetic field up to 170 kOe indicated that besides the intramolecular magnetic coupling between the copper centers [J/k=−(1.93±0.05) K] further interactions between adjacent dimers [J^′z/k=−(1.3±0.1) K] should be taken into account. Similar results were observed for compound 2, for which [J/k=−(4.27±0.05) K] and [J^′z/k=−(3.7±0.1) K]. In solution, the interconversion of the dimer 1 and the related monomer species [Cu(apyhist)(H₂O)₂] (ClO₄)₂ (3) monitored by EPR spectra, was verified to be very dependent on the solvent.     

Human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA interactions of N-phenanthroline glycosylamine copper(II) complexes

We report in this article the interactions of five N-(1,10-phenanthrolin-5-yl)-β-glycopyranosylamine copper(II) complexes with G-quadruplex DNA. Specifically, the interactions of these compounds with a human telomeric oligonucleotide have been assessed by fluorescence-based assays (FRET melting and G4-FID), circular dichroism and competitive equilibrium dialysis experiments. The metal complexes bind and stabilize G-quadruplex DNA structures with apparent association constants in the order of 10⁴–10⁵ M⁻¹ and the affinity observed is dependent on the ionic conditions utilized and the specific nature of the carbohydrate moiety tethered to the 1,10-phenanthroline system. The compounds showed only a slight preference to bind G-quadruplex DNA over duplex DNA when the quadruplex DNA was folded in sodium ionic conditions. However, the binding affinity and selectivity, although modest, were notably increased when the G-quadruplex DNA was folded in the presence of potassium metal ions. Moreover, the study points towards a significant contribution of groove and/or loop binding in the recognition mode of quadruplex structures by these non-classical quadruplex ligands. The results reported herein highlight the potential and the versatility of carbohydrate bis-phenanthroline metal-complex conjugates to recognize G-quadruplex DNA structures.     

Dinuclear and mononuclear copper(II) carboxylate complexes with cis-chelating diacids

The synthesis and crystal structures of two new copper complexes with chelating dicarboxylic acids are described. Reaction of copper(II) acetate with diacid H₂L2 (HO₂CC(Me)₂OArOC(Me)₂CO₂H, Ar=1,3-substituted phenyl) gave a bischelate complex (L2)₂Cu₂ · 2MeOH with the normal paddlewheel structure and tilted, trans-oriented chelate rings with skewed conformations. The overall structure was reasonably well reproduced by density functional calculations on (L2)₂Cu₂. Treatment of the product from reaction of Cu₂(OAc)₄ and diacid H₂L3 (Ar=1,3-substituted 2,4-dibromophenyl) with pyridine gave a six-coordinate mononuclear chelate (L3)Py₂Cu · H₂O in which one chelate carboxylate is monodentate, the other is unsymmetrically bidentate, and the pyridines are cis-coordinated.     

New butane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylato bridged cobalt(II) complexes

Four butane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylato bridged supramolecular complexes [Co₂(H₂O)₅(BTC)]·2H₂O 1, [Co₂(H₂O)₅(BTC)]·2H₂O 2, [Co₂(H₂O)₆(bpy)₂(BTC)]·4H₂O 3 and [Co₂(H₂O)₂(bpy)₂(BTC)] 4, (H₄BTC = butane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic acid, 2,2-bpy = 2,2-bipydine) are synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. IR spectroscopy, TG-DTA analyses, elemental analyses, powder X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements for 3 and 4 are carried out. The dinuclear Co unit in 2 is bridged by BTC⁴⁻ anions into 2D layers, which are assembled via interlayer hydrogen bonds into a 3D (4⁴·6²)(4⁵·6⁵)₂(4⁶·6⁸·8) topological supramolecular architecture. In 3, the [Co₂(H₂O)₆(bpy)₂(BTC)] molecules are aggregated to 2D layers via π-π stacking interactions, the resulting layers are engaged in hydrogen bonding leading to a novel 3D supramolecular architecture with the schläfli symbol of (10².12)₂(4.10²)₂(4².10².12²). The Co atoms in 4 are linked by BTC⁴⁻ anions into a 1D chain, then the hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions result in formation of a 3D novel (4³.6².8)₂(4⁶.6⁶.8³)(6³)₂ topological networks. The variable temperature magnetic characterizations on 3 and 4 suggest weak antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic coupling exchange via π···π stacking interactions (J = -0.03 cm⁻¹ for 3, J = 0.11 cm⁻¹ for 4).     

Oxalate, squarate and croconate complexes with bis(2-pyrimidylcarbonyl)amidatecopper(II): synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties

