Substitution behavior of square-planar and square-pyramidal Cu(II) complexes with bio-relevant nucleophiles

Substitution reactions of [CuCl₂(en)] and [CuCl₂(terpy)] complexes (where en = 1,2-diaminoethane and terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) with bio-relevant nucleophiles such as inosine-5′-monophosphate (5′-IMP), guanosine-5′-monophosphate (5′-GMP), L-methionine (L-Met), glutathione (GSH) and DL-aspartic acid (DL-Asp) have been investigated at pH 7.4 in the presence of 0.010 M NaCl. Mechanism of substitution was probed via mole-ratio, kinetic, mass spectroscopic and EPR studies at pH 7.4. In the presence of an excess of chloride, the octahedral complex anion [CuCl₄(en)]^2? is formed rapidly while equilibrium reaction was observed for [CuCl₂(terpy)]. Different order of reactivity of bio-molecules toward Cu(II) complexes was observed. Mass spectrum of [CuCl₂(terpy)] in Hepes buffer has shown two new signals at m/z = 477.150 and m/z = 521.00, assigned to [CuCl(terpy)]⁺-Hepes fragments of coordinated Hepes buffer. These signals also appear in the mass spectra of ligand substitution reactions between [CuCl₂(terpy)] and bio-molecules in molar ratio 1:1 and 1:2. According to EPR data, L-Met forms the most stable complex with [CuCl₂(en)] among the ligands considered, while [CuCl₂(terpy)] complex did not show significant changes in its square-pyramidal geometry in the presence of the buffer or bio-ligands.     

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The novel heteronuclear complexes [{cis-PtCl (NH₃)(μ-pyrazine)ZnCl (terpy)}](ClO₄)₂ (Pt-L1-Zn) and [{cis-PtCl (NH₃)(μ-4,4′-bipyridyl)ZnCl (terpy)}](ClO₄)₂ (Pt-L2-Zn) (where terpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine, L1 = pyrazine, L2 = 4,4′-bipyridyl) were synthesized and characterized. The pK_a values were determined, and based on them it was established that the π-acceptor ability of the pyrazine bridging ligand is more affective on lower pK_a values. The kinetic measurements of the substitution reactions with biologically relevant ligands, such as guanosine-5′-monophosphate (5′-GMP), inosine-5′-monophosphate (5′-IMP) and glutathione (GSH), were studied at pH 7.4. The reactions were followed under pseudo-first-order conditions by UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The order of reactivity of the investigated biomolecules for the first reaction is 5′-GMP > 5′-IMP > GSH, while for the second is 5′-IMP > GSH. Pt-L1-Zn complex is more reactive than Pt-L2-Zn. The cytotoxic activity of heteronuclear Pt-L1-Zn and Pt-L2-Zn complexes was determined on human colorectal cancer cell line (HCT-116) and human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231). Both complexes significantly reduced cell viability on tested cell lines and exerted significant cytotoxic effects, with better effect on HCT-116 cells than cisplatin, especially after 72 hr (IC₅₀ < 0.52 μM). The Pt-L2-Zn complex showed higher activity against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) than cisplatin after 72 hr. The higher reactivity toward DNA constituent and significant cytotoxic activity may be attributed to the different geometry, Lewis acidity of different metal centers, as well as, to choice of bridging ligands.     

Interactions of nitrogen-donor bio-molecules with dinuclear platinum(II) complexes

Substitution reactions of the dinuclear Pt(II) complexes, [{Pt(en)Cl}₂(μ-pz)]²⁺ (1), [{Pt(dach)Cl}₂(μ-pz)]²⁺ (2) and [{Pt(dach)Cl}₂(μ-4,4?-bipy)]²⁺ (3), and corresponding aqua analogs with selected biologically important ligands, viz. 1,2,4-triazole, L-histidine (L-His) and guanosine-5?-monophosphate (5?-GMP) were studied under pseudo-first-order conditions as a function of concentration and temperature using UV–vis spectrophotometry. The reactions of the chloride complexes were followed in aqueous 25 mmol L^?1 Hepes buffer in the presence of 40 mmol L^?1 NaCl at pH 7.2, whereas the reactions of the aqua complexes were studied at pH 2.5. Two consecutive reaction steps, which both depend on the nucleophile concentration, were observed in all cases. The second-order rate constants for both reaction steps indicate a decrease in the order 1 > 2 > 3 for all complexes. Also, the pK_a values of all three aqua complexes were determined. The order of the reactivity of the studied ligands is 1,2,4-triazole > L-His > 5?-GMP. ¹H NMR spectroscopy and HPLC were used to follow the substitution of chloride in the dichloride 1, 2, and 3 complexes by guanosine-5?-monophosphate (5?-GMP). This study shows that the inert and bridging ligands have an important influence on the reactivity of the studied complexes.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the substitution reactions of some monofunctional Pt(II) complexes with heterocyclic nitrogen donor molecules. Crystal structure of [Pt(bpma)(pzBr)]Cl2·2H2O

Substitution reactions of [Pt(terpy)Cl]⁺ (terpy = 2,2′;6′,2′′-terpyridine), [Pt(bpma)Cl]⁺ (bpma = bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine), [Pt(dien)Cl]⁺ (dien = diethylenetriamine or 1,5-diamino-3-azapentane) and [Pt(tpdm)Cl]⁺ (tpdm = tripyridinedimethane) with nitrogen donor heterocyclic molecules, such as 3-amino-4-iodo-pyrazole (pzI), 5-amino-4-bromo-3-methyl-pyrazole (pzBr) and imidazole (Im), were studied in aqueous 0.10 M NaClO₄ in the presence of 10 mM NaCl using variable-temperature UV–vis spectrophotometry. The second-order rate constants k₂ indicate decrease in reactivity in the order [Pt(terpy)Cl]⁺ > [Pt(bpma)Cl]⁺ > [Pt(tpdm)Cl]⁺ > [Pt(dien)Cl]⁺. The most reactive nucleophile among the heterocyclic compounds is imidazole, while pzI shows slightly higher reactivity than pzBr. Activation parameters were also determined and the negative values for entropies of activation, ΔS^≠, support an associative mode of substitution for all substitution processes. Crystal structure of [Pt(bpma)(pzBr)]Cl₂·2H₂O was determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The coordination geometry of the complex is distorted square-planar while the bond distance Pt–N2(pzBr) is longer than the other three Pt–N distances.     

A Dicationic Organoplatinum(II) Complex Containing a Bridging 2,5‐Bis‐(4‐ethynylphenyl)‐[1,3,4]oxadiazole Ligand Behaves as a Phosphorescent Gelator for Organic Solvents

A dicationic platinum(II) terpyridyl complex, [(tBu₃tpy)Pt(OXD)Pt(tBu₃tpy)](PF₆)₂ (tBu₃tpy=4,4′,4“‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′:6′,2”‐terpyridyl, OXD=2,5‐bis(4‐ethynylphenyl)[1,3,4]oxadiazole) formed phosphorescent organogels in acetonitrile or in a mixture of acetonitrile and alcohol. The structure and properties of these emissive gels were analyzed by polarizing optical and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and by variable‐temperature ¹H NMR, UV/Vis, and emission spectroscopy. Dry gels were studied by scanning electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). SEM images of the dry gel revealed a network of interwoven nanofibers (diameter 12–60 nm, length>5 μm). Intermolecular π–π interactions between the [(tBu₃tpy)PtC≡C] moieties could be deduced from the variable ¹H NMR spectra. The PXRD and SAXS data showed that the assembly of the gelator could be represented by a rectangular 2D lattice of 68 Å × 14 Å. The ability of the complex to gelate a number of organic solvents is most likely due to intermolecular π–π interactions between the [(tBu₃tpy)PtC≡C] moieties.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the substitution reactions of some monofunctional Pd(II) complexes with different nitrogen-donor heterocycles