The preparation and magnetic properties of three copper(II) compounds of formulae [Cu₂(bpcam)₂(H₂O)₂(C₂O₄)] (1), [Cu₂(bpcam)₂(H₂O)₄(C₄O₄)] · 10 H₂O (2) and Cu₂(bpcam)₂(C₅O₅)(H₂O)₃ (3) [bpcam = bis(2-pyrimidyl)amidate, and are reported. The structures of two of them (1 and 2) have been solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction and consists of centrosymmetric discrete copper(II) dinuclear units bridged by bis-bidentate oxalate (1) and bis-monodentate squarate (2), with the bpcam group acting as a terminal tridentate ligand. Each copper atom in 1 exhibits a distorted elongated octahedral coordination geometry. Three bpcam nitrogen atoms and one oxalate oxygen define the basal plane while the other oxalate oxygen and a water molecule take up the axial positions. Each copper atom in 2 is in an elongated octahedral surrounding with three bpcam nitrogen atoms and one squarate oxygen in the equatorial plane and two water molecules in the axial positions. The intramolecular copper-copper separations are 5.677(1) (1) and 7.819(53) Å (2). Magnetic susceptibility measurements for 1-3 in the temperature range 1.9-290 K show the occurrence of weak ferromagnetic interactions through oxalato (J = +0.75 cm⁻¹) and squarato (J = +1.26 cm⁻¹), the Hamiltonian being defined by . These values are analyzed and discussed in the light of the available magneto-structural data for analogous systems. The quasi-Curie law observed in 3 (θ = −1.15 K) contrasts with the significant antiferromagnetic interaction through bis-chelating croconate in other structurally characterized croconate-bridged copper(II) complexes and rules out the presence of bridging croconate in this compound.     

Initial employment of pyridine-2-amidoxime in zinc(II) chemistry: Synthetic, structural and spectroscopic studies of mononuclear and dinuclear complexes

The first employment of pyridine-2-amidoxime [(py)C(NH₂)NOH] in zinc(II) chemistry is reported. The syntheses, crystal structures, and spectroscopic characterization are described for complexes [Zn(O₂CR)₂{(py)C(NH₂)NOH}₂] (R = Me; 1, Ph; 2), [Zn₂(acac)₂{(py)C(NH₂)NO}₂] (3), and [Zn(NO₃){(py)C(NH₂)NOH}₂](NO₃) (4). The reactions between Zn(O₂CR)₂·2H₂O (R = Me, Ph) or Zn(NO₃)₂·5H₂O and two equivalents of (py)C(NH₂)NOH in MeOH led to mononuclear compounds 1, 2 and 4, respectively. All three complexes contain two neutral N,N′-chelating (η²) (py)C(NH₂)NOH ligands, coordinated through the N_pyridyl and N_oxime atoms. In contrast, the use of Zn(acac)₂·H₂O in place of Zn(O₂CR)₂·2H₂O gives the dinuclear compound 3, which instead contains the anionic, η¹:η¹:η¹:μ bridging form of the organic ligand; the Zn^II atoms are doubly bridged by the diatomic oximate groups of the (py)C(NH₂)NO⁻ groups. Strong intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions provide appreciable thermodynamic stability and interesting supramolecular chemistry for compounds 1-4. The photoluminescence properties of complexes 1-4 recorded in the solid state at room temperature are also presented.     

New mononuclear Pd(II) complexes of sterically hindered bispyrazolylmethanes

Three new palladium(II) complexes incorporating the bispyrazolylmethane core have been synthesised and fully characterised in the solution and solid state. Single crystal X-ray studies revealed almost complete blocking of the upper face of the palladium ion by the substituents at the 3- and 5-positions of the pyrazole rings. Preliminary screening of the complexes for palladium(II) mediated catalysis revealed good catalytic activity for the Heck coupling reaction.     

Highly symmetrical chromium(II) bisdiketiminate complexes

Reaction of the lithium salts of N,N′-dialkyl-2-amino-4-imino-pent-2-enes, nacnac^RLi(THF) (R = CH₂Ph, Cy, nPr, iBu or S-CH(Me)Ph), with half an equivalent of CrCl₂(THF)_x yielded the homoleptic complexes (nacnac^R)₂Cr. All complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction studies and displayed a highly symmetric, square-planar coordination around the chromium center with strong boat-like distortions of the diketiminate ligands. Reaction of nacnac^RLi(THF) (R = CH₂Ph, Cy) with one equivalent of CrCl₂(THF)_x afforded the dimeric complexes {nacnac^RCr(μ-Cl)}₂.     

Three Mn(II) supramolecular coordination complexes containing carboxylate-tetrazolate ligands

Three novel complexes [Mn(atza)₂(H₂O)₄] (1), [Mn(nptza)₂(CH₃OH)₄] (2), and [Mn(a4-ptz)₂(H₂O)₂]_n · 2nH₂O] (3) [atza = 5-aminotetrazole-1-acetato, nptza = 5-[(4-nitryl)phenyl] tetrazole-1-acetato, a4-ptz = 5-[N-acetato(4-pyridyl)] tetrazole] containing carboxylate-tetrazolate ligands have been synthesized and characterized by element analysis. X-ray crystallography shows that complexes 1 and 2 both contain mononuclear structure. The complex 3 is a 1D polymeric chain structure. Compounds 1-3 are self-assembled to form supramolecular structures through hydrogen bonds interactions.     

Synthesis and characterization of 6-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-5,7,12,14-tetramethyl-benzo[b]-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo[14]tetradecinato(2-)nickel(II)

A nickel(II) complex with 6-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-5,7,12,14-tetramethyl-benzo[b]-1,4,8,11- tetraazacyclo[14]tetradecine was synthesized and characterized by measurements of NMR, IR and an electronic spectra. The X-ray crystal structure shows that the coordination geometry around the Ni atom is a square planar with the unsymmetrical tetraaza[14]annulene.