Substitution reactions of five monofunctional Pd(II) complexes, [Pd(terpy)Cl]⁺ (terpy = 2,2′;6′,2″-terpyridine), [Pd(bpma)Cl]⁺ (bpma = bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine), [Pd(dien)Cl]⁺ (dien = diethylenetriamine or 1,5-diamino-3-azapentane), [Pd(Me₄dien)Cl]⁺ (Me₄dien = 1,1,7,7-tetramethyldiethylenetriamine), and [Pd(Et₄dien)Cl]⁺ (Et₄dien = 1,1,7,7-tetraethyldiethylenetriamine), with unsaturated N-heterocycles such as 3-amino-4-iodo-pyrazole (pzI), 5-amino-4-bromo-3-methyl-pyrazole (pzBr), 1,2,4-triazole, pyrazole, pyrazine, and imidazole were investigated in aqueous 0.10 M NaClO₄ in the presence of 10 mM NaCl using variable-temperature stopped-flow spectrophotometry. The second-order rate constants k₂ indicate that the reactivity of the Pd(II) complexes decrease in the order [Pd(terpy)Cl]⁺ > [Pd(bpma)Cl]⁺ > [Pd(dien)Cl]⁺ > [Pd(Me₄dien)Cl]⁺ > [Pd(Et₄dien)Cl]⁺. The most reactive nucleophile of the heterocycles is pyrazine, while the slowest reactivity is with pyrazole. Activation parameters were determined for all reactions and negative entropies of activation, ΔS^≠, supporting an associative mode of substitution. The reactions between [Pd(bpma)Cl]⁺ and 1,2,4-triazole, pzI, and pzBr were also investigated by ¹H NMR to define the manner of coordination. These results could be useful for better explanation of structure-reactivity relationships of Pd(II) complexes as well as for the prediction of potential targets of Pd(II) complexes toward common N-heterocycles, constituents of biomolecules and different N-bonding pharmaceutical agents.     

Synthesis and some properties of lanthanum, neodymium, and samariumtert-butoxycuprates [(ButO)5Cu2Ln]2

Lanthanum, neodymium, and samariumtert-butoxycuprates [(Bu^tO)₅Cu₂Ln]₂ were synthesized in high yields by reactions of Bu^tOCu with lanthanide metals, the halides Sml₂ and LnX₃ (Ln=La, Nd: X=Cl, 1) and by the reaction of Bu^tOLi with a mixture of LnCl₃ and CuCl. X-Ray diffraction analysis showed that the structure of [(Bu^tO)₅Cu₂Sm]₂ is based on octahedra formed by four copper atoms in equatorial positions and two samarium atoms in axoal positions; the copper and samarium atoms are linked by μ₃-bridging Bu^tO groups. The reactions of lanthanumtert-butoxycuprate with H₂O, HCl, CpH, PhC≡CH, and CO₂ were studied.     

Contributions to the chemistry of carbenemetal chemistry

This paper provides a brief review of our researches on carbenemetal complexes. The main emphasis is on saturated heterocyclic bis(amino)carbene ligands, referred to here as electron-rich olefin- or ERO-derived ligands, as outlined in Sections 2 and 3. The following Section deals with Fischer-type carbene complexes, based on reactions of a transition metal substrate with an imidoyl chloride, Vilsmeyer reagent or Eschenmoser salt. The researches of Sections 2, 3, 4 have resulted in the synthesis, characterisation and selected reactions (including as catalysts) of carbene complexes of V, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt and Au in various oxidation states. A final Section describes some more recent work on C[(NCH₂Bu^t)₂C₆H₄–1,2], its adducts with M[(NCH₂Bu^t)₂C₆H₄–1,2] (M = Si, Ge, Sn, or Pb) and the biphenyl- bis(carbene), [C{NCH₂Bu^t}₂C₆H₃–3,4]₂.     

β‐Diketiminate‐Stabilized Magnesium(I) Dimers and Magnesium(II) Hydride Complexes: Synthesis,Characterization, Adduct Formation,and Reactivity Studies

The preparation and characterization of a series of magnesium(II) iodide complexes incorporating β‐diketiminate ligands of varying steric bulk and denticity, namely, [(ArNCMe)₂CH]^? (Ar=phenyl, (^PhNacnac), mesityl (^MesNacnac), or 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dipp, ^DippNacnac)), [(DippNCtBu)₂CH]^? (^tBuNacnac), and [(DippNCMe)(Me₂NCH₂CH₂NCMe)CH]^? (^DmedaNacnac) are reported. The complexes [(^PhNacnac)MgI(OEt₂)], [(^MesNacnac)MgI(OEt₂)], [(^DmedaNacnac)MgI(OEt₂)], [(^MesNacnac)MgI(thf)], [(^DippNacnac)MgI(thf)], [(^tBuNacnac)MgI], and [(^tBuNacnac)MgI(DMAP)] (DMAP=4‐dimethylaminopyridine) were shown to be monomeric by X‐ray crystallography. In addition, the related β‐diketiminato beryllium and calcium iodide complexes, [(^MesNacnac)BeI] and [{(^DippNacnac)CaI(OEt₂)}₂] were prepared and crystallographically characterized. The reductions of all metal(II) iodide complexes by using various reagents were attempted. In two cases these reactions led to the magnesium(I) dimers, [(^MesNacnac)MgMg(^MesNacnac)] and [(^tBuNacnac)MgMg(^tBuNacnac)]. The reduction of a 1:1 mixture of [(^DippNacnac)MgI(OEt₂)] and [(^MesNacnac)MgI(OEt₂)] with potassium gave a low yield of the crystallographically characterized complex [(^DippNacnac)Mg(μ‐H)(μ‐I)Mg(^MesNacnac)]. All attempts to form beryllium(I) or calcium(I) dimers by reductions of [(^MesNacnac)BeI], [{(^DippNacnac)CaI(OEt₂)}₂], or [{(^tBuNacnac)CaI(thf)}₂] have so far been unsuccessful. The further reactivity of the magnesium(I) complexes [(^MesNacnac)MgMg(^MesNacnac)] and [(^tBuNacnac)MgMg(^tBuNacnac)] towards a variety of Lewis bases and unsaturated organic substrates was explored. These studies led to the complexes [(^MesNacnac)Mg(L)Mg(L)(^MesNacnac)] (L=THF or DMAP), [(^MesNacnac)Mg(μ‐AdN₆Ad)Mg(^MesNacnac)] (Ad=1‐adamantyl), [(^tBuNacnac)Mg(μ‐AdN₆Ad)Mg(^tBuNacnac)], and [(^MesNacnac)Mg(μ‐tBu₂N₂C₂O₂)Mg(^MesNacnac)] and revealed that, in general, the reactivity of the magnesium(I) dimers is inversely proportional to their steric bulk. The preparation and characterization of [(^tBuNacnac)Mg(μ‐H)₂Mg(^tBuNacnac)] has shown the compound to have different structural and physical properties to [(^tBuNacnac)MgMg(^tBuNacnac)]. Treatment of the former with DMAP has given [(^tBuNacnac)Mg(H)(DMAP)], the X‐ray crystal structure of which disclosed it to be the first structurally authenticated terminal magnesium hydride complex. Although attempts to prepare [(^MesNacnac)Mg(μ‐H)₂Mg(^MesNacnac)] were not successful, a neutron diffraction study of the corresponding magnesium(I) complex, [(^MesNacnac)MgMg(^MesNacnac)] confirmed that the compound is devoid of hydride ligands.     

Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of Substituted 4-Oxoacids by N-Bromosaccharin

The kinetics of the oxidation of substituted 4-oxoacids by N-bromosaccharin (NBSac) has been studied in aqueous acetic acid medium at 30 °C. The reactions follow first-order kinetics in the 4-oxoacids, NBSA and H⁺. Variation in the ionic strength has no effect on the reaction rate. The order of reactivity among the studied 4-oxoacids is: 4-methoxy > 4-methyl > 4-phenyl > 4-H > 4-Cl > 4-Br > 3-NO₂. The effect of changes in the electronic nature of the substrate revealed that there is a development of positive charge in the transition state. The activation parameters were computed from an Arrhenius plot. Based on the kinetic results, a suitable mechanism has been proposed. The mechanism involves the attack of the oxidizing species hypobromous acidium ion, (H₂O⁺Br).     

Kinetics and mechanism of the reactions of Ru(II)-arene complex with some biologically relevant ligands

The reactions of ruthenium(II)-arene complex [Ru^II(η⁶-p-cym)(pydc)Cl] (where p-cym = p-isopropyl toluene, pydc = 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylato) with biologically nitrogen-donor nucleophiles, such as guanosine-5′-monophosphate (5′-GMP), guanosine (Guo) and l-histidine (l-His) were studied by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The reactions were studied at pH 2.5 and at 7.2. All reactions were followed under pseudo-first order conditions with large excess of the nucleophiles. The selected nucleophiles have a high affinity for Ru(II)-arene complex. The reactivity of the used ligands follow the same order at both pH values: Guo > 5′-GMP > l-His, while the reactions at pH 7.2 are always faster. The negative entropies of activation (ΔS^≠) support an associative mode of activation. However, the rate constants obtained by ¹H NMR at 295 K in D₂O follow the same order of the ligand reactivity. The hydrolysis of the [Ru^II(η⁶-p-cym)(pydc)Cl] complex was very fast and completed by the time the first spectrum was measured. Addition of excess of NaCl to equilibrium solutions reversed the hydrolysis.     

Synthesis and extraction studies of polymeric phthalimido functionalized calix[4]arene

The article comprises synthesis and extraction studies of polymeric calix[4]arene having phthalimide groups at the lower rim. The polymeric phthalimido functionalized calix[4]arene was synthesized via radical initiated reactions involving a vinylic monomer 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25-[4-(acrylamido)benzyloxy]-26,28-bis-(2-phthalimido-ethoxy)-27-hydroxycalix[4]arene (5) with styrene. A five atom spacer group was incorporated between the bulky calixarene core and the acrylate moiety in order to minimize steric interactions which proved to impede the polymerization. From the liquid–liquid and solid–liquid extraction studies it has been concluded that the precursor 3 (5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25-(4-nitro benzyloxy)-26,28-bis-(3-phthalimidoethoxy)-27-hydroxy-calix[4]arene) is selective for metal cations. The order of extractability of metal cations by the ligand 3 decreases in the sequence: Hg²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > K⁺ > Co²⁺ whereas its polymeric derivative is selective in the sequence: Hg²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > K⁺ > Co²⁺ > Cu²⁺ for the metal cations used in the experiments.     

Olefin Metathesis Catalysts Generated In Situ from Molybdenum(VI)-Oxo Complexes by Tuning Pendant Ligands

Tailored molybdenum(VI)-oxo complexes of the form MoOCl₂(OR)₂(OEt₂) catalyse olefin metathesis upon reaction with an organosilicon reducing agent at 70 °C, in the presence of olefins. While this reactivity parallels what has recently been observed for the corresponding classical heterogeneous catalysts based on supported metal oxide under similar conditions, the well-defined nature of our starting molecular systems allows us to understand the influence of structural, spectroscopic and electronic characteristics of the catalytic precursor on the initiation and catalytic proficiency of the final species. The catalytic performances of the pre-catalysts are determined by the highly electron withdrawing (σ-donation) character of alkoxide ligands, O^tBu_F9 being the best. This activity correlates with both the ⁹⁵Mo chemical shift and the reduction potential that follows the same trend: O^tBu_F9>O^tBu_F6>O^tBu_F3.     

Cross-coupling of arene–gold(III) complexes

The reactivity of electron-deficient arene–gold(III) complexes toward nucleophilic aromatic and heteroaromatic counterparts has been studied. 1-Methylindole proved to be the best reaction partner while trimethoxybenzenes did not react. The ancillary ligand on gold also influenced the reactivity in the order PPh₃>P^tBu₃>IPr. An oxidative cross-coupling starting from the corresponding gold(I) complexes in presence of hypervalent iodide oxidants was also studied.     

Modulation of the unpaired spin localization in Pentavalent Uranyl Complexes

The electronic structure of various complexes of pentavalent uranyl species, namely UO₂⁺, is described, using DFT methods, with the aim of understanding how the structure of the ligands may influence the localisation of the unpaired 5f electron of uranium (V) and, finally, the stability of such complexes towards oxidation. Six complexes have been inspected: [UO₂py₅]⁺ (1), [(UO₂py₅)KI₂] (2), [UO₂(salan-^tBu₂)(py)K] (3), [UO₂(salophen-^tBu₂)(thf)K] (4), [UO₂(salen-^tBu₂)(py)K] (5), [and UO₂-cyclo[6]pyrrole]^1? (6), chosen to explore various ligands. In the five first complexes, the UO₂⁺ species is well identified with the unpaired electron localized on the 5f uranium orbital. Additionally, for the salan, salen and salophen ligands, some covalent interactions have been observed, resulting from the presence of both donor and acceptor binding sites. In contrast, the last complex is best described by a UO₂²⁺ uranyl (VI) coordinated by the anionic radical cyclopyrrole, the highly delocalized π orbitals set stabilizing the radical behaviour of this ligand.     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes and Imidazole‐2‐thiones as Ligands for the Gold(I)‐Catalysed Hydroamination of Phenylacetylene

Gold(I) complexes of 1‐[1‐(2,6‐dimethylphenylimino)alkyl]‐3‐(mesityl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene (C^Imine_R), 1,3‐dimesitylimidazol‐2‐ylidene (IMes) and of the corresponding thione derivatives (S^Imine_R and IMesS) were prepared and structurally characterised. The solid‐state structure of the C^Imine_R and S^Imine_R gold(I) complexes showed monodentate coordination of the ligand and a dangling imine group that could bind reversibly to the metal centre to stabilise otherwise unstable catalytic intermediates. Interestingly, reaction of C^Imine_tBu with [AuCl(SMe₂)] led to the formation of [(C^Imine_tBu)AuCl], which rearranges upon crystallisation into the unusual complex cation [(C^Imine_tBu)₂Au]⁺, with AuCl₂^? as the counterion. The activity of the gold complexes in the hydroamination of phenylacetylene with substituted anilines was tested and compared to control catalyst systems. The best catalytic performance was obtained with [(C^Imine_tBu)AuCl], with the exclusive formation of the Markovnikov addition product in excellent yield (>95 %) regardless of the substituents on aniline.     

A theoretical study on the elimination reaction of acrylonitrile from 2′-O-cyanoethylated nucleosides by Bu4NF

The elimination reaction of acrylonitrile from 2′-O-cyanoethylated nucleosides by Bu₄NF was studied computationally. The transition structures for the reaction of 3-methoxypropionitrile with Me₄NF were located at the MP2, B3LYP, and B3LYP-SCRF(Dipole) levels with 6-31 + G* basis set. The α-hydrogen of the cyano group was removed via a proton transfer from the α-carbon to the oxygen with a syn-periplanar arrangement rather than the deprotonation reaction with F^?. In the presence of an excess amount of Me₄NF, the activation energy decreased by the coordination of Me₄N⁺ to the cyano group. The reaction of 3-methoxypropionitrile with Bu₄NF and 2′-O-cyanoethylated uridine with Me₄NF also occurred via a proton transfer mechanism with lower activation energies. The reactivity tendency corresponds to the amount of the negative charge on the oxygen atom and part of the reason for the faster elimination with F^? rather than with DBU concerns entropy. The experimental results are well explained by these calculations.     

Reactions of a phosphavinyl Grignard reagent with main group mono-halide compounds

The reactions of a phosphavinyl Grignard reagent, [CyPC(Bu^t)MgCl(OEt₂)] Cy=cyclohexyl, with a variety of main group 13, 14 and 16 mono-halide compounds have been investigated. When the Grignard reagent is reacted with bromocatecholborane the terminal phosphavinyl complex, [(C₆H₄O₂)B{C(Bu^t)PCy}], is formed. Related terminal phosphavinyl tin and gallium complexes, [R₃Sn{C(Bu^t)PCy}], R=Me or Buⁿ and [IGa{C(Bu^t)PCy}₂], have been prepared by similar routes. The reaction of the Grignard reagent with PhSeCl has afforded a new λ⁵,λ⁵-diphosphete, [{(Bu^t)CP(Cy)(SePh)}₂], the mechanism of formation of which is discussed. The preparation of a phosphavinyl selenium compound, [(C₈H₄O₂N)PC(Bu^t)(SePh)], is also described. All compounds have been spectroscopically characterised and several have been crystallographically authenticated.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Assessment of the Antioxidant Activity of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) Complexes Derived from Scorpionate Ligands

Seeking to enrich the yet less explored field of scorpionate complexes bearing antioxidant properties, we, here, report on the synthesis, characterization and assessment of the antioxidant activity of new complexes derived from three scorpionate ligands. The interaction between the scorpionate ligands thallium(I) hydrotris(5-methyl-indazolyl)borate (TlTp^4Bo,5Me), thallium(I) hydrotris(4,5-dihydro-2H-benzo[g]indazolyl)borate (TlTp^a) and potassium hydrotris(3-tert-butyl- pyrazolyl)borate (KTp^tBu), and metal(II) chlorides, in dichloromethane at room temperature, produced a new family of complexes having the stoichiometric formula [M(Tp^4Bo,5Me)₂] (M = Cu, 1; Zn, 4; Cd, 7), [M(Tp^a)₂] (M = Cu, 2; Zn, 5; Cd, 8), [Cu(Hpz^tBu)₃Cl₂] (3), [Zn(Tp^tBu)Cl] (6) and [Cd(Bp^tBu)(Hpz^tBu)Cl] (9). The obtained metal complexes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analysis, highlighting the total and partial hydrolysis of the scorpionate ligand Tp^tBu during the synthesis of the Cu(II) complex 3 and the Cd(II) complex 9, respectively. An assessment of the antioxidant activity of the obtained metal complexes was performed through both enzymatic and non-enzymatic assays against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl- hydrazyl (DPPH^·), 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS^+·), hydroxyl (HO^·), nitric oxide (NO^·), superoxide (O₂⁻) and peroxide (OOH^·) radicals. In particular, the complex [Cu(Tp^a)₂]⋅0.5H₂O (2) exhibited significant antioxidant activity, as good and specific activity against superoxide (O₂^−·), (IC50 values equal to 5.6 ± 0.2 μM) and might be identified as auspicious SOD-mimics (SOD = superoxide dismutase).     

Potentiometric Studies on Complexation of Cu(II) Ion with Methyl/Nitro-Substituted 1,10-Phenanthrolines and Selected Amino Acids

Protonation constants of methyl/nitro substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines {(m/n-sphen): 4-methyl-phenanthroline (4-mphen), 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline (5-mphen), 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmphen), 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (tmphen) and 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline (5-nphen)] and the amino acids (aa) l-tyrosine (tyr) and glycine (gly), and their corresponding binary and ternary stability constants with Cu(II), were determined in aqueous 0.1 mol·L^?1 KCl ionic media at 298.15 K. The protonation constants of the ligands and the stability constants of the binary and ternary complexes of Cu(II) with the ligands were calculated from the potentiometric data using the “BEST” software package. The species distribution diagrams were obtained using the “SPE” software package under the experimental conditions described. The order of stability of the ternary complexes in terms of the primary ligands is [Cu(tmphen)(aa)]⁺ > [Cu(dmphen)(aa)]⁺ > [Cu(4-mphen)(aa)]⁺ > [Cu(5-mphen)(aa)]⁺ > [Cu(5-nphen)(aa)]⁺. The stability constants of the ternary complexes decrease in the following order: [Cu(m/n-sphen)(gly)]⁺ > [Cu(m/n-sphen)(tyr)]⁺, which is identical to the sequence found for the binary complexes of Cu(II) with gly and tyr